I distinctly remember my 8th grade history teacher who taught us that there was no greater quality than empathy.

It really did not strike home with me then, but with age and experience, the memories and words have surfaced back into my active consciousness.

Everyone is going through something that we really cannot understand — unless we take a moment to pause and connect with the person at a deeper level. Empathy means just that — being able to respond to some one’s pain or situation and try to see it from that person’s point of view, without being tainted by our memory or judgement.

Teachers in elementary and middle schools can shape the personality of a child in profound ways that leave a deep impact. It is a shame that we value professions that are in the direct path of money a lot higher vs those who help create better human beings.