Zeta Tau Alpha - Gamma Phi

In October, We Think Pink

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 25 Oct 2017 23:26:00 +0000

For most, October means leaves changing color, Halloween, candy,, pumpkins, and midterms. For Zetas, October is much more than that. Our philanthropy is Breast Cancer Education and Awareness, and October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. We make sure to do everything we can each October to raise money and bring awareness to this serious health issue.

Zeta Tau Alpha's Fall 2017 Think Pink Week has been a great success. We had events like a Chili Cook Off, three days of tabling for Best Chest penny wars, a scavenger hunt, and a flag football tournament. One of our most important events, however, is our Brighten Up Workshop. Zeta is partnered with Bright Pink, an organization dedicated to educating women about breast cancer. Each semester, Zeta holds an educational Bright Pink sponsored workshop to teach women how to be better prepared to prevent and fight breast cancer.

Beyond Think Pink Week, Zetas still continue to give their time throughout the month of October. This weekend is the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, and many of our members will be volunteering our time. The best part of being involved in such an amazing philanthropy is getting to meet the people affected: breast cancer survivors. This walk lets us mingle with the very women we do so much to help.

With October quickly coming to a close, North Texas ZTAs are proud of what we've accomplished, and what we will continue to accomplish for our philanthropy.

If you would like to donate to Breast Cancer Education and Awareness, click here.

Amber White, PC Fall 15

Think Pink Week

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 May 2017 18:14:00 +0000

Nothing makes a Zeta more excited than the prospect of raising money for our philanthropy. We are passionate about Breast Cancer Education and Awareness and prove it with our annual Think Pink Week and golf tournament. Last week included three days of tabling in the library mall, featuring wooden ribbons decorated by members of the competing teams, pink lemonade, a (Hershey’s) Kissing Booth, and of course, passing out our iconic pink ribbons. Buffalo Wild Wings hosted a profit share, and Monday brought a photo competition on campus, in which team members had to find a Zeta and snap a picture with her. Tuesday consisted of the teams competing in a Searching for a Cure, a scavenger hunt that left team members following clues all the way to the ZTA House. On Wednesday, we hosted Queso For a Cure, featuring all-you-can-eat queso, chips, and salsa. To top it all off, our biggest event of the year, the Crown Classic Golf Tournament, was a huge success. All in all, the girls of the Gamma Phi chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha raised over $3,000 for Breast Cancer Education and Awareness.

Amber White, PC Fall 15

Above are images from our Think Pink photoshoot, and bellow are images from Queso for a Cure!

The Alternative Spring Break Project

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 25 Mar 2017 22:00:00 +0000

Here’s to all the little things I wish I never took for granted. Over spring break an incredibly diverse and talented group of Greek UNT students and I were given the opportunity to travel to New Orleans to work with the St. Bernard project. The St. Bernard project is a non-profit organization that was established after Hurricane Katrina to help rebuild the homes that were lost in this tragedy. This organization has, through the use of countless volunteers and AmeriCorps employees, been an integral part in reestablishing the community in New Orleans. Working with this organization was a humbling and eye opening experience. I have often found it far too easy to forget how fortunate I am just in that I can attend college or even more simply, because I have a home. This trip really helped me to put my problems in perspective and made me realize that there are a lot of little things in my life that I do not appreciate enough. I strongly recommend this trip specifically, because one of the things that impacted me the most was the fact that it could happen to anyone. This was a natural disaster; a tornado could hit Denton tomorrow and everyone here could be in the same position as those in New Orleans. I would want someone to help my family rebuild their home if that happened and I am sure others feel the same way. Also, it was a blast, and a great way to get to know some of the students that make up this extraordinary campus. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable, life changing experience look no further than the Center for Leadership and Service at UNT, They sponsor the trip every year. I for one will definitely be going back so I hope to see you there.

Devin Thomas, PC Spring 16

Badge Day Everyday

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 07 Mar 2017 22:17:00 +0000

Yesterday, March 6th, was the famous International Badge Day. On the surface, it is an opportunity for Zetas around the world to look our best and wear our badges proudly over our hearts for everyone to see. But Badge Day is more than that. Zetas have worn their badges for decades, and current members and even alums continue to honor this tradition, opting to pin their badges upon their chests even once they have graduated to show that Zeta truly is more than four years – it’s a lifetime. Our badge is a symbol of who we are as individuals and as sisters; it connects us to each other and to the women who came sixty years before us.

On Badge Day, members of Zeta Tau Alpha proudly display upon our chests our commitment to our fraternity and all that it stands for. We celebrate our sisterhood and our creed that we live out every single day. Since 1997, Zetas have taken one day out of the year to wear our badges and honor our fraternity, displaying to everyone that, whether an active member or an alumna, we are all proud to be Zetas.

This is a picture from Janie Grimes, a member from the Gamma Phi Chapter's Spring Pledge class of 1963.

Welcome to New York

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 16 Feb 2017 23:00:00 +0000

This February I got the chance to volunteer at New York Fashion Week. If you would have told me a few months ago that I would be doing so, I wouldn’t have believed you. As a fashion design major at the University of North Texas, this was the opportunity of a life time. Being a volunteer; as you can imagine, I am starting at the bottom of the totem pole in the fashion industry, but that didn’t matter. Just getting to bask in the glory of successful designers was enough for me.

My arrival started out uncertain, not only was I anxious about being in the city all alone for the first time, to top it off my flight delayed over 4 hours due to a major snow storm in the North East. After every single flight canceled, by the grace of God, I made it. I arrived in the city at 10 pm, anxiously anticipating the next day.

For a total of 4 days and almost 20 hours of volunteer work, I worked back stage at the Couture Fashion Week. This was a new world I have never experienced so up close, I was quit nervous as I had no clue what to expect. My nerves shortly subsided once the models and other volunteers found out I was from Texas. They got at kick out of my "accent", stories of sorority life and all things Texas. When I told the girls I was a Zeta, they looked at me at me in envy, proclaiming how bad they wanted sororities in the city.

Besides gabbing with volunteers, my work was quite vigorous. It included steaming, prepping the designer’s collections for the show, sewing any accidental rips from heels, changing the models in and out of garments, and clean up. This was a hard couple of days, my shifts were too busy to have time to eat, go to the bath room, or hardly breathe due to the masses of people back stage, but I loved every minute of it. Over the course of 3 days, I had met a variety of young and upcoming designers in the industry, friends, and overall gained valuable experience. This opportunity gave me great insight to the industry and the people in it. After this weekend, I realized the fashion industry isn't quite as glamorous as it appears, but it is defiantly something that I am born to do.

During my free time I enjoyed being a tourist and exploring the city, I found delicious bakeries and eateries, such as this one bellow, Laduree Mason. They have the most delicious macaroons from Paris, I even ate a Rose flavored macaroon, yumm!

Me in the city! It snowed the entire time I was here. P.S. I swear I have a jacket behind the camera man.

