I believe empathy is the answer. Empathy requires action, both in a willingness to see another's experience as meaningful as our own and to respond thoughtfully. Then, the only valuable question left to ask is, are you willing to act in empathy?

I have partnered with iEmpathize and BASE Education to impact the lives of at-risk teenagers. Base Education uses a series of teaching modules designed as powerful tools to positively intervene in the lives of teenagers. Many of our nation’s at-risk teenagers who display signs of emotional and metal distress and/or destructive behaviors, do not receive the therapeutic attention they need in school. Instead they are punished and the source of the issue ignored. These educational modules are designed to address the underlying issue and seize a powerful teachable moment in the lives of teenagers. In the module, students learn about the issue, what barriers to overcoming the issue might be, and how to build tools for success. Students are also offered the opportunity to reflect and write on their own experiences. The insight gained directly from the student through these modules allows administration and counselors to respond to the student’s needs on a deeper level, empowering change and healing.

One of the ways in which students learn in these modules is by connecting directly to someone’s personal story. The story is told through images and quotes, relating to the issue at hand. I have partnered with iEmpathize to photograph the stories of people whose lives have overcome challenge and individuals who are empowered to help others. The photographs of these personal stories is the visual content for the BASE modules. These modules will be used by BASE Education and iEmpathize to address the needs of at-risk youth in a teaching and therapeutic approach.