Z- Factor

In the week leading up to Zeta’s annual talent show philanthropy event, there was so much excitement and a lot of preparation to do. We drew beautiful chalk art around campus to promote the event, handed out flyers to students as they walked to class, and sold tickets to our friends to raise money and have them come to the event. The day before the event, we even had pink themed study snacks at the Zeta house, in honor of thinking pink for breast cancer awareness. Everyone was so excited to the talent show on Thursday, especially because the money was going to such a great cause.

On the day of the event, we all got to the auditorium early so we could get good seats to watch the talents. At 5 o’clock the emcees came out and everyone in the room became to cheer with excitement - the show had begun! The first act, a female singer/songwriter, took the stage and her voice was amazing, we all knew we were in for a good night or performances. As the show continued, the talent seemed to get better and better. There was singing, dancing, comedy, magic and freestyle rapping - we even had one of own zetas perform, Jolie Fisher, and she was absolutely amazing! Overall the show was so entertaining and it was fun to see our peers showcasing their talents. 

At the end of the show, we all sat in anticipation waiting to hear who won. Everyone was excited when they announced that the Theta Dance Team had won the talent show, but we were all even more thrilled when we heard that we had raised over $43,000 for our philanthropy. All the many hours of hard work that people put into the show paid off and it ended up being a huge success! 

ZLAM,

Caroline Gutierrez PC ‘15

I Got it From My Momma: Zeta Mom's Weekend 2016

Leading up to Mom’s weekend, I was counting down the days until she arrived in Austin. Yes, I was excited to see her, but it also didn’t hurt that she was renting a condo downtown at the Ashton, where I knew I could sleep in a comfy, queen sized bed versus my usual twin sized one. I also wasn’t opposed to the free dinners (real dinners, not dorm food) that were soon to come. Maybe I would even get some of my laundry done. But really, all jokes aside, one of the things I miss most in college is not getting to come home to my fun-loving, kindhearted mother. Phone calls and facetimes are just not the same as cuddling up on the couch with her to watch a movie or going to our favorite restaurants. So needless to say, I couldn’t wait for a weekend of this.

Friday began with an afternoon by the pool. We had the most beautiful view of town lake and got some sun while catching up with one another. Amanda Brauer and her mom were also staying with us in the condo and we all spent a much-needed day of relaxation. That night we went to Taverna downtown with some other Zeta’s and their moms. The Italian was delicious and again, much better than the dorm food I have gotten accustomed to. Saturday we headed down to South Congress and did some shopping (another luxury I am too poor for ever since college) which then followed by more laying out back at the pool. Saturday night we went with Mckenna Nard, Brooke Merritt and both of their moms to get sushi at Bar Chi which was yet another yummy meal. Afterwards we walked over to Speakeasy and enjoyed appetizers and good company with all of our Zeta sisters and their moms. On Sunday morning, we all headed to the Zeta house for a big brunch with all of our moms. As always, the food at Zeta was delicious, and the company was even better! Looking around, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude to be apart of such an amazing sisterhood. 

I can truly say the only downside is that I’m pretty positive I gained 10 pounds from all of the lounging and eating. Getting to have all of my favorite people in one place, my mom and my sisters, made for a very happy, laughter-filled 48 hours.The weekend was even more wonderful than I expected it to be. I was so glad I got to share my mom with all of my best friends and vice versa. My mom loved reliving a little bit of her college days and getting to experience for a weekend what my life is like in college and in Zeta. We made so many memories and it has made me look forward to the next 3 years of Mom’s weekends.

ZLAM,

Lainie Mabe PC'15 

Crowned Up at Round Up

Round Up 2016, my first, was everything I expected and more. I’ve always looked forward to this weekend, and having never experienced it before heightened my anticipation. When the collage of favors came out, I actually shrieked. Having waited years to don abnormal amounts of sorority clothing, tattoos and accessories, I couldn’t believe it was finally my turn. I remembered stalking photos of older girls, admiring the unique ways they applied their flash tats, and wondering which performers I would be anxiously waiting to see. The release of the gear was the first step in living out my dream.

Having no self-control when it came to ordering the favors, I had many options for what to wear. Trying on countless combinations of outfits with my friends consumed my weekdays prior to the event. When I finally woke up on Friday, anxiously awaiting my hamburger from Backyard Bash, I couldn’t believe it was finally here. Rain and thunder couldn’t deter the festivities, as Zeta’s, Silver Spurs and their guests enjoyed delicious cookout food and snow cones all benefitting the Neighborhood Longhorn Foundation and the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation. The sun came out on Saturday and all day people bounced from house to house enjoying the different activities offered. It truly lived up to the hype.

Now, reflecting on the weekend and glancing down at the remnants of shiny gold tattoos and sharpied “ZLAMS” that cover my arms, I appreciate how lucky I am to be a Zeta, and to be so proud as to cover my entire body in paraphernalia of my sorority. Seeing my sorority sisters decked out all over West Campus was a highlight. Smiling and waving as we all made our ways to different concerts, crawfish boils, philanthropy events and parties was so much fun. Round Up reaffirmed my appreciation for being a UT student, Texas Zeta, and to be in college in general. Next year’s festivities cannot come soon enough! 

ZLAM,

Rachel Weisenthal PC '15

Sisterhood, Sunshine, and Good Times

    

     Gulf Shores was a trip that I had anticipated ever since I got into The University of Texas. When I was a junior in high school I heard so many stories about Gulf Shores from my brother who was a freshman at UT at the time. His freshman year spring break sounded like one for the books, and I couldn’t wait to experience it myself. A group of my pledge sisters and I worked hard to plan our weeklong stay in Alabama. We searched hours for the perfect house on the beach, organized the payments and plans, and prepared for an epic spring break. 

Once we finally arrived in Alabama, we unpacked our bags and immediately grabbed our swimsuits. The trip was filled with a ton of tanning time, sisterly bonding, and tons of laughs. It was awesome that we had the opportunity to get away from school for the week and spend time with our zisters. On the beach, we were able to meet up with our other zeta sisters and guy friends at other houses. The beach was flooded with people and even Zetas from other schools. It was awesome making new friends and it surprised me how many connections I was able to make in Gulf Shores, Alabama!

My spring break was definitely one to remember. I will never forget the memories I made with my best friends by my side. I loved being able to get away from schoolwork for a while and just enjoy the amazing company that I had. The hype that my brother created for Gulf Shores was definitely lived up to, and I can’t wait to pass down the tradition of going to Gulf Shores for spring break to other freshman.

ZLAM,

Molly Horowitz PC '15