Claire Brogdon, PC Fall '14

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 05:07:00 +0000

The Great Escape

Saturday, January 14, 2017

This past weekend was one for the books. All the members of our executive council met at the Zeta castle to plan and discuss goals for the upcoming semester. It was so great getting to reunite with my sisters and make decisions together as the new council. After hours of gabbing and planning, none of us knew what exactly was yet to come. We knew we were ending the retreat with an escape room, but none of us had ever experienced one before. We arrived at the escape room in farmers branch around 9pm where they told us we were partaking in "The Cure". They told us that two of us would have to be hand cuffed together, I was immediately hit with a wave of nerves. What were we about to walk into? Picture 10 girls, locked together in box, because that's about how big the room was. They told us a creepy story of a doctor in hiding, and we had to discover the cure to cancer. We enter a room set up to look like a doctors office, we all begin running around trying to find anything that could be a clue. We had one hour to solve the mystery, I honestly didn't think we would make it out, but surprisingly with the help of all 10 girls we found the cure in under 40 minutes, getting us out of the escape room! This was such a fun and engaging experience that all of us agreed we would love to do again. It was a great chance to learn how to all work together under a strict time limit and immense pressure. The escape room was a great way to end our EC retreat and above all, get us pumped for the upcoming semester.

The House That Built Me

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 01 Dec 2016 22:19:00 +0000

There’s a time that comes in every Zeta journey when you begin to feel old. “Old” is of course relative but at some point your pledge class is the oldest one in the chapter and everyone else is younger than you. It’s an odd feeling because whenever sh*t hits the fan your first instinct is still to turn to the older girls who were seniors when you were a new member but they’re all gone and everyone is looking at you for answers (this is when you pretend you know what you’re doing and hope for the best).

I’m Clara, the social media/PR girl (more formally known as the Historian Reporter on our chapter’s 2016 Executive Council). So basically I’m the girl who follows everyone around with a camera like a proud mom. I’ve been the voice behind our social media accounts, the one editing blog posts for this very blog, the one keeping our website up to date, and the one hoarding cute pictures of our members to post every week. Basically I have the coolest and most fun job ever that requires me to be on social media all the time (and it doesn’t count as neglecting my schoolwork -- this is the part where you’re jealous). But as all good things must come to and end, so must my term as Historian.

(Meet Claire, my successor and our fabulous 2017 Historian!)

I joined the chapter my first semester at UNT: Fall 2013. Somehow that was three years ago and now I’m a senior, a granny in the chapter, and about to become a regular member for the first time in my Zeta career. After my new member semester I jumped right into holding a position on our programs council as the external social chair, then the social chair, and then I hopped onto EC as the VP1 in charge of programming and now I’m the Historian. It’s been a busy (and often frustrating) three years. But mixed into that list of positions and those three years are some of the most wonderful memories.

I don’t usually get emotional and cheesy but I suppose this is a good occasion if ever there was one. I’m sure you’ve heard the all classics before like “it’s not four years, it’s for life” or “from the outside looking in you can’t understand it and from the inside looking out you cant explain it” so I’ll skip over those. But as my last act as Historian I feel the need to leave some bits of my experiences here for whoever wants to read them.

If I had to choose one piece of advice to pass down it would be to enjoy every moment (even when you wish you were napping or getting your nails done). It’s easy to be grumpy at mandatory events or complain about being cold at an intramural game but choosing to embrace those times is what makes this experience so memorable.

There are of course all the annual and semi-annual events like bid day, pink out football games, big/little reveal, initiation, Homecoming, Greek Week, Formal, etc.

(Our LAST formal *cries for days*)

Then there are all the things you don’t plan like spending hours pomping for Homecoming (but really dancing to 90’s music), scrubbing the paint out of your clothes and hair after paint fights, spur of the moment ear piercings, or your little scaring the life out of you at the haunted house philanthropy event…

(I really almost peed myself when I saw her...)

There’s the time you move into the ZTA house with your best friends (and somehow stay there for three years)…

…or always making your friends take pictures at every event no matter what (because we all know I have to have them for my scrapbook). There are the last minute costumes for mixers and sisterhood events, the time you accidentally cook the worst spaghetti squash in the history of spaghetti squash with your suitemate, and being there when your chapter wins Crown Chapter for the first time in 7 years (and crying like a child in front of hundreds of other Zetas)…

…There are the times you force each other to go to the gym and then make fun of the rude Zumba instructor, or running home after disaffiliating for recruitment, tackling your roommate to the ground and ugly crying (because a week apart was clearly too long)…

…There are hundreds (if not thousands) of attempted candid pictures that were meant to be cute but are really just a little creepy, and big milestones like 21^st birthdays and engagements…

(the newly engaged, future Mrs. Essman)

And somehow even if they aren’t all happy moments they are still the best because they are the moments that shape you; the good, the bad, and the ugly moments. They are what help you become the person you are and want to be.

Now as I step down from my last position, I want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my Zeta experience, everyone who welcomed me into this chapter when I was a wide-eyed new member, everyone who encouraged me to apply for positions, everyone who helped me paint that giant banner for our Jimmy Buffet themed mixer (because gosh that was a feat), everyone I served on PC and EC with, and especially the people who I shared those unplanned and wonderful moments with.

2016 has been…quite a year for our chapter, our 2016 EC, and me personally. But I wouldn’t have survived it without all the wonderful women I call sisters.

So just like that, my time as Historian is over. This the Gamma Phi's 2016 Historian signing off and welcoming in Claire and all of EC 2017!

And to the house, the chapter, and the girls that built me: thank you for showing me that Zeta never gives up on you and that love really is the greatest of all things.

Clara Warner, PC Fall ‘13

Disney Dreams

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Nov 2016 17:21:00 +0000

“All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them” -Walt Disney

If you told me a year ago that I would be working for the Walt Disney World Company on a 6 month internship I would probably have laughed in your face because I didn’t think that that would be possible. I mean its Disney for crying out loud! But here I am, a year later, wishing that my college program wasn’t ending in 6 weeks.

Back in January, my Zeta twin was telling me about her two experiences doing the Disney College Program and how life changing it was. After hearing her go on and on for what seemed like hours, I decided to apply just for the heck of it and figured I wouldn’t actually be accepted. Little did I know that less than two hours later I would get through the first round and then be accepted into the program. I was completely shocked and really didn’t know how to react. I was super excited but at the same time, this would be the first time that I was truly away from home (and be moving half way across the country!).

Flash forward to August. I had to say good-bye to my best friends and to my family. It was hard but they were all really supportive of me and were excited for me to experience everything ahead. Moving to not only a brand new city but also a brand new state was a huge adjustment for me. The first couple of months were really rough. I wasn’t really friends with any one from work and I felt like somewhat of an outsider. But luckily my roommates were great and we all get along really well which helped so much because we are all kind of in the same boat of being away from family through the holidays and stuff like that. It sounds cliché but these girls are some of my best friends and I literally couldn’t imagine doing my college program without them. Within the past month I’ve gotten really close with some other cast members from work and it breaks my heart that in a short 6 weeks I’m packing up my car and going home to possibly never see them again (which I hope isn’t true because they’re some of the best people I’ve ever met).

