Students visit future -- on a budget

A trip to the Reality Store makes many West Aurora High School students modify their educational plans. This simulation experience, which transports students 10 years later in life, is an exercise in paying the bills of newly independent adults.

With the help of parents and the Aurora chapter of American Association of University Women, students spend their salaries on housing, utilities, transportation, insurance, childcare, food, clothing, personal care products, entertainment, communications, savings and charity.

This years simulation on Oct. 25 acted as a wake-up call for many students. Some students have even changed what courses they will take junior and senior year based on the experience, says Mary Hauge, Wests librarian.

When asked last year what surprised him the most, one student who intends to be a physical trainer said, How fast money goes, how much I take for granted now. There are a lot of important things I need to buy and I cant rely on other people.