Make A Difference Mondays

Do YOU have a case of the Mondays? If so… you can stroll around campus and find Texas Spirits making a difference!

Make-A-Difference Monday was started by the 2009 Service Haunts, Allie Elko and Gloria Chan. The intention was to spread kindness to fellow UT students and hope that they would, in turn, pass it forward.

Several Mondays out of the semester, the Service Haunts will put together goodies to hand out around campus. Last semester we extended the kindness to the hard-working, lovely UT bus drivers. Spirits gave them bottles of water and granola bars, along with a big smile and a heart-felt “Thank You.” Other Make-A-Difference Mondays have included candy and school supplies.

This week, Spirits will be handing out Ice-Pops in the West Mall to beat the blazing heat!

So remember… Be Kind & Pass it on. Have a great Monday! 

Signature Style: The Spirit & the Scarf

From Spooks to Spirits, the ladies of this organization have always had style. In the early days, Spooks wore noted for wearing all black with a white armband branded with the organization emblem. I call it classic chic with an air of mystery.  We were a secret organization after all…

Texas Spooks 1970

However, the Texas Spirits casual uniform of white, denim, and the signature burnt orange scarf has become an iconic image across the UT campus since its adoption in 1988. And to be quite honest, what first attracted me to Spirits was when I caught a glimpse of a girl in casual uniform at my first UT football game. It seems superficial, I know, but as I completed the extensive Weenie tasks leading up to my Fall’08 initiation, I learned that there is so much meaning and hard work in earning the signature Spirits scarf.  When I put it on, and head out to an event, there is a sense of pride for not only the Texas Spirit Tradition, but for all things Longhorn as well.  Ask any active member; the Spirits scarf is the perfect accessory.

In honor of Texas Spirits’ favorite time of year: UT Football season, I went about town to photograph some lovely actives to showcase their individual spin on the casual uniform…

Hilary Elrod, Fall’10

Top- Nordstom BP by way of Ari’s closet
Denim shorts- American Eagle Outfitters by way of Lauren’s closet
Boots- Cavenders
Jewelry- Kendra Scott Kingston Earrings in Tigers Eye
Personal Style- “Fun and comfortable, I like accessories!”
Where she shops- Strut, Forever 21,  & Ann Taylor LOFT

Callie Coulter, Fall’08

Dress- Calvin Klein at Macy’s

 Jewelry- Kendra Scott Jeanine Dangle Earrings in Turquoise & Jana Bracelet in Turquoise
Personal Style- “Classic, Simple, & Girly”
Where she shops- LC Lauren Conrad at Kohl’s & Buffalo Exchange

Jenny Feng, Spring ’11

Top- Nordstrom
Skirt- United Colors of Benetton
Jewelry- Kendra Scott Gwen Earrings in White Lily & Lucca Filigree Bangles in Gold
Personal Style- “Preppy, Neat, & Casual”
Where she shops - J.Crew, Saks Fifth, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, & Ralph Lauren. Can’t forget about The Domain and little Austin boutiques!

Lauren Means, Fall ’10 

Dress- Forever 21

Vest- Gap by way of Hilary’s closet

Boots- Steve Madden (Birthday present from Mom!)
Wedges- Nine West
Jewelry- Kendra Scott Lizeth Rose Ring in Gold
Personal Style- “Random, girly, aided a lot by the help of my friends!”
Where she shops- Forever 21, Nordstrom, & cute downtown Austin boutiques

Special thanks to the above Spirits & Brooke Leal for all of your help!

CI Sept 3^rd just get here already WY
Michelle Sereno

Recruitment Run-Down!

Final 5 Freshman Tips & Tricks

5. It’s all Greek to Me… or Not: Student Organizations
Bottom Line: Join a student organization! There are so many ways to go about this:

a) Check the UT Student Activities website, it lists all the student orgs on campus.
b) During the first couple of weeks of class, parooze through the West Mall anytime from 10am-2pm and check out the student orgs tabling.
c) Attend Start Fresh: The Texas Network and/or Party on the Plaza 2011 and/or Big Yell 
d) Ask an upperclassmen
e) Start your own: All you need is 3 friends and $10.

4. Thank You Mark Zuckerberg: Social Media Seriousness
Every college kid has an online presence of some kind (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn, Tumblr). It’s absolutely necessary in order to be in the know! However, not to freak you out or anything, but the real world is about T-minus 4 years (ish) away.  Which means, potential employers can Google you instantly. Rule of thumb: Keep your posts appropriate and profiles private.

