I grew up without much money, and I never really had a man in my life who could show me how to navigate the professional world.

When I graduated, I applied for dozens of jobs. Most never called back. Then I finally landed an interview for a position that could change my life.

There was just one problem. I didn’t own a suit. I didn’t know how to tie a tie. And I had absolutely no idea how to answer the questions they were going to ask me.

Someone connected me with Elder Sage Foundation.

Within a week, a mentor helped me get a suit that actually fit. Another gentleman sat down with me and worked through interview questions, professional etiquette, and how to talk confidently about my strengths. We practiced shaking hands, making eye contact, and answering difficult questions.

The night before my interview, my mentor called just to tell me he believed in me.

Nobody had ever done that before.

I walked into that interview wearing a suit I was proud of, with my head held high.

I got the job.

But what meant the most wasn’t the suit or even the paycheck. It was knowing that a group of men who barely knew me thought my future was worth investing in.

Someday, when I’m established in my career, I’m going to buy another young man his first suit.

Because that’s what the village does.