Prior to applying to Penn State, I had no idea what THON was. Growing up, I never had the opportunity to participate in mini-THONs and Texas wasn’t like Pennsylvania in the sense that everyone in the state was exposed to THON’s mission.

It wasn’t until I saw a video of THON 2016 on Facebook. I remember being in such awe and wishing that I could attend a school like Penn State where THON was such a prominent aspect of the community. Shortly after visiting Penn State, I knew that Penn State was the place for me and I was looking forward to finally having the chance to be involved with THON.

When the beginning of my freshman year started, I sent in my application to be a THON communications committee member. I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into, but I was excited to see where THON would take me. Little did I know, it led me to meet some of the most amazing people, be involved in an organization that is so much bigger than myself, and make Penn State feel truly like home.

In addition to being on the Rules and Regulations committee this year, I participate in THON through my sorority where we get to interact with our two amazing families. My sorority's THON families inspire me with the endless challenges they face and how they constantly persevere.

I absolutely love that Penn State THON is not only the largest student-run organization in the country, but it means that all 16,000+ THON volunteers are all working towards the same mission. The THON mission is so incredibly empowering, it gives me motivation every day to work towards being able to embody each of the four diamonds: courage, wisdom, honesty, and strength.

THON gives you an opportunity to meet so many new and wonderful people that you wouldn’t have crossed paths with otherwise. Most importantly, THON symbolizes power.

We don’t stand for 46 hours because we enjoy it, we stand because it gives us a better understanding and an opportunity to fight for others along with those we have lost.

Before I experienced my first THON, I didn’t have a clue as to what it was going to be like. Friends of mine who had participated in THON previous years used words like indescribable and told me that it was something I had to experience for myself. My friends did not disappoint.

With THON quickly approaching, I hope that you take a trip to the Bryce Jordan Center THON weekend because it’s magical.