How helping Ukrainian refugees sparked a teaching vocation

What happens when life's journey takes unexpected turns? Louis Grün never planned to become a teacher. After graduating from high school in Luxembourg without a clear direction, he chose the University of Luxembourg's English program for its proximity and interdisciplinary approach, blending his passions for English literature and history.

Louis's story takes flight during his mandatory exchange semester, when family connections led him to Miami University in Ohio – not the sunny beach destination, but a classic American campus "in the middle of cornfields." The experience proved so transformative that he returned for his master's degree in history, falling in love not just with American academia but with his future wife.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the January 6th events in Washington DC dramatically altered his American dream. Returning to Luxembourg in 2021, Louis attempted a journalism career at the local newspaper Tageblatt, where he interviewed politicians and ambassadors but struggled with tight deadlines and readjusting to German after years of English immersion. "It was really tough work," Louis reflects. "I really have an appreciation for the whole journalism profession, but it was just a little bit too tense for me."

When Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, Louis's local high school needed teachers to assist refugee students. Despite having previously dismissed teaching as a career path, he volunteered to help – and discovered an unexpected calling. "Now I'm really glad that they pushed me into teaching," he admits, comparing the profession to "a stand-up comedian's job" where you entertain students while educating them.

Louis's journey through the rigorous Luxembourg teacher examination process ("concours") and two-year traineeship reveals how our greatest fulfillment often comes from paths we never intended to travel. His philosophy, borrowed from his favorite Studio Ghibli film – "The wind rises, we must try to live" – perfectly captures his approach to embracing life's unexpected opportunities.

Have you found yourself on an unexpected career path? Louis's story reminds us that sometimes the most rewarding journeys are the ones we never planned. Subscribe to Alumni Stories for more inspiring conversations with University of Luxembourg graduates who've navigated the winds of change to find their calling.

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