Dear friend of Minds Matter,
My parents came to the United States from Bangladesh in hopes of building a brighter future for their kids. Despite being first generation, I knew the importance of a college education and how it could allow me to do things my parents were not able to do. And even though I was a good student, I sometimes felt that because of my background I was not the right fit for these higher institutions. I lost hope in going to a top-tier college.
My freshman year of high school, I learned about Minds Matter from my guidance counselor. I did not know there were people out there who dedicated their lives to helping people like me. Once I got into Minds Matter, and with the help of my mentors, team leader, and my peers, I started to realize that I had potential. My mentors inspired me to look into top tier institutions like the ones they attended. My team leader is another role model because he was a mentee in Minds Matter and after graduating he became a volunteer. He was one of us at one point and he gives me hope for myself.
Minds Matter has introduced me to multiple opportunities that I would otherwise not have access to. During the summer of my sophomore year, I studied psychology and public speaking at University of Massachusetts, and this past summer I studied in Spain. Minds Matter also introduced me to an internship at Columbia University Medical Center to research obesity in a lab. I will be continuing my research in January because I enjoyed it so much and worked so well with my mentor in the lab. I have even gained networking skills and business etiquette just by communicating with my mentors and other volunteers in the program.
Minds Matter transforms the lives of people like me on a daily basis. From academic to financial support, Minds Matter is looking to build the next generation and by doing this they are helping build a better America. They not only show us the value of education but have also showed us the importance of giving back so we can change others’ lives when we are successful. What is different about Minds Matter is it provides individual help and attention for each and every one of their students every session. They care for every one of us and this is apparent through all the work they do and the time they spend with us on Saturdays. Every volunteer is dedicated to helping their mentee and others in the program. Minds Matter is unique and an amazing organization that can really go far and become even greater with the help of your donations.
Sincerely,
Lamia, Minds Matter Class of 2016