THON 2024 is officially underway, folks! Thousands of students from various organizations and clubs across campus are filing into the stands of the Bryce Jordan Center, all ready to dance For The Kids. However, during the 46 hours, taking some time away from waving letters and partying in the stands in a necessity.

For your convenience, we’ve compiled the types of people you are almost guaranteed to run into while taking a “hot girl walk” around the concourse.

Hangry Committee Members

Working shifts odd hours of the night throughout the weekend is no easy feat. Surviving off of granola bars and pure THON excitement can only last you so far during THON Weekend.

This group can be seen briskly walking to the nearest snack stand with their Lion Cash and stomachs ready. Wearing their bright multi-color shift shirts, these students are bound to need a chicken basket (or two) to refuel throughout the 46 hours. THON Weekend wouldn’t run smoothly without them, so try not to stare as they scarf down their meal before their next shift.

THON Families

The awesome THON families and kids are the reason why thousands of students and alumni pack into the BJC each year. Seeing a THON family while walking on the concourse is a great reminder on why we all are here and will be sure to give you a much-needed boost of motivation to keep you going during the weekend. You can spot the families smiling ear to ear, basking in the excitement of the weekend.

The kids will normally will be decked out in their partnered org’s merchandise with bubbles or a water gun in hand. If you get the lucky opportunity to pass a THON child, make sure to smile and wave to show how excited you are to being dancing for them and their families. No matter how sleep deprived you may feel, remember it’s all For The Kids!

Bathroom Mob

You are guaranteed to run into a bathroom mob while taking your stroll around the concourse this THON. Make sure you do not make the rookie mistake of thinking this mob is the actual bathroom line. The squad will mostly consist of people waiting for their friends to get out, scrolling on X or TikTok to pass the time. Make sure to not be intimated by this mob, just politely say “excuse me” and continue with your business. If you ever find yourself having to be apart of the mob over the weekend due to your friend taking a little long to wash their hands, make sure to stand clear of the bathroom entrance.

The Phone Callers

Walking frantically around the BJC with a phone pressed up to their ear, make sure to stand clear of these phone callers as they dash their way through the concourse. Who are they calling? We may never know. But if you focus your attention, you may be able to pick up a word or two of the conversation as they briskly pass by.

It will most likely be a lost frat brother who cannot seem to find section 123, a committee member trying to reunite with their friend before the start of their next shift, or someone calling their grandma who “saw them on the THON livestream and needs to know why they are wearing a fuzzy pink hat.” Either way, make it easy for them and shuffle to the side when you see them coming.

Sleep-Deprived Dancers

Considering THON is a 46-hour dance marathon, you are bound to encounter slow-moving, sleep-deprived dancers aimlessly wandering the course. They will be easy to spot due to the dazed look in their eyes and their hand firmly holding onto their assigned DR committee member. Be sure to give them a reassuring smile and maybe offer a sympathetic piggy-back ride. They are true troopers for standing for 46 hours straight for the cure, so make sure to not stare too long as they pass.

Onward State Staffer

One of the best things about walking around the concourse is that you have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run into an Onward State staffer. With a mini-mic in hand, they might ask you for your favorite THON snack or to do a tour of your THON fanny pack. Be sure to interact and share your THON experience with them, and of course, follow the Onward State TikTok to watch your debut.