Kappa Alpha Theta’s Sarah Tate knows what it’s like to be left out in the cold when attending THON. Literally.

Two years ago, Tate stood in line waiting to enter the BJC only to be turned away when the arena reached capacity in the wee hours of the morning. After waiting for what seemed like hours to no avail, Tate left line just like her fellow sorority sisters.

“It was really upsetting waiting in line in the freezing cold by myself after everyone abandoned it. People were cutting in line in front of the parents of dancers and we had parents in our organization who had final four passes that couldn’t even get in because it was over capacity already. It was just frustrating because of the miscommunication,” said Tate.

Last year, Tate was unable to attend THON, but for a different reason — she was studying abroad in Barcelona. That didn’t keep her away though, as she watched the event livestream while visiting Lisbon, Portugal for the weekend.

“I planned my weekend trip around it and then watched the last 10 or 12 hours consecutively. We got to stream it live all the way across the world which was awesome,” said Tate.

This year, Tate was lucky enough to be chosen to dance for Kappa Alpha Theta. Paired with Pike, the “Pi Kappa Alpha Theta” section has been here all weekend cheering her and her fellow dancers on.

“We got an amazing section this year right in the middle and they’ve been enthusiastic the entire time. They don’t quite have matching attire, but that’s the only complaint I have. Other than that, they’ve been fantastic. On and off the floor,” said Tate.

Even with her sorority family along for the ride, THON has been dominated by family time for Tate so far — her sister is a freshman in the sorority and has been visiting throughout the weekend.

“She’s been down a few times and she’ll be back one more time when my parents get here tomorrow. It’s a really cool experience for her since this is my first time ever on the floor and she’s already been here as a freshman,” said Tate. “I think that helps her passion for THON and I know she’ll be more involved than I have been over my time at Penn State to help fight for a cure.”

Even though she was left out from participating in THON, Tate knows that others shouldn’t feel sorry for her.

“It’s for the kids first and foremost. I’m only making a small difference dancing for them to try to find a cure for pediatric cancer and to help them forget about it,” said Tate. “It’s about them, not me.”