In the short amount of time that I have lived here in Orlando, it truly has started to feel like home. One of the most heart-warming things you can do is make an adult almost cry from joy or make a child laugh so hard they almost fall over. I get to do this every day at my job and it is the most humbling thing. One of the most special memories I have made here was with a little three-year-old girl. At my work place in Disney we have plastic snakes that look like they’re alive when you move them a certain way. This little girl came up to me freaking out because she thought it was a real snake. She was scared to touch the snake but I told her that I believed in her and that she was brave enough to do it. After a couple of minutes she finally got the nerve to touch the snake and she was so excited. She started jumping around and singing that she was brave enough to touch a real snake. It was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. I will cherish that moment for the rest of my life and I know that that little girl will as well.

My time here at Disney hasn’t nearly been long enough but the amount of memories I have made here are enough to last a lifetime. I will be forever grateful that I took the chance that one night in January and applied.

Tayler Ringberg, PC Fall ‘14

118 Years of Zeta Love

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 15 Oct 2016 14:12:00 +0000

Happy Founder’s Day Zeta Sisters!

I can remember the morning of my initiation day like it was yesterday. I remember trying to soak up every last word. I remember hoping those moments would last a lifetime. Looking back now as an alumnae and General Advisor, I didn’t fully grasp the concept of “Zeta is Forever”. Today we celebrate the 118^th Founder’s Day of Zeta Tau Alpha and it has given me a chance to look back on how ZTA has help make me the woman I am today.

(A few pictures from my collegiate days...)

(And best of all, my composite from Sophomore year!)

Founder’s Day is one of my favorite ZTA celebrations. It’s like celebrating a birthday with over 245,000 other women! Did you know that ZTA’s Founders Day ceremony is an open ritual that anyone can witness? What a great way to show those outside our circle of sisterhood how important ZTA means to us by honoring our nine Founders and their hopes and dreams of our beloved ZTA.

My most memorable Founders Day ceremony took place at the President’s house at the University I attended. His wife was a Zeta and she graciously opened up their beautiful home for our Founder’s Day celebration. I was a sophomore at the time, and as the Treasurer on Executive Council, I had the honor of taking part in the ceremony and was selected by my sisters to read the role of our Founder, Ethel Coleman Van Name. Ethel was known to be the ideal of tolerance and justice. I can remember reading my part in the ceremony and taking them to heart. I knew right then that there was more to ZTA than just four years. I knew that I wanted to live out those words and one day aspire to be an inspiration to a collegiate member like Ethel was to me. (By the way, I still have that candle from the ceremony in my guest room!)

As an alumna, I have learned to love ZTA more than I thought I ever could, or would, as a collegiate. The alumnae world unites women from all different collegiate chapters and brings a sense of familiarity that you can’t understand unless you are a part of it. When we get together for a fun game night or a perfectly planned progressive dinner, we act like we have been friends for ages. We act like sisters! We have a common bond that unities us all and the conversation never stops! It doesn’t matter what college team we cheered for during those four years, we all love ZTA and what it will bring us throughout our lives.

As a young advisor, I met a woman who took me under her wings and showed me how to truly mentor college women. Not only is she a charter member of her chapter, she is #1 in the book! She loves working with collegiate women more than anything. Over the years she has taught me to be true to myself and to have the welfare and harmony of each member of ZTA as a high priority. I now call this sister one of my best friends. Although we now advise for different chapters we still continue to support each other. We talk daily, looking for guidance and ideas to help support the women in our chapters. We are each other’s cheerleader and cant’ wait to brag to each other on what amazing things our chapters are doing! As an advisor, ZTA has taught me so many things, but none more than how to truly “be humble in success, without bitterness in defeat.” ZTA is so much more than just me, it’s about the women who I strive daily to help build up and mold into the brave, bright, strong women I know they all have inside of themselves. These women teach me something new every day and challenge me to strive for greatness. I can only hope that I do the same for them.

Each year on Founder’s Day, as the nine burning tapers are lit during the ceremony, we are reminded of the promise we made as ZTA’s to further the ideals that our Founders left in our care. On October 15, 1898, at the State Female Normal School (now Longwood University) in Farmville, Virginia, nine young women envisioned an organization that would perpetuate their ties of friendship. I hope that I make our Founders proud. I wish that I could thank the Founders for all of their efforts and for teaching Zeta’s young and old that the foundation precept of Zeta Tau Alpha was Love, “the greatest of all things.”

Kati Mize, General Advisor

In October We Wear Pink

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 11 Oct 2016 18:01:00 +0000

For most people October means pumpkin spice lattes, riding boots, and all things spooky. But for us it means something a little different. October is when we put all of our time and effort into our wonderful philanthropy: Breast Cancer Education and Awareness. Every October we put on a weeklong event to raise funds called Think Pink Week. This past week was our Fall Think Pink Week and we raised over $3,000! It took hard work and dedication from all of our sisters but it was all worth it in the end. The best part is that we had a ton of fun with it!

Our Think Pink committee really strived to get the UNT community involved this year and we had 8 teams sign up to compete for the title of Think Pink Champion. The week started out with each team taking a picture to raise awareness about Breast Cancer, posting it on social media, and getting as many people as they could to share it. Over the next few days we set up a table in the library mall where we passed out pink ribbons, spread awareness, and took donations. On Wednesday we urged the whole community to #BeSweetThinkPink by coming to our home for our Desserting Breast Cancer night. We had live music and hundreds of yummy treats to serve everyone. The next day we all got in the Fall mood by having a Pumpkin carving contest! Each team had 45 minutes to carve a pumpkin with a Think Pink theme and submit it for judging.

By Saturday the entire school was ready for the annual Pink Out Football Game. We sold shirts all week and made sure everyone knew to wear all the pink they could to the game! At the game we passed out more pink ribbons, took donations, and cheered our Mean Green team on to victory! A few of our sisters even got to go on the field and let the whole stadium know about all of our hard work.

I’ve always felt lucky to be a Zeta but never more than in the month of October. We get to help millions of people affected by Breast Cancer, support survivors and those still fighting their battles, spread awareness in the Denton community, and have a great time doing it.

Think Pink Week may be over but our fight against breast cancer isn’t! Throughout October and the rest of the year we will do all that we can to make pink just another color. You can follow us on social media to keep up with different events we’re hosting benefiting Breast Cancer Education and Awareness and make any special donations to help those affected at www.zetataualpha.org/ztaunt

Erin Yanas, VP1

An Open Letter To My Little As She Prepares To Take Her Own Little

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 19 Sep 2016 17:55:00 +0000

Dear Little Summer,

Oh gosh SumSum, where do I even begin…

From the moment I picked you up on bid day I knew I wanted you to be my little. Throughout the process of having strawberry dates and meeting all the other new members, no one could compare to you and the relationship I knew we could build. When it finally came time to make my list, you were of course my number one. But as I’m sure you know now, as a potential big sister you always have those thoughts running through your head: “Does she like me? Am I going to be her number one? What happens if I don’t get her?” Then you get the call and when you hear who you’re little sister officially is, all weights are lifted off your shoulders.

Then you realize you had better start crafting ASAP and the whole experience really begins.

