Recruitment is coming up soon, and we are so excited to finally get back to the authentic recruitment experience. Today you'll get to know a little bit more about our 2022 Recruitment Captain, Abigail Keilen, as well as get the full Fall Recruitment schedule.
Abby is from Round Rock, Texas, and became a member of Texas Zeta in 2020. She is an incoming senior this upcoming year, majoring in Government and Sociology and minoring in Philosophy of Law.
Recruitment is approaching! For some, recruitment is exciting and an opportunity to meet new friends, but for others, it can be nerve-racking. Rest assured, the women in each chapter are so excited to meet you and get those same nerves! Going in with an open mind is the best thing you can do to ensure a positive and beneficial experience. In order to feel more confident for the week, below is what you can expect for each round.
Open House
Open house the first round of recruitment! You have the opportunity to witness the diverse sisterhood of all thirteen chapters at UT. Each sorority will show you a short video representing each houses’ values and personality. Afterward, you’ll rank the ten houses you’d like to know better.
Philanthropy
Philanthropy is a special and intimate round because you get to learn about a cause close to up to ten sororitys’ hearts. This round will be conducted on zoom and last for 30 minutes. Zeta’s philanthropy is Breast Cancer Education and Awareness. You’ll hear about our annual fundraising events and personal testimonies shared by our sisters. We also have a fun activity that allows you to contribute to our philanthropy. Afterward, you’ll get the chance to talk to the active members. This is the round where you will start to create deeper connections with the women in each chapter. Be prepared to talk about any philanthropic work you’ve done in high school or any passions you have that relate to serving others. This round is important because you gain a better understanding of each houses’ values and dive into deeper conversations with the women in each chapter. At the end of the day, you’ll rank the six houses you feel you connected with the most.
Sisterhood
Sisterhood is an exciting round because you start to get a more clear picture of the house you will run home to on bid day. It’s also the last round that takes place on Zoom! Conversations will be five minutes longer than philanthropy round, deeper, and you will hear from women about what makes their sisterhood special and witness the bonds they share with one another. You may begin to get that “at home” feeling at certain houses! It’s important to ask questions pertaining to what you want in a sorority relating to sisterhood, leadership opportunities, or anything else you value! After you leave your last party, you’ll rank two chapters that you want to come back to for preference round.
Pref
Preference round is the last round of recruitment; you’re almost done! During this round, you will have a maximum of two houses, so it’s extremely important to evaluate the philanthropy, sisterhood, and values of the house that feels right for YOU! This is a formal night - you will get a chance to see the insides of each house for the first time and have conversations with potential sisters face-to-face. Current members will share testimonies about why they chose the house they did and how it has impacted their lives. This is an extremely special and emotional night, for both active and potential members, so be prepared for some tears (and invest in some waterproof mascara)!
Some questions to ask yourself when evaluating your final houses: Do you feel like you can be completely yourself? Are these the girls you’d like to call your sisters? Do you see opportunities for growth? Would you be excited to run home on bid day with the girls in the party with you?
On Preference Night at Zeta, I’ll never forget the love and sense of belonging I felt. Each and every girl I spoke to was an embodiment of the woman I wanted to become, and I longed to be a part of that sisterhood. We understand this is a hard night, as you have an important decision to make. Remember to be open in your conversations and trust your gut. Don't forget; your Rho Gammas will also be there to help you talk through any difficult choice you have.
Overall Tips
It is HOT in August. By the end of preference night, your hair and makeup might not look the way it did when the night started. That’s OKAY! Focus on your conversations and try not to let it distract you.
You’re gonna hear these questions every day, whether it be Open House or Bid Day: Where are you from? Where are you living? What’s your major? What did you do this Summer? All in all, be prepared for lots of small talk!
Zoom recruitment can be scary for both active members and potential new members! This is only our second time going through it virtually, so we’re all still learning. If there are some technical mishaps, just let your Rho Gam know!
The most important thing is to be yourself. The house that’s right for you is the house that loves you for you. It’s the house that supports and uplifts you. It’s the house where you don’t feel the pressure to act like anyone or anything you’re not. Each and every chapter at UT is filled with kind, talented, intelligent, and hard-working girls, and you’re bound to find the right fit.
