What percent do you belong to?

I was discussing percentage today in Math class and I asked my students to imagine that the whole world is a village of 100 people. I told them that 99% will not be able to finish college and 1% will be able to finish college.

I asked my students which percentage they want to be part of. I was shocked to hear their answers. Many of them said that they will be part of the majority who will not be able to graduate and get a degree. It was not because they want to work after high school (because of the K to 12) but because they just don't see themselves being part of that 1%.

I was saddened by the fact that many of my students are not able to see the great future ahead of them. I am saddened by the fact that as early as now they do not have that courage to dream big for themselves. But I ask myself. Who is to blame? Is it the parents? Is the educational system that they were exposed to? Is it the society that they were raised in?

Honestly, I do not know and it's a waste of time to look for the one to blame. I realized that as their teacher, It's my moral obligation to help them see the great future that awaits them. As their teacher, It is my responsibility to help them dream.
It's a big challenge ahead.