Being the largest student-run philanthropy, THON is widely known across the country. As a Penn State freshman, you understand the excitement surrounding the 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon. It's the chance to be part of a yearly event that celebrates fundraising for the fight against pediatric cancer. But you don't truly understand the indescribable feeling that being surrounded by 15,000 excited THON-goers brings until you've experienced it.
The weekend is exhilarating and exhausting! Forty-six hours is a long time to stand with no sleep, even for the most dedicated attendee. The weekend is an emotional one to say the least.
Here are the ups and downs of the emotional roller coaster that is THON, as told by Parks and Recreation's always-enthusiastic Andy Dwyer:
1. The Anticipation
You can't help but spend most of Friday in a THON daydream. Thinking about how amazing the weekend is going to be makes it almost impossible to sit still through your classes.
2. The Pump-up
Then the moment arrives. You're standing outside the venue in a line of thousands of students, ready to get your dance on for the kids. Recalling how drained you became in past years, you make a pledge to yourself to keep spirits high.
3. The Arrival
Finally getting to run through the doors of the marathon is an exciting moment. You hear the roars of the crowd and the music that fills the venue, and can barely contain yourself.
4. The Celebration
You walk into the stands and are greeted by thousands of faces. Your friends are there, your favorite songs are playing and you're dancing for the kids. Life does not get better than this.
5. The Wall
After hours of celebration, your energy is fading. On a normal night, you would be lying comfortably in bed, your legs wouldn't feel like jello, your feet wouldn't be aching and you probably wouldn't be going half-crazy. You struggle to keep going despite your decreasing level of sanity.
6. The Pep Talk
You're tired, you're half-asleep, you smell and you've heard that one song too many times. But the kids you're standing for have gone through so much worse! You remember this and, wearing your best pretend full-of-energy face, remind your friends that you can keep going with a little support from each other.
7. The Sugar Load
Apparently your body wasn't listening to your amazing pep talk. So you ignore all warnings and turn to your back up plan: sugar, sugar and more sugar. You've got to get your energy back up somehow. This should work. Right?
8. The Sugar Load Regret
Wrong. As it turns out, that was the worst idea you've had in a while. The sugar pumped you up for what seemed like thirty seconds and now you feel a terrible crash waiting to happen.
9. The Emotional Hour
Somewhere between the smiles you shared with fellow students and the tears you cried over moving stories, your feelings have gotten all mixed up. You're laughing at nothing, staring into space and crying over the sandwich you just bought. All in all, you're an emotional wreck.
10. The Random Burst of Energy
With one hour left, your mind and body allow for one last burst of energy. This is your second wind, your time to shine. You give this last hour all you've got. Bring it on, line dance.
11. The Celebration
The moment you've been waiting for all weekend is finally here. The total donation amount for the year is announced and you feel so blessed to be part of something so powerful. Today is a great day.
12. Satisfied Exhaustion
Following the dance marathon comes a day or two of emotional and physical recovery. You return home with a full heart and a need for your bed like you've never felt before.
