海角社区

Henderson, Tennessee 鈥� (Oct. 11, 2024) 鈥� This fall, students from 海角社区 embarked on a unique and immersive learning experience by participating in a poverty simulation designed to challenge their understanding of low-income families and the systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities. The simulation, purchased through FHU鈥檚 Engaged Learning Initiative (ELI) grant, aimed to build empathy, increase social awareness and inspire community engagement in line with the school鈥檚 mission to foster compassionate servant-leaders.聽

A program designed to enhance the academic experience of FHU undergraduate students, the ELI bridges the gap between theory and practical application, helping students develop valuable knowledge and skills to better prepare them for their future educational and career goals.

鈥淥ur students are wonderful servant leaders, and this was an opportunity for them to directly experience the daily struggles faced by millions of people in our country and around the world,鈥� said Dr. Leah Gray, FHU College of Business professor.

The afternoon event allowed approximately 70 students to navigate a series of real-world scenarios designed to simulate the day-to-day challenges experienced by individuals living in poverty. According to current statistics, 15.3% of Tennessee residents currently live below the poverty line (indexmundi.com).聽聽

Through this interactive exercise, students were assigned roles such as single parents, elderly individuals or unemployed persons, each with specific resources and obstacles to manage. For a duration of four 15-minute weeks, they faced difficult decisions about allocating limited income toward basic needs such as housing, food, transportation and healthcare.

Junior business management major Olivia Watkins said that the experience helped to open her eyes to the struggles of those around her. 鈥淚 knew of the struggles people faced, but I didn鈥檛 know how impactful one small thing could be,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hose in poverty literally cannot afford to waste one second, and I didn鈥檛 truly understand that until one week was condensed into 15 minutes.鈥澛�

The poverty simulation is part of FHU College of Business鈥檚 ongoing commitment to integrating faith with practical learning experiences. The university hopes the experience will deepen students鈥� understanding of the complex issues related to poverty and encourage them to become advocates for those facing economic hardships.

Students were asked to confront the difficult choices that many in poverty are forced to make, such as whether to pay for rent or buy groceries or how to manage when an unexpected health crisis arises. The goal of the simulation was not only to provide students with a deeper understanding of poverty but also to challenge preconceived notions they may have about its causes and solutions.

Joseph Whittlesey, a sophomore business management major, also came out of the day with a new perspective. 鈥淭his experience is one I鈥檒l never forget,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 was put in a situation where I was homeless, jobless and alone. This simulation gave me the opportunity to put myself in the shoes of those in poverty, and as a result, I am very grateful for the situation that God has put me in. I will make it my goal to make a change for those in poverty and to help in any way I can.鈥�

The simulation experience was developed by The Missouri Community Action Network. More information about the simulation may be found at聽. FHU faculty from many disciplines, along with local community members, oversaw and participated in the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS).

The mission of the College of Business is to glorify God by preparing undergraduate and graduate students to humbly and respectfully serve others with integrity and excellence as Christian business professionals in a global and diverse environment. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associate, bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚, specialist, and doctoral degrees. The FHU College of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting, business analytics, finance, financial planning, management, marketing, and sport administration. The college also offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Healthcare MBA, as well as a 4-plus BBA/MBA.