Two Beers with Jon Eivin Kivle

We meet Jon Eivin at his home in Skogveien. As we sit down on the sofa, he finds beer glasses for us, and we open two cans of blue Frydenlund. Jon Eivin is a familiar face on campus, especially for those who watched UKErevyen back in 2020. He has been a part of the student community here in Ås since 2018 and is now on his last year of a master’s in landscape architecture.

Journalist: Marie Tjelta

Translator: Elina Turbina

Photographer: Margreta Brunborg

Before Ås

When Jon Eivin was done with high school and ready for student life, he moved from his homeplace of Atrå in Telemark to the big city of Oslo. The plan was to study psychology. He has always been interested in understanding mankind, but when he did not get into a psychology degree, sociology was the next best choice. Pretty soon Jon Eivin found out that it was not what he would want to do for the rest of his life. Still, there was a kind of curiosity that never quite left.

The best of both worlds

Gradually, Jon Eivin discovered his interest in aesthetics and architecture. His older sister was already studying at NMBU, and when he came up with the idea of studying architecture, she asked him: “But have you considered landscape architecture?”. This was the first time Jon Eivin heard about this study. Now he describes landscape architecture like this: «It combines the best of both worlds: if one is fond of nature, plants, or natural things in general, and also enjoys designing surroundings – landscape architecture is a good choice!». He used a year to retake various courses to apply for the programme and began studying at NMBU in 2018.

Sixpences and suspenders

It was through his sister that Jon Eivin heard about Mannskoret Over Rævne for the first time. Soon enough he found the choir to become a large part of his life here at Ås. The description of a group dressed in sixpences and suspenders, fond of mountains, beers, and women – made him think: “I would not join this under any circumstance. Oh my God, how stupid!”. But after seeing Rævne perform at Graskurs part 2, he realized that the choir was actually quite cool. He had never sung in any choirs before, but decided to go for it and went to the audition. Looking back, he describes it as “one of the scariest things I have done”, but at the same time, it was a good experience. “When you get over that inner barrier, is when you really grow as a person.” And thus Jon Eivin had taken his first step into the student society. From here on out, his newly adopted attitude has become saying ‘yes’ to everything he could say ‘yes’ to.

UKEadventure

Jon Eivin first encountered UKA when he became a volunteer for it the same year he started, in 2018. There, he would work with Environment and Wardrobe and got a good first impression of the UKEspirit. The reason for him applying to be an actor for UKErevue 2020 was mainly his friend in the choir. Erik Rullestad, who was his first leader in Over Rævne, saw potential in Jon Eivin and strongly encouraged him to apply. “I do not think I would have considered it, but when someone recommends for you to apply the thought begins to settle.” This is the greatest compliment one can get, that someone recognises talent in you, Jon Eivin contemplates. Moreover, Rævne has an informal tradition to always represent the choir in the revue in one shape or another, something he wished to participate in as a «new fresh Rævne-fellow».

Foto: Jon Eivin Kivle

«I had the most fun portraying quirky characters, the weirdos». A memory that has stuck to him is from the premiere, standing behind the curtain right before they were about to perform. Where he and the other actors stood together staring at each other, totally speechless, as the audience’s deafening cheer rose. «It was around 200 people in the audience, there weren’t allowed to be more, but it sounded like it was 1200. It was just… completely wild!». Looking back, he describes this as the experience of a century that he in no way regrets taking on. It was an adventure with lots of hard work, through which he became a part of a wholly unique revue community. “I recommend applying to anyone who has a small actor inside of them.” He once again reiterates that it is very rewarding to cross that inner barrier, believe in yourself enough, and go for the audition.

Life in the bubble

Jon Eivin sees the Ås bubble like this: «There is something for everyone and anyone. And it is something that is so great about Ås, that Ås really has a place for everyone!». He himself has been a large part of this environment. It all started with Mannskoret Over Rævne, but he had also been part of Tuntreet and worked with the layout. He has also been a part of the Terraforma study association as a secretary and responsible of academic affairs. Last but not least, he is now in the process of creating an association for those who have their hearts in Telemark. Jon Eivin was the initiator for this, as he believes that it is about time that Telemark had its own association since most parts of Norway already have one of their own in Ås.

