First Annual Eco-Illumination Retreat

::Manifest your reality into this amazing journey through your mind, body, spirit and deeper conscience of your being::

{come join me into the jungle of secluded Yelapa on a journey through your soul - together we will experience a deeper practice of our yoga, meditation and environmental respect.}

Intentions... it seems as though it is a simple concept, but to truly engage your being to fully manifest your intentions into the reality that you desire through your journey is more than just thinking about what it could be like. The energy that is invested into those thoughts and manifestations take a deep concentration, meditation, positive energy and acceptance of what the divine universe provides for you during the exact moment that you need it.

The most challenging part is recognizing these moments and fully accepting what the universe provides for you without having judgement or hesitation. We must realize the potential we all have within ourselves and know deep within our being that we are worthy of the goodness that the world provides for us. With that knowledge, we must also recognize that in accepting the gifts that the universe provides - we must also acknowledge that we too must return those positive gifts back into our community.

I encourage my community of energy healers, body workers, and spiritual facilitators to recognize the grace in which we receive and accept in our day to day practice - and in return pass on that wonderful energy to facilitate the flow of positivity to our clients, friends and community members. This in return will expand their awareness and their spiritual practice. Together we grow as one, and together we are deeply connected to one another on a higher path of conciseness that we can all grow and create this incredible life journey together.

Thank you for all my guides on my path to enlightenment, my teachers who strive to show my patience, and for all the future lessons I will learn from facilitators who selflessly give so much to provide me with the lessons that I need to learn exactly in that moment.

Namaste.

www.mayawholehealth.com

::Please join us on this amazing journey through the mind, body, spirit, ecological footprint, biological nature hikes with 3 sessions of meditation and yoga sessions. You will be renewed and will never regret making the leap of faith to experience this life changing journey::

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=141740105910568

Viva Las Vegas

I had my first trip to Vegas at the age of 30! Some dear friends of ours got married there last week, so it gave me the opportunity to check it out and see if Vegas could really live up to all the glitz and glam it promises...

If you know me, then you most likely know that Vegas is not really a place that I ever imagined visiting. Maybe at one time in my early twenties was it appealing, but that quickly dissipated as I got older and discovered that I have a deeper appreciation of traveling outside the country (especially on a beach with a beer in hand). With this in mind, I realized that I probably would not go back to Vegas - at least not by choice. So, Greg and I decided to live it up while we were there and I chose all of the things that Vegas has to offer to add to my itinerary.

We stayed at the NYNY. We got a screamin' deal off Orbitz for 3 nights and airfare for two for $650. I purchased tickets to the Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil and picked two different spas to check out. We also decided on dinner at the Eiffel Tower restaurant where Greg's good friend Scott works.

NYNY:

Okay, not the best hotel I've ever stayed at - but clean and definitely worth the low price that we scored. Rooms were average and we were slightly annoyed that the only king rooms left were smoking (even though we had reserved a non-smoking king). So we opted for the double queen non-smoking which was okay until we realized how used to our comfy king sized bed at home. Our nights consisted of me yelling at Greg to roll over and stop kicking me. A downfall of the hotel: they charge you $25 for a refrigerator per day! Lame when you are a budget traveler who likes to purchase snacks to save on the expensive mediocre lunches you are forced to buy. Oh well.

Cirque du Soleil:

In one word, amazing! I cannot express enough how incredible this show is. My body was on sensory overload! The music of course was so good, the Beatles are one of my all time favorite bands - and to see it put into a show that no one else but Cirque du Soleil can do truly overwhelmed me. I am still listening to all my Beatles music now letting it resonate how truly generational and talented that group is. I would say if you get the chance, buy the tickets. You will not be disappointed, it was the most incredible show I've ever seen.

Oleksandra Spa (at Treasure Island):

I had a Groupon that cost me $50 for $120 worth of services. The spa was beautiful, clean and offered men and women locker rooms equipped with snacks, juices, waters, showers, steam, sauna, and jacuzzi tubs. My girlfriend and I got to chat and relax before our treatments and that in itself was such a treat! I opted for a 25 min. massage with a 25 min. full body scrub. The scrub and massage were very professional and extremely relaxing. This spa isn't even one of the higher end ones on the strip, but I left feeling pampered and more relaxed than I've felt in a long time!

