THE COLD CALL COACH - Key Persons
My story begins my sophomore year at Ripon College. Imagine my surprise that year when I suddenly realized that the books weren't free, that my tuition would come due at some point and, on the rare occasion that I actually had a date that I would likely have to pay for the meal. Where were these funds going to come from when you are penniless and not currently employed?
I have always been extroverted and, my wife will now tell you, it seems in love with the sound of my own voice. With that being said, imagine my excitement when I heard of this on-campus program called The Phonathon. The College was looking for students to make phone calls to alumni, parents and friends in an effort to raise money for the scholarship fund.
I gave it a shot and, to be blunt, it was love at first sight! When you like to jaw jab as much as I do, you can be rather successful in a position like that. Following three years of intense money raising, I was approached by a member of the Advancement Office who asked me to consider staying on full-time after graduation. My intention was to go to medical school, so I respectfully demurred.
Persistence was a quality in full supply in this gentleman and he reminded me that, as an aspiring orthopedic surgeon, I would be in school for yet another 52 years and that I may be well-served to get one year of real world experience beforehand. I agreed and decided to pursue this opportunity with his office.