We did not have much growing up. I was lucky enough to go to high school on a full scholarship, but there were plenty of times where I passed on lunch because “I’m trying this new diet” aka I didn’t have any money. I graduated from the #1 ranked college in the country with way less debt than a most college grads enter the world. I chose to take a job that I would find fulfilling, instead of a job that’d pay well.

I give because I believe in the following statement: “To those whom much is given, much is expected.” I may have not had much, but I had the gift of intelligence, my immigrant mother’s work ethic, and the stubbornness to never give up. Those three things have opened up so many doors to me, including that full scholarship to high school and that acceptance letter to Princeton.

When I choose how much to give, I turn to my faith. As a Catholic, I reflect on Mark 12:41–44 to find an appropriate amount to give back. With overwhelming student debt while living in a city, giving 10% of even my after-tax income is a dream. Nonetheless, I give with the hope of being uncomfortable. I firmly believe that it’s not enough to give from my excess and that I must sacrifice to give because those are the most precious gifts one can have. For example, I don’t consider donating clothes that no longer fits to be charitable giving because it’s not something I’m pushing myself to do. I’m doing a clothes purge and donating it is a more human decision that throwing it away. This is not meant to diminish the experiences of others; this is exclusively my thoughts.

I have a regular giving “budget” that I allocate throughout the year. I give to St. Jude’s Children’s hospital on a monthly basis, my church on a weekly basis, and to other causes, such as my high school, my college, the debate organization that introduced me to real kids who were going to the kinds of colleges I always dreamed about (JSA.org), and once per year. I try to make those gifts throughout the year to not put too much pressure on my end-of-year budget.

Most importantly, I think giving is a conscientious choice about sharing something I have with someone else. I don’t have much but I recognize that there are so many other there who have way less. I choose to give because I believe that it’s my responsibility to share what I have with those who need it.