Meet Our Dancers: Tyler Malush

Every year our organization is given the opportunity to send dancers on the behalf to represent us at THON.

This year one of the three dancers is: Tyler Malush.

Tyler was asked these five questions:

1.) What made you want to dance in THON?

I have wanted to dance in THON since my freshman year when I first attended THON. The whole experience of being there surrounded by a whole stadium because you have done something to set you apart from the spectators stuck with me, and from that point I knew one day I wanted to be down there on the floor.  Also, the fact of knowing i'm down there because in the organization, I have done something that has positively impacted the Four Diamonds Fund and all of the children.  

2.)What are you most excited about for THON weekend?

I am most excited to see all of my friends come down onto the floor to visit me and feel my excitement and see their reaction to the different atmosphere that comes along with being on the floor. When I went down last year to visit our dancers, the amount of adrenaline that hits you is overwhelming and I want them to experience the same thing.  

3.)What are you most nervous about for THON weekend?

Of course 46 hours of no sleeping, no sitting sounds tough, and it is. After completing the 46 as a spectator last year and knowing the physical and emotional roller coaster you go on, that can be a little scary, but I am up for the challenge. 

4.)How are you preparing for THON?

To prepare, I have been exercising regularly, trying to eat a balanced diet (although being in college that is tough), making sure I am staying mentally strong with setting goals in my classes that will also help me when I am dancing because it will keep me motivated to keep reaching my small goals at THON. Also, just being grateful for this opportunity and the chance to represent Behrend. 

5. ) What was your reaction to finding out you were going to be a dancer to represent Behrend at THON?

I got the phone call informing me that I was dancing, I was overcome with excitement. I could hardly speak because so many thoughts were running though my head that my mouth couldn't keep up with it, so it just sounded like a baby babbling.  I immediately called my mom to tell her the good news and the work I have put in has finally payed off. The rest of the night was just a flood of phone calls and texts congratulating me and sharing the good news with my friends.