Sixteen years – in sixteen years, a baby grows almost into an adult. Over my sixteen years at the Csányi Foundation, I grew from a child into an adult. In 2009, when I sat on a beanbag taking my entrance exam in Jászberény, I never imagined that in 2025 I would be writing my thank-you article on a laptop provided by the Foundation. Since 2009, much water has flowed under the Zagyva, and even more under the Danube. I don’t know why, but it suddenly came to mind that one Saturday afternoon there was a surprise program at the community house: we were called into the groups without suspecting anything, and Ildi néni had organized a Japanese tea party for us. Those were carefree, peaceful years in every sense.
I could list countless elementary and high school experiences the Csányi Foundation gave me through the organization of mentors and volunteers, but these are all documented in article form on this website for anyone willing to dig into the archive. Others have also shared their gratitude in their own thank-you speeches, I’m sure of it.
Now, I would very much like to thank the Foundation for how it cared for me during my university years. Starting with housing—not just a roof over my head, but four years in the “balcony apartment” K9, exactly during the years I attended McDaniel College, which gave me a broader view of the world and the paths ahead. When I was admitted to the University of Theatre and Film Arts, we moved to S10, which introduced me to an entirely new Csányi generation. I felt like a bridge between the old and the new. The housing support was a huge help for both me and my family. I am grateful that during my master’s studies, I could deepen my knowledge in the courses taught by Professor András Török at the S10 Academy, creating lasting experiences through theater workshops and walks through downtown Budapest.
Regarding the University of Theatre and Film Arts: at first, I was very nervous because the class had only four students, and I was the youngest. I feared my classmates would all be my age, but it could not have worked out better. I gained so many experiences in learning and filmmaking—literally seeing worlds I had previously only glimpsed at the surface. Without these years, my perspective would have been much narrower. I am thankful to the Foundation for regularly providing academic and social scholarships during this time. This support was essential for surviving in a big city and focusing entirely on my studies. The results have paid off: I recently received my master’s degree, which required not only a thesis but also a diploma film, of which I am very proud. My diploma work would not have been so successful without my Csányi peers—Nadin Varga and Tihamér Szereceán—who contributed their own creativity. This is another incredible gift of the Foundation: the power of community. Here, it is not just a phrase; it is a daily reality.
The graduation ceremony took place in the ornate main hall of the Uránia, creating a wonderful atmosphere for the event. I am deeply grateful to the Csányi Foundation for holding my hand through it all: first tightly, then gradually more loosely, as I grew into adulthood. Wherever I have the opportunity, I always speak about who supported me and how, in case others haven’t heard yet.
Finally, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our founders: Mr. Sándor Csányi, Founder, and his wife, Mrs. Erika Csányi, the Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees, for enabling me to come such a long way from Jászság and to realize my dreams!
—Vig Dávid, Jászság Group 3