Junior Achievement Kids

I got to meet my Junior Achievement kids last night.  There are 6 of us acting as advisors for about 18 grade 10 – 12 students.  Since it's the first night we used a little time to get to know each other.  A couple of things which surprised me.

 

First is how articulate some of these kids are.  Not all of them of course.  But I have to say I'm pretty impressed how well a few of them express themselves.

 

Second, more PF relevant, is how some kids talked about money and material things.  It's natural to want to impress those you just met.  It's interesting that some kids think they can do that by talking about their cars, and what ridiculously large amount they spent this summer.  Is this something they get from their parents?  Could be.  Maybe it's not a conscious thing.  For example, the other day, mum was talking about one of our cousins who recently got married.  I think within the first few minutes, I found out her husband's age and where he is from, that he owns a nice car, his own house, and makes good money at a big company (I still don't know his name).  Almost as if she approved of him based on what he earns and owns.  So if parents talk about people like this around their children, they are unconsciously teaching their children to think that money and possessions are the way to impress others and define how successful you are.

 

All in all they are a enthusiastic bunch of kids.  I'm looking forward to seeing how this company develops.  Next week we are brainstorming product ideas.