THON

THON.

Wow.

That’s really how I feel – speechless. I could easily ramble on for thousands of words attempting to explain how awesome it was, but it’s really not the same.

You need to experience it.

This blog is, of course, about my obsession with Penn State, how it defines me, makes me who I am. Naturally then, it’s fair to assume that this was one of my favorite experiences here if I’m saying that it still has me speechless.

It was one of my favorite experiences of my life.

THON weekend brought me a whole new level of respect and awe for this place. I mean, throughout the year I had been involved in my organization (unfortunately I hadn’t interviewed for a committee) and I saw the cause, and canned, and had fun, and was inspired, and everything that goes along with that. That is to say, I was excited for THON weekend even before I could fully appreciate it.

It only took forty-six hours to blow my mind (except I slept for about six of them... so let’s call it forty). I remember thinking after like the first seven or eight hours, “How are they going to keep this up until Sunday afternoon, how are they going to keep everyone hooked?” Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised.

THON is one of those magical things. It seems like a once in a lifetime experience as you take it in – and then you leave getting the satisfaction that it all starts over again next year.

I love kids. Don’t get me wrong; I loved all of the baggage and fanfare that came with the weekend. Go Go Gadget during the last hour was one of the most incredible things ever, and the Pep Rally was beyond sweet – but to see the kids taking part in all of the excitement is one of the most incredible scenes to watch.

It is amazing to sit back and watch these kids forget about their cancer, forget about their pain, their doctors, the hospital, the tears – and just be kids.

Rambling on is easy when you get to write about something that you love. For me, THON weekend was incredibly moving and powerful, and certainly something that all Penn State students need to experience.