Posts

World We Imagine: Post 3

World We Dare to Imagine, Part 3 The New Horizons Project Pitch to Anima Mundi Development Partners “Life is full of surprises… how are there not more homeless people”?  - Jason Cheny, Comedian Adulthood has taught me that not everyone is so fortunate and so lucky. Sometimes, life throws too many surprises at once, so we all need a little help – and a little luck. Imagine a future where no one is left behind, and where individuals experiencing homelessness can rewrite their stories. The New Horizons Project is turning that vision into reality. Introduction The New Horizons Project is a social enterprise dedicated to addressing homelessness by providing stable employment, skill-building opportunities, and reinvesting profits into housing and support services. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve lasting independence. Opportunity Homelessness impacts millions and stems from deeply rooted, complex causes – with no one simple solution. The New Horiz...

World We Imagine: Post 1

After reading Jacqueline Novogratz quote, it reminded me that we are all citizens of the Earth – global citizens. Our community is beyond the geographical boundaries, political views, wealth and class. In this interconnected world, our responsibilities as global citizens require us to think and care beyond ourselves. I think our generation embodies this ideal – through the power of social media. Platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and so on have become more than just spaces of entertainment; they are tools for advocacy, connection, and education. Social media has allowed people to amplify voices, to shed light on injustices (even thousands of miles away), and even rally support for causes that transcend borders. To making a world a better place: Having lived in both NYC and LA, homelessness has always been an issue that I see. Even on social media, I see these street interview videos of the homeless. I think it’s safe to say that it's a crucial issue that needs to be addresse...

Random Post 2: December in NYC

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December in NYC by Erica Lu If you're ever going to be in NYC during the holiday season... here is a little guide for your Instagram stories!! As a NYC native, I still go to these attractions every year. Shine Bright at Hudson Yard November 25th to January 5th 📍Hudson Yards, New York, NY 10001 Winter in New York can be cold, so starting indoors -- Hudson Yard. Inside the Hudson Yard Mall, they have the annual Christmas decorations up. Grab a burger from Shake Shack and a cup of Blue Bottle Coffee and enjoy the view. You can also do some Christmas shopping here :). And FYI, clothing and footwear under $110 are tax-free, happy shopping. Erica's camera       Saks Fifth Ave Holiday Light Show      📍Saks Fifth Ave flagship store,  5th Avenue between 49th and 50th Street Every year the Saks Fifth Ave Holiday Light Show in New York is projected onto the side of its flagship store on 5th Ave. Nothing puts you more in the holiday spirit than seeing festi...

Book 2, Post 2: Feel-Good Productivity

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Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal After reading the first 80 pages: I chose to read, Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal because of the line: “ How to Do More of What Matters to You ”. Because, sometimes, I do find myself doing work and feeling like it’s always a chore or a hassle. I hope this book will help me discover ways to achieve more meaningful and enjoyable productivity. The introduction hooked me right away, starting with the line, “‘ Merry Christmas, Ali. Try not to kill anyone. ’” As I continued to read, I could picture the hectic hospital scenes, much like those in Grey’s Anatomy. Ali shared how he always looked forward to becoming a doctor, though medical school was hard, there was always a way to push through with discipline. But after becoming a doctor, that changed. Every day at the hospital, there are endless patients, in which he sees no end. This slowly started to eat at him – draining his passion for the job. Even though we have different occupations, I found t...

Book 2, Post 1: Feel-Good Productivity

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Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal I chose to read, Feel-Good Productivity by Ali Abdaal because of the line: “ How to Do More of What Matters to You ”. Because, sometimes, I do find myself doing work and feeling like it’s always a chore or a hassle. I hope this book will help me discover ways to achieve more meaningful and enjoyable productivity. The introduction hooked me right away, starting with the line, “‘ Merry Christmas, Ali. Try not to kill anyone. ’” As I continued to read, I could picture the hectic hospital scenes, much like those in Grey’s Anatomy. Ali shared how he always looked forward to becoming a doctor, though medical school was hard, there was always a way to push through with discipline. But after becoming a doctor, that changed. Every day at the hospital, there are endless patients, in which he sees no end. This slowly started to eat at him – draining his passion for the job. Even though we have different occupations, I found this feeling of burnout relatable. ...

Investment Memo: Imperfect Foods draft

To : Clark Hansen From :   Erica Lu Date : October 15, 2024 Subject : Investment Opportunity: Imperfect Foods A potential company to invest in is Imperfect Foods, a company committed to reducing food waste by selling “imperfect” and surplus groceries that do not fit the traditional aesthetic standards. Based on our ADMP standards: Social responsibility, Environmental Sustainability, and Profitability – I recommend that we consider investing in Imperfect Foods. Below is my evaluation, including: AMDP Standards Overview of Imperfect Foods Outside Evaluation Recommendations Triple Bottom Line The triple bottom line is a business concept that firms, rather than solely focusing on generating profit, but also on their impact on people and the planet. It can be broken down into “three P’s”:  Profit : Strategic planning initiatives to maximize profitability for shareholders People : Commitment to positively impact all stakeholders and society (Harvard). Planet : Commitment to being en...

Random Post 1: Best Coffee & Tea Spots in the SGV!

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Best Coffee & Tea Spots in the SGV! by Erica Lu When people ask me what my hobby is, I'll always say I like discovering different coffee and tea (boba) shops. Some people may not consider that as a hobby, but I'm the type to dress up and drive 30 minutes one way just to grab coffee. As for me, I like to drink my calories, I could easily not eat for the whole day, but I'll have to drink some sort of caffeine. So I think I've got my drink spots down well, so here are some of my favorite spots in the San Gabriel Valley (SGV). Alhambra Formosa Aroma 560 W Main St B, Alhambra, CA 91801 Starting off in Alhambra, this is the place if you're looking for a spot where the tea is stronger or if you're looking to customize your drink. There are 12 different teas to choose from (yes, not just your regular jasmine, or black) and extensive toppings. My favorite: Rose Tea Foam Black Tea Arcadia CC Cake 1031 S Baldwin Ave, Arcadia, CA 91007 A cake and dessert spot is probabl...