Empathy Project

I started class one day asking students what the difference was between sympathy and empathy. I showed this video in class as a writing prompt for my composition students.  I immediately wanted to use it when Joe showed it to us in our SIC time.  I think or would like to think that I do a fairly good job of empathizing with students, although it's something I need to consciously do every day.  

But, what this video reminded me of is the fact that I'm maybe not always as empathetic with my colleagues.  Ok, not maybe; I know I'm not.

I get annoyed when people don't do their job or drop the ball on something--especially with a student, but I don't know everything they are going through.  Who am I to judge so quickly?

I often think about how sometimes kids are experiencing something so huge outside of school that I can't imagine how they able to focus at school, and I marvel at their ability to do so, but those overwhelming times don't stop when you grow up.

Adults experience them, too.  God knows I have, and I've been on the receiving end of tremendous grace and empathy from both students and staff.  I need to be more outer-aware in that sense with not only the young people in my life, but the adults, too, especially those colleagues I work with every day who really are my work family. While most people don't want sympathy, most everyone appreciates true empathy.

Understanding + pity = sympathy

Understanding + dignity = empathy.