My phone rings with an unknown NYC number. It’s probably Broadway calling to see / beg if they can do one of my plays on their Broadway, so I answer.
Sweet Girl: Hi, Bekah?
Me: Yes? Hi!
Sweet Girl: My name is very sweet and professional and excited undergraduate theater student. I’m calling from the New School’s annual fund.
Me:…Damnit.
Sweet Girl: …Hmm?
Me: I can’t — I’m kind of driving to work right now, it’s very dangerous.
Sweet Girl: I only need a moment of your time. I just wanted to tell you about some of the exciting things going on at the New School right now.
Me: That’s awesome, but I’m still paying off the 120K that I owe the New School, so not so much feeling a donation at this point in time.
Sweet Girl: I totally get that. I just wanted to share with you that I’m just finishing my first semester at the New School, and I wouldn’t even be here as a theater artist without the gifts of people like you. Without my scholarship, this wouldn’t be an option for me. And I’ve just spent the last semester creating important work with my classmates that I feel really speaks to things happening in our country right now that we’re having trouble having conversations about.
Beat.
Me: HOW DO I PAY YOU.
Sweet Girl: I can send you a link.
Me: SEND IT NOW.