Our big/little reveal feels like yesterday but in just a few days it will be your turn to surprise your new little at reveal. Taking a little is the most terrifying but exciting experience I have ever had and I wouldn’t have traded it for anything. As you prepare your baskets and get excited about reveal, here are some things to always remember:

1. Don’t be afraid to give advice to your little. You are first and foremost her mentor and she wouldn’t go to you if she didn’t want to hear your opinion. She will probably have lots of questions and you are one of her first links to the chapter so don’t hesitate to help her out.

2. Your and your little might not be BFFs right away and that’s ok! Good relationships take time and your relationship will continue to grow so don’t panic it doesn’t seem to happen right off the bat. As long as she knows that you are there to be her biggest fan and her support system, everything will fall into place.

3. You don’t have to be a great crafter or the richest person in the world to be a good big. You know I cant craft a thing but I always knew that no matter what I made you would love it and appreciate it. Your little will love every single craft you make her simply because she will know that you put in the time and effort to make something special for her. And the same goes for extravagant and expensive gifts – whether her baskets cost $15 or $100, she will love what you get her because you got it just for her. I guarantee that if all you do is sit and talk all night she will be totally ok with that. She will love you for you and that is what makes big/little relationships great.

4. Cherish your time together. As it’s my last year as an undergrad, my time in Zeta has flown by and I know it will for you too. Take advantage of any moment that you have to hang out with her and remember those times because these are the days you will talk about for years to come and treasure forever.

You are one of my greatest adventures in Zeta and I wouldn’t change anything about the time we have had together and the times I know we will have in years ahead. Even though you are becoming a big, you will always be my little! You will create your own adventures together with your little and share amazing memories after I graduate but never forget that your big will always be by your side to cheer you on through your greatest accomplishments and will be the shoulder to lean on when things might not go the way they were supposed to.

You have already done great things in Zeta and I know you will only continue to grow and be the best big a little could ever have. I can’t wait to meet my GLittle on THURSDAY NIGHT and add another branch to our family!!

Zeta love forever and always,

Your Big, Lauren

An Open Letter to the "Not-So-Sorority Girl"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 11 Aug 2016 17:51:00 +0000

When I came to college, I had no clue about Greek life except what I saw in movies like House Bunny and Legally Blonde. (I’m easily more of a Sydney White type of girl.) When fall recruitment happened, I laughed every day at my suitemate (who I didn’t really know) as she freaked out about outfits while running down the hall in heels trying to get to her group in time.

My two other roommates and I, in an effort to be friendly, surprised her at her bid day and my first thought was “Yikes, I have never seen so much glitter and white converse in my whole life.” I looked around and fell victim to the most common stereotype of Greek life - thinking how ridiculous it was that these girls paid so much money just for friends. (Spoiler alert: that’s not how it works.)

So how did I become a Zeta?

Long story short, I was recognized by and old high school friend at bid day who was in Greek life. As we talked reminisced about high school and she told me about her Greek experience, she reminded me of how much I need a strong support system and fun plans on the weekends.

When I was offered a bid, it felt so ludicrous that I could belong to a sorority that I didn’t even talk to my parents about it. I never though of myself as “that kind of girl.” But in the end they wooed me with frozen yogurt. I got a chance to hang out with my high school friend and two of her sisters for a fro-yo date and fell in love with them and with the sisterhood ZTA has to offer.

Feeling completely new and clueless after accepting my bid, I was introduced to my overwhelmingly large pledge class and it was nerve-wracking. I didn’t know what I had gotten myself into.

What did I get myself into?

1. Spirit/Tradition: There are innumerable traditions we have as a chapter, in Greek life, and as UNT students but the one that stands out the most for me is Homecoming. Usually, all the Greek life chapters are paired into teams who compete in various competitions during Homecoming including creating floats for the parade. Yes, most schools do this but last year (my first year) ZTA challenged the status quo. Instead of spending countless hours and dollars towards building a float for a 30 minute parade, Team 8 (Zeta Tau Alpha, Pi Kappa Alpha, and Delta Sigma Phi) put that money and time towards rebuilding a local park. I have never been more proud to be a part of something. So many hours and so much manpower went towards such an amazing project that will last so much longer and bring so much more happiness than a parade float. Together our chapters put in over 800 hours of community service and I think that is amazing.

2. Philanthropy: I wear pink because I not only feel great in it, but it supports a great cause - ZTA’s philanthropy: Breast Cancer Education and Awareness. I’m proud to wear pink. During our Pink-Out game, (a football game where we encourage everyone to wear pink to bring awareness to breast cancer), we teamed up with UNT athletics to create a human ribbon on the field at halftime. It was AWESOME. I was in color guard all four years of high school and being on the Mean Green field brought back so many memories. I was so proud to be on the field with all my sisters in our pink shirts. (I was actually so excited that I missed the group picture because I called my dad to tell him how cool I was.)

3. Growth: Though I am a newer member, I can hear the older members talk about the place our chapter used to be in. We’ve never been unsuccessful but the amount we have grown over the last few years is tremendous. In fact, our chapter has now received the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation Crown Chapter award for two consecutive years now. (We just found out last month, and we are SO excited!) Reading our president’s blog post about her experience at ZTA Convention with two other leaders accepting that award for us and feeling the excitement as our chapter congratulated each other made my heart so happy. We have worked so hard and being recognized for it means the world.

4. Commitment: Zeta is forever. This is one of those things you’ll hear everyone say: “it’s not four years, its for life” blah blah blah. But listen - we have an amazing alum group. They are so involved with our chapter and it’s incredible to know that even after you graduate, you’re still just as much of a Zeta as you were on Initiation Day (which is the BEST DAY EVER). Not only do you have strong alumni connections, we have advisors that go above and beyond for us every day. Knowing everything they do is strictly on a volunteer basis proves to me that this “Zeta world” means so much more than your four years as a collegiate.

What’s the moral of the story?

At UNT I’m 6 hours from home and everything I knew in high school. Let’s be honest, it’s a scary time. Exciting, but scary. For me Greek life wasn’t something I knew I wanted in my life until I was being invited in with sisterhood and ice cream. I NEVER thought I would be in a sorority but I am so glad I’m here because I have loved every minute of it.

Sophia Jackson, PC Fall’ 15

Recruitment 101: "What Do I Wear?!"

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 04 Aug 2016 11:19:00 +0000

Ok ladies now let’s get in formation. For Panhellenic Recruitment that is!

The most exciting time of the year is quickly approaching and I cannot tell you how excited we are to meet all of the potential new members. While recruitment is a super fun and memorable experience, I will quickly admit that it can be a little nerve wracking. So to all the girls going through recruitment this year - here are some tips and tricks from a seasoned veteran!

Tons of questions will be racing through your mind the week leading up to recruitment, but the question that keeps surfacing will be “WHAT DO I WEAR?!?!?”. Have no fear ladies, I am here to help! This post should help guide you through each day and give you an idea of what to expect.

