Jayita Datta, psychology fellow for University Health Services Psychological Services,

began by saying: We are here to process your experience in the Game of Life Simulation.
You may not know who you are and feel disappointed or shocked.
She then pointed out the small number on the bottom corner of each students nametag.
Unknown to the students, these letters had assigned them an identity, ranging from
heterosexual male, to lesbian perceived as butch, partially blind and African
American.
As Datta read down the list of letters, revealing what identities they signified, students eyes
widened as they made the connection between who they were assigned and how they had
been treated during the simulation.
The Game of Life Simulation co-hosted by the College of Education, Health and Human
Services' Office of Diversity, Outreach and Development aimed to help students understand
the real-world consequences of stereotyping and discrimination.
Megan McDonald, a freshman fashion merchandising major, came to the simulation as part
of her leadership workshop, but hoped to gain more information on the events purpose.
I came here because Im in a peer leadership workshop and this is part of the class, but Im
really excited to know what this is all about, she said.
To begin, students were instructed to make a nametag. Once it was complete they proceed
to a circular table in the corner of the room where they were asked their majors.
Each student began creating an identity by being given an education level, ranging from
Masters Degree in Engineering, to High School Dropout.
From there, they went on to another table called The Job Bank.
After sitting down at the table each student was individually assessed by the table
moderator. Some immediately received high-salary careers, such as a lawyer or mayor,
regardless of their given education level, while others were asked background questions or
to show proof of residence.
Students were handed different amounts of fake money depending on their career, job or
unemployment status and led into an open room filled with various stations.
There, they were free to roam the room, stopping at stations such as a realtors office, car
dealership, hospital and restaurant. At each, students had either negative or positive
experiences based on their unknown identity.
Some were told there was an hour-long wait for service at a restaurant as they watched
other students immediately get a table. Many were denied proper healthcare or made to pay
sky-high prices compared to others.

While walking between stations random students were chosen to select Life Cards. Each
had different scenarios ranging from becoming a drug addict to winning the lottery.
After cycling through the stations, students were directed to a room where two Kent State
psychologists waited to debrief them on what they had just gone through.
Zack Skwara, sophomore architecture major, found the Game of Life to be an eye-opening
experience.
The Game of Life really makes stereotypes evident and changes your opinion on them, he
said.
N.J. Akbar, director of Diversity, Outreach and Development for the College of Education,
Health and Human Services, coordinated the third annual Game of Life Simulation at Kent
State after having a powerful experience with a similar activity during his college years.
When I was an undergrad at Eastern Michigan I went through a program similar to this. It
was a very impactful experience showcasing empathy and how to walk in someone elses
shoes, he said. When I came here, I wanted to start a similar event inspired by it.
Pamela Farer-Singleton, chief psychologist for University Health Services Psychological
Services, hopes the simulation helps students realize the privileges they have and
recognize the disadvantages others face because of their skin, sexuality or disability.
We do this to sensitize students to how others may experience their life based on their
identity, she said. People are still making assumptions about others based on race and
gender. This will help them realize that this is an ongoing concern that affects everyone.