Throughout this course, I have gained valuable insights into the world of philanthropy and how to make a positive impact with charitable giving. My original donation to Seedling, an organization that provides school-based mentoring to children of incarcerated parents, reflected my belief in the importance of supporting vulnerable youth and helping to break cycles of intergenerational poverty and incarceration. This class has broadened my perspective on how to think more strategically about philanthropy. I’ve learned to research organizations to assess their track record, leadership, financial health, and demonstrated impact. I now have a better understanding of concepts like effective altruism, which involves using evidence and reasoning to determine effective ways to benefit others. I’ve also been exposed to the merits of different cause areas, from global health and poverty to animal welfare and existential risk reduction. Going forward, my approach to philanthropy will be more thoughtful and impact-focused. While I still believe in the mission of Seedling and may continue supporting their work, I plan to diversify my giving to target areas where I believe my donations can have a significant impact. Based on my research and our class discussions, I am interested in the potential of direct cash transfers as a way to alleviate global poverty. I also see value in supporting scientific research and innovation to address major challenges facing humanity. Moreover, this course has emphasized the importance of considering how to maximize the impact of my giving over the course of my life. I am thinking about pledging a portion of my future income to effective charities. I also plan to continue learning about philanthropy, stay engaged with this community, and encourage others to think critically about their own giving. With the knowledge and perspective I’ve gained through this course, I feel better prepared to use philanthropy as a tool for creating positive change.