Teaching high-school math and science to students ages 12 to19 puts me in a unique position to shape the future. Inspiring the next generation to think critically about humanity's trajectory is deeply intrinsic to my teaching philosophy. That intrinsic analytical propensity induces me to wonder about the future of humanity.

The conflict in Iran has emerged as the defining global event captivation. This geopolitical crisis is actively reshaping language and culture. For instance, a Brazilian labour leader recently declared that their union would ‘fight like an Iranian’, signalling how wartime rhetoric is permeating global social movements. The digital age is pushing us away from face-to-face interaction and deeper into the virtual world. Here in the Caribbean, the "scrubbing" dance perfectly captures this shift. Being in my early 50s, the idea of grinding intimately with a stranger feels absurd, but it's second nature to the younger generation.

Further, the proliferation of artificial intelligence threatens to erode cognitive development. Even individuals who rely entirely on digital tools now depend on AI to draft mundane tasks like lesson plans, a process that is vital for professional growth. By outsourcing this thinking, we risk cultivating a society that lacks intellectual vigour and critical reasoning skills. If we allow algorithms to compose our resumes, cover letters, and everyday communications, we sacrifice our own capacity for independent thought and intellectual agility.