Round 1:

Today is the day your journey truly begins! You will visit each chapter on campus and get your first taste of Greek Life at UNT. A Panhellenic shirt is provided for you on this day, so show us your personality in the rest of the outfit! You can pair your shirt with a cute pair of high waisted or patterned shorts. Add on a few pieces of you signature jewelry and you’re set! Since you will be walking to all chapters this day, I recommend wearing comfy cute shoes like converse or vans.

Round 2:

Now that it’s round 2, you’re starting to get the hang of things. On this day you will visit up to 6 chapters and getting a tour of their house or lodge. It is such a great day to really get to know the different chapters! While today is a little less casual than round 1, you will still be doing quite a bit of walking and will most likely encounter some stairs. Comfy cute shoes or cute sandals would be perfect. Since today is the first day you get to choose your entire wardrobe, bring out your favorite cute casual outfit. A cute tank and jean shorts or a fun sundress are great choices.

Round 3:

Over half way there! Today is Philanthropy day where you will learn about chapter’s philanthropies and all that they do for them. The chapters will be dressed up more than on round 2 so a sundress or maxi dress is perfect for today. Cute sandals or wedges with a statement necklace or your favorite pair of earrings will complete the look perfectly.

Round 4:

IT’S PREFERENCE NIGHT!!! You are one day away from being a part of your future sisterhood - AAHHH! One more outfit to go: Preference Night is the most formal night of recruitment. Chapters will be bringing you in to their sisterhood and showing you something special on this night. Wearing you’re favorite cocktail dress or semi-formal dress with a killer pair of heels will surely make you stand out.

Bid Day:

You made it!! Congratulations!! Once you open your bid you will meet your new pledge class sisters and run to your chapter. Yes, you really do run. You sprint. Keep this in mind when you’re picking out shoes for today. Comfy cute shoes like Converse or Vans will be faultless. Now once you’ve sprinted to your chapter, screamed and hugged everyone in sight, and caught your breath a little bit, you will be given a shirt representing your new chapter! I recommend wearing shorts that are easy to run in, and match well with most colors. So your favorite jean shorts will be just fine!

And on every day, don’t forget to wear a smile. I know that was the cheesiest thing I could possible say, but in all honesty it’s true. Even if you’re nervous, just keep smiling! This is the most important tip I can give you - It’ll help you relax and enjoy your recruitment, I promise! Wear your favorite outfits, all the confidence you have, and a great smile.

Good luck with recruitment, I know you’ll knock ‘em dead with your outfits!

Halley King, VPIII Recruitment and Retention

Camp Birch Trail

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 01 Aug 2016 10:37:00 +0000

From the moment I stepped foot on Camp Birch Trail I felt at home. Located in Northwest Wisconsin on Lake Pokegama, it is the perfect spot for summer adventures. The past few weeks have been jam-packed and I have seen some of the most beautiful nature sites. I’ve gotten to learn/teach rock climbing, sailing, water skiing, nature classes, tennis and yoga.

I started this journey with Google and a little faith that I would end up where I was supposed to be. If you are someone who isn’t really sure if traveling 1,000 miles for a summer job is for you, all I can say is have a little faith because it will work out. If you have ever considered a job as a camp counselor or specialty staff I 10/10 recommend it. If you give it your best shot you will gain so many new life skills and experiences.

I was assigned to the “upper maple” age group, which means I get to work with incoming 6th graders. They were a handful but they were a wonderful group of girls. Over the course of a session, we got to get ice cream at The Scoop (best ice cream ever), go tubing on the lake, have frosting fights, play trampball, and compete in Pandemonium: Color Wars. Basically I have the best summer job ever - I get paid to be silly, dress up, have fun and do activities with my campers, who wouldn’t love that!

I also got to take a three-day camping trip with my cabin to the North Shores of Lake Superior where we explored Tettegouche State Park and Gooseberry Falls State Park. Camping in Superior National Forest and watching the girls in my group grow so much in just three days was an amazing experience.

Developing new skills, making new friends, and making a lasting impact on your campers is what it’s all about. I am so glad that Google led me to Camp Birch Trail so I could become a part of the BT family. I can’t wait to see what my last few weeks have in store!

Roni Fraser, PC Fall ’15

Convention 2016 (and the Giant Cacti)

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 22 Jul 2016 15:44:00 +0000

If you would have come up to me as a new member and said, “In 2016, you will get to go to convention as the official delegate of your chapter,” I would have told you that you were crazy. Yet here I am, 3 years later (and 3 years wiser) wishing my time in Phoenix, Arizona had been much longer. I can truly say that every late night, every early morning, and every hour of missed sleep was worth every obstacle I’ve faced in the past 3 years - obstacles which seem so small and irrelevant to me now that I’ve gained a truer knowledge of the meaning behind “Zeta is forever.”

My trip to Convention began long before the opening celebrations. I can still remember the butterflies I got when I received my flight information months ago (this, however, was nothing in comparison to the excited I felt as I packed my bags the night before - always the procrastinator). I crammed a whole bunch of clothes and statement necklaces I thought were crucial to have in my tacky zebra print suitcase and prayed I hadn’t forgotten something important.

When Carly, Shauna, Kati and I landed in Phoenix we were met by TLCs (traveling leadership consultants) who escorted us to our shuttles that would soon take us to the resort & spa that would be our home for the next few days. On the shuttle bus, Carly (VPII, friend, fellow awkward appreciator of dumb jokes) and I spotted a GIANT cactus at the same time. So, naturally, we made a scene. Yes - at 7 am, us “Texans” were freaking out over the ultra-foreign Saguaro Cactus and thought it was the most hysterical thing in the world.

We got to the resort and everywhere you looked were the letters “ZTA” and the women who wore them proudly. The first day, after checking in, included the opening session and opening dinner. The opening session was all about “Inspiring greatness” (which also happened to be the overall theme for the Convention 2016). Our National President, Carolyn Carpenter, spoke along with other leaders in ZTA and they all encouraged us to take our time in our college years and truly spend it wisely, to not be afraid to take on big leadership positions, to take interest in joining an alumni chapter, and to give back as much and as often to the organization that goes so much more beyond the word “organization.”

Inspired to seek greatness, we broke out for various meetings, shopping, and other fun options we had. Of course, I went shopping first, and I have never in my life seen so much ZTA gear in one place. Hats, buttons, bags, scarves, jewelry, jackets, and enough shirts to clothe a small army overwhelmed both my eyes and my wallet.

After a quick nap to recovering from “shopping ‘till I dropped” it was time for the opening dinner. We were again encouraged to inspire greatness except this time it was more focused around leadership. At this point I had only been there for 10 hours and I was already amazed at how just being there at Convention would open up my mind to so many things.

Day 2 was fairly similar - it began with a welcome, then a lunch, then more free time, and then a dinner featuring the Zeta Tau Alpha Housing Corporation Awards. Wearing my business attire, name tag, and button, I had never felt so official in my life. (The night before we even practiced the processional for the meeting, where each official voting delegate got her own seat in reserved chairs. Yep, I felt official.)

