We are nearing the end of our first school year. We have one more week left of school and one more shift at the Swanky Swine before we take a break for the summer. It’s been a great year. It’s hard to believe that it’s only been a few months since we told the students that we would be starting a school store. I don’t think any of us knew what a big hit the concept would be or how much we would all learn along the way.
One of the biggest unexpected outcomes was the opportunity for our students who were not in the program to learn to shop for themselves. When we first opened, it was almost humorous to watch people who have never worked at a store and people who had never independently shopped at a store try to make a transaction. Initially the two groups would stare at each other awkwardly. Sometimes a customer would take what they wanted from the cart, throw their money on the counter or even directly in the cash box and walk away. Other customers would give the cashiers money first and then pick out what they wanted.
Eventually, our employees learned to welcome people to the store and initiate conversation. The other students learned to wait in line, pick out everything they wanted, wait to be rung up, hand over their cash and wait for change. By the end of the year, a normal shift at the store went from a grueling and confusing hour and a half to an efficient forty five minutes. Lately, every time we end a shift the staff says “Was that it? It’s already over?!”
The students have learned a lot this year. Several students who have struggled with money math and counting coins for years are finally starting to have their “aha” moments. Moving from lectures and worksheets to actual hands on application has made all the difference in the world. Students who groaned every time they had to go to math class, now beg to work at the store and argue over who gets to be cashier.
They have all grown in confidence and independence. At the beginning of the year, no one could put the store together without a lot of direction and support. This past week, two of our employees set up the entire display independently They didn’t forget a thing. We were really proud of them. Perhaps, more importantly, they were proud of themselves.
Most of our students are returning next year and we are excited to see what’s to come. We’re thankful for every person who has come alongside us on this journey. We have a lot of exciting things in the works that we can’t wait to unveil.
The Swanky Swine 
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