Kirsten Quisenberry (center) is this year’s THON overall public relations chairperson. She first became involved in the organization designed to raise awareness and money for pediatric cancer in 2008, her freshman year. “I realized that THON would be an organization to which I would dedicate the rest of my college career,” she said. Since her first year at Penn State Kirsten has been a dancer for Atlas, served as a public relations graphic design captain, a family relations decorator captain and a supply logistics liaison.
HC: This year what aspects of THON are you responsible for?
Kirsten: As overall public relations chairperson, I serve as a voice of THON to those within the Penn State community and those outside of it. It is my job to continue to generate awareness and garner support for THON, The Four Diamonds Fund and the fight against pediatric cancer. I have a Captain Committee of 20 individuals who help me to fulfill this mission, plan events, photograph and document the THON year and design THON materials among other tasks.
HC: How did you originally become involved with THON?
Kirsten: My freshman year, I “missed the boat” in terms of getting involved on a committee. However, I became very involved with Atlas, a special interest organization. Through canning trips and time spent with our adopted family, I began to love THON. After THON weekend 2008, I was hooked.
HC: What is your favorite THON memory from a past THON?
Kirsten: It is so hard to pick just one favorite memory. Every one is my favorite. However, my most recent memorable moment happened during THON weekend 2011. A moraler handed me a little girl because she had to go help a dancer. The only thing the child wanted to do was be spun around on stage. So, we climbed up on stage and I spun her around and around for what must’ve been over twenty minutes. She laughed and laughed. Finally, the morale captains were summoned to the stage for the Line Dance. I got to do the Line Dance on stage one handed because I was holding the little girl’s hand the whole time. It reminded me to appreciate the simple things in life like spinning in circles and that sometimes laughter is the best medicine in the world. Always remember to smile and laugh!
HC: Does it become stressful managing your time between class, projects and THON responsibilities from September to February?
Kirsten: Definitely, it does become stressful from time to time, but I would not give up this opportunity for a second. THON has taught me how precious time is and how to better manage the time I do have. My day is fairly planned out from the moment that I wake up in the morning until my head hits the pillow at night. It is important to be efficient and simply manage my time wisely.
HC: What advice would you give people who are applying for committees?
Kirsten: Being a committee member is a great way to meet people and bring classroom education to life. It also shows you what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. Committee members have a key role in planning and running THON events throughout the year and we could not do it without them. I would say if you have any interest at all, apply to be a committee member! THON was definitely one of the best decisions of my college career.
HC: What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Kirsten: The most rewarding part of being a THON overall is getting to make a difference in the lives of children, families and students. Seeing someone smile brightens every day. I love being able to give back to the organization that changed my life and defined my college career.