Spring Break 2019

The week before Spring Break, I was away in Kansas City cheering on the Longhorns for the Big 12 basketball tournament. Six other Zeta’s and I had planned on leaving early Saturday morning to make the long trek to Destin. I had been telling them all week there was a possibility I wouldn’t be able to go if the tournament continued through Sunday. I would have been devastated because I heard the amazing stories from the girls in the older PC's about how fun this trip is. However, I ended up getting home late Friday night and my roommates (all zetas) helped me pack quickly to leave early the next morning!

The very, very long drive to Destin was well worth it because of the random jam sessions and as soon as we pulled up to our house we were welcomed with 25 other Zetas waiting on our arrival. It was a little glimpse of what living in the house will be like and it made me even more excited for my next 3 years at The University of Texas. We started the trip running around to each room and planning out what we would do each day.

The week was spent laying out on the beach with everyone, taking LOTS of pictures, and going to our guy friends’ houses that were only minutes away. We also hosted a brunch for some of our favorite UT fraternities and just hung out by the pool with all of our best friends. It was such a relaxing time and bonding experience.

All of these things were fun, but my favorite memory from the trip has to be when we all finished dinner at the house on of the nights, we had a dance party and did a conga line around the kitchen island. With our PC being so big, this week was the perfect opportunity to make it feel smaller and get super close to everyone. Destin 2019 made me love my Zeta Tau Alpha sisters more than I thought was even possible!

Zlam,

Brooke Graves PC '18

National Rituals Week- Friday: LOVE, THE GREATEST OF ALL THINGS

Happy Friday! It is only fitting that we are officially wrapping up with National Rituals Celebration Week, as well as our "Value A Day" Challenge, with the highest value of all- Love, the greatest of all things. Zeta Tau Alpha defines this value as a woman who continually puts others needs before her own, loves others unconditionally, and enjoys making others feel welcome and appreciated. It is so important, especially as our Zeta chapter continues to grow year by year, that we remember to always spread love and make all feel welcome in our Kappa chapter. PC ‘18 Kinsley Cantrell talks about her experience this past year in finding that welcoming, unconditional love in Zeta!

-Hartley Reese PC ‘17, Rituals Chairman :)

Friday: Love the Greatest of All Things

Kinsley Cantrell, PC ‘18:

One of the greatest things ZTA has brought me is love. From meeting my best friends and future bridesmaids to making memories that will last a lifetime, Love is at the core of our chapter.

My sisters are a constant in my life and have made me laugh so hard it hurts, had long heart to heart conversations, and picked me up when I feel down. Emma Orr is just one of many examples of a sister that puts others needs before her own. She is constantly willing to lend a helping hand and always lights up the room. Emma always makes you feel loved when she walks up and joyfully says “Hi Sunshine!” with the biggest smile ever beaming across her face. Our friendship is one that will last a lifetime and I am so grateful that I have Zeta to thank for that.

Thinking back to recruitment week, I remember being so overwhelmed with so many feelings. Feelings of excitement and nerves and hopefulness. On preference night, I walked into the ZTA house and remember feeling so welcome and loved. I immediately knew I was home. I remember opening my bid card and seeing Zeta Tau Alpha printed on the front and running to the house afterwards. When I arrived at the house there was a rush of excitement and so many new faces.

Flash forward to now. Those new faces turned into new friends and the feeling of excitement, community, and love still remain. Zeta has taught me so many things, but the most important one is Love, the greatest of all things.

National Rituals Week- Thursday: LIFELONG LEARNING

Continuing on with "A Value A Day," today we are highlighting Lifelong Learning! Zeta defines this value as a woman who applies past learning to new challenges, continuously pursues learning about herself and her purpose, and looks for learning opportunities in every situation. As Zeta women, we strive to not only succeed in the classroom, but to take time to learn and reflect on who we are, what we stand for, and why. These answers come from learning from the many different experiences we have throughout our lives. It is with this knowledge that we may reach our fullest potential- as individuals, as well as sisters. Today you will hear from both past Rituals Chairman PC ‘16 Mckenna Richards, and PC ‘17 Taylar Packard on their experiences in cultivating this value! Happy Thursday!

-Hartley Reese PC ‘17, Rituals Chairman :)

Thursday: Lifelong Learning

Mckenna Richards PC ‘16, Former Rituals Chairman:

As a junior coming up on three years of being a Texas Zeta, words can’t describe how much this chapter has given to me. I’m continually amazed by the friendships, growth, and new experiences that being a ZTA has brought into my life. I think that our value of lifelong learning perfectly describes how Zeta has influenced my time in college. First and foremost, I came to UT to pursue my education, and Zeta has been an invaluable tool in helping me accomplish this. I’ve been given so many resources for academic success by being in this chapter. Getting to build relationships with my professors during professor dinners, networking with ZTA alumnae passionate about helping younger Zetas succeed in their career, and spending countless hours studying at the house waiting for study snacks are just a few of the ways that Zeta has encouraged me to be the best student I could possibly be. As I prepare to graduate and apply to medical schools, I’ve never felt more supported by my sisters. But so much of what I’ve learned has taken place outside of the classroom. College has been a time for an unbelievable amount of personal growth, and I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without Zeta. Guided by our values and a community of women with a desire to be our very best selves, I couldn’t feel luckier for the growth I’ve experienced as a result of being in this chapter. Being a Zeta has undeniably changed me for the better. As I prepare for a lifetime of learning, both about medicine and myself, I find comfort in knowing that my Zeta sisters will always be there to support me and cheer me on.

