Do you want to save money for your child’s educational needs, but need help learning where to start? Well, let me introduce you to 529 plans; an educational savings plan designed to provide a parent, grandparent, or anyone else an opportunity to contribute to a child’s educational dreams using a tax-advantaged savings vehicle. Today, it is known as a “Qualified Tuition Program” or QTP. In 1996, the 529 plan was created by the United States Congress and has been modified by various pieces of legislation through the years.

In the past decade, innovations in technology have widely expanded the American entertainment industry. Along with these innovations, a new form of the internet has been introduced, social media. Social media is a place where all generations, mostly Gen Z and millennials, can come together to create a community for their specific interests. Despite social media’s welcoming appearance, it can cause young adults and influencers around the world to develop mental health issues.

Did you know that Mesa, Arizona, is the very first Autism Certified city in the entire world? As a child diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, I am grateful to live in this progressive city.

Every year, on March 17, people celebrate the life and legacy of St. Patrick, an Irish saint. There are feasts and parades, dances and parties…but how did this all start? Well, the story of St. Patrick’s Day goes all the way back to the late 4th century.

Black History Month is an important time when we celebrate the achievements, lives, and cultures of African Americans. Black History Month evolved throughout the 1900s. Black History Month was originally started by Carter G. Woodson, “The Father of Black History,” who wanted a way to highlight the contributions that Black people brought to the American community.

The first woman to ever serve on the U.S. Supreme Court recently passed away in Arizona. On March 26, 1930, this American icon was born in El Paso, Texas. She grew up riding horses and helping on cattle roundups on her parents’ ranch in Arizona. Although she was a good student, no one suspected that she would one day change the world. Her name was Sandra Day O’Connor. She would grow up to be the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court!

There is a place where teachers can find great resources and companies can make donations, a place dedicated to helping our community by serving educators and students and by helping the environment. It’s called Treasures 4 Teachers.

Since water is scarce in Arizona, drought is a natural occurrence. In fact, Arizona has been in a drought of some form since 1994. Not surprisingly, this affects the amount of water available to Arizona citizens. Because of that, cities are creating multi-tier water conservation plans to ensure we have enough water for years to come.

Since we live in the desert, it is evident that water is scarce. When rain falls, Phoenicians are known to run outside and rejoice. But when lakes are low, citizens begin to worry because water is necessary for life.

“Humanity is at the mouth of a long, dark tunnel, and right at the end of the tunnel, it’s a little star. That’s hope.” Those are the words of Dr. Jane Goodall, an English primatologist and anthropologist. She was in Arizona in June to promote her new documentary, “Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope,” playing at the Arizona Science Center through September 1. I had the opportunity to see the documentary and be part of a media panel interview with Dr. Goodall and David Lickley, the writer, producer and director.