For many students, finishing their degree at Penn State marks a new beginning. But for World Campus students Robert Billings and Jenna Baker, it meant stepping away from their jobs and joining the THON dance floor at the Bryce Jordan Center for an intense 46-hour marathon.
Both students balanced careers and classes online, and both had spent years at University Park. Yet, nothing — not even exhaustion or nerves — compared to the thrill of dancing For The Kids.
**A Real Difference**
Billings, a software engineering senior, started at University Park before moving to Detroit for a full-time job. His employer encouraged him to finish his degree, so he switched to Penn State World Campus. His journey with THON started back in University Park when he discovered student organizations dedicated to fundraising year-round. He joined Axis and quickly realized the positive impact THON had.
“You can really see Penn State’s impact on the families,” he shared. “It felt real.”
Dancing for THON as a World Campus student deepened his connection. Last year was his first time dancing for 46 hours, and he described it as a whirlwind of energy and anticipation. This year, he knew what to expect: the exhaustion would hit hard, but he felt ready.
This year, he and Baker were the only two World Campus students dancing. During the early hours of the event, they struggled to stay awake, occasionally bumping into each other while fighting fatigue.
“It was electric,” Billings recalled. “Everyone was exhausted, but it was like a wave of emotion building up.”
When the fundraising total is announced, the atmosphere shifts. Students hug, celebrate, and reconnect, all while reflecting on the meaning behind their hard work. For Billings, it was the culmination of months of commitment.
“How do you describe that feeling with tens of thousands of people coming together?” he mused.
**Cherishing Connections**
One of Billings’ most emotional moments during THON came from an unexpected visit from his dad. “Saying goodbye was tough,” he admitted, “but having family there made it all the more special.” Having experienced University Park, his dad could truly understand the tradition.
Working full-time now, Billings often finds himself explaining THON to coworkers, showing how the experience continues to resonate long after graduation. “I would come back in a heartbeat,” he said. “It’s meaningful.”
He credited fellow THON leader Braden Fleagle for helping online students stay connected. Billings noted, “Connecting online is tough, but THON brings people together.”
**A Transformative Experience**
Baker’s journey with THON has shaped both her college experience and career ambitions. After graduating in May 2025, she plans to pursue a master’s in strategic communications through World Campus while interning for Four Diamonds, THON’s main beneficiary.
“One part of my job involves attending bell-ringing ceremonies for children finishing treatment,” she explained. “When you see what they endure, 46 hours on your feet feels small.”
Baker served as a THON captain during her undergraduate years. This year marked her first time dancing, and she embraced the experience with a mindset of soaking it all in. “I just wanted to fully engage,” she said.
As exhaustion set in around 9 a.m., she focused on mental strength. “It’s a mental game,” she noted. “Stay strong mentally, and you can push through.” During a particularly challenging moment, she met a Four Diamonds family she had been following through her internship. This interaction gave her the grounding she needed as they honored families during the emotional Family Hour.
“Forty-six hours is short compared to what these families go through,” she reflected.
**A Community Beyond Campus**
For both dancers, participating as World Campus students highlights the far-reaching impact of the Penn State community. They gave up sleep and work hours to unite for a cause that defines their time at Penn State.
“We both work full-time,” Billings mentioned. “But it means a lot to be here.”
Baker plans to return after graduation, joking, “I have to come back for the line dances until 2030!”
For both Billings and Baker, THON is more than an event; it’s a commitment that transcends campuses, job titles, and graduation dates. As long as children continue their fight, they both vow to stand strong and show up year after year.
With THON’s remarkable fundraising spirit, it’s no wonder that the event has raised over $200 million since its inception in 1973, making it a significant part of the Penn State legacy.
More about THON can be found on the official website: [THON](https://thon.org).
Source link
for the kids,Four Diamonds,FTK,Onward State,Penn State,penn state thon,Penn State World Campus,psu,State College,student feature,students,THON,World Campus
