The new chapter! Congrats Beta Upsilon!
TLCs and Mrs. Richey (Director of New Chapters for Beta Upsilon), Mrs. Riddle (National President), and Mrs. Conrad (Extension Director).
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Kansas State
After my trip to Auburn I was lucky enough to go to K-State and have a different kind of TLC experience. Our Beta Upsilon chapter was originally on campus from 1931-1941 but was shut down during WWII. This past Fall other TLCs reactivated the chapter by recruiting 150+ New Members! The weekend I was there was the Reactivation and Initiation services. I got to play a role in the Initiation service and be present for the wonderful banquet. I also got to be reunited with some other TLCs and work with some of our National Council!
The new chapter! Congrats Beta Upsilon!
TLCs and Mrs. Richey (Director of New Chapters for Beta Upsilon), Mrs. Riddle (National President), and Mrs. Conrad (Extension Director).
The new chapter! Congrats Beta Upsilon!
TLCs and Mrs. Richey (Director of New Chapters for Beta Upsilon), Mrs. Riddle (National President), and Mrs. Conrad (Extension Director).
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Auburn!
Sorry its been so long since my last update but November was a verrrry busy month! I had three great visits AND my Thanksgiving break! Here is a little about Auburn!
One of my favorite parts of my visit to the Gamma Rho chapter was getting to go to a football game (they were ranked #2 at the time)! Auburn has a lot of really cool traditions and TONS of school spirit. Two of the best things were "War Eagle" and how they toilet paper Toomer's Corner after any Auburn victory. Here's the story on each:
War Eagle is the battle cry of fans of the Auburn Tigers football team of Auburn University, and fans of other Auburn teams and sometimes Auburn University in general. It is also the title of the university fight song.. It is a common phrase in the city of Auburn in general, along with the variation "War Damn Eagle". Since 1930, and continuously since 1960, Auburn University has also kept an actual eagle as a second mascot for Auburn athletics. However, the official mascot is Aubie the tiger, and Auburn does not have teams called "eagles" or "war eagles".
The mythical War Eagle I has the most colorful story of all of the "War Eagles". War Eagle I's story begins in the Civil War. According to the legend, a soldier from Alabama was the sole Confederate survivor of a bloody battle. Stumbling across the battlefield, he came across a wounded young eagle. The bird was named Anvre, and was cared for and nursed back to health by the soldier. Several years later the soldier, a former Auburn student, returned to college as a faculty member, bringing the bird with him. For years both were a familiar sight on campus and at events. On the day of Auburn's first football game in 1892 against the University of Georgia, the aged eagle broke away from his master during the game and began to circle the field, exciting the fans. But at the end of the game, with Auburn victorious, the eagle fell to the ground and died.
This legend was originally published in 1960 in the Auburn Plainsman and was conceived by then-editor Jim Phillips. Though apocryphal, this tale is most often told as the beginning of the association of "War Eagle" with Auburn.
(from Wikipedia)
Now, a golden eagle flies around the stadium during the opening of every home football game!
Toomer's Corner:
The intersection of Magnolia and College streets in Auburn, which marks the transition from downtown Auburn to the university campus, is known as Toomer's Corner. It is named after Toomer's Drugs, a small store on the corner that has been an Auburn landmark for over 150 years. Hanging over the corner are two massive old-growth oak trees, and anytime anything good happens concerning Auburn, toilet paper can usually be found hanging from the trees. Also known as "rolling the corner," this tradition is thought to have originated in the 1950s and until the mid 1990s was relegated to only to celebrating athletic wins. However, in recent years it has become a way to celebrate anything good that happens concerning Auburn.
(From Wikipedia)
This was such a cool sight to see!! I did not get to take a picture- I found this one online :)
One of my favorite parts of my visit to the Gamma Rho chapter was getting to go to a football game (they were ranked #2 at the time)! Auburn has a lot of really cool traditions and TONS of school spirit. Two of the best things were "War Eagle" and how they toilet paper Toomer's Corner after any Auburn victory. Here's the story on each:
War Eagle is the battle cry of fans of the Auburn Tigers football team of Auburn University, and fans of other Auburn teams and sometimes Auburn University in general. It is also the title of the university fight song.. It is a common phrase in the city of Auburn in general, along with the variation "War Damn Eagle". Since 1930, and continuously since 1960, Auburn University has also kept an actual eagle as a second mascot for Auburn athletics. However, the official mascot is Aubie the tiger, and Auburn does not have teams called "eagles" or "war eagles".
The mythical War Eagle I has the most colorful story of all of the "War Eagles". War Eagle I's story begins in the Civil War. According to the legend, a soldier from Alabama was the sole Confederate survivor of a bloody battle. Stumbling across the battlefield, he came across a wounded young eagle. The bird was named Anvre, and was cared for and nursed back to health by the soldier. Several years later the soldier, a former Auburn student, returned to college as a faculty member, bringing the bird with him. For years both were a familiar sight on campus and at events. On the day of Auburn's first football game in 1892 against the University of Georgia, the aged eagle broke away from his master during the game and began to circle the field, exciting the fans. But at the end of the game, with Auburn victorious, the eagle fell to the ground and died.
This legend was originally published in 1960 in the Auburn Plainsman and was conceived by then-editor Jim Phillips. Though apocryphal, this tale is most often told as the beginning of the association of "War Eagle" with Auburn.
(from Wikipedia)
Now, a golden eagle flies around the stadium during the opening of every home football game!
