The First Annual Zeta & Silver Spurs Backyard Bash!

The line grows as the Spurs' freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs fill
the trays on the buffet table in the backyard of the Zeta house!

Food, friends, and face paint – there’s really no better way to kick off the weekend of Round Up! This year marks the first year that Zeta and the Silver Spurs came together to host Backyard Bash, which was basically like a huge tailgate for all of the Round Up parties we were so eager to get to. Unlike the sea of burnt orange that we’ve come to associate with tailgates, everybody was decked out in their Round Up best. With everyone sporting knee-socks and neon fanny packs, the Zeta backyard quickly transformed into a scene from a 90’s movie and Round Up officially began.

PC '11Kristen Oglesbee gets her face painted at Backyard Bash

All UT students were welcome to attend Backyard Bash and support our philanthropy while enjoying some pretty darn good burgers and hot dogs cooked by Zeta’s very own house boys. There was also a very comical slushie vendor, who still managed to put a smile on our faces even when the delicious piña colada flavored slushies ran out. The food was great, but what really seemed to get everyone excited was the face painters. Although the boys thought they were too cool for glittery face décor, girls eagerly waited in long lines to get their faces painted. After all, colorful swirls all over your face really is the cherry on top of a perfect Round Up outfit!

The slushie stand was a big hit with attendees!

Backyard Bash was such a fun way to share one last meal with all of my Zistas before the weekend began. The Zeta and the Silver Spurs team really pulled it off, and everybody had a great time! But let’s be honest, it’s pretty hard not to have a good time when you’re surrounded by the very welcoming and very beautiful Zeta sisters and friends. I hope this tradition continues, and I’m looking forward to starting off all of my Round Up’s with even bigger and better Backyard Bash’s!

ZL,

Chiara Geremia (PC '12)

PC '12 girls Caleigh Campbell, Sarah Roe, Aubrey Crenshaw,
Amanda Brauer, and Chiara Geremia pose in their Round Up gear!

Get Crowned Up for Round Up

 

This past weekend was one that I had been counting down to for roughly 364 days. This was my third Round Up! However, being that I’m a member of PC ‘12, this Round Up was my very first one as a member of a sorority. Further, it was my first one to get to cover myself head to toe in letters, and cheesy as it sounds I really can’t describe how good it felt that those letters were ZTA. I agonized in class Friday morning like a fifth grader on the last day of school, and the second the clock ticked :50 I practically pranced back to West Campus. I had my Day 1 outfit already set out and the second it was on my body, tattoos on my face, and stickers on my clothes, I was out the door headed to the house for the First Annual Zeta Spurs Backyard Bash!

PC '12 Francesca Herro and Sarah Poe

The zistas I was with and I felt like VIP’s bypassing the long line by flashing our wristbands at the door and fit in perfectly in the sea of neon and fanny packs in our backyard. I had a hamburger AND a hotdog and got excessively excited to get my face painted. Essentially, I had the time of my life and in true UT Greek life spirit things only got better. My zistas and I frolicked around West Campus hopping from house to house for a few hours before figuring out where to spend Friday night. It’s hard to choose when there are ten late nights… but Lil Flip and Slim Thug won out, of course and we danced the night away.

Saturday morning felt like Christmas as I jumped out of bed and immediately yelled to my roommates “IT’S ROUND UP Y’ALL!” Ain’t no darty (day party) like a Round Up darty. After all, there were 12 to choose from and Chamillionaire, Lil Flip, Travis Porter, Crime Mob, Ying Yang Twins, Kyle Park, Driicky Graham and Juicy J to see. After a lot of darty hopping, crawfish eating and slip & sliding, I settled down in one place and enjoyed the show Chamillionaire put on (after all, I am a Houston girl).

After a pit stop at Torchy’s, it was home to change into Outfit #3 and head on out for the last leg of Round Up. Two late nights, three raves and Z-Ro to hit up, it was sure to be a great night and it sure was.

