On My Own - A Powerful Lesson for All!
What Is On My Own?
On My Own is a hands-on, real-life simulation that gives young people ages 13- 18 the opportunity to experience adulthood in a fun and exciting way. During the simulation, participants assume they are 26 years old, are the primary or sole support of the household, and are encouraged to make healthy and wise lifestyle choices similar to those adults face on a daily basis. After exploring careers, students receive a monthly salary for their chosen career type, a family scenario, and an asset. Then, they proceed through “real life,” deducting taxes, determining a savings goal, and spending their monthly salaries on the necessities as well as luxury items that reflect the career and lifestyle they have chosen.
Lindsey Harrison and Elizabeth Sanders and their Team of volunteers from UT-TSU Extension Davidson County presented a variety of scenarios to the students making them think, react and wonder what life could be like at 26 years old in a variety of scenarios.
Our Executive Principal, Dr. Erin Anderson, witnessed the process prior to the final activity where the students where dealing with the budget, deductions, practiced their MATH (key in STEM/STEAM), fractions and social and emotional learning.
Some of the students said... "I know understand how much my parents sacrifice for us."
Others said: "When my dad says there is no money, there really is no money because a large part of his income is taken by the deductions."
They now understand how important is to have life insurance.
Others realized they are expensive to raise and care for.
Others stated they will not have children.
There was no option to divorce or give up the child for adoption -- this made many of the students think intensely.
Others said: "Yes, married life is beautiful." Those had a higher budget and better jobs.
The adults confirmed to the students: Academic evolution and progress equals better jobs and better finances.
This kind of meaningful learning, utilizing real life concepts is what drives our classroom - STEM/STEAM is all about our day to day because applying our critical thinking skills is vital for survival and decisions to be made regarding career choices.
A STEM curriculum allows the students to learn values and that we all have responsibilities.
Bottomline, all core subjects are a part of a STEM curriculum - that is power!
Videos:
NOTE: 5th-8th Graders participated in this real life simulation activity.
