Harbor Buick GMC Happy to Share “Reality” with Willowcreek Students

Interested in volunteering at the Fegely Middle School Reality Store? They need volunteers! Join us for a half day on Thursday, April 28, from 8 am to 12:30 pm. Contact Leslie Plesac at PNC for more information at lplesac@pnc.edu

What is the Reality Store? That’s what we, here at Harbor Buick GMC, were wondering up until this morning. Will there be cameras? Should I prepare myself for a close up? Will there be fist pumping in true Jersey Shore style? Should I rock the hair poof? Is there a chance I will be booted off the island? Will there be a weigh in? I’m not ready for any of that!

Fortunately, this was much more realistic than any reality television show we’ve ever seen. Purdue North Central puts together a team of people (all who volunteer their time) to work at different stations in an exercise of “real life” for middle-schoolers. The victims, er … students, were from Willowcreek Middle School, today. Students were given a salary based upon their career choice and headed out into the real world. They had to make choices on housing, how many children they would have, if they would be married or single, their future vehicle, food, clothing, insurance, child care – all the things that adults think kids don’t take into consideration. They also had to worry about paying taxes, going bankrupt, and if they would get inheritances, or even need counseling, which after looking at just the utilities they would have to pay every month – some might have needed.

Harbor had two representatives in attendance today who worked the transportation station, where every student came through to purchase their new – or used – vehicle … and received a payment that some didn’t even bat an eyelash at, while others changed their minds moments after figuring what their monthly car payment left them with on their balance register.

The students got a lesson in life, but so did all the volunteers. We, at Harbor, would like to thank some of the people who made an impact on us the most.

1.) To the young man who had “four kids and even more if I get lucky!” but then started to stress out and profess “This stuff scares me…I don’t want to…like become a hobo or something!” Thanks for reminding us how scared some of us truly were when we first ventured out on our own. But you got a great life lesson, already. So you won’t become a hobo, we promise!

2.) To the crypto zoologist hopeful: thanks for teaching us something new. We had no idea that someone studied animals that we haven’t proven are in existence, really. We promise if we ever run into Bigfoot or the Loch Ness Monster - we will get a picture for you!

3.) For the two young gentleman debating on whether one should buy a “sweet ride for his lady” and then decided “Eh, let her walk, it’s too expensive.” Thanks for the laugh!

4.) Young little female marine biologist – first, hats off to you, young lady! You were the only person we saw with such a career choice. As you professed “I was NOT READY for this,” we were there once. And thankfully you had a chance to be a little more ready than most, thanks to the Reality Store. We hope you learned something and that when the time comes around for you to fly the nest for real, you are more than ready!

5.) Dear aspiring professional sports star, a 5 year-old vehicle is relatively new to those of us who work in the business. So thanks for reminding us how we are slightly out of touch with reality ourselves when you went bankrupt and then came back to ask us “how much is the really old one?” The laughs and the little lesson were both needed.

6.) Thanks for echoing our sentiment, as adults, young cosmetologist when you asked us, “Can I just erase some of the stuff instead of getting an apartment instead of the condo I picked?” No, you can’t just erase random bills you don’t want to pay. Believe us, we would if you could.

7.) To all the young ladies and men who came around with the military badge of honor written on your career line – thank you for renewing our sense of hope in the younger generations. It is so refreshing to see people who are so young ready to make such a difference.

8.) Thank you, to all the students we saw today. You reminded us about having hopes and dreams. We can (believe it or not) remember being your age, at one time. And we hope you achieve each and every dream you have.

We are so grateful we were allowed to be a part of this experience. The teachers we met today were incredibly helpful, and had prepared the students as much as they could for the day. We salute your patience and respect all that you do. We are excited to see Purdue North Central again next week for the Fegely Middle School experience. Thanks again!