Toomer's Corner:
The intersection of Magnolia and College streets in Auburn, which marks the transition from downtown Auburn to the university campus, is known as Toomer's Corner. It is named after Toomer's Drugs, a small store on the corner that has been an Auburn landmark for over 150 years. Hanging over the corner are two massive old-growth oak trees, and anytime anything good happens concerning Auburn, toilet paper can usually be found hanging from the trees. Also known as "rolling the corner," this tradition is thought to have originated in the 1950s and until the mid 1990s was relegated to only to celebrating athletic wins. However, in recent years it has become a way to celebrate anything good that happens concerning Auburn.
(From Wikipedia)
This was such a cool sight to see!! I did not get to take a picture- I found this one online :)
Friday, October 29, 2010
Next Stops!!!
Auburn!! They are currently ranked #1 in football and have a home game while I'm there! SO exciting!!
K-State!! This is one of our newest chapters- just colonized this semester! I will be there for their Initiation and Installation where the chapter will be officially reactivated!
Mizzou!! My Aunt and Uncle on my Mom's side went there so I can't wait to see the campus!
MTSU!! Another newer chapter that I have heard so many great things about! This visit will fill in the week and a half or so between my Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks!!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
On the road again
So, after a week off for Fall Break, I find myself back on the great Zeta road. I will be visiting Kutztown University in PA until November 2nd but I am not sure yet where I go after that. Kutztown is only about 2 1/2 hours from Thurmont so I got to drive up here yesterday. Though I am very lucky to fly as much as I do, it was a nice change to not have to worry about my bag being under 50lbs (I feel like I can estimate it to the 1/2 pound by now) and if my liquids are all in the right bag. Even though I don't plan on really using it, just knowing that my car is here and accessible to me is a nice feeling- it gives me that sense of true independence that TLCs rarely feel because we rely on the chapter members for so much.
-----------
A quick story from my last visit before Fall Break (Mansfield University in PA)-
The girls at the Eta Epsilon chapter are very much into astrology so while I was there we talked a lot about birthdays. When I said I am a Scorpio, they asked what date my birthday was, knowing that it had to be coming up soon. I said it was November 6th and we had a conversation about how weird it is that I will be on the road, away from family and friends and everything familiar, on my birthday. We talked, wondering what I will do- Do I risk sounding like a brat and tell the girls that it is my birthday? Or do I not say anything and then just accept the fact that I will not be celebrating it until I am home for Thanksgiving? It is a unique situation to say the least. After the conversation I didn't think too much more about it because the day is still weeks away. Then, the last night I was there, the girls surprised me with a cupcake and candle and birthday card. They sang to me and said they "just wanted to make sure it got celebrated." I was so touched by this and feel like it really shows the true meaning of sisterhood. I am so lucky to be in a job where I get to work with people like this everyday.
-----------
Some good news-
Zeta Tau Alpha has been invited to colonize at two new campuses in the Spring:
and
It is very exciting that we are continuing to rapidly grow as an organization...these are the 3rd and 4th new chapters for the 2010-2011 school year!
-----------
A quick story from my last visit before Fall Break (Mansfield University in PA)-
The girls at the Eta Epsilon chapter are very much into astrology so while I was there we talked a lot about birthdays. When I said I am a Scorpio, they asked what date my birthday was, knowing that it had to be coming up soon. I said it was November 6th and we had a conversation about how weird it is that I will be on the road, away from family and friends and everything familiar, on my birthday. We talked, wondering what I will do- Do I risk sounding like a brat and tell the girls that it is my birthday? Or do I not say anything and then just accept the fact that I will not be celebrating it until I am home for Thanksgiving? It is a unique situation to say the least. After the conversation I didn't think too much more about it because the day is still weeks away. Then, the last night I was there, the girls surprised me with a cupcake and candle and birthday card. They sang to me and said they "just wanted to make sure it got celebrated." I was so touched by this and feel like it really shows the true meaning of sisterhood. I am so lucky to be in a job where I get to work with people like this everyday.
-----------
Some good news-
Zeta Tau Alpha has been invited to colonize at two new campuses in the Spring:
and
It is very exciting that we are continuing to rapidly grow as an organization...these are the 3rd and 4th new chapters for the 2010-2011 school year!
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Happy October! Think Pink!
It has been quite awhile since my last post, due to a very quick but fun stop at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI and a great two week stay at Thiel College in Greenville, PA where I did not have internet access. Thiel gives each of their students a laptop with special security software and does not allow guest computers on the network. My baby MacBook had its feelings very hurt.
Anyway-
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
In case you haven't noticed, since it is October, everything is now pink! Zeta Tau Alpha's official philanthropy is Breast Cancer Awareness and Education and we are partnered with many great organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Yoplait Yogurt (and their Save Lids to Save Lives campaign), the NFL, SELF Magazine and Lifetime Movie Network. These partnerships have allowed me to have some really great opportunities as both a collegian and now as a TLC in regards to participating in the fight against Breast Cancer. While at Ferris State I got to go to the Grand Rapids, MI Race for the Cure as a volunteer. While in Greenville, their chapter president and I drove an hour and a half to Pittsburgh to join ZTA alumnae and collegians from all over PA to pass out ribbons at the Steelers/Ravens game. These were awesome experiences that Zetas all over the country can share.
If your curious- and don't mind me bragging a little bit- here is some info about our partnerships that help us have one of the strongest national philanthropies in the Greek world-
Susan G. Komen for the Cure®– ZTA began an association with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in 1992 when it became the first national sponsor of the Race for the Cure’s National Series Breast Cancer Survivor Recognition Program. Ever since, ZTA has provided the signature pink T-shirts and caps for participants to wear during the race. As part of the Survivor Program, ZTA also provides pink “In Memory Of” and “In Celebration Of” back signs for participants to wear during the Race for the Cure events so they may race in honor of a friend or loved one. The ZTA Foundation also provides an educational item for each Race participant, such as the ZTA Breast-Self Examination (BSE) Calendar Reminder Stickers. ZTA is a member of the Komen Million Dollar Council donating over $3 million dollars to Susan G Komen for the Cure.
