For more than two decades Spoon River College has been hosting the 8th Grade Reality Store, but this year marked the first time it was able to be held in Macomb. “What a treat to have 360 students join us at our new Macomb campus for this unique event that allows students to get a taste of ‘adulting’ and money management,” said Mariah Huston, SRC advisor and event coordinator.
The event allows students to choose a career and then attend an informational session with a professional from that field. They receive a paycheck that reflects the starting salary in the career they chose—minus taxes—and then rotate through stations where they ‘pay’ their monthly living expenses—clothing, food, medical, transportation, entertainment, and housing. Students may be randomly designated as parents, which comes with additional expenses. Students also spin the Wheel of Chance, which might be a windfall such as winning a lottery, or an unexpected expense like a car repair.
“Students choose how to budget their monthly salary based on lifestyle choices. Our hope is to give them an early glimpse of what it takes to be an adult and how certain educational paths may lead to greater salaries,” Huston said. “It also gives us the chance to interact with our area youth in a fun way.”
Schools attending were Astoria, Bushnell Prairie City, La Harpe, Macomb, Rushville-Industry, VIT and West Prairie. Assisting with the event were volunteers from Macomb Altrusa, Macomb Youth Leadership Organization (MYLO), Spoon River College TRIO and Phi Theta Kappa members, Western Illinois University Athletics, and West Prairie High School students.
Presenters were Hannah Stinocher (Nursing); Jordan Fink (Physical Therapist); Chuck Harris (Welding); Joe Clemens (Diesel Repair Technician); Doug Erickson (Engineering); Chase Lockard (Computer Careers); Anne Ingersoll (Business Owner); Jamie Kotewa (Art Careers); Stephanie Hilton (Lawyer); Lydia Perrilles (Teacher); and Korrie Cameron (Law Enforcement).
Pictures of the event can be viewed on the Spoon River College Facebook page.
