Back in the day, parents laid down rules, and whether or not we agreed with them, we obeyed. TV hours were limited, curfews set, and homework was done before going outside to play. Period. After all, our parents knew best, right? Tweens and teens neither have the maturity nor the foresight to make important decisions. But with today’s immediate-gratification mode of living, parents have lost control over their children. Technology has consumed every aspect of our very existence. We no longer leave voice messages and wait for responses; we text questions or statements and the recipient gets it within seconds. We no longer look forward to watching our favorite TV show with the family…
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Steps to Protecting Your Family and Home from Wildfires
After the devastating CZU, Lahaina, and Palisades wildfires that ravaged thousands of acres and caused billions in damages, it’s clear that we need to be proactive in safeguarding our families, pets, and homes. With skyrocketing fire insurance premiums and major carriers hesitant to cover California properties, preparation is more critical than ever. In 2019, as California Mother of the Year, I organized the North Rodeo Gulch (NRG) Firewise community in Soquel and created a YouTube video demonstrating an easy way to prepare a Go-Bag [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JqDaLIdwvY]. Below are six simple steps to help you prepare for emergencies and potentially save lives. Let’s work together to reduce the stress and fear associated…
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Start the New Year with a Family Keepsake
It used to be that families would have a large shoebox filled with printed photos meant for albums that never got made. Today, with cell phones capturing countless pictures and cloud storage like Google Photos saving them for us, the same thing is happening. While the photos are automatically dated, they often lack important context—like what event they capture, who is in them, or the story behind the staged smiles. When I was raising my two daughters, I kept an informal journal of their lives. At first, I wrote daily because things changed so quickly—eating schedules, sleep patterns, and milestones happened all the time. Sometimes, I’d ask my daughters to…
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How to Stop Gift-Giving for the Holidays
The holiday season is often synonymous with gift-giving, but for many, the pressure to buy the perfect present has overshadowed the true spirit of the season. If you find yourself stressed about shopping, worried about your finances, or surrounded by gifts that you don’t want or need, you may be ready to rethink this tradition. Here’s how you can stop giving gifts for the holidays while still celebrating with your friends and family in more meaningful ways. Communicate Early and HonestlyThe key to shifting away from gift-giving is to let your family and friends know your intentions well in advance. Explain your reasons: Stop worrying about how much to spend…
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Tips for a Winning College Application
College-bound seniors are off to a busy season as they juggle their 12th-grade classes and between 7-20 college applications. While this may seem overwhelming while juggling sports and extracurricular activities, take the time to lay out your priorities. Here are 6 tips to consider when organizing your college applications: #1: Choose colleges based on the majors offered Most students make the mistake of choosing colleges based on their rankings or locations. Instead, research the majors you’re considering and choose the colleges that have programs that align with your interests. Check out their required courses and electives. You’ll be surprised to see the difference in courses offered at different colleges. #2:…
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Students Share Their Creative Projects
Last month, TEDxMeritAcademy hosted an inspiring event featuring seven talented teen speakers who showcased their innovative projects aimed at making a positive impact on the world. This year, the event was hosted at the 418 Project in Santa Cruz. Each young visionary shared their unique ideas, from groundbreaking environmental solutions to cutting-edge technologies and social initiatives. Their presentations captivated the audience, highlighting the power of youth-driven innovation and the potential for these projects to transform communities and industries alike.The event served as a platform for these extraordinary teens to inspire others to think creatively and take action toward meaningful change. Brandon XuThe 2020 Northern Complex Fire destroyed 318, 935 acres…
