As Ohio University students hustle to class daily, they often forget they are in one of the most poverty stricken counties in the country.
A study recently published by Science Daily found that college students are 40 percent less empathetic than they were 30 years ago.
Douglas Mann, assistant professor of medical decision-making and medical informatics, said there is no true formula for empathy and it is not a universally shared emotion.
The idea of empathy has an intellectual understanding component : 'Can I understand maybe how you see things?' Then there is more of an emotional component: 'If you're hurt
do I feel your pain?' he said.
Brytton McGuire, a sophomore who was born and raised in Chauncey, said she feels students who are not native to Southeast Ohio are often unaware of the region's struggles.
My family was involved in the (September) tornado and the van and my dad's car were really screwed up from it McGuire said. We had to rely on my car to get everywhere
and because of that
I missed some classes. ... If you're in a dorm
then that just isn't something you worry about.
Mann said that concerns regarding future employment also might contribute to feelings of self-importance and a lack of empathy.
Back in the day
you could afford to be altruistic. You knew that after you graduated there would be a job there for you
he said. Young people today are a bit more concerned with themselves
maybe a little less others-centered.
McGuire, who commutes, had not seen much of the OU campus prior to enrollment.
I just never went to town that much. I always spent time out in the boonies or the countryside where I live
she said.
Ross Crist, a graduate student studying recreation management, said that empathy for others benefits not only those in need but also those who offer assistance.
Students should care about their surroundings because the school and the surrounding go hand-in-hand. In essence
Ohio University is Athens and Athens is Ohio University
