One of the biggest reasons for the popularity of the tech industry is the fact that companies are relying more and more on technology as our culture and society grows and evolves. Whether it’s for communication, data analysis, or product development, companies need people with specialized skills to help them stay competitive in the market. This means that there are a wide range of jobs in the tech industry, from software developers to cyber security experts to data analysts.

Schools like Sofia University recognize the importance of teaching students these specialized skills. Programs in Cyber security and Information Assurance teach students data visualization and machine learning skills that are essential for success in today’s tech-driven world. Students learn how to protect information and ensure that data is accurate and secure, while also gaining the skills they need to analyze that data and turn it into actionable insights.

Opting for a career in cyber security presents an exciting and fulfilling opportunity for college students passionate about technology. With the escalating reliance on digital systems and the escalating threat of cyber attacks, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is rapidly growing. Specializing in cyber security equips students to protect organizations and individuals from potential threats, analyze vulnerabilities, and implement robust security measures.

The constantly evolving nature of technology and emerging cyber threats ensures continuous learning and professional growth, making cyber security an ideal choice for those who thrive on staying ahead in the dynamic digital landscape.

Beyond cyber security, college students are entering the tech space for various thrilling reasons. They are drawn to the potential for innovation and disruption, knowing that technology can reshape industries, revolutionize practices, and open new frontiers. The tech industry offers creative opportunities, collaboration, and entrepreneurship, allowing students to work on cutting-edge projects, collaborate with brilliant minds, and shape the future. The excitement of pushing boundaries, bringing ideas to life, and making a lasting impact fuels their passion for the vast and dynamic tech space.

Computer science has captivated the interest of college students in the tech space as well. It’s multifaceted nature, spanning algorithms, data structures, and artificial intelligence, offers an intellectually stimulating experience. Students are drawn to the challenge of problem-solving, the opportunity for innovation, and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries. Immersed in computer science, they embark on an exciting journey, paving the way for diverse career paths in software engineering, data science, and beyond. Driven by their passion for knowledge and their desire to shape the future, college students eagerly embrace the world of computer science.

College students are also captivated by the possibilities of artificial intelligence (AI). With its potential to revolutionize various industries, AI entices students with its ability to analyze data, automate processes, and enhance decision-making. Students are eager to explore AI’s innovation and develop intelligent systems that push the boundaries of what’s possible. Driven by a thirst for knowledge and a passion for staying on the cutting edge, they dive into the world of AI, poised to shape the future with this transformative technology.

So, whether you’re a college student looking to break into the tech industry or simply someone interested in the latest tech trends, there’s no denying that this is an exciting time to be alive. With so many opportunities available and new fields being created all the time, there’s never been a better time to embrace technology and all that it has to offer. So go ahead and dive in – who knows where your passion for technology will take you?

One of the best places to start is continuing your education. Take classes or even get a degree through a university or trade school. Sofia University is a fantastic option for those in the Palo Alto or Costa Mesa areas to learn and develop new skills. Sofia University offers numerous certificate and degree programs for those looking to level up their education or pivot in their career. Be sure to check out their cybersecurity graduate certification program, AI graduate certification program, and their affordable 2-year MBA program. In addition, Sofia’s business administration program has been approved for a DBA degree in which enrollment will begin this year. The university understands that people are working and have lives so the tuition at Sofia is affordable and class schedules are catered to folks with a 9 to 5 career.

Reading books geared towards advancing your career is another good option. A classic like “What Color Is My Parachute” by Richard N. Bolles is meant to inspire those looking for their path in life. The book is from the 1970’s but has been updated to in the newest edition to reflect the current job market, obstacles and economy.

For books on career change advice, look no further than “The Pathfinder: How To Choose Or Change Your Career For A Lifetime of Satisfaction and Success” by Nicholas Lore. This book encourages the reader to look inward and understand what kind of person they are. With more than 100 individual tests, the reader is sure to see themselves from a personal perspective as well as their work persona. This allows the reader to pursue the career shift that makes the most sense.

If you already have a dream job in mind, consider setting up an informational interview with someone who has the job you want. Utilize social media tools like LinkedIn and local networking events to connect with people you can emulate or who can help you on your journey to your dream job. Don’t be scared to throw out a lunch invite to someone in your desired field. You never know where it could lead.

Podcasts are a great business resource. Look for podcasts related to your desired field. With it being an audio medium, you can actively learn while doing other activities like working, driving, walking and even falling asleep. If you are looking to advance your career, we would recommend listening to the “Your Next Move” podcast hosted by Kimberly Brown. The listener will learn how to build a robust career strategy with realistic timelines. Sofia University has a podcast that we would recommend called “Pathways To The Heart” which aims to advance human potential.