Nurture Spa (at the Luxor):

Not as nice as Oleksandra... but still decent. The ambiance was not as appealing as my other experience, but still offered the same amenities - just not as welcoming and spa like. But, with that said - it was the best massage of my life! Upgrade to the deep tissue. It's the shit!

Eiffel Tower restaurant:

French cuisine and Greg's friend Scott hooked us up with a window seat facing the Bellagio water fountain show. The ambiance was so romantic and the service was impeccable. We tried froie gras for the first time, and I am hooked! It was the most delicate, buttery and rich piece of heaven I have ever experienced. It was served with braised bing cherries and warm. Greg and I enjoyed every bite! Then Scott sent us over with escargot and sweet breads with a poached egg. I dove right in and started with the sweet breads. I thought it was delicate and had the flavor of meat, but couldn't quite describe it.  The escargot was my least favorite. We were also treated to a lox appetizer of the freshest cold smoked salmon with capers and lemon juice. The main course consisted of a rack of lamb and a filet mignon with bernaise sauce. But the star of the show was the three desserts that Scott sent us: pistachio souffle, pineapple merrainge, and a platter of sorbets. It was honestly the best meal of my life. With a bottle of Pinot, we were feeling quite spoiled and indulgent. I love having a partner who knows me so well and is willing to try new foods and spend some money to experience amazing sensory adventures like that. Greg is pretty much the best partner ever!

Our last and most important event was Laura and Michael's wedding. It was emotional, beautiful and quick (which everyone loves!). I am so happy to have been a part of their special day and for bringing together so many friends. I wish them a lifetime of love, joy and happiness together. I'd like to give a special thank you for bringing together so many great friends for this amazing event.

Last thoughts on Vegas. It is hot, overcrowded and overpriced. I had an incredible time, but don't expect to be back anytime soon. It sort of depressed me and the energy was very off putting for this eternal hippie at heart. But I am so appreciative of the experience and getting to spend time with many friends that I don't get to see often enough.

Next trip will be either Mexico or Central America... stay tuned!

Graduation

I finally graduated! Looking back at where I was when I decided to start this journey is truly incredible... I decided to go back to school when I was living with Sarah and Lisa five years ago. At that time, I was single and working full time doing massage. I had just moved back to Olympia from Portland after living there and not quite finding a strong network. I was a lot wilder then, partying every week, dating and working a lot. I finally felt at that time I was at the place where I could face going to college. After deciding not to attend with the many who did right after high school, I sometimes felt underwhelmed with myself. I realize that college isn't for everyone, but it was always my intention and my dream to accomplish obtaining a degree.

I started at a community college with the intention of pursuing a degree in psychology. That transformed into environmental studies after taking a couple amazing environmental courses. I knew that I had a deep passion for the environment, but knew I didn't want to do a lot of the field work associated with that type of degree. I researched and found the Urban Studies program at UWT. I visited the campus and fell in love.... it was exactly what I was so passionate about: the environment, cities, planning, sustainability, and social issues. After I moved in with Greg, I received my acceptance letter to UWT Urban Studies program.

My first quarter and my first class at UWT set the stage for the rest of my time there. It was with my favorite professor, Dr. Lisa Hoffman. The class was called "Cities and Citizenship" and the course was all about how we define citizenship and discussed the basic human rights that should be implemented to every person. It was my favorite class and it was where I met all of the core friends that I would come to find some of the most amazing friends I would ever make.

The last two years have been a blur. I've written tons of papers, read more books than I can remember, and gained friends from people who inspire me in so many ways. Going back to school was the best choice I ever made. Not only did I receive a great education, it also gave me confidence, a strong network of friends, and some of the best memories to date. To have all my friends and family see me fulfill my dream and be successful in my academics is something that I could not imagine. It made me feel so proud and lucky to have people who care so much about me watch me go through this amazing journey. My family has been so supportive throughout the whole time, but Greg has really taken on all of my stresses with the most genuine and generous support. I could not be where I am today without him.

So I'm done! I feel amazing and am looking forward to applying to grad school at the end of the year. For now, I continue to do massage as well as look for opportunities to gain experience within my field.

