Decatur Students Tackle Budgeting and Careers at Reality Fair
UPDATE: Hundreds of ninth graders in Decatur, Alabama, just experienced a transformative reality fair that taught them essential budgeting and career skills. The event, called Reality Ex, took place over three days at Ingalls Harbor Pavilion, engaging students from Decatur City, Hartselle City, and Morgan County schools.
Students like Laylah Dooley were shocked by the realities of financial management. “Today we were learning how to budget properly and to see how much things cost in the real world,” Dooley said. The event, sponsored by the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, aimed to equip students with vital financial skills as they prepare for their futures.
At Reality Ex, students navigated two hands-on learning areas focused on personal finance and career exploration. Upon entering, they participated in an immersive reality fair hosted by the Redstone Federal Credit Union. Here, students learned to manage income, pay bills, and handle unexpected expenses. Each participant received a personalized budget sheet detailing their financial situation, including family status and income, to simulate real-life budgeting challenges.
The fair featured interactive stations covering various financial aspects such as technology costs, rent, food, auto expenses, and debt management. Students experienced how everyday decisions impact their financial future. One highlight was the auto expenses station, where students spun a wheel to receive either good or bad news, such as a flat tire or a drop in insurance rates.
Dooley expressed her surprise, stating, “I didn’t realize how much online subscriptions cost.” Her peer, Jayden Daniels, echoed her sentiments, stating, “I learned how to spend my money wisely and not go overboard on the price of things.” Daniels found the high cost of rent particularly eye-opening.
Following the financial education segment, students engaged with the Reach and Teach ImaginEX program, which introduced them to diverse careers in entertainment, including roles in media and technology. Facilitated by Full Sail University, the program provided an interactive environment for students to explore various career pathways in one of the nation’s fastest-growing sectors. They learned critical skills needed in the entertainment industry, such as filming and editing.
C.J. Barnette, a sound engineer involved in the program, praised the initiative, stating, “It’s a great way for students to see all the great jobs available in the entertainment industry.”
This reality fair not only provided students with essential financial knowledge but also opened their eyes to potential career opportunities, reinforcing the significance of practical education in shaping their futures. As students left the event, the insights gained will undoubtedly influence their financial decisions and career paths moving forward.
With hands-on experiences like these becoming increasingly vital, educators and sponsors alike are committed to preparing students for the challenges of adulthood. The impact of this event will resonate far beyond the classroom, as these young learners take their newfound knowledge into the world.