With these tools you’ll be ready to take the necessary steps to improve your work situation or pivot to a career more in line with your life goals. So get out there and start learning today!

YOGA

Yoga is a wonderful way to engage with your spiritual and mental wellbeing. Improve your physical flexibility and improve your overall health with a powerful and transformational 21-minute daily practice. On June 24th and 25th, you can experience “Inner Engineering with Sadhguru” at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event will offer participants a chance to learn in Shambhavi Mahamudra Kriya, an ancient transformative yoga practice led by famous yogi Sadhguru. Practicing yoga in his presence will allow you to tap into yourself and unlock the core of your being. Tickets are expected to go fast. Purchase tickets to see Sadhguru here and get ready to be revitalized.

DRINK WATER

Hydration is a major key to being physically healthy and makes sure that everything is running correctly. The ideal way to keep hydrated for men is to drink roughly 3.5 liters of water per day while women should expect to drink around 2.5 liters per day, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you don’t have a reusable water bottle that you carry throughout the day, then we suggest getting one. Iron Flask makes a wonderful sports style water bottle that will knock out just over 1 liter of water per fill.

IV THERAPY

For those that aren’t able to stay hydrated throughout the day, or night, then you might consider trying IV therapy at a reputable location. In a short amount of time one can go from being dehydrated to fully hydrated in a fraction of the time that it would normally take. We’d recommend The Solution which has three locations to fuel yourself up in Hermosa Beach, West Hollywood and Long Beach. If you haven’t tried IV therapy, we’d suggest giving it a shot on a day when you’re not feeling your best to see the immediate impact it can have to refresh your mind and body.

EATING HEALTHY 

One way to feel energized throughout the day and not be bogged down is to eat healthier food throughout the day. Foods heavy in fat, sugar or sodium can cause your system to slow down in order to break down the food. By putting in fresh, lighter foods, you can change the amount of energy you are able to output each day. Easier said than done, right? Eating healthy doesn’t mean you’re stuck in your kitchen at home.Treat yourself to a restaurant that is able to make amazing food that is also healthy and fresh. Our favorite healthy spot in the LA area is Tocaya Organica which has numerous locations in the metro area and makes modern Mexican cuisine. We’d recommend trying one of their bowls which are chock full of flavor but low in calories.

Self care is key to keeping your mind and your body peaceful, thus ensuring a happier and more fulfilling life. We hope you’ll take moments everyday to focus on yourself and those around you.

Let’s start with the basics. Cannabis, also known as marijuana, weed, ganja, and a slew of other names, has been used for medicinal, religious, and recreational purposes for thousands of years. Ancient civilizations from China to Egypt to India used cannabis in various forms, from oils to tinctures to smoking.

Fast forward to the 20th century, and cannabis started to gain popularity in Western cultures. The counterculture movement of the 1960s and 70s embraced cannabis as a symbol of rebellion against the establishment, and it soon became associated with music, art, and free love. Cannabis also became a popular tool for spiritual exploration, self-discovery, and as a way to expand consciousness.

But it wasn’t until the 1990s that 4/20 became a thing. Legend has it that a group of high school students in California would meet at 4:20 pm every day to smoke weed. This group of friends, who called themselves “the Waldos,” used “420” as a code word for their smoking sessions and eventually the term caught on with other cannabis enthusiasts. Today, 4/20 is celebrated around the world as a day to smoke, consume, and enjoy cannabis in all its forms.

Now, let’s talk about THC and CBD. These are two of the most well-known compounds in cannabis, and they have very different effects on the body. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the compound that gets you high. It binds to receptors in the brain and can cause feelings of euphoria, relaxation, and altered perception. CBD, or cannabidiol, on the other hand, doesn’t get you high. It’s used more for its therapeutic properties, such as reducing anxiety, inflammation, and pain.

But even though cannabis has been used for centuries, it’s still a highly controversial plant. Laws around cannabis vary from state to state, with some places legalizing it for medical or recreational use, while others still treat it as a criminal offense. In some countries, possessing or consuming cannabis can result in severe punishment, including imprisonment.

One of the most significant changes in the industry in recent years has been the rise of cannabis delivery services. With the legalization of cannabis in many states, delivery services have become an increasingly popular way for consumers to access their favorite products. Whether you’re looking for edibles, flower, concentrates, or CBD products, chances are there’s a delivery service in your area that can bring it right to your door.

