Statement of Purpose
Rebecca Hill

Lucky is the person who can find a profession that closely matches her skills and ideology. I am lucky. A crooked path I took in this discovery, meandering through biology, education, religion, and art before I found a field of study that could integrate all these interests and speak to my convictions. In fact, up until a year ago, I had never even heard of landscape architecture. At the time, I was applying for a six-month internship at Slide Ranch an environmental education center located in the coastal wilderness near Muir Beach. It was while living in this community that I learned of landscape architecture, and when I heard, my heart said, “YES!”

Slide Ranch is a small, hundred-year-old farm where one can witness the interface of wild and tamed beauty in a single view. It has, as its mission, a desire to promote to its visitors a personal sense of connection to the natural world and a more sustainable use of natural resources. During my year stay, these values were also strengthened in me. The population we most served were urban youth—kids from San Francisco or other Bay Area cities that would come to the ranch for a few hours or, in some cases, a few days.

What an experience to see them bound off the bus, excited and rowdy, often turning their nose up at the rustic, non-linear surroundings. I would smile secretly know that, within 24 hours, the natural beauty of the place would calm and balance them, allowing for deep breaths and reflective thoughts. One boy from San Francisco, who had been at Slide Ranch for three days, wrote, “I like it here because it is pretty, and I am near the ocean and I can think.” “Children are more deeply affected by the environment than any other age group,” and “[they] learn from the environment what society values” (Marcus and Sarkissian, 109). I realized it was the communing with nature, above all else, that provided these kids with a sense of order and calmed their urban spirit.

As much as I loved sharing Slide Ranch with those who came from the city, I realized that traveling 45 minutes in a car to a remote area is next to impossible for many. The natural world had to be brought to them, and while they could not get the full experience, a neighborhood garden, a small green space in the housing project could be the next best thing and go a long way to restoring the soul.

As creations of nature, I believe it is necessary for our well being to have some intimate connection to the natural world. Of course, we are and always have been dependent on the land—a symbiotic relationship, where our actions affect the land and vice versa (Hough, 240-241) The problem is this is difficult to remember when we are surrounded by pavement and imagine our food to sprout from the aisles of Safeway. As landscape gives way to cityscape and our association with nature declines, we feel less connected to the world—isolated from the cycles in which we evolved and thrived and disconnected from other members of our species. More gardens and well-designed green space could change that providing connectedness, a basis for socializing, time for contemplation, and source for neighborhood revitalization (Francis and Hester, 247). Urban landscapes could be used to decorate, “enhance urban climate, create wildlife habitat. . .produce food” (Hough, 241), and bring people together in viable way (Francis and Hester, 247): in short, they could allow the land and the people to participate in the natural processes that they are wont to do. I want to be involved in this process. I want to be in a profession that can give people the tools and the power to change their environment and promote the coming together of separate souls to create a synergy of change.

I could write of my love of gardens, my appreciation of art, my gravitation towards the technical—though, with my background in scientific research and gardening, I feel it is apparent. These motivations play a large part, but what really drives my desire to become a landscape architect is the opportunity to act on my belief that the quality and beauty of a person’s environment directly contributes to his/her health, happiness, and sense of worth. Modern society and urban living have cast us out of our natural habitat, but we must find our way back to the Garden, for it there that humans have the most direct connection with the spiritual—a communion we have created to foster.

Bibliography
Hough, Michael. (1984) City Form and Natural Process: Towards a New Urban Vernacular.
New York: Von Nostrand Reinhold Company.
Francis, Mark, and Randolph T. Hester., eds. (1990). The Meaning of Gardens. Cambridge:
The MIT Press.
Marcus, Clare Cooper, and Wendy Sarkissian (1986). Housing as if People Mattered. Berkeley:
University of California Press.
May we let what Rebecca has written inspire us. What is your Statement of Purpose?
Here are some current articles:
Fixing What Highways Destroyed by David Leonhardt, NYT: May 28, 2021
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/28/briefing/us-highways-destruction-sugar-hill.html
How Art is Retelling Powerful Stories of Tulsa Massacre Capturing Communities’ Hope, PBS, May 28, 2021
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/28/briefing/us-highways-destruction-sugar-hill.html

Security is in the Secret Place

I sent this Christmas, 2017, when all my children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, and nephews were safe but near hurricanes, fires, and shootings. Now we’ve experienced 2020 and 2021. Are we prepared for whatever the future may hold?

