Students Learn About Real World in Simulation

The University of Illinois Extension Service held an event today at Galesburg High School that allowed 8th grade students to simulate life as a 25 year old.Different stations were set up throughout the fieldhouse that students used to learn about a career, pay bills and learn budgeting.

Youth Development Educator Tessa Hobbs-Curley says it really brings awareness to the students. Hobbs-Curley tells WGIL that the simulation allows students to choose a career and live the life of a 25 year old for a month.

“It is a simulation that individuals go through, that they have to live the life of a 25 year old,” says Hobbs-Curley. “So, they have selected their career, they selected their choices, they’re given a salary from there. They have to pay taxes, they have to pay their educational loans, and then they filter in living the life for one month.”

Some of the stations students can stop at included “Taxes”, “Housing”, “Charities”, “Clothing”, and “Buying a car”.

5 schools attended the event, with a total of over 450 students. Over 100 volunteers worked the event, helping students learn checks and balances.