Cassidy Griffith is an astounding young person with a vision for the next generation to problem solve and thrive. She has been recognized as one of Western Pennsylvania’s 18 Under 18, and was quite surprised by it. Empathy is a trait that is seen through the effort by Cassidy as she organized a project 
simulation in which students would get a glimpse into real-life poverty situations. She hopes that these students will gain a more compassionate perspective toward those enduring this type of lifestyle everyday. “I’m hoping it gives students empathy for those who live at the poverty line and help the people who are living this everyday. I am also hoping for the expansion of the program,” stated Cassidy.
Simulation Day
While Cassidy was busy ensuring all details were falling meticulously into place for the day, the simulation project was 
being led by a healthcare professional facilitator. This professional had led this simulation many times before and was passionate in what she was presenting to the students in the room. The student body in attendance consisted of high schoolers, ranging from 9th to 12th grade.
The start of the simulation began with an explanation to students about what they were going to be doing, the groups they were going to be breaking into, and how the simulation works. It was clarified they were going to be learning as they go and talking about what those learning experiences were after the simulation was over. The facilitator gave the students three important questions to think about while involving themselves in the experience. These were:
- Why are so many in the United States in poverty?
- What are you going to take away from this?
- What would it be like to live with the stress of living in low-income?
The students were given the reminder to go through the simulation project and with their groups, and to conduct themselves in the utmost respectful manner.
There were ten stations set up that emulated different places and businesses in the community that an average citizen would find themselves coming into contact with on a regular basis.These included a pawn shop, payday advance, a school, a social service agency booth, an interfaith agency (which ran a daycare center and homeless center), utility company, employer booth, food store booth, and a bank. The simulation was broken down into 4 weeks and in Week 3 school closed down for Spring break. This was an excellent way to bring a real life scenario to the simulation! There was even a voluntary “baby” abandonment during the simulation and an “8 year old” (played by one of the students) who was left at the social service booth!
I was actually asked to participate as a volunteer in the social service agency booth, and it helped me get a first hand look at how the students were perceiving the life of an adult with real-life responsibilities, and all while trying to navigate the system living 
in poverty. The frustration was a bit intense at times as we had to depict disgruntled social workers who were inundated with the task of ensuring every person was filling out paperwork and following proper procedures. I won’t lie, it was a difficult part to play, as the nurturing side of me just wanted to put a smile on my face and give some uplifting words of encouragement to the kids! However, the volunteer taking the lead at our booth helped guide my role playing to the end, as he made it look effortless. This volunteer was actually Cassidy’s brother, Zach who was there in support of his sister. Zach is a freshman at The University of Alabama. Zach and his sister, Cassidy, are certainly shining examples of siblings who work together for the strengthening of community.
After the simulation was complete, the discussion between 
facilitator and students began. This was when it became very clear that the simulation project was a success because it seemed to be a very illuminatong experience for the students involved. Many students raised hands when the facilitator asked if they felt stressed during the simulation. The facilitator enhanced the discussion into a thought-provoking point by stating to the students that, “You were only stressed for an hour. Families who live this everyday are always worried about these things and increased stress causes health issues. People who live in wealthy areas live 20 years longer than those who live in poverty. What happens to students who go to school when they are always stressed?”
The facilitator went on to discuss more topics that really hit at what can be contributing factors to poverty in this nation. These included:
- transportation issues
- daycare costs
- medical bills
There was a statement made by the facilitator that was very profound about poverty that day and is definitely worth 
mentioning. The facilitator stated, “There are actual systems in place that make it hard for people to get out of poverty. We are structured to make them fall down, which is called The Benefit Cliff.” This absolutely raises many questions as to who is benefiting truly from keeping the American people in a state of poverty, unable to ever find a legitimate way out. That is an article for another time, however I applaud this facilitator for ensuring these students have this thought process starting in their young minds. The next generation is our hope for a brighter future after all!
The Seeds Planted
Due to Cassidy’s determination to make this simulation day possible, all of the students can spread the knowledge they gained out into the world. The impact that was made through this learning experience was valuable, and her hard work was felt through the energy in the room that day. Cassidy stated that, “I hope that younger people can find what they are interested in and do something with it in their communities.” We can most 
likely expect to see more incredible things as she plans to attend college, majoring in Global Health and Biomedical Engineering. After college, she also plans to join the Peace Corps for three years! Cassidy definitely sets high standards for how we should all strive to help one another. Another simulation day is being planned for next Spring, thanks to a lot of positive feedback!
If you would like to contact Cassidy Griffith, you can email her at
cgriffith024@gmail.com or contact her through Instagram @cassidygriffith24
