How much a month for an apartment, transportation, work clothing, groceries, furniture, health care and all the other expenses a working person has? At last week’s Reality Central, Hubert H Humphrey the students found out. With an after-tax monthly salary set by their performance on a trade knowledge test, students got a taste of life after Job Corps. At fifteen different stations they bought well or badly for their basic needs. Some students felt that they had lots of money and made foolish purchases. And, at two different points in this simulation, an unexpected event affects their budget. It could be a bonus. It could also be a stolen cell phone or an unexpected pregnancy or the need for a new winter coat. The goal was to remain solvent and even save a little money. Some people made it, but many had to return pricey purchases in order to avoid bankruptcy. Throughout the day, as every student on campus went through, they emerged with a new appreciation of budgeting and real life costs. “This is scary” said Corey Jones, TCU student, “ I know I need all these things, but seeing them all together is really surprising.” This day-long event is part of a whole week of job-related activities on the Humphrey campus. Eight-eight students went through mock interviews the next day. There was also a day for Career Exploration. Fifteen companies, a variety of continuing education organizations and the military branches participated to show career opportunities to all Humphrey students. At their classroom brief-outs on Friday, students expressed satisfaction with the week’s events and a new knowledge of the issues they will face.