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The personal experiences of students at Dexter High School and their encounters with inflation.
By: Adison Din
The adverse impact of inflation in the United States is permeated through the daily life of its citizens. Yes, in fact, our beloved Dexter is a part of the United States as well, therefore it is also affected by inflation. Inflation is an economic phenomenon that deals with the general increase in the pricing of goods and services and the purchasing power of a currency. From 2019 to 2022, the US experienced a significant inflation rate escalation, up from 1.23% to 8% due to supply and demand shocks caused by COVID-19. The pandemic led to increased prices, escalated unemployment rates, and the shutdown of many businesses. However, as of 2023, inflation has decreased to around 3.7%.
Prices of haircuts at Great Clips from 2015 (left) to 2023 (right), significant increase in price is exhibited
In Dexter, we see inflation in our everyday lives in everything we do. For example, early in the year of 2020, gasoline prices for regular grade in Michigan were low at around 0.95 cents per gallon on average. By March of 2022, the price of regular gasoline in Michigan was more than triple that, averaging around 3 dollars per gallon. Driving to practices and get-togethers with friends outside of school is becoming increasingly more difficult due to the inflated gas prices. Back to school shopping has also been affected by inflation. According to the latest Deloitte Back-to-School survey, rices of school supplies have increased by 23.7% in the past two years. This means that it is getting more expensive to buy basic supplies for ones education. Another one of the more undertone examples of the impact of inflation is getting a haircut now. In 2015, it was 14 dollars to get a regular haircut at the local Great Clips. As of 2023, that price has increased to 21 dollars for a regular haircut. Overall, high schoolers without jobs are left having to consider a little more thoroughly the things they can afford, and the things they can’t.
To discern the impact of inflation in Dexter High School, we interviewed Adyn Skowronski, a senior at DHS, and Robert Dubay, an Economics teacher at DHS.
Adyn: “Inflation has fundamentally reshaped how we go about our daily routines. Gas prices have surged, causing a strain on our wallets. Everyday activities like grocery shopping have become more demanding due to rising prices. Even necessary materials for tasks like pasture care have become prohibitively expensive.”
Dubay: “It’s the younger age groups, people in their 20s and early 30s, who feel the brunt of inflation. We can’t forget teenagers either; they are experiencing the pressure. The reasons are multifaceted, influenced by the Federal Reserve’s policies and fluctuating interest rates. Inflation has seen its own journey; it plateaued briefly but is now on the rise again. Global conflicts could play a significant role in its future trajectory.”
In conclusion, inflation has interwoven itself into the fabric of our lives in Dexter. The corollaries are apparent in things such as growing gas prices, increased expenses for meals, and the consideration of budgeting now. It is essential to acknowledge inflation as it is seen throughout our quotidian routines and will continue to be seen as we move throughout high school and into our adult lives.
