Empathy helps us to understand others and respond positively and proactively.
Empathy refers to a person's ability to put themselves in someone else's shoes and then judge the situation; to be sensitive to what someone else might be going through whether it is an experience or emotion.
As opposed to sympathy, it does not involve pitying someone. Instead, it enables an individual to better understand the needs and wants of another individual. This encourages all concerned to chalk out a strategy that protects the rights and interests of an individual without jeopardizing that of another. In other words, it creates a win-win situation.
For instance, when I was in class VII, one of my classmates, Ahmad, struggled with reading and writing, although he was considered to be a conscientious student because he always listened to the class lecture attentively and spoke politely to everyone. But when he read, he stammered a lot and when he wrote, he would often put "b" as "p" and vice versa.
Thus, our English language teacher called his parents to discuss his progress. Much to Ahmad's relief, she was not annoyed with him. Instead, she appreciated his enthusiasm and willingness to improve. At the same time, however, she pointed out that a learning disorder called Dyslexia might be hindering Ahmad,s ability to read and write.
Medical tests proved that she was correct. It was followed by personalized coaching by a reading specialist and the school management also extended some special relaxations to him so that he may cope with the academic demands.
One year on, Ahmad had visibly improved. He recited poems to the class confidently and composed brilliant essays.
What was it that enabled Miss Asma to identify the problem? Empathy. Rather than labeling him as "dull" and "lazy", she tried to figure out what kept him from achieving fluency despite his best efforts. A less empathetic teacher would have discouraged him and he might have given up studies altogether.
Empathy, however, is not restricted to education, it plays a role in all spheres of life.
In a nutshell, let's all learn to empathize with others to make life better for everyone and, resultantly, for ourselves too.
For instance, when I was in class VII, one of my classmates, Ahmad, struggled with reading and writing, although he was considered to be a conscientious student because he always listened to the class lecture attentively and spoke politely to everyone. But when he read, he stammered a lot and when he wrote, he would often put "b" as "p" and vice versa.
Thus, our English language teacher called his parents to discuss his progress. Much to Ahmad's relief, she was not annoyed with him. Instead, she appreciated his enthusiasm and willingness to improve. At the same time, however, she pointed out that a learning disorder called Dyslexia might be hindering Ahmad,s ability to read and write.
Medical tests proved that she was correct. It was followed by personalized coaching by a reading specialist and the school management also extended some special relaxations to him so that he may cope with the academic demands.
One year on, Ahmad had visibly improved. He recited poems to the class confidently and composed brilliant essays.
What was it that enabled Miss Asma to identify the problem? Empathy. Rather than labeling him as "dull" and "lazy", she tried to figure out what kept him from achieving fluency despite his best efforts. A less empathetic teacher would have discouraged him and he might have given up studies altogether.
Empathy, however, is not restricted to education, it plays a role in all spheres of life.
In a nutshell, let's all learn to empathize with others to make life better for everyone and, resultantly, for ourselves too.
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