As we approach Thanksgiving, I would like to discuss something at the heart of strong communities and lasting relationships: empathy.
At CPDLF, we believe that developing empathy helps our learners become not only stronger learners but also better friends, family members, and citizens. Whether you’re learning from home, joining live Zoom sessions, or attending in-person tutoring at one of our learning centers, empathy is something that connects us all and builds trust across our school community.
You’ll make friends here at CPDLF; we’re sure of it. And part of being a good friend is understanding and supporting each other through the good and bad. One way you can show empathy to a friend or family member is by simply listening when they need someone to talk to. Let them share their feelings without rushing to fix things right away. That small act can go a long way.
What is Empathy?
There are a few different kinds of empathy, and understanding them can help us know how to respond in different situations:
- Cognitive empathy is putting yourself in someone else’s shoes. It’s imagining how they feel, even if you don’t feel it yourself.
- Emotional empathy means truly feeling with someone like you’ve caught their emotions.
- Compassionate empathy is feeling someone’s pain and taking action to help. This is the kind of empathy we often think of when we talk about being caring and kind—and it’s something we encourage every day at CPDLF.
To support this growth, all our learners participate in a social and emotional learning program called Connects U. Through Connects U, learners explore topics such as empathy, kindness, emotional management, and effective communication. These are real-life skills that will serve you well, not just in school but in all areas of life.
Whether you are considering enrolling, just joining us, or are already enrolled, I encourage you to lead with empathy this month. A little care and understanding can make a big difference in your life and in someone else’s.
