Poverty Simulation: An Emerging Morningside Experience

By Jaden Carney – This past February, students on the Morningside Campus had the opportunity to participate in and facilitate a Poverty Simulation organized by the Nylen School of Nursing and Health Sciences in collaboration with the Morningside Civic Union. The simulation took place in the Yockey Community Room of the Olsen Student Center. 

Morningside’s Nursing Department conducted its first poverty simulation during the spring semester of 2024. Dr. Sharlene Georgesen from Morningside University has facilitated the poverty simulation since receiving grant funding to acquire the kit from the Community Action Agency. 

Georgesen, when asked how the Poverty Simulator aligns with the educational goals of Morningside, stated that the poverty simulation is “significant because we have students from lower economic status and some families that aren’t,” emphasizing that the simulation provides an opportunity to “gain an appreciation of another person’s life.” 

Dr. Georgesen explains that the poverty simulation is divided into four, fifteen-minute increments. Each fifteen-minute block represents a week, allowing students to experience four weeks throughout the year. Georgesen notes that during a typical week, people are responsible for various tasks, such as groceries, paying bills, applying for jobs, dropping children off at school, and engaging in other weekly activities. She emphasizes that working individuals must report to their jobs for eight of the fifteen-minutes. After each student regroups with their families for two minutes to discuss a plan of action. Once the entire simulation is complete, students meet with faculty and facilitation staff for a reflective conversation about the simulator. 

In the debriefing session, Georgesen frequently discusses whether the families in the poverty simulation asked their neighbors for help. Many families relied on their neighbors, particularly for child care. Georgesen emphasizes that in smaller communities, it’s crucial to foster these neighborly connections to support one another. 

Georgesen believes that the Poverty Simulation provides a way for students to “with an opportunity for students to discuss and learn about people who live in poverty,” She emphasizes the importance of engaging in conversations about “the importance of community and building relationships.” Students interested in participating in the next Poverty Simulation should monitor their emails for information regarding the upcoming opportunities.