Part of the Family

(Night out with Greg's family)

Last night Greg and I met his family for a night filled with delicious dinner and endless bottles of wine! In one word: lovely! We made the trip up to Edmonds to find a little know gem called, FIVE restaurant and bistro (http://www.fiveedmonds.com/FIVE/Main.html). The location was less desirable, but the interior was sexy, rustic and the food and service was incredible. Their price ranges from 10-20 with interesting options for the palate. I had a golden beet salad with pine nuts and goat cheese, and then Greg and I split a fire cooked pizza with gorgonzola, pears and pesto. Incredible! They also had an outdoor area that was decorated with dim lighting, fireplaces and of course propane heaters for our chilly NW weather!

(Greg and his Mom)

Greg's family is like many families today (including mine). It is a modern family that includes a divorce, step siblings and years of building friendships and family dynamics. His mother married a wonderful man who is generous, kind, and very intelligent. His children include a daughter, son, and a recent daughter who found him after 24 years of her life not knowing who he was. The energy at the dinner table last night was light, fun and filled with love. At one point each of the children gave toasts to Jim (it was his 70th birthday!) and one in particular brought me to tears. Lori, the daughter who found Jim when she was 24 gave the most heartfelt speech about family, finding Jim and gaining all of these wonderful people in her life. She discussed missing a part of her life for so long - and was finally fulfilled with all the people she found through the process of discovering her past.

This of course would have made anyone tear up. There were streams of tears coming down the faces of most who were there. I in particular couldn't help but relate to her life struggles and her search for her identity. It touched me so deeply, I just looked at Greg who knew exactly what I was feeling and gave me a warm hug and told me that I was his family. I feel so lucky to have him as my partner, as he always knows what I am thinking and feeling.

(me, Lesa, Vicki & Lori)

Lori came up to me later and I told her how moved I was by her speech. We bonded over some of the issues and struggles over growing up and not knowing where you come from. She is a beautiful person inside and out, and embraced me with a hug that was deeper than just the physical level. I admire her honesty and her journey, and remember that we are all on these paths that ultimately lead to exactly where we need to be.

(Scott, Paul & Greg)

I've never felt that I was missing anything in life... My family is the absolute best family. I can completely be myself, and they accept me for who I am. They have shown me unconditional love, support, and have encouraged me to live the life that makes me happy - not the one that makes everyone else happy. There still continues to be a part of me that will wonder how my path brought me here. I hope that one day my birth mother will get the courage to reach out to me so that I can understand her struggles and her journey that has brought me here.

Thank you to Greg, the most amazing partner - and his lovely family who has taken me in as part of their own.

(Jim, Barb & Greg)

Play in Peace Day

This Friday, May 20th has been recognized by the state of Washington as "Play in Peace Day". As many of you know, I have been working with my classmates at McCarver Elementary School in the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma. Nearly four years ago, a little girl named Zina Linnik was abducted and murdered from her home in the Hilltop neighborhood. She was a student at McCarver, and the loss of Zina touched the whole community of Tacoma. Through grassroots efforts and community organizing, the Zina Linnik Project was launched. The redevelopment of McCarver and Wright's Park (which bookend Hilltop) was put into motion, and finally finished. Now, after years of hard work - the students get to finally see their efforts come into fruition. Please come help us recognize all of the work of the students at McCarver Elementary and the citizens of Tacoma and celebrate "Play in Peace" this Friday starting at Wright's Park and ending at McCarver Park. Every student deserves to be able to walk in their neighborhood without fear.

UWT urban studies program

grad invitations created by the talented Nichole Spears at: http://www.oliveand star.esty.com

Many of you know how much I love my Urban Studies community. I feel like our program attracts many like-minded individuals who I connect with in ways that are so different than any other relationships and interactions that I share with other people in my life. I feel lucky to have gotten the opportunity to meet and truly create friendships that have made me feel part of an inspiring group of intelligent, funny and retrospective friends that are completely different than any of my other friendships.

Kenntith, Dani, Damon, Me, Glenn, Stuart, TraeAnna & Meghan at DOA:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dirty-Oscars-Annex/167280609979863?sk=wall

Dani, Damon and myself

I've gained so much growth in education, social awareness, politics, and becoming embedded in local policies that can change the lives of marginalized communities. Thank you to my favorite Urban friends, you've challenged me, made me think of things from different perspectives, and love the diversity in our program.

