Professor Dinner at Zeta Tau Alpha

           Think of one of your professors; one you hear lecturing in front of hundreds of students daily.  Now think about that same professor, sitting next to you enjoying a nice prime rib meal.  This is the opportunity Zeta presents us with via Professor Dinner.  This is held at the Zeta house towards the middle of each semester and allows every girl to ask any professor of her choice to attend.  Some ask the teachers who they have the most in common with, some ask the teachers they want to learn their life story, and some (aka me) ask the teachers of the class they need the most help with because hey, you never know when a personal connection down the road might help you out a little.

          The day of the actual event, the Zeta house is decked out with an elegant dinner setting and the entire place is spotless.  An unbelievably mouthwatering meal is served (shout out to Chef Holly) with cake and coffee as the cherry on top.  During the course of the meal, I talked to my professor about countless things, jumping from subject to subject, as if I was grabbing coffee and catching up with a fellow zista.  We touched on everything from her life story to my experience with rush to the macroeconomic theories behind the circular flow model.  After a lengthy conversation, we had the privilege of hearing the keynote speaker, Professor Clint Tuttle, speak about how he viewed success.  His inspirational message about how failure is really what makes you a more successful individual really resonated with the students and the professors in the room.

          Although the majority of our chapter does not choose to participate in the Professor dinner, it is in fact a very special event to me.  You can always introduce yourself to your teachers after class or attend their office hours if you have a question over some of the material, but having the chance to sit down, relax, and talk about anything in the world with an individual who has so much to teach you is truly an experience you cannot find anywhere else.  Yes, it can be scary.  Yes, the pauses in conversation can be very awkward; but yes, it is totally worth it.  I still keep in contact with the professor I took last semester, because of the special bond we formed that night, which is truly an exceptional relationship to have.  I love Professor Dinner because now, when I am sitting in a class of 400 students and Professor Bencivenga is teaching us the differences between equity and debt finance, I can smile because I know that she prefers iced tea over water and followed her college boyfriend to Canada to attend graduate school, unlike the other 399 students in the class.  I now know this and more, all thanks to the Zeta Professor Dinner.

ZLAM

Jeana Thompson

PC'13

The Zeta living room during this year's professor dinner.

She will be forever Crowned

Informing Elementary Students about bullying

         Imagine a middle school aged girl surrounded by a close-knit group of her “best friends” all with similar interests and all getting along. Now imagine this same girl being ridiculed, teased, physically and verbally tormented by this same group of transformed “mean girls.”  This may sound like a movie script or TV program you have seen, but this was me, and my life that was turned upside down in the blink of an eye. My experience of having been bullied has had a huge impact on every aspect of my life. It affected how I felt about myself, my relationships with my family members, how I fit in with others, and how well I performed in school. I will never forget the anxiety of not understanding why this was happening, or my helplessness in determining what I could do to stop it. 

          It has taken me many years and the support of my true friends and family to understand and overcome the effects of having been bullied. Part of my growth into young adulthood has been to educate myself on the subject of bullying, by looking at what happened to me, and by talking to and for other kids who have had similar experiences. 

          One problem in combating bullying is that most people that hear the word “bully” have a picture of a big tough boy beating up the skinny nerd. However, what many people do not realize is that girls’ involvement in bullying is just as common as it is with boys and its emotional and social impacts are similar. Girls may bully because of jealousy, a need for attention, or fear of competition. Girl bullying can be more behind the scenes and often occurs as rumor spreading, ignoring, excluding from groups and activities, insults or body language, such as eye-rolling and smirks, and therefore may easily go unnoticed by adults.  Our schools and communities do not adequately recognize this form of bullying and girls continue to grow up believing that being bullied or seeing others bullied by a “mean girl” is a normal part of life. We must challenge this belief and create a new sisterhood of girls and women who know we are all better off when we stand up for ourselves and for others.

          Several years ago I was invited to compete in the Miss America Organization and as a part of that, was obligated to create a public platform. My platform “Nice Girls Rule” intends to educate young girls about the hidden forms of bullying. “Nice Girls Rule” reminds us to stand up for ourselves, our friends, and anyone bullied around us. Competing in Miss America scholarship pageants has afforded me the chance to meet hundreds of committed and dedicated young women who have inspired me to be a leader and voice for change. This platform has become one of my greatest passions and motivations. The judges must have seen my conviction as they crowned me Miss Houston’s Outstanding Teen 2012, and then Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen 2012. I then enthusiastically carried my message to a national stage at the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen pageant in August of last year, finishing in the top 8 of 53 state winning contestants. 

