07-22-2025

"We teachers don't lecture – we ignite hope!"

Around one hundred graduates of the teacher training courses were given a ceremonial goodbye at the KU last week. One of the future teachers is Ling Yue, who gave a moving speech about her career and her intrinsic motivation to help children grow up. We document an excerpt from her speech.

By Dr. Ling Yue

"In the summer of my seventeenth year, I saw a documentary at home in China about a young teacher in a remote mountain village. I have long forgotten the exact content of the movie. But I have not forgotten how the movie made me feel. Tears flowed – not because I was being emotional, but because I felt touched by my calling for the first time: "I have found you." This "you" was probably the meaning of my life, even if I could not put it into words at the time.

At first, however, my life took a completely different turn. After completing my Chinese school-leaving examination, the Gaokao, I was allocated a place to study fine chemistry. It was not my choice, but the needs of the state. I completed my studies with a Bachelor of Engineering and became a civil servant. But the desire to work with people would not let me go. So I started another Bachelor's program in psychology with the aim of supporting and guiding others. Psychology has its origins in Germany. With a mixture of scientific interest and a desire for freedom, I came to Berlin in 2008 to complete a Master's program in Public Health. I then did research at the Charité, obtained my doctorate at the Free University of Berlin and later moved to Bavaria because of my family. I worked for a large auditing and consulting firm in Munich as an assistant manager. But none of that really made me happy.

KU Vice President Klaus Meier congratulates Ling Yue at the graduation ceremony

I wanted to support people – not just professionally, but in life. I am a certified psychological counselor and life coach and have been coaching adults online for a long time. But my experience shows: Adults are difficult to change. The best solution? Start early – with children. My own life is the best proof: Knowledge changes destiny. Education shapes the future.

During the covid pandemic, I asked myself the question: Is now the time for a new start, for a second major reorientation in my life? And then that moment from when I was seventeen came back with full force: "Go! Now is the time."

The decision to study again was easy for me. It was more difficult to sit in a lecture hall and being over 40 – surrounded by fellow students, like my dear friend Paulina, who could be my children. Luckily, I was not alone – there are many "mom students" at our University, like my dear friend Oxana. Her openness helped me to leave my fears of old age behind me. I always sat in the front row – and probably asked the lecturers the most questions.

I still remember my first face-to-face seminar after the pandemic: "Aspects of Good Classroom Management” Our lecturer said: "Be proud – you are the teachers." I thought at the time: I am self-confident, but do I need extra pride? Today, at the end of my studies, I understand her words. The importance of our profession is often underestimated – all over the world. But I say this with the deepest conviction: We teachers don't lecture – we ignite hope!" We not only accompany children as they grow up – we accompany the future into a better world. We are teachers, and we are proud of it!

Dear lecturers, please have confidence: We give our best – with a soul that awakens another soul!

Dear fellow graduates, our hands shape the future. Let us bear this responsibility with pride!

Dear colleagues, life is sometimes a gift, but often a challenge. If someone throws mud at us, we use it to plant flowers. If someone throws stones at us, we use them to build a house. We will not hide – we will only have light in our eyes."

Teacher training graduation — Around 100 student teachers celebrated their exams

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