From "The Cynic's Guide To Being A Teacher"

When examining extra-curricular activities, we must ask one basic question: where do people FAIL?

As educators, we only exert a small influence over children. In fact, most kids would rather be watching television than attending a class.

Over the course of their academic lives, kids learn and unlearn many skills. Math, science, art - it all goes through one ear and out the other. When it comes to college, and a career, most academic study was preparation for the world of mind-numbing, 50 hour work weeks.

Those lucky few individuals who manage to earn a graduate degree or a Doctorate, usually take on the burden of many thousands of dollars in debt.

The rest of the populace ends up in a life of servitude in a cutthroat job market.

If we are truly preparing children for an adult life in the "real world", we may want to focus on a few areas that cause many people undue suffering.

What causes suffering in today's world?

1. Divorce
2. Bankruptcy
3. Debt
4. Job Stress
5. Alcoholism

Perhaps the most effect lesson we can teach children is the ability to be persistent, tenacious, and resilient.