I am an alumni of an awesome university. I thought. I am also an alumni of a university who rings their ex-students (who are still labouring under a fairly massive HECS debt) and asks them for money! I received a letter in very glossy EXPENSIVE paper, telling me how badly the uni needs money to make more pleasant outdoor settings and refurbishing musical instruments. Later that night, I got a phone call from a sweet as pie current student…and I did it, I pledged them money. A small amount, I grant you. And then I caught myself thinking that it was for a good cause, and to be generous etc but then I thought wait a minute! It isn’t a good cause! It’s for a new group room in a library which already has lots of group rooms for rich students to hang out and chat in! Man I feel instant regret and shame at not standing up for myself. But it’s so hard to say no. I think I was manipulated. UWA is such a business – gah! Now they’ll hassle me every year!