46 Hours Of THON
Start writing a post
Adulting

46 Hours Of THON

This past week I experienced my second THON, and just like last year, it was life-changing.

34
46 Hours Of THON
Emily Ciolko

This past week I experienced my second THON. Just like last year, it was life-changing. Instead of joining a committee like last year, I was a THON chair for my sorority, Delta Zeta. This allowed me to devote my time to stand with my sisters and focus on fundraising for them. I was able to stand with them for 40 of the 46 hours. Our theme this year was "Dance like its the 90s," and I sure did! Cancer cannot touch this! Although I can't really feel like my legs today or shout at the top of my lungs, it was worth it all for the kids.

The pain I experienced was honestly terrible. I could barely stand with 6 hours left and didn't think I was going to make it, but with everyone by my side, I felt invincible. I pushed past my knees buckling, my feet burning, my legs uncontrollably swelling, all for the kids. The pain I was feeling is nothing compared to the suffering these kids endure on a day to day basis. They are my motivation today and every day. I reminded myself why I was there and kept on pushing through.

I hit many lows during those 40 hours, but thanks to Queen and my best friends, I got through. When times were tough and the pain was at its worst, I put my headphones in and put "Don't Stop Me Now" on repeat. I danced like a mad woman and looked around the BJC at the crowd. We were all dancing and still going strong. No pain or lows could ever stop me now.

I screamed at the top of my lungs for every song that was played, even if it was the fifth time "1985" was on. I even had an interview today that I had to do with absolutely no voice, but did I care? No. Because it was all for the kids. I wouldn't have wanted to sing and dance with anyone else but my best friends. I wish I could replay this weekend over and over again. It was the best time ever, especially when Mason Ramsey appeared on stage and yodeled as if his life depended on it.

Between playing heads up with the boys in Sigma Pi to eating chicken baskets at 3 A.M., I wouldn't change a thing. I am so happy I decided to stay for those 40 hours and that I chose to be with DZ the entire time. I could not picture my THON experience any other way than that. This school continues to amaze me and make me proud to be a Penn Stater. I wish everyone could experience the charisma and energy this school brings to the BJC for an amazing cause.

Thank you Penn State for giving me such a valuable experience and the best weekend of my life ever. We raised 10.6 million all for the kids!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

55687
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

35896
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957896
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

186590
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments