As she walked through the narrow streets of her small village, her eyes sparkled like the morning dew on the rice fields outside the thatched roofs.
I asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up and, she exclaimed: “I want to be a doctor when I grow up and study at those big colleges far away!”
Her smile was contagious, illuminating the faces of everyone around her.
So, are you studying hard and going to school every day? I asked, trying to sound like a village elder.
She nodded enthusiastically, but then her expression changed, like the sudden darkness that falls when storm clouds gather on the horizon.
“I do,” she said, “but…”.

The hesitation was like a pause in music, leaving me wondering what came next.
“What’s wrong?” I asked.

She looked down and whispered: “My parents might not let me go to school by myself.”
The worry on her face was like a cloud passing over the sun.
“When I get to bigger classes,” she whispered, “I need to go far to study. My parents may not let me go by myself alone.”

When my mom recounted this interaction to me, I felt even more convinced that what we were doing at REAL, a non-profit led by high school students; had far reaching effects that I hadn’t even considered.

REAL aims to help kids like this little girl who face barriers in the rural areas of India and want to pursue their dreams. Our organization is completely volunteer led and 100% of the funds we raise are distributed to schools and institutions that need them.

It would be awesome if you could join us on this mission! We believe that every kid deserves an equal chance to pursue their dreams, no matter where they come from.

If you care as much as we do about helping others, will you join us in supporting REAL on this Giving Tuesday?