You ever have one of those moments when you look around and realize you’re never going to experience anything like it again? Never going to be in the same spot, with the same people, feeling the same things. I guess a lot of us don’t notice it most of the time because we don’t realize they’re moments until they’re actually over.
Tonight, I had one of those moments. In a stuffy classroom, at midnight, surrounded by 38 other people who I met just five short months ago.
If you haven’t guessed yet, I’m on a THON committee. And if you’ve been on one before, I’d be willing to bet you know exactly what I’m talking about. If not, let me explain.
There are misconceptions about THON volunteers out there that claim we sometimes see ourselves as better than those who choose not to participate in THON – but I don’t think that’s true. I think the real truth is that we’re incredibly passionate about what we do and the opportunities we are given, and we wish everyone could get the chance to experience the magic that we do.
Like tonight. Tonight, my committee’s meeting consisted of some quick announcements from our captain and the rest was devoted solely to us getting to know one another on a much deeper level than what we have within the past few months. It probably sounds a little dramatic, but when you spend hours every week with the same people, you’d be surprised how easy it is to open up. You develop a trust that is unmatched by many of the other relationships you’ve formed at school because you begin to associate everyone with more than just a name or face.
You hear about their pasts, serious struggles they’ve faced, obstacles they’ve overcame and challenges they’re still fighting. You learn about their biggest fears and greatest accomplishments, their regrets, their hopes, their wishes and dreams. It all sounds so elementary on paper, but if you think about it, at what other times in our lives are we given the chance to share these things? Even some of your best friends may not know some of them simply because they never bothered to ask.
And that’s what makes it all so amazing. When else are you going to be asked these questions in front of a non-judgmental audience that is genuinely interested in what you have to say? It’s not really something people do, which is why it makes such an impression when you experience it. You look around and wonder how you managed to find such an incredible group of people at a school of 40,000 students. But you don’t question it because you know you’re lucky to be where you are – surrounded by people who care about you more than you even know.
It’s in these moments when you understand what living in the moment actually means. Taking the time to soak in who you are with, what is happening and how it will affect you in the future.
I had one of these moments tonight because I realized how a piece of my life will be missing next year when I am no longer on a THON committee. I’ve been on one for four years now, and although I can’t say being on a committee is the only thing I am going to miss about college, THON and the people I’ve met through my involvement will always have a piece of my heart.
To all my fellow committee members and to all those interested in being one, I hope your experiences will be nothing less of mine. Appreciate the long meetings, the weekly commitments and the chaos of it all. You will never be a part of anything like this again.