Sac State Graduating Seniors: In this economy, know the value of your education; Do what you have to do

Sac State Graduating Seniors: In today's economy, value your education and use your skills that you already know.

From working at a casino to joining the military, California State University, Sacramento’s graduating seniors do not have their heads in the clouds.

Many Sac State seniors are graduating at the end of the fall semester and are preparing themselves for heading into the work force of a declining economy.

Mehti Boostani, an Organizational Communications major and graduating senior says he currently works for Banana Republic and is currently trying to get a job in their corporate office.

Other students like Renee Cristoni, a criminal justice major, are considering military avenues.

"I was thinking about going into the Air Force because with my Bachelor's Degree I can go in as an Officer."

Professors and career counselors are also readily available to students for advice.

Stephanie Jackson changed her major from teaching to something "a little more flexible in the job market."

Eva Gabbe, career center counselor at Sac State says that artistic careers are feeling the crunch more than others such as accounting. "People need a plan and need to do work in their field--even if it's for free!"

Despite economy, Christmas tree farms thrive

On the Saturday after Thanksgiving we decided we wanted to cut our own Christmas tree this year.

The Tahoe and El Dorado national forests were not giving out permits this year due to low funding and could not employ the people it would take to manage the program. Their websites direct people to local Christmas tree farms in the area.

In Alta, California, the hidden, but popular Christmas tree farm was celebrating their 50th anniversary but the farm was also under new ownership.

The location sounded wonderful and they had two little trucks to take people up and down the mountain side.

“It's tradition,” said Paul Somerhausen. “It’s worth it. We like the experience. With gas prices down, it seemed even more feasibile."

By 1pm, a line of cars backed up through the narrow mountain street.

Little Bear Creek Tree Farm is located in the Sierra foothill community of Alta approximately 12 miles East of Colfax, and 40 miles West of Truckee on Interstate 80.