Sarah Poe (PC '12), Katie Kratkiewicz (PC '11),
Sloane Schaumberger  (PC '11), and Ashley Allison (PC '11)

I awoke Sunday morning to a little PRD (Post Round Up Depression), but consoled myself by starting a new 364 day countdown. Though I’m reminded of it daily, it’s weekends like these where it hits me hardest how special of a school I go to, how special of a Greek life I’m a part of, and how I’m a member one of the most incredible chapters in the country. Being a Texas Zeta is a good good life. ZLAM!

ZL,

Sarah Poe

PC '12

Haley Jackson Reflects on Sisterhood Yoga Experience!

Sarah Poe (PC '12), Annick Rivas (PC '11),
and Rachel Robillard (PC'11) throw up a crown
after completing a vigorous sisterhood
hot yoga session!

As Assistant Sisterhood, we wanted to choose an activity that would be both fulfilling and attract as many girls as possible. We believed that yoga was an activity that many girls would want to partake in and enjoy. Breath and Body Yoga made the sisterhood experience perfect! They provided mats, cool cucumber scented towels, grapefruit, and an overall amazing atmosphere. They gave us the option of doing hot yoga, which seemed like no big deal at the time, that we all gladly accepted. To much of our surprise, hot yoga is a lot harder than it sounds! This is something that we did not anticipate, yet made the most of! We bonded at a whole new level while suffering through yoga poses that challenged each girl’s flexibility and balance. Personally, I think I could have been the entertainment for the afternoon when I attempted a back-bend that ended horribly. All in all, the yoga workout was intense and just what I needed and the sisterhood bonding was an excellent bonus. Many girls would agree!

Sisterhood events are always the perfect time to get together with my sisters and have fun, so when the opportunity to get my work out and sister time in at the same time presents itself, I'm one happy girl.

Sisterhood Yoga was such a good workout and a good bonding experience. After a busy weekend, sweating away in a yoga class was the best way to end it with my sisters.

ZLAM,

Haley Jackson (PC '12)

Alumnae Easter Party at the Zeta House

Some were creepy, some cute, and some were nearly falling apart. As I stared up at this assortment of Easter Bunny costume heads, my eyes finally fixed upon a newish looking pick bunny costume. I hurriedly found a sales associate and reserved the costume for March 24^th, the fast approaching date of the first annual Zetas Alumnae Easter Egg Hunt…

Although I had the Easter Bunny costume reserved and ready to go, I still had a long list of tasks to accomplish before the hunt actually started. I ordered everything Easter themed I could find from orientaltrading.com, from a bunny ring toss, to colorable Easter egg wreaths. Next was the food. Obviously, I knew that no Easter Egg Hunt was complete without some sinfully sugary cookie concoctions, which I had designed by Polkadots. I had my bunny, crafts, games, and food, next was the hunt itself…

Sunday March 24^th came fast. I arrived at the house early (is two and a half hours early a little too eager?) to set up. I opened my box of crafts and games and quickly pulled out the goodies inside. I soon found I had much more to do than planned (who knew assembly was required for a bunny ring toss?!) and quickly my Easter-induced cheer subsided in to outright panic. Luckily, my bestie, Lauren Fugitt (PC ’11), was already at the Zeta house and ready to stuff eggs with the chocolate treats Mom Marge supplied. Slowly, more Zeta helpers trickled in, wearing Zeta staple tees of course, and the hunt was ready to begin. We just needed some alumnae and their kids to show up…

The hunt’s official start time was 4, but there were a disturbingly small number of alumnae and their kids at the house until about 4:15. Finally, I unleashed the kids on the front and backyard to find as many eggs as their little hands could grasp. Naturally, the hunt lasted a grand total of ten minutes; kids are much faster than I gave them credit for…

Though the hunt was a ton of work and a little stressful at times, I had a blast planning it! I got some great pictures of kids with the Easter Bunny (aka Mckenzie Harrison-Bolen PC ‘12). Though I may have snapped a few pics of bawling twins (oops!), I think the Texas Zetas, alumnae, and their precious children can agree the Easter Egg Hunt was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

ZL,

Caroline Croskery
PC '11

Introducing the Newest Texas Cheer Co-Captains

Congratulations Whitney Prior (PC '10) and Kayla Bright (PC '11)
 on becoming the Texas Cheer Co-Captains! ZLAM!

