Before THON weekend arrived, all of the older girls would tell me and my friends how we would not understand what THON was until we experienced it ourselves. At first, I was confused why no one could put it into words. But once I walked into the Bryce Jordan Center that Friday afternoon, I too realized that THON is so much more than a couple of sentences strung together or a few selfies posted on Facebook. THON is when an entire school comes together, putting aside differences and reputations, to stand for 46 hours all for the kids who need and deserve it the most.
It all started Friday afternoon around 1:45 when me and several girls got in line to enter the BJC. It was freezing and wet on the ground, and I genuinely thought I would not be able to stand there for hours. I contemplated turning around and going back to my dorm to sleep and chill in the warmth of my own bed, but something inside of me told me that I need to keep pushing. Standing in line was just the start of what I was about to experience.
I started to see the sense of community that Penn State THON weekend brings out when trays of hot chocolate were being passed around to thousands of students. I saw, and even participated in, card games being played on the wet concrete to pass time. People were ordering pizza to their spots in line and offering it around to anyone who would like some. There was a sense of spirit and pride in the air, and I knew that it was just the beginning of it.
Finally, around 5:30 p.m., I made me way into the BJC, and my fingertips finally gain feeling back. I look around me and am confused. Some of the stands are still empty, and there isn't much hype in the air. I was cold and wet and wanting to sit down and chill, but then at 6:00 on the dot, it all started.
The stands were filled, the cheers were loud, and everyone had a smile on their face. I immediately put all my complaints and worries away as I looked around me. I knew that I was about to be apart of something truly special. They counted down for the dancers to stand up, and I finally realized all of the older girls I talked to were completely right when they said you can't put what THON is into words. But I will try my absolute very best to tell you how THON changed my entire perspective on life.
No matter what organization you were in, whether you were a part of Greek life, a THON committee, or were participating as an individual, we all wanted the same outcome: to see the children happy and benefiting from the money we were raising. Saturday night, halfway through THON weekend, there was a pep rally with all of the PSU sports teams. I remember watching the funny performances from all of the sports teams, thinking that every single person was coming out for the kids and only the kids. No matter what team you are on or what sorority or fraternity you are in, the kids are our focus.
THON opened my eyes and made me view things with perspective. There is so much more to life than your classes, your social life and who has what and who is wearing what. Life is about everyone around you and making the most of the life you are given. But our lives aren't just about us, and that is what I truly realized after THON.
There was a part of the weekend where THON children got to perform in front of the entire BJC in a talent show. There was the cutest little boy on stage - he couldn't have been older then 7 - dancing his heart out to "Yeah" by Usher. I thought, I don't think I would have the courage to get up in front of thousands and thousands of strangers and dance to a song. But this little boy did, and he has faced so much more than I could ever think of facing. He inspired me to let go of all my fears and anxieties about what other people think or do and to remind myself that being me is what is most important, whether people like it or not.
As the hours go on, no matter what physical and mental state you are in, you still know what you are on your feet for. There were several times I thought my feet were going to break in half because of all the pain they felt from standing and dancing for so long, but then it dawned on me. The pain I was feeling was so incredibly temporary compared to the pain these children feel every day of their lives. I needed to be strong for 46 hours; they needed to be strong every second of their lives. It was the least I could do for them, and I reminded myself of that every time I thought I was done.
The hours I spent at THON made me see that there is so much more to life than what is going on in mine. Thank you Penn State and thank you THON for allowing me to realize that while I am very lucky in the life and health I currently have, that does not mean I should assume everyone else is as well.
