The Truth About Joining OttoTHON

Hi everyone! My name is Kelly Johnson and I am on your 2020-2021 Dancer Communications committee! I joined OttoTHON last year as a member of the OttoTHON Leadership Program, (OLP) and college hasn’t been the same since.

OttoTHON is one of the largest student organizations on campus here at SU, and the community it creates is unlike anything else.  Sort of like a fun cult, dance marathon is not just hitting up your parents/teachers/thirdcousinonceremoved for money and speaking in a strange language ( what the heck is a circle of hope amiright). Whether you’re a dancer, on a committee, or a member of exec, OttoTHON members belong to something.

There’s this weird misconception about college that as soon as you arrive you will magically meet your best friends for life.  While some lucky souls may just stumble upon their people, the vast majority need to seek them out.  Just like Syracuse, OttoTHON is big and can seem intimidating.  

What if I don’t raise enough money?

What if no one donates?

How will I meet anyone?

What if I lose followers?

OttoTHON actually seems way more daunting than it is.  At its core, OttoTHON is made up of students dedicated to helping children with pediatric illnesses, so you’ll never meet a mean member.  People are BEYOND willing to lend a hand with ideas on how to get donations and who to ask, plus if your heart is truly FTK, people can tell and they WILL donate.  

Unlike in the dorms or in classes, each person in OttoTHON already has a common goal, so meeting people is not an issue (you might just happen to sit next to your best friends at a meeting one day).  It is also super easy to join OttoTHON solo.  Plenty of members started in OttoTHON their freshman year alone as a dancer and are now a member of steering or the executive board.  Whenever, however, whoever, joining OttoTHON is the best choice you could make during your college career.