I have the privilege and challenge of bringing the Junior Achievement curriculum called Global Marketplace to 8th Graders at Williston Middle School. They have learned that unbeknownst to them, they are already heavily participating in the global marketplace. They are wearing imported clothes and shoes, eating imported snacks, using imported ink in their printer cartridges, riding to school in cars assembled with imported parts, and listening to the faint chug a lug of 55 trains passing through Williston daily, largely transporting imported goods from one end of the country to the other.

We learned about free trade and consequently, trade barriers like quotas, tariffs, standards and embargos. The evening news brings fresh examples of these issues: recent findings of lead based paint in Chinese toys and yet another scare of mad cow disease and what it will mean for Canadian beef imports.

Next we looked at the challenges and opportunities companies embrace when they step over the threshold into international business. We need to bridge language differences, understand unique customs and traditions, business practices and their citizens’ values. I could contribute from my experience working with the Japanese as North Star Caviar has close business relationships with more than one international customer. We adults often do not realize companies like Adidas, Lipton Tea, Nestle, and Michelin are not uniquely American but actually international corporations whose home country is overseas. They have adapted their business in specific ways to be successful in the US.

The class material I chose did not avoid the unpleasant aspect of international child labor and its contribution to our economy, most of the time again, unbeknownst to us. We were all shocked at the numbers put forth by the International Labor Organization estimating 250 million (yes, million) child laborers, not attending school or working in dangerous or hazardous occupations. Eighth graders care about their peers in these situations, and didn’t realize just how pervasive it was.

The revolution in productivity and quantity of consumer goods available come by both genius and ingenious means. It is nearly impossible to avoid participating in the global economy. If you used a Q-tip this morning or spread Skippy peanut butter on your toast, you’ve participated.. If you poured yourself a cup of coffee or tea today, you’ve participated. It’s been a privilege to learn just how global even our local economy is: North Dakota is home to 400 companies that export $1.6 billion in goods and services annually. That means that even though North Star Caviar exported $355,000 in product - that was a mere .02 of 1 percent of North Dakota’s exports! Williston itself is home to at least 10 companies that export. Next time you are asked to volunteer in a classroom, why not say “yes”? If you are like me, you will learn far more than the students you will teach, and you will gain respect for the art of capturing the attention of young people in a way that makes them want to hear what you have to say. Those are valuable lessons at any age.