It's been a little over a year since I walked into my first classroom with Minds Matter students. I wanted to help them with their writing -- specifically, college application essays -- but I had no idea what to expect. What I discovered were incredibly driven, intelligent, talented young people who inspired and humbled me every day with their determination and perseverance. Minds Matter supports high-performing students from low-income families; most of them have immigrant parents or are immigrants themselves. In addition to having to overcome financial barriers, they must also find their way in a society that tells them that their potential is limited. Minds Matter is fighting against that by arming these students with knowledge and resources to get into 4-year universities and thrive in the college setting because they have the life skills to do so. I spend 10-15 hours per week working with my students, meeting with other Minds Matter volunteers, and preparing lessons. Can you help me help my students even more by making a donation? It will cover things such as tuition and travel for summer programs at colleges and universities, college application fees, mental health services for students, facility rental, and workshops for parents to help them navigate the FAFSA and financial aid options. I raised $1,300 last year and my goal this year is to beat that! Thank you for your support.