Yoplait® – ZTA will soon begin its sixth year of a partnership with Yoplait and its Save Lids to Save Lives® program. The partnership began in 2004, when Yoplait asked ZTA to help collect lids on 10 college campuses as part of a pilot project. Now, Yoplait and ZTA have expanded the effort to all of our collegiate and alumnae chapters. For every lid collected by ZTA, Yoplait donates 5 cents to the ZTA Foundation and 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. By placing Yoplait lid collection boxes all over campuses and hosting special events, Zetas collected over 311,000 lids in 2008!
National Football League – Since 1999, Zeta Tau Alpha alumnae and collegiate members have worked with 23 of the 32 NFL teams to increase awareness of breast cancer at professional football games. ZTA also recently secured a partnership with the National Football League itself. Beginning with the Washington Redskins, over the past 10 seasons, Zetas have helped spread the message of breast cancer awareness to over a million football fans across the country.
SELF – To help further promote healthy lifestyles among its members, ZTA partners with SELF magazine’s annual SELF Challenge. All ZTA members are encouraged to join the program which promotes healthy eating and physical activity. Each year, SELF donates up to $3,000 in the name of the ZTA chapter with the most Challenge participants. As an added benefit membership, each collegiate Zeta receives a complimentary subscription to SELF, including its annual Women’s Breast Cancer Handbook.
Lifetime – Zeta Tau Alpha is one of 11 organizations that has partnered with Lifetime Television to spread the message about breast cancer awareness. When Lifetime premiered its movie “Why I Wore Lipstick to my Mastectomy,” starring Sarah Chalke, ZTA was its official partner asked its chapters to host Courage Nights—movie viewing parties with informational resources on breast cancer. Lifetime also honored Zeta Tau Alpha as a Lifetime Breast Cancer Hero. “Why I Wore Lipstick to my Mastectomy” is based on a book of the same title written by ZTA alumna initiate and former Lifetime executive, Geralyn Lucas. ZTA's involvement was mentioned on the “Today Show” during a guest appearance with Sarah Chalke.
(information from www.zetataualpha.org)
Our work with Breast Cancer Education and Awareness is one of my favorite thing about being a ZTA!
Anyway-
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
In case you haven't noticed, since it is October, everything is now pink! Zeta Tau Alpha's official philanthropy is Breast Cancer Awareness and Education and we are partnered with many great organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Yoplait Yogurt (and their Save Lids to Save Lives campaign), the NFL, SELF Magazine and Lifetime Movie Network. These partnerships have allowed me to have some really great opportunities as both a collegian and now as a TLC in regards to participating in the fight against Breast Cancer. While at Ferris State I got to go to the Grand Rapids, MI Race for the Cure as a volunteer. While in Greenville, their chapter president and I drove an hour and a half to Pittsburgh to join ZTA alumnae and collegians from all over PA to pass out ribbons at the Steelers/Ravens game. These were awesome experiences that Zetas all over the country can share.
If your curious- and don't mind me bragging a little bit- here is some info about our partnerships that help us have one of the strongest national philanthropies in the Greek world-
Susan G. Komen for the Cure®– ZTA began an association with Susan G. Komen for the Cure® in 1992 when it became the first national sponsor of the Race for the Cure’s National Series Breast Cancer Survivor Recognition Program. Ever since, ZTA has provided the signature pink T-shirts and caps for participants to wear during the race. As part of the Survivor Program, ZTA also provides pink “In Memory Of” and “In Celebration Of” back signs for participants to wear during the Race for the Cure events so they may race in honor of a friend or loved one. The ZTA Foundation also provides an educational item for each Race participant, such as the ZTA Breast-Self Examination (BSE) Calendar Reminder Stickers. ZTA is a member of the Komen Million Dollar Council donating over $3 million dollars to Susan G Komen for the Cure.
Yoplait® – ZTA will soon begin its sixth year of a partnership with Yoplait and its Save Lids to Save Lives® program. The partnership began in 2004, when Yoplait asked ZTA to help collect lids on 10 college campuses as part of a pilot project. Now, Yoplait and ZTA have expanded the effort to all of our collegiate and alumnae chapters. For every lid collected by ZTA, Yoplait donates 5 cents to the ZTA Foundation and 10 cents to Susan G. Komen for the Cure®. By placing Yoplait lid collection boxes all over campuses and hosting special events, Zetas collected over 311,000 lids in 2008!
National Football League – Since 1999, Zeta Tau Alpha alumnae and collegiate members have worked with 23 of the 32 NFL teams to increase awareness of breast cancer at professional football games. ZTA also recently secured a partnership with the National Football League itself. Beginning with the Washington Redskins, over the past 10 seasons, Zetas have helped spread the message of breast cancer awareness to over a million football fans across the country.
SELF – To help further promote healthy lifestyles among its members, ZTA partners with SELF magazine’s annual SELF Challenge. All ZTA members are encouraged to join the program which promotes healthy eating and physical activity. Each year, SELF donates up to $3,000 in the name of the ZTA chapter with the most Challenge participants. As an added benefit membership, each collegiate Zeta receives a complimentary subscription to SELF, including its annual Women’s Breast Cancer Handbook.
