Reality Store is a reality check for 8th graders

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Published: Wednesday, 07 October 2015 00:00

Many young people don’t know what they want to be in life, but many have a good idea of what type of life they want to live in relation to material goods and technology.

Reality Store provides students with the chance to learn about careers, and envision their life at age 28. This experience quickly becomes a reality check for many. 

“The Reality Store is a realistic look into their future,” said Natalie Daily Federer, director of Purdue Extension of Pulaski County. “The kids research and pick a career and then are provided a salary and have to learn to budget their money as they pay taxes, school loans, purchase a car and house and much more.”

Reality Store, which will take place at West Central Middle School on Oct. 22 is designed to be an educational experience for eighth-grade students to promote completing high school and seeking secondary education. Students move throughout the Reality Store to purchase what they need in life and to learn about higher education, budgeting their money and what it takes to live the life they want to live. As they work their way around the Reality Store, they also encounter unexpected events which often throw them for financial or personal loops. 

“When they unexpectedly have a child, and have to pay for food, clothing and daycare, that really makes the students take a step back and see how expensive raising a child is,” said Daily Federer. 

“They sometimes try to return the child which is unrealistic and humorous, but we explain to them that it doesn’t work that way. They may need to return their cell phone or get a cheaper vehicle to make their budget work.” 

The Reality Store is offered in partnership with West Central 8th grade and the Purdue Cooperative Extension Office of Pulaski County. If you have questions about Reality Store, please contact the Extension Office at 574-946-3412.