From language nemesis to learning coordinator

Finding purpose in personal struggle

Sara grew up in the northernmost region of her home country, where rolling hills and distinctive dialects shape local identity. As a child who prided herself on academic excellence, the introduction of German in fourth grade came as a shock. “For the first time in my life, I received the worst possible grade,” she recalls with a wry smile. “I wanted to give up completely.”

Instead of abandoning the challenge, Sara channelled her frustration into determination. “I decided that someday I would help others master this difficult language,” she explains. This early struggle gave her something invaluable – authentic empathy for language learners facing similar hurdles. At university, she studied languages with a teaching focus, creating a unique foundation for her future career.

From classroom teacher to language learning coordinator

After completing her master’s degree, Sara spent five years teaching in secondary schools, developing her skills with teenage students while earning her professional certifications. Her educational journey included research comparing grammatical structures between languages – knowledge that now helps her guide students through linguistic parallels and pitfalls.

Today, Sara balances dual roles at Let’s Learn – teaching while also serving as learning coordinator. She communicates with German-speaking students from Austria, Switzerland, and Germany, helping them navigate the sometimes intimidating process of starting language lessons. “When people reach out about learning a new language, they often worry it’s too difficult or they’re too old,” she says. “My job is to show them neither is true.”

Breaking down language barriers through empathy

“The most challenging aspects of language learning are often grammatical concepts that don’t exist in your native tongue,” Sara explains. She knows these difficulties firsthand and helps prospective students find the right approach for their learning journey.

As a learning coordinator, she always begins with a personal conversation. “I start by listening to why someone wants to learn,” she says. “Are they learning to read literature? To communicate with family? To navigate daily life in another country? These goals shape which course or learning method I recommend.”

This student-centered philosophy stems from her own early struggles. Sara remembers the frustration of memorising grammar rules without practical application and ensures students have a different experience – one where language serves real connection rather than academic exercise. As a coordinator, she helps each person find their ideal learning path.

Finding joy in successful learning journeys

Among Sara’s most treasured experiences is helping students find the optimal learning path. “When someone who started with zero knowledge finds the right course through my guidance and later becomes a confident speaker – it’s indescribable,” she says, her eyes brightening. “I know the journey and how much determination it requires.”

As a learning coordinator, she considers different learning styles. “Some people learn visually, others by doing, some through listening,” Sara explains. “I help them find the right course format – private lessons or group courses.” Many prospective students are initially uncertain which format suits them best and appreciate her expert guidance.

The school’s approach mirrors her personal values. “Our teachers genuinely enjoy teaching – you can feel that energy in every lesson,” she says. “We create a relaxed atmosphere where mistakes are stepping stones, not stumbling blocks. My role is to help each person find their way into this supportive learning community.”

Living the language learner’s life

Outside work hours, Sara embodies the principles she shares with students – that learning is lifelong and age is never a barrier. At 30, she began piano lessons, fulfilling a childhood dream. “When people tell me they’re too old to start learning a language, I tell them about my piano journey,” she laughs. “I’m learning Mozart and Ed Sheeran side by side.”

Her rural home provides perfect weekend escapes, where she explores forest trails on her quad bike. “Being in nature clears my mind and recharges my creativity for work,” she explains. The rest of her free time is devoted to her true passion – languages. Already multilingual with her native tongue plus German and English, she’s now learning Spanish, motivated by a surprising discovery during her first trip to Spain at 18.

Sara’s journey from frustrated language student to accomplished language advisor reflects her philosophy: that the most challenging beginnings can lead to the most rewarding outcomes. For her, coordinating language learning isn’t merely about matching students with courses – it’s about building bridges between cultures and transforming intimidation into inspiration.

“Every time a former student tells me they found the perfect course through my guidance and now speak fluently, I remember that fourth-grade girl struggling with German,” she says. “We’ve both come so far.”