For those who do not go to Penn State, let me first explain what THON is. It's a 46-hour dance marathon that raises money for pediatric cancer. Every year, students and other thon-goers fill the Bryce Jordan Center to full capacity to experience the magic of THON.
Granted, standing on your feet for 46 hours does not sound that magical and eating soft pretzels for breakfast lunch and dinner with a side of Pepsi can only last so long. As a freshman, I had no idea what to expect of THON. I heard so many girls in my sorority say what an amazing experience it was and I could not believe the time for me to experience this weekend finally came.
As I headed to the Bryce Jordan Center with my drawstring bag containing a water bottle, a battery pack for my phone, toothpaste, a toothbrush, and a tennis ball I was full of excitement but also curiosity. I was anxious to see what THON was all about.
After the first day, I started to feel the pain in the soles of my feet and the headache from exhaustion. Standing up was getting harder to do (especially with a seat right under you). Time seemed to be moving slower than ever and I found myself wondering is this what THON is all about?
However, I pushed on and finally, the time for final four came (the last four hours of the event). I was so close and I was looking forward to the speeches the families of THON would make. However, I did not realize that within these four hours was when I would see the true meaning of THON.
This year, there were three THON families that spoke. I found myself and the people surrounding me crying and as we wrapped our arms around each other I quickly realized what THON was all about. It is not about what organization raises the most money or who stood for the longest (granted that is an amazing accomplishment). To me, THON consisted of students coming together to raise money for a real cause. I never thought about how hard it could be for everyone at a big college campus to put their lives on hold for a weekend to (literally) stand up to cancer. Not only does Penn State accomplish that, but so much more. Seeing the families and getting to hear their stories made THON that much more intimate. After raising money for nearly five months, getting to see the faces of the people it was going to made it very special.
Somewhere within those last four hours, the time went exceptionally fast and the next thing I knew it was time for the reveal of the total amount raised. I waited anxiously as the 10-second countdown echoed through the Bryce Jordan Center.
And then there it was, over 10 million dollars raised by students in college.
The arena lit up with excitement, pride, and joy.
So, to incoming freshmen or anyone who needs a boost while the soles of your feet hurt or you yearn for a real breakfast, remember that THON is an unforgettable experience and the end of THON is something greater than you could ever imagine.
