Standing for 20 hours isn't exactly my idea of a Saturday night. I'm a binge-watcher, so it's not like I don't stay up until the early hours of the morning. However, when I do stay up, I usually sleep in until about noon in the comfort of my own bed. This was not the experience I had at Knight-Thon. It definitely wasn't cozy and I was about to pass out after 3 a.m., but I wouldn't change it for anything.

Knight-Thon is UCF's largest student-run philanthropy that brings together different RSO's and Greek organizations to raise money for the Children's Miracle Network. In our Orlando community, CMN benefits Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. The money that we raised at this event goes toward life-saving medicine, research, and machinery all for the kids. Just about anybody can agree it's a great cause, but why is the actual event so special? We can raise money without it, but I guarantee it wouldn't be as much.

First and foremost, you get to hear from the miracle children and their families. These families have been through hell and back worrying and watching over their sick children. But in that arena, they get to tell their stories knowing they have survived. Those miracle kids will continue to fight and receive treatment because of the dollars raised for them. Some may never have to go to the hospital again, while others have many hospital visits ahead of them. Even though their stories might be different, these children all have something in common: smiles. You wouldn't believe that after all these children have been through, they would be smiling, but they are. They love seeing the crowd and hearing everyone cheer for them and their successes. Their parents love knowing that the students they see are dedicated to raising money in the hopes that no parent has to go through what they have. There is no greater motivator than hearing and seeing what the money raised by UCF students has done for these families.

Aside from hearing from the kids and families, standing for over 20 hours makes a strong statement and puts your own life in perspective. No matter how tired you feel or how much your feet hurt, you stop to think about the kids that can't stand or that are in so much more pain while fighting for their lives. It gives you a sense of gratitude that you get to sit and go home at the end, while their futures aren't as certain.

Finally, the sense of accomplishment at the end of those hours was unlike anything I have ever felt. It made all of the sleep deprivation and aching worth it. I surpassed my goal of $400 and raised an additional $270 at the event. Seeing that $670 brought tears to my eyes. It's definitely more than I have in my bank account, but I was able to raise that for incubators, heart rate monitors, blankets and more all in miniature for the kids.

My team raised over $38,000, and our school as a whole raised over $1.5 million. I am so grateful for this experience and the people with whom I shared it! This event proves, yet again, how strong we can truly be as a team working together toward common goals. #FTK

For a recap of the event watch this.