Get to Know Phonathon's Top Caller

December 14, 2017

The Cretin-Derham Hall Phonathon is a program made up of CDH students whose job it is to thank our supporters, talk about the events and accomplishments of the school, and discuss our on-going need. The support of our alums, parents, and friends enables the legacy of academic excellence and community leadership to continue at Cretin-Derham Hall.

We sat down with our top Phonathon caller, Laura Espinosa'21 to learn more about her experience. Espinosa is one of ten CDH students currently calling our constituents. Laura has over $10,000 in pledges so far this calling season.

CDH: Share with us your thoughts and goals when you started at CDH this fall?
Espinosa: Well first, I wanted to start off with good grades and then maybe be in a play or sport.

CDH: Now that you are in the second trimester of the year, what advice would you give to an incoming student?
Espinosa: Start the year off with good grades! Then it is not that hard to do other things like sports or theater.

CDH: As part of the Phonathon team what is one goal you have for yourself that you bring to work every shift?
Espinosa: One of the goals I've had since I've started working is to have at least five credit card donations and five cash donations.

CDH: What does being part of the Phonathon team mean to you?
Espinosa: Being part of the Phonathon team means that I get to help the school and I get to have a big part in the community.

CDH: You are raising money for the school and for deserving CDH students, how does that make you feel?
Espinosa: Raising money for the school makes me happy because it means that I am making a difference in someone's life.

CDH: What do you like most about working Phonathon?
Espinosa: I like the feeling at the end of the day when I know I have made a difference in the school.

CDH: How do you feel you have changed in your role as a student Phonathon caller from when you first started in October?
Espinosa: I am definitely a lot more confident on the phone now and not afraid to ask people for donations.

CDH: What is one of the most challenging parts of your Phonathon job?
Espinosa: Getting my homework done on the days I have to work.

CDH: Who is your favorite teacher at CDH? Why?
Espinosa: My favorite teacher would have to be Mrs. DeVos because she always tries to make class interesting. Even after a long day, she is still in a great mood.

CDH: What is your favorite class at CDH? Why?
Espinosa: I love Values class because it's everything integrated into one class and the teachers always try to make it fun and exciting for us.

The CDH Phonathon team calls members of our community from October-May as part of the fundraising efforts of the Advancement Office.  The goal this year is to attain pledges of $140,000. All pledges fulfilled through Phonathon count towards the annual fund. Phonathon team members earn an hourly wage and often compete for incentives.  The top callers are rewarded in the spring by going to lunch with the president of the school.