Ultimately, recruitment can be tiring, but it’s also so much fun. You’re meeting girls from all over the country and your potential new sisters. This week may be long, but the sisterhood that comes as a result will be forever. With that being said, we are so excited to meet each and every one of you. And don’t forget, Go Texas Zeta!
With Love,
Clara Smith
MC’ 19, Zeta Recruitment Team <3
Hi!! My name is Brooke Devoe and I'm so excited to be the 2021 Recruitment Captain! Since becoming a member of Zeta Tau Alpha, I've been surrounded by nothing but love, sisterhood, and friendship. I am constantly inspired by my sisters to work hard and become the best version of myself, and I am so excited to share our sisterhood with you this summer! My team and I have been working so hard this year and we cannot WAIT to meet you. Read more below to learn a little bit more about us!
Brooke Devoe
What member class are you in?
MC’18
What’s your position and what do you do?
I’m thrilled to be the 2021 Recruitment Captain for Zeta! I am so excited to work with my amazing team to prepare our chapter for formal recruitment. We are so excited to meet you!
What’s your major?
I am a Human Dimensions of Organizations major and I am also pursuing a certificate in Design Strategies! HDO focuses on providing a deep understanding of people and the key components of organizations.
Where are you from?
I am from Southlake, Texas.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I hope to become a pilates instructor sometime in my life!
What is your favorite memory you’ve had with your sisters?
My favorite memory I have had with my sisters has been Spirit Week my sophomore year. It is such a rewarding week; getting excited for the PNMS coming through, bonding with girls in different MCS, while also spending time with all of my closest friends. With that being said, I cannot wait for this year’s Spirit Week as I enter my senior year! <3
Why did you #GOTEXASZETA?
I joined Texas Zeta because it truly felt like home from the second I stepped into the house. I felt loved and accepted immediately. Through joining Zeta, I’ve found my best friends for life.
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What’s your name?
Kennedy Kiemsteadt
What member class are you in?
I’m in MC ‘19.
What’s your position and what do you do?
I’m the Entertainment Chair! My role is to produce recruitment videos that showcase our philanthropy and sisterhood.
What’s your major?
I am a Human Dimensions of Organizations major, also pursuing a minor in Communication. I will also be attending McCombs Marketing Business Bridge Program following my senior year! It is a one-year graduate school program, and I hope to work in event planning or at a marketing agency after completion.
Where are you from?
I am from Round Rock, Texas.
What’s a fun fact about you?
The reason why I wanted to go to UT was because of my dad. He played baseball here in the 90s, so I have always had a special love for this school! I am so grateful to be able to be a part of the culture and traditions here - and to be able to share that with my dad!
What’s your favorite thing to do around Austin?
My favorite thing to do around Austin is trying out new restaurants with friends! I go out to dinner really frequently, and Austin has endless options, so it makes the experience that much better! One of my favorite places is Tiny Boxwoods. I have so many memories there, whether it be eating dinner with my family, or grabbing brunch with friends! Their cookies are amazing, btw - a must try! <3
What’s one thing you couldn’t live without?
Music! Whether I am working out, spending time with friends, or even walking to class, I am always playing music. My favorite artists of all time would be Post Malone or Morgan Wallen!
Outside of Zeta, how else are you involved in the UT community?
I am a third-year member of the University of Texas Orange Squad, the co-ed cheerleading team. I am a part of our leadership structure and serve as an operational manager for recruiting, events, and appearances. As a cheerleader, my biggest role is to be the best ambassador of the university and support Texas Athletics as a whole! In addition, I am an active member of Human Dimensions of Organizations Student Organization and will serve as Entertainment and Strategy Officer this year.
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What's your name?
Taylor Garrett
What’s your position and what do you do?
I am Database Chair/Director of Virtual Recruitment! I work with Maya to gather all of the information about every PNM coming through recruitment in the Fall!
What member class are you in?
I am in MC ‘18
What’s your major?
I’m a Corporate Communications major with a Business Minor.