Where is security? I encourage you to memorize Psalm 91—it’s The Protection Psalm. Many give testimony of its saving their lives. Some books with these testimonies: Psalm 91: Real Life Stories of God’s Shield of Protection and What This Psalm Means for You and Those You Love. By Peggy Joyce Ruth. There are books for Military, Mothers, Children—all with true stories of the power of this Psalm. If you’ve read my book, They That Sow in Tears, you know this Psalm saved my life. We’re not to be afraid. As this Protection Psalm is in your sub-conscious mind, its positive vibration will feed your soul. Also, it’s good for our brains to memorize. 

Answering: How did 9/ll affect you?

SECURITY IS IN THE SECRET PLACE

I lived in Riverdale in the Bronx, less than one hour by subway from the World Trade Center. The morning of 9/ll I went to vote. I half heard some ladies talking something about, “Isn’t it terrible? The World Trade Center. . .” But my mind wasn’t focused on this conversation. I was thinking of my new grandson, Jonathan, born just three days earlier on the eighth.
As soon as I got home, I called my daughter in Tallahassee, Florida, to see how they were doing.
“Mom!” she exclaimed, “We’ve been trying to call you but couldn’t get through! The World Trade Center. . . .”
It was she who told me. I flipped on the TV as she spoke. However, only one channel was broadcasting because of what had been done to the towers. Finding that one, I, like most Americans, watched all day.
In my first reactions, I wondered, what other things were going to be blown up. Should I get out of New York City? And if so, what should I take with me? But where would be a safe place to go?
However, as days passed, and I heard of military plans, increasing security at the airports, etc., I instinctively knew that security did not rely in these measures. Physically, no matter how much money was spent, there was no way that one could foreknow where to put policemen, scanners, and the military for certain safety. There could only be one antidote for fear—Security is in the Secret Place. Victory is only possible through weapons of the Spirit—love, joy peace, prayer, praise, faith, food, clothing, shelter, etc. If ever there was opportunity to learn this, it is now.
“911,” people said, “The emergency number.” However, God has a 911 number—Psalm 91:1: “He that dwelleth in the Secret Place of the Highest shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” This Psalm became an anchor for me: “Thou shalt not be afraid of the terror. . .He shall give His angels charge over thee. . .” I determined to be motivated by love and develop my inner listening powers.

Security is in the Secret Place

God’s 911# Psalm 91:1

To Memorize: Read aloud for 10 days. Then shut the Bible and stumble through the best you can. Open and see where you missed. At the end of a month, or less, you will have memorized it. For children who can’t yet read: Read it for 10 days. Then leave out words for them to fill in—more and more until it is memorized. You might start with shorter Psalm 23 or 100. Psalm 27 is good for fear.

He (She) who dwells in the Secret Place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress:
my God: in Him will I trust.
Surely, He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler,
and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover you with His feathers,
and under His wings you shall take refuge.
His truth shall be your shield and buckler.
You shall not be afraid for the terror by night;
Nor for the arrow that flies by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness;
Nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand;
But it shall not come nigh you.
Only with your eyes shall you behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because you have made the Lord, who is your refuge, even the Most High, your
dwelling place,
No evil shall befall you, neither shall any plague come nigh your dwelling.
For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways.
They shall bear you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shalt tread upon the lion and cobra:
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him.
I will set him on high because he has known My name.
He (she) shall call upon Me and I will answer him (her):
I will be with him (her) in trouble; I will deliver him (her), and honour him (her).
With long life will I satisfy him (her) and show him (her) My salvation.”

