Eleventh grade students from across the district recently had the opportunity to step into the world of adulthood during a hands-on “Game of Life” Simulation held at the Bedford County AG Center. The event, designed to provide students with a deeper understanding of financial literacy and the realities of everyday adult responsibilities, brought together educators, community partners, and local professionals for a full day of experiential learning.
During the simulation, each student received a “Who Am I?” card outlining details about their assigned adult persona. These cards included information such as their career field, education level, monthly income, and additional personal or financial circumstances. Using this profile, students were tasked with navigating a variety of real-life financial decisions, including housing, transportation, utilities, insurance, childcare, and other essential expenses.
To complete their required checklist, students visited booths staffed by local community partners who acted as representatives of real businesses and services. At each station, students explored options, asked questions, compared costs, and made purchasing decisions based on their monthly income. The experience challenged them to think critically about budgeting, prioritizing needs over wants, and anticipating unexpected expenses.
Throughout the day, many students shared that the simulation was “eye-opening,” describing it as a meaningful reality check that helped them understand the complexity of managing adult responsibilities. Several noted that it was the first time they had viewed financial decision-making from an adult’s perspective, and that the experience gave them a stronger appreciation for the importance of planning, saving, and making informed choices.
The success of the event was made possible through the dedication and collaboration of several key leaders. The district extends a sincere thank-you to Jean Richardson, Kayley Pierce, Lori Sexton, Sam Blevins and Travis Sheffield for organizing the simulation and ensuring students had a valuable and engaging experience. The district also recognizes Newell Rubbermaid for generously sponsoring the event by providing essential supplies as well as lunch for the participating community partners.
In addition, the district expresses its appreciation to the many community partners who volunteered their time to support the simulation. Their involvement contributed greatly to the authenticity of the experience and helped students gain practical insight into the financial and personal decision-making required in everyday adult life.
The Game of Life Simulation continues to be an impactful event for students, helping prepare them for their futures while strengthening the partnership between the school district and the local community.