There's a greater need today for much more empathy and compassion than ever before. However, even though more people need it, less people are actively supporting one another. Between government cuts, deportations, world conflict, prejudice and discrimination we have found ourselves in an endless debt of sympathy and solicitude. I've witnessed this firsthand over the past few years, the phrase “Hurt people hurt people” is more true than ever. My background, a gifted student coming from a place of poverty and need, gives me a unique compassion for those going through similar situations that I have faced. This, combined with my studies in psychology, can allow me to show people how much basic kindness can help someone. A campaign stressing the importance of empathy in hard times may open the community to understanding while they themselves are in need, it doesn't mean they should lose the will to help others. There is a need today for more empathy and compassion than ever before. However, even though more people are struggling, fewer people seem willing to support one another. Between government cuts, global conflict, prejudice, and discrimination, many people feel isolated and emotionally drained. As a result, we find ourselves in what seems like a never ending cycle of hurt people hurting others, and people being shamed for who they are and their identity is on the rise. Over the past few years, I've watched how stress, poverty and world instability affect the way people treat each other. And because of my own background, growing up in poverty and often having to navigate difficult situations without consistent support, I've developed a deep sense of compassion for others in similar circumstances. My experiences have taught me not only how painful these challenges can be, but also how powerful even a small act of kindness or understanding can feel when you're struggling. By pursuing Psychology in my higher education, i hope to break this cycle. I want to use what i learn to show people that empathy is not weakness, its a tool that can heal, connect and grow communities. One solution i envision is creating a campaign centered on sympathy and kindness during hard times. By encouraging people to understand the struggles around them, we can remind them that even when they are hurting, they still have the ability to show compassion to others. Empathy will not solve every problem, but inspiring it can reconnect people who feel forgotten, and that alone can change lives.