Glenn, Stu, Trae & Meghan

All my life I have been exposed to the typical NW upbringing... predominantly white public institutions and being completely either left out for the color of my skin, or assumed that I am a certain way because of my heritage. I have never felt so excited and in many ways comfortable being exposed to friends from many different backgrounds: African American, multi-cultural backgrounds, Mexican, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and many other Asian influences through being a student at UWT.

Meghan, Me, Trae: European Reunion!

It is difficult to explain, but the sense of feeling like people of 'color' in an academic setting is the first time in my life where I have been able to experience it and absolutely LOVE it! Race is not supposed to be an issue, but when you've grown up with only white influences I cannot express the personal growth and acceptance of yourself for being outside that "American Identity Norm"... which in my opinion is complete bullshit. We are all Americans, so stop assuming otherwise.

Me and Gerry in San Francisco over Spring Break... incredible!

This is quickly turning into a rant about race - but my point is, is that Urban Social Hour needs to be a reoccurring event that I am more than happy to organize. I always come home feeling truly energized and challenged with my ideas and theories that we debate during these gatherings.

Tim has been my Urban Studies Bestie for the past two years... we've shared at least one class together every quarter for 2 years plus a life changing trip to Europe... he is basically a great friend!

I always look forward to geeking out on social, urban, environmental and local policies and truly being able to debate these issues with respect and the knowledge to balance out our differences. I absolutely love the UWT Urban Studies Program, and in particular not only my colleagues, but my amazing professors who know me on a first name basis... the advantage of going to a small school.

I love UWT and the Urban Studies Program:

• Dr. Lisa Hoffman is a brilliant woman who has hired me for undergrad research. She has been really tough, but is clear as to what she expects from you. She is a tough cookie, but has been a mentor to me, guiding and is so passionate about reaching disenfranchised communities. Cities & Citizenship changed my world Please read her book, Patriotic Professionalism in Urban China: Fostering Talent

• Dr. Yonn Dierwechter is beyond brilliant. He is one of those academic scholars who is so smart he can't keep a thought long enough to teach it in your curriculum. But learn all you can through his lectures. He also has wonderful quotes that have been recorded, if you're interested! Also have to plug him and Pendras' summer study abroad in Holland and Italy... incredible!

• Dr. Mark Pendras is also a professor with high expectations. That's what I love about him... he expects a lot -but gives you examples and guidance that surpasses any other professor in the department. Community and Economy was challenging but I learned so much, I feel it is imperative for students to take this class to better implement changes in their communities. City and Nature is an amazing class that changes your perspective on how we perceive nature and how cities impact those feelings. Also have to plug him and Dierwechter's summer study abroad in Holland and Italy... incredible! *side note: he is incredible for a capstone advisor... available, informative, and keeps you on tract - and I need a lot of guidance!

• Dr. Anne Wessells is so passionate about urban waterfront, ecology in urban applications and lets be real - an easy 'A'... I recommend her sustainable development policies and urban studies seminar. She has knowledge as a planner and various academic research that of course gives her the credibility to give you the tools to apply these lessons in the 'real world'. *also, she has the most extensive vocabulary which will blow you away!

Enough ranting, but what can I say? I'm going to miss you guys, and expect for some of us we will remain lifelong friends. Hugs, love & light... keep in touch my urban awesome besties!

Homemade Sushi Night

Last night Greg and I went to my brother's house to visit with him and his lovely partner Lisa. Lisa and I have been devising a plan to make our own sushi, and finally got a chance to test our skills! Here are some pics of our sushi creation, I think they turned out pretty incredible!

Mind, Body, Spirit Connection

My journey as a healer continues at the beautiful space at Maya Whole Health Studio, where I get to be a part of an amazing community of practitioners. Maya offers acupuncture, skin care, yoga, pilates, and massage in a beautiful space that encompasses all the philosophies that I believe in... holistic, mindful intentions, and positive energy. Please come and check out this incredible community of healers and find your inner peace!

http://www.mayawholehealth.com/

Introspective Realities

"Set yourself free from the past, bring peace into your life, and move into the present by letting go of your anger and bitterness."