Taylar Packard PC ‘17:

You learn to grow by challenging yourself and by putting yourself in new situations. The friends you have by your side can really be a big part of that learning process. My sisters have been there to help me through tough times and offer advice. My sisters have also been by my sides during all the fun times too.

I distinctly remember one time in particular when I could feel the support and strength of my sisters around me. My sisters were gathered at my apartment on a Sunday afternoon as we cooked stir-fry. Cooking together quickly became a tradition for us as we started to celebrate every minor holiday and finding excuses to celebrate things like ABC’s The Bachelor. It gets challenging to coordinate everyone’s busy schedules. Even if it is only one meal together a month, I know we will all be looking forward to that moment every month.

I remember thinking that these friends are going to be my sisters for a lifetime and I am so glad that I have them by my side. We push each other academically as we have study dates always at the cutest coffee shops. We push each other mentally as we are always there for our sisters and provide honest and genuine advice. We are able to push each other to see things in a new light and be able to learn something from every experience.

With a good group of sisters, you will learn something new about yourself and the world around you every single day. And that’s the way it should be. Learning does not end when you step foot off the 40 acres. Learning is a lifelong process and great friends will lead to great learning experiences.

National Rituals Week- Wednesday: LOYALTY & COMMITMENT

As we continue to celebrate National Rituals Celebration Week, today we have chosen to spotlight Loyalty & Commitment. Zeta Tau Alpha defines this value as a woman who goes above and beyond what is expected of her, displays devotion to the fraternity and its members, and stands up for others. As Zeta women, we strive to follow these values everyday, not only to be better women, but better sisters and friends to all. PC ‘18 Christine Hunt shares how it was this loyalty and devotion that drew her to the Kappa chapter to begin with, and why it continues to cultivate and define her sisterhood today! Happy Wednesday! :)

-Hartley Reese PC ‘17, Rituals Chairman

Wednesday: Loyalty & Commitment

Christine Hunt PC ‘18:

Loyalty. It seems as though it would be an easy word to describe, yet it is not. When I think of loyalty, a million definitions come to my mind. Commitment. Devotion. Love. Kindness. Fierceness. Coming into college, attending a school with 50,000+ students was terrifying. That number was deafening after leaving a high school with a graduating class of 250 students. I was terrified that I would never find my people, find friends who would truly be there for me, or find girls who would have my back inside and outside any situation of life. Little did I know, I would find so much more the day I went Texas Zeta.

What I found in Zeta was so much more than I expected. I was given sisters who are always there for me, are fully indulged in our sisterhood, and who love me for me. Their devotion to not only the large aspect of Zeta as a whole but the small things such as philanthropy events, chapter wide interests, and even just going to mixers with each other mean the world and more to me. When I stepped foot into this chapter, I knew that the love and devotion I feel in Zeta could not be replicated anywhere else. When I walk around campus with zeta shirts on, see the slogan ZLAM on social media, or ever get the opportunity to project my love for texas zeta (such as now) I can’t even begin to describe the immense proudness, loyalty, and attachment to this chapter that I have.

One of the most true values of zeta is commitment and loyalty. After the first step of bid day, I knew I would choose zeta a million times over and more whenever given a decision of what to stand for. We support each other in all aspects of life, always give each other a shoulder to lean on, and this love is never ending. In any situation, I have always had a sister loyal enough to lean on, someone who has stood up for me, and someone who has devoted their time and love to all of our amazing sisters. Each and every day, I stay committed and loyal to Zeta Tau Alpha and its members because the love I receive from every single member of this chapter can truly not be found anywhere else.

National Rituals Week- Tuesday: SERVICE & PHILANTHROPY

Continuing on with our Social Media Series: "A Value a Day," today we celebrate Service & Philanthropy- a cornerstone of our chapter. Zeta defines this value as a woman who gives freely her time and resources to others, seeks out opportunities to educate others on community needs, and understands her role in serving not only her sisters, but her campus and global community as well. I could not think of a better person who better embodies this role than PC ‘15 Rachel Duncan, former Philanthropy Chair and a senior who so many (like myself) look upto! Furthermore, as we spotlight Kappa chapter’s philanthropic endeavors, I want to recognize our past Philanthropy Chair Ellen Tuescher, as well as current Chair Tatum Apel for all of their hard work to ensure the many opportunities our chapter has to give back to our community. Happy Tuesday!

