For THON Security Team, Motivation Means a Group Effort

Even as a freshman, Paula Hill knew from the start that she wanted to be involved with Penn State Interfraternity Council/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

The roots of her inspiration took hold even before she signed up for college classes.

‘In my high school, a bunch of girls came from Penn State,’ Hill recalled. ‘One did a presentation on THON, so when I came here, I wanted to get involved.’

Now a member of the THON security team, Hill helps safeguard the event and welcome the public. Security volunteers give directions to visitors and keep an eye out for everyone’s well-being in the Bryce Jordan Center.

Just don’t get caught sitting down in the stands — a big no-no, since the THON dancers have to stay on their feet for 46 hours. Hill or one of her red-shirted friends might gently ask you to stand in support of them.

She hasn’t had to kick anyone out for being a bit too spirited, she said, but other security volunteers have. The concern that some students might show up drunk in THON’s overnight hours is a constant, according to THON volunteers; however, it rarely turns into a major issue, they said.

‘Everyone is here to have fun, not to ruin it,’ said one security member who wanted to remain nameless.

Keeping that emphasis on fun takes a lot of motivation — and a variety of motivational strategies. The security team — know formally as the Security Committee — pitches in on that front, too, as members act as one another’s support.

One approach: using tennis balls to help soothe sore feet.

‘We motivate each other. We get together after each shift to make sure everyone is getting enough sleep,’ Hill said.

The Security Committee’s captain has roommates who are dancing, which pumps even more enthusiasm and motivation into the committee. Knowing the effort those dancers are putting in makes everyone want to be a part of the effort, members said.

Their shifts are staggered throughout the weekend, allowing each member to get some rest over the course of the 46 hours. The rest is a help, but it also can lead members to lose their edge or — worse — sleep through a shift, they said.

Hill and the rest of her committee members stand ready to help out one another, though.

‘We make phone (preparations) before our shifts to make sure everyone’s ready to go,’ she said.

Hill is enjoying every bit of the THON experience, she said — especially being able to do the line dance on the floor. She is loving the experience so much, it seems clear that she’ll be back three more times as a Penn State student.

‘I hope to be a dancer at some point,’ she said. ‘I really hope so.’

For now, though, ‘Together Without Limits,’ the slogan at THON 2011, is her rallying cry.

Related coverage

• The StateCollege.com THON page