We got into a great discussion today. One of the kids quoted the time worn comment, "Why should we study this, I'll never use it."

Brett: What are you going to be doing in 10 years?

Kid: I want to be a radiologist.

That doesn't answer my question. What are you going to be doing in 10 years?

Kid: I don't know.

Brett: Then how do you know which subject you learn here will help you then?

Kid: Oh.

Brett: I use geometry and algebra all the time in my carpentry work.

Kid: I'm not going to be a carpenter.

Brett: How do you know that? You just told me that you don't know what you'll be doing in ten years. Suppose a carpentry job is all that's available?

At that point the kid conceded that maybe she might need some of this stuff after all.

Another conversation from today.

Kid: College is expensive.

Brett: There are ways to reduce the expense.

Kid: How?

Brett: You start with good grades.

Kid: Ugh!

Sigh, these kids have no interest. They are smart kids but they cannot be prodded into doing the work.