Name_________________________

Problematic Situation

The House on Mango Street

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You have just won the lottery. . . Last month you and a group of coworkers from the Soup R. Clean Laundry Mat decided to buy a lottery ticket together. The following day all of you paused from your steamy washing duties and watched the rusty old television set as Lucky-Lotto Loren announced the 14 winning numbers. It was a match! Not even Pressing Pia could repress her emotions as the entire shop exploded into the celebration of the century. Some screamed some cried, some, like Monte the Mender remained seated, needle poised in front of the television begging for someone to pinch him. In that instant, you knew that you would never have to worry about money again. Or would you? By now, the shock of your victory is fading while reality continues to settle in. Only yesterday, a check for $500,000, your share of the winnings, arrived in a shiny silver envelope and is at home, at this very moment, sitting on the kitchen table. It is almost ironic, imagining such an enormous check lying gently on the same peeling vinyl table from which you've eaten nearly every meal since birth. You can almost taste freedom from the financial troubles that have always plagued your family. And then you remember . . . Over the past few weeks you have received phone calls and visits from friends, relatives, neighbors, church leaders, charities, politicians, and even local schools petitioning your help. It is quickly becoming clear that your $500,000 may not stretch as far as you originally thought. At first you were disgusted that so many people wanted your money; now you are beginning to realize that your money may be their last hope. The next page lists the petitions for money from those around you, also included are a few additional options for spending the money. Read each item carefully and decide on its level of importance, both in your life and in relation to the other choices. Be realistic. Try and imagine how you would really feel in this situation. Thoughtfully select how you are going to spend your earnings, then assign a number ranking to each of your choices, "#1" being the most important. You have 15 minutes. Good Luck!

Weir, 2000

Options for Spending $500,000

Cost Rank

Father -eye surgery to correct cataracts in both eyes 80,000 ______

You - spending money for entertainment & friends 100,000 ______

Aunt Lemmie - down-syndrome daughter needs a special school 25,000 ______

Local church - building needs renovations in order to stay open 125,000 ______

Jamie, sister - lifelong dream of piano lessons (+piano) 13,000 ______

Marcus, father's cousin - bail & a good attorney, wrongfully accused 200,000 ______ of murder in CA

Todd, brother -accepted to Northwestern - tuition & living expenses 160,000 ______

Lenas, neighbors- beds, their 10 kids sleep on the floor 3,000 ______

Your high school - computer lab for all students 120,000 ______

Mom & Dad - a house (currently in 2 bdrm. apt) and new furniture 300,000 ______

You - invest in stock market, mutual funds, bonds 250,000 ______

Immediate family - trip to Hawaii, airfare for 9, hotel, car rental, food, 25,000 ______ entertainment

Grandpa - live in nurse so he can leave government operated nursing home 70,000 ______

Jax, brother - his wife is having a baby, no insurance, no supplies 45,000 ______

Parents - credit card debt 50,000 ______

Local politician - wants to start a neighborhood literacy clinic & hospital 200,000 ______

You - a trip with friends to Seattle to see your favorite concert 5,000 ______

Father - his dream car, a BMW sport utility & insurance 70,000 ______

You - college fund 120,000 ______

Katie, sister - cheerleading uniform, camp, shoes, pom-poms 3,000 ______

Louisa, neighbor & godmother - bring rest of her family to US (Mexico) 30,000 ______

Ruben, uncle - pay child support for his 7 children & keep him out of jail 65,000 ______

Jenna, sister - credit card debt 85,000 ______

You - a new car & insurance 50,000 ______

Paul, cousin - wants to run for mayor, & make positive changes in community 250,000 ______

Immediate family - 20,000 to each member of immediate family 120,000 ______

Weir, 2000