Building confidence, one lesson at a time

What does it take to transform from a shy student to a confident classroom leader? In this episode of Alumni Stories, Sarah Lisarelli takes us through her unexpected journey to becoming a history teacher at Luxembourg's Lycée Robert Schumann.

Sarah's story begins with a surprising confession – she originally wanted to be a veterinarian. But witnessing the profound impact teachers had on her peers sparked a different calling. She saw firsthand how destructive negative teacher interactions could be, with some friends being told they would "never amount to anything" simply for being energetic or having ADHD. Simultaneously, positive teacher influences in her own life showed her the transformative power of supportive education.

For someone naturally shy and introverted, choosing a career that requires standing in front of a classroom daily seemed counterintuitive. Sarah candidly shares her struggles with confidence, perfectionism, and the paralyzing fear of making mistakes. Her evolution from meticulously rehearsing presentations to comfortably joking about technological glitches in class demonstrates a profound personal transformation. "I think I put myself under a lot of pressure because I didn't want to do anything wrong," she reflects, describing early teaching anxieties that will resonate with many educators.

The path wasn't straightforward – COVID-19 crushed her dreams of studying in Berlin just as they were about to materialize, and she chose an alternative route into teaching rather than the traditional Luxembourg concours. But these detours taught her perhaps the most valuable lesson for both teachers and students alike: perfection isn't the goal, growth is. As a colleague wisely told her, "We have 40 years to perfect our courses. We don't need perfect lessons on day one."

Whether you're considering a teaching career, struggling with professional confidence, or simply interested in how educators develop their craft, Sarah's journey offers authentic insights into the challenging yet rewarding path of classroom leadership. Connect with us to learn more about studying at the University of Luxembourg and preparing for your own professional journey.

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