Next generation

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

I weep for the future.

Today, while I still had zero desire to interact with people, I had to work an event that I volunteered for a few months ago. The event was through my work, and at my daughter’s high school. It was a financial education workshop that is meant to show high school students what it’s like to be an adult with responsibilities and a budget. Each kid is randomly assigned a career, salary, family situation (all have at least one child, though), and must visit each station that represents items that adults spend money on monthly. They have to find a living situation, vehicle, home goods, food, utilities, child care, and “fun” things. As volunteers, we are meant to be sales people, getting them to spend the most money. We WANT these kids to fail. Failing so they must visit the “Credit Union” where they speak with a specialist to discuss their choices and help them to fix their budgeting issues.

I worked the childcare booth. Honestly, it scared me. Our booth was usually one of the last ones the kids would visit. Almost all went to the “fun” booths first - cars, electronics, vacations, etc. By the time they got to us, they were pretty depleted, Almost every child chose to have a family member watch their child, instead of daycare. No matter how many times I tried to tell them that having family as a sole caretaker was usually unrealistic. Their parents probably still work, as do siblings. They’re not always there every time they’re needed. Most chose the cheapest option for clothes and books/toys. A lot of the girls had fancy manicures and wearing name brands. The guys were in Nikes and with the latest iPhones. They had all clearly spent their “money” on new vehicles and TV’s, leaving no money for their “children”. It was sad. These students really need more than one of these workshops.

After the workshop, they received a lecture/summary from the leader of the event. Trying to get them to realize their mistakes. I’m not sure if even 10% of the kids were reached by her message.

They need to learn responsibility and priority.