INTRO TO ADULTING by KATELYN

INTRO TO ADULTING by KATELYN - February 2022 Scholarship Essay

Has anyone ever told you the two most common cleaning products, bleach and ammonia, are deadly when they are mixed? Do you know the penny trick for checking your tire tread? I know both of those things, but I wonder how many adult things I should know before I actually become one? If I could design an elective curriculum it would be a blend of home economics, auto mechanics, shop class and college and career planning. Each unit would address a specific area of adult life. The goal would be to give students information they could draw on when they are living on their own with hopes of helping them be more prepared and make informed choices.
Intro to Adulting might remind people of Home Economics classes of the past but instead of learning to fry the perfect egg, there will be lessons on comparing name brand groceries to their cheaper off brand options. A lesson on hand writing thank you notes would also include instructions to address an envelope and how postage and shipping is calculated. Some kids are never exposed to these things and are embarrassed to ask by the time they are in high school. Each student would be issued a mock check book the first day of class, with weekly and monthly bills to pay, and grades would be earned by showing how well the account was balanced.
Local mechanics would be asked to walk students though what the basic dash gauges mean and when to be concerned. Students could learn, hands on, how to check fluids like oil, antifreeze and windshield wiper fluid – and where to add to these if needed. Along with this unit, an insurance agent would be invited to give an overview of full coverage compared to liability insurance and the importance of knowing what your policy covers. A car salesman could also speak to the class regarding their first solo car purchase. This discussion would cover buying new versus pre-owned, retained resale value, cost of repairs for certain models and interest rates.
A unit on insurance might be beneficial. Types of life insurance could be explained including the benefits and costs of each. Renters insurance is also something new adults might need to be informed of since many students would be living in a rent house or apartment before owning their own home. Many students are interested in starting their own business so liability and business insurance could be introduced in this unit as well.
Bringing in an old fashioned shop class lesson would include what basic tools are and what they are used for, how to take apart a sink drain and how to draft proof doors and windows to save energy. A few simple lessons on minor repairs could save the student from calling a repair person or technician some day. Fire and CO2 alarms, along with security and cameras would be discussed. These options are very low cost to install but can save a life.
In the end, students would be required to present a research report detailing a 5 year plan including where they would like to live, what it will cost and how they intend to pay their way. This will require independent research on cost of housing, what the average wages are in the area and what education they need to obtain for the job they want – and how they intend to pay for that education. For bonus points, students would give insight on what the most beneficial parts of the class were and what could be added to improve the class. Because this class is an elective and the curriculum could be fluid, it could improve every year.