She Strengthens

A Call to Cease: Why I’m Not Donating to My Alma Mater

As I gaze back at my college days, I’m reminded of the countless memories and opportunities that shaped me into the person I am today. However, my nostalgia is constantly disrupted by the relentless calls from my alma mater, begging for donations. It’s a frustrating cycle that has left me feeling like I’m stuck in a toxic relationship.

The Donation Center’s Unsolicited Advances

Every time my phone rings, I’m met with an unfamiliar number, but I instinctively know it’s the college’s donation center. The callers, often friendly and chatty, are simply doing their job, asking for any contribution I’m willing to make. But it’s the timing that’s problematic. They call during “after dinner hours,” when I’m trying to unwind, and the conversations often feel like an intrusion.

A History of Giving

I’m not opposed to giving back to my alma mater. In fact, I made a donation to our class fund during my senior year, partly because one of my roommates worked at the call center. But what irks me is the constant solicitation, even after I’ve already contributed. It’s as if the college assumes I have an endless supply of disposable income, which couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Reality of Financial Struggle

After graduation, I landed an entry-level job, not my dream job, but one that provided stability and benefits. My salary covered the essentials, and I was slowly rebuilding my savings and emergency fund. But then, the college’s calls started pouring in again. It’s as if they’re oblivious to the financial struggles many recent graduates face.

A Debt of Gratitude

I do acknowledge that my alma mater provided me with significant financial aid during my time there. I received merit-based scholarships that covered half of my tuition, and my parents paid the rest. While I’m grateful for their support, it wasn’t without its challenges. My family made sacrifices to ensure I graduated debt-free, and it’s hard not to feel guilty about the burden they carried.

The True Cost of Giving

If I’m being honest, I’d be willing to contribute to specific scholarship programs that helped me during my time at the college. However, there’s no direct way to do so. My donation would likely go toward funding an athletic facility, which doesn’t align with my values.

A Plea to Stop the Harassment

I’m not asking for much. I just want the college to respect my boundaries and stop calling me. I’m still finding my footing in the real world, and the constant solicitation is not only annoying but also stressful. I’ve made it clear that I’m not in a position to donate, yet the calls persist.

In the end, I’ll continue to ignore these calls, and I implore the college to cease their harassment. It’s time for them to understand that not every alum is in a position to give, and that’s okay.