A time I showed empathy toward someone different from me was while volunteering at Saint Therese Senior Living. I spent time visiting residents, many of whom were much older than me and had completely different life experiences. At first, it felt a little awkward because I didn’t always know what to say, and some residents were quiet or hesitant to talk. One resident in particular stood out; his name was Berne. I started volunteering during dinner hours from four to six and helped serve meals every Sunday. Each night had a different menu. Over time, I got to know what he liked. He told me he went to UW-Madison, which is where I’ll be going next year, so we always had something to talk about while I served him. One Sunday night, when the menu included meatloaf, his favorite dish, he lit up and told me stories about the small diner he used to visit back home. Over the next several visits, we kept talking every evening. He shared stories about his family, his job, and life at college. I made sure to listen and respond to even the little details so he could see that I genuinely cared. I realized that showing empathy wasn’t about saying the perfect thing; it was about being patient, present, and making someone feel valued. By the end of my time volunteering, he looked forward to seeing me each Sunday. That change showed me how much of a difference it makes when someone feels noticed and included. Even though we came from completely different generations, I felt a real connection with him because I took the time to understand him. This experience showed me that empathy isn’t about having the same experiences; it’s about stepping up and meeting people where they are. Small actions like listening or sharing a meal can make a real impact. Football has reinforced that mindset. Being on a team taught me that everyone has a role. And like my coach said, “the star of the team is the team.” On the field, nothing works without trust, communication, and patience. Those lessons from coach Fritze carry over into life, shaping how I treat people every day. Volunteering at Saint Therese and playing football have taught me the value of looking out for others, having their back, and making sure no one feels left out. Those lessons stick with me every day, whether I’m on the field, in the classroom, or just interacting with people around me.