Space for Optimism

Blog March 18, 2025, First Week Honors Seminar

Isn’t it amazing how the idea of one very passionate person can bring together more than 40 people from different faculties, cultures and interests?

We all share the same university, walk the same hallways and eat at the same Mensa. We discuss politics, complain about schedules and face the same global challenges—yet how often do we truly talk about what’s on our minds? About our hopes, our goals, our view of the world? Too often, we stay in our own bubbles—perhaps connected on social media but disconnected in real life.

This seminar is different. Here, strangers become conversation partners, sharing thoughts and searching for the good in the world. As we search, we build a community. At the heart of it all, one key question: How do we find optimism in a world that often feels overwhelming?

Who are we?

Music: Upward by Lone Canyon, courtesy of soundstripe.com

35 students and 13 professors and lecturers from TH Augsburg

What is the “Honors Seminar” all about ?

The Honors Seminar at Technische Hochschule Augsburg brings together outstanding students and dedicated professors from across disciplines. Students are nominated for their motivation, engagement and contributions to their studies, creating a diverse and inspiring group.

Each week, participants engage in thought-provoking discussions, led by passionate professors from various faculties, who volunteer their time to foster an interdisciplinary exchange. This summer’s theme, “The Power of Optimism,” explores how mindset shapes our lives, with interactive sessions designed to challenge perspectives.

At the heart of this initiative is Alisa Kasle-Henke, who brought the project to life. She plays a key role in guiding and organizing the seminar to ensure its success.

Where did the inspiration come from?

Alisa Kasle-Henke shares the story of how she came up with the idea for Honors Seminar.

Giving Optimism a Voice: What Happens When We Talk About It?

Sitting together at a table with strangers, opening up and reflecting on optimism in our lives isn’t easy, but Alisa wasn’t going to let us leave without at least a few stories about where we had found optimism in the past. This very first discussion already highlighted how differently people perceive optimism. While some students feel more optimistic when they have a solid plan, others prefer to embrace the unexpected. Those who like to plan appreciate having clear goals that drive them forward, helping them stay focused and motivated. Knowing what steps to take gives them a sense of control and optimism about the future. 

On the other hand, some students enjoy the unexpected because they don’t overthink or create negative scenarios in their minds—they simply go with the flow and trust that things will work out. Regardless of whether optimism comes from careful planning or embracing the unknown, many agree that our mindset shapes our experiences. Maintaining an optimistic mindset helps manifest the good in life—what you focus on, you attract.

Others choose not to worry at all: “If you can’t change it, don’t worry. If you can change it, don’t worry.” This mindset suggests that worrying is never the answer. If you can’t influence the outcome, let it go. If you can, then focus on making a change rather than wasting energy on fear or doubt.

In the end, all these conversations led us to one realization: This seminar isn’t about being blindly optimistic—it’s about giving optimism a space to be discussed, shared and explored. One student highlighted the importance of the people around us in shaping the way we think and feel. And today, we experienced that firsthand. Sitting in a room full of strangers and simply talking about optimism had already shifted our perspective.

Thirty strangers came together, opened up, shared some snacks, and left with a renewed sense of hope. Or, to put it in other words:

“We laughed and talked and reflected and connected.”

-Alisa Kasle-Henke-

Music: Good Times by Tommy Welton, courtesy of soundstripe.com

What About You?

Talking about optimism in a room full of open-minded people is one thing—but how does it hold up in the real world? Outside this seminar, we face daily challenges, uncertainties and setbacks. Can we take what we’ve learned and apply it to our everyday lives? And more importantly, how do we turn optimism from a fleeting thought into a lasting habit?

Have you ever asked yourself: How do I find optimism for myself? When was the last time you focused on something positive instead of dwelling on the negative? Sometimes, optimism starts with a simple shift—talking about what gives you hope, stepping out of your comfort zone, or even just reaching out to someone new.

Optimism isn’t something we passively receive; it’s something we create, nurture and share.

So, where do you find yours?

Authors: Maya Martelock, Selina Braunschweiler

Designer & Blog Editor: Inna Melnik