Day 3 was jam-packed. We attended another business meeting, a lunch to award the scholarship recipients, the philanthropy program, Crown Chapter dinner, and a ritual to finish it all off. Starting bright and early with a business meeting, our chapter was awarded the Helping Hands Award- an award that recognizes chapters for contributing to the overall good of the fraternity, one that we are very proud to accept. At lunch, along with announcing the scholarship recipients, we were awarded the Founders Club award for raising at least $25,000 this biennial with our philanthropy fundraising (an AMAZING accomplishment!). I am so excited to take this award back to the chapter and prove to them that every passed out pink ribbon, every Pink Out game, every golf tournament, and every donation collected was SO worth it. Not only does it feel good doing these things to raise awareness, it feels SO good to know that the hard work we all put in each year truly does pay off.

That night was the big dinner, the moment we were all waiting for. When they began to announce chapters to receive their own Crown Chapter awards, we got nervous, excited, and probably a little too loud for our table because we were trying to distract ourselves as to not think about it too much. Chapter after chapter was being called out, and the longer we were there the antsier we became. Finally they got to “G” in the alpha bet and we saw “Gamma Phi: Crown Chapter” in big letters on the screen above our heads. I swear I don’t even remember hearing our name get called, I just remember standing up, holding back my tears of joy, and accepting the award on behalf of the chapter from Lynn Chapman, VP Collegiate II. Next thing I knew, we were back at our table taking snapchat after snapchat to document the moment. It could not have been a more perfect night. As we posted pictures and notified our chapter that we had won, they went crazy! Knowing that this last semester was by no means easy for us, we reached a goal and I couldn’t be any more proud of Gamma Phi as I am today.

Friday was our last full day of programming and it began with a continental breakfast to kick off collegiate programming. For programming, we were divided into large groups that rotated throughout the buildings at a different station. I traveled to each station with our VPI while Carly, our fabulous VPII New Member Coordinator, got to present to every delegate at convention about the brand new New Member program that Nationals unveiled this year. Our chapter got to pilot the program (a HUGE honor) which meant Carly was the perfect woman for the job!

The rest of the day was full of Panhellenic love, academic achievement awards, and Crown Chapter Awards for the Alumnae chapters. All seven alumnae chapters in our province won Crown Chapter Awards which meant that every single chapter, collegiate and alumnae, won a Crown Chapter Award – how amazing is that?! And on top of that, our very own Province President, Stancy, received her Honor Ring. The night was full of fun, laughing, dancing, and cheering!

On our final day was the election and installation of National Council. Taking my seat as official delegate (again, feeling very official) and seeing this process was unlike anything I’d ever seen. Just knowing that we got to see women undertake huge roles of leadership in our sisterhood made me think about how there is so much room for growth in Zeta. Outstanding mentors, advisors, and alumni who have contributed so much time and effort to making ZTA great got to step into roles that could truly make a difference in our community.

The next morning at two a.m., we got on our shuttle and left the resort with a bittersweet goodbye. I said goodbye to my roommate, goodbye to the giant cacti, and goodbye to Convention 2016. Looking back, winning Crown Chapter is definitely one of my favorite moments but I will never forget staying up until 4 a.m. with my Zetas from all over the US talking about anything and everything under the starts (the epitome of sisterhood). I will also always remember the dinner where previous Convention attendees had a standing contest to see who had been to the most Conventions in their life. The winner, a sweet elderly woman in a wheelchair, had been to 27 in her life (that’s a lot). Her story made me feel like no matter what I do or where I go, Zeta will always be the sisterhood that changed my life for the better. I wished my time in Phoenix would have been longer, but I knew that my home away from home was waiting for me right where I left it. Though now, I feel more prepared to take care of it than ever.

Jordan Roberts, President

Clown School

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 May 2016 19:21:00 +0000

I have always loved clowns. They just make me happy and I love nothing more than dressing up and playing a character so when the opportunity came to attend a one week clown school program I decided to take on the challenge and sign up for it. I have always played dramatic characters but comedy was something new to me.

I was really nervous when I started out. I tend to be a very shy person so putting myself out there and not being afraid to look dumb took a lot of courage. I know I am funny with words but being funny in actions alone was a new feat entirely. Being a clown is more than just putting on silly makeup and jiggling; it involves a lot of physical movement, perfectly timed actions, and using action and reaction in improvisation. It was actually a lot harder than it looks! I am usually really good at using sarcasm but I had to learn how to portray it in just my actions.

There was a definite learning curve but the instructors were great at helping us all learn. We started each day with warm ups to stretch our bodies and then played games that worked on our teamwork and quick thinking skills. Each day we learned new techniques and gags to strengthen our range of clown knowledge. What challenged me most was how integral it was to rely on instinct rather than knowledge. In everyday life I am much more of a logical thinker but once my instructor talked it over with me I realized that is what makes clowning so funny. Going with your instincts and not taking things literally is what makes audiences laugh! For example, if a giant rock hits a cartoon, he doesn’t get broken bones, he flattens like an accordion and makes an accordion sound as he walks away. After realizing this, I was able to start relying on whatever came to my mind first instead of trying to think through everything. I became a lot more comfortable after that and that is when I really started to shine through in our clown classes. I was able to let loose and that’s when I started to get a lot of laughs in return for my actions.

I also learned that clowning involves a lot of teamwork. When clowning in a group you always have to give your partners something to work with to make them look good. It is all about action and reaction so when each person contributes, the scenes really flow and that is when we were the funniest.

I loved my clown school experience because we were given the freedom to come up with our own scenarios and test them out in front of our class. This helped me really let my imagination flow and come up with some good material. My favorite thing we learned was how to juggle scarves and how to balance sticks on different body parts. They were super fun skills to learn and they taught me how to remain clam, stay focused, and to really be in the moment.

My love for clowns has only grown through this class and I think I have discovered my niche! It makes me feel comfortable in my own skin and getting to let go is a great feeling. The best part of the whole class though was being able to do it with my friends and one of my Zeta sisters. We got to learn together, play off each others ideas, and support each other and that is what made it worthwhile.

Alex Zepeda, PC Spring ‘13

A Zeta Goodbye

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 03 May 2016 19:22:00 +0000

“I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn, and we are lead to those who help us most to grow, if we let them (and we help them, in return).” - For Good, Wicked the Musical.

If I had a nickel for every time I quoted, cried to, or belted this song with my zeta sisters, I wouldn’t be so anxious about finding a job once I cross that commencement stage in less than two weeks. But not even every trite little canvas quote or Instagram caption could summarize what I have experienced in my three short years as a collegiate member of my fraternity, or the feelings I experienced Sunday night at my final collegiate event, Senior Appreciation.

Having attended a few send-offs in the past, I felt that I would be prepared for the general itinerary of the evening: a lot of crying, a bit of laughter, some uncomfortable stories, and, of course, even more crying as we all said goodbye to our bigs, littles, and sisters as the seniors enter the alumnae world. But I could not have been prepared for how hard it was to sit on the other side.

