By Melanie Patterson
The North Jefferson News
After receiving a budget and factoring in child care, groceries, car payment, insurance, utilities, clothing and other bills, high-school senior Erin Veitch had a practical word of advice.
“Don’t have kids and stay single,” she said. “Be realistic and don’t go buy the convertible.”
Veitch was taking part in Corner High School’s fourth annual Reality Check program, where students receive a scenario including marital status, income and number of children. They must then visit various booths and subtract expenses from their monthly incomes.
Teacher Sue Ann McKnight heads up the Reality Check program every year. Even though she and some of the other volunteers are familiar with the results of the program, she said it continues to be good for students.
“It’s still an eye-opener for the kids,” she said. “They’re learning to realize that life costs money.”
McKnight said the program would not be possible without the volunteers who help out every year, including parents, bankers, insurance agents, car salesmen and many other volunteers.
Parent Tabatha Parvin, who has a senior and a seventh-grader at Corner schools, was working at the “Reality Happens” booth.
“Most of the kids are surprised that things cost so much,” Parvin said. She said the students were mostly surprised at the cost of child care, which was generally more than $400 for one child per month and more than $700 for two children.
“It gives them a small dose of reality,” said Brandy Hamilton, branch manager of Superior Bank in Warrior. She was working the bank booth during Reality Check.
“I think it’s a great program,” Hamilton said. “It’s funny to just listen to them. They don’t realize the expense of everything. This is a good chance to talk to them about real life.”
