As a student at the Mount, one phrase you’re often reminded of is:
“Meet People Where They Are.”
But oftentimes, we, the students, don’t take the time to really process and apply what the statement means. For it is more than just a simple task of being kind; it’s a way of living your life in a deep and loving way.
For me, I’ve heard this phrase not only from the Mount, but also from my mom, Donnette. My mom is someone that I always admire and look up to, as her constant kindness and warmth never fail to brighten my day. I aspire to be like her in a lot of the pieces of my life.
After four years at Mount, and numerous conversations with my mom, I have finally come to understand the hidden and unhidden messages of the phrase, and this is what I have discovered:
- Be an effective communicator.
You can’t expect someone to know what you’re going through, and likewise you don’t know what they are going through.
By being an effective communicator with the people around you, you can help ease the load of whatever is going on. There is no need to suffer in silence in a world full of community. Don’t allow the overwhelming chaos of the world to crush you, but instead use it to propel you.
- Don’t judge someone based on what you heard about them.
One of the biggest issues in today’s society is that we often form our own opinions, thought systems, and beliefs off of those of another. By doing this, we lose the ability to make genuine decisions and more often than expected, we lose the opportunity to form life-changing connections.
In my mom’s work, she deals with people from all around the world who have different perspectives, backgrounds, and outlooks on life. But by approaching everyone as if they were a blank slate, she has met some of her closest friends.
- Be an active, avid, and observant listener.
In my opinion, there is nothing more unsatisfying, or honestly annoying, than having a conversation with someone and realizing that they aren’t even listening to you. Don’t be the person who makes someone feel unheard. With all the pressure of the world around us, be the kind face that someone can go to when they need something—which leads to my next point.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
For some reason, there’s a stigma around asking for help—whether it’s from peers, teachers, faculty, family, etc. Yet, asking for help is essential to success in life. Think of it this way: Would you rather spend countless hours struggling with something that could easily be solved by simply asking, “May you help me with something?”
When I was a freshman, I was afraid to ask for help because honestly, I didn’t want to be seen as vulnerable or weak. But over time, I’ve learned that the support we receive can push us further than we ever imagined.
- Be respectful.
This sounds so easy, right? Being respectful involves being patient and understanding, and being willing to accept things that may not go your way. The quote by R.G. Rach about respect is one that my mom recently told me, that says:
Although she used to say this to me when I wasn’t being very kind towards her, she now repeats it to me as a reminder of how the world works. You can’t expect someone to respect you or treat you fairly if you don’t do the same.
- Look for the good in people.
In a world surrounded by negativity, why look for the negative in the people around you? Why waste your time being a Debbie downer, when there is so much beauty that exists? It would be hypocritical of me to act like I haven’t done this before. I used to be such a negative person and would only look at the downsides of situations. But what I’ve learned from the Mount is that goodness is hidden all around us, often right in front of our faces.
- “People” also means yourself.
‘You can’t help others without first helping yourself’ is a common phrase often said by many people because it is so true. Meeting yourself where you are is just as important as meeting others where they are. Take time to acknowledge your own struggles and how you are feeling. TAKE BREAKS! School is serious, but there’s no need to be dying over it.
My mom used to desire perfection, but in that she often lost herself. I hate to admit that I’ve seen those parts of her in me, but I sometimes do. However, I am ready to overcome that negativity because of her. She always meets me where I am in the times where I am upset about my grades or something related to school.
When life was hard on me, she was there for me and I want to be able to do the same to others.
- Forgive.
Forgiveness is not just about letting go of others’ mistakes, but about freeing yourself from the burden of anger. Of course everyone makes mistakes, but more importantly, everyone needs forgiveness. By allowing yourself to forgive, you are helping yourself to grow as a person. I don’t believe you necessarily have to ‘forgive and forget,’ but forgiveness is essential to meeting people where they are. Sometimes you just have to agree to disagree with someone and leave a situation on good terms.
- Model the life of Jesus.
As a Catholic School, we are taught daily to be like Jesus Christ. In the beginning of my high school journey, I knew of Jesus but I honestly did not know Jesus. I knew the simple facts and popular stories from the Bible, but that was the extent of it. Around my Junior year, I was able to find Jesus and understand what it means to be a real Christian—outside of Church and arranged events. We can model the life of Jesus by loving others and by showing people grace and compassion, without expecting anything in return.
Jesus is more than a historical figure—He’s the standard of love. He met people where they were, even those who persecuted Him and disliked Him. We should strive to do the same!
If we work together to follow this phrase, we can create a more empathetic and world of kindness. When you take the time to follow this, you can also become happier and have a positive outlook on life.