There will always be times in your life where you are faced with people who are rude, passive aggressive, and go out of their way to make you feel uncomfortable. I am not naive to think that when I encounter these interactions that I am not responsible to the negative energy put out towards me. To think otherwise is just irresponsible. Every challenge I have met in life - whether personally or professionally, I try to look at myself to determine what I've done to create this negative energy.

Recently I have come across one of those life lessons through a person who wants to make sure I know that I have done something so offensive that she will actually pretend that I don't exist. At first it really bothered me. I live my life with intention and try to be a good listener and have an open heart to all people who enter my life. What is the lesson that I need to learn through this person's erratic and rude behavior towards me? It's easy to say that it's just them. That it's their problem and I'm perfect... but that's usually not the case, is it?

Although I don't have intentions to try and mend this friendship (since I've already tried) - I do intend to look at myself to discover what lesson it is that I need to learn in order to let go of this negative energy and move forward. No matter what, we will always run into people like this in our lifetime. We can get angry, upset, or even cry - but the bigger lesson here is to figure out how to acknowledge our faults and move on. Let it go... which can be one of the most challenging things to do.

So this week after a month of meditation and emotional struggle, I've decided to continue my life with the best of intentions and let go of any negative energy directed at me. I am the first to admit I am not perfect, and I am the first to apologize for any harm I've caused. But if someone cannot accept that and move forward, that is their issue and not mine.

I can only control my own destiny, and right now that energy is focused on graduating in June, taking adventures with my partner, and surrounding myself with people who are trying to do good things in life.

San Francisco Treat

I've been trying to see more of the U.S., as it seems that I've spent a lot of my traveling outside the country when there are so many amazing places to see right here in the U.S.! What started as an idea with some of my Urban Studies friends to head down to SF for our spring break, transformed into just a couple of those friends going along with me and my best friend Janelle. We found an incredible deal on airfare, and the rest sort of just worked itself out.

Four of us ventured down from Seattle for an extended weekend in this international city. I didn't expect to love SF as much as I did! I knew that I would like it, but SF is one of those cities that is not only beautiful - it also has the right "vibe" that I could really get down with. First off, the public transportation is incredibly comprehensive and easy to navigate. A very important piece for any traveler (as well as the folks who actually live in the city). We effortlessly navigated the BART to Union Square and found ourselves in the middle of the city with our hotel just a couple blocks up.


Our first night, my dear friend Kendra, who graduated from the Urban Studies program last year and also went to Europe with me last summer met up with us to show us around. She lives about an hour away, and grew up in the bay area. She took us to a wonderful restaurant in the Mission district called, "Cha Cha Cha's". They had the best sangria I've ever had, and everyone in the place was drinking pitchers of it. We had a fun meal full of delicious flavors and tons of drinks. Next, she took us to a bar called "Bruno's" up the street where they had a small dance floor, and where the DJ was playing awesome 90's hip hop mixed in with some Prince and Michael Jackson... there's nothing more that I could have asked for! We danced the night away, and I have to thank Kendra again and again for showing us such a great night in the city.


The next day, we walked through Chinatown down towards Fisherman's Wharf. Chinatown was no joke, it felt like we had left the city and entered a real Chinese city. The people, storefronts and smells were of a foreign place, and we were amazed by how quickly the scenery had changed. And then, just as quickly the city changed again! We were then walking through little Italy, where all the shops were Italian and people were sitting outside cafes drinking coffee and eating pastries. Again, I felt like I was strolling through any Italian city within blocks! We then made it down the Fisherman's Wharf, which was like any area near the water. Tons of tourists, street performers and restaurants.


That night, Janelle stayed in and the rest of us went out to a nice dinner. I treated myself to a filet mignon, and we proceeded to have one of those nights where the conversation never stops. We discussed of course our love for Urban Studies, but then everything from family to politics to food to childhood stories. It was a moment that I realized how much I enjoy people in intimate settings. At this point in my life, quiet times with a small group of people is so much more appealing than large bars or parties with tons of strangers. Thanks to Kennith and Gerry for an honest conversation filled with heartfelt intentions.

