The average teenager encounters hundreds of people per day – Hundreds of faces, hundreds of lives, hundreds of unopened books waiting to be read. The problem is all of these tomes are in different languages, each one virtually impossible to translate even if someone could learn certain phrases, understand a few words, comprehend most of the chapters. No matter how hard people try, some stories lie indecipherable. 

The question is: why does this happen? There are a variety of reasons why individuals feel uncomfortable with sharing their innermost thoughts and problems. In a survey sent to the Olympic Heights student body, some insight was provided. Not only was this used as research to better understand the variety of high school experiences, it was also an avenue for students to be heard anonymously. One question asked why students can’t always say what’s on their mind. Many of the responders expressed others might view them as “cringe” or “annoying.” A study by Dr. Gregory Jantz, a best-selling author and founder of The Center A Place of HOPE, elaborates on this, finding that teenagers value others’ perception of them and often tie it to their identity, fearing being ostracized by the revered “popular group.”

In another question on the survey, OH students were asked to share experiences that, for one reason or another, they felt unable to disclose to those around them. Sorting through the responses, a common theme became apparent: empathy. “When it comes to teens, I feel like there is an empathy problem,” shared one anonymous OH student.  “A lot of teens still have a ‘the world revolves around me’ mindset.” 

In our world today, empathy is a commodity often neglected. Through a constant loop of news stories about wars, terrorism, homicide, it is easy to drown in the pit of misery that is all too apparent around us, yet even the smallest ray of light can illuminate the shine of humanity. 

Even though a lack empathy can be a blight on a community, there are ways to combat this obstacle, such as becoming more involved on campus. One anonymous student revealed how the OH debate team became a beacon of light; this student expressed their admiration for how “the team is so passionate” whether they won or not. Another student explained how, after moving frequently as a child and feeling cast out from their old schools, they finally found a community at OH that they felt accepted in. Yet another response indicated that OH has an improved school environment this year, praising the “good football team” and “energetic pep band” that have bolstered a “good sense of pride.” Several responses even commented about their lives outside of school, how they discovered specks of empathy in both their community and in their workplace.  An anonymous male responded that his manager at work showed him two great comments that customers said about him on a store survey. Kindness displayed by everyone, not just students exclusively, can brighten one’s day.  

Every story, however, deserves to be revealed, not just the heartwarming ones. The aftermath of the devastating Covid-19 shutdowns throughout 2020 and 2021 still lingers today. One student explained how she was unable to focus in virtual school, which caused her to procrastinate and fall behind academically. She started high school a few years behind peers her own age. The emotional and mental pain she experienced daily regarding the age gap prevented her from making friends, as she feared she would be bullied for reaching out to potential new peers. She felt swathed in anxiety, even so much that speaking felt like an insurmountable burden. 

Another student noted the overall lack of empathy and self-centered mindset some of their peers exhibit. “You never know what someone’s going through,” said an OH student, “and even though you might be going through something similar, you’re never fully in their shoes.” This view is a common trend in young adults, with many high school students all around the world suffering at the hands of others’ apathy and anger. 

In fact, this is such a prevalent issue that doctors have delved into the reasoning behind this deficiency of sensitivity. Professionals from PubMed Central performed a study with adolescents between 13 and 15 years old and adults 19-29. The groups both performed in tests gauging their levels of empathy, and the results showed a resounding average of adults being much more empathetic. The reasoning behind this is that teenagers’ brains simply haven’t formed completely. The part of the brain correlated with empathy and emotional reasoning is as unformed as their sense of self, making them severely susceptible to peer pressure, anger, and judgement.  

On a positive note, it’s easy to be kind to those around us, regardless of one’s age.  Something as simple as giving others compliments can improve one’s morale.  “It’s always the best feeling when someone compliments your hair, accessory, or outfit,” stated one student.

To every student who is feeling the pain of peer pressure, bullying, and anxiety; to every teenager whose story has been lost in a sea of homework, long classes, and gossip; to every adolescent who wishes to bask in even a single person’s kindness – you are not alone. No matter what challenge you are facing, no matter how stuck you may feel, remember that even the most stubborn fire dwindles, that even the greatest boulder weathers. Eventually, those small stars, those pinpricks of empathy, will be replaced by the brilliant gleam of the sun and everyone -no matter how forgotten, scared, or shamed one may feel- will be seen, heard, and understood.