Empathy by Michael

Empathy by Michael - January 2018 Scholarship Essay

Empathy is the word I choose, not only for the time I will be in college but also for the rest of my life.

The dust sprayed from the earth, covering our bodies like a blanket. The jeep sputtered forward, trembling as it crossed the rocky terrain.
Our jeep screeched to a halt. I opened the window, holding a box filled with food, chocolates, and water, passing it to a smiling face.
Continuing our trip through Tanzania, my family and I passed thousands of impoverished villagers. Every day, I placed half my lunch into a spare box and shared it with a few locals. By the end of our trip, I had encouraged my entire family, seventeen strong, to do the same.
At a young age, I had learned to “put myself into the other person’s shoes.” Consequently, I developed my greatest skill: empathy. To me, offering food marked an opportunity to relate to the poor, to show that I understand their struggle. Even in my hometown, I have continued to utilize my empathy to understand the people around me. For example, in my group of friends, I counsel them when they encounter problems. One friend, who was going through family problems, would call every night at 2:00am to express her pain. Even when I was sound asleep or busy doing work, I always picked up. I considered how the situation affected her, which caused her to stress and lose focus in school. Throughout the school year, late night counseling became routine. Indeed, numerous friends sought advice with their personal issues. Through empathy, I pictured myself in their situations, allowing me to better aid and support them during their times of need.
Moreover, as time passed, my ability to empathize grew exponentially. Previously, when venturing through the busy streets of San Francisco, I would avoid the sad gaze of the homeless, but, now, I always spare any change I have.
Today, every person, new or familiar, I cross, I imagine that I am them. My principle rings fondly in my mind: “Put yourself in their shoes.” Through empathy, I am able to connect with the people around me, underlining a vital aspect of my success and highlighting my best skill.