Inflation on the rise, teenage experiences on the decline

by Alana Bridges

Editor-In-Chief

The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Journalism Production course.

In 2020, the world was turned upside down. We saw local businesses close and gas prices sky rocket. Two years later, we are still facing the repercussions.

Hilliard Kroger mis-labeled grapefruits for $699 a piece when the accurate price was $6.99. Photo by Alana Bridges.

Students throughout Bradley are faced with inflation and the rising prices of everyday goods more than anyone thinks. It’s becoming harder and harder to enjoy your teenage years when the cost of living grows exponentially. Kylee See (12), who has worked for a catering company for two years mentions, “with the prices of food going up and even clothes, I have to pick up more shifts than ever.” She’s not the only one who's hours a week have increased. Students are giving up more free time and putting more money in savings to better prepare for the future. Katie Christian (12) discusses how she “puts more of [her] paychecks into savings” than ever before, purely based on the fear that prices will continue to rise and that she will “need more money to get through college.” Seniors feel the pressure to be as financially stable going into college more now than ever before.

Inflation is an obstacle students weren’t expecting when entering high school but now it’s a top concern. Many are now asking, is college going to cost more? Are we going to see a rise in rent costs? These are questions we are now forced to think about as students are taking their first steps outside of high school.

Students are not alone in the new struggle regarding inflation. Teachers have been in the front row seats as they are seeing fewer and fewer students participating in activities that cost money. Biology and astronomy teacher, Mrs.Ulring, states, “ inflation affects every aspect of [students’ lives] and makes them think twice about daily coffees and food trips.” Many students have learned to adapt, but some are still struggling with how to spend the least amount possible.

While the rise in prices has been an issue for students, some feel bad their parents have to now pay so much more to fund simple activities. Sami Myron (11) says, “while inflation hasn’t affected my wallet, it has affected my parents since they pay for my gas.” Many underclassmen or athletes who don’t have the availability to work a job rely on their parents for support, and with gas prices fluctuating so much they are forced to limit driving. Myron continues, “I don’t drive [places] that are far because I try to save my gas as much as possible.” The rise of prices limit the typical teenage experience; young adults have less and less to work with, making normal trips to Walmart or the mall more of a task and more expensive.

Inflation isn’t going away anytime soon, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on fun activities. Try out some at-home crafts or have a movie night. Enjoy your teenage years as much as possible as time flies fast and it’ll be over before you know it!