Heather Broyles (PC '09), Kayla Bright (PC '11), Whitney Prior (PC '10) and Cici Haley (PC '11)
cheering at the Texas Football Game with  Owen (daughter of ZTA Advisor, Amy Biegel)

My college experience thus far can be described as both unique and privileged. Not only have I been able to be a member of the most incredible sorority on campus, but I have also been a part of the University of Texas Spirit Program for the past three years. For those of you who don’t know, I was elected co-captain of the White Squad this past week. I am unbelievably blessed and thankful to head into my senior year filling this honorable position. That being said, I look at my new rank in leadership as more of an opportunity than a title. As co-captain, I can serve as a positive role model for my peers, as well as for new students coming to the University of Texas.

Texas Cheer Captain Heather Broyles (PC '09),
Kayla Bright (PC '11), Tara Mery (PC '11)
and Whitney Prior (PC '10)

My journey to this point in my college career has been far from easy. This leadership position is the direct result of hard work, sleepless nights, and a LOT of sweat. Although I regret each time I missed a chapter meeting, a social downtown, or simply a sisterhood get together, I have to remind myself those sacrifices were necessary to obtain this leadership role. I hope that in the future, my ability to be an ambassador the University of Texas will help others see what qualities Zetas possess and encourage them to join our family. I genuinely believe that my experiences as both Cheerleader and a Zeta have allowed me grow into a stronger, responsible figure at our University.

Grand Big and Grand Little Lovin'
Morgan Willet (PC '12) and Whitney Prior (PC '10) 

In all, I only hope I can give back to Zeta Tau Alpha what it has given me. Without the support of all my sisters who caught my tears after a difficult practice, or listened to me talk through a cheer dilemma, I would not be where I am today. Thank you especially to Heather Broyles, Alex Bennett, Lara Hoover, Tara Mery, Cici Haley, Courtney Hosea, Sara Pence and Paige More (to name a few) for being those sisters to me. As members of the Zeta family, we are spoiled to be a part of a group of beautiful, intelligent women who are constantly by our side. I encourage everyone to pursue their passions no matter what they may be. We should never be afraid to take advantage of our sisters’ advice and comfort while pursuing our dreams.

This has been a truly humbling experience, as I hope I can fill the shoes of Zeta leaders before me. Hook ‘em \m/

ZL,

Whitney Prior

PC '10

Around this time three years ago, I was preparing to tryout for the University of Texas All-Girl cheerleading squad. I had never been more nervous about anything else in my life, but the hard work and dedication I had put in during the busy last semester of my senior year of high school paid off. I MADE THE TEAM! Although my time is spread thin between cheer, sorority, and school, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Tara Mery (PC '11) and Kayla Bright (PC '11) Twins!

My transition into college was similar to everyone else’s: marked by learning, time management, getting used to cafeteria food, and sometimes feeling homesick. It was being a part of Texas Cheer that kept me grounded and pushed me through those moments of weakness we all experience every now and then. My experiences of being a part of the spirit program range from cheering at home football games, to rallying at the F1 race, to throwing a pep rally at the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital. There is never a dull moment in this program and I am extremely fortunate to be a part of it.

One Big ZTA Family
Heather Broyles (PC '09),
Whitney Prior (PC '10),
Kayla Bright (PC '11) and Tara Mery (PC '11)

When my freshman year started coming to a close, I decided that I wanted to rush. After becoming close with two Zetas on my team (Heather Broyles and Whitney Prior) I knew that I also wanted be a Zeta. Since Heather and Whitney, our Texas Cheer Zeta family has grown to eight active members, hopefully even more next year! Being a part of the spirit program is one of the best experiences, but it is not easy. Having sisters within this program helps me get through the stressful and trying times and I am so thankful to always have them by my side!

