Sacramento - Sacramento State graduating seniors are looking forward to life after graduation but are apprehensive to move forward in an unstable economy.
Amanda Barnes, a Family and Consumer Sciences major, is terrified to graduate, but excited to move on.
“I’m going to be a bum for a little while, but I’m kinda excited about it because I have been so busy with school,” Barnes said.
Her plans after she graduates are to begin studying for graduate school and find a job as a visual merchandiser.
“I’m currently with Macy’s, so hopefully that will lead to something at least in management, if not then they do have a merchandising department, so I could probably move into that section of the store,” Barnes said.
The uncertainty of the economy and the unsteady retail industry could affect Barnes’ career plans.
“My biggest worry is that I won’t be able to move up right away. I just don’t want to be stuck as a retail hourly employee once I have my degree. I hope to put it to use, but with a scarce job market, it looks like I’ll probably have to stay where I am.”
The Sacramento Region Research Institute (SRRI) reported between October 2007 and 2008 the United States lost 1.2 million jobs. The Sacramento Region alone lost 13,600 jobs in the last year.
Job growth in the Sacramento Region is not expected to pick up until August 2009, the SRRI reported. The region’s career opportunities for graduating seniors are limited, but not outside the realm of possibility.
CSUS Career Center Counselor Dave said, “the economy has certainly curbed quite a few industries, but some job sectors in new technologies are still on the rise.”
Dave also suggested that future graduates try a few unfamiliar “tricks” to get into the job market, such as performing community service in their industry, attending professional association meetings and striving for two part-time jobs rather than just one to increase availability for promotion.
Nicole Hendrix, a Production major, is scared to graduate.
“It’s safe here. I still have my parents not too far away and I’m thinking about moving across the state and I’m trying to pursue a career at a pretty horrible job market right now,” Hendrix said.
Hendrix has applied to over 49 jobs in the last month and is worried she will not be able to have steady work once she graduates.
“Whether its full time or part time, I can’t even get a restaurant job right now. It’s pretty bad,” Hendrix said.
She is considering going into the master’s program, but cannot receive any additional loans or financial aid.
“I don’t get any money from my parents and you have to be 23 to get more money from financial aid. So, I’m thinking about getting married or having a baby because that’s the only other way to get money,” Hendrix said.
Joseph Nguyen, a Business major, is ready to graduate and make money.
“After college, I’m just trying to get money. I have mouths to feed and child support to pay.”
Nguyen is willing to do anything for work, as long as it provides him enough money to support his family.
Social Science major Stephanie Schumplet does not have a plan for life after graduation. She has taken preliminary test for the state and hopes to work in the Water Resources field.
Economics Major Sean Burns has plans to pursue higher education after he graduates to become a teacher. Burns believes that people are feeling a need to make themselves more valuable in the job market.
“For the most part I don’t believe that a college degree or even a masters really prepares you for the job market. It puts you into a better position.”
Film Studies Major Adam Carney to not pursuing a job with his major because of the job market. He is going to become a police officer.
“If you don’t have any work experience, just because you get out of college with a degree, doesn’t mean you’re going to graduate college with a fantastic job,” Carney said.
Even though positions for recent graduates are hard to find, seniors are excited to move on.
“I’m most looking forward to getting to sleep in hopefully and definitely no homework and no tests to study for, and not having to buy books,” Barnes said.
“I’m stoked and I’m terrified at the same time.”
Schumpelt said she feels a huge sense of accomplishment for earning her degree.
“It’s been a lot of work, but it’s also been a lot of fun.”
Commencement ceremonies begin Friday, Dec. 19 at Arco Arena.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Black Friday Decision
Black Friday is an industry lingo where various retailers come together to drop prices on their merchandises the day after Thanksgiving in the United States.
eCost, an online retail store, had a Wii game console for only $99, Best Buy had a five to ten percent off of several selected items, and Circuit City had an Olympus 8 mega pixel digital camera at the low price of $79.99.
Significant drop in prices lured a massive crowd, but popular items were limited and quickly sold out. According to the National Retail Federation, there was a 7.2 percent increase on this Black Friday weekend compared to last year.
Sodahead forum held a cyber poll asking the community if they were planning to go shopping on Black Friday. There were 254 respondents, ranging from teenagers to adults. The result was 52% of people were not going to go shopping on Black Friday, 28% were going to go shopping on Black Friday, and 20% were undecided, but leaning towards going.
The majority that were against shopping on Black Friday said that they were concerned of long lines, feared of being injured, annoyed by the commotion or did not have the money.
Joe posted, “No, I'll be working, don't care for crowds anyway, everyone seems to get too pushy and rude and all sweaty and too worked up, but I'm sure my wife will be out there.”
Rich posted, “Sorry I won't be going anywhere. In this current state of economy it's to risky to spend because you never know what's going to happen next.”
Bico also had financial concerns. He stated that he would not venture out on Black Friday because he is a poor college student, he can barely afford his rent, his work hours have been cut and he only received minimum wage.
Another anti-Black Friday commenter even compared the hectic shopping experience of Black Friday to being “mauled” by bulls on the streets of Spain.
