According to City-Data.com only 54% of Martin County citizens have a high school diploma, 37% live in poverty and only 25% hold jobs. Of the people employed, the median household income is only $21,859 compared to $40,267 for the state of Kentucky. Due to facts like these and others, the 4-H council along with teachers and administrators at Martin County High School put a lot of effort into hosting “It’s Your Reality”.  Due to Covid restrictions the program has been on a 3-year hiatus.  It was great to be able to bring these valuable lessons back to the youth of Martin County.

It’s Your Reality introduces students to the "financial realities" associated with the adulthood--provision of food, clothing, shelter, etc. for a family and how these relate to career choices. Upon arrival at It’s Your Reality, students received the equivalent of one month's salary for the career they intend to have after graduation. Participants went through each "store" purchasing housing, transportation, childcare, etc. By the end of the simulation, students understand the correlation between career, lifestyle, and education. 

The simulation is designed to help young women and men understand the impact of decisions made today or shortly after graduation on the course of their whole lives—decisions about educational paths, career options, lifetime mates and family living. They should make these critical decisions with knowledge and a sophisticated attitude about the realities of and options for their futures. 

This year, high school sophomores experienced a series of events to gain workforce preparation education to enhance the It’s Your Reality experience.  These activities included resume writing, interview skills and job fairs at both schools.

Students typically go away saying they are going to work harder in the classroom to prepare for a better life after high school. Aidan Fields, a Martin County sophomore, said he will really think about the things he asks his parents to do for him and how one day he will be the parent who has to provide for other people. Outcomes are in the intermediate stage sue to our time off from the program. Students are applying what they learn during this activity to the classroom and other aspects of life.