If you want a surprisingly accurate predictor of success, don't look at a child's SAT scores... look at how often they traveled during their childhood.
When we expose young people to new experiences, new cultures, and changes in environment, we are starting a process of adaptation and learning that will continue later in life.
Most of us have some memory of traveling with our family as young children - whether it was vacationing, visiting family, or simply going somewhere new. Despite the occasional flashbacks of being stuck in the backseat for hours while battling your siblings, what we really take from these experiences are closer families, great memories, and open minds.
I often hear about teens who have never been privileged enough to venture more than a few blocks away from their neighborhood, let alone out of the state or country. Some live their entire lives never truly experiencing what the world has to offer.
We live in incredible times. Technology allows us to visit people and places that a generation or two ago would have been impossible. We're able to make journeys of thousands of miles in hours instead of weeks. Despite the rising cost of fuel, transportation by air, rail, and car is more accessible to the average citizen today than anytime in human history.
Don't miss the opportunity. Visit the friends and family you don't see often, while you still can. See the places others just read about. Make the time for it.
We owe it to ourselves. We owe it to our family.
Posted By: Jon C.
Wednesday, August 6th 2008 at 3:38PM
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