-Hartley Reese PC ‘17, Rituals Chairman

Tuesday: Service & Philanthropy

Rachel Duncan PC ‘15, former Philanthropy Chair:

The creed calls on Zetas to “think in terms of all mankind and our service to the world”. As zetas, we are encouraged to help others around us. Be it small acts of kindness or big charity fundraisers, there are many ways to serve mankind everyday. During my time as philanthropy chair for the Kappa chapter, I saw that this value is something closely held by all zetas. Not only do so many women have the passion to serve our cause, Breast Cancer Education and Awareness, so many members also have passions that lie elsewhere.

In our chapter alone, it is easy to see how members value service. The philanthropy team works hard year long to put on events like Big Man on Campus, the letter writing campaign, and Think Pink week. These events require hours and hours of work, raise tens of thousands of dollars, and raise an immeasurable amount of awareness for the disease. But the philanthropy team couldn’t do it alone. They form committees, asking members to sign up to help if they so choose, and I am amazed every year how many members want to get involved. From the newest members to almost graduated seniors, this participation proves that this cause is special to each member of our chapter.

I also learned that not only are our members passionate for our philanthropy, they also serve the world in innumerable other ways. Volunteering at hospitals, mentoring elementary school students, mission trips around the world, starting nonprofits on campus, service organizations, biking to Alaska to raise money for cancer, and so much more.

But this passion goes beyond the current Kappa chapter. It is something I have witnessed in ALL zetas. I had the opportunity to go to the National Convention in 2016 and talked philanthropy to Zetas and Alumni from all over the country. It was incredible to see how this value of service was something each woman had in common. I got a chance to meet survivors and learn how they were impacted by ZTA. I learned that the value of service and philanthropy is so important, because it is something all zetas can carry on forever. They can leave their collegiate lives and continue to apply it day to day. It is a common passion that unites every member.

National Rituals Week 2019

This year for National Rituals Celebration Week, we have decided to highlight five of Zeta's nine Key Values through a "A Value A Day" social media series. Our Nine Key Values include Service & Philanthropy, Love, Lifelong Learning, Loyalty, Being Rather than Seeming, Humility, Responsibility, Seeking Understanding, and Leadership. These values are meant to guide Zetas in our everyday lives to be the best women and sisters we can be. Today, we begin with Leadership! In Zeta Tau Alpha, we define a leader as someone who is true to herself, seeks for opportunities to build others up, thinks critically to find the root causes of an issue and works diligently to enact effective solutions. We will hear from both our current President, PC ‘16 Rebecca Petty as well as PC ‘17 Molly Barth on how their membership in Zeta has helped cultivate them into the leaders and women they are today. Follow along this week with both the blog and our Instagram to hear how some of the Zeta Key Values are being lived out everyday within our sisterhood! Happy Monday! :)

-Hartley Reese, Rituals Chairman PC ‘17

Monday: Leadership

A few words from our President, Rebecca Petty PC ‘16:

Leadership is a term that Zeta has helped me define. It has turned me into a better women and helped me channel my ambition. Leadership is not telling someone what to do, but rather helping others fulfill their true potential by guiding a team of people in whatever it is we are pursuing. I saw this value in action first hand while serving on the executive council last year, and that encouraged me along with support from my sisters to take the opportunity to apply to be president this year. I wanted to be able to be a leader and pour into other women who were going to be new on executive council and allow them to see their true potential as I did my first year.  Leading is not easy, it is a skill that has to be built upon and molded to those you are leading. I have learned this lesson throughout my life, but I have not learned more about myself as a leader and what leadership truly means than being apart of this fraternity. It has instilled this value within me and I am forever grateful.

Molly Barth PC ‘17:

Being a part of a sorority that has such genuinely kind, smart, and driven girls is one of the greatest things! In Zeta, you’re surrounded by girls who are motivated to help and do their best. There are so many ways for everybody to get involved. Anybody who wants to, is able to. Some choose to be a leader in the chapter through executive council, programs council, or a variety of committees. Leadership is such a vital part of Zeta, that it is one of our nine key values!

I am currently Director of Membership Enrichment, which basically means I help with things like Value Based Programming as well as maintaining Health and Wellness in the chapter. My favorite part of my position is running Caring Committee, which is basically a way for sisters to look out for each other and make sure girls struggling in anyway have someone there to help them! Everybody goes through things beyond their control and having sisters and friends there to help you is so powerful. The entire chapter works together to ensure that every girl is the best they can be. You’re never alone in ZTA!

Zetas not only rise to the occasion to help lead our chapter, but also bring their leadership across campus and out into the world! For me, the positions I’ve held helped me find a job in a field I have always been interested in, Government!

When I interviewed for my current job working with the legislators and lobbyists at the Capitol in Austin, my now boss, was so amazed by all of the Zeta leadership opportunities on my resume. We talked for almost the entire interview about committees that I was on for our philanthropy, and exactly what I did in them! I have learned so much about being a leader and working with others in my positions in Zeta, and without them I probably wouldn’t have been prepared for my interview or the responsibilities my job now requires.

I love helping to get things done in Zeta, because everyone has the potential and drive to be a leader here. Whether you’re outgoing or shy or have a little bit or a lot of time to give, it takes a variety of leaders to make this chapter successful! I’m so thankful that leadership is a key value in Zeta, and that we all work every single day to truly embrace it.