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Ensuring a Safer Digital Environment for the Younger Generation  In an age where digital literacy is nearly as fundamental as learning to read and write, I choose the topic of child and youth safety online, which is listed as one of the most pressing global issues on the United Nations website. Today, children are navigating an increasingly complex online world. The stakes are high—while the internet offers immense educational and social opportunities, it also presents significant risks to the safety and well-being of young users. Thus, my writing will be on how we, as global citizens, can contribute to creating a safer digital environment for the younger generation.  The Motivation Every day, children are exposed to potential cyber threats including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and predation. This reality pushes us to redefine the boundaries of community and accountability—not just locally, but globally. As Jacqueline Novogratz suggests in The Blue Sweat...

The Crucial Intersections of DEI: A Personal Journey and Call to Action As an ethnic minority with roots in China, my journey toward understanding and advocating for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is deeply personal. Witnessing firsthand the discrimination my ethnicity endures has imbued me with a profound appreciation for my culture and religion, even as it demanded assimilation and silenced the voices of my people. My experiences have not only made me a staunch advocate for diverse perspectives but have also enriched my life through the exploration of languages and cultures worldwide. Before joining the Marshall family, my academic endeavors in global policy and the role of government in business illuminated the pivotal role DEI plays in our interconnected world. From policy-making to the dynamics within teams, the imperative for policies that cater to everyone rather than a select few has never been clearer. Encountering Misinformation: A Trigger for Education Misinformation...

As my time at USC comes to a close, I find myself caught in the ebb and flow of conflicting emotions, so I took the time to reflect back with this blog post. Graduation is right around the corner, a bittersweet reminder of the impending transition from the spirited college life to the calmer shores of adulthood. Reflecting on my past two months, I have felt the struggle between the desire to celebrate youth and the readiness for adulthood.  It's in this dichotomy that I've lived my best college days, yet also where I've recognized the cost of unbridled youth - a longing for the wellness and productivity that comes with maturity. This internal struggle encapsulates not just the end of an era but the beginning of embracing life's next chapter with open arms.  To be frank, I've been a bit behind in getting ready for graduation. The realization hit me hard in April, right when my friends began planning our ceremonial photoshoots, sending me into a bit of a frenzy. Last ...

I dove into "Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core" by Dr. Rick Hanson. The choice wasn't random, I have been wanting to read a "self-help" book for a while now but have not been able to choose one that resonates. These books always felt like they would make very general statements or contain motivational quotes that would not foster deep connections with my life. But with this assignment, I decided to give it a shot. At a time of major transition in life, I had hoped this book would be an anchor, teaching me how to stand firm despite any challenges. I was looking for something to not just read but to perhaps internalize and learn from.  What I hoped for and what I actually got were surprisingly aligned. Dr. Hanson didn't just meet my expectations, he expanded them. The book is like a toolbox for the mind, packed with strategies grounded in neuroscience to help foster inner strength. One quote that really stuck with me was, "Resilience is not about ...

AMDP Investment Proposal Investment Recommendation Memo To: Clark Hansen, CEO, AMDP From: Elmira Yilham Subject: Stella McCartney Investment Memo AMDP Standards The triple bottom line -  The triple bottom line is a business concept that states that companies and businesses should commit to evaluating the impact their operations are having on the environment as well as on society while also focusing on financial performance (Alhaddi). The concept emphasizes that it is not important for the firms to focus solely on generating profits, which is regarded by many as the standard "bottom line." The triple bottom line is made of the three "Ps," which stand for profit, people, and the planet. Firms can make use of these three categories to think about their place in environment conservation as well as their contribution to any negative social impacts.  Corporate social responsibility -  This is a business model through which businesses operate to make sure that their opera...

For my second book, I chose "Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core" by Dr. Rick Hanson as I was drawn by the title. Honestly, the title itself felt like a warm hug or a motivational pat on the back. Given the rollercoaster that transitioning into adulthood has been, the idea of building resilience to weather life's storms sounded just about right. So, 60 pages in, and I can start to see how this book has been a Writ340 fan favorite. The tones of the book almost feels like Dr. Hanson is speaking directly to me, guiding me through the process of strengthening my inner self. Rather than a simple read, I have seen people online describe this book as an experience, and so far, it's one that I'm thoroughly enjoying.  Diving into the first bit of "Resilient," I was struck by how Dr. Hanson lays the groundwork for understanding resilience. He doesn't just throw you into the deep end with complex psychology or fluffy self-help jargon. Instead, he starts w...