Sitting at the front of the room, and looking out onto the chapter that had been my home for so long was a difficult moment for me. I had always prided myself on being a member who considered herself overly involved. It wasn’t an uncommon occasion that I would find myself up until three in the morning working on a banner for that week’s mixer, or cramming last minute details onto the homecoming float. These delusional nights spent with sleep deprivation and hysterical laughing fits were some that I never expected to be those I cherished most. But that’s what Zeta truly is, I think. It is the unexpected moments where you suddenly find yourself crammed in a car with six girls as you hysterically cry over a joke you can’t even remember the origin of. It’s pomping the homecoming float for hours on end until the tips of your fingers grow numb, but you can’t keep yourself from laughing at the spontaneous dance party thanks to someone playing ‘Lip Gloss’ at full blast. It’s reading your letter to your big at her senior appreciation, trying to speak through the tears as you reminisce on everything she has taught you, and how much she changed your life in the short time you had her.

Leaving is hard. Walking away from the comfort of the strongest support system you could have ever wished for, and leaping into the great unknown that is the “real world” is terrifying. But, though it all, you are granted a sense of hope, and humility. Perhaps some would judge their success in their chapters by counting the philanthropy trophies that line their walls, or the formal t-shirts hanging in their closets, but I choose to judge it by how many faces I saw in the crowd that night.

Seeing the line of people who wanted their turn to cry and laugh, to lament and celebrate with their sisters. Being handed a small jar of glitter and sobbing over it, because your sister told that it wasn’t just glitter, it was floo powder so I could come home whenever I missed them too much. Hearing the words “you’re why I’m here, you’re why I’m home” and laughing through your tears because you can’t possibly believe that you could have touched someone’s life in such a significant way. Holding your perfect, precious littles in your arms as they tell you that you inspired their successes and motivations to become the strong women you boast about so often. All of these things are moments you could never anticipate, but would never trade for anything in the world.

Well, I don’t know if I’ve been changed for the better, but because I knew them, I have been changed for good.

Kristina Brewer, PC Fall ‘13

We Live the Creed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 02 May 2016 15:15:00 +0000

In 1898, our founders gave us the greatest gift we could have asked for. They created this organization that has, in just three years, already changed my life so much. As I look back at my time in Zeta so far I realize just how much my sisters have impacted me. I came to UNT and didn’t know anyone and wasn’t super comfortable in my own skin but I found this group of women who has built me up and encouraged me to do things I never imagined I could do. My sisters have been there for the ups, the downs, and the in-betweens, and they have loved me unconditionally. They have seen greatness in me even when I could not see it for myself and they have never given up on me. It is easy to find people who will be there for you during the good times but finding a support system who will stick through the bad times is what counts most.

I have one year left as a collegiate member of Zeta Tau Alpha and I can’t believe my time is almost up. Because of my sisters I am growing to the be woman I always wished I could become and am driven to take on things I never would have had the guts to do without their encouragement. Our chapter has grown together so much and I am so proud to call these women my sisters and call this chapter my home. I think that when we feel loved and have others to love, we are capable of amazing things and can say from experience that this chapter is built on the love that our founders envisioned for our members over 100 years ago. Our creed gives us so many beautiful tenets to live by but it truly all comes down to love, the greatest of all things.

Mary Campbell Jones Batte, Historian

We Live the Creed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 25 Apr 2016 13:55:00 +0000

This line of our creed is one of my favorites. Though it is fairly self-explanatory, it has an immense meaning. This line is a something that I try to hold myself to everyday because I know that to be a good Zeta lady and the kind of woman I want to be, I must always do what is right, tell the truth, and do what is good for the chapter as a whole without thinking twice about it.

Telling the truth isn’t always the easiest thing but it is always the right thing. I have been put in many situations throughout my lifetime to where I had to tell someone something that wasn’t easy to say but after telling them I felt so much better. Being in Zeta I know that no matter what I say or do my sisters will always be there for me because we share that special bond of sisterhood that can’t be broken. I have also learned from being on Programs Council this semester that as a leader of our chapter I will have to make some tough decisions but if I keep the well being of our chapter at heart and do what I know is best for the future of ZTA then those tough choices will be worth it in the end.

The right choice might not always be clear. Being good and true takes work, even for the best of people. I love being a part of this organization because together, we all strive for greatness and to be true to ourselves and those around us. We hold each other to a higher standard and help each other be the best versions of ourselves.

Marlyssa, Apparel Chairman

We Live the Creed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 18 Apr 2016 14:05:00 +0000

Being a member of Zeta Tau Alpha bears the responsibility of being an example to our fellow sisters, as well as the community at large. For me personally, being a Zeta means that you should always strive to better not only yourself, but those around you, regardless of whether or not they are Greek. Through the hectic weeks we need to remind ourselves that we, as Zetas, hold ourselves to a higher standard; to me that standard includes setting an example for those around us, taking charge when needed, and showing compassion.

Our open motto is also a great example of this particular line: "Seek the Noblest", which to me means that we should always do our best to build friendships with those whom we know will always be there for us no matter the circumstances, as well as hold each other accountable for our actions in and outside of our organization. Our organization is not just made up of individuals; when we are all together, we are representing something far greater than ourselves and this means that we must live our lives the way that our founding members intended us to: always doing what is best, not only what is easiest.

Caitlin Bellet, PC Fall ‘15

We Live the Creed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 Apr 2016 14:17:00 +0000

Our Zeta journeys begin at such an important time in all of our lives. These college years are the ones where we are supposed to “grow up” and figure out who we want to be in the world and having such a beautiful creed to live by has helped me so much. Knowing that your best friend since day 1 might be a world-renowned entrepreneur, your Big will get married to the man of her dreams, and the girl in your pledge class is going to study all across Europe is such an inspiring environment to be in.

This line of the creed reminds me that no matter the success, it is important to remember where you came from and how you started out. It's so easy to get wrapped up in the plans of the future while sitting at chapter meetings or late nights at Whataburger, but knowing that no matter what happens in the next 10 years the girl sitting across from you with a handful of fries is one of your best friends and an unconditional source of support. College can make you or break you and Zeta Tau Alpha is making me into someone the woman I always aspired to be.

Sophia Jackson, PC Fall '15

We Live the Creed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Apr 2016 14:04:00 +0000

To me, this line from our creed means that even in the darkest of times there is always some light that can be found in the world. As we all experience our own ups and downs these words help my sisters and I to see the joy and beauty in the world around us. This line reminds us to find happiness in the small and simple things of life while we celebrate our joys together, even the small ones. From getting A’s on tests to celebrating new jobs and engagements, we all look for the beauty that life offers in our day to day lives.

During my time in Zeta I have made everlasting friendships that will last far beyond my college years and that have truly molded who I am now. These wonderful women that I call my sisters have made my experience in Zeta more beautiful that I could ever actually express in words and I am so thankful to them for that. There is no greater beauty than the love I have for my sisters.

Alice Grey Welsh, Panhellenic Delegate

Running for Sara

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 18:27:00 +0000

Growing up I was always immersed into sports and the outdoors. My two older sisters started the trend, the middle one taking it to new heights by becoming a collegiate diver for the University of Louisville and participating in triathlons and ultra-marathons (which she placed in without much training). However, even though both my older sisters picked up a love for running starting really young, it had never been my thing. I hated running so much that in soccer I made sure I was the goalie just so I wouldn’t have to run. It wasn’t until college that I really found my love for running.

