Help Anisha raise money

Everyone who knew me growing up knows I wasn't the most athletic kid. Let's just say running and I were not friends. I'm pretty sure I once cried during the mile in gym class (scratch that - very sure). 

After college though, my relationship with running changed - it started as a way to beat my family in Activity challenges, but slowly grew to become my tether to sanity. Despite the multitude of changes that have occurred over the past few years, running has remained a constant - whether alongside the Hudson in NYC, Lake Zug in Switzerland, or School Road in Weston. 

This April, I'll be running my first (of hopefully many) ~official~ 5K, all while supporting one of my favorite organizations. Every year for my birthday I ask friends and family to donate to a cause I'm passionate about, and this year is no different. 

I've been working closely with Minds Matter for the past few years, helping NYC high school students pursue the same educational opportunities I've been fortunate enough to have had access to in my life. I currently serve as both a Test Prep Instructor and a Board Member, and I've seen firsthand how powerful and transformative this three-year program can be for these students.

If you'd like to support me (or better yet, run with me!), please consider donating any amount you can, or registering to participate in this virtual 5K. Everything raised goes towards supporting Minds Matter NYC programming and supporting our students. There's some pretty cool swag involved for other runners, and in return, I can offer my endless gratitude and a customized Spotify running playlist (:

From the kid who cried in gym class - thank you all for the endless support as I gear up for 24 - I couldn't have made it here without you <3

About Minds Matter: 

Minds Matter is a nonprofit that works to transform the lives of high school students from low-income backgrounds through a three-year program focused on academic enrichment, personal development, and mentorship. Students enter the program as sophomores and are paired with two mentors that they meet with weekly on Saturdays. In addition to the mentorship sessions, students attend group workshops focused on math, critical thinking, and SAT prep.  

Over the course of the three years, each student dedicates over 600 hours to the program - almost an entire extra semester of school! As students move into their junior and senior years, the focus shifts to college applications and preparation for college success. Minds Matter also sponsors summer enrichment programs for students during the summer of their junior year. 

The results of Minds Matter speak for themselves. Over 70% of students are first-generation college students, and the average family income of a student is less than $25,000. Thus far, 100% of Minds Matter graduates have been accepted to a 4-year college, and over 85% go on to attend universities ranked as "highly-selective." 

I've been passionate about equalizing access to quality education since college, and Minds Matter has offered the opportunity to continue pursuing that passion as I embark upon adult life. As you think about your charitable contributions this year, I encourage you to consider joining me in supporting the incredible work Minds Matter does both in NYC and across the country.