Lifetime – Zeta Tau Alpha is one of 11 organizations that has partnered with Lifetime Television to spread the message about breast cancer awareness. When Lifetime premiered its movie “Why I Wore Lipstick to my Mastectomy,” starring Sarah Chalke, ZTA was its official partner asked its chapters to host Courage Nights—movie viewing parties with informational resources on breast cancer. Lifetime also honored Zeta Tau Alpha as a Lifetime Breast Cancer Hero. “Why I Wore Lipstick to my Mastectomy” is based on a book of the same title written by ZTA alumna initiate and former Lifetime executive, Geralyn Lucas. ZTA's involvement was mentioned on the “Today Show” during a guest appearance with Sarah Chalke.
(information from www.zetataualpha.org)
Our work with Breast Cancer Education and Awareness is one of my favorite thing about being a ZTA!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Texas and more
Flying into El Paso on Sunday afternoon was an interesting experience. I spent most of the plane ride reading a book (The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo- highly recommend) and didn't look out the window too much. When the pilot announced that we were starting our descent, I opened my window covering and took a look. I froze. Quite possibly due to the amount of LOST I had been watching the day before (and that my flight had been abnormally bumpy and loud), I started to have crazy crazy science fiction inspired thoughts, caused by the fact that it literally looked like we were flying over Mars. We were over what in actuality must be the west Texas desert and then started to see mountains and I had never ever seen anything like it before. Here is a picture of what I saw (this was not taken by me, but I found it on Google Images :)
Needless to say I faced a bit of culture shock when I got here, but in a good way I think. Part of the reason why I was so excited about this job was because I have not seen too much of our great nation and I wanted to broaden my horizons. Remember what I said about everything looking like Maryland? I'm eating my words right now. That being said, I have really enjoyed my time in El Paso and have a lot more of an interest in what is going on in Mexico because you can see it right across the street. Literally it is right there. Juarez, currently Mexico's most dangerous city, borders El Paso and a lot of El Paso's citizens and UTEP students have family there. It is very sad that they no longer feel safe visiting their relatives that live only a few minutes away.
In other news, as I approach the two month mark of being on the road, I have noticed something starting to happen. Though I don't feel homesick in the traditional sense of the word, I have started to dramatically cling to anything that connects me to home. For example, the first night I was here the Cowboys played the Redskins. I have never ever been a NFL fan and though my Dad has always like the Skins I never really took interest. However, the family that I am staying with had the game on (they were cheering on the Redskins too, by the way) and I suddenly felt a very vested interest in the outcome of the game. My passion for sports is typically reserved for Terps Men's basketball and any American team in the Olympics (I love when they chant U-S-A!) but I big time felt it Sunday, only because it gave me some sense of familiarity. It was interesting to me how much I suddenly cared about the game and the team and it made me realize how much I am looking forward to being home for a week next month.
Hope all is well with everyone!
PS- Looking back on this post, it makes me seem a little like someone who is slowly becoming delusional. Let's cross our fingers that its not a side effect of the job. Fellow TLCs, ya with me?
Needless to say I faced a bit of culture shock when I got here, but in a good way I think. Part of the reason why I was so excited about this job was because I have not seen too much of our great nation and I wanted to broaden my horizons. Remember what I said about everything looking like Maryland? I'm eating my words right now. That being said, I have really enjoyed my time in El Paso and have a lot more of an interest in what is going on in Mexico because you can see it right across the street. Literally it is right there. Juarez, currently Mexico's most dangerous city, borders El Paso and a lot of El Paso's citizens and UTEP students have family there. It is very sad that they no longer feel safe visiting their relatives that live only a few minutes away.
In other news, as I approach the two month mark of being on the road, I have noticed something starting to happen. Though I don't feel homesick in the traditional sense of the word, I have started to dramatically cling to anything that connects me to home. For example, the first night I was here the Cowboys played the Redskins. I have never ever been a NFL fan and though my Dad has always like the Skins I never really took interest. However, the family that I am staying with had the game on (they were cheering on the Redskins too, by the way) and I suddenly felt a very vested interest in the outcome of the game. My passion for sports is typically reserved for Terps Men's basketball and any American team in the Olympics (I love when they chant U-S-A!) but I big time felt it Sunday, only because it gave me some sense of familiarity. It was interesting to me how much I suddenly cared about the game and the team and it made me realize how much I am looking forward to being home for a week next month.
Hope all is well with everyone!
PS- Looking back on this post, it makes me seem a little like someone who is slowly becoming delusional. Let's cross our fingers that its not a side effect of the job. Fellow TLCs, ya with me?
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Quick update
I have a lot to say about my time so far in El Paso, TX but officer meetings and recruitment parties aren't allowing me much time. Here is a picture to tide you over- this is the backyard of the house I am staying at (the home of the Secretary and her Mom and Dad) Expect a longer post soon!
Those mountains are part of the southernmost tip of the Rocky Mountains!
Those mountains are part of the southernmost tip of the Rocky Mountains!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
More Iowa
My time in Iowa is (unfortunately) about to come to an end. On Sunday morning I will leave these lovely ladies and head to my next stop at UTEP. Recruitment here ended yesterday with Bid Day, where we celebrated all of Alpha Omicron's newest members. Here are some pictures from the event-
The bus they dropped the new members back to their dorms in
The inflatable obstacle course they rented for the day! So fun!
Huge ZTA letters and a strawberry- one of our symbols.
