The person helping an eighth grader budget for a house today could be the same person handing them the keys a few years from now.

That’s one of the connections built through the annual Reality Store, hosted by Mexico Middle School in partnership with the Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce.

The event brings together eighth graders from across the area for a hands-on look at individual and family budgeting. Mexico Middle School and St. Brendan students participate in the morning, followed by students from Van-Far, Community R-VI, and Missouri Military Academy in the afternoon.

Students receive assigned careers, incomes, and family scenarios before visiting booths staffed by local business representatives and community volunteers. They make decisions about housing, transportation, insurance, childcare, utilities, cell phone bills, and other everyday expenses — all while trying to make their paycheck last.

It doesn’t take long to discover that a salary has plenty of places to go. Students balance choosing a car with which phone plan to get. Or make a housing decision based on how many children they have. They learned about monthly bills, like water and trash, as well as local support like social services. 

The experience helps students understand how finishing high school and pursuing additional training or a degree can affect their career options and ability to support themselves – or a family – as adults. Those connections become more meaningful as students work through a budget and see what it takes to cover their needs.

Community volunteers bring these lessons to life by sharing their knowledge, answering questions, and helping students think through their choices. The event also gives local professionals a chance to get to know the young people who may one day become their customers, neighbors, and coworkers.

Some former participants have later opened bank accounts, secured loans, or purchased vehicles with help from people they first met at the Reality Store.

Event organizers Amiee Blackburn and Suzanne Evans credit strong community support and local volunteers with making the experience possible.

The bills may be part of a simulation, but the conversations, connections, and lessons are real.