Article by Aya Ouardi
As a hospitality and business management student at SHBM-UM6P, I’ve learned tha empathy and respect are powerful tools for building meaningful connections. During my internships, both locally and abroad, these values transformed everyday interactions into opportunities for growth, teamwork, and trust.
Empathy-truly understanding and valuing others-has been key in fostering collaboration. During my recent internship in Dubai, while organizing a food festival, I saw how small gestures like acknowledging someone’s hard work, offering support when tensions ran high, or simply listening strengthened team morale and created a more positive work environment. Similarly, respect for diverse perspectives and cultural norms strengthened relationships, turning colleagues from what could have been merely professional acquaintances into friendships that I cherish to this day.
Passion also played a significant role. During a rebranding project, my genuine enthusiasm inspired my team, creating an environment where everyone felt motivated and valued. These experiences taught me that caring isn’t just about actions; it’s about the attitude you bring to every interaction.
Caring creates a ripple effect; so, to my fellow students and aspiring professionals: let’s make caring our cornerstone. Let’s approach every task, every interaction, and every opportunity with empathy, respect, and passion. You’ll be surprised by how far it takes you—and the incredible connections you’ll build along the way.