This accessibility has made it easier than ever before for people to purchase and consume cannabis, particularly for those who may not have easy access to a dispensary or who may have mobility issues. However, it’s important to make sure that you’re using a reputable and legal delivery service to ensure the safety and quality of the products you’re purchasing.

Despite the legal risks, the growing rise of older generations experimenting with cannabis is a sign that attitudes towards the plant are changing. As people discover the therapeutic benefits of cannabis and see how it can help with conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, they’re becoming more open to trying it out for themselves. And with the rise of legalization efforts around the world, the stigma around cannabis is slowly but surely disappearing.

As we continue to explore the world of cannabis, let’s remember to do so responsibly and with respect for the plant and those who use it. With ongoing research and education, we can unlock the full potential of cannabis and use it to improve our health, well-being, and quality of life.

So, the next time you light up on 4/20 or any other day, take a moment to reflect on the long and storied history of this incredible plant. Who knows what the future holds for cannabis, but one thing’s for sure: it’s sure to be an interesting ride.

What’s better than cheering on your team while showing the world who you root for? There are so many sites to pickup an outfit before the big dance. The best site is Fanatics which has official gear from every school and features almost every big school in the NCAA. Homefield is a hidden gem that sells retro logos for universities. The retro look commands a higher price, but the quality is amazing.

A Big TV

TV prices are better than ever so get ready for the big games by heading to a store and picking up your dream setup. There are some fantastic products at lower prices than the traditional big-name brands. Hi-Sense, for example, features the new U6H and was rated the best budget big screen TV by RTINGS. When you upgrade to 4k and HDR products, it will completely change how you watch sporting events live.

Picture-In-Picture

PIP is without a doubt the best way to watch the first and second round of the NCAA tournament. It allows you to pull up multiple channels at the same time ensuring you don’t miss a second of the action. It’s not as vital late in the tournament as there are fewer games but is critical to seeing all of the early upsets. Be sure that your TV can run it before the action starts.

A Solid Sound System

Bring the atmosphere of the arena into your home! A simple audio setup can drastically change how you watch games. There are budget 5.1 stereo setups that only run $100-200 on Amazon and Best Buy. Upgrading your TV speaker is a surefire way to hear everything on the court and the fans in the stands.

Streaming Service

Don’t miss a second of the action by using a reliable TV streaming service. The best out there at the moment is unquestionably YouTubeTV which allows you to record all your favorite team’s games. You are able to customize your channels in whatever order you desire, that way you don’t have to endlessly scroll to get to your preferred channels.

Refreshments and Snacks

Stock up on your favorite foods and drinks at the supermarket before settling in for the long haul. Hop on Tik Tok to find some new recipes that are easy to make without much preparation. Crack into nostalgia and grab some Capri-Sun or even some Sunny Delight to put a smile on your friends’ faces

The Right Furniture

Plan your layout to ensure everyone watching can see the games and be comfortable. If you are planning on hosting then a sectional couch is the best way to fit a bunch of people and all be oriented toward all of the action. A couch side table that slides under the couch is a must. Guests need somewhere to put their gametime beer or cocktail.

Q’s Billiards Club & Restaurant

This massive bar on Wilshire Ave. in Brentwood is second to none. There’s a ton of TVs spread throughout and even some downstairs booth seating that has mini TVs just for that group. There are two bars, one on each floor, plus a wait staff. You’ll never be without a cold beverage or hot food. The bar features a handful of pool tables if you like to play one game while watching another.

American Junkie Hermosa Beach

American Junkie is a South Bay sports staple you should definitely check out. Dip your toes in the ocean then trek a couple hundred feet to the bar. Junkie is the local watch party bar for many local teams as well as transplant teams. There are 40 TVs to catch the game whether you’re inside in the buzzing bar or outside on the sunlit patio.

Legends Sports Bar

Legends considers itself the “First Modern Sports Bar.” It was founded by former Rams offensive lineman Dennis Harrah and businessman John Morris in 1979 so it has a football pedigree. Watch the game surrounded by an astounding amount of memorabilia from both Long Beach athletes and Hall of Fame players. For the big games, they’ll pull down the projector screen and have a massive display in the middle for a more communal vibe.

The Garage on Motor Ave.

One of the smaller bars on the list but easily one of the best. This converted car garage has pennants hanging from the rafters for virtually every sports team there is. The entire bar is covered in TVs so no matter where you look you won’t miss a minute of the game. The drink prices at The Garage are fantastic and definitely makes it worth a trip as you wouldn’t break the bank.

Yard House

A larger chain style restaurant that features massive tap walls spanning from rarer German beers to unique craft brews. The food menu is expansive and in our opinion, much better than other larger chain sports bars food selection and taste. There are eight Yard House locations throughout the LA/OC Metro area including Downtown LA, Marina Del Rey, Long Beach and Newport Beach.

