As I bring in my 22nd year of life, I want to celebrate a new chapter by supporting homeless youth in my hometown. @youthontheirown
When I was just 15 years old, I moved out of my home because of issues of substance abuse. I worked early mornings on the weekend and late nights after school at my local gas station for over two years while struggling with hidden homelessness. All the while, I was keeping up my grades in AP classes, organizing for sex education reform and birth control access, and navigating the college application process.
It's hard to believe that was only four years ago. But today, I remind you that I am not exceptional. I am representative. Your future president, youngest campaign staffer, Founder, First Gen Ivy League student could be the same person hustling for minimum wage at the gas station right now. The time between me and this experience grows, and so does my admiration for my younger self. She was so strong. I thank and honor her today by asking each of you to invest in the potential of young folks like her because I wouldn’t be who I am today if my community and Youth On Their Own hadn’t invested in me.
Our donations go directly back to homeless youth who need our support now more than ever. This organization set me up for success through stipends, their food pantry, scholarships, and so much more. They changed my life, literally, and I can think of no better gift than to give back.
$0 A share on social media that can help reach more people
$22.50 Provides a monthly bus pass
$40 buys a 10 lb bag of groceries
$94 covers an AP exam fee
$160 is a monthly stipend for one student
$250 helps a student cover sports and club fees
$1000 provides a student bill assistance for 1 year
