To live under a palm tree very far away from cold Denmark has been Malene Rønnest’s dream since early childhood.
She wanted to explore the world and live close to nature in a more free-spirited culture. That dream became the guiding star for her career path.
The Danish video journalist Malene Rønnest has harnessed every opportunity to go abroad.
After finishing high school, she moved from Denmark to Los Angeles to participate in a career program.
When she studied TV and media production at the Danish School of Media and Journalism, she spent a semester at an American university in Hawaii studying Cinematic Production.
”I have studied abroad and been to many places, but I fell completely in love with Hawaii. As a little girl, I dreamt of becoming a surfer, and even the theme of my confirmation party as a young teenager was actually inspired by Hawaii.
Also, I met my Danish husband over here while studying at Hawaii Pacific University – what are the odds? We have dreamed of returning to Hawaii ever since. I love the nature, the culture, the relaxed lifestyle.
You become free from the constant awareness of time and stop looking at your watch all the time. It feels like there is more room for diversity here. I feel like everything is possible when I’m here – also in terms of my career,” says Malene Rønnest.