What are Real World Problems?

I Googled  "What are Real World Problems?" - the following two paragraphs are from the first article that popped up from Education Week.  Interestingly though, it brought up a STEM article despite the search containing nothing about "STEM."  

"If you want to engage students and get them excited about what they are learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics classes, ask them to tackle a real-world problem. Then watch their amazement as they realize what they are learning in class actually has real-world applications.

Working on solutions to real-world problems is the heart of any STEM investigation. These solutions may include devices and designs that improve our lives, fulfill our needs or wants, and make our world better. From designing a better pen to figuring out how to assist areas lacking access to clean drinking water...."

As we try to make things better in the classroom for all, I sometimes think we are creating a greater divide. Think about it, you're sitting in a classroom worried where you're getting your next meal or if your parents can make rent or maybe you're worried about your safety in your neighborhood but the two kids next to you are researching ways to make a safer car or a shatterproof iPhone.   What are you going to do?  Your real world problems are not the same as your classmates' so rather than stand out, you fit in.   Your problems and the problems of many others don't get addressed because it's easier to do easy things and harder to accept and face the challenges you see every day.   We read and talk about countless heroes in our classrooms but how much time do we spend talking about the motivation and the courage it took to stand out?  We need to embrace and celebrate everyone's real world challenge so our students can be brave enough to face them in and outside of the classroom.