With all of the challenges this year brought, the THON community continued to persevere and encompass this year’s theme: Rise and Unify.

Even though they might be dancing virtually from their State College apartments, seniors Emma Creamer and Fiona Zhang are still making the most of their last THON as Penn State students.

“The theme Rise and Unify allows our university to all come together for such an amazing cause,” Emma said.

Emma and Fiona are dancing on behalf of their organization, Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA). Emma is PRSSA’s primary THON chair and Fiona is the Diversity and Inclusion Chair for the organization. Throughout the weekend, they have received support from their DRCMs, PRSSA, friends, and family.

Emma and Fiona have previously been involved in THON through other organizations. Emma first got involved through the organization Ohana and her sorority. Fiona was inspired to get involved through Chinese Students and Scholars Association.

For Emma, dancing in THON has been a longtime goal.

“I’ve loved THON since I was in high school so it’s nice to finish strong and get to be a dancer for Penn State. This has been a dream of mine since 10th grade. It’s crazy to me that it’s actually happening. It’s going to be hard during the final four because I know it’s my last time coming in as a student to one of my favorite events,” she said.

While dancing virtually is challenging without the BJC atmosphere, Emma and Fiona are embodying the theme of “Rise and Unify” through their passion for this amazing cause.

“My favorite aspect of THON is unity, being able to come together as a student body as one of the largest-run student philanthropies in the world to support such an amazing cause.”

For Fiona, dancing virtually allows for more unity from all over the world.

“Although it’s so different, people are actually dancing from everywhere. I know some of my friends are dancing from back in China and some of my friends are dancing from Europe. It’s just amazing that it feels like the whole world is cheering for these children and doing this for the kids,” she said.

“It’s important to keep a positive outlook and rise above everything that has happened this past year,” Emma said.