Nursing Students Get a Glimpse of Life in Poverty

Joliet Junior College nursing students experienced what it is like to live in poverty through a simulation hosted by Northern Illinois Food Bank. 

Students participated in the role-playing exercise last month, which took them through a series of businesses and organizations that a person in poverty might have to visit to make ends meet from month to month. Resource stations included a grocery store, a social services office, a bank and others. 

Each student was given a role as an individual or family member in various living situations. Volunteers were there to play the roles of police officers, mortgage collectors, social services caseworkers, employers and more. The students experienced what it is like trying to take care of essentials like food, work and healthcare with minimal resources.

Northern Illinois Food Bank Marketing Communications Specialist, Megan Rodawold, was the simulation’s facilitator. 

“The poverty simulation is an experiential learning opportunity where the main goal is to increase participants’ understanding of the tough choices faced by many individuals and families throughout Northern Illinois,” said Rodawold.

According to Rodawold, the Food Bank presents these simulations for a variety of groups, including college and high school students, school administrative staff and other community organizations. 

JJC Nursing Professor Kathy Wolz said that the simulation helped her students understand the day-to-day complexities and frustrations of people who live in poverty.

“Many of the students said during the experience that they were frustrated and anxious. They had no idea people living in poverty experienced those feelings,” Wolz said. 

The nursing students now have a glimpse into what living in poverty is like. The experience can also assist them in using empathy when caring for someone who may be struggling financially. 

“We like to think of it as an ‘exercise in empathy,’ where not only do participants and volunteers gain insight into a reality that may be different from their own, but they also learn more about the importance of being a resource for their own communities,” said Rodawold. 

For media inquiries contact Communications and Media Coordinator Scott Harvey at 815-280-2844 or sharvey@jjc.edu.