(A Guest Blog By Skyla Sale)

As an organization of women, we are constantly signing up for projects, fighting for a cause, or simply going on coffee dates with each other. Overtime, I've accumulated over 200 Facebook friends from actives and Spirits alum. This means that every time I scroll through my news feed, I am shown tons of statuses and repost about something inspiring, incredible, and beautiful.

We're inspired by each other, encouraged by each other, and challenged by each other. We're a "band of brother," but really sisters. To me, friendships are worth more than anything else during college since this is such a time to explore and grow; friendships help water the gardens of our own experiences. We share hair salons, oil changers, tutors, clothes, and memories.

My first week as a weenie was completely overwhelming. My weenie mom told me to hang in there because Spirits would teach me to prioritize-- and wow, it really did. I've grown more disciplined, healthier, and  I'm happier since joining this amazing organization.

When people say, "Why do you spend so much time, it's just an organization,"  I smile inside because I know they're wrong--it's not 'just' an organization, it's a friend, a mentor, and my most favorite college experience.

Spirit of the Week: Emma Neuendorff

Emma Neuendorff

Hometown: La Grange, Tx

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Spring '14 Weenie

If you could meet any historical figure, who would that be?

If I could meet any historical figure, it would probably have to be Albert Einstein, because I think it would be really fascinating to speak with him. 

Where is the next place you would like to travel?

I really want to travel to Germany, because I hosted an exchange student named Isabel in high school and I would love to see her again! 

What is your favorite memory from Texas Spirits?

My favorite memory about being a Texas Spirit would have to be joining my GhoulFam at Weenie Beanie.

Presenting: The Spring 2015 Weenie Class!

After weeks of recruitment, we finally got to have our Tap In ceremony at The Littlefeild House to welcome these 26 beautiful ladies to the Tradition! 

Congratulations to all of you!

Texas Spirits is proud to introduce our Spring 2015 Weenies!

Angel Lo

 Aparna Chandrashekar

 Arielle Angel

Audrey Vinall

 Becca Spigel

 Caitlin O'Beirne

 Caroline Robertson

 Christa Rhea

 Elise Johnson

 Gina Lee

 Jackie Wang

 Jenna Khakoo

 Jenny McGinty

 Jimena Gamboa Bonilla

 Julie Chugh

 Kayce Campbell

Kelsey Foulds 

Kennedy Rolston

Madeline Jasper 

 Maris Briggs

Melanie Brown 

Priyasha Patel 

Riley Samaniego

Sally Schmitt

Uyen Hoang 

Zahra Ahmed

Austin Pets Alive

(A Guest Blog By Alyssa Kahl)

“Despite all the bad days and the mean people, I still believe in good days and kind people. Plus there are always dogs.”

Like many other people in Austin, I love dogs. They are the happiest of animals when given the environment and love that they so deserve. And the dogs that need this love the most are those found in our city’s shelters. A local Austin no-kill animal shelter, Austin Pet’s Alive, works every