This past week, I was given an opportunity to participate in a journey that would forever change my perspective and touch the depths of my soul. It wasn't a trip to some exotic spa or a grand adventure in Hawaii—it was something far more profound. It was a poverty simulation, hosted by Partners in Hope in Troy, Ohio, that took me on an emotional rollercoaster through the struggles of those living on the fringes of society.

From the moment I stepped into the simulation, I was transported into a world that felt strange and uncomfortable, yet touching something deep within. As I assumed the role of a 9-year-old child, navigating the tumultuous waters of poverty alongside my family—a single father, an older sister striving to better herself through community college, and a precious one-year-old niece—I felt the weight of their burdens pressing down upon me.

The situations we faced were raw, unfiltered snapshots of real-life struggles. From finding eviction notices slapped on our door to being sent to child services for being home alone with an infant, to the unsettling negotiations over who should take the risk of selling drugs – all these challenges forced us to confront the harsh reality of survival.

It was a stark contrast to the innocent dreams and simple joys of childhood that my very own 10-year-old twins and 8 year-old girl experience today. Instead of dreaming about the future, I found myself immersed in the harsh situation, of wondering if my family would be able to survive today.

During the simulation, I returned home from school to find an eviction notice slapped on the front door, the stark realization sinking in that everything we had could vanish in an instant. Alone and overwhelmed, I sat outside, clutching the notice in trembling hands, wondering where I would sleep that night and if my family would come back for me.

In those fleeting moments of solitude, I was forced to confront the harsh realities of poverty in a way I never had before. Every decision, no matter how seemingly insignificant, carried with it the potential to alter the course of our lives. Whether it was choosing between work and seeking assistance, or facing the temptations of quick fixes offered by shady characters lurking in the shadows, each choice felt like a battle for survival.

But amidst the struggle, there was also grace. I witnessed acts of kindness and solidarity that transcended the boundaries of our simulated world, reminding me of the inherent goodness that resides within each of us. And as I emerged from the simulation, blinking back tears and grappling with a newfound sense of humility, I knew that I could never look at the world in quite the same way again.

How The Poverty Simulation Made Me A Stronger HR Professional

As an HR professional, this experience has left an indelible mark on my heart and soul. It has prompted me to reevaluate not just our policies and procedures, but the very essence of what it means to be human. No longer can we afford to view our employees through a purely transactional lens—we must see them as individuals, each with their own hopes, dreams, and struggles.

As HR Professions:

• How can we change shift hours to accommodate single mothers?
• How can we change our payroll processes to get people their earned money faster?
• How do we implement more forgiving attendance policies without sacrificing production?
• How do we increases wages to make it childcare affordable?
• How do we implement ride to work programs to help those without transportation?

In the days since the simulation, I have found myself grappling with a profound sense of responsibility. Responsibility to advocate for change, to challenge the status quo, and to foster a culture of compassion and understanding within our organization. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about the bottom line—it's about lifting each other up, supporting one another through the darkest of times, and forging a path towards a brighter, more equitable future for all.

 Let us be the change we wish to see in the world. And let us never forget the power of empathy to transform lives and inspire hope in the darkest of times.