Referencing the Future

There is this concept in the business world, “Referencing the Future,” that drives much of what happens economically throughout the world. Representatives look at future markets and then speculate on the supply and demand cycles,  then the Wall Street price rears its ugly head.  That makes the price of gasoline what it is – speculation.   Businesses also speculate on what the future needs will be in the world and just how they can contribute; I mean how they can get a piece of the pie.  The vast majority of companies are in business for one reason – to make money.  They may paint a different picture through some nifty advertising and catchy slogans, but they’re not really fooling anyone – it comes down to the Almighty Dollar.  Come on, does anyone really think that pharmaceutical companies do all that advertising on television just to make us feel better? Heck, when you hear about all of the possible side effects, opting to play the odds may seem like the easier choice. One laxative product commercial touts that “it works while you sleep”.  I’m not sure that I want that. 

Education, in general, is also about “Referencing the Future” at different levels.  Globally, the push for a greater emphasis on technology-driven learning opportunities, such as “Anywhere, Anytime Learning” and blended learning come to mind.  It is important that we, as teachers, reference the future.  The future that we are preparing kids for is far different than what my teachers prepared me for…or is it?  It’s easy to look at this younger generation and offer a lamentation on how they can possibly take care of us in our later years.  Sometimes their actions do cause concern about how the world will be when they are in control.  That hasn’t changed over the generations.  Not only did my parents wonder if I could provide for the future, but I am pretty sure that Adam and Eve had some discussions about Cain and Abel.  Here it is – make it a point not to get caught up in that talk about this generation not being ready to take care of us later on.  Instead, let’s do something about it now.  Reference the goals you would like them to achieve.  Let them know just what it is that you want them to “get smarter about.”   Pour into the kids that you teach.  Infuse some practical knowledge along the way.  Show them how things tie together.  Teach them about the relevance of your subject.  Get excited about what you do.  Tell them how this affects future college and career readiness.  Make the most of every opportunity.  Ponder this for a moment – some student, under your direction today, may be a future President, the scientist who discovers a cure for cancer, or the writer of words that stir a nation.  The investment you make today in the lives of these kids will pay rich dividends.  Our future is determined by the influence we have on the present.  As we “reference the future”, remember that it is sitting right in front of us.