I contacted Alumni by phone to request donations to the University, and updated our database's information on them. There are three virtues I've learned working for the Foundation: ◘ Persistence◘ Patience◘ Strong telephone communication skillsI talked with people, and learned all sorts of stories. Even when the Alumni may have not been interested in donating at first, I could make them more comfortable with the idea by simply talking with them. The trick was to find common ground.

Working for Stillwater Living Magazine granted me a momentous opportunity to gain invaluable experience. I meet with people from all walks of life, the unknown heroes of the community who make impacts people might not even realize. Throughout my time there, I gained numerous skills:◘ Research◘ Contacting interviewees◘ Interviewing people in many different conditions and settings◘ Photographing individuals in various lighting conditions◘ Turning what they say into snappy and informative articlesPersistence served me well, and I learned how to be a "go-getter" while remaining polite, friendly and professional. I also know how to be resourceful when it comes to getting photographs, while properly citing the original photographer, of course.

I set up and maintained the equipment, and refereed the games. I listened to customer's concerns and requests to guarantee complete satisfaction. I wan't afraid of manual labor, even in hundred degree weather, or in the frigid dead of winter. What mattered was getting the job done, and making people happy.