Fall 2024

  I chose Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core by Dr. Rick Hanson because he’s a psychologist who has spent decades researching and gathering insights on how to turn everyday experiences into a lasting sense of well-being. His work focuses on building inner strength that stays with us through life’s many challenges.  His breakdown of resilience into manageable steps is beneficial which got me interested to read the book. As I continue to read more throughout the book, I want to learn more about strategies for how to build more positive traits such as gratitude, and building resilience over time. This will also help me by giving me a road map of how to build mental and emotional strength in the future, as I encounter more difficult times 

To: Clark Hansen, CEO, Anima Mundi Development Partners From: Araz Mehrabi, Research & Development  Date: October 15, 2024 Subject: Philz Coffee: Qualified for AMDP Investment? I recently learned that Anima Mundi Development Partners invests in companies committed to social responsibility, environmental sustainability, and profitability. I am excited to recommend Philz Coffee as a perfect fit. Philz is not only known for its exceptional, handcrafted coffee but also for its ethical sourcing, sustainable practices, and deep community involvement. Philz Coffee fits in well with your investments and offers a compelling possibility for your portfolio because of its solid growth history and dedication to conducting business sustainably. AMDP Standards Triple Bottom Line People: Refers to human capital, people who carry out the work in the company, and also people who are affected by the company. (cultivating capital) Planet: How environmentally responsible a company can be. (Investop...

  Living in Los Angeles, we don’t get to experience snowy mornings. The idea of waking up to two feet of snow is something we never see here. While LA winters are mild, sometimes my friends and I miss the feeling of a real winter. A few years ago, we started a tradition of going to Big Bear every year during the holidays. We rent a big cabin, gather all our friends, and enjoy the snow we don’t get in LA. It’s something we all look forward to. Before we head up there, besides splitting the cabin cost, everyone also chips in around $150 for food and drinks. We usually stop at a grocery store like Costco to buy a bunch of meat for BBQ, beer, liquor, and snacks. That way, we have everything we need and no one has to leave the cabin just because they’re hungry. What makes this tradition even better is the time we spend together. The holidays are all about being close to the people you care about and being in the mountains with snow makes that even more special. We rarely even leave the ...

Reading American Like Me made it clear that many immigrant children go through similar things. Like America Ferrera, I experience a conflict between the two worlds I live in now the one where opportunity is abundant and the one my parents come from, where constant pressure exists to succeed. This juggling act of trying to find our way in a culture that frequently feels at odds with our cultural heritage, while still navigating the expectations of our families is reflected in the stories in the book. I chose American Like Me because it makes me feel more grateful for the possibilities I've been given, but it also makes me feel responsible and sometimes guilty about the life my parents had in Iran compared to mine. Even though I am aware of how lucky I am to be able to concentrate on my studies, I frequently feel the pressure of meeting their expectations. No matter how daunting it may seem, my parents constantly remind me that doing my schoolwork is a luxury they have worked hard to...