The Hidden Depths: Understanding Beyond Assumptions

May 28

We’ve all done it, we’ve formed a quick opinion about someone based on how they look, speak, or behave. But what if we paused before jumping to conclusions? What if we chose curiosity instead of judgment?

The Value of Curiosity

It is common practice to form rapid judgments about individuals based on superficial observations. However, considering a deliberate pause before drawing conclusions is crucial. Opting for curiosity over judgment reveals underlying narratives.

At POAC Succeed, we instruct both students and staff to delve into deeper understanding.

Ask Questions over making assumptions.
Rather than resorting to labeling, engage actively in listening.
In lieu of assuming negative intent, seek to understand the context behind the behavior.

This approach facilitates the breakdown of barriers, the enhancement of empathy, and the mending of relationships, as individuals choose to acknowledge the entirety of a person, not just surface traits.

At POAC Succeed, it is our conviction that each student, educator, and community member possesses a complex background, with the majority of it remaining unseen.

An iceberg floats in the ocean with a small 10% tip above the water labeled “What we SEE” and a much larger 90% section below the surface labeled “What’s under the surface?”. It illustrates how most of a person’s story is hidden.

Beyond Assumptions Cont ..

At POAC, we teach that what we see on the surface is often only 10% of a person's story. The other 90% is their experiences, fears, dreams, struggles, and needs that remains unseen.

When we rush to judgement, we respond to the 10%. When we pause and practice compassion, we begin to learn the 90%. We are not here to fix anyone.

We are here to:

Pause before judging
Become aware of our own thoughts
Seek understanding instead of assumptions
And choose connection over conclusions

Why Assumptions Can Be Harmful

Assumptions often turn into labels
Labels create distance
Distance leads to exclusion, shame, and isolation
And no human being wants to feel embarrassed or misunderstood

When we assume, we decide a story without ever hearing it.

Our Shared Responsibility

Every classroom, hallway, lunch table, home, and workplace is shaped by the choices we make in small moments. When we interrupt assumptions and choose awareness instead, we:

Protect one another from emotional harm
Build cultures of belonging
And teach students how to be compassionate leaders not silent bystanders

POAC Truth

You don't have to fully understand someone to treat them with dignity.

You just have to be willing to pause.

About the Author

Dr. Tracy Platt President of Educational Strategies, POAC Succeed

Dr. Tracy Platt is an experienced educator and leader who has spent more than 25 years supporting students, staff, and school communities. Her work focuses on trauma awareness, student behavior, and building systems that help people feel safe, valued, and connected. Tracy has served as a teacher, principal, and district leader, and she now guides POAC Succeed’s educational strategy with clarity and compassion. Her writing reflects her commitment to helping students understand themselves and feel seen in their school environment.

Lourin Jadde

I am a KC based Squarespace designer and strategist who builds clean, easy to use websites for small businesses. I focus on clarity, structure, and simple systems that help owners feel confident running their brand online. My work is rooted in local community, thoughtful design, and making the web feel less overwhelming for real people.

https://lourindossantos.com