What’s making poor college students pay up (and it doesn’t involve a keg)
I knew very little about my college major (advertising) when I first chose it freshman year. It was my professors who taught me the trade, helped me improve and opened my eyes to the opportunities stretched out before me. They encouraged me, critiqued me and congratulated me when I finally succeeded. My professors were my bridge from youth to adulthood, from student to professional.
The professors I’m referring to are those from the University of South Carolina. But if I had attended Virginia Commonwealth University (and if I had been a design student) I would be speaking of Peyton Rowe.
I’ve only met Peyton once, but once is all it takes. She has a huge, friendly, enthusiastic personality. There’s no other word for it – she is beloved by her students. Not only is she open and fun-loving, but she also took Riggs Partners’ CreateAthon and adapted it into a student event called CreateAthon onCampus. She provided a way for her students to do real work for real clients. And trust me – to a student, that is a huge deal. (I’m not even a student anymore, and I still feel like a celebrity when I see something in public that I created.)
This summer, Peyton is switching roles. She is going to be the student, attending a summer intensive hosted by the School of Visual Arts in New York City. The course is called IMPACT: Design for Social Change, so Peyton will be learning new ideas and methods to implement with CreateAthon onCampus. On the downside, the total cost of her adventure will be roughly $10,000.
Students, this is your opportunity to say “thanks.”
Here at Riggs Partners, we’ve started a fundraiser to help Peyton pay tuition and living expenses. We have created a Facebook page called “Send Peyton Away,” a place for her students to gather and show support. On the page, we ask for a $10 donation (although some donors have generously given more). I know how tough it is being a poor college student; it wasn’t that long ago for me. But I think everyone has $10 to spare, especially for that one person who helps you reach your goals and chase your dreams.
What has Peyton done for you? Let her know how much it meant: http://facebook.com/sendpeytonaway.
- Sammy Rutkowski
