From language lover to classroom leader

Navigating educational and career paths rarely follows a straight line – something Mariana Mendes knows firsthand. After moving from Portugal to Luxembourg at age 11, Mariana developed adaptability skills that would serve her throughout life's unexpected turns. When she entered university, teaching wasn't her definitive goal; she simply followed her passion for English language and literature.

The Bachelor in English Studies (BCE) program at the University of Luxembourg became her testing ground. Mariana discovered a profound interest in linguistics while keeping her options open professionally. "I explored copywriting, public relations, and other fields, but nothing really appealed to me," she reflects. This openness to possibility, rather than rigid career planning, ultimately led her to a fulfilling teaching career.

Her educational journey took her through an Erasmus exchange in Birmingham, volunteer teaching in Slovakia, and a master's degree in Language in Society at the University of Amsterdam. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her studies, forcing a return to Luxembourg mid-thesis, Mariana adapted once again. Starting as a pedagogical assistant gave her valuable classroom observation experience before transitioning to full-time teaching students aged 11-20.

What makes Mariana's story particularly valuable is her reflection on overcoming challenges. She candidly shares her struggles with procrastination and feeling overwhelmed during university. "I started developing organization strategies like finally buying a planner and setting tiny deadlines throughout the week," she explains. These practical approaches transformed her experience, making her wish she'd discovered them sooner.

Looking for guidance on your educational journey? Listen to Mariana's advice: "Choose courses that truly interest you, not just ones you think you should take for a future job. Following what you love will always open doors you didn't even know existed." Subscribe to Alumni Stories for more inspiring conversations with University of Luxembourg graduates who've found their unique paths forward.

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