Empathy. According to Merriam-Webster it means “the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner.” I grew up in an extremely caring environment. Love and empathy were the most important things in my household. I think this pillar, aside from Creativity is what made me grow into the person I am today. I have always done charitable work from a young age, but this year I took it upon myself to do charitable work in which I have empathy towards the people I am helping. This materialize in helping boys and girls going through treatment at Rogers Behavioral Health in Atlanta, Georgia. In March of 2021, I went to get help at this program for severe OCD and Anxiety. Thankfully, I am doing much better and am much healthier now, but I knew I needed to help others going through that same thing, especially if they did not have the same amazing support system I am extremely grateful to have in my life. One patient that stuck out to me the most at my time in Rogers was a nine year old girl whose name I won’t disclose for privacy reasons. She was similar to how I remember being growing up. Funny, outspoken, strong, kind, and creative. Every single day, she would brighten our days by showing us an “animal picture of the day.” She made jokes that were so funny to her nine year old self, the teenagers and adults in the room couldn’t help but giggle along with her. Seeing her fight the OCD and having empathy for her struggle on made me fight through the tough mental experience I went through 100 times harder I thank her for helping me through my battles and I only hope my empathy has helped her in some way as well.

–Mirabella P.