Wellness Corner 38: Let People Surprise You

Hey Falcons,

One of my favorite films is Rocky. It’s 47 years old, but seems timeless. When I watched Rocky for the first time in theaters and the final fight scene came on, the whole audience whistled, clapped, and shouted their support at the screen. Everyone was rooting for the underdog with the same vigor as they did four decades ago.

The human race always backs the underdog. We always believe in people’s potential, no matter the odds. I believe that proclivity is especially strong in America, the land of possibility and opportunity. 

Why is it, then, that in a classroom or social setting, we students are so quick to shut out people we deem as “different” or “less than?” The answer lies in our rigid adherence to first impressions, willingness to form impressions based on what our friends tell us, and the ductility of our minds to adapt to what we are surrounded by.

Monk-turned-millionaire Jay Shetty once said “People will surprise you if you let them."

More often than not, the people whom we underestimate are the ones who go on to achieve great things. Letting people explain who they are and what they think, and giving them an honest-to-goodness chance, can eliminate stereotypes and broaden your mindset. Being more accepting can allow you to get to know people both similar to and different from you better too.

Let’s try to be more open, stray from first impressions, and really get to know people, no matter how different from or similar to us they seem.

Stay well,

Eshaan