Sociology major Grace Goodsell ’26 had never been abroad before this summer.

But as a recipient of the Timothy Smith Inspiration through Exploration Award, she was able to spend 10 days in Norway in June.

The Timothy Smith award is a $2,500 grant distributed annually to a UTampa student in the Honors program to travel and find inspiration.

“I was ecstatic,” Goodsell said about learning she was granted the award. “I don’t think I’ve been that happy. It was the biggest mood changer of my life. It felt so surreal.”

Goodsell, who says nature is a “big part” of her life, wanted to go to Norway because of its philosophy of friluftsliv, which translates to “open air,” encouraging people to enjoy all the outdoors has to offer.

“Norway, in general, just appreciates nature more, and it’s more embedded in their culture than it is here (in America),” she said.

Another reason she wanted to go to Norway was to see the fjords, which are glaciers that have melted, creating narrow bodies of water.

Goodsell said she did a lot of research before deciding on a locations. She was initially on the fence about whether she wanted to go to Norway or Iceland.

Ultimately, she wanted a place that was more city-like and touristy versus rural.

“That was why I chose Bergen, Norway, because they speak English. It's really touristy, and I knew I would be able to maneuver my way through without too much difficulty,” Goodsell said.

Regardless, reading the bus schedule took some getting used to, and even walking posed challenges thanks to the sheer amount she was doing and the hills.

While in Bergen, she ate dinner at a restaurant at the top of the the tallest nearby mountain, Ulriken, which is 2,110 feet above sea level. She went on a fjord cruise to further explore the landscape and to a lot of parks near sunset time she said, noting that it never got 100% dark. Also on the itinerary was the Bergen Cathedral and Bryggen, a historic district in Bergen that Goodsell said has colorful buildings, shops and souvenirs.

“The Honors Committee that selected her said that Goodsell is professional, organized, driven and an excellent representative of the University and the Honors Program,” said Honors Director Kacy Tillman.

This fall, Goodsell will give a presentation about her trip for honors students and will serve as a mentor for an Honors 100 class.