Be True To Your School

Sigh.  This is a tough one to write.  I saw the 617 number coming in on my cell phone and thought... "hm...617?! .. Boston...   now who from my past has tracked me down?"
When I said hello, I heard the sweetest young lady's voice who announced... "Hello! Is this Toby Sweeney??? I am so glad I finally could reach you... this is .... ... calling to.... fill you in on what's new on campus.... and .... update you on.... the ahem... ...the....
A N N U A L   F U N D".

They Found Me.
Not the Student Loan People... The Annual Fund People!
Good for them! They found me! (I actually found them first, in an effort to have them mobilize...but that is a whole other story, and this blog is not about plugging MobileCause, the nonprofit industry leader for mobile giving, engagement and communication! Ya hear?!)  So, after a nice conversation with a senior communications major, I happily gave $48.  I did this because I am grateful.
But I also did it...  because, it felt good.
I am proud to say I am a college grad! I usually exclaim this fact in an effort to show I can handle the Home Depot self check-out, when I am really in need of assistance from the clerk.   Either way, I do recall receiving a scholarship my senior year that basically paid for ALL of my classes.  And I also have a foggy memory of learning to program a state of the art lighting board at one of the most beautiful theatres in Boston.  And here I am, confidently giving $48 a month to this nonprofit and that nonprofit.  And all the while, my alma mater, who helped shape the 18-21 year old me, was being ignored.
You caught me on a good night, Phone-a-thon!  You do good things, Emerson College Annual Fund!

Tonight I felt like I was able to enter the circle of higher education giving, gratefully, and with immense pride.  I am an alum, who has become, a first-time donor.

Tough post to write.  Not the great equalizing post.  But a 48 Club post, nonetheless. 

If you loved your educational experience, be true to your school.  Trust me, this is not a student loan!  Student loans are owned by the government and by private banks.  Both of whom do not keep your school shiny and new... nor do they seek out students for scholarship opportunities.
A Student Loan is the scratchy old mean reminder that you are in debt.
The Annual Fund is a sweet voice of friendship, legacy and support.

If you can, give a few beans back to The Annual Fund of your school.  $48 to be exact.

Yours in giving,
The 48 Club

PS... if you want to nominate a nonprofit to be featured, feel free to post a nomination comment, and thanks!