I’m from New Jersey, no I don’t know Snooki and yes Wawa is better than Sheetz. But since I am from New Jersey I never had min Thon, like most of the Pennsylvania High Schools had. So prior to applying to Penn State I honestly never knew what THON was. Quickly after applying and being accepted I read into Thon and what it was all about.
Unfortunately cancer is something I have been familiar with since a young age. I have had family members die from cancer and I have known countless people that have battled cancer and won. One thing I never even thought about growing up though, was that kids could get cancer. This wasn’t me being dumb, this was me being young and oblivious. I thought how could kids be struck with such an evil disease? Until my mom told me that our family friend, Julianna, who was just 7 had cancer. I remember crying in my room all alone because I did not understand how someone the same age as my younger sister could have cancer. Granted I was very young as well so this was all new to me hearing that someone I had grown up with and played with had cancer.
(I am happy to say Julianna kicked cancer’s butt and she has been in remission for a really long time and she is doing amazing!)
Coming to Penn State I knew I wanted to be involved in Thon but I honestly thought Thon was a club you had to join. I did not know that all the greek orgs were involved in Thon, that there were orgs and committees and countless ways to contribute to Thon. I decided I would sign up for a committee even though I had no idea what that entailed in the slightest. I submitted my application and a few days later I got an email to sign up for an interview. I was freaking out because I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I went to the interview and I was extremely nervous but I guess I hid that pretty well because I got the position on a hospitality committee.
That day feels like it was just last week and I cann0t believe Thon is in 8 days. It blows my mind that what I have been waiting for the entire year is almost here. I feel like I have not quite grasped how amazing Thon is because I feel like you need to experience it to truly understand the magnitude. But week by week at our meetings, I learn about how I am actually making a difference and that makes me feel like I am creating a full circle.
From the little girl that sat and cried in her room feeling helpless, watching the people she loved be diagnosed with cancer, to having the opportunity to fundraise for Thon through my sorority, and of course all the work I have done on my committee. I will get to serve the dancers and the families food during Thon weekend which is an amazing experience to be on the floor and working one on one with the most integral parts of Thon (dancers and families). I could not have asked for a better experience this year leading up to Thon and I am ecstatic for Thon weekend 2020!!!
I’m glad you found an organization that you felt comfortable enough to be in and be involved in THON! It’s really a large event at Penn State, and it’s always nice to see new people become involved. I’ve lived in State College for about 5-6 years now, and it’s always popping up in my mind each year.
It’s great that you got this involved with THON even though you’re from out of state. I’m from Pennsylvania but coming to Penn State I didn’t know anything about orgs and committees. Unfortunately I did not join one this year and I truly feel like I’m missing out so I definitely will be participating more actively in THON next year because it seems like a great even with a great cause.
I came from a high school that had the largest Thon in the area, aside from Penn State. It’s really such a beautiful thing to be involved in, and I’m so excited for you to experience your first one! You should feel so proud of yourself for dedicating so much time and care for such a nice cause. I’m sure everyone at home is so happy that you’re involved!
I am from New Hampshire, so when applying to Penn State, I also had no idea what Thon was. But, during my decision process, Thon honestly had a big impact on my choice. I think it is so cool to have such a successful and meaningful student run organization. One thing I am upset about though is I missed the committee sign ups because I had no idea it was happening. So, if I could, I would go back and apply to be in one, because I also am passionate about Thon and wish to be as involved as possible.