Dear Friends,
When I started as a Minds Matter volunteer in 2014, I did not fully understand the transformative nature of this program.
Right away it was clear that Minds Matter’s approach was unique. Minds Matter provided comprehensive services to students throughout high school, preparing them to thrive in college, their careers, and as leaders in their communities. Over the years, I’ve come to learn that the true transformative impact of this program comes after its formal conclusion – when the students we’ve mentored return to the program to uplift the next generation.
Why do I think our alumni are so dedicated to our program? Because Minds Matter is a family. Minds Matter students learn from hardworking and compassionate professionals who devote their Saturday mornings to help them get to college. The selfless generosity our mentors demonstrate motivates many of our students to take up this work in the future as our #nextgenfamily.
One of the students from my early days of volunteering, who exemplifies this spirit of paying it forward, is Tiffany. Tiffany attended Boston College and now works at a college access nonprofit in Boston. Three years ago, she returned to Minds Matter to volunteer her time.
"For me, giving back to Minds Matter means providing students the opportunity to gain a similar transformative experience to what I had. Without my Minds Matter mentor’s support and guidance throughout all these years, I would not be the person that I am today. I believe it is important to support in any capacity— whether that be talking to mentees about my college experience, being a host for the spring soirée, or donating money to the fundraiser. "
Minds Matter is more than just a college prep program: it's a place where individuals become a community. That's why so many of the young people we invest in come back. This #GivingTuesday, I'm asking you to invest in the next generation of the Minds Matter family.
Together, we can transform lives that will transform tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Rachel Kanter
Executive Director