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| Student Fundraisers at a typical work night. |
One of the things I was most nervous about before coming to
college was the typical stereotype of the “poor college kid.” For the first time, I would be living
without my parents and managing my own expenses, something that high school
definitely does not prepare you for.
I know it's not the most romantic or hottest of topics to talk about
while dreaming of future college plans, but it is definitely a concern for
students and their parents.
After adjusting to college my freshman year and feeling like I
had too much free time, I decided to apply to the Call Center just before my
sophomore year. At the time, I
thought the job would be a stress-free way to make some extra money for
weekends and city adventures. I
never could have fathomed what the call center has brought to me: newfound
friendships, career advice, and learning experience.
One of the highest paying jobs on campus, the Call Center
requires Fordham undergraduates to work 3, three-hour shifts (a total of 9
hours a week – definitely manageable!).
Each evening, from 6-9, “Philramthropists” reach out to alumni, parents,
and friends of the University, to fundraise for scholarships, financial aid,
campus-wide programs, just to name a few things. At first glance, this seems pretty
mindless, maybe even undesirable.
But that is definitely not the case.
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| Our "leadership board" of total dollars raised by callers. |
Since working at the Call Center, also known as the Ram
Line, I have fostered new friendships with fellow student fundraisers, whom I
may have never met before. I have
talked to different alumni about prospective career options and paths in order
to build up rapport during our calls.
While some alumni are more generous than others, I can honestly say that
their pride for Fordham is universal.
It is so inspiring to talk to graduates from the class of 1950 to the
class of 2013 who are so passionate about Fordham. Their tone of voice seems to be a mixture of reflection,
nostalgia, and unequivocal energy while talking about their days at the
University. What continues to
inspire me even more is that many of these alumni, whether residing in California
or even in the Bronx, still manage to find their way back to Rose Hill,
and still feel that strong connection to the University as if they were still 19 and heading off
to Philosophy class.
I thoroughly enjoy working with my fellow “Philramthropists”
on a daily basis. The Call Center
is constantly full of energy and driven students who want to share and discuss
their love of Fordham. I am proud
to be a student fundraiser and recommend it to any student interested in
working on campus! Go Rams!