What truly got me started in running was feeling lost at the gym. I’m the girl who needs to have someone to work out with because I need to be told what to do (one of the reasons I love workout videos and personal trainers). When running I could avoid the gym altogether. I refuse to do treadmills unless forced (bad experience as a kid, my tip for you: don’t see how fast the treadmill goes and then hop on at that high speed, you will regret it) and running in circles bores me so running is only enjoyable for me if it’s outside.

I don’t really remember falling in love but, knowing me, I probably just told myself how much fun I was having while running (even though I probably hated it) and I started to believe it. Once I fell in love though I realized how perfect of a workout it was for me. I’m a very non-confrontational person when it involves sports. Example: when I play flag football I feel bad for grabbing the other person’s flag (I wish I could give them the ball and let everyone score but I don’t think my teammates would appreciate that). I just want everyone to have fun and not be frustrated and when I run I am having fun. Over time it has also turned into “me time” and a chance to get away from daily stressors.

When I started college I “run a marathon before I graduate” to my bucket list. My first three years flew by while I developed my love/hate relationship for running (loved it more than I hated it) without any marathon opportunities. Well then summer 2015 rolled around and I realized how close I was to graduating without crossing that one goal off my bucket list. I started researching marathons religiously and I stumbled upon the Disney marathon. Immediately I knew it was the one and my parents signed me up as a birthday gift.

If you’re a senior, you know how hectic your schedule can get. With 18 hours and an internship on my plate, I pushed my training to the back burner. I had set a half marathon as a checkpoint for me. On Halloween I ran the Monster Dash Half. Training hadn’t really been a thing and I ended up getting injured for my stupidity. Nothing serious but I was in a boot for the month of November. December came around which meant finals were happening, break happened, and no training was done over this period other than my regular runs for pleasure. I talked to my parents about it and after discussing it, we all believed it would be best if I didn’t run the Disney marathon.

January 1st came and we lost a friend, a sister. Out of all the people I had told about my marathon, Sara seemed the most excited for me. She kept telling me I was going to have so much fun and that she was really impressed that I was going to do it. After she died, I knew I had to run this race. I couldn’t let all the support I had received from her go to waste! Then before I knew it I was on a plane for Orlando (still without any training).

I’m a child at heart so I loved this marathon. This marathon lets all the runners run through all the parks in Disney with characters along the way to take pictures with and if you’re really fast (which I am not) you can even hop on a ride and then get back to the race. The castle was lit up as well and it was so magical and cheesy and wonderful. I had a blast running the race up until about mile 20 when my lack of training kicked in. I started hobbling and wanted to quit but I remembered Sara’s words of encouragement (they just popped into my head, it was kind of weird) and that’s what kept me going.

Running across the finish line, I felt so accomplished. I had turned something that I initially hated into an accomplishment without any training. (But by the way, train if you’re going to run a marathon. Trust me.)

After taking one item off my bucket list, I’ve added another. I hope to run a half marathon distance or more in all 50 states. I’ve checked two states off already and in April I’ll fly back home to Kansas and do another half marathon (it’s Wizard of Oz themed, how ironic). This means that my journey of running includes at least 47 more long distance runs. Although this is a big goal to accomplish, I am excited to see where it takes me and I’ll always be running for Sara.

Rachel Knapp, PC Spring '13

We Live the Creed

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 28 Mar 2016 13:59:00 +0000

There is so much beauty, and life, and goodness in the world but it is sometimes buried deep and can be hard to find. This line of our creed has always meant a lot to me because when I was growing up, I didn’t always see the value in myself. It’s something I’ve always struggled with and it’s held me back from great opportunities more than a few times (in fact it almost kept me from joining Greek life at all) because I just thought I wasn’t good enough. But every day I see my sisters live by our creed and embody this line. I have never met a group of more diverse and openhearted young women. They saw the good in me when I struggled to and they welcomed me with open arms.

In our chapter not only do we look for the good in everyone, we help them find it within themselves. We come together to find the good in everyone, to empower each other, to see beauty with its enriching influence, and to be humble in success and without bitterness in defeat. As Zetas, we find the good in everyone to better ourselves, our sisterhood, and the world around us. And we find the good in everyone because we know Love is the greatest of all things.

The world get tough but with sisters to support you every step of the way it can be greater than you ever imagined. You just have to look for the good.

Maud Jones Horner, Risk Reduction

The St. Bernard Project

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Mar 2016 14:53:00 +0000

I spent my spring break in New Orleans, Louisiana and it was one adventure filled week. At first glace you might think I went to NOLA for bourbon street, St. Patrick’s Day and all the spring break festivities however, I decided to go to New Orleans for a different reason.

I made the 8.5-hour trip (well actually 11 because the rain caused floods) to the gulf town with UNT Alternate Spring Break, more specifically with UNT Greek Life. Our community partner was St. Bernard’s Project, which is a nonprofit aimed at the rebuilding of devastated homes from hurricane Katrina and Rita. They have two categories of rebuild: owner occupied and opportunity housing. With all of the homes ruined during these disasters, one of the most affected populations was the low-income renters. New Orleans is still unable to supply the demand of housing, so rent has nearly tripled since 2005. A new project through St. Bernard’s Project called “opportunity housing” fixes homes for these low-income families to purchase a home at a reduced price with options of renting and rent-to-own as well. Their motto is “to bring people home” because their sole goal is to provide someone affordable housing that was displaced in the aftermath of a disaster. It has been over 10 years since Katrina but there is still a great need in the area of New Orleans. As you drive you can still see vacated homes, destroyed buildings and water lines over ¾ on homes and city buildings.

*Fun Fact: St. Bernard’s Project is now a national nonprofit partnered with AmeriCorps that has stations in Texas, Missouri, Louisiana, New York and New Jersey that rebuilds affected homes in the wake of hurricanes, floods and tornados.*

Reading this you might wonder why someone would give up time I could be at the beach to go on a service trip. For me though, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I decided to apply for this trip first because it was with Greek Life. The people I ended up going with are from IFC, PanHellenic, MGC and NPHC representing 9 chapters in total. I wanted to get connected with people form all branches of Greek life and to meet new people I otherwise wouldn’t get the opportunity to.

The second reason I went on this trip was to help learn about disasters, their impact on communities. As an emergency planning major, I was excited to see if this is something I can see myself working with more in the future. The actual work is something I never have experienced before. Our Site-Sup, Anna, taught us how to tile floors, hang doors, and clear grout lines. I was teamed up with Barrett and our job for all 4 days was to finish tiling the shower and the floor of the downstairs bathroom. By the end of each day, cement was all over us (tiling is a lot harder than you would think). But through it all, we had fun and I learned a lot about myself. I am so proud to have left that house better than we found (especially that bathroom because it is beautiful).

We worked in the mornings and had a chance to adventure around NOLA giving the trip a great balance of heard work and great fun! Getting to know everyone on the trip and exploring a city I have never been to made the trip even better and I would recommend the program to anyone in the future. I wouldn’t have wanted to spend my spring break any other way and can honestly say it has changed my life and perspective on the world.

Roni Fraser, PC Fall ‘15