E is for Empathy

This week's lesson is on empathy. 

Before I took the empathy quiz, I thought I was empathetic. Once I took the empathy test, I found that I am averagely empathetic. I don't think I was horribly surprised by this. Many of the statements I felt like I would need a concrete scenario to give an accurate response. Of course, that response would change depending on the scenario. 

I don't think someone can be taught empathy in the normal educational sense.

All of this make me think of the TV show 'Bones.'

I know we're not supposed to name names but it just works so well.

At the birth of the show, Forensic Anthropologist, Dr. Temperance Brennan comes off as extremely cold and extremely unempathetic. Her partner, FBI Agent, Seeley Booth, on the other hand, is very empathetic, much to Dr. Brennan's dislike. 

As the show continues through 8 seasons, Agent Booth begins to rub off on Dr. Brennan, to the point that they get married and have a baby. Of course, this doesn't happen through the course of a couple of episodes. Agent Booth gives Dr. Brennan little lessons in empathy every couple of episodes. 

For example, Dr. Brennan was testifying in a murder trail. She was warned not to use medical or anthropological terms when testifying because the jury won't be able to understand. She does, nonetheless. Agent Booth tells the Prosecutor to ask Dr. Brennan about a sensitive topic in her life so that when she answers, she will be more relatable to the jury. After it's all said and done, she was upset at Agent Booth for opening an old wound but understood why he did it, our first hint that she does have empathy.

Through a series of similar lessons, Dr. Brennan develops quite a bit on empathy for others. 

All of this goes to say, you can't 'teach' someone empathy, but through different experiences, one can develop a greater sense of empathy. That is, unless you are a psychopath in the true sense of the word.

My One-Word Resolution, Whom I Envy, and What I Lie About

(Kind of a doozie of a title wasn't it?)

My 'One-Word Resolution' for this year would have to be 'Grow.'

I chose this word for many reasons. One of them having to do with my relationship with God. This past year, I started my relationship with God and I have seen Him do such incredible things. I want to 'Grow' this relationship with him so that I can better serve him and spread the Good News. 

Another reason I chose this word is physical. I have a condition where I simply pass out. I like to call it Tall Teenage Girl Syndrome. We have multiple specialists, none really knowing what to say. The most recent one we went to, an expert in Tall Teenage Girl Syndrome said there is nothing we can do except wait it out. Most people 'Grow' out of it by their early 20's, as good a reason as any to want to 'Grow', in my case.

The last reason I chose this word is very emotional, literally. Last year, I went through some big changes in my life. Many that I am still dealing with and many that I am still enjoying today. I'm going to college and doing things that have me encountering situations I've never dealt with before. Some have turned out well, others not as well as I hoped for. It all makes for one heck of a roller-coaster. And let me tell you, I DO NOT like roller-coasters. I want to 'Grow' to be able to take all the ups and downs in stride and be able to enjoy the incredible life God has given me. 

'Whom I Envy'

An interesting topic for sure, 'Whom I Envy' are those whom are secure in their relationship with God. Those whom can trust Him to take care of anything and everything and those whom are secure enough in Him to never doubt and get frustrated with what's going 'wrong' in their life. As part of my 'One-Word Resolution' I want to grow my relationship with God so that I may become one of those 'Whom I Envy.'

'What I Lie About'

Yet another interesting topic, 'What I Lie About' is how I really am. You see someone in the hallway, you both wave and say, 'Hey, how ya doin'? Good, you? Good.' One of the things that come with Tall Teenage Girl Syndrome is being frequently lightheaded, nauseous, and all around not feeling good but, what do I say when I see someone in the hallway? 'I'm fine.' Everyday, I try to work through those sick feelings for the sake of my school attendance. (Don't get me started about attendance policies.) As a part of my 'One-Word Resolution' I want to 'Grow' so that the next time I see someone in the hallway, I won't be lying when I say, 'I'm fine.'

I hope you've had a Happy New Year so far and all your resolutions are on track.

Until next time.

A Little More 'Final' Final Project

Once again, we look toward the future. In the the not so distant future, we see the Honors Mentorship Final project. 

For my Final project, I want to make my business (more) profitable.

My thesis for this would be: What kind of business plan do I need to make my business (more) profitable.

I envision using Excel to chart expenses and possible profits. I also envision using Publisher and maybe Animoto to create promotional advertisements.

For my real inquiry, I will research successful business plans, adapt them to my business, and possibly apply them. (Not sure how long it will be before significant results can be seen.)

The success of my business has become an increasingly strong desire in my life. Common beliefs has everything stacked against me but, I know that with enough hard work and the support of the One and Only God, I know I can do it.