Few on the Sodahead forum commented on how they enjoyed the Black Friday shopping experience. Many that admitted to going, confessed their anxieties towards crowded places. Several others stated that it was a part of a family tradition.
Ana posted, “Black friday is a tradition in my family. We all get up at the crack of dawn and rush to the stores. It's a good bonding thing we do.”
Lee posted, “I usually get up at 4 A.M. to start shopping, but this year a few stores will be opening at 4 am. So, I'll be getting up at 3 A.M. instead, but it's my favorite shopping day. I still get anxiety in crowded places though.”
eCost, an online retail store, had a Wii game console for only $99, Best Buy had a five to ten percent off of several selected items, and Circuit City had an Olympus 8 mega pixel digital camera at the low price of $79.99.
Significant drop in prices lured a massive crowd, but popular items were limited and quickly sold out. According to the National Retail Federation, there was a 7.2 percent increase on this Black Friday weekend compared to last year.
Sodahead forum held a cyber poll asking the community if they were planning to go shopping on Black Friday. There were 254 respondents, ranging from teenagers to adults. The result was 52% of people were not going to go shopping on Black Friday, 28% were going to go shopping on Black Friday, and 20% were undecided, but leaning towards going.
The majority that were against shopping on Black Friday said that they were concerned of long lines, feared of being injured, annoyed by the commotion or did not have the money.
Joe posted, “No, I'll be working, don't care for crowds anyway, everyone seems to get too pushy and rude and all sweaty and too worked up, but I'm sure my wife will be out there.”
Rich posted, “Sorry I won't be going anywhere. In this current state of economy it's to risky to spend because you never know what's going to happen next.”
Bico also had financial concerns. He stated that he would not venture out on Black Friday because he is a poor college student, he can barely afford his rent, his work hours have been cut and he only received minimum wage.
Another anti-Black Friday commenter even compared the hectic shopping experience of Black Friday to being “mauled” by bulls on the streets of Spain.
Few on the Sodahead forum commented on how they enjoyed the Black Friday shopping experience. Many that admitted to going, confessed their anxieties towards crowded places. Several others stated that it was a part of a family tradition.
Ana posted, “Black friday is a tradition in my family. We all get up at the crack of dawn and rush to the stores. It's a good bonding thing we do.”
Lee posted, “I usually get up at 4 A.M. to start shopping, but this year a few stores will be opening at 4 am. So, I'll be getting up at 3 A.M. instead, but it's my favorite shopping day. I still get anxiety in crowded places though.”
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Last Calls for Change
SACRAMENTO – Barack Obama supporters showed up Saturday at the Marconi phone bank for a final push to convince registered voters of swing states to go to their local polling booths on Election Day.
Eighteen phone bank volunteers arrived with their cell phones at hand. The majority of phone bank volunteers were contacted about the phone back event by the Obama’s campaigners, and six signed up through Obama’s official website.
Robert Winston, an El Camino high school senior, leaded the phone bank event at a meeting room in Sacramento Arcade Public Library.
Winston said the amount of phone calls made that day does not matter. He said he just wants volunteers to show up.
“We’re going to be calling a certain swing state, and we’re going to be calling registered voters to get them to vote. I think it’s been really great. It shows a little community getting involved and it’s really grassroots for the Barack Obama campaign,” said Winston.
There was no age limit on phone bank participants. They even encouraged parents to bring teens or confident 11 or 12 year olds.
Phone bank volunteers were given a sheet of a swing state phone numbers and phone etiquette instructions with a transcript. A survey sheet of the amount of calls and types of responses they were receiving were to be filled out.
“Hello, my name is Carrie, calling with Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. Do you know where you’re going to vote on Tuesday? Do you need a ride to the polling center? Do you mind sharing which candidate you will be voting for?” said phone bank volunteer Carrie Thompson, on her cell phone.
Carrie Thompson said the event was “a little poorly organized, and she used a stack of chairs as a writing platform because there were not enough tables. She said decided to attend the phone bank event because she wanted to make sure she made a contribution, and she did not want to regret having her presidential candidate lose.
Phone bank volunteer Carol Smith’s said people responded positively.
“Everyone was very nice and, about everyone I talked to was going to vote for Obama,” said Smith.
Smith said she was very excited about the possibility of Obama being elected as president from the very beginning -- that he was the right choice.
Max Boyd, a phone bank volunteer returning for his second time, said he was inspired by Obama’s words and will to make a difference.
“I was concerned that last time there wasn’t much initiative to get people to vote and this time, I’m inspired,” Boyd said.
Phone bank volunteers averaged 26 phone calls per volunteer within the first hour. Each volunteer talked to an average of one registered voter who did not want to vote. The majority of calls only reached the telephone message machines. But an overwhelming number of people stated that they were voting for presidential candidate, Barack Obama.
Winston was surprised that many people showed up to the event. At the last phone bank event, only six volunteers showed up to call up the swing state, Nevada.
Winston said, “Last time we were able to convince 20 people to vote for Obama. I can’t say for certain it is all because of us. But I’d like to think we made a little difference.”
