Those mountains are part of the southernmost tip of the Rocky Mountains!
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)