If you live in Indiana, you know that almost every school hosts a Dance Marathon that raises money for a Children's Hospital. At Indiana University, our Dance Marathon benefits the Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis.

Before coming to this university, I knew that IUDM was a pretty important event on this campus, but I truly did not know how important it was. As a freshman, I did not dance; I actually went home the weekend of IUDM because all of my friends were dancing.

Learning the history behind IUDM honestly made me regret not participating my freshman year. I obviously knew that money was raised for the children within the hospital, but I didn't know the logistics of it. I didn't know that a round of chemo was over a thousand dollars, I didn't know just how much everything costed for each treatment, each surgery at Riley.

It wasn't until this year that I got interested in dancing. It originally was something that other girls were doing, so I decided I would at least try to raise the money.

After many generous donations from friends, family and teachers I was able to reach my goal. Actually, I was able to exceed it which was such an amazing feeling. Although I did not raise enough to dance for 24 or 36-hours, I was danced for 12.

Those twelve hours were the most eye opening moments I've ever experienced. Not only was I surrounded by people who care about the health and well-being of others, I met some amazing Riley children. I saw just how much a dance marathon could affect an individual, a family and a community. The first two hours were filled with watching the Morale team (the super hyped up group) do their line dance and then trying to learn it. I quickly learned how terrible I was at actual dance moves (not the ones we all like to do at parties.)

Next, we heard Riley stories. That moment was when I realized just how amazing this cause is. We were able to hear seven or eight amazing children and family's stories, which brought tears to my eyes every time. It's breathtaking to hear just how strong those children are.

After hearing all the stories, and having one of the cutest girls paint my face, I realized that this dance is amazing. I realized that I will be doing it for the final two years of education here at IU, and I realized that I am pursuing the right career. While dancing, I had the realization that these are the children I am going to be working with, and it warmed my heart.

Not only was I able to realize those things, but I now know that I want to be on a committee next year. I want to be someone who is more involved in this cause. I just want the next dance marathon to be even more memorable and 36 hours full of dancing.

Words can't describe how amazing it is that with just over 3,000 students involved in this dance marathon, we were able to raise OVER $4.15 MILLION dollars for Riley Children's Hospital. What started off 26 years ago as a charity for Ryan White (who was a Riley kid), is now raising over four million dollars.

After a whirlwind of emotions and exhaustion, I can honestly say that the dance marathon was life changing.

#FTK !!!!