Where are you from?
I am from Plano, Texas.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I have loved running ever since I was little, participating in both cross country and track, and one thing on my bucket list is to run a marathon with my two older sisters!
What’s your favorite thing to do around Austin?
I love going on long walks around Shoal Creek with friends! This creek runs alongside Lamar Blvd. allowing for great sightseeing of the whole city.
What is the first concert you attended?
Taylor Swift’s “The Red Tour” in 2013!
What’s a philosophy you live by?
My philosophy in life is to “do the little things”. This is important to me because if you pay attention and do those little things, you can learn a lot about yourself, others, and the world around you. Small things grow into habits, so if it takes less than a minute to do, do it and watch how it will change your world.
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What's your name?
Abby Keilen
What’s your position and what do you do?
I am the Regional Recruitment Capitan! My role is to keep the chapter up to date on girls going through formal recruitment and plan sisterhood events prior to recruitment week!
What member class are you in?
I am in MC ‘20.
What’s your major?
I am a double major in Government and Sociology with a minor in Philosophy of Law.
Where are you from?
I am from Round Rock, TX
What’s a fun fact about you?
I’ve gone skydiving six times and plan on getting my skydiving license!
What’s your favorite thing to do around Austin?
My favorite thing to do in Austin is to find new restaurants and listen to live music. Ever since I was young, my Dad carted my sisters and me around Austin looking for new restaurants and music venues. When we were young this felt like more of a chore to us, and we typically contested any restaurant without chicken tenders. But as I got older, my Dad’s favorite hobby of discovering new food and music became one of mine as well. I realized that although there is no debate that Austin has amazing food and music, these little adventures with my Dad brought me closer to the person I look up to most in this world. Now that I am an adult living in Austin myself, I have been able to develop deep, genuine friendships while exploring Austin all through a habit my Dad instilled in me at a young age.
Who are your top 5 artists to listen to in the car?
My top five artists to listen to in the car are Billy Joel, Daniel Caesar, Pink Sweat$, the Eagles, and SZA.
What do you plan on doing with your career after graduation?
After I graduate from UT with my degrees in government and sociology, I plan to attend law school. My mom is a criminal defense attorney and ever since I was little, I admired the work she does. Although I don’t believe I will follow exactly in her footsteps, I hope to work in the criminal sector of law - with a focus (at the moment) on sex crimes or family law prosecution.
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What's your name?
Clara Smith
What’s your position and what do you do?
This summer, I’m Marketing Chair! I run Zeta’s Instagram, TikTok, and blog!
What member class are you in?
I’m in MC’ 19.
What’s your major?
I'm currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations!
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Madison, New Jersey, but I’ve also lived in India, Hawaii, and California.
What’s a fun fact about you?
One summer in high school, I performed in the world’s largest children’s circus doing swinging trapeze with only 3 weeks of training!
What’s your favorite thing to do around Austin?
I love going on runs at Town Lake. This past year, I ran my first half marathon and this was my go-to spot to train.
If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you live?
It would be an absolute dream to live in Île de Ré, an island off the west coast of France. I traveled there with my family in 8th grade and fell in love with the island life, scenery, food, culture, and lifestyle, and I’d love to make it my home. Additionally, I’ve spoken French since I was little, so I’d love to continue practicing the language.
What does Zeta’s philanthropy mean to you?
I was always blown away by the amount of passion Zetas have for Breast Cancer Education and Awareness. When my Mom was undergoing treatment for breast cancer my freshman year, Zeta gave me the opportunity to fight for not only my mom but millions of other women living with this illness. I could not be more grateful for unlimited love and support during that difficult time.
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What's your name?
Kassie Brumley
What’s your position and what do you do?
I am the Logistics Chair: I am in charge of organizing everything that goes on at the house during recruitment!
What member class are you in?
I’m in MC 19!
What’s your major?
I am a Sport Management major with a minor in Sports Media.
Where are you from?
I’m from Trophy Club, TX.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I rode in a hot air balloon during the International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico!
What’s your favorite thing to do around Austin?