Glory Days Sports Grill and Beachside Grill

A nice sports bar for locals that features a literal beer cave of rocks with icicles hanging off. That ensures that guests are getting the coldest beverage that they could possibly want. Grab one of their big mugs fresh out of the freezer and do your best Homer Simpson impression.Glory Days features a large outdoor patio at their Lakewood location and the Seal Beach one has a massive long bar chock-full of TVs.

For this article, we kept it simple. Just a regular hot vanilla latte. No fancy milks or extra shots.

A chic, under-the-radar coffee shop is Thank You Coffee, off Anaheim Blvd in Anaheim is different from most little boutique coffee shops. Their cat theme is welcoming, and the esthetics of the shop keep it simple and open. While they didn’t use vanilla flavoring for their lattes, they do use agave flavoring that gives this latte the sweetness you’d expect from vanilla, but not overbearing.

In Downtown Orange, the Circle is commonly referred to as ‘the middle of town’, but just off ‘the Circle’ is a fun coffee and pastry shop called Pandor, that serves yummy treats and coffees. It’s a popular hangout for students and professionals alike, and it’s not hard to see why. The coffee is excellent, the pastries are delicious, and the atmosphere is inviting. The shop’s namesake is the Greek mythological character Pandora, who opened a box and released all the world’s evils. However, at Pandor, the only evils are bad caffeine withdrawal symptoms and sugar cravings. This simple vanilla latte ranks high on this list for its smooth taste and no overwhelming bitterness you might experience from espresso.

While in LA, scope out the location for Stereoscope Coffee in Echo Park. While Stereoscope Coffee is a chain with locations in Buena Park, Newport Beach and Long Beach, the popularity of the Echo Park location leads a line out the door for a midday Sunday swing through. Their standard vanilla latte was rich with flavor with the milk drowning out the acidity from the espresso. This location is small and tight, but didn’t deter guests from waiting about 10-15 minutes in line outside to order. Once inside, a dozen or so close-knit tables helped strike up conversations with your table neighbors.

One spot that you will likely fall in love with the charm and esthetic, as well as the latte, is Play Coffee in downtown Fullerton. Driving down West Commonwealth Ave in Fullerton, you might pass right by this quaint coffee shop, nestled between Joe’s Restaurant and D’Vine Mediterranean cuisine. What makes this coffee shop unique is the construction inside shipping containers that provides a quiet space for work or a casual place for conversation. With a very modern, contemporary design and creative branding, the vanilla latte also did not disappoint.

If you’re looking for a latte with some sass, any of the four Coffee Dose locations in Orange County aren’t for the sensitive. With staff wearing sweatshirts that say ‘Slut of Coffee’, this cheeky brand doesn’t take itself too seriously with obnoxious review quotes that line the walls from customers that aren’t in on the joke. Even though they only serve one size, this latte had a bold, rich flavor with a creamy, lingering aftertaste. Just remember, the drug references for ‘Puppy Uppers’ and ‘Anti (b-word) Serum’ aren’t real. It’s just fun that goes along with the “doctor-prescribed” dose of coffee to get you through your day.

While the United States has seen record-setting job growth in 2022, one of the most popular areas of career growth focuses on the area of occupational therapy. With an expected job growth of 17% for occupational therapists in the coming years, this career path has seemingly limitless potential.

Becoming an occupational therapist is a career path that allows men and women to serve a critical role in improving lives of people in need of rehabilitation as a result of injuries, illnesses or disabilities. Occupational therapists apply their training by helping patients learn or regain basic physical and mental skills through physical and cognitive therapy, device technology and life skills. An occupational therapist provides hands-on work in assisting people improve their daily quality of life through hospitals, nursing homes, schools and even via in-home health services.

Choosing this path of study has many possibilities, beginning with a two-year associate degree as a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), which allows graduates to work in the field. With an additional two years of study, graduates are able to earn a bachelor’s degree in Occupational Studies (OS) before going on to achieve a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy (OT). Graduates can earn a doctorate degree (OTD) that could potentially earn annual salaries of $100,000 and above. All Occupational Therapists in the United States, including COTAs, must be licensed by passing a national certification exam.

Orange County’s Santa Ana College, or SAC, not only offers an associate degree program in Occupational Studies, but as a result of the passage of California’s SB 850 Bill, is the only community college in California to also offer a bachelor’s degree in the same field of study. Senate Bill 850, passed in 2014, allowed 15 colleges in California, including SAC, to offer a baccalaureate degree program in specific workforce fields. With their first bachelor’s degrees conferred in 2019, SAC is well on its way to being the premier institution for residents throughout the state to earn their initial OTA/OS degrees. Students are reaping the benefits of being able to attend SAC’s respected and accredited program straight through to their bachelor’s.

