Takeaways:

• Your zip code doesn't define your opportunities; it's really about the people around you.
• Having friendships with people from different economic backgrounds can really boost your chances of success.
• Teaching kids to be open-minded and curious is key to breaking down barriers.
• Experiencing different environments and cultures helps in understanding and appreciating diversity.
• Making connections with a variety of people can be more valuable than any formal education.
• Encouraging kids to step outside their comfort zones can lead to wonderful growth and friendships.

Links referenced in this episode:

• jamesabrown.net

This is the Daily Note.

I'm James A.

Brown.

Your zip code matters less than who's at your lunch table.

Harvard researchers analyzed millions of people and found that poor kids with friendships across economic backgrounds have a better shot at climbing out of poverty.

It's more important than your school or your neighborhood.

Now, we can't force kids to sit together or to be friends, but you can teach them to be open and curious.

That's why I tell kids who grew up poor like I did to go away to school, to see more of this country, in this world, to meet people who live even a little bit differently than you do and learn to love the difference.

Because your zip code matters less than who's at your lunch table.

What do you think?

Let me know on jamesabrown.net or on that note.

I'm James A.

Brown, and as always, be well.