Our last day was by far my favorite. We headed to Golden Gate Park, where we spent half the day at the California Academy of Science. It was so incredible, filled with innovative technology, an aquarium, planetarium, living rooftop, and a bio-dome. It was a modern building with solar panels and clean design. Everything we saw was really interesting and cool! Even the cafeteria had amazing food with many different options. We got to catch up with another friend from school there, who then took us to the Haight & Ashbury district (think Jerry Garcia). It was exactly the type of neighborhood that I love, quirky, original, and filled with many interesting characters.



We ended our last night at the Pour House where I had found a Groupon for. This bar was a little off the beaten path, but close enough to where we were staying. As we walked into the dark bar, it felt so comfortable and welcoming. Our bartender was one of the best, he was nice, informative, and gave the largest wine pours I have ever seen. To top it off, he kept pouring our glasses after we had drank half of them! Trouble! Anyhow, we ended up relaxing, having great conversation, and even got to order Thai food right to the bar! It was a great way to end an amazing trip.

This One is For You, Sarah!

I know that all of us have had people in our lives who somehow through time and space fall out of contact. It happens. Life moves fast, life gets busy, and all of a sudden you realize you haven't talked to a friend in over 2 years! One of those friends for me is a special person who I met years and years ago through mutual friends.

We ended up becoming house mates after I moved back from Portland in 2005. We had another house mate, Liser - Sarah and Liser had been besties since they were wee little tykes. Anyhoo - needless to say, there was drama, boyfriends, dinners, drinks, but mostly there was fun! We had some of the most amazing house parties, BBQ's, and some of the best times were when it was just the 3 of us...Friday nights were usually movie nights where we giggled, had drinks, had smokes and sushi with a movie. I can remember us making our own jokes and laughing until we were crying on numerous occasions.

Since then, friendships have been strained, tested, and separated through distance. Unfortunately Sarah and I really lost contact. We both met people around the same time, and have since built lives with them (four years ago). The last time I saw Sarah was probably over two years ago and since then have only sent brief emails. A couple of weeks ago I got a phone call from her Mom to invite me to her surprise baby shower.

Another friend and I decided to go - and were so glad that we did! The moment that Sarah walked into the shower, she saw us and her eyes welled up with tears... it was a heartening moment where we all realized that too much time had passed, and how important it is to be there for your friend's special moments. We all knew how powerful this interaction and small gesture had been, and it really warmed my heart knowing how much it meant for Sarah that I was there. I was so happy to be there!

I also found out that Sarah is one of my 4 readers :) So I wanted to write this blog for her, and let her know that I am so happy for her and her new adventure into motherhood! Congrats to you and Dave! This one's for you Sar-bear!

The Big Island

GREG AND I CELEBRATED 4 YEARS OF CREATING AN AMAZING RELATIONSHIP THIS FEBRUARY!

Greg and I took our yearly winter vacation to Hawaii this year. Getting away in February is such a nice break from the cold and rainy NW winters, we have been able to do something sunny and beachy for the past 3 years. It is so important for our relationship and our souls to take some time and recharge, preferably in the sun! I am so lucky to have a partner who puts travel at the top of his priorities too. We like to travel together, and we also encourage each other to travel separately. I think that it's healthy and fabulous to have that understanding.

My best friend Mike moved there with his lovely partner Hannah. A few days before we arrived, they got engaged! We were thrilled to spend some time with them and celebrate their new lives out on the Big Island. I have only been to Hawaii once before, and it was also to visit Mike when he lived in Maui. I love the islands, and the weather is so perfect. High of 80 and a low of 70. The island breeze makes this northwest girl feel like she's reached paradise!

We were able to drive around the island visiting both the Kona and Hilo sides. The Big Island has many different climates, including lava fields, dry climates, tropical, and mountains. We loved seeing the landscape and hiking around. I ate like a pig, the plate lunches are incredible and filling! The Kailua pork was on every menu, and we were able to do a fabulous sushi night as well. Local food is so important to me and Greg, and we were so happy to get a taste of some of that local Hawaiian flair! The beaches were beautiful, and we can't wait to get back next year for Mike and Hannah's wedding.

Now back to the routine, pounding out the rest of this bachelor's degree... June can't come soon enough!