One of my favorite parts of this visit was handing out pink ribbons for Breast Cancer Awareness and Education at the first football game on Saturday. It was really fun to be in the college football atmosphere again, though it made me sad that I won't be in College Park for any Terps games this season. So many of the fans were super receptive- some even shared with us that they are survivors- and even donated money for the cause. We raised over $600 in just an hour and a half and handed out 5,000+ pink ribbons! One if my favorite things about ZTA is how members all over the country are so dedicated to our philanthropy. Here is a picture from that day-
Though it will be sad to leave Iowa, I am very excited to go to UTEP. This will be my third trip to the state of Texas and I loved both Austin and South Padre when I went there on trips. This recruitment will be a lot different than the other two chapter visits I have done so far, as there are only three sororities on the campus with pretty small membership totals. Also, the ZTA at UTEP does not have a chapter house so I will be staying with a member of the Executive Council in her apartment. Definitely will be a different experience but I am excited to see another new part of the country, as I have never been to El Paso.
The bus they dropped the new members back to their dorms in
The inflatable obstacle course they rented for the day! So fun!
Huge ZTA letters and a strawberry- one of our symbols.
One of my favorite parts of this visit was handing out pink ribbons for Breast Cancer Awareness and Education at the first football game on Saturday. It was really fun to be in the college football atmosphere again, though it made me sad that I won't be in College Park for any Terps games this season. So many of the fans were super receptive- some even shared with us that they are survivors- and even donated money for the cause. We raised over $600 in just an hour and a half and handed out 5,000+ pink ribbons! One if my favorite things about ZTA is how members all over the country are so dedicated to our philanthropy. Here is a picture from that day-
Though it will be sad to leave Iowa, I am very excited to go to UTEP. This will be my third trip to the state of Texas and I loved both Austin and South Padre when I went there on trips. This recruitment will be a lot different than the other two chapter visits I have done so far, as there are only three sororities on the campus with pretty small membership totals. Also, the ZTA at UTEP does not have a chapter house so I will be staying with a member of the Executive Council in her apartment. Definitely will be a different experience but I am excited to see another new part of the country, as I have never been to El Paso.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Next stops!
Univ of Texas El Paso
Ferris State in Michigan
Thiel College in Pennsylvania
...that takes me through October 7th and then it will almost be time for my fall break! So nice to know what the next month will bring!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
10 Things I Have Learned So Far
So it has been one month since I left my friends, family and dog to go to training and begin traveling. Here is what I have learned so far:
(I'm counting down because its more dramatic that way)
10. Airport time is fun! Layovers give time to regroup, refocus for the next visit and have some me-time. I haven't had a layover where I have had to run to my terminal just yet, and hopefully it stays that way!
9. Everywhere looks like Maryland. I'm not kidding. The humidity level may change, but with the exception of New Orleans (not that I saw much of it :), I haven't had a "Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore" feeling yet. When I'm in El Paso, Texas next month that might happen, though.
8. Facebook is my lifeline to the outside world. Even though I don't have time to comment, rest assured that I am stalking all of you regularly. And I am so excited for everyone who is also starting new adventures right now!
7. You are in charge of your own life out here on the road. If you need food or to run to Target, you have to ask for it, or no one will know that you need it. I've been lucky and had very accommodating hostesses, but I have also had to get over the feeling of inconveniencing people just to have my basic needs met.
6. Eating breakfast is a great idea! I guess you were right, Mom.
5. My TLC sisters are awesome support! They know exactly what I am going through and are always there to commiserate with, share a laugh with or just chat because we want to know how the other is doing. Love you ladies!
4. Many things that I thought I "had to pack" I really don't need at all. Expect another package coming home soon, family.
3. This job will increase my Zeta wardrobe exponentially. I have already gotten 6 or 7 free t-shirts from just 2 visits.
2. I love the school atmosphere (at any level) and was totally jealous of all the Univ of Iowa students who had their first day of class yesterday. Guess its a good thing I want to be a teacher!
1. I love Zeta! I am definitely doing what I am supposed to be doing and am really loving the job! Can't wait to find out my next schedule and see what lies ahead after Univ of Texas, El Paso.
Hope everyone is doing well!!
(I'm counting down because its more dramatic that way)
10. Airport time is fun! Layovers give time to regroup, refocus for the next visit and have some me-time. I haven't had a layover where I have had to run to my terminal just yet, and hopefully it stays that way!
9. Everywhere looks like Maryland. I'm not kidding. The humidity level may change, but with the exception of New Orleans (not that I saw much of it :), I haven't had a "Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore" feeling yet. When I'm in El Paso, Texas next month that might happen, though.
8. Facebook is my lifeline to the outside world. Even though I don't have time to comment, rest assured that I am stalking all of you regularly. And I am so excited for everyone who is also starting new adventures right now!
7. You are in charge of your own life out here on the road. If you need food or to run to Target, you have to ask for it, or no one will know that you need it. I've been lucky and had very accommodating hostesses, but I have also had to get over the feeling of inconveniencing people just to have my basic needs met.
6. Eating breakfast is a great idea! I guess you were right, Mom.
5. My TLC sisters are awesome support! They know exactly what I am going through and are always there to commiserate with, share a laugh with or just chat because we want to know how the other is doing. Love you ladies!
4. Many things that I thought I "had to pack" I really don't need at all. Expect another package coming home soon, family.
3. This job will increase my Zeta wardrobe exponentially. I have already gotten 6 or 7 free t-shirts from just 2 visits.
2. I love the school atmosphere (at any level) and was totally jealous of all the Univ of Iowa students who had their first day of class yesterday. Guess its a good thing I want to be a teacher!
1. I love Zeta! I am definitely doing what I am supposed to be doing and am really loving the job! Can't wait to find out my next schedule and see what lies ahead after Univ of Texas, El Paso.
