Transcription
Something Completely New
Political Campaigns And Election Thrill Norwegian Exchange Student
"I am so happy that I was awarded a scholarship to the United States during an election year. It has been the most interesting happening on my trip," a pretty blue eyed Norwegian Exchange Student in Snow Hill said.
Miss Britt Hansen Stomner said that the political activity in her home country was much more subdued. Campaigns as such are non-existant in Norway. "We have a King in Norway but we do elect our Prime Minister. But there are no speeches, no campaigns. You read the history of the five or six candidates in the newspapers and vote on your choice." she said. "We also select the members of the 'Regjering', what you call the cabinet." Britt explained.
The exchange student said that there were around six parties in Norway all of which were represented in the "Storting" or Congress. The Norwegian Congress is composed of 150 members.
"You must register in my country just as you do here. Then you get a ballot through the mail. You cross off the names of all the names except the one you are voting for. Then on election day you go to the, what you say, the polls and put your ballot in the box," she answered.
How About the Russians
"We are scared of the Russians," she said sounding not sure of how to explain her reactions. "And are frightened of their actions."
Britt was asked her and her family's reaction to the issue on whether the U. S. prestige had dropped in the eyes of the people of other nations. Her answers were varied, interesting but still inconclusive.
"My family and my people still look on the United States as the leader!"
"Mv family thinks that the United States should not announce ahead of time that they are going to fire a rocket. We read in the newspapers of the rocket failures of the United States. Russia, we know fails too, but they only tell of their successes."
Queried as to who the Norwegian people thought was ahead she answered, "I really do not know how to answer. I guess Russia is stronger with," and then American, sounding typically "with new satellites and all that mess."
Difference in Schools
"The big difference in my school in Snow Hill and the one I went to in Norway is that we had nine subjects there. Here I have five," she said. "Also we did not change classes for the different subjects in Norwegian schools."
[photograph inserted here]
BRITT HANSEN STOMNER
...a new experience
Miss Britt-Hansen Stomner, after only three months in the United States spoke English very well. She seemed exceptionally well informed on her own system of government, on education in Norway and an acute observer of what was going on around her in her new home in the United States.
"Sometimes I miss my school, my family ... but I am very happy here."
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Caviar for Lunch
Brit Hansen-Stomner recently surprised her classmates and teachers by treating them to caviar sandwiches for lunch. A gift from her family in Norway, the caviar, which is one of the principal products of that country, had been spread on dainty sandwiches by Brit's American "mother", Mrs. Pauline Bounds. Special seating arrangements in the cafeteria made it possible for the seniors to have lunch together so that they might taste this exotic food.
Members of the problems of democracy class in which Brit is a student have also had the privilege of seeing the colored slides which she brought from her native country. The showing was arranged by the teacher, Mr. G. Elliot Hatfield.