Franklin Middle School’s ‘Welcome to Reality’ event prepares students for adulthood

FRANKLIN, Ind. (WISH) — Franklin Community Middle School will host its annual Welcome to Reality event on Friday, offering eighth-grade students a hands-on, immersive experience designed to prepare them for the financial and personal responsibilities of adulthood.

Welcome to Reality is an interactive simulation that places students in the role of a 28-year-old working adult. Prior to the event, students select a career based on their grade point average and are assigned a corresponding salary.

During the event, students navigate through a series of stations including housing, transportation, utilities, and food. Students are required to make real-life financial decisions and manage a check registry to track expenses.

“This event is absolutely pivotal in the transition to high school for our students,” Monica Anderson, FCMS school counselor said. “The students experience, in real time, how their education can impact their future.”

Community members play a critical role in the simulation by facilitating transactions and serving as tour guides for students throughout the event.

The event is scheduled in groups throughout the school day:

• 8:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
• 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
• 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.