Correspondence from a Rodent

I received the following letter in the mail today:

May 18, 2007

Dear MIT10-er,

Thanks so much for your 2006—2007 gift to MIT! Having made a gift this year, when you only recently graduated and perhaps aren't exactly "rolling in the dough," makes you not only doubly special, but also a certified friend of mine.

But what of it? Pride, that's what! And commitment! And the bliss of supporting an institution devoted to the common good! All are yours to enjoy because you made an annual gift to MIT. So, too, is the enclosed "Friends of Tim" card that's been personalized just for you.

Take this card and put it in your wallet. Have it, hold it, and proudly display it wherever you go. Soon you'll discover what every other card-carrying Friend of Tim knows (in addition to the sheer rapture of simply being a Friend of Tim): that you can walk among the beavers with pride.

See ya next year!

Tim

Tim the Beaver, MIT Mascot

That's right, I now have a card in my wallet proclaiming my friendship with a cartoon beaver. You know, before, I had some doubts about making a donation when I still owe them so much in loans, but now it all feels totally worthwhile. This sheer rapture is some pretty great stuff, let me tell you. It's nearly enough to make me almost forget, for a veritable plethora of nanoseconds, all about the many many thousands of dollars I owe the 'Tvte.

I will say this: as corny as it is, it's nice to be appreciated once in a while; the Perkins Loan people never send me thank you notes, they just send me more bills. So, you're welcome, Tim the Beaver. I am your Friend. Now tell the blasted Alumni Fund to quit hitting me up for cash.