Top 8 at Miss America's Outstanding Teen

          During my time as Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen and even now, my goal is to make public the damaging effects of the hidden form of bullying. I will continue to concentrate at the source, which are our elementary and middle schools, promoting the idea of girls banding together, and making pledges to each other to appreciate and nurture our strengths as well as our differences. I was fortunate enough to have been afforded a unique opportunity to publicize this issue across the state of Texas. I was able to make guest appearances at numerous middle and elementary schools, and many other public events. I feel honored to have impacted the lives of young people by showing them that if someone like me, who has lived through and overcome being bullied by her so-called friends can become Miss Texas’ Outstanding Teen, then other girls will be inspired to follow their dreams and overcome similar challenges in their lives. I believe without a doubt, through education and dedication we can accomplish my goal of ending bullying in our schools.

         Now, after I have passed on the crown to another deserving titleholder

and as I have entered a new chapter of my life (literally),  I have been blessed with all of the Texas Zetas, knowing their love is unconditional and they will always love and support me no matter where my endeavors take me. I just can't wait to see my Zistas supporting me in the audience as I compete in the hopes of, one day, becoming Miss Texas or maybe even Miss America (yeah.. a girl can dream). Next  fall, I plan to compete in local Texas scholarship pageants, continuing to promote my anti-bullying platform and carry on the legacy of the Miss Texas Organization.

*I guess it was destiny for me to become a Zeta... now I can always wear the crown.

Love always,

Margana Wood PC'13

Assistant Historian

Like Father, Like Daughter: Zeta Tau Alpha Dad's Weekend 2014

         Dad’s weekend is by far one of my favorite weekends of the spring semester. But really, how often do you get to spend 48+ hours alone with your Dad? My Dad had texted me weeks in advance to make sure he was packing all the proper attire for the Zeta events we had planned! I just knew it was going to be a successful weekend!

Rachel and her dad at the 360 Overlook

        Dad’s weekend started off as my Dad drove in from Houston. Friday night we enjoyed a fun dinner before heading to our planned Zeta event at Buffalo Billards. When we arrived at Buffalo Billards, we met up with a few of my pledge class sisters. My Dad felt right as home as he was around tons of familiar faces from previous Parents’ and Dads’ weekends. We played rounds of shuffleboard, pingpong, pool, and darts before realizing it was after midnight! The night literally flew away from us at the amount laughter we were sharing. Saturday morning my Dad and I woke up early to go eat breakfast at our favorite Crêpe restaurant. Following a delicious breakfast, we headed to 360 Overlook and Mount Bonnell. Both hikes were exquisite and definitely an amazing time spent with my Dad!                       Later in the afternoon, a few of my pledge class sisters, Jenna, Lauren, and Morgan, took our Dad’s to lunch before the Baseball Game. It was great to be able to spend time with my sisters as well as our Dad’s. The baseball game was a great Zeta event! We filled two sections along the first base side! Immediately following the baseball game, we headed to the Zeta house for a crawfish boil! It was great to spend time at the Zeta house eating great crawfish with our Dads’. 

          Overall, it was an incredible weekend filled not only with my Dad but also spending time with my sisters and their fathers. I look forward for to my next two next years of Dads’ weekends even more!

ZLAM,

Rachel Miller, PC'12

Director of Alumni Relations

Lauren Sanders, Morgan Willett, Rachel Miller, Jenna Nelson with their dads

        Between crawfish and baseball, I’m pretty sure my dad was in heaven. For the weeks leading up, all I received were phone calls and texts from my father telling me how excited he was. Practically every voicemail, regardless of the subject, ended with something along the lines of “looking forward to Dad’s Weekend” or “just a few more days until the big event!” I even got a few texts from my mom saying she was excited for Dad’s Weekend simply so my dad would stop talking about it. I’m sure she was just jealous it wasn’t Mom’s Weekend instead.

