USCA teaches eighth-graders the importance of CHOICES

During a visit to Leavelle McCampbell Middle School on Thursday, USC Aiken staffers Randy Duckett and Amanda Platt presented eighth-grader Courtney Bellinger with $1,500.

It was only play money, but Courtney soon discovered a truth: That seemingly substantial amount, even on a monthly basis, doesn't go very far.

"I thought I would be rich," Courtney said with a smile.

USCA has been partnering with the middle school in several endeavors, including the "CHOICES" program for eighth-graders. The national curriculum focuses on career awareness and, as the name implies, making good choices.

Duckett, the vice chancellor for enrollment services, and Platt, an admissions office staff member, were volunteering for the first time in one of Marsha Peacock's classes.

"The ultimate message is that your self-discipline determines your choices, and you're in control," said Duckett.

The curriculum offers several activities that involved the eighth-graders, including the money management game. Courtney portrayed a high school dropout who had a low-wage job and was living away from home. One by one, classmates stepped forward and took her money away for rent, utilities, food, car insurance, gas and other expenses.

"You've got to stay in school and get an education, so you can get a good job," said Courtney.

Platt and Duckett also showed the students a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, in which the former first lady described how one's philosophy is not measured in words but is expressed in the choices one makes.

"In the long run, we shape our lives, and we shape ourselves," Roosevelt said in 1960. "The process never ends until we die. And the choices we make are ultimately our own responsibility."

"You have to make the right choices, so you can do what you want," said eighth-grader Mikal Reeves-Creech.

Dr. Deidre Martin, USCA's vice chancellor for advancement, coordinates the program for the middle school.

"It's just an incredible experience," she said. "I'm always happy to have our faculty and staff involved with Leavelle McCampbell. The CHOICES program really opens the students' eyes to possibilities. Many have told us they didn't know they could go to college and didn't know they had so many choices that would affect their future. It's really a powerful experience to havea child say that to you."

Eighth-grader Baleigh Padgett said she appreciates how the curriculum allows the students to learn about the important decisions they have to deal with. Even the smallest choices can impact teenagers long after they grow up, Ben Canady said.

"It's nice to have community members who want to help our school," said guidance counselor Bobbie Lou Shipman. "The program does such a good job of getting the students involved and thinking about real-life issues."

Contact Rob Novit at rnovit@aikenstandard.com.