At R-MA, Air Force JROTC material is integrated into the curriculum in the classroom in the form of Aerospace. Aerospace is a series of courses that not only teach students about things such as military customs and flight, but also elements of first aid, wellness, effective communication, human relations, and life skills. As a junior, the Life Skills and Career Opportunities class provides cadets with basic information dealing with creating a budget, savings and banking, and real issues students will encounter when shopping, getting an apartment, and car buying options. By utilizing both in-the-classroom material and field trips, students walk away with a better understanding of how to handle situations they will encounter in the potentially near future.
Jonathan Pederson '15 explains one such field trip:
On March 6, 2014, the junior class had the opportunity to partake on an Aerospace field trip. Their lesson at the time, Life Skills, included the process of purchasing a vehicle. MSgt Stephen Pederson (Ret. USAF) contacted Marlow Motors™ and organized a fun and educational opportunity for his class, designed to answer questions like:
• How does one buy a vehicle?
• What is the difference between buying used, buying new, and leasing?
• What are good purchasing tips for vehicle shopping?
• What are things to take into account while finding the right vehicle?
General Manager Chris Thompson led a lecture answering these questions. By creating scenarios based off of student responses, he was able to create realistic decisions that students may need to make in their near future. Assisting Mr. Thompson was salesman Steve Day. Following Thompson's lecture, Steve guided the students to their lot. Using the information Thompson taught them, students participated in a mock procedure of purchasing a vehicle through Steve. R-MA thanks Marlow Motors™ for allowing our students to experience a fun and educational procedure.