3. Beyond the Classroom: Internships
Gaining work experience through internships has become a necessary addition to your resume. I suggest paying a visit to your college's career center and see how to get started. Also, check out Access UT and HireALonghorn, which are online database that lists internships and job postings.

2. Oh the Places You’ll Go: Study Abroad
I don’t care where you go, just GO somewhere. From a Maymester to a whole 6 month semester, traveling abroad is totally worth it. Experiencing new cultures, people, food, sights = definite highlight of your college career (that I can promise). Regardless of what major(s) you have, you can make it work if you try. Visit the study abroad office.

 1. It’s Your Time: Make Things Happen
Fresh from the nest, it is your time to make things happen (insert inspirational music here). Making friends and getting involved takes time, effort, and persistence. So…Reach out! By this I mean, go say hi to cute boy in your FIG, attend the introductory meetings of student groups that you’re interested in, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. During my time here I’ve learned that what makes UT so freaking great (besides being able to walk on the grass) is that there truly is something for everyone.

 What Starts Here Changes The World, seriously.

CIWY,
Michelle Sereno
Fall’ 08 Weenie

Swing Out Awards

On Thursday April 21, 2011, four Ghost Council members attended the Swing Out Awards ceremony representing Texas Spirits as a finalist for the Swing Out Award in the category of Best Spirit.

The Swing Out Award application was turned in February 25th and was followed by an interview with Ghost Council members a month later. The application included ten essay questions asking background information about Texas Spirits as well as how we exemplify spirit on the University of Texas campus. Two specific questions included inquiries about the impact Texas Spirits has had on the UT Austin community and beyond, while another asked where we saw areas for organization growth for the upcoming year. A final question asked where we felt UT Austin was most lacking in spirit and as to what we have done to improve spirit on campus.

Chief Haunt Katie Koehler, History Haunt Alexa Hart, Spirit Haunt Megan McKinney, and Public Relations Haunt Neven Simpson all attended the Evening of the Stars Awards Celebration on April 21, 2011 to hear the Swing Out Award winners announced. The event featured appetizers and a number of outstanding student organizations and representatives.

The Best Spirit Organization was the last Swing Out award to be announced, so after much anticipation the representatives of Ghost Council in attendance were extremely pleased to be announced the winner of the category over the university recognized Orange Jackets. Katie Koehler gave a few words accepting the award and then was later presented with an official Best Spirit Organization Swing Out Award banner. It truly was a special and honorable night for Texas Spirits.

Congratulations to Texas Sweethearts on winning the Best Social Organization, as well as to Tejas Club for being a finalist in this category.

The Longhorn Freshman Fifteen Continued...

10. Make New Friends, but Keep The Old: Don’t be a homebody

Step outside your comfort zone and make some new friends. With hundreds of organizations for your major or extracurricular interests (Anime Club anyone?), there are endless opportunities to meet someone new. It is great to keep in touch with your old high school friends, but don’t let that hinder you from exploring college life. Limit your visits back home, but make sure to call your mom regularly. 

9. Live Music Capital of the World: Austin City Scene
YES, you live here. Austin City Limits and SXSW festivals are fan-freakin-tastic in their own right. But there’s so much more going on in this glorious city. Pick up The Austin Chronicle at one of the newspaper bins on campus or visit Austin360.com to see what happens beyond the bubble of the 40 Acres. 

8. Thou Shall Love Thy Neighbor: Live on Campus

Location, location, location! Oh, how I miss the days of waking up at least 30 minutes before my class, grabbing a quick bite from Cypress Bend, and then heading off to the Six Pack with no delay. Most importantly, this is a great way to make friends your first year. Ask any upperclassmen. Dorm living has its pros and cons…so try to focus on the positives.

7. Professor’s Pet: Talk to your Profs
You’ll get a better grade… Ehh not entirely true, but it definitely doesn’t hurt. Like me, you may be super shy to raise your hand in class, so go visit your professor during office hours. Even if you don’t have a question, initiating a relationship with a professor works in your favor! They can be potential resume references and writers for a letter of recommendation.

6. Why You’ll Love the Fall: Texas Football

Surprised this isn’t #1? Me too. Waking up on a Saturday to sunshine, BBQ tailgates and a sea of burnt orange is the epitome of a Longhorn Christmas. Not to mention, this is the inaugural season of the Longhorn Network!  

