Hundreds of middle school students faced tough real-life scenarios today but volunteers were there to teach them about making good choices.
Dougherty County seventh and eighth graders took turns navigating through the "teen maze" that brought up difficult situations they could face.
If they made wrong decisions, the maze led them to consequences such as jail time, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and even death.
"We work with 7th and 8th graders, come through this, and so hopefully that early age, they can learn about the consequences and not have to worry about paying those out in real life and playing them out here in a safe atmosphere where they can learn from the adults that are here volunteering," said Project coordinator Eddie McBride.
The two-day Albany State event is sponsored by Phoebe's Network of Trust.
Students participating in the teen maze also got to take a trip on the choice bus. The front half is a classroom. The other half is a replica of a prison cell.
Students listen to a short presentation, then the cell is revealed as organizers explain the consequences of not getting an education.
"We let them walk around inside there, but that's not the important part," said Lynn Smelley of the Maggie C. Stuart Foundation. "The important part is when we set them back down and we talk to them about their future and what they can do in their future and how much better they can do if they stay in school."
The choice bus has traveled around the country since 2008, encouraging students to stay in school.
It's part of the Mattie C. Stuart Foundation which was started to help prevent dropouts.
Lynn Smelley of the Maggie C. Stuart Foundation
Project coordinator Eddie McBride
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