In the future, after graduation, I would like to commit to donating 5% of my income each year to either a single organization or a variety of organizations that reflect the needs I feel most connected to at the time. If there are seasons in life when contributing 5% is not financially attainable, I promise to consistently give my time through volunteering or helping in other non-monetary ways until I am able to resume giving financially without severe strain. This class has also taught me that philanthropy is not just about writing large checks, but it can also mean board service, regular volunteering, and active engagement. Therefore, I would like to commit to serving on at least three boards throughout my life, across a variety of social causes, to deepen my understanding of different organizations and to help ensure they have the support they need to thrive.

I pledge to donate my time at least twice a month throughout my college career to educational youth-development nonprofit organizations within the Bryan College Station community. One of the philanthropic causes that has touched my life the most personally is education. As a student, I have experienced the power of educational experiences and the way they have the potential to shape your passions and the path you choose to embark on. However, the experiences I witnessed were only made possible by the generosity of others, making this cause one that my heart yearns to support. Additionally, from the perspective of the daughter of a teacher and single-mother, I can attest to the remarkable amount of care and dedication that teachers pour into their students day after day with so little support from administrators, sometimes taking out of their own pockets to provide not only the educational resources, but basic necessities for students in need. Although I may not have the financial resources to donate today, what I do have to give is part of myself. Someday, my experience in the classroom will flourish into generosity that I can share in other ways, but at my core, I want to be able to make a difference in the lives of others.

Giving is a mindset that is not based on the amount of money in the bank. I aspire to always give, no matter my income.

Every year, I want to donate 30% of my post-tax income to charitable organizations. I will likely prioritize non-profits that support youth development, poverty alleviation, and globally marginalized people groups who have fallen to the wayside. I want to help people overcome systems and environments that are holding them back from providing for themselves, their families, and others.