Bullock Creek High School Reality Store 2014
This year we have the pleasure of hosting a Reality Store here at Bullock Creek High School. Bullock Creek High School in conjunction with the Midland Area Chamber of Commerce has joined forces to bring the Reality Store to our 11th graders here at The Creek. This program was created by the Business and Professional Women’s Organization. The Reality Store was developed to help teens start thinking about their future, what financial resources they’ll need for their desired lifestyle, and the role education plays in enabling them to achieve their personal and professional goals.
In the Reality Store, students envision what their lives will be like when they’re in their mid-20’s … what jobs they’ll have, if they are single or married, etc. They are given a “checkbook” with a deposit equal to one month’s salary in their chosen field. Students then visit booths manned by local community members at which they pay their monthly bills. At each booth, students make decisions concerning the standard of living they’ll assume. The following is a list of booths that each student will visit.
- • Family (martial status and number of kids)
- • Bank (salary is determined based on career and then will pay taxes)
- • Housing (choose housing from several options)
- • Utilities (deduct monthly telephone, electric, gas, and water bills)
- • Transportation (choose from different vehicles in various price ranges)
- • Food (choose from low budget, medium budget and gourmet foods)
- • Child care (pay for child care without outside help)
- • Insurance (home, auto, life and health)
- • Clothing
- • Reality check (choose a life surprise and deal with the problem)
- • Medical/dental (real-life situations you will have to cope with)
- • Personal care (choices regarding personal hygiene, makeup and hair)
- • Savings/investment (Planning for the future)
- • Travel and entertainment (Choices are offered for those who have money in their checkbook)
- • Credit Card
- • Cell Phone
- • Mobile Reality Check
(The students will record and deduct costs in these areas)
As they go from booth to booth in the store, they begin to see reality take shape. Students
will get to see first hand if their goals can really become a reality.