Reality Store Teaches Life Lessons
By Erika Littlefield
The Reality Store returned to Stanley last week, taking place at the Mountrail County South Complex on Monday, November 23rd. This year, the event was once again a team effort between Mountrail County Schools and the NDSU Extension Service, and it brought in eighth through tenth graders from New Town, Parshall, North Shore-Plaza, Powers Lake, and Stanley.
The Reality Store gives students a taste of “the real world.” With the help of community volunteers, students learn why staying in school matters, how their career choices can affect their future income, and why budgeting is such an important life skill. The event is meant to open their eyes to everyday financial decisions and help them start thinking about their goals.
When students arrive, they receive instructions along with a sheet showing their salary, deductions, and withholdings. Their first stop is the bank, where they open a checking account and get a register. They can also choose to open a savings account if they want.
After that, they move freely from station to station, paying for monthly expenses. Some stations require others to come first, like choosing housing and transportation before going to utilities or insurance. If a student runs out of money or comes close, the S.O.S. station is there to help. By the end, they must visit every station and complete their transactions before checking out and turning in their sheet. They also fill out a quick survey to help organizers improve the event.
Stations included banking and student loans, Child Care, Medical/Dental, Housing, Utilities, Entertainment/Parks & Recreation, Transportation, Clothing, Insurance, Groceries/Personal Care, Life Happens, Communications, Contributions, and S.O.S./Financial Assistance/Credit Card. One of the most talked-about stops was “Life Happens,” where students could get anything from a surprise expense to a lucky gift. The Stanley Police Department also took part, issuing playful warnings or tickets if students broke any “laws” during the activity.
The overall goal is to show students that life is full of decisions, responsibilities, and sometimes surprises. While the Reality Store is just a simulation, many students walk away with a better understanding of how education, career, and budgeting shape their future.
Volunteers this year included staff from the participating schools and the NDSU Extension Service, along with representatives from Norman Mell and Associates, Bravera Bank, Cornerstone Bank, BNC, Liberty State Bank, NDSU Extension, Prairie Ford, Farmers Union Insurance, BBH, AFLAC, Mountrail County Social Services, Mountrail County Soil Conservation, United Quality, RTC, MCMC, Stanley Park and Rec., Thrivent, Stanley Police Department, plus several parents, community members, and Stanley Student Council volunteers.
Organizers want to give a big thank you to all the volunteers and the local businesses that allowed their employees to spend the day helping students experience this real-world experience.