Spring 2010: Two Dollar Challenge Blog for FRCC Students in Jaren Seid's Principles of Micro and Macro Economics.

Probably my final post, it's finally over, I'm writing this from work. Started working at 10am and the day flew by, it was 4pm before I knew it. Made an amazing italian sub. But it is all bittersweet, as you all have been saying, those we need to help have no end to their challenge. The raman, beans and rice we've all been complaining about are so much more than many have. I certainly hope that I, along with many of you, use this challenge as an opportunity to transform ourselves: be more aware of the difficult circumstances faced by so many of our brothers and sisters around the world, and actually do something about it.

After that challenge, I know I have been changed. What an experience. I still can't imagine what it would be to live like that and worse day-in and day-out. While I am thankful that I can eat what I like, I know that I will think about those that have so little every day for the rest of my life.

Wow, so the challenge is almost over, about to more hours. I cannot wait to have a beer and a big sandwhich. This makes me feel a little bad because even though as this challenge is over, as people in africa dont have the opportunity to settle thier hunger, litteracy, or even lack of water. In geography we learned about the goegraphy of the land and the economic situation. What is the best thing we can do to help sub-saharan africa? I dont even know- The UN doesnt even know? If we can figure out way to make a better living situation ramen noodles and hot dogs will be the last worry. Anyone that researches on the internet about the World Cup can see that this have made south africa worse than it is. The poverty has increased and affordable tickets to get in for south africans are not obtainable. After the world cup, south africa will have an empty soccer stadium to not feed the empty stomachs around the slums of johannesburg. Please next time you sit and learn about sub-saharan africa, heed the severity of the situation and think of what you can do as an adult to help them.

As I’m participating in the challenge I cannot help but think about those in developing nations but also the fact that many of the US population live below the poverty level. The living wage for one adult, for example, in Larimer County is estimated to be $18,657 annually before income/payroll taxes are paid (or, $51 / day). An individual working a minimum wage job full-time would earn $15,080 before taxes (over $3,000 short). You may think that these individuals might not pay very much income/payroll tax but these individuals actually pay a higher proportion of their income in payroll taxes than the top richest 20% of Americans not to mention, that sales taxes hurt these individuals much more than wealthier Americans.

Last day! Just a note, the challenge runs through 4pm today so just a few hours to go! I want to thank you all for participating in the first TDC at FRCC. You should be proud that you helped to start an initiative that will carry over into future semesters and that your efforts have not only enriched the experience of others currently taking the challenge (especially for myself) but of future participants as well. In addition, the PR committee members at both campuses are continuing awareness into next week and will have a table set up to share this opportunity with other FRCC students. As not all of the committee members lived on $2 a day, please let me know if you’d like to stop by the TDC table (I believe the one at Westminster will be on the 28th) and share you’re experience with other students that may want to participate in the Fall.

Woah, did anyone else get confused about the timeline for the blog posts being reversed? Anyways, I am glad that I got to participate in such an eye opening event such as this. It has been literally a challenge to keep on, but it reveals a lot about our world like the poverty in other countries and the blessings that we enjoy as Americans. We truly live in one of the greatest countries in the world. We not only have the opportunities to live comfortable lives, our culture encourages being wealthy and supports itself. Even when our economy seems to be crap, we are far better off that most of the world.

there is nothing worse than chicken and rice at this hour. im so eager for it to be 12 hours from now and find myself at 5guys. this week has definitely made me realize how easily i could stretch my budget

This week has been a big ey opener for me and i am sure everyone else that is doing the $2 dollar challenge week. Shutting off the lights when there is not light and just using candles that is tough especially scheduling it around homework. I have to make sure now that i get it done during the day instead of at night. Maybe this may help me in the future getting things done earlier instead of later. Still sleeping on the floor is making me more exhausted i don't get as good of a night sleep as what i normally would in a bed. Rice today is getting old having the same thing but i am saving tons of money this week that is for sure.