This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Elon chapter.
Alex Lawrence is senior human services major and has been involved in Elonthon for the past four years. This year she served as the executive director.
How did you get involved in ELONTHON?
I got involved in Elonthon freshman year, when my sorority pledge class decided that all 38 of us wanted to do 24 hours of Elonthon. I did not know much about it, but we were interested in it to help out a good cause and bond with friends as well. Little did I know that doing 24 hours on a whim with friends would change the course of my life at Elon and my involvement with Elonthon forever.
What inspired you to be executive director?
After doing 24 hours my freshman year through my sorority, I decided that I wanted to take Elonthon to the next level, and so I applied to be on the morale committee. I loved dancing and I loved the high energy that the committee had throughout the event, so I knew this was a great way to be involved with the event. I loved this involvement so much that I decided to apply for the executive board my junior year. I was entertainment chair, which I absolutely loved because I was able to make it my own. I was responsible for bringing all entertainment to the event. Last year, we had all 3 Elon a capella groups, the UNCG Spartones a capella group, Miss North Carolina, Burlington Arts and Dance Academy, and the big hit of the year was Skipsations, a professional jump rope team from Chapel Hill. I loved taking entertainment to the next level and building relationships with people inside and outside of the Elon community. After a successful Elonthon 2010, I was approached about having some type of director position, and executive director turned out to be a great fit for me. I wanted to be able to bring the new exec board together, and really make 2011 just as successful as 2010. We wanted to make this event something that people wanted to come to and enjoyed while being there. I learned a lot through being executive director, and really grew up while having this role. It was a lot of work and a lot of hours, a lot of delegation, and a lot of stepping up to the plate when challenges arose, but it was worth it when the event came and I saw how we really helped make a difference in all of these families’ lives through standing for 24 hours. I am so fortunate to have been able to be a big part of such an outstanding event.
Favorite part of elonthon?
My favorite part of Elonthon, is how many families come to the event each year and tell their story. They stay, they play, the speak, they sleep over, and they really appreciate what we do for them through our dance marathon. Families help to put the event in perspective for all students, and help college kids realize what is important in life: cherishing time with those around you, making the best of situations, and what a reward there is in helping others. The families become part of our Elon family and that is something that I will always cherish.
Any advice for someone who may want to get involved?
My hope is that through this year’s event, we have inspired people to want to take a bigger role in Elonthon, as opposed to only being a 24-hour or 6-hour dancer. My advice to all who came to Elonthon and loved it: join a committee, apply for exec, take the time to be involved in this amazing philanthropy, and you will not regret the outcome! It is one of the most life-changing experiences and I am so thankful Elonthon played such a huge part in my life at Elon.