As THON 2013 makes its first steps, I compiled a little background information on each of the overalls. Over the next few days, you will get a chance to learn a little bit about each member. Today features Morale and Communications.

Melanie Sessa, Morale

Current Year: Senior
Major(s)/Minor(s): Marketing, Public Relations/ International Business
Fun Fact: I was a model for Fisher Price when I was little and was on the cover of the catalogs.

1. Why did you want the position of Overall, and why for the committee that you now lead?

THON is my passion. I wanted to be a member of the Overall Committee so that I could do even more to help THON and The Four Diamonds Fund grow and provide the support that these families need. I have been so fortunate with the childhood I was blessed, and I would give anything so that these heroes can have a normal childhood as well. My experiences with THON have completely changed me as a person. THON has taught me how to care for something bigger than myself and to not take life for granted. THON has shaped me as a leader, but more importantly, as a person. For everything that THON has given me, I wanted to give back.

I have loved my experience on every committee I have been a part of but I am happy to represent the Morale Committee due to my past experience as a captain and as a dancer. I want to ensure that we do everything we can for the dancers so that they can be there for the kids THON Weekend.

2. What are you most looking forward to in THON 2013?

Getting to work closer with the Four Diamonds families and view the impact that our work has on these families on a daily basis. Seeing the smiles that THON and our yearly events put on the children’s faces is something we all strive for.

Jenna Adams, Communications

Current Year: Junior
Major(s)/Minor(s): Kinesiology
Fun Fact: I didn’t have TV from 6th to 12th grade.

1. Why did you want the position of Overall, and why for the committee that you now lead?

I wished to be a member of the THON 2013 Overall Committee so that I could have a hand in helping THON work towards its seemingly unending potential. I wanted the opportunity to work alongside other THON volunteers who also possess unwavering passion for THON and wish to see it become better every year. I specifically wanted to lead the Communications Committee so that I could help continue strengthen the relationship between all THON volunteers. Communications has the privilege of working with Penn State students, faculty, alumni, and THON Chairs, so I wanted the opportunity to help these volunteers reach their potential.

2. What are you most looking forward to in THON 2013?

I am most excited to see what new and innovative ideas the THON Chairs and organizations have for THON 2013. Each year they come up with more and more ideas of how to fundraise and support THON’s mission, so I cannot wait to see what all of the organizations, big and small, are able to do. As far as a specific event, I am very excited for the Homecoming Parade when we get to reveal the THON 2013 logo to all of Penn State!