Meet Rush Team 2016

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Jackie Robillard

Position: Recruitment Captain

Hometown: Flower Mound, TX

Major: Marketing, with a minor in Advertising

Follow me on Insta: @imbringingsexy_jack

What do you do as Recruitment Captain?

As Recruitment Captain, I am responsible for new member recruitment and chapter retention. I work with my team to lead all recruitment efforts, including meeting potential new members, planning the logistics of each day of formal recruitment week, and connecting with active alumnae. I am continuously working to promote the sisterhood of Zeta Tau Alpha, as well as continue its legacy, pledge class by amazing pledge class.

What are some of your likes & favorites?

Golden Retriever puppies. Chick-fil-A fries. Christmastime.

What makes you wildly happy?

Surprises! I’m not typically an impulsive person myself, so I love, love, love the spontaneous and exciting aspects of surprises.

Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

Blake Lively, hands down. She’s beautiful and talented and married to Ryan Reynolds.Okay, maybe I just want to be her.

Any tips for rush?

Take lots of pictures!! Trust me, you’ll love looking back at pictures of you on Open House. The girls you barely know on Bid Day will soon become your best friends.

Jordan Nash

Position: Area Recruitment Chair

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Major: Corporate Communications

Follow me on Insta: @nash_potato_

What do you do as ARC?

As ARC, I focus on collecting information about the potential new members and organizing it so I can share it with the entire chapter! With the help of my lovely assistants, we are responsible for presenting the chapter with all the information they need about potential new members from all different areas.

What’s a hobby of yours?

I love cooking! Watching Tasty videos on Facebook is my guilty pleasure. I recently made mozzarella stuffed onion rings and they might have been one of the best things I ever tasted.

What are some of yours likes & favorites?

I just started watching Game of Thrones and I am currently on season four, if that says anything about how much I love it.

What do you love most about Zeta?

I am the first one from my family to go to UT (everyone in my fam went to A&M), so I was absolutely terrified when I first got here. I was relieved when I realized how loved I felt at the Zeta House. Everyone treats each other like family here.

Any tips for rush?

Stay open minded!!! Seriously, do it. People are going to tell you their opinions of certain houses, but I would really suggest focusing on what you like and dislike, and not take in the thoughts and feelings of others around you.

Morgan Mendicino

Position: Entertainment Director

Hometown: Austin, TX

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Follow me on Insta: @ _morgaritaa_

What do you do as Entertainment Director?

As Entertainment Director, I oversee all of the…(drum role please)...eNtErTaInMeNt! I am essentially in charge of all the amazing talent you see during recruitment. My assistant and I work to hold tryouts and practices for all the performers in our chapter. We perfect the showbiz and logistics portion of rush.

What’s one of your major pet peeves?

Making instagram captions. We all know this is a struggle.

What makes you wildly happy?

Nothing makes me happier than seeing my border collie pup! We do everything together, from running and swimming, to shopping and movie watching.

When do you feel most confident?

What makes me most confident is when I nail a hard a test. Nothing feels better than doing well on an exam after pulling an all nighter.

Any tips for rush?

Wear shoes that you’ve worn in the past! Putting the cutest new pair of wedges on and ending the first of many days with blisters is the worst.

Collyn Robison

Position: Database Chair

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Major: Accounting

Follow me on Insta: @_coll_me_maybe

What do you do as Database Chair?

As Database Chair, I get to appreciate all the pretty folders sent to Zeta. Yes, someone actually does read the packets, and it’s me. I organize all the information from the alumnae about each potential new member before recruitment!

What makes you wildly happy?

Brunch at 24 Diner! Seriously, if you haven’t been to this restaurant, put it on your list. 24 Diner is my favorite place in Austin, especially their breakfast menu.

When do you feel most confident?

Accomplishing a goal. I am very motivated by setting a goal to achieve. Nothing feels better than working so hard to reach your goal and actually following through with!

What does your perfect day look like?

A day out on the lake with some country music!

Any tips for rush?

Have fun with it! Rush seems much scarier than it actually is. You get to do what every girl loves to do - talk for hours!

Rachel Jones

Position: Star Team Manager

Hometown: Austin, TX

Major: Marketing

Follow me on Insta: @cool_rach_doritos

What do you do as Star Team Manager?

I manage the data and the voting process during rush.

What’s a hobby of yours?

I LOVE baking and cooking, especially French pastries and French dinners.

What’s one of your major pet peeves?

Slow walkers! For being a really short person myself, I tend to walk pretty fast and I can't stand being stuck behind slow walkers.

What is the most valuable life lesson you have ever learned?

A little smile goes a long way.

Any tips for rush?

Bring a battery-operated hand-held fan! It literally saved my life from the scorching heat. I promise you won't regret it.

McKenna Nard

Position: Assistant ARC

Hometown: Winston Salem, NC

Major: Speech Language Pathology

Follow me on Insta: @workhard_playnard

What do you do as Assistant ARC?

Along with Jordan, Kara, and Elisa, my job is to get the word out to the chapter about our potential new members and get everyone excited to rush our next PC!

What’s a hobby of yours?

I love coloring. Ever since the adult coloring book became a thing, I've been hooked (and I think I own every single one in existence).

What makes you wildly happy?

Traveling the world! I have such wanderlust. Something about a change of scenery and the beauty of different cultures makes me extremely happy. Out of all the places I've been, I would recommend Machu Picchu. It definitely lives up to its title as a wonder of the world.

