Empathy Section

Gearup.md

Empathy Section

1. Empathy has helped me understand people whenever they have angered me through my life. When I was teaching 6th grade, the students would anger me often. I had to think about what was going through their heads. Upon doing so I would become less angry because I would remember what's important to them and that at 12 years old it's not their fault that they're a certain way. Additionally it helps me whenever a friend is unresponsive or cancels plans continuously. I remember times when I was caught up in life and ignored people and it usually leads to me forgiving them.

2. I watched a video recently where someone said that it doesn't matter how good your website is if no one use it. No one will use it if you don't attune it to what they need. From the article I read, having empathy and listening to what someone needs will allow you to make software that better suites them. People will buy and use what they need and having empathy lets us figure out exactly what that is.

3. Empathy is important when with a team because it helps you understand your teammates more. You'll spend a lot of time arguing and not moving forward if you do not understand each other. Also it will allow you to listen to them more which is useful because they could have high quality design ideas. You may also be able to help them out if they are struggling with their code on a group project and thus make the project easier on yourself.

4. Empathy has helped me understand a teammate when I was in college and vice president of my fraternity. Our president has personal issues and thus was unreachable at times. This proved problematic during events. I realized that I did not have the same issues and could not necessarily understand what he is going through. I knew he was a hard worker though and that it must be serious if he is not showing up. I did my best to lead the events in his absence and would fill him in later.

5. Currently I work in an optometry office where we sell glasses and contacts as well as provide eye exams and other medical services. I find it hard to empathize at times when customers are being difficult. I need to remember that they are here because they have problems seeing and they are waiting on a device that helps them see. I show patience and do what I can to help fix their problem. Trying to empathize with someone may not work immediately but having patience and being solution focused can improve your ability.