On Valentine’s Day, a community of runners gathered along the Rillito River path in Tucson, Arizona, to participate in the Love to Play 5K, organized by University of Arizona student Paityn Thirsk as part of her honors thesis project. This race, designed to promote youth access to sports, raised approximately $4,300 for the Sporting Chance Center, a local nonprofit dedicated to increasing youth sports participation. Thirsk's initiative reflects her commitment to creating a lasting community impact through experiential learning. She managed every aspect of the event, including securing permits, designing the course, and coordinating volunteers. Despite aiming for 200 participants, the event saw 87 registered runners, showcasing the community's support. Thirsk emphasized that success is not solely about numbers but also about fostering enjoyment and connection within the community. The W.A. Franke Honors College provided financial support for the event, further highlighting the collaboration between students and local organizations.