State In The Real – Penn State Music Scene

Follow Up THON Dancer Interview: Sammi Gyurko

For those of you that remember, I interviewed THON dancer Sammi Gyurko at THON. You can read the original interview here! I recently talked to Sammi again to reflect on her experience at THON.

How was THON?
Sammi: THON was amazing! My actual family experienced THON for the first time this year, which was really special to me, and my THON family spent a lot of time at THON. Overall, it was everything I had hoped it would be.

What was it like being a dancer?
Sammi: It was awesome being a dancer. For a whole weekend, you have your family and friends rooting for you which is great. I am so honored to be able to call myself a THON 2013 dancer. If I could do it all over again, I would do it in a heartbeat; and that says a lot.

If given the chance, would you dance again?
Sammi: Without a doubt.

What were your favorite songs that you heard at THON?
Sammi: I loved all of the throwbacks that were played. Songs like “It’s Raining Men” were really fun to sing along to.

What songs do you wish were played at THON?
Sammi: No song stuck out to me that I thought “wow, I wish they played that.” I think DJ Larry Moore and the entertainment captains did a great job.

What band was your favorite performer at THON?
Sammi: Obviously everyone loves Go Go Gadget but I think My Hero Zero was phenomenal too!

What was your favorite part of the weekend?
Sammi: As corny as it might sound, the whole weekend was my favorite part about THON. Every part of that weekend was special in its own way. The human tunnel was exhilarating. The entire time I was walking up to the BJC, everyone kept cheering us dancers on and I kept thinking “holy crap I’m really about to do this.” Then you get to the weekend and it’s a constant party with thousands of your closest friends. People I haven’t talked to in a couple years came up to me and congratulated me. The whole weekend was very special.

How long did you sleep for after THON?
Sammi: 15 hours! It was great! I did not leave my bed for more than 10 minutes the next day and the only time I left my apartment was to get a few copies of the Collegian for me and my family.

What does THON mean to you?
Sammi: This is such a tough question because I cannot begin to sum into words what THON means to me. It means everything to me. Because of THON, I’ve met some of my best friends. Because of THON, I’ve met an amazing Four Diamonds Family, The Tuckeys, who inspire me every day. I am a better person because of THON and I am beyond proud to be a part of a school that cares so much about such an amazing cause. THON is my life.