This past February, I was elected Co-captain of the White Squad for the 2013-2014 season. I am extremely honored and cannot wait to get the new season started! In this position I will be in charge of our team’s internal relations, which includes our choreography and managing uniform and apparel inventory, along various other tasks that pop up during the year. I am excited to begin the new season and can’t wait to welcome new members to our team. I know that my new position on the squad will bring me a new load of responsibilities, but it will also bring me new memories that I will be able to cherish forever. Although my college experience is different from many, being a part of both Texas Cheer and Zeta has brought me more happiness than I could have ever imagined!

ZLAM,

Kayla Bright

PC '11

ZTA Texas Cowboy Sweethearts

Never in a million years would I ever imagine being selected to be a Texas Cowboy Sweetheart.  For those of you (like me at first) who don’t know about the Texas Cowboys, it is a service organization built of male students, both before and after graduation, who have proudly provided the UT campus with leadership, character, spirit, and service since 1992. To be included in this organization was such a surprising honor, one that I am very grateful for. 

My experience so far has been so fun; it almost feels like I joined another little sorority! I’ve had the chance to get to know a ton of new amazing people both male and female, and grow closer with my Zeta sisters who are also sweethearts. In addition to myself, Skyeler Saar (PC '12) and Brittanie Burke (PC '11) are the newly selected Cowboy Sweethearts. We’ve shared some very memorable experiences from induction day to Cowboy semi-formal, and can’t wait to share more! I’m still really confused as to why I was selected but again I couldn’t be more honored! I can’t wait and couldn’t be more excited for all the great memories and experiences yet to come!

ZL,

Annick Rivas 
PC '11

Zetas for Christiane’s Cure

            Three years ago, I started babysitting for two children that live in Austin—a little boy named Garland (now 8 yrs.) and Christiane (now 10 yrs). Christiane was diagnosed with Batten disease a year before I started babysitting her. I had never heard of Batten disease until I met Christine, a beautiful girl with big blue eyes.

            Batten disease is a fatal, inherited disorder of the nervous system that begins in childhood. Affected children suffer mental impairment, worsening seizures, and progressive loss of sight and motor skills. Eventually, children with Batten disease become blind, bedridden, and physically and mentally incapacitated, requiring 24-hour care. Batten disease is always fatal, often by the late teens or twenties.

            Christiane has been an inspiration to me. Every time I babysit her she reminds me that life is short. We should take advantage of every opportunity and enjoy every moment of each day we are given. Although Christiane is legally blind she lives like she isn’t sick at all. She runs, plays, tells silly knock-knock jokes and loves butterflies. She’s a normal kid, trying to live a normal life. It pains me to know that she is losing her vision and that Batten disease could take her life. I hope and pray for a cure to come fast. She is the reason why I am participating in Run to the Sun on April 20-21.  

            The best part about my decision to participate in this fundraiser is the love and support I have from my Zeta sisters. They inspire me just as much as Christiane inspires me. When I told them about the event, they expressed zero hesitations and wanted to join my team. I could not do this without the support of Anna Fleury, Bekah Thayer, Chelsea Carbonel, Emma Weiss, Kate Onofrey, Kim Boller, and Maddy McGlamery. Nor could I do it without the support of the chapter. Thank you to everyone that has made a donation to our team. You are playing a role in making a difference for children with Batten disease.

            Please continue to keep our team in your thoughts and prayers as we train for our 90-mile overnight relay and seek supporters that will make donations to our team.

             

ZL,

Megan Gallishaw

PC '09

If you want to know more about Batten disease check out the Beyond Batten Foundation website www.beyondbatten.org

If you would like to make a donation online click on the following link: http://runtothesunrelay.com/donate/?kwoAdvocateId=87HJRQ7