159 158 Chapter Eight: Faculty and Staff Testimonials Chapter Eight: Faculty and Staff Testimonials Others’ Needs and Who Can Offer Help “ I have heard students and staff talking about, “Don’t expect that everyone will understand your story, particularly when none of them have walked your path.” “This is just the worst scenario one can imagine, and I am experiencing it now.” It seems that everyone is in the most unfortunate situation one can imagine, e.g.., when they are sick, suffering from physical or mental stress, when a person breaks up with or loses his/her loved one, family disputes. Similar episodes haunt everyone all the time. Hearing these comments, each presented in their own way, I find them often shared one common theme – nobody understands or cares how bad it has been! When they accept this thought, they tend to keep more hiccups in lives to themselves. They feel being left out to struggle on their own, helpless in most cases; distress, anxiety and despair come later. Some do nothing and let the situation spiral downward to the point of collapse. Alternatively, people reach out to share with others. In reality, the situation may not have changed, but the outcome can be distinctly different and more positive outcome often results in the latter. People get over the trouble and find solution in the most desperate moment. Most important of all, they find hope and companion along the way. The problem is, we simply do not have enough people who are willing to listen. Everyone is too busy to engage. Maybe we all see each other as so unrelated with no shared experience (they have never walked my path!). On the other hand, would you consider doing the same if the stressful situation happens to your loved ones, a family member, your parents, your kids? I would simply plead for your attention here; ask yourself one question, “Are you willing to help, and if anything is needed?” It is very possible that we don’t know what part of ourselves to give, but simply listen. Believe me, 15 minutes of non-judgmental listening, 10 minutes of sharing the pain, and 5 minutes of showing your empathy. That is all it takes to make a change to your classmates, friends and colleagues. We can do so without complete understanding of what kind of trouble they have, and yet an impact has been made since in these few minutes, we are one. That is what’s most needed to heal and to recover. Take this challenge on, and I am sure this community can be a better place for us all to grow. ” Prof King Chow Professor, Division of Life Science Director, Center for the Development for the Gifted and Talented Acting Dean of Students, Dean of Students’ Office
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