Winter Feature: Empathy

Illustration By: Sofia Miller

Story By: Ella Mitchell

Empathy is the ability to understand things from another person’s perspective, to share someone else’s feelings and emotions and understand why they’re having those feelings. Psychologists and neuroscientists have been studying empathy in human behavior since the mid-twentieth century and have identified three categories, naming them either cognitive, emotional and compassionate.

Empathy in Eudora High School

“I do love Eudora and appreciate how our school already tends to show empathy and care for one other.  I see students support each other often, and I know it creates a fantastic culture here,” math teacher MaryJo Swann said.

Building a safe and comfortable environment during the school days is so important. It creates community within the school and might even be the reason why school is so exciting and worth coming for students.

How would you describe the relationship between empathy and leadership?

“I would say the ability for a leader to have the awareness that empathy is an important part of leadership is the first step.” WRAP Social Worker and Golf Coach Susan DeVoe said,  “Leaders who practice empathy with people will use listening skills and respond to situations that the leader may have no experience with, but will play a role in nurturing growth in the individual with presence and understanding.”

Understanding Empathy Through Students

What does empathy mean to you?“The skill that someone can mentally understand and help you in any situation” sophomore Jaelynn Harper said.

When is it important to be empathetic?

“It’s so important to be an empathetic person because you never know how you could impact someone’s life,” Harper said.