"The ALICE simulation was incredibly stressful, in some situations there was only one option in which we were able to choose which set back on money quickly. I faced challenges like deciding to take my child to the doctor for an illness, or missing a family member's funeral or going to work. It didn’t matter what choice you made, they both came with negative consequences. It was hard for me to choose a promotion over spending more time with the kids. That decision ultimately maxed me out on stress. I thought the quick choice of making more money would help the family. I do know people who live similarly to this. Most of my relatives live this way. This simulation has encouraged me to make better financial choices and to closely monitor a budget to help ensure I don’t have to endure this stress."   - High School Student

"It was really stressful to have to choose between everything. I felt kind of frustrated throughout the whole thing. It was really interesting that stress was a big part of the simulation, it makes a lot of sense to have that be a part of it. I faced a lot of problems where I could spend money or have a lot more stress. It was also difficult to choose what was important enough to spend on. I do know people that have lived this way. I believe that by being aware of needs and wants I will be better prepared for myself financially. I think that it will also be helpful to know how to budget before I get myself into any trouble. " - High School Student

"This simulation was a roller-coaster of emotions, but the two most common emotions I felt constantly were nervousness and frustration. I think the some of the most difficult decisions I had to make here was ignoring my beloved cat Fiona’s illness, opting to stay in my mold-infested apartment, and blowing off the credit card company because a) I love animals and hate it when they suffer, b) ignoring your health and safety because you can’t afford to live anywhere else is incredibly sad to think about, and c) ignoring a credit card company (especially when you owe them tons of money) is one of the scariest things I think a person can experience. Although I don’t know someone personally who has experienced these struggles, I feel that I can sort of understand what it feels like to experience these hardships by going through these sorts of situations. I think one of the biggest ways I can prepare myself for unexpected expenses and future situations is to budget my money early and develop good spending habits early on in my adult life." - High School Student