Capital Region Study and NAA

I was shocked when i began to read this study. There were many eye opening statements and statistics that seemed to be unreal. I believe its one of those things that you would never believe its happening where you live but in reality this is the situation in many parts of the United States.
One thing that stuck out the most was how if a person gets paid minimum wage (7.15) they make $15,000 a year but the poverty line is $17,170. How could this line be set? The minimum wage jobs mostly go to people who dont have an education and have a hard time finding a job to match their skills or understanding. If you make $15,000 a year how are all of your expenses going to be paid and what if you have a family?
The graduation rate in Albany school district also took me by surprise. That is less than half the school graduating. How are these kids going to obtain a job and make above minimum wage? I would like to know why arent these students passing and graduation from high school? I come from a public school where in the upcoming years, their goal is for 100% graduation rate. I think as a student seeing this goal set, you would want to help contribute to it. What if Albany or other schools tried to achieve a goal even if it was 50% because that would be an improvement and intrigue more people to join in.
On our visit to North Albany Academy, I was excited to see what we were going to be doing. I was a little weary when they told us we would be marching in the parade but it the end it turned out to be a lot of fun with the chants and cheering. I was also very amused during the BBQ session watching the kids interact with their peers and teachers.
On our way out, I felt like we were needed there after all the schools staff consistently thanked us and showed how much the appreciated us being their and apart of their homecoming. I walked out knowing I helped make the homecoming fun and enjoying.