I love relaxing at Barton Springs with my ZTA sisters! It’s a great way to beat the Austin heat.
What are some values in a friend that are important to you?
To me, the most important values in a friend are loyalty, compassion, and humility. I’m so lucky to have met so many girls in Zeta who show these characteristics and inspire me to be a better person everyday. I know that Clara Smith will have my back no matter what, Dylan Beldon will stand by me through thick and thin, and Ashlyn Fogg will make me laugh in the process! Having people who can celebrate your wins is another quality I look for in friends. One of my favorite things about Zeta is that everyone is so smart and talented and yet, so humble in their successes.
What inspired you to get on the career path you’re on now?
My brother is an attorney and inspired me to follow a pre-law track with a focus on entertainment law! He has always been a role model for me and I feel so lucky to be in a position where I can follow in his footsteps. My major has allowed me to take classes focusing on sport contract negotiations, media rights deals, and broadcast revenue flows. There is legality to all of this and thanks to some amazing professors I learned that I could combine two things I love into my future career - sport and law!
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What's your name?
Maya Zehavi
What’s your position and what do you do?
I’m the Database Chair. I work with Taylor to gather all of the information about each PNM coming through recruitment in the fall!
What member class are you in?
I’m in MC ‘20.
What’s your major?
Psychology and Plan II, which is an interdisciplinary honors major within the College of Liberal Arts.
Where are you from?
I’m from Houston, Texas.
What’s your favorite thing to do around Austin?
My favorite thing to do around Austin is to go to Zilker with friends when it’s sunny out. We usually bring food or homework, camp out for a few hours, and enjoy the Austin culture!
What’s a fun fact about you?
I’m fluent in Hebrew.
What has been your greatest academic achievement thus far?
My greatest academic achievement has been my admission into the Plan II program. I remember times in high school when I would shut down if I didn’t grasp something right away, but my determination to succeed only pushed me through those moments, and luckily, that hard work paid off. Being in Plan II, I feel grateful to be surrounded by such talented minds. Although the curriculum can be dense and the workload rigorous, I appreciate the challenge and how I constantly grow from it.
Who is a role model you have?
One of my biggest role models is my grandpa. He always makes me laugh hysterically and loves me unconditionally. He passed away a couple of months ago, but I like to think that he’s here in spirit encouraging me to be my best self, and that helps me live my life with more purpose each day :)
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What's your name?
Kennedy Huff
What’s your position and what do you do?
I’m the Connections Committee Manager! I deal with the behind-the-scenes preparation and make sure we are all ready for girls to come to Zeta!
What member class are you in?
I’m in MC’ 18
What’s your major?
I’m a Nursing major.
Where are you from?
I’m from Frisco, TX.
What’s your favorite thing to do around Austin?
I love to try new brunch spots! Every Saturday for about 2 months when I first arrived in Austin, my roommate and I tried a new brunch place throughout the city. Now that we know our favorites, we try to make this a monthly tradition to catch up and eat good food! We are always open to new suggestions and company!
What’s a fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that I went to a performing arts high school. I spent half the day doing an academic curriculum and the other half taking dance classes in all different styles - my favorite was contemporary!
What’s one food you couldn’t live without?
It’s not necessarily food, but coffee. I have a bad addiction to coffee.
What would you tell your freshman self?
I would tell my freshman self to live in the moment. So much of college is focusing on what is next or where you will be in a couple years, but it is so important to live in the moment you are in or so much will pass you by, and before you know it, college will be coming to an end.
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What’s your name?
Khushi Parikh
What’s your position and what do you do?
I’m a Recruitment Team assistant!
What member class are you in?
MC’19
What’s your major?
I am a Sophomore Government major!
Where are you from?
Dallas, TX
What’s your favorite thing to do around Austin?
My favorite thing to do around Austin is to bike on Mount Bonnell or go thrifting Downtown!
What’s a fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that I’m classically trained in Indian dance and my hair has been almost every color of the rainbow!
What is one of your favorite songs at the moment?
My favorite song right now is actually an old one, it’s Drippin’ by Young Thug
What is the most valuable experience you’ve had thus far?
