A middle school student dreaming about life after school — say around age 26 — might imagine driving a new Porsche and buying a state-of-the-art entertainment center.
At Reality U, the student could come away with a different perspective.
Great Bend Middle School students had that opportunity Wednesday when Reality U came to their building. This marked the 10th year that United Way of Central Kansas brought the simulation of navigating adulthood to GBMS.
Evan Wedel, now the public relations director for the city of Great Bend, was one of the community volunteers Wednesday, taking students’ utility payments after they acquired housing. He recalls being in one of the first Reality U groups as a student.
Students receive a fictional career and income, along with a variety of life circumstances that may include being married, having children or pets, student or other loan debt and a credit score. Students then navigate a series of real-world financial decisions, including housing, transportation, food, insurance and other expenses.
“These are things you don’t really think about as a student living at home,” Wedel said. The lessons hit home once he attended college and had to start taking steps toward self-reliance.
After the 45-minute simulation, students met with James Tully from the Pando Initiative, which created and operates Reality U.
“Which prices shocked you?” he asked. Answers varied: food, housing, utilities, child care.
The point of the exercise isn’t to discourage students from being parents in their adult lives, Tully said. But he told them, “Be prepared for how expensive child care is.”
Students were encouraged to make positive changes now that will help them get scholarships, better jobs and more successful lives in the future.
“An attitude of gratitude coupled with good financial habits will help set you up for life,” he said. “Do yourself a favor now. The attitude you start working on today can have a direct effect on your 26-year-old self.”
Students went through the simulation in shifts. They also attended breakout sessions with community members and school staff. Breakout topics and presenters were:
- The Cost of Delinquency — Great Bend Police Department
- Reality After High School — Becca Maxwell, Sunflower Bank
- Job Interview — GBHS JAG-K teachers
- Youth Crew — Tyler Morton, Barton County Juvenile Services
- Preparing for High School — Great Bend High School counselors
- Dealing with Stress — Center for Counseling & Consultation
Reality U was brought to Great Bend through UWCK with support from local business sponsors, volunteers and community partners.
