Report December „Let’s Talk About It: Going into 2024 with gratitude. Seeking positive perspectives amidst life challenges”

“Gratitude is a powerful catalyst for cultivating a positive mindset," Hubmer said. "By focusing on what we are thankful for, we shift our perspective towards optimism, fostering a hopeful outlook for the coming year.”

Hubmer introduced students to the foundations of reflection and gratitude with five pillars of reflection, including self-awareness, learning valuable lessons and insight from experiences, decision-making, goal setting and achievement, and stress reduction. She then shared five components of gratitude, including positive psychology, social connection, mindfulness, emotional health, and physical health.

These explanations helped students understand how regularly practicing reflection and expressing gratitude can be stepping stones to future growth.

Some participating students then shared their experiences throughout 2023, which have led them to pause, reflect, and broaden their perspectives.

Andrew Effendi, a bachelor’s exchange student from Indonesia who is studying International Logistik-Management at FH Steyr, explained how the FH OÖ community embraced him, beginning with the moment he arrived at the Vienna International Airport in September 2023.

“Thanks to the kindness and the system of the locals and my friends, they have been instrumental in helping me navigate life here,” Effendi said. “I’m also thankful for the wealth of knowledge through my studies at FH … like engaging in intellectual exchange, not only with fellow students but also with the professors who are open to any questions.”

Hubmer closed the session by sharing about the reciprocal process of “passing it forward,” in which individuals can appreciate the people who have helped them along the way by helping another find his or her way later on.

“I love this expression and I love the whole idea of that, because I think that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it?,” Hubmer said. “… not saying I owe you or you owe me. But ’thank you’ to the one person and pass it on to somebody else.”