Lindsay and her dad at the UT vs. Stanford Baseball Game

        When the “big event” finally arrived, my dad and I were extremely excited to see each other. He came in on Saturday afternoon so unfortunately we missed the Friday night events, but there was no way we were going to miss the baseball game. Growing up, baseball was a really big deal in my family. My dad played baseball, my brother played baseball, and even I played baseball in an all boys league (yes, I have pictures to prove it) so we were thrilled to be going to a game together after so long. The whole time we reminisced over all the funny baseball memories we had so we really appreciated Zeta putting this together. It definitely meant a lot to both of us.  

        After the game, we headed back to the Zeta house for the crawfish boil. We grabbed seats with Hayley Onofrey and her dad and the whole time Hayley and I were beaming since our dads were hitting it off just like we had only months before at the very same house. I guess you could say it was meant to be! My dad and I had actually been planning on just stopping by, but we had so much fun that we ended up staying the whole time. While, of course, eating tons of “mudbugs” as my dad calls them. It was a perfect way to finish off the day.

        Overall, I’d say Dad’s Weekend was a major success. Between the activities and just getting to hangout, I think my dad wishes every weekend was Dad’s Weekend. Now, all I get are texts and phone calls from him saying how much fun he had in Austin. I’m sure we will be talking about it for a while!

ZLAM

Lindsay Smith

PC'13

Chicken Finger Friday at Zeta

          I’ve always been an advocate for fried chicken that comes in finger form. I think I heard something about Chicken Finger Friday during rush and couldn’t believe it to be true considering it would make most of my dreams come true, but when I saw it on the calendar first semester I might’ve teared up a little. The first time I went was great, Chef Holly really showed she could make something so simple as a chicken finger just as delicious as the fancy meals she makes for us on Monday nights before chapter. So there was no way I’d be missing the second time the holy day came around.

         This time Chicken Finger Friday was on a whole other level. It was on Valentine’s Day so many girls brought their beaus but I wanted a little more for myself so I rolled solo to the event. Everything was decorated in red and pink for the special day and there was candy spread everywhere along with those little candy hearts nobody could pass up. I spent my time hanging with my sisters enjoying a meal we normally would have sworn off considering spring break was so close but had decided to devour the unhealthy food instead. And boy was it worth it! The macaroni was extra cheesy and, although I didn’t even bother with the vegetables that were offered, the cinnamon cake at the end of the table was to die for. I broke everything I’d been working for spring-break-body-wise right then and there by the number of chicken fingers and slices of cake I had (the exact number isn’t important).

         It means a lot having something like this at the Zastle. Most of us are so busy during the day but nobody can miss out on Chicken Finger Friday so I get to see most of my friends. I was so close to skipping class because of the food baby that was growing inside me but I ended up going anyways. Fridays are already special but Chicken Finger Fridays make them seem like a Godsend.

Thank you ZTA,

Hannah Matula PC'13

Hannah takes a selfie with all the food! YUM

Zisterhood Zycling

             Recently, Zetas had the privilege of attending a private cycling class at the popular CYC studio in West Campus. Once the room was filled with 45 ready-to-go Zetas, our instructor Troy, sporting a Zeta tank of his own, lit up the dark room with neon lights. In front of us were our own towels and mini hand-weights. We had all the tools we needed and motivation from our sisters to get us through the work-out ahead!

CYC Austin Studio on W 23rd St
(photo belongs to CYC Austin)

            A large mirror along the wall allowed for us to see all of our sisters around us spinning on each of our bikes. The music was great; alternating between upbeat and slower-paced songs of all genres. Our legs to pedaled to the beat, and it felt almost like we were dancing, grooving to the music. At a few select times, we picked up our hand weights and did boxing-oriented and swimming oriented arm movements. We felt the burn! At one point, our instructor Troy singled out PC ’12 Kelly Hargraves, and told her that if she dropped her arm weights, the whole room would have to start over with the 5-minute arm-straining song! Luckily, she didn’t drop them! By the end of the 45-minute class, we were all dripping sweat from our full-body work out.

            The class was a great experience to share with our sisters. We were all motivated by the quickly approaching Spring Break, and by seeing how hard everyone was working! I had such a great time, that me and a few of my Zeta sisters all signed up for CYC’s 10,000-calorie Spring-Break challenge! Can’t wait to see what our Health & Wellness chair, PC ’12 Jenna Nelson, plans next! She’s done such a wonderful job combining sisterhood and being healthy. So thank you Jenna!