Hope everyone is doing well!!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Goodbye Mississippi, Hello Iowa
I have officially completed my first visit! Gamma Zeta was INCREDIBLE. I got to work with so may awesome collegians, alumnae and National Officers to meet our goal of meeting quota and getting to chapter total. (For my non Greek friends out there, quota is the max number of women a sorority can pledge during Formal Recruitment and total is the maximum size each sorority can be on campus). You always want to meet quota and total because that means that a lot of women want to join your group and that you are usually comparable in size to other sororities on campus. This was very exciting for Gamma Zeta to accomplish. It was all due to the hard work put in by everyone involved. I definitely felt like a true TLC (first one up, last one to bed) during this trip as sometimes Sharon and my days would end at 3:00am and begin again at around 6:00am. It was all worth it though!! I was very sad that I didn't get to be there to find out the great news, but when I checked my phone when my plane landed yesterday I had many happy texts.
I am pumped to be here in Iowa for the next few weeks. The girls had a welcome bag for me with all of my favorite treats and I have my own room! Here is a picture of the house:
I started off the visit on a great foot by accidentally locking myself out of my room while I showered and had to track down the House Manager in my towel. Oops. At least I won't make that mistake twice. :)
In other news, I came home today to a package from the Silver Spring Alumnae chapter with a bunch of snacks, some Burt's Bees chapsticks and other fun stuff and a gift card to Starbucks! It was a great thing to open up after a long day of workshop. I am so appreciative!
So far I am obviously really enjoying the job (though I miss my friends and family tons) and can already tell this year is going to go by super fast.
Hope everyone is doing well!
I am pumped to be here in Iowa for the next few weeks. The girls had a welcome bag for me with all of my favorite treats and I have my own room! Here is a picture of the house:
I started off the visit on a great foot by accidentally locking myself out of my room while I showered and had to track down the House Manager in my towel. Oops. At least I won't make that mistake twice. :)
In other news, I came home today to a package from the Silver Spring Alumnae chapter with a bunch of snacks, some Burt's Bees chapsticks and other fun stuff and a gift card to Starbucks! It was a great thing to open up after a long day of workshop. I am so appreciative!
So far I am obviously really enjoying the job (though I miss my friends and family tons) and can already tell this year is going to go by super fast.
Hope everyone is doing well!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
M-I-S-S-I-S-S-I-P-P-I
Mississippi State has been great so far!
Here is my home for the week:
Some highlights-
Sonic!
In my part of Maryland, we are teased by Sonic (a drive up fast food restaurant) commercials, but there are no Sonics to be found. Prior to this trip, I had my first and only taste of Sonic in Texas and have wanted it again ever since. In MS they are everywhere! I have been three times since Saturday!
Sisterhood!
This chapter is so much fun! They are hard workers, but always find a way to make the hard work fun by being goofy. I have really enjoyed getting to know them and I am confident that we will have a great time with recruitment later this week. The house is huge and gorgeous, as are most all of them on this campus. One of the fraternity houses has three separate buildings! One of the sisters was gracious enough to give up her room for us to stay it and the room is super nice. I have been sitting in on and helping with workshops to prepare for recruitment as well as meeting with individual officers. I have loved brainstorming ideas and figuring out how to make ZTA the best it can be!
Sharon!
I am lucky enough to be on this visit with another TLC, Sharon. Like I mentioned before, she is a second year TLC so she has a ton of knowledge. I am very happy she is here with me for my first visit so I can make sure I am doing everything right and it is always more fun to work together to cover all the bases. In addition to the two TLCs, there has been a ton of National Officer, Alumnae and Advisor support. It is so great to see how dedicated these women are even after they've graduated.
The first round of recruitment is on Thursday and I am pumped for all our hard work to pay off!
Miss y'all!!!
Here is my home for the week:
Some highlights-
Sonic!
In my part of Maryland, we are teased by Sonic (a drive up fast food restaurant) commercials, but there are no Sonics to be found. Prior to this trip, I had my first and only taste of Sonic in Texas and have wanted it again ever since. In MS they are everywhere! I have been three times since Saturday!
Sisterhood!
This chapter is so much fun! They are hard workers, but always find a way to make the hard work fun by being goofy. I have really enjoyed getting to know them and I am confident that we will have a great time with recruitment later this week. The house is huge and gorgeous, as are most all of them on this campus. One of the fraternity houses has three separate buildings! One of the sisters was gracious enough to give up her room for us to stay it and the room is super nice. I have been sitting in on and helping with workshops to prepare for recruitment as well as meeting with individual officers. I have loved brainstorming ideas and figuring out how to make ZTA the best it can be!
Sharon!
I am lucky enough to be on this visit with another TLC, Sharon. Like I mentioned before, she is a second year TLC so she has a ton of knowledge. I am very happy she is here with me for my first visit so I can make sure I am doing everything right and it is always more fun to work together to cover all the bases. In addition to the two TLCs, there has been a ton of National Officer, Alumnae and Advisor support. It is so great to see how dedicated these women are even after they've graduated.
The first round of recruitment is on Thursday and I am pumped for all our hard work to pay off!
Miss y'all!!!
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Almost time to hit the road!
Training is almost over and I can't believe it! On Saturday I will leave for my first visit to Mississippi State. Lucky for me, another TLC, Sharon, is already there and we will be covering their recruitment together. Sharon is a second year TLC so I am looking forward to continuing my training as I learn from her at Gamma Zeta chapter at Mississippi State. I have never been to MS and am looking forward to experience Southern Greek Life!
One of the fun things we have done this week is a TLC photo shoot- here are some of the pics!
