Oh, frat pledges in the stands at THON.

Your hard work will never go unnoticed, especially by spectators throughout the Bryce Jordan Center.

In order for everyone to see what theme your frat and partnered sorority chose for this year, you have to hold up those heavy letters throughout the late hours of the night. I’ll admit, I got a good laugh when I heard “Can someone switch with me? I’ve been holding this letter for 20 minutes now.”

Holding those light-up letters when they stop lighting up must be super embarrassing. But then again, more people will be looking at those bright lights than the unlit signs.

Sometimes, you almost hit the innocent people behind you.

At the end of the day, however, I find myself admiring them. I could never raise my arms for that much time, let alone hold an object steady for that long. Bonus points for the pledges that sway in tune with the music.

While most people standing in the section have to worry about their legs and feet hurting, the pledges also have to worry about their arms being sore. That makes for four problems during a graveyard shift.

And lastly, I have so much respect for the few pledges who choose to hold two letters at a time. Dedication.

Thank you, frat pledges, for giving us entertainment and scenery during THON. We would probably get bored without you here.