The most valuable experience I’ve had so far is my journey from Tyler, TX to transferring to UT. I was able to experience two different worlds and still be a Zeta in both, providing me different perspectives on college and life while still being tied to Zeta values!
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What’s your name?
Cailyn Faith Cox
What’s your position and what do you do?
I’m a Recruitment team assistant
What member class are you in?
I'm in MC ‘20.
What’s your major?
I'm getting a Bachelor of Science in Psychology.
Where are you from?
I'm from Austin, Texas/
What’s your favorite thing to do around Austin?
My favorite thing to do around Austin is paddleboarding, hands down; Town Lake, of course, is the best place to do it!
What’s a fun fact about you?
I love meditative yoga!
Who is your favorite character from a TV show or movie?
My favorite character will always be Phoebe from Friends--bless her sweet, wacky soul.
What is one of your proudest accomplishments?
I work as a horseback riding instructor, and one of my proudest accomplishments has to be getting to watch my sweet little girls work so hard to get better, and seeing progress! They give me something to be proud of every day that I work, almost to the point where it never feels like work.
And that’s a wrap! MC’ 21 - we cannot wait to meet you!
- Brooke Devoe <3
My Mom: The Warrior
Everyone has the people in their life that they call their best friends. When I am asked the question, “Who is your best friend?”, there is one person that comes to mind right away and that I am positive will be my person forever. She is my role model, my rock, my shoulder to cry on, my “go-to” person. She is my teacher, my guide, my light, my therapist, and my cheerleader. Most of all, she is my other half, and I am the luckiest person in the world to be able to also call this person my mother.
A hero, to me, is someone who has done something brave and that you can look up to as an example. While many may say Spiderman or Catwoman are heroes to them, my personal hero isn't someone of superpowers, but it is my “super mom”. She is a woman of courage, strength, and love, and over the years has instilled in me such incredible values. I can only hope to be a hero like her to my own children one day.
Sometimes, you come across a very impactful person in your life expedition, but I found that person at the very beginning of my life journey. My mom was there for my first breath, helped me to walk my first steps, brought me to my first day of school, and introduced me to the world. My mom is the most beautiful star that shines on earth and the brightest light of happiness in my life. When I am feeling down, she cheers me up, and when I am feeling hopeless, she is the one that gives me hope. She truly does it all.
At 12 years old, as the youngest of three, and the only girl in the family, I relished being the center of attention. This carefree demeanor forever changed when my best friend, also my mom, was diagnosed with breast cancer. My entire world collapsed, but I had to remain calm. I wanted to be strong for my mom. Seeing her in the hospital made me think of all the times she took care of me when I was sick in bed but witnessing her inner strength and positive attitude during chemotherapy and radiation sessions showed her heroic, fighting spirit.
Although she could not control this terrible thing that had happened to her, she could control how she dealt with it and how she could respond to the situation. Instead of letting the diagnosis make her feel sorry for herself or slow her down, she continued to have her same sense of humor and her willingness to help others, making this dark time in our lives much easier for everyone. My mom did not let herself feel depressed, worried, or cut off from others, but instead she chose to be strong and keep happy thoughts in her mind during the entire process. She used her frightening experience to teach others that they have a choice to be happy, sad, worried, or angry when something bad happens, but always to take the opportunity to be brave, confident, and hopeful. Her mindset is what helped shape who both she and I are to this day, as she overcame her battle with a positive attitude and helped me do the same with mine. As strong as my mother was, it turned out that I was just as resilient when faced with a frighteningly similar struggle of my own.
My mom truly is a fighter. She has overcome so many obstacles in life, but most of all, she kicked breast cancer’s ass. She never gave up and she kept on fighting. She pushed and gave it her all, even when times were hard. She had hope and remained positive during the entire journey. Through all of the hardships, she was always standing strong. She taught me what it meant to be brave. She showed me to never give up and to always keep my head up. She showed me you can’t let things, even as big as what you dealt with, get in your way of happiness. With or without cancer, she continued to be the same person and never let the disease control how she lived her life.
- Skylar Kaye, MC '19