When do you feel most confident?

When people laugh at my jokes. I'm a goofball and I typically say a lot of stuff that only makes me laugh, When other people actually think I'm funny, it's a total confidence booster.

Any tips for rush?

Don't sweat (no pun intended) the small stuff.

Kara Hurley

Position: Assistant ARC

Hometown: Spring, TX

Major: Biochemistry, Pre-Med with a certificate in Business Foundations

Follow me on Insta: @karahurley

What do you do as Assistant ARC?

As Assistant ARC, I focus on helping the rest of the chapter meet potential new members and get organized for the whole recruitment process! It’s super important and helpful to hear thoughts from the chapter.

What’s a hobby of yours?

I love to sleep. I could take a four hour nap during the day and still be out for the night by 10.

What’s one of your major pet peeves?

Dirtiness. I am such a germophobe, especially when it comes to my bed. I used to make my friends wash their feet before they got in my bed, but I’m happy to say that I’ve gotten past that.

What makes you wildly happy?

PANCAKES! I’m definitely a healthy eater, but pancakes are my weakness. And chocolate. Needless to say, chocolate chip pancakes are my jam.

Any tips for rush?

I know it’s harder to do than to say, but just relax! I promise you nobody is going to notice if you forget to brush your hair or reapply your lipstick before you go into a house. Be yourself, have fun, and you will no doubt find your people.

Elisa Carpenter

Position: Assistant ARC

Hometown: Potomac, MD

Major: History for Pre-law, with a minor in French and a certificate in Forensic Science

Follow me on Insta: @elisacarp

What do you do as Assistant ARC?

As Assistant ARC, I work under Jordan to help my pledge class find their Rush crush. Along with McKenna and Kara, we work with smaller area recruitment captains and database to help organize all the information that comes in.

What’s a hobby of yours?

In college, I took up cycling. There’s a great place called Cyc FItness in West campus that was beside my freshman dorm. There was a time where I would go at least once, maybe even twice a day (call me addicted). And I’m working there this summer!

What is the most valuable life lesson you have ever learned?

“Life’s too short to let the little things get to you. Just smile and move on because in 5 minutes it won’t matter.” -my mama!

What do you love most about Zeta?

It’s my home away from home! On the first day of Open House, I felt like I belonged with those group of girls I barely knew. I’ve met so many amazing girls through Zeta and even know who will be my bridesmaids (lol still single though).

Any tips for rush?

Go with your heart and trust the system. It’s cliché, but it works out in the end. Oh, and bring a mini fan!! It will be 110 degrees.

Caroline Purtle

Position: Assistant Entertainment

Hometown: Texarkana, TX

Major: Journalism, Pre-Law

Follow me on Insta: @purtle_party

What do you do as Assistant Entertainment?

I help Entertainment with the pizzaz of rush. Any of the small details with the performers, music, logistics, or sparkle you see during the recruitment process is handled by me.

What’s a hobby of yours?

Freestyle rap. Jk. veggie wraps.

When do you feel most confident?

When I see the waiter sit the pizza down in front of me.

How would your friends describe you?

Fun(ny)

Any tips for rush?

A good sense of humor and confidence will get you far, but of course, ~be yourself~

Hailee Strong

Position: Assistant Database

Hometown: Austin, TX

Major: Human Development & Family Sciences (HDFS)

Follow me on Insta: @haileestrong1

What do you do as Assistant Database?

I get to go through all of the packets that are sent to the house and learn all about each and every one of you!

What’s a hobby of yours?

I’m really good at eating when I’m bored and not actually hungry.

When do you feel most confident?

When I’m hanging out with all of my friends. We don’t even have to be doing anything, we could be sitting in someone’s house without makeup on and watching movies and I would love it.

What is the most valuable life lesson you have ever learned?

God shows you who you are by the people he places in your life.

Any tips for rush?

Don’t freak out! I promise everything will be fine because no matter what, you’ll end up where you belong in the end. Also, BRING A FAN!!! Also, don’t be afraid to eat/drink at houses.

Emily Ballard

Position: Assistant Star Team

Hometown: Fort Worth, TX

Major: Mathematics

Follow me on Insta: @embal01

What do you do as Assistant Star Team?

The truth: whatever Rachel wants me to do. In broader terms, I get to meet a ton of potential new members, organize them each day of recruitment, all the while hiding upstairs in sweatpants and using excel sheets. It’s a great gig.

What are some of yours likes & favorites?

Mornings, trying new things, queso, cats, and buying shoes I don’t need.

What makes you wildly happy?

Making other people happy. If you can turn someone’s day around then you are something special.

What do you love most about Zeta?

Our sisterhood is unlike anything I could’ve ever dreamed. Really. You expect to make friends but you never expect to be a part of a large loving family.

Any tips for rush?

BE YOURSELF, everyone is sweaty and nervous and has 12 blisters, don’t let that bother you. Be yourself and you’ll attract the right people.

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To learn more about Zeta Tau Alpha, visit www.texaszetataualpha.com.

Also, follow us on Instagram and Twitter @texaszta, and on Tumblr at texaszetataualpha.tumblr.com!

Tune in here, at texaszeta.blogspot.com, for more upcoming blogs this summer about all things recruitment, written by Rush Team! More information about recruitment can also be found at http://www.texaspanhellenic.com/.

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