Zina Linnik Project - How Tragedy Changed a Community Through Deep Civic Engagement

This is the research that I am working on over the next 5 months..

Introduction

On July 4, 2007, a young girl named Zina Linnik was abducted from her backyard in the Hilltop neighborhood of Tacoma, WA. The community searched for her for a week before police located her body and confirmed that she had been raped and murdered. Zina was 12 years old and attended McCarver Elementary school. From this tragedy came an opportunity for the Hilltop community to come together and preserve Zina’s memory.

Community members of Tacoma wanted to gather and figure out ways in which they could prevent any sort of incident like this happening again. In coming together, members of the community were able to brainstorm and come up with rebuilding McCarver Park so that the children could “play in peace”. This park is adjacent to McCarver Elementary, and had not been kept up in any way. From this plan stemmed another plan to rebuild Wright’s Park, another Tacoma park that bookends the Hilltop community with McCarver Park.

From an awful tragedy that struck the Hilltop community came an outpouring of community involvement and efforts to regenerate the safety in Tacoma. The Zina Linnik Project gained much momentum and turned into a 3.5 million dollar project. There have been many steps along the way that have changed the lives of community members, especially the children involved. Students from McCarver Elementary have had the opportunity to participate in a positive way, leading to change in their community.

Research Objectives

The objective of this research is to document the process that the Zina Linnik Project has done thus far. It began as a grassroots effort that gained a lot of support and eventually state and city grants. There have been many community members, students, college students, college professors and the Greater Metro Parks Foundation (Tacoma), involved in making this project possible. It is important to study how all of their efforts have impacted their community, and how this process might be helpful to other communities and their efforts to positively change their own community.

Another objective is to quantify data that can measure the impacts of this project. There are a number of ways in which this project has impacted the community, and my research hopes to provide data that indicates these impacts. This includes questions about increases in student enrollment in college-bound middle school programs; the activation of student voices and respect they experience from others (e.g., in families in school, in community); parental involvement in their children’s school-based activities; and community involvement in the project through campaigning donations and participation in the new community garden.

This research is not aimed for publication; it is an undergraduate research project for credit that may or may not be circulated in the public as information only.

Subject Recruitment

I plan on using normal volunteers and students for interviews of their involvement of the Zina Linnik Project. There will be college-aged students varying in age and sex. I also will use teachers from McCarver Elementary, former and current students of McCarver Elementary, a professor from University of Puget Sound, professors from University of Washington, individuals from the Greater Metro Parks Foundation in Tacoma, and community members. I plan to contact all of the subjects by phone or email, and will provide a brief description of my research.

Method and Procedure

My data collection will include obtaining numbers of parent participation at McCarver Elementary. This data will be anonymous, and aim to see if there was a difference in parent participation before and after the Zina Linnik Project was set in place.

I will document all the fundraising that has been involved as well as a breakdown of how the money was raised for this project.

I will be conducting interviews of the teachers at McCarver Elementary School to see if there was a difference in grades, behavior and attendance. I will also be asking their opinions about how a project like this has affected them as well as the students.

I will collect information about enrollments of McCarver Elementary School graduates in the local middle school college-bound program.

I will also interview college students who have participated to see how they have been impacted in helping out with the project, and if it has made a difference in their further community participation in other projects.

I also plan to interview some previous McCarver Elementary students as well as current ones in order to find out how this project has affected them.

Research subjects will not be compensated.

My research will be from February 2011 – June 2011.

Benefits

Better understanding the impacts and potential long-term outcomes of a community project such as this will not only benefit the local Tacoma community that has been involved, but will also benefit other locations that may be interested in working on such a project. More specifically, the benefit of this research is to provide specific data that will both assess the value of the project and its potential reproduction.

Risks

There are minimal risks with this educational research project, particularly because all subject-based data will be collected anonymously unless the individual is speaking as an official (e.g., principal of school, executive director of community organization). There always remains a risk of invasion of privacy and potential stress of seeing one’s own self in aggregate data.

Informed Consent

Prior to each interview I will obtain informed consent by explaining how their interview will be used in my research. For those who wish to not include their name, as well as minors; I will use their information as anonymous aggregate data, using anonymous quotes in my paper.