The world needs this. So much. More than once a year. It’s quite sad how little of it is taught in the US during Middle and High School. That’s when people need to start flexing that critical thinking muscle. My first high school only taught to the state test. I didn’t know what a thesis statement was as a sophomore. My dad transferred for a promotion during my sophomore year and I ended up at a great high school in another state, but I started having a really hard time keeping up, when I had been getting 100s in all of my honors classes before. Things like not knowing what a thesis statement was, or even being able to comprehend a book as hard as The Stranger at 16 was frustrating. I felt like my last school let me down. I ended up at a liberal arts college, which is failing pretty hard in this economy, but I enjoyed it. I know for a fact that I would not have been ready for college in any capacity whatsoever if I hadn’t attended my second high school that really pushed reading, critical thinking, and writing skills. My dad always told me that if I could write, I would be a valuable employee. I didn’t realize how many people couldn’t write until I got my dream job and had to fix important documents for people many GS levels above me. I didn’t end up with a hard skill, but I got internships, which landed me my dream job. I really enjoyed it and started grad school before I became very sick with a neurological condition that took away my independence. However, I still have my mind, so with advances in technology, like Siri, I can type. I can use audiobooks to read. I was so bitter that my parents moved me during the middle of high school, especially to a small high school, where I never made friends. But in hindsight, I hit the jackpot.