Eighteen phone bank volunteers arrived with their cell phones at hand. The majority of phone bank volunteers were contacted about the phone back event by the Obama’s campaigners, and six signed up through Obama’s official website.
Robert Winston, an El Camino high school senior, leaded the phone bank event at a meeting room in Sacramento Arcade Public Library.
Winston said the amount of phone calls made that day does not matter. He said he just wants volunteers to show up.
“We’re going to be calling a certain swing state, and we’re going to be calling registered voters to get them to vote. I think it’s been really great. It shows a little community getting involved and it’s really grassroots for the Barack Obama campaign,” said Winston.
There was no age limit on phone bank participants. They even encouraged parents to bring teens or confident 11 or 12 year olds.
Phone bank volunteers were given a sheet of a swing state phone numbers and phone etiquette instructions with a transcript. A survey sheet of the amount of calls and types of responses they were receiving were to be filled out.
“Hello, my name is Carrie, calling with Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. Do you know where you’re going to vote on Tuesday? Do you need a ride to the polling center? Do you mind sharing which candidate you will be voting for?” said phone bank volunteer Carrie Thompson, on her cell phone.
Carrie Thompson said the event was “a little poorly organized, and she used a stack of chairs as a writing platform because there were not enough tables. She said decided to attend the phone bank event because she wanted to make sure she made a contribution, and she did not want to regret having her presidential candidate lose.
Phone bank volunteer Carol Smith’s said people responded positively.
“Everyone was very nice and, about everyone I talked to was going to vote for Obama,” said Smith.
Smith said she was very excited about the possibility of Obama being elected as president from the very beginning -- that he was the right choice.
Max Boyd, a phone bank volunteer returning for his second time, said he was inspired by Obama’s words and will to make a difference.
“I was concerned that last time there wasn’t much initiative to get people to vote and this time, I’m inspired,” Boyd said.
Phone bank volunteers averaged 26 phone calls per volunteer within the first hour. Each volunteer talked to an average of one registered voter who did not want to vote. The majority of calls only reached the telephone message machines. But an overwhelming number of people stated that they were voting for presidential candidate, Barack Obama.
Winston was surprised that many people showed up to the event. At the last phone bank event, only six volunteers showed up to call up the swing state, Nevada.
Winston said, “Last time we were able to convince 20 people to vote for Obama. I can’t say for certain it is all because of us. But I’d like to think we made a little difference.”
Monday, September 15, 2008
Mid-Autumn Harvest Festival
Hundreds of people gathered to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Harvest festival with food, music and dance at William Land Park.
There were twelve stands selling a variety of Mid-Autumn festival goods, such as Mooncakes, Turnip and Leeks Cake, Sticky Rice, Squid and Bean Curd Soup, Rice Flour Noodles and Taro Milk Tea.
A dance instructor led his students to the center of the festival. The dance students meet up each Friday to learn ballroom dancing as their children attend Chinese school.
Mid-Autumn Harvest festival is a holiday popularly celebrated in Taiwan, China and Vietnam.
Traditionally, families and friends gather with one another to eat a grand feast. The holiday celebrates the full moon and a Chinese pastry called, Mooncake.
Chen, the co-director of the Taiwanese Association, explained that Mooncakes are shaped to represent the full moon, and thus, celebrated at the 15th day of the first lunar month.
According to Chinese folklord, during the Yuan dynasty, the Mooncakes were used as a key element to overthrow the suppressing Mongolian rulings. Paper messages were hidden in the Mooncakes that depicted how to overthrow the government. On the night of the Moon Festival, Chinese successfully overthrew the government. Today, Mooncakes are eaten to celebrate their victory.
Mooncakes are round, 10 cm in diameter pastries; they are made out of eggs, and have sweet fillings, such as nuts, mashed red beans, lotus-seed paste or dates. It is commonly compared to plum cakes or fruit cakes.
There were twelve stands selling a variety of Mid-Autumn festival goods, such as Mooncakes, Turnip and Leeks Cake, Sticky Rice, Squid and Bean Curd Soup, Rice Flour Noodles and Taro Milk Tea.
A dance instructor led his students to the center of the festival. The dance students meet up each Friday to learn ballroom dancing as their children attend Chinese school.
Mid-Autumn Harvest festival is a holiday popularly celebrated in Taiwan, China and Vietnam.
Traditionally, families and friends gather with one another to eat a grand feast. The holiday celebrates the full moon and a Chinese pastry called, Mooncake.
Chen, the co-director of the Taiwanese Association, explained that Mooncakes are shaped to represent the full moon, and thus, celebrated at the 15th day of the first lunar month.
According to Chinese folklord, during the Yuan dynasty, the Mooncakes were used as a key element to overthrow the suppressing Mongolian rulings. Paper messages were hidden in the Mooncakes that depicted how to overthrow the government. On the night of the Moon Festival, Chinese successfully overthrew the government. Today, Mooncakes are eaten to celebrate their victory.
Mooncakes are round, 10 cm in diameter pastries; they are made out of eggs, and have sweet fillings, such as nuts, mashed red beans, lotus-seed paste or dates. It is commonly compared to plum cakes or fruit cakes.
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