I accidentally left my baby alone at the daycare center.
During the course of the Poverty Simulation, students learned how difficult it is to manage all of the bills, burdens, bumps in the road (death in the family, evictions, etc.), and most of all, stress that comes with financial struggles.
Each group of students were given family profiles (of low income households and situations) and 15 minutes for each week; we did the simulation for a “month,” which was actually only four-15 minute “weeks,” an hour. However, within that time, we were each given assignments or tasks that had to be completed.
We only had a limited amount of money, time, and resources, which made it difficult to balance everything, which is why I accidentally left my one-year-old at the daycare center (which was $80 a day) because of all the stress and anxiety I had felt. I was trying to find a job but needed to get an application first, but I also needed transportation passes to get to and from where I needed to go. Getting from one place to another around the room was also difficult because you ran out of transportation passes really quickly.
It was really driven into our heads that this really wasn’t a game, that these were real-life situations and real people.
Each student felt the burden of trying to provide for their families, they felt the disappointment of being declined a job, having your children not always being fed, feeling like you can’t provide for your children, and lastly, feeling helpless.
In the beginning, I was very confused and felt helpless because I didn’t remember which place was for what benefits. You kept going around to each place that is supposed to be helpful to you, but I didn’t necessarily feel helped or satisfied.
I think what we all need to keep in mind is that these people and communities are severely struggling and are real. That is also why I would 100% recommend that if you have the chance to participate in a simulation like this. Sometimes we forget just how much we have and can be grateful for, but it’s always good to step into the shoes of others and realize that this is a real problem in our country.
Many people today don’t realize how much our country really suffers from poverty. I think this experience has really opened my eyes and taught me to be grateful for what I have.
As we approach this holiday season, and you are gathered with your friends and families, be thankful, remember all of the things you have. You never know what life might bring.
