Phonathon

Each year, the law school conducts a three week campaign to collect donations from our graduates. It is called the Alumni Fund Drive or "Phonathon." The money received goes to support various activities at the law school, from scholarships to bringing in guest speakers.

This year I am participating as a caller. "The Red Room," an ornate chamber in the law school rotunda, has been converted into a phone bank where I sit at tables with other law school students and place calls to our alumni all over the country.

It is fun, especially when I get a big donation. The job is very much like sales. To enjoy it and be good at it, I have to purge my mind of negative thoughts and focus on having a positive attitude. I make myself smile when I am on the phone, and I try to envision that the person I am talking with is right in front of me. Of course, these techniques do not always work, and the job gives me some practice in handling rejection- practice that can be quite mentally healthy if I use it the right way. The biggest challenge for me as a caller is actually getting the person I want to talk to on the line, as opposed to voicemail or a secretary saying he or she is not available. When I get the person, a little thrill goes through me as I know my chances for success just went way up.

This year, Phonathon is a little different in that the administrator from Alumni Affairs who usually runs it is out on maternity leave. One of the deans of the law school, Nancy Benavides, and another employee from Student Affairs, Sarah Lowe, have done superbly in transitioning from their normal duties to conduct this event. They are excellent at keeping the student callers motivated and the positive energy flowing. I have worked directly with Sarah in the past, during The Summer for Undergraduates Program. Her versatility and efficiency has always impressed me. Dean Benavides, too, has shown great skill in performing a type of job that may or may not come naturally to her.

Phonathon will continue for two more weeks. Hopefully, we can reach our donation goals. The cause certainly aids the school. Alumni who give help our school ranking in US News and World Report (the magazine uses the statistic of alumni who give as a gauge of satisfaction with their education). The Alumni Fund Drive also provides students with a chance to talk to our attorneys across Florida and the country. One student and friend of mine making calls with me got asked to send in his resume for a possible summer clerkship. Many good things can come from Phonathon, in addition to funds for the school.

Until Next Time,

Nathan Marshburn