A World We Dare To Imagine: Part #3

The Institute for First Generation Students

The Institute for First Generation Students aims to help 1st generation students not only excel academically in classrooms but also professionally in the workplace. Through our 8 year program, we hope to lay a proper foundation for first generation students at the start of their high school careers which will aid them to get into college. Upon arrival in college, students will continue to be a part of the organization and continue to have mentors that will help them with academic and professional matters. These 8 years of a person's life are pivotal and we hope to make the ride a bit smoother for first generation students who may not have anyone to guide them through these tough "make or break" years.

We are passionate about the work we do within this field because we live by the belief that knowledge is power. Education has the power to change someone's life circumstances for the better-you can lose everything but no one will ever be able to take away the education you've earned. We want to empower students and encourage them to see the value of education and use it as a tool towards achieving their dreams and goals. Our organization is unique in that this program lasts for 8 years but, the relationships our students build last a lifetime! No other organization has the power to build such a strong, lifelong bond with its students. Furthermore, we also focus on teaching our students applicable skills that extend beyond the classroom and into the workplace.

Anima Mundi Development Partners should support this organization because there is a lack of focus on this sector of students.  We find it necessary to empower these students so that they may use their gifts and talents to contribute good things back to society. We hope that in the future, these first generation kids will also pay it forward and help the next generation of first generation students in their academic and professional pursuits.

A World We Dare to Imagine Blog Post #1: The Importance of Education

I, like author Jacqueline Novogratz, believe that every human being on this earth has the responsibility to help make this world a better place. Every person has different talents and abilities which they've naturally been blessed with or have worked hard to develop. One of the best things we can do as humans is be the best version of ourselves and share our gifts with the world. When I think of making the world a better place, I immediately think about education. As Nelson Mandela once said "education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

Growing up, my parents heavily emphasized the importance of education and its power. They have constantly pushed me to break down any barriers and ignore the limitations which may seemingly stand in my way. While at times I thought they went a bit overboard, looking back at my experiences I am very thankful for the measures they took. In the future, I would love to give back in the area of education. I am nothing without my education and am endlessly grateful for this privilege. Nevertheless, I don't believe that receiving an education should be a privilege-it should be a basic human right!

Domestically, one of my dreams is to create an organization that helps mentor underprivileged 1st generation children of immigrants. Although it sounds crazy, I'd love this mentorship program to start from their freshman year of high school and end their senior year of college. I believe that these years are crucial to a person's future success. Many of these students have no guidance once they get to high school and college. These experiences can be overwhelming and students need to learn how to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom in order to make it on to the path to success. I am by no means an expert on these subjects...but if I can share any of my experiences/stories to help someone else, I'm more than happy to do so.

Open House: Holmby Hills Edition

Touring The Fleur de Lys Mansion 

The Fleur de Lys (Source: Variety)

Today, we're going to be exploring the Los Angeles suburb of Holmby Hills! Holmby Hills is part of what is called the "Platinum Triangle." The Platinum Triangle consists of three adjacent neighborhoods- Beverly Hills, Bel Air and Holmby Hills. These three neighborhoods are arguably where the largest concentration of wealthy people reside within Los Angeles. Holmby Hills is known not only for its mega-mansions but also for its famous residents. The home which we'll be touring today set a nationwide sales record-the Fleur de Lys sold for $102 million in 2014 and the buyer paid cash!

The Fleur de Lys has a very scandalous back story! The mansion was originally owned and commissioned by David and Suzanne Saperstein in 1996. David accumulated his wealth by founding Metro Networks, a broadcast outsourcing company. David and Suzanne wanted to make their "humble abode" the most beautiful home in Los Angeles. To do this, they sought out architect Richardson Robertson III and asked him to essentially rebuild the palace of Versailles. The Sapersteins spared no expense when it came to building their home. The couple took countless trips to France to get some inspiration, purchase specific types of building materials, and even bid against museums at auctions for pieces of art and furniture. The house was completed in 2002 and 18 months later the Sapersteins divorced. For now, that's enough about the previous owners-let's talk real estate!

The Fleur de Lys is on a 4.18 acre lot and contains:

• 12 bedrooms/15 bathrooms
• a formal ballroom that fits 200 people
• a library
• multiple kitchens
• staff quarters for 10
• a nine car garage
• 3/4 quarter mile jogging track
• formal dining room
• 50 person screening room

This house has everything you could possibly ever dream of and will make you feel as though you are a part of the lineage of the French monarchy.

Here is a special segment done by HGTV on the home:

In addition, here are some of my favorite parts of the home:

What a way to wow your guests! (via Southeby's)

We begin at the entrance of the home which is located on Carolwood Drive. The home's exterior was made out of imported limestone. The handpicked French limestone "encloses on a massive steel frame, set on rollers in the foundation, to safeguard the structure in an earthquake" (Curbed LA). 

Courtesy of Curbed LA

This pool is perfect for entertaining and having guests over! I'm sure Ms. Saperstein was celebrating here when she was granted ownership of the home and all of its contents after the divorce!

Courtesy of Daily Mail UK

This is the famous ballroom where Ms. Saperstein was known to host guests and throw extravagant parties. She was even rumored to throw a Marie-Antoinette party, what a fitting theme! 

I hope you've enjoyed your tour with me-happy house hunting!