One of our facilitators this week gave us this poem to put in our TLC binders. I want to share it because even though it definitely applies really well to my job, I think it can be related to what a lot of people do for a living, especially to my teacher and social worker parents.
"There once was a man vacationing on the coast of Mexico.
One evening he decided to take a midnight stroll down the deserted beach.
There was a full moon and down the beach he could make out what appeared to be a boy would scurry around, pick something up and throw it back into the ocean.
As the man drew closer to the boy he could see that the beach was littered with starfish.
As he reached the boy, he asked what he was doing.
The boy explained that with each full moon the high tide would wash the starfish so far up on the beach that they were destined to die the next day in the sun.
The man responded that there must be thousands of miles of beach and millions of stranded starfish - how much difference did this one boy hope to make?
The boy pondered the question for a moment, looked back a the starfish in his hand, tossed it as hard as he could back into the life-giving sea and answered,
"It made a difference to that one."
So, here I go, out on the road to hopefully make a positive difference in the lives of some collegiate women and leave my small mark on ZTA.
PS- For anyone who is interested, any mail sent to ZTA's International Office with my name and "TLC" written on it will be forwarded to me at whatever school I am visiting. Here is the address-
Zeta Tau Alpha
3450 Founders Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
One of the fun things we have done this week is a TLC photo shoot- here are some of the pics!
One of our facilitators this week gave us this poem to put in our TLC binders. I want to share it because even though it definitely applies really well to my job, I think it can be related to what a lot of people do for a living, especially to my teacher and social worker parents.
"There once was a man vacationing on the coast of Mexico.
One evening he decided to take a midnight stroll down the deserted beach.
There was a full moon and down the beach he could make out what appeared to be a boy would scurry around, pick something up and throw it back into the ocean.
As the man drew closer to the boy he could see that the beach was littered with starfish.
As he reached the boy, he asked what he was doing.
The boy explained that with each full moon the high tide would wash the starfish so far up on the beach that they were destined to die the next day in the sun.
The man responded that there must be thousands of miles of beach and millions of stranded starfish - how much difference did this one boy hope to make?
The boy pondered the question for a moment, looked back a the starfish in his hand, tossed it as hard as he could back into the life-giving sea and answered,
"It made a difference to that one."
So, here I go, out on the road to hopefully make a positive difference in the lives of some collegiate women and leave my small mark on ZTA.
PS- For anyone who is interested, any mail sent to ZTA's International Office with my name and "TLC" written on it will be forwarded to me at whatever school I am visiting. Here is the address-
Zeta Tau Alpha
3450 Founders Road
Indianapolis, IN 46268
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Training so far!
Life in Indianapolis, IN, or more realistically, life in ZTA International Office, has been great! I have really enjoyed spending time getting to know my TLC sisters and learning the ins and outs of ZTA officer roles, Ritual and the logistics of my job. The Homewood Suites where they have us staying is super nice and comfortable with a continental breakfast. One of my goals has been to eat breakfast every morning (I used to never) because our days are SUPER long (think 13 hours in a boardroom). I have succeeded so far (aren't ya proud of me, Mom?) probably due to my roommate Lexie's willingness to go with me. There has been so much information thrown at us but I have loved every second. I really like to feel prepared, and they are doing a great job of that so far!
Last night we found out our (tentative) schedules. Mine is:
Mississippi State
Univ. of Iowa
Univ. of Texas, El Paso
I am very very excited about my upcoming trips! It definitely hit me that the job had started when i had the schedule in my hands. Crazy!!
Last night we found out our (tentative) schedules. Mine is:
Mississippi State
Univ. of Iowa
Univ. of Texas, El Paso
I am very very excited about my upcoming trips! It definitely hit me that the job had started when i had the schedule in my hands. Crazy!!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Convention 2010 in New Orleans!
Every two years ZTA holds an International Convention. The location is different every time, but is always somewhere exciting like Houston, Tucson, or the location of this year's big event- New Orleans! I was so excited to get to go to a city that I had heard so many great things about. The Convention was filled with business meetings, breakout sessions, fun surprises, awards ceremonies and ritual. Here were some of the highlights for me:
Meeting my TLC sisters and other National Officers: I had waited so long to meet everyone and it was so exciting when the day finally came! Everyone clicked almost immediately and I know we are just going to get closer and closer over the two weeks of training we will have together. Here is a picture of us in our Mardi Gras masks!
We also got a chance to get to know other National Officers- the women who are in charge of the collegiate and alumnae chapters across the country. They are all volunteers, and its is so heart warming to see how willingly they dedicate their time and energy to Zeta Tau Alpha.
The Location- New Orleans is awesome! Even though I didn't get to see much of it, it was a super exciting atmosphere to be in. ZTA brought us a taste of the Big Easy with beignets, King Cake and a visit from the Krewe of Caesar. This is an example of one of the members of the Krewe:
Also, our Executive Director shared with us that she chose New Orleans to be the location for Convention 2010 and booked this hotel in the French Quarter shortly after Hurricane Katrina. She said that people thought she was crazy, but she wanted ZTA to be a part of the rebuilding of this great city.
Phlianthropy: ZTA is known in the Greek world for having outstanding philanthropic efforts. Our official philanthropy is Breast Cancer Awareness and Education and we are nationally partnered with organizations like Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Yoplait (and their Save Lids to Save Lives campaign), the NFL and SELF Magazine. We staff Race for the Cure events, collect huge amounts of Yoplait pink lids and hand out pink ribbons at NFL games nationwide during the month of October. The ZTA Foundation President gave us an update on how we have been doing with Philanthropy this past biennium and announced we have raised over $3million for Susan G. Komen for the Cure! So exciting!!
