Post by momto4 on May 4, 2010 10:52:07 GMT -5
www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=377436&src=10
Waubonsie sophomores get glimpse of reality
Despite our parents' constant warnings that money doesn't grow on trees, many of us don't learn that lesson until it's too late when we're smacked with a good dose of reality.
Last week, Waubonsie Valley freshmen and sophomores got that smack a few years early, thanks to a visit to the "Reality Store."
Social Worker Gina Bogin said the two-day event is designed to have students envision their life at the age of 25 as they peer into the future and choose an occupation and lifestyle.
The two-day program began Wednesday with students completing career-planning activities and receiving a monthly "paycheck" for their chosen profession. On Thursday, they deducted taxes and social security before paying their monthly bills, which include essential items like insurance, transportation and mortgage as well as shopping for food, clothing and luxury items.
"Every year, without fail, we have students who decide their chosen career will support a family and children," she said. "Then they shop for a flat-screen TV or a Maserati, realize they can't afford it and try to give the baby back. That's always a fun discussion when they realize that's not an option."
The goal is to have each student successfully budget the correct amount of money from their paycheck and learn about the expenses of adulthood.
Sophomore Edta Patel learned a harsh lesson after deciding on a career as a clinical psychologist.
"I thought I'd get a fancy house and a nice car and nice clothes and have money left over," she said after completing her Reality Store project. "But I had to start out in a single-bedroom apartment wearing some pretty blah, middle-of-the-road clothes. I was really surprised how fast my money disappeared."
Sophomore Zach Holland, however, pretty much confirmed what he already knew; that he's headed to the Air Force as an officer.
"It's what I want to do in real life and this exercise proved it to be the perfect career for me," he said. "I don't have many of the expenses that some other students have because the military pays stipends for my housing and transportation, so I was able to bank $1,500 in savings per month with my career."
Bogin said the two-day event, planned while upperclassmen are testing, is always popular with students and the parent volunteers.
"Our parents are great with this because they are vested in giving their kids and our students the tools they need to achieve a successful future," Bogin said. "As underclassmen, the goal of the event is to help students not only reflect on short-term goals, but also plan long-term career goals and even future lifestyle goals 10 years down the road."
Waubonsie sophomores get glimpse of reality
Despite our parents' constant warnings that money doesn't grow on trees, many of us don't learn that lesson until it's too late when we're smacked with a good dose of reality.
Last week, Waubonsie Valley freshmen and sophomores got that smack a few years early, thanks to a visit to the "Reality Store."
Social Worker Gina Bogin said the two-day event is designed to have students envision their life at the age of 25 as they peer into the future and choose an occupation and lifestyle.
The two-day program began Wednesday with students completing career-planning activities and receiving a monthly "paycheck" for their chosen profession. On Thursday, they deducted taxes and social security before paying their monthly bills, which include essential items like insurance, transportation and mortgage as well as shopping for food, clothing and luxury items.
"Every year, without fail, we have students who decide their chosen career will support a family and children," she said. "Then they shop for a flat-screen TV or a Maserati, realize they can't afford it and try to give the baby back. That's always a fun discussion when they realize that's not an option."
The goal is to have each student successfully budget the correct amount of money from their paycheck and learn about the expenses of adulthood.
Sophomore Edta Patel learned a harsh lesson after deciding on a career as a clinical psychologist.
"I thought I'd get a fancy house and a nice car and nice clothes and have money left over," she said after completing her Reality Store project. "But I had to start out in a single-bedroom apartment wearing some pretty blah, middle-of-the-road clothes. I was really surprised how fast my money disappeared."
Sophomore Zach Holland, however, pretty much confirmed what he already knew; that he's headed to the Air Force as an officer.
"It's what I want to do in real life and this exercise proved it to be the perfect career for me," he said. "I don't have many of the expenses that some other students have because the military pays stipends for my housing and transportation, so I was able to bank $1,500 in savings per month with my career."
Bogin said the two-day event, planned while upperclassmen are testing, is always popular with students and the parent volunteers.
"Our parents are great with this because they are vested in giving their kids and our students the tools they need to achieve a successful future," Bogin said. "As underclassmen, the goal of the event is to help students not only reflect on short-term goals, but also plan long-term career goals and even future lifestyle goals 10 years down the road."