Vulnerability and Empathy: a reflection from Paul F.

Vulnerability and empathy are recurring themes in our lives. Every day, we meet new people and face situations that challenge our morals and beliefs. Both TED talks, “The Power of Vulnerability,” and “Empathy in College,” dive in to further detail and examples. As a take away, sharing your story and exposing yourself to vulnerability is all it takes to connect with another person. It is easier said than done, but from that point on the person will be by your side. Your new connection will want to see a positive outcome of any situation you face.

“A radical experiment in empathy” is a TEDx talk by Penn State Professor Sam Richards. Professor Richards runs the Race and Ethnic Relations course here at University Park, a widely popular class for students among all majors. The theme of his talk is standing in someone else’s shoes. As soon as you take that first step, you walk outside of your tiny little world and step inside someone else’s. Soon, a giant web of tiny little worlds form, and you begin to see the world from new perspectives.