With political tensions on the rise, so are many other necessities. This can include gas prices. As most people are forced to pay for fuel regardless of pricing, it left us to wonder how this affected the teen population.
Outside of impact, do students really understand what is causing the influx in pricing? We turned to our very own economics instructor, Ryan Young, for his educated perspective.
“I do think some students understand what is causing prices to increase. It’s likely that most of those students are either interested in world current events or they are paying for their own gas so they want to know why prices fluctuate,” said Young.
For a more first hand insight, we turned to Kayley Stoehr, a junior at Wheeling Park High School, for what she has seen the impacts of rising prices do to herself, along with her peers.
“Rising gas prices can make students more aware of political issues because it directly affects them. Specific costs, like the gas prices, are often caused by government policies. When students see how quickly gas prices can affect their ability to afford transportation they might pay closer attention to decisions related to the cost of living,” said Stoehr, “While not all students become aware of politics many can become more informed or have stronger opinions because it directly affects them and is tied to their everyday lives.”
Other than politically, the inflation of everyday items can have significant harm on students who provide for themselves.
“Students who also work for minimum wage may need to pick up more hours to make ends meet depending on their overall budget,” said Young, “For students that have to pay for their own gas and work minimum wage jobs it forces them to budget their money more. Students will have less money to spend on going out with friends or buying luxury items that can ultimately impact the overall economy.”
As someone who works and pays for her own fuel, Stoehr notices how this can have a heavy impact on her and those around her.
“For students who work minimum wage jobs or support themselves, rising gas prices can impact their daily routines. A lot of students rely on driving to get to school, work, and extracurriculars, so when gas prices rise more of their income goes towards transportation,” said Stoeher, “This forces them to cut back on food, school supplies, or other essentials just to afford getting where they need to go. Sometimes students may have to change their work hours because it becomes too expensive to even get there. For students who work minimum wage jobs or support themselves rising gas prices can impact their daily routines. A lot of students rely on driving to get to school, work, and extracurriculars, so when gas prices rise more of their income goes towards transportation. This forces them to cut back on food, school supplies, or other essentials just to afford getting where they need to go. Sometimes students may have to change their work hours due to this.”
Regardless of political standpoint, this is an issue that can impact everyone around the world and it must be taken seriously.
