The Union Endicott High School, UEHS, Ms. Christine Choi & Mr. Marty Fisher, Business Teachers for UEHS, and Visions Federal Credit Union teamed up to co-sponsor a "Life is a Reality" expo for their students this past May. The expo was an interactive, hands-on, authentic experience for students to learn about money management first hand - it was a huge success!

The students researched and selected their careers, participated in classroom lessons, and were prepared to put their financial skills to the test. Each student entered the event with a family status, and the amount of their monthly paycheck entered into their checkbook.

Volunteers from Visions and businesses in the community were available to assist them in purchasing life's necessities - housing, transportation, groceries, and more. The truth of life's responsibilities sets in quickly as several twists (to include the reality of taxes) awaited them during their visit to each of the 15 "life" booths set up in the UEHS gymnasium. Students paid for insurance, utilities, daycare, and many other monthly expenses.

Here's what the students had to say about the event:

"...You did an amazing job at giving an accurate look at real life expenses. I learned a lot from my time there."

"Thank you for your time coming to our school to make us more aware of what's ahead of us. This made me realize that I have to start saving and learn to manage my money early."

"Seeing how good life can be if you make the right decisions."

"...I truly enjoyed the hour I spent as a real adult with expenses and responsibilities! You were all very helpful with any questions we had and extra advice!..."