This morning an NPR report commented on the plight of low income youth who are left out in the cold since parents are unable to afford the costs of their participation in extra-curricular activities such as football. This discussion and other conversations have continued to indicate that some parents' goal is for their children to become football, basketball, and other athletic stars rather than an interest in the child obtaining a solid education that will ultimately increase the chances to escape a life of poverty. Education continues to take a back seat as excuses continue that low income youth do not have a chance to succeed due to poverty, failing schools, undesirable living environment, no extra-curricular activities, etc., etc., etc. So, the cycle of poverty continues from generation to generations who have no problems affording the latest phones and electronic gadgets for their homes. Yet, when taking a look at the lives of youth in developing Caribbean or African countries, it is always inspiring to see children who may not have a satisfactory pair of shoes or uniform still do all that is possible to walk miles to school through dangerous conditions or terrain every single day. Many cannot afford books and do not have electricity to study or running water but they overcome such barriers to excel and successfully complete a difficulty curriculum to be awarded entry into local universities or even gain scholarships to the United States or United Kingdom where they excel. These students who may be dirt poor know the value of having an education - they have no excuses to be the best students.
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