On today's show, Adrian and Ethan discuss the link between poverty and education.

Close to 13 million children residing in the United States live in families with incomes below the federal poverty line, a threshold shown to underestimate the financial needs of American households. Research shows that, on average, families need an income of about twice that level to cover basic expenses.

Poverty and education are intricately linked. Education is a primary means of social mobility, that allows those born into poverty to rise in society and break the cycle. Meeting students' most basic needs, such as food and shelter, is essential for success at learning in school.

Hope is a powerful thing. If students think failure or low performance is likely, they'll probably not bother to try. Similarly, if they think they aren't smart enough and can't succeed, they'll probably not put out any effort.

Parent involvement also plays an important part in a student's academic success. When a child understands that education is important for his or her parents, then the child comes to value it as well. As is common in poor homes, both parents work, and one or both parents works 2-3 jobs just to survive.

World Kindness Day is a global day that promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself, and to the world. This day, celebrated on November 13 of each year, has the purpose to help everyone understand that compassion for others is what binds us all together. This understanding has the power to bridge the gap between nations.

The purpose of this day is to highlight the good deeds of people in their communities that focus on spreading positivity and kindness.

When children are part of activities that help others less fortunate than themselves, it provides them with a real sense of perspective, highlighting their own good fortune. Being generous helps them appreciate what they have, makes them feel useful, and fosters empathy.