At the Philanthropy Luncheon on Friday, the TLCs got to be recognized with the honor of sitting at the head table. It was really cool to sit up there and look out over the 850+ ZTAs eating their lunch- all wearing pink!
Initiation: Every Convention ZTA has a special initiate. This means we honor someone who was not Greek in college by welcoming them into our sisterhood officially through Initiation. This biennium's recipient of the honor was Tanya Snyder, wife of Dan Snyder who is the owner of the Washington Redskins. A breast cancer surviver herself, Tanya has worked over the years with ZTA to strengthen our partnership with the NFL. We hand out ribbons at games 28 of the 32 teams- but it all started with the Washington Redskins! The ritual was performed by some of my fellow TLCs and it was so cool to experience it with hundreds of other ZTAs. Here is an article about it: http://www.redskins.com/gen/articles/Zeta_Tau_Alpha_Honors_Tanya_Snyder_In_New_Orleans_128345.jsp
Silver Awards: Undoubtedly the most exciting night of Convention was the SIlver Awards dinner. Only given at Convention, SIlver Awards recognize the most outstanding ZTA chapters and their achievements over the past biennium. About 15-20 chapters are recognized. Going into the dinner, I told a lot of my friends that I really though that my chapter at UMD, Iota Omega, really had a shot at the Becky Hainsworth Kirwan Most Improved Chapter Award and the 2012 Convention. I thought that if we kept working hard, there was a good chance wo could be recognized in two years. So, imagine my surprise when this award came up and the chapter being described started sounding an awful lot like Iota Omega. They announced our name and it was one of the best feelings I've ever had. I was sitting with the girls from my chapter and we all started screaming, hugging and crying. We all went up on stage to accept the award and were greeted on the way there and back by National Officers crying and saying how proud they were. There were even some former TLCs who worked with my chapter years ago who were crying for us because of how far we've come. It was so special for me to be there because my time as President was included in the 2 years that were evaluated for this award. It makes me SO proud of Iota Omega and SO excited to work with other chapters.
I really enjoyed my experience at Convention, and though us TLCs worked really hard (and late into the night) the entire time to make sure everything was running smoothly, I was sad to come back home. 2012 Convention is in Louisville, KY. See you there!!
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
"There is no moment of delight in any pilgrimage like the beginning of it." -- Charles Dudley Warner
Finally, what all of us future TLCs have been waiting for- more information!! I got a wonderful package from ZTA in the mail yesterday and was dying to open it. Only problem was that it had arrived to my house in Thurmont and I am still here in College Park. Luckily, my Dad was willing to meet me halfway to hand it off so that my curiosity and excitement would not literally kill me. Inside was my very own copy of "Ready, Set, Recruit," which I am sure will be very useful to me over the next year, as includes everything you could ever possibly want to know about the process of taking in new members to the soroity. Also in the box were some papers for us to fill out regarding our meal preferences and any colleges/states we would like to request to visit next year. I don't think that tooo much consideration is given to what we request, but like the form says- it doesn't hurt to ask. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have a few in mind, but I would love some input!
Anyway, with this new information came a totally new sense of excitement because now I have a more concrete idea of what to be excited about! I feel like the job is actually about to start and I can't wait! If you need me, I'll be compulsively checking the ZTA TLCs 2010-2011 Facebook group. :)
Saturday, June 12, 2010
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." --St. Augustine
I am very excited to begin my job as a Traveling Leadership Consultant for Zeta Tau Alpha! Before I use this blog to let you all know about my adventures on the road, I want to explain what I will actually be doing. I know that working for a sorority, and even sororities in general, are confusing so I will start at the beginning: I joined the Iota Omega chapter of Zeta Tau Alpha at the University of Maryland in Fall 2007. I was so excited to meet a ton of new people and be able to take advantage of new opportunities (community service, socials, leadership positions, just to name a few!) through being a part of Greek Life. At the time, I had no idea how much my decision to join ZTA would help me grow as a person.
In typical Elise fashion, I was excited to get involved as quickly as I could. I took on the role of Community Service Chair the first semester I joined and then ran for chapter President the following Fall. My lovely sisters elected me into office and the craziest 12 months of my life began. Being chapter President meant that I oversaw a chapter of 100+ women and represented Iota Omega to the UMD Greek community as well as our International Office. Before or since, I have not had an experience that has caused me to feel excited, optimistic, annoyed, depressed, exhilarated and proud all in the same day (though I feel like this TLC job will give it a run for its money). It was a roller coaster, but I came out a stronger person, more independent and confident than I was before.
It was this experience that drove me to apply to be a TLC. I had such a great experience and Zeta gave me so much while I was a collegiate and I can't wait to give back by visiting ZTA chapters. So, what exactly will I be doing? Generally, I know that I will be living out of a suitcase, traveling from ZTA chapter to ZTA chapter all across the country. Sometimes I'll fly and sometimes sisters from the chapters I visit will drive me. Typically, I will be traveling and working alone, though there may be some time when I will be working with other TLCs. While I am there, (which will be anywhere from 2 days to 2 weeks+) I will help with recruitment, officer training, programming and basically anything else that is going on.
Before the chapter visits actually start, I will have my first TLC experience at our Convention in New Orleans! From July 6-11 I will, along with the 16 other TLCs, help out with the logistics of the Convention. I am very excited to see my chapter's delegates as well as meet the ladies I will be working with over the next year. Next, its off to Indianapolis, IN (the home of our International Office) at the end of July for 2 weeks of training.
Right now, I am savoring my last few weeks in College Park but also counting down the days until this next great adventure begins!
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