So to freshmen that haven’t purchased football season tickets, dontcha worry. At least buy a Longhorn All-Sports Package (LASP) so you can be eligible to enter the student football ticket draw.

Over the Mountains and Through the Hills....

There is one day out of the year that every student looks forward to – the last day school so that summer vacation can start. Growing up summer is code for fun, playing outside, going to camp, visiting Grandma’s and doing whatever you feel like. In college, summer is code for something a little different. It means lazy days at the pool, sleeping in until noon, going downtown on a random Tuesday, visiting old friends, and maybe making some money. For two Spirits though, they geared up for something a little different then the things listed above. Fall ‘10 Weenie, Kelly Bahng, and Spring ’11 Weenie, Lane Follmar, set out on June 3^rd, 2011 as members of Texas 4000 for Cancer to ride their bikes from Austin, TX to Anchorage, AK. They are joined by 45 other UT students and make up the 8^th team to make this journey. The trip is 4,687 miles and lasts 70 days. Prior to riding, both girls had to raise at least $4,500 which goes to benefit cancer research. They also trained, spoke to audiences about the importance of early detection and prevention, and provided hope to many.  As Kelly said in her blog, “Texas 4000, is a metaphor for those fighting cancer but it's also many other things. It's hope for those battling the disease; inspiration for others; and for the riders on the trip, it's also growth as a person and as a team.”

Lane and Kelly resting after riding across the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, CA

 Kelly and Lane’s journey started in Austin, TX and hit many other big cities on the West Coast. They rode through Lubbock, Texas; Albuquerque, New Mexico; part of the Grand Canyon, Arizona; Zion National Park, Utah; San Francisco, California; Portland, Oregon; Seattle, Washington; and Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada. Today the girls leave Canada and cross over into Northway, Alaska. They have approximately 300 miles until Anchorage and just 5 more days. We couldn’t be more proud of their journey, the lives they’ve touched, and the impact they’re making.

Keep going girls; we’re rooting for you from Texas!

                  The girls utilizing their drag paint skills somewhere along the coast of Oregon.

Visit Texas4000.org (or see the links below) to read Kelly and Lane’s journals or view pictures from the trip. If you wish to donate, a link is also available on the website. And stayed tuned, next summer we will have 4 more Spirits: Katie Koehler and Leah Horsh, Fall ’09 Weenies, and Diana Johnson and Taylor Foreman, Spring ’10 Weenies, making the same trip and an incredible impact.

2011 LIVESTRONG Texas 4000 Spirits

Kelly’s profile & blog: http://texas4000.org/user/profile/10332

Lane’s profile & blog: http://texas4000.org/user/profile/10338

2012 LIVESTRONG Texas4000 Spirits

Katie’s profile & blog: http://texas4000.org/user/profile/10396

Leah’s profile & blog: http://texas4000.org/user/profile/10417

Diana’s profile & blog: http://texas4000.org/user/profile/10406

Taylor’s profile & blog: http://texas4000.org/user/profile/10412

The Longhorn Freshman Fifteen

Welcome Class of 2015! Don’t fret, these are the pounds (of knowledge) you want to gain as you begin your college career…

15. That Kid: Don’t Spam the Blackboard listerv
You will see what I mean soon enough. No one likes that kid.

14.  Holiday in The Sun: Gregory Pool
Wait, am I at a Five Star Resort in Jamaica? Practically.  If you’re living on campus, take advantage of your close proximity. 

13. The Devil Wears Nike Shorts: College Clothing

Call me crazy, but comfort does extend beyond athletic wear. Good news though! You’re in college now, so nobody really cares what you wear. However…
a) Do invest in a pair of cowboy boots
b) Realize that leggings are NOT pants (guilty as charged)
c) Classy NEVER goes out of style.

12. No cruce en frente del autobús: Don’t cross in front of the bus
I feel like every UT student has a scary Austin city bus story, or maybe that’s just me? If you don’t have a car, make sure to familiarize yourself with the Austin bus system, known as Capital Metro. The Trip Planner function is awesome! And you ride for free with your UT ID.

11. Social Scene: West Campus
During your first year or two or three…you may find yourself hanging out in this area on the weekends. Like in Kindergarten, it is best to travel with a buddy and/or in groups. There is also a west campus bus! (See the CapMetro link above). 

Keep checking back for the remaining tips and tricks from our special guest blogger Michelle Sereno!