On November 13th, MontcoWorks brought together teachers and professionals to aid the PV student body in their fast-approaching future after high school. A wide array of tables in the library displayed posters with signs such as housing, transportation, entertainment, food, financial literacy, etc. Experts in these fields were attentive and patient as a rush of students entered the library filled with mixed feelings of intrigue and curiosity as well as dread over the reminder of the impending deadline that is turning 18, finishing high school, and heading off to college or the workforce. As the students surveyed the room, they chose one of the jobs from the stations and marked down the salary they would receive. Using that salary, they would budget accordingly to manage expenses such as housing, transportation, food, entertainment, etc. Afterward, they made their way to the center of the room, where the “Wheel of Reality,” after being spun, would introduce unexpected situations, either to better their conditions or to throw in unexpected challenges. This fair was organized to simulate real-life scenarios, help students balance a budget, make educated financial decisions, and further explore the impact of unexpected financial events.
