Issue link: http://baypath.uberflip.com/i/830925
31 www.baypath.edu get sick or injured, their owners become worried, stressed, and anxious, and I have to be able to help them rationalize and comprehend what may be wrong with their pet. If it weren't for empathy, it would be difficult to help them deal with the emotional aspects of their animal's sickness. Putting myself in their shoes helps me to under- stand how they react to or perceive an injury or sickness in their pet and how far they will go with diagnostics or treatment. On the other hand, for clients who may not quite see their pets as family, practicing empathy helps me to understand when there are limitations to the extent of their pet's treatment. Having empathy makes me a more compassionate, caring, and understanding veterinarian who can provide the best medicine while also building a stronger bond with a client and patient. To me, this relationship makes my job meaningful. Amina Weiland '18 THE AMERICAN WOMEN'S COLLEGE Resource Coordinator Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging Since I was a little girl, I have been naturally inclined to helping other people. As a healthcare professional working with people with dementia and their families, empathy is an extremely important component to establishing trust. Practicing active listening and using "Motivational Interviewing" techniques, such as reflective listening; avoiding direct confrontation and arguing; and adjusting to resistance from clients rather than opposing it, are effective ways to demonstrate empathy. Being genuine is a powerful tool to break barriers in the workplace. I have been practicing mindful exercises to build resilience and self-compassion because I believe that when we accept ourselves, we more readily accept and are empathetic to others. Love and kindness are contagious. Pass it on! Adam Zinkievich G'12 MS IN NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT AND PHILANTHROPY Director of Annual Giving for The Salvation Army in Connecticut and Rhode Island Empathy is in much of my work as a fundraiser and supervisor. When someone comes to our organization to use our services, I need to put myself in their shoes. It's important for me to see things from their per- spective, both to help my effectiveness as a leader and to relay their stories to prospective donors. Being adaptable is key. Patience is also necessary. While it is impossible to make everyone happy, I can at least feel content in that I tried my best. I find joy in making others feel valued and helping them accomplish what they have set out to do, which is in part why my career has been with nonprofits. I want to help others make a differ- ence, not just do something for another line on my resume. I would rather hear, "thank you for caring about me," than I would, "you did a great job." While this may sound like a lot of work, empathy motivates me. I would challenge the readers of this article to try deepening your own empathy— it may bring you joy, too. Try to reframe your feelings of a person you might see as difficult. Envision that person as a human being with his/her own flaws and dreams, then see how the relationship changes. ...Pass it on!