Phonathon

Spring Break was a fabulous time to relax with my family and friends, but now my schedule is certainly back in full swing! My schedule is loaded with papers, tests, group projects, art field trips, preparation for the Acclamation dance show, and the upcoming Spring Fling. Sometimes I sleep.
Fortunately, the gorgeous weather keeps me sane and I love taking the time for a jog around campus.

I love having an art education major!!! In addition to excellent classes, the art department provides wonderful opportunities to explore the world of art beyond Messiah’s campus. Armed with maps and assignment guidelines for various classes, nearly the entire department boarded two busses bound for Washington, D.C. early this morning. The 7:45 a.m. departure time felt bearable as the sun slowly made its welcome appearance high in the sky over our little Grantham campus…

Anyway, I thoroughly enjoyed exploring The National Gallery of Art as well as The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. It felt wonderful to stand directly before works of art depicted in my art history text! I gained a newfound appreciation for the work of Jasper Johns, and confirmed my distaste for a piece entitled “Quaqua! Attacatti La!” by Frank Stella. Of course, the 19th Century French paintings completely amazed me as always. (For anyone who has never seen an actual painting by Van Gogh or Cezanne, let me tell you that calendar prints fall tragically short of capturing the superb quality!) Needless to say, five hours on my feet passed by all too quickly, and we eventually headed home just in time to arrive for a good ol’ Lottie meal.

I’m really ready for Spring Break in one week!!! The slightest thought of relaxing at home with my family is almost enough to make me feel a little crazy in light of my busy schedule at the moment.

Please don’t misunderstand me: I am having a terrific time! This semester, I’m enrolled in Photography 1, Education in American Society, Created and Called for Community, Encountering the Bible, and Art History. Each class is both fun and challenging at the same time, a lovely fact that makes me feel happily exhausted as I work to keep up with everything! Outside my class work, I take a dance class with Acclamation dance ministry, volunteer at an art class in Harrisburg on Saturday morning, and of course, work at the Phonathon!

Several new callers began working this week, and, truly, I’m rather impressed by them all. I was a nervous wreck during my first…several…weeks at the Phonathon, and I apologize to anyone I spoke with at the time! It’s terribly disorienting at first, so experience often makes a big difference as a caller. To motivate everyone, we played a game with the results from our calls throughout the shift. Everyone caught on to the competitive spirit, leading to yet another amusing day at the Phonathon

My name is Bethany Haizlett and I’m a first year student with a major in art education. I grew up in Grove City, PA, but chose Messiah specifically for its outstanding art program. My experience has been so positive thus far, and I feel thankful for the opportunity to attend Messiah! GO FALCONS.

I also realize that my intense enthusiasm must appear slightly put-on, but I have so much fun talking with people who feel passionate about Messiah. I can go to work in any mood, and almost certainly finish the shift with a big smile on my face.

This was true last night. After two months away from home, loaded with homework, and too busy to sit down for dinner at Lottie, I showed up for work already exhausted. Nervous that my awful attitude would negatively influence my ability to share the importance of the Student Impact Fund with the freshman parents I would be calling, I nervously jumped into one conversation after the other. Comfort arrived through the kindness of the people who happily shared their appreciation for the school. I found myself laughing out loud at the humor of several parents (one father said, “If you see my son, tell him to clean his room. He’s a pig…”) at which point his wife took over the phone and finished the conversation). I understand the frequent surprise that many parents express at the suggestion that they give more money to the school. Whether or not they are able to contribute, it means so much to me when they remain open to the call.

The Student Impact Fund is an important part of what we do at Messiah College, and I’m so thankful for the opportunity to talk about it. With hilarious and encouraging co-workers (ok, friends too), it makes working for the Phonathon highly rewarding every time I call.

P.S. - Bethany sound bite