ECMS Students Experience Real Life Scenarios During School Program

Students receive scenarios before visiting tables.

Moriah Peterson, story and photos:
Edmonson County 8th graders participated in the Reality Store program at the middle school Thursday morning March 14, 2019. 

The purpose of the program is teach students about real life expenses. "I hope the school continues to do this program, especially with this age group, " said volunteer Scott Lindsey. "This program allow students to start making decisions now to better their future."  

Before attending the Reality Store students filled out a questionnaire and then drew for a career and how many children they will have to create a life scenario. After students received their scenarios they spent the morning rotating through the gym visiting tables to buy a house, a vehicle, insurances, and pay bills. ​

This program is the first step in Operation Preparation which continues throughout high school in preparing students to graduate college and career ready. 

"The students are given salaries based on their careers, then we take out taxes and the goal for the students is to have money left over after visiting all the tables and paying for their monthly living expenses, said Youth Services Center Coordinator, Morgan Esters. "This is how real life works, and I think the program shows students the importance of their future choices and how those choices will affect their adulthood."

After participating in the Reality Store students took a post survey which asked questions about getting education after high school, making wise financial decisions and saving money.