There is a Hebrew word, Tikkun which means “to heal, repair, and transform the world.” We each have a tikkun–something we are supposed to do to heal, repair and transform the world.” We should help each other do what we are created to do. With God nothing shall be impossible.
Copyright, 2021—this means you have the right to copy and let the wind carry it. ?

Here is Rebecca’s Memorial Page:

https://www.forevermissed.com/rebecca-hill-leising/about

Please go to A Butterfly for Rebecca–also statement from her Swarthmore College

The post Rebecca’s Statement of Purpose- shared with us by Sheilah Hill appeared first on Good News!.

The post Statement by Deputy NSC Spokesperson Bernadette Meehan on the 70th Anniversary of the Massacre of Roma and Sinti People at Auschwitz-Birkenau appeared first on Good News!.

The post STATEMENT BY CARLO A. SCISSURA, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE BROOKLYN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ON CITY’S PLANS TO REVAMP RESTAURANT GRADING SYSTEM appeared first on Good News!.

“Parents at Maria Saucedo Elementary Scholastic Academy and Thomas Drummond Elementary School are understandably frustrated by the fact that the Illinois Standards Achievement Test is unnecessary and irrelevant. The test is being administered only to fulfill a No Child Left Behind requirement, while more than half of states have sought waivers from such requirements. The test won’t inform instruction or assess student or teacher performance.
It is not relevant to the current curriculum. It’s a meaningless hoop to jump through that benefits no one. So, why subject kids to it?

“Courageous teachers have voted to join the parent-led boycott of this test, and the AFT stands with the parents, students and teachers at these schools and across Chicago. Our nation’s fixation on testing is harming students. Overtesting diverts time and resources from teaching and learning. It narrows curriculum and deprives our students of art and music. And, perhaps most important, it does not improve student achievement.”

Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten

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The post BP ADAMS STATEMENT ON THE BROOKLYN NETS SIGNING THE FIRST OPENLY GAY PLAYER IN THE NBA appeared first on Good News!.

It is my desire to be defined by my achievements and my contributions. While I am proud to play a public role in representing the American Olympic Delegation as a former Olympic athlete, I have always reserved my private life for my family and friends and will continue to do so. I am many things: a son, a brother, and uncle, a friend, an athlete, a cook, an author, and being gay is just one part of who I am. First and foremost I am an American athlete and I am proud to live in a country that encourages diversity, openness and tolerance. As an athlete, I hope we can remain focused on the Olympic spirit which celebrates achievement in sport by peoples of all nations.

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“Both Daryl and John are pleased to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  And, we will be participating in the ceremony at the Barclays on April 10th.Without the efforts of our fans, this would not have happened.”

The post Official Statement From Daryl Hall And John Oates appeared first on Good News!.

from President & CEO of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Carlo A. Scissura

“It was a year ago that Hurricane Sandy hit Brooklyn’s coastline, leaving in its wake a path of unprecedented death and destruction. My staff and I walked through flooded streets across the borough and spoke with scores of business owners who had lost everything. The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce wasted no time in helping those business owners fill out loan and grant applications as well as navigate the process.

“Alongside our partners in City and State government – in particular NYC Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh and Empire State Development President & CEO and Commissioner of the New York State Department of Economic Development Ken Adams – we were on the ground in Red Hook, Coney Island, Sheepshead Bay, Gerritsen Beach, Canarsie, and other neighborhoods that had been impacted.

“Thanks to the generosity of the TD Bank Foundation, we accepted a $200,000 grant to help establish the Citywide Neighborhood Entrepreneurship Project. The grant enabled us to help businesses grow across New York City – many of which were located in Sandy-affected areas like Red Hook and Sheepshead Bay – giving us the ability to empower local communities at a time when they needed it most.