ZLAM,

Alexia Phipps PC '12

Zeta Love: Valentine's Day Party at the House

Brooke Winterhalder and Natalie Cohen

        Valentines day is a great opportunity to celebrate and enjoy all the people we love! While we constantly celebrate the love we have for each other at Zeta, this Valentines Day, the sisterhood team decided to do something special for everyone. It was date night at the zeta house, complete with dinner and a movie- but NO BOYS ALLOWED! The girls were treated to freshly popped popcorn by our very own pink Valentines Day bunny- Brooke Winterhalder. 

        There was also delicious pizza and an unlimited buffet of candy and cookies to munch on. Everyone sat and talked while the houseboys worked to transform the chapter room into a huge movie theatre complete with comfy couches, blankets, and air mattresses. The movie of choice for the occasion was of course, The Notebook. There’s nothing better than a bunch of girls sitting around and getting sappy about love and the future. I personally have never seen the movie, and WOW was I in for a great surprise. 

       Towards the end of the movie I found myself with my head buried in my blanket trying not to hysterically sob at the part where- SPOILER ALERT- the older Ally realizes the story is her life story. I’d like to take a moment to give major props to Nicholas Sparks. You sure got me good on the ending, Sir.

        After all was said and done, and everyone was full and feeling emotional, it was time to wrap up. For me it was a great way to connect with all my sisters who managed to get me through quite possibly one of the most touching movies I’ve ever seen (Being a sensitive person, I require lots of cuddling during the sad parts). For other people, the event was an easy way to relax and enjoy each other’s company during what was an otherwise hectic week.  It was a successful Tuesday night at the Zeta House, complete with everything a girl could want for valentines day- all her best friends!

........Oh and Pizza. 

ZLAM,

Erin Ball

PC ‘13

Just some of the goodies...

Zetas Unite at the 2014 Zeta Days

        Last weekend I went to Zeta days in El Paso with all of Exec. Zeta Days is a Zeta convention where all the chapters in Texas and alumni meet up in a different city every year and have a luncheon with tons of great food and awards. It was really cool to get to meet a bunch of different girls from other universities such as Baylor and TCU. I loved getting to hear about their schools and what they do in Zeta as well. The first day we got to El Paso, we had dinner with everyone. It was a taco bar, which everyone loved and for dessert we got ice cream sandwiches. After dinner we played a bunch of games and had competitions among the different province groups, which we definitely won. 

         

       The next day we had breakfast and then awards and lunch. It was a huge honor because we ended up winning the best GPA among all the Zeta chapters in Texas. I am so proud of our chapter and it was very special to receive that award. I hope to continue making our chapter better as the Academic Achievement Chair and hope to carry on the tradition of winning best GPA next year as well.

ZLAM

Aubrey Crenshaw
Scholastics

PC'12

Texas Zeta's fantastic Executive Council

        This year I volunteered to travel with our exec team to El Paso for Texas Zeta Days, I thought it'd be an excellent experience to give back to our chapter and see what it is that these girls do for us. I don't think I have ever traveled longer than I have been at my destination! But with the waiting at the airport and the plane rides it allowed us all to bond and catch up with one another since we constantly seem to be busy between our school schedules and studying, along with being involved in other organizations. 

         The first night we were welcomed with a nacho bar and an amazing musician, who may have sounded better than the actual performers. After dinner, the night concluded when all the chapters were introduced and split up between provinces where we had a fun competition of silly games--which I am a proud winner of the hula-hoop contest along with our Vice President, Christen May! As the games ended the dance party (ZLAM Jam) started giving us a blast from the past with songs like the Cha-cha Slide and the Cupid Shuffle!

         The next day is where I felt honored to be a part of such a great organization as I saw many women get recognized for their achievements and time spent with Zeta Tau Alpha, it really showed me that Zeta is forever. It was also special to see many chapters receive notice for their outstanding abilities, I am proud to say that we got noticed for having the best overall GPA!

         I am glad I got to be a part of the experience and celebrate our accomplishments of Zeta Tau Alpha in the great state of Texas! 

ZLAM,

Skyeler Saar
PC'12