Jon Evin wants to look out for those around him and make sure that everyone is doing well. And, similarly, he tries to look after his own well-being. Mental health is important to focus on and is something people can easily forget about in the large society of Ås. He elaborates that it is important to see outside of the bubble as well and to take care of those who are not involved in it as much.

Changing people’s lives

When his master thesis is handed in and the last year in Ås is over, the main plan for Jon Eivin is to move to Bergen to work. “It is a fantastic city! I have a very good impression of Bergen and the people who live there, they just seem much more relaxed.” Despite that, he is open-minded and flexible about other possible places he might end up in. For instance, he has also considered going to a folkehøyskole (folk high school) as a plan B. “I think what is rewarding about my study programme is that one can get the opportunity to influence people’s experiences of the outdoor areas, nature, and places, so maybe... yes, I would like to change people’s lives. Perhaps it is a flippant statement, but as I mentioned earlier, I find psychology exciting and I have learnt that there is a lot of sociology and psychology in our programme as well». So, in a way, he has circled back to where he was when he started studying.

As a final question, we asked Jon Eivin what advice he would give himself as a freshman in Ås. “Use your time well,” he says, and although he finds it a bit cliche, there is a lot of truth in it as well. He feels like he has wasted many days being tired or hungover when there is so much more to do in Ås that one might miss out on if one does not go out and seize the opportunities. “Even if you are hungover – get yourself outside!” he laughs.

Greetings to Jon Eivin

After years of astute observation, we have arrived to the conclusion that Jon Eivin indeed is a human being – a quilt carpet of veiled Telemark sentimentality, fashionable chains, ear bling and pizza bianco with caramelized red onions and blue Selbu. Ah, who is this man who sleeps as sweetly in the bathroom as in his own bed?

The collective turbocharging properties of Covid fused us into a hive mind while we danced to deep set techno in front of the fireplace, drank homemade sludge beer and mashed our faces down in well-churned butter. He will always be a son of Brønnerud. And he is an active man in all societies, now a great leader of Telemark folk in Ås. Good luck with your association!

Dearest Jon Eivin!

You are a wonderful being: fiery as a furnace on parties, exact and meticulous in your studies; heartwarming and cheerful in the collective. We need more people like you! See you at the bodega!

Regards

from the monks of Brønnerud:

Åsmund G. Tunheim and Benjamin A. Faulkner

The wheels keep turning between hills and thighs!

The racing bike suits you well, Jon Eivin, because the TdF boys can only dream of the speed you have in your everyday life. You have taken so many climbing stages up to Akropolis and a little too often would you forget to roll back down... But if you are seen on two wheels or swinging your hips to music - Norway’s young and promising would see you as a man that is elegant, relaxed and possessed of a unique ability to juggle life’s activities in tact to the melodic sounds of a university at Ås.

Let us take some laps – in the roundabout – in Køben – again good friend,

Greetings from us Boys at Akropolis

Jon Eivin is the 1st tenor in a boy choir and there he contributes with singing LOUD – something that obviously is the most important thing in such a choir. In this boy choir, we have allowed J.E. to find his place and develop as a person, share worse ideas, grow a moustache, lie, and screw up in a team with us.

You’re welcome.

Kivle is not the boy who says ‘no’ to a party, or a shot (read ten), something that often leads to the dance floor. His dance moves are legendary, and he knows it well. And if you have met Jon on the dancefloor – you remember it, although he probably does not.

When we find ourselves on the dance floor and feel in doubt about our moves, we think: “What would Jeivin do?” And suddenly you get compliments for your dancing and difficulty saying no to shots. The morning after you wake up on a sofa in Bordellet.

Jon E. is more importantly very good to talk to, especially if you have something on your heart. If you are one of those who have been lucky enough to have a private conversation with Jon. E.K., you know that he is sitting on a lot of wisdom that he gladly shares. If you are lucky, he shall share some of his dance moves with you as well.

Eivin is a child of many names, and as we all know, it means that we hold him dear. ❤

A «friendly» greeting to our dear friend,

Stian V.S., Mattias with two t’s and Harald Stormunn.