Hi, my name is Juky, and this year I’m hoping to run the New York City Marathon with America Needs You.

America Needs You fights for economic mobility for ambitious, first-generation college students. They do this by connecting first-gen students with long-term mentors and intensive career development so that being the first in your family to go to college doesn’t mean doing it alone.

Through ANY’s two-year Fellows Program, students are paired one-on-one with Mentor Coaches, build professional networks, and gain the skills and confidence to launch intentional careers after graduation. ANY was founded on the belief that socio-economic status should never be a barrier to college completion or career success, and they’ve been helping first-generation students stay in school and succeed since 2009.

I’m running 26.2 miles to support this mission because I believe talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. Every dollar you give helps first-generation college students get the mentorship, community, and resources they need to thrive.

Consider donating to this cause. Your support doesn’t just help me reach the finish line—it helps first-gen students cross theirs, too.