According to census.gov only 10% of Martin County citizens have a college degree compared to 37% nationally, 48% live in poverty and only 32% hold jobs. Due to facts like these and others, the 4-H council along with teachers and administrators at Martin County Middle School put a lot of effort into hosting “It’s Your Reality”.  The program is usually for high school sophomores but starting earlier and then revisiting in high school seems to be a better strategy moving forward.  It was great to be able to bring these valuable lessons back to Middle School Youth.

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. 

Middle School students experience 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.  The program served 247 students in 7^th and 8^th grade.  We also had 25 teen and adult volunteers give their time to the program.    

 Typically, all students gain critical thinking, problem solving and leadership skills.  The program provides career options moving forward along with the education that might be needed for those careers.  Braden Hammonds, a 7^th grade student, expressed that he had no idea what his mom and to go through each month to take care of him.  He has a newfound appreciation for what it means to take care of your family.