What’s up squad!
Writing this feeling washed af after being back at state for the first time this weekend as an alumni (ew). What an absolute disappointment of a game, but hey at least you have a FOTO meeting monday to cheer you up!!
To all the new faces, I’m Hannah Whang and I just graduated this past May (shoutout architecture school for being a five year program and giving me more time with the best org ever)!!! I got involved in FOTO my freshman year after seeing a dope video from the ~virtual~ involvement fair. Tbh it was pretty shitty to start college not knowing a soul and at the peak of Covid. But FOTO gave me a sense of hope of what was to come at Penn State when everything could finally go back to normal. I sat through Zoom meetings from my dorm and felt extremely moved by FOTO even through a screen. I could tell it was something special and more than just a group of people raising money for a good cause. Little did baby freshman Hannah know, this org would give her more than she could have ever imagined.
Sophomore year fall started and I was super excited to hear about the liaison position. I decided to go out for it annnndddddd I didn’t get it!!! I was extremely disappointed, but I knew I would still put my heart into FOTO in every way I could. Over the next few years, I ended up serving several different roles on the board from FR, to alumni relations, and VP. Needless to say, things aren’t always going to work out how you intended the first time around, but if it’s something that you value and you show up with your heart, it will all work out in the end.
My life indefinitely changed for the better because of FOTO, and I hope that you can all say the same when it comes your turn to be writing one of these. College is such a rollercoaster of emotions but through all that craziness FOTO will give you a sense of grounding. You’re surrounded by a room full of people who genuinely care SO much- about growing this cause, about our families and about each other. You get to make a difference in the lives of kids, all while doing it with people who just might be lifelong friends, how cool is that?!
I’m not gonna lie and tell you it was all sunshine and rainbows, it can sometimes feel like a drag to constantly be fundraising or going to things. I also know that sitting in this room with THON still basically five months away it’s probably hard to see the big picture. My biggest piece of advice is to think of our families. Build a relationship with them if you haven’t already, and I promise you will realize just how much what we do matters. All the little ways you show up now will be absolutely worth it when you step into the BJC come February. Your presence is valued, no matter how big or small, and getting involved will only help build that feeling of FOTO being a family.
And if nothing else I’ve had to say clicked with you then maybe this will?? I met the love of my life through FOTO (and we also got to dance together in THON 2023 which was the coolest thing ever). Soooo if you aren’t 100% convinced yet that this is the right place for you, then stick it out for love because maybe you’ll meet your person too!!
In my five years I saw FOTO grow in so many ways. We developed into more than just a group of friends from Delco, adopted a fourth family, and broke fundraising records. I cannot wait to see what you’ll add next to that list. From everything I’ve heard so far you guys are absolutely killing it, and that would not be said if it weren’t true. Keep up the hard work and lean into each other when it gets tough. See you all so soon, I hope!!
All my love always,
Hannah Whang
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