Rules & Regulations Fundraising Safety Director
Year: Senior
Hometown: Dillsburg, PA
Major: Public Relations
Minors: Sociology, Psychology
Previous THON Involvement
THON 2018: Rules & Regulations Committee Member
THON 2019: Fundraising Safety Fundraising Outreach Captain
THON 2020: Fundraising Safety Online Giving Captain
Why did you want to be a Director?
THON has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember--my cousins paved a path for being involved in this amazing organization long before I arrived at Penn State and my becoming involved in my middle and high schools' Mini-THONs occurred naturally and without thought. It was through Mini-THON that I found my passion for helping others and developed a desire to make a difference in the lives of those around me. When I arrived at Penn State I quickly applied and was selected for a Rules & Regulations Committee and my passion for this organization and helping others grew immensely. However, I felt that there was more I could be doing to contribute to the fight against childhood cancer and that I had more of myself to give to this organization. I wanted to be a Director because I longed for the opportunity to give all of myself and my abilities and passion to THON and the fight against childhood cancer.
What responsibilities do you have as the Fundraising Safety Director for THON 2021?
As the Fundraising Safety Director, I am responsible for the administration of the THON 2021 Rulebook to ensure the safety of our volunteers and the integrity of all of our practices. I serve as the liaison between several different focus groups and my own committee and I work alongside all of my co-directors in ensuring that we serve as the best resources possible for our fundraising organizations. I also oversee a team of captains who are responsible for the administration of our online fundraising website, DonorDrive; communicating with and aiding all of our student organizations in their fundraising; and monitoring all of our fundraising practices for safety and effectiveness. During THON Weekend, myself, my captains, and our committee members work alongside the Event Safety Committee to ensure the safety of all THON Weekend attendees.
What is your favorite THON memory?
I've always loved witnessing others experience THON Weekend for the first time. I don't remember my first THON, but I remember being drawn to the colors and the music from such a young age and then growing older and being so inspired by 15,000 people all gathered to celebrate the lives of kids fighting childhood cancer. And while as a kid I loved talking to anyone and everyone about how amazing I found THON Weekend, I also understood that the magic of THON truly cannot be understood until it's experienced for the first time. So my greatest joy and my favorite memories have been seeing THON Weekend through the eyes of those for whom the magic is entirely new. From family members to friends and THON Committee members, seeing someone's face light up as they first lay eyes on a full Bryce Jordan Center and truly begin to comprehend the wonder of this event is unlike anything I've ever experienced.
Favorite Quote
"Those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." -Steve Jobs
What are you involved in outside of THON?
Phi Eta Sigma and Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Societies
What are your plans for after you graduate from Penn State?
Pursue a career in non-profit and continue making a difference in the lives of others