I'm sure that we've all heard of The Polar Plunge. You know, that annual event where a lot of crazy people jump into a pool of freezing cold water. But have you actually volunteered and witnessed the insanity firsthand? I have. After volunteering at this year's event in Cravath Park, I wanted to write a reflection on my experiences at this event. As a first year, I had no idea what to expect. Now I know.

I worked for a good cause.

It was hard to leave my nice warm bed at 9 in the morning, but it was totally worth it. An event this big needs a large team of people to stand behind it. Looking back, I'm so thankful that I was presented with this opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of others. The Polar Plunge is more than just jumping into freezing water. It's about changing the lives of Special Olympics athletes across the state of Wisconsin.

I felt a sense of community.

During those four short hours, I met a handful of people that have left a lasting impression on me. In particular, I spent the most time at the event with an elderly couple. Both of them welcomed me with open arms and did everything they could to make sure that I had a great time. They even offered to buy me a few snacks if I got hungry. It was totally unexpected, but I received a hug toward the end of my shift from the woman I volunteered with. I hope that I see her at next year's event. It was a cold day for everyone, but that didn't stop the overflow of support that I felt.

It was genuinely fun.

I'm not usually one to laugh at other people's pain, but the faces of the plungers were absolutely priceless. Although I couldn't watch my sorority sisters jump in, I was rooting for them from the sidelines. There was never a dull moment. Even when I was working at the souvenir tables in the municipal building before the festivities started, I still had a blast. The energy from the spectators and the participants was exhilarating.

It's hard to describe an event that means so much to a lot of different people. Whether you collected money for the Plunge or just helped things run smoothly, I can assure you that your contributions are appreciated. Today, I just helped set up. But you can bet that I'm taking the plunge next year.