Mini-Day Narrative

Mini-THON at Bethlehem Catholic was always the most exciting activity of the year. As a freshman, I had no idea what mini-THON was, or why children were so excited for it. I could not wrap my head around the idea that there were other people out there facing extraordinary challenges in their lives. I was facing my own battles with anxiety but those children with pediatric cancer were fighting a whole other war. Everything we did that school year was “for the kids”. At the time I did not realize that statement would end up being the very words that kept me going in my lowest of times. I had been battling severe anxiety for a very long time before this. I had trouble socializing and speaking up in school. I abhorred class presentations and reading in front of the class. Little did I know that these small worries should be the least of my problems. My first encounter with mini-THON occurred during a presentation after mass. Words like “courage”, “strength”, “wisdom”, and “honesty” all flashed across the screen. Half way through the presentation tears started forming in my eyes. My problems were not as big as I thought they were. I was going to do

I am very blessed to have this opportunity to follow my dreams to help support children in need. Penn State would allow me to continue my dream of fighting for the kids. I would love to become a psychologist for the Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. Penn State recognizes the idea of fighting for those who cannot and I would love the opportunity to join the amazing team of people who make that happen. It is not too often that you find such a generous school that is united for one, singular cause. It is not often that you find a school that is so determined to raise millions of dollars for children who need it more than we do. Penn State is a place I would love to call my home so I can continue my dream for the