Empathy is the heartbeat of human connections
How my college professors surprised me with their understanding and help
Empathy is often described as the ability to imagine yourself in another’s shoes, see the world through their eyes, and feel the weight of their experiences as if they were yours. But empathy is more than just a fleeting sense of understanding. It’s the heartbeat of human connections. It bridges divides, fosters trust, and builds relationships that transcend surface-level interactions.
As someone living with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), I’ve come to understand the immense power of empathy — not just in how others connect with me, but also in how I approach the world. My experiences navigating life with a disability have taught me that genuine empathy isn’t about pity or misplaced heroism; it’s about recognizing and valuing each person’s unique journey. Empathy helps dismantle barriers and create a sense of inclusion that transforms personal relationships and entire communities.
Empathy is often misunderstood as a singular concept, but it encompasses several distinct dimensions that shape how we connect with others. Each type of empathy plays its own role in fostering understanding and support, especially when engaging with people living with disabilities.
Types of empathy at work
Cognitive empathy, for instance, involves understanding another person’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences without necessarily sharing them. It’s about seeing the world through their lens and appreciating their reality.
This sort of empathy might mean recognizing the barriers people with disabilities face, such as inaccessibility to buildings, assumptions about capabilities, or systemic inequities in healthcare. When someone takes the time to learn about SMA, for example, and considers its physical, emotional, and logistical challenges, they practice cognitive empathy. That encourages thoughtful conversations and addresses misconceptions, laying the groundwork for better policies and inclusive practices.
Emotional empathy, meanwhile, takes understanding a step further by involving emotional connection. It consists of feeling what someone else is feeling, be it joy, frustration, or pain.
Living with SMA, I’ve seen how emotional empathy can bridge gaps in understanding. When someone feels my frustration after a long fight for accessible services or shares my excitement when overcoming a challenge, it validates my experiences in a deeply personal way. Emotional empathy creates bonds of solidarity, reminding us that we’re not alone in our struggles or triumphs.
A third empathy, the compassionate type, combines the understanding of cognitive empathy, the connection of emotional empathy, and the added drive to take action. It’s about not just understanding or feeling, but also stepping in to help.
Welcoming a surprising empathy
This past semester was one of the most challenging I’ve faced. Between persistent computer problems that derailed my ability to complete assignments and the weight of mental health struggles, I had moments when I felt utterly overwhelmed. As the deadlines piled up and the stress mounted, I questioned whether I could keep up with my classes.
At first, I hesitated to tell my professors what was happening. Part of me felt that I should push through alone. Another part worried about how they might react. Would they see me as unprepared or incapable? I struggled with the idea of appearing vulnerable, even though I knew my situation was quickly becoming unmanageable.
Eventually, I realized I couldn’t keep trying to do it alone. I reached out to my professors and explained everything — how the technical issues were preventing me from completing assignments on time, how my mental health struggles were affecting my focus, and how I was determined to catch up, no matter how long it took. I braced myself for responses that might be indifferent or even dismissive.
But to my surprise, the responses were overwhelmingly supportive. My professors acknowledged my struggles and reassured me that they understood and wanted to help. They offered extended deadlines, resources for support, and words of encouragement that felt genuine and heartfelt.
Their empathy and willingness to meet me where I was didn’t just ease my stress; it motivated me to get back on track. Knowing I had their understanding gave me the confidence to focus on what I could do instead of what I hadn’t done. Slowly but surely, I started catching up on assignments and regaining my momentum.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: Sometimes, vulnerability is the key to finding the support you need. By opening up and trusting others with my challenges, I found a level of empathy that I hadn’t expected, but deeply appreciated. It reminded me of the power of kindness and how small acts of compassion can make all the difference during tough times.
Note: SMA News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of SMA News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to spinal muscular atrophy.
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