Member of TN BPW/USA

Reality Check - On My Own

Norma Pettyjohn helps Amanda Waters, an eighth grader from Holladay, select her groceries for the month at the Reality Check--On My Own held on April 22 at Camden Jr. High

On Tuesday, April 22, the eighth grade students from Holladay, Big Sandy and Camden Junior High got a dose of the real world as they "shopped" in a simulation sponsored by Benton Co. BPW and UT Extension Agency (UT).  And they didn't always like what they saw.  The simulation, called Reality Check--On My Own, was the final chapter of a two-month classroom project sponsored by 4-H of UT

For two month, Heather Deckard of UT, traveled to the classrooms and presented plans that built upon each other, ultimately resulting in the simulation.  Heather worked with the students to determine what type of personality they were, such as Thinker, Doer, Helper, etc.  They then were able to select a career that fell into each of these categories, one that would be suited to their personalities.  She gave them a month's salary and taught them about taxes and insurance deductions.  They then had their "net salary" which was entered into a check register.  Next, Heather taught them how to write checks and keep up with their expenditures.  It was also determined if they were married or single and how many children, if any, they had.  On the day of the simulation, they started out, 25 years old, checkbook in hand, visiting the various "stores" where they could open a savings account, choose a place to live, pay for necessities, such as utilities, transportation, clothing, child care, food, insurance, and then some luxuries, such as cable and vacations.  The students had approximately 50 minutes to visit the 10 booths and make their choices.  They then proceeded to the "Curve Ball" booth where they drew to receive one of life's unexpected occurrences -- divorce, broken arm, new baby, speeding ticket, etc. -- and paid for it.  Sometimes, they received a bonus, such as a raise or a payoff on a lottery ticket.  Just like in the real world.  For most of these students it was a rude awakening to exactly what their parents face everyday.

Upon completion, the students filled out a survey and received a "goody bag" chock full of gifts from various businesses in the community including First Bank, Lakeside Federal Credit Union, Coca-Cola, Benton Co. Electric System, Carroll Bank & Trust, D&D Trucking, FB Mortgage, For Your Health Family Clinic and Benton Co. Sheriff's Dept.  The students also received a Reality Store calculator through the generosity of the sponsors.  Students' comments usually were the same--they couldn't believe how expensive things were and they learned a new respect for their parents.

This was the seventh year of this project for Benton Co. BPW and was deemed a success by all involved--children and adults alike.  The simulation was revamped this year in order to be able to work more closely with UT and to make it more cohesive with what the students learn in the classroom.  Benton Co. BPW took this project on as a way to get involved with the young people in the community.  Students are mandated by the State of Tennessee to choose a career path in the eighth grade.  It was felt that this was a good time for them to learn about the various job opportunities available and the likelihood of living on the salary of the careers they chose.  Teenage pregnancies and high school dropouts are at an all-time high.  Approximately 22% of Benton Co.'s population receives financial assistance from the State of Tennessee.  BPW members hoped that the students would see a direct result of the decisions they make in life--getting married, having children and overextending their budgets--and hopefully encourage them to think twice before making some of their choices. 

Laurie Pierce was the Chairperson of this event for the 7th time, and did an excellent job of pulling it all together.  She worked out the logistics of getting everyone in the right place at the right time.  The hardest part is coordinating the dozens of volunteers it takes to man the booths for the all-day event.  The volunteers got into their roles as "salesmen" and thought the new format was more user-friendly for all.  Laurie said, "These children are our future, and we hope to arm them with information that will help them make decisions that will affect them for the rest of their lives wisely."