Washington College

Student Comments

"The 'realities' we faced are one's I've never even thought of. It was shocking the amount of stress I felt even when I knew it wasn't real… It opened my eyes to those who face the real world every day ad my respect for those above and below the poverty line."

"I had misconceptions that the people on welfare just stay on welfare because it's easy. Now I understand that there's nothing 'easy' about poverty. I had to work very hard to stay afloat in this simulation."

"This experience made me want to really do something to help those in poverty."

"I was shocked by the amount of stress I felt during the simulation. My compassion for people living in poverty grew greatly through the simulation."

"The simulation made me realize how lucky I am to have the things I do and it also made me want to do more to help others who are actually in this horrible situation."

"The poverty simulation was incredibly enlightening for me. I had no idea how much the structures of society are against you when you are poor. As soon as I would get even, something else would push me down. It is truly amazing how difficulty it is when it shouldn't be."

"This simulation helped me to imagine the lives of those in poverty and empathize with these families enough to really want to reach out and help them in any way possible."

"I was surprised how extremely difficult it was to survive as a person in poverty. I have a new respect for those who live in poverty. The simulation impacted me and makes me want to educate others about poverty and help those in need."