Angelina's Blog

 Reading Elizabeth Kolbert’s account of Christopher Columbus completely shifted the way I’ve always thought about him. Growing up, I heard the traditional story that Columbus was a brave explorer who proved the world was round and “discovered” America. But Kolbert’s article reveals that almost none of that narrative is true. Not only did most educated people of his time already know the Earth was round, but Columbus’s calculations were wildly inaccurate. He believed the world was smaller than it really was and that Asia could be reached quickly by sailing west. What’s most striking, though, is how his overconfidence, his belief that he was divinely chosen, became both his driving force and his downfall. His “faith” in himself allowed him to cross the ocean, but also blinded him to the destruction he caused. One of the most powerful parts of the article was Kolbert’s description of the Taíno people , the first Indigenous group Columbus encountered when he landed in the Caribbean. T...

 Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about balance, especially how hard it can be to find when life feels nonstop. Between classes, internships, social plans, and just trying to take care of myself, it’s easy to feel like I’m juggling too much. I’ve realized that balance isn’t about having everything perfectly scheduled or under control; it’s about being present in each moment and giving myself grace when things don’t go as planned. Some days, that means tackling my to-do list; other days, it means slowing down, unplugging, and letting myself rest without guilt. I’ve also been learning how important it is to set boundaries and protect my energy. Saying “no” to something doesn’t mean I’m lazy or unmotivated; it means I’m being intentional about what deserves my time. I used to think balance was about doing more efficiently, but I’m starting to see it’s really about doing less of what drains me and more of what fulfills me. Sometimes that’s journaling, going for a walk, or just spend...

 During Latinx|e Heritage Month, I decided to celebrate by listening to the official Spotify playlist. What I expected to be background music quickly became something much more meaningful. The playlist was full of rhythm, energy, and emotion; each song felt like it was telling its own story. Even without attending the closing celebration, I still felt connected to the spirit of the month through the music itself. The playlist became my way of participating, of learning, and of appreciating culture through sound. One thing that stood out to me was how deeply I connected to the songs even though I don’t fully speak or understand Spanish. I caught certain phrases and emotions, but most of the time it was the tone of the voice, the beat of the drums, or the melody that communicated meaning. It reminded me that music is a universal language. I didn’t need to translate every lyric to feel what the artist was expressing: Joy, heartbreak, pride, or strength. That realization made listenin...

  Reflection on “Cherishing Each Other: A Conversation with Tara Brach and Father Gregory Boyle” In “Cherishing Each Other,” Tara Brach and Father Gregory Boyle engage in a profoundly moving discussion about compassion, belonging, and the shared dignity of all people. What struck me most was how naturally they blended spiritual reflection with lived experience. Brach’s mindfulness perspective and Boyle’s real-world stories from Homeboy Industries created a dialogue that felt both grounding and transformative. Their words encouraged me to look beyond surface differences and think about what it truly means to “cherish” others in everyday life. One of the most meaningful takeaways for me was the reminder that compassion is not dependent on familiarity; it’s something we can offer to anyone. Both speakers emphasize that recognizing someone’s humanity is the first step to genuine connection. Father Boyle’s examples of working with individuals who have faced significant hardship showe...

  Anima Mundi Development Partners TO: Clark Hansen, CEO, AMDP FROM: Angelina Tuggle, R&D Analyst DATE: October 15, 2025 SUBJECT: Investment Recommendation — Captura As part of AMDP’s commitment to identifying enterprises that balance profitability with environmental and social responsibility, I propose that we consider investing in Captura. Captura is a California-based climate-technology company developing ocean-based carbon-removal systems. I find that Captura’s mission of “restoring ocean health and helping the planet reach net zero” truly embodies the triple bottom line by promoting innovation that benefits people, the planet, and long-term economic growth. In this memo, I will define AMDP’s four guiding concepts —Triple Bottom Line, Corporate Social Responsibility, Social Enterprise, and Carbon Footprint —and then evaluate Captura’s operations, business performance, and sustainability claims. I will then present critical assessments from two respected industry sour...

  I chose American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures by America Ferrera because I’ve always been drawn to stories that explore cultural identity and belonging. I was interested in how people from different backgrounds navigate life in between cultures and what that experience teaches them about themselves. The book stood out to me because it brings together a diverse mix of voices, each offering a unique perspective on what it means to grow up American while holding onto your family’s cultural roots. So far, the first few chapters have been really engaging. America Ferrera’s introduction sets the tone by explaining why she wanted to gather these essays and how growing up between cultures shaped her. The first essays are heartfelt and honest, showing the challenges and pride that come with navigating two worlds at once. I like that each writer has a unique voice, so you get many different angles on what it means to be “American.” It’s already making me think about how i...