Letter to the Editor

Reality Experience offers a taste of life

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

To the Editor:

On Oct. 6, approximately 540 eighth-grade students participated in our seventh annual event called Reality Experience.

These students came from the four Putnam County middle schools and Eminence, plus several students who are home schooled. They were given an unique educational opportunity to "experience reality." It was sponsored by the service clubs of Greencastle: Kiwanis, Lions, and Rotary; plus two philanthropic sororities: Kappa Delta Phi and Delta Theta Tau.

Prior to arrival, the teachers helped each student select from a list of potential careers with approximate incomes. When they arrived at community building of the fairgrounds, the students learned how their income was drastically reduced by "taxes." They set up bank accounts with a savings account and a "check register" to track monthly expenses. Then the students decided on family size. From there, students saw how monthly expenses for housing, transportation, insurance, food, clothing, furniture, healthcare, etc. affected their standards of living.

The "Wheel of Life" gave them a chance to benefit from gifts or incur losses. They learned the cost of a DUI or other legal problems. From job or health issues or auto accidents they saw value of having insurance. With the money left in their accounts they could plan a cruise or settle on renting a DVD. If they ran out of money they would have a chance for a part-time income. Just like life's experiences!

These eighth-graders completed their experience by learning of community involvement, new career opportunities, and finally by voting on a current issue. This year they were asked to consider "if children fleeing from violence in foreign countries should be allowed to stay in this country."

The final result was three to one in favor of amnesty.

On behalf of all the students and over 130 volunteers, we wish to thank the following for their financial support: Kiwanis, Rotary, Delta Theta Tau, Kappa Delta Phi, First National Bank, North Salem State Bank and Tri-County Bank. The food/snacks for workers and students were provided by Lions. Thanks to all.

The sponsors, in turn, wish to thank the community's volunteers and to give special thanks to the teachers and advisers that prepared the students and guided them through the experience. A personal "thank-you" goes to Barbara Ashworth, who continued as our school coordinator/liaison.

Feedback from the volunteers, students, teachers and advisers continues to be very positive. Some have commented that the lessons learned that day awakened students to their need for education and wise money management. A counselor also commented that "Indiana law requires that all students in grades 6-12 have instruction in personal financial responsibility. The Reality Experience helps us meet this requirement." Most students had favorable comments like "I enjoyed learning about how much money my parents need to spend just to make our life better." Another said that "families are expensive and so is smoking."

The service clubs and sororities continue to believe that the hard work and dedication of all those involved was well spent, and we look forward to continuing to host this annual event.

Jim Maxwell

Chairman

Kiwanis Reality Experience