Reality Store: Life Experience from VTCE
Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension Agent Tyler Painter has designed a financial outlook program geared to middle schoolers called Reality Store. Community volunteers filled stations like banking, communication, childcare, housing, insurance, clothing and more.
At Central Academy Middle School on Monday students learned the cost of living adult life. For many it was eyeopening.They were portrayed as single, single parents, couples with or without children.
Painter told the students, “There are second jobs over at the table that also holds the Crystal Ball.” It gave unexpected good or bad surprises, like alimony, car repairs etc.
Each student was given a salary to make living and life experience fit in to a budget. Over 100 students participated. Financial readiness skills in place, most said they are glad they are not yet adults.
Story and photos Cathy Benson