“We are also proud to have partnered with Borough President Marty Markowitz and the Brooklyn Community Foundation to raise money for the affected areas in the borough, ensuring that help go directly to the neighborhoods and shopping districts that need it most.

“Over the past 12 months, many businesses in Brooklyn have rebuilt and reopened. Despite the progress, there is still work that needs to be done. Brooklynites are tough and resilient. We showed it in the days and weeks after Sandy and we will continue to show it as we rebuild bigger and better than before.”

The post Statement on the One Year Anniversary of Sandy appeared first on Good News!.

Equal Treatment for Asian Americans

http://www.80-20educationalfoundation.org/

www.80-20initiative.net

Mission Statement

80-20 is a national, nonpartisan, Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Americans through a SWING bloc vote, ideally directing 80% of our community’s votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name “80-20” was created.

Dedicated To 80-20’s 700,000 Supporters

80-20’s Secrets to Success:

An email list of 700,000 and therefore an ability to reach about 50% of the Asian American voters in one day.
Having organized two bloc votes in the last two presidential election. See proof of the two bloc votes

——————————————————————————–

Section A: Review of 80-20’s Achievements in Chronological Order

80-20’s Bread and Butter is our ability to communicate with half of AsAm voters in 24 hours through e-mail, and our ability to communicate and to deliver a bloc vote with half of AsAm voter in 24 hours through e-mail. Every success follows from there.

Is 80-20 effective? You be the judge. Here are the facts.

The following lists 80-20’s achievements, many being “firsts” for Asian Pacific Americans. The table lists, for each event, the date 80-20 stepped up and called for action and the date when the result was achieved. See how closely the two dates correlated. Is this close correlation a mere coincidence, or a clear indication of 80-20’s effectiveness? You be the judge.

1. Success After the 2008 Election: President Obama’s Commitments to Us
a) High Level Asian American Appointments
b) Appointment of AsAm Judges & Enforcement of EO11246

2. Two Consecutive Bloc Votes
3. For Dignity and Against Discrimination
4. The Fruits of Political Empowerment
5. Show our Love for America
6. Other Great Achievements

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Equal Treatment for Asian Americans

http://www.80-20educationalfoundation.org/

www.80-20initiative.net

Mission Statement

80-20 is a national, nonpartisan, Political Action Committee dedicated to winning equal opportunity and justice for all Asian Americans through a SWING bloc vote, ideally directing 80% of our community’s votes and money to the presidential candidate endorsed by the 80-20, who better represents the interests of all APAs. Hence, the name “80-20” was created.

Dedicated To 80-20’s 700,000 Supporters

80-20’s Secrets to Success:

An email list of 700,000 and therefore an ability to reach about 50% of the Asian American voters in one day.
Having organized two bloc votes in the last two presidential election. See proof of the two bloc votes

——————————————————————————–

Section A: Review of 80-20’s Achievements in Chronological Order

80-20’s Bread and Butter is our ability to communicate with half of AsAm voters in 24 hours through e-mail, and our ability to communicate and to deliver a bloc vote with half of AsAm voter in 24 hours through e-mail. Every success follows from there.

Is 80-20 effective? You be the judge. Here are the facts.

The following lists 80-20’s achievements, many being “firsts” for Asian Pacific Americans. The table lists, for each event, the date 80-20 stepped up and called for action and the date when the result was achieved. See how closely the two dates correlated. Is this close correlation a mere coincidence, or a clear indication of 80-20’s effectiveness? You be the judge.

1. Success After the 2008 Election: President Obama’s Commitments to Us
a) High Level Asian American Appointments
b) Appointment of AsAm Judges & Enforcement of EO11246

2. Two Consecutive Bloc Votes
3. For Dignity and Against Discrimination
4. The Fruits of Political Empowerment
5. Show our Love for America
6. Other Great Achievements

The post Dr. S. B Woo appeared first on Good News!.