As high school seniors approach graduation, they are also approaching a shift in independence as they move into adulthood. Self-reliance and self sufficiency are important as young adults begin to navigate the world around them.   Providing them with lessons in basic life skills can give young people confidence in their newfound independence whether they plan to go away to college or enter the workforce. The Shelby County 4-H Agent and the Shelby County High School Youth Service Center (YSC) partnered to offer an Adulting Workshop for high school seniors to offer basic life skills.

Volunteers were identified to teach basic sewing skills, cooking basics, simple automotive care, important financial principles including budgeting, credit and loans, information on voting and registering to vote, and information on what to do in case of an auto accident or if you are pulled over by law enforcement.  Eighty-seven high school seniors participated in the workshops. During their time at the Extension Office, all the youth were able to practice sewing on a button and putting in a simple hem under the guidance of Master Sewing Volunteers.  One hundred percent of the youth practiced food safety principles as they made vegetable quesadillas under the guidance of the Family & Consumer Sciences Agent and volunteers.  The youth were shown how to check the fluids in a car, change a tire and basic automotive preventive maintenance.  Local bank representatives discussed budgeting, credit and loans with the high schoolers.  The Shelby County Clerk explained voting procedures and gave participants voter registration cards.  At least 20 youth registered to vote at the workshop.  Finally, a local deputy explained steps to take if they were involved in a accident, what to do in a traffic stop and the consequences of impaired driving.  The youth were attentive and engaged throughout the day and a follow-up survey indicated that all the youth had learned something new that they can use in real life. The YSC Director reported that seniors stopped by her office for several days thanking her for the program and telling her how much they learned.   Hopefully, this workshop taught them some skills that they can use as they transition into the adult world.