“My overall experience from attending SAC’s OTA/OS program has made me a confident practitioner,” explains program graduate Stephanie Ortega. “After graduation, I had multiple job offers that resulted from my standing out as a candidate who showed a lot of knowledge and applied it properly when asked clinical questions during the interview. This is one of the most rewarding careers I could have ever imagined, with Santa Ana College’s OTA/OS program helping me stand out as a capable practitioner.”

Ortega’s experience of quickly finding a lucrative and satisfying job as an OTA/OS is in line with what the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics projects as one of the most rapidly growing careers in the next ten years.

Whether you’re thinking about a career change or about to graduate, the world of occupational therapy may be just the professional niche you’ve been seeking at Santa Ana College.

Learn more at sac.edu/os.

Solvang

Solvang is one of the first cities you hit on your way out of Southern California. It’s known for having Danish-style architecture and many wineries, restaurants, and bakeries that add to the Nordic environment. Explore the town through go-carts, stop at local places to eat and drink, and don’t forget to make your way to the famous Ostrichland USA. This is one destination you can visit for one day or even a whole weekend for more fun.

Big Sur

As you continue your road trip into Central California, you will find the stretch of road called Big Sur. Once you make it to the famous Bixby Creek Bridge, get out of the car and stretch your legs to take a picture. This area is perfect for anyone wanting to camp, hike, visit the beach, or just take a nice photo op to remember your 2021 road trip.

Winchester Mystery House

They don’t call it the Winchester Mystery House for no reason. Long ago, Sarah Lockwood Pardee Winchester was the owner of the infamous haunted mansion. After losing her child and husband, Winchester purchased this eight-bedroom home in San Jose, California. She then began the world’s most significant renovation on a home, only ending when she passed in 1922. The house is available for tours where you can find doors on the upper floors that lead outside, doors that lead to brick walls, and other bizarre hidden doors and traps for the ghosts she was said to be haunted by.

Golden Gate Bridge

The San Fransisco Golden Gate Bridge is the famous landmark of the bay stretching 1.7 miles over the Pacific Ocean. The experience of driving over the bridge is a must-do when visiting San Francisco. Once you get over, visit the many Golden Gate viewpoints to take a photo marking your rigorous road trip. The bay area is known for tourist destinations, including Pier 39 on the bay, Alcatraz Island, the Golden Gate Park, and many more.

Napa Valley

Just north of San Francisco is the famous California wine country, Napa Valley. For anyone who enjoys a glass of red or white, this is the spot for you to enjoy. This tourist destination gets visitors worldwide to enjoy a drink or bottle of wine at the more than 500 wineries. The hundreds of miles of hillside vineyards have more than wineries, including the Oxbow Public Marke with gourmet food or the Napa Valley Wine Train’s locomotive. All aboard on this top California road trip destination.

Echo Park

Echo Park is in the heart of Los Angeles with so much to do in the area. Sit and have a nice picnic by the lake, or stretch your legs with their rentable swan pedal boats for the LA experience. It gives a great view of Downtown Los Angeles and the hills that will make for a great day outside.

Vista Hermosa Natural Park

This Los Angeles park will give you a great place to sit and eat with a perfect picture. Once you enter the park, you might find a line to take photos at the famous Vista Hermosa park bench. This photo op stop gives you a clear view of the Los Angeles skyline and highrise buildings that will look amazing on your social media.

Griffith Park

Griffith Park is one of the most famous tourist locations in the city, with trails to hike, places to sit and eat, and views of the skyline from one side of the town to the ocean. You can see and visit the Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign, and the Los Angeles Zoo from certain parts of the park. Bring your walking shoes and a bottle of water because this park will give you a full day of exploring adventure.

Lake Hollywood Park

When you want a picture in front of the famous Holywood sign but don’t want to hike up the mountain – Lake Hollywood Park is where to go. From the moment you walk into the park, the view of the Hollywood Sign is the first thing you see. It has a children’s play area and ample open space to walk, sit, and enjoy the view.

Inspiration Point

If you’re on your way to shop or dine in Carona Del Mar, you might want to stop Inspiration Point. This cliff-side park gives you a view of the Pacific Ocean that you don’t want to miss around sunset. Bring a blanket, and hike down to the beach to listen to waves, walk along the water, and experience one of Orange County’s local landmarks.