Students share what makes them grateful in pictures

The Student Service Center at MODUL University Vienna recently invited students to participate in the MU photo contest “What Makes You Grateful” as a part of an ongoing conversation on the subject of welcome culture. Students were asked to share their photos and stories based on the theme “What Makes You Grateful” for the chance to donate to a charity of their choice that provides support to refugees and asylum seekers in Europe. Over the course of four weeks, student contributions came pouring in and they covered a wide range of topics from family and friends to adventure and travel.

Welcome culture is not only a cornerstone of the tourism and hospitality industries, but also serves as a critical component of community-building. At MU, a diverse international university composed of approximately 500 students from over 60 different countries, community-building is the key to unlocking a rich academic and social life. In light of the shifting demographic tides of Europe which demonstrate the inherent challenges of integration, inclusion, and belonging at stake in community-building, the MU community was asked to reflect on who we are and what makes us grateful.

The winners were determined by their fellow students and friends who voted for their favorite entries. Kevin Chaudhry, a current student in his final year of the Bachelor of Science in International Management program and our first prize winner, is grateful to his parents for providing him with the opportunity to receive higher education. Our second prize winner, Anna Scherfler, is a current student in her final year of the Bachelor of Business Administration in Tourism and Hospitality who is grateful for her lovely little brother. Finally, Cheryl Lam, our third prize winner and former exchange student from Taylor’s University in Malaysia, is grateful for the support of her parents, teachers, and wonderful friends who helped make her semester at MU extraordinary.

Our winners chose to support three local charity organizations that offer humanitarian aid to refugees and asylum seekers in Vienna. On behalf of our first prize winner, a donation in the amount of 100 EUR was made to the Verein Ute Bock which offers accommodation and legal aid to asylum seekers. On behalf of our second prize winner, a donation in the amount of 50 EUR was made to Caritas Wien, a local chapter of a well-established worldwide organization that provides relief to people in need. In honor of our third prize winner, a donation in the amount of 50 EUR was made to Train of Hope, a volunteer organization that recently formed to provide social and logistical support to refugees arriving at Vienna’s main train station.

At MU, it is our goal to create ambassadors of responsible living who will lead with a strong sense of social responsibility and cultural sensitivity. The photo contest is one of many ways that MU strives to promote student engagement and awareness in keeping with the MU core values of stewardship and responsibility. Those who actively participate in social outreach programs, community development, and deepening their intercultural skills are eligible to earn the MU Cares Intercultural Certificate as a testament to their commitment to building a better world.

Thank you to all those who participated - MU is proud to be a community that cares.