Students shopping at Kroger

As everyone knows, growing up is hard and there are many challenges that come along the way. Everyone comes to a point in his or her life where they have to file for loans and build a budget. Salem Middle School teacher Monika Spaulding recently gave her students a head start on learning this skill when she took her Preparing for College and Careers classes to Finance Park. 

After several lessons of learning about income, risk management, budgeting, etc., the kids were excited to go on the field trip. When the class arrived at the facility in Louisville, they participated in a simulation where they were dealt different lifestyles: some were single, married, married with kids and divorced with kids. When the simulations started there were different stages they had to go through, which included medical bills to pay, loans to apply for and they also had to make sure they had enough to support their children. Spaulding’s class quickly learned that adulting is hard and things don't come easy. Several ran out of money before they got to the basics of food and necessities due to spending too much on things like vehicles and their housing choices.

Student Lauren Davidson said she was “super excited” about the activity and the things she learned.

The students worked really hard and got through Finance Park feeling both joy and frustration. At the conclusion of the day, students were able to win a prize for completing the activity. 

Spaulding said it was a great day. She hopes that when the students get older and have to face these real-life situations they remember this activity. 

“Several students were quite overwhelmed by the income they were given and how expensive life can be,” she said. “It was very eye opening for them!” 

Spaulding said she is thankful to Junior Achievement for the opportunity and to First Harrison Bank, whose support of the program allowed SMS students to go for free. 

“It was a memorable experience for all of these students,” said Spaulding. “I’m thankful for this awesome opportunity they had.”

Students in Bryan Putnam’s classes also participated in the trip.