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What holds you back? What keeps you going?

April 9, 2015

Marlou wants to take a creative approach to teaching disadvantaged children. But the rules of Germany's school system are in her way. Find out how she keeps going.

https://p.dw.com/p/1F5Wp
Nur für Life Links - Handfoto Marlou
We've asked Marlou what holds her back. The answer is written on her palm.Image: DW/M. Wolff

Name: Marlou
Age: 27
Hometown: Bremen, Germany

What is most important to you in your life?
Sunny days, my guitar and making my home either alongside a friend or in a place I love.

Realistically, what do you expect from your future?
I expect to find a life where I can balance my art with my ability to be in contact with people. Maybe I'll have to teach half-time so I can focus on my art more.

How do you spend your free time?
Writing songs, taking walks in the sun, having coffee with friends, writing on my typewriter, listening to music and reading.

If you want to reward yourself by doing something special, what do you do?
I take my guitar, go out and play a concert.

Your country is said to be strict and full of hard working people - what do you think about that?
I think in a way that's true. Sometimes I long for a more warmhearted society.


How much is...
1 ticket for the cinema: $9
1 liter of bottled water: $0.50
1 cup of tea in a café: $2.15
1 pair of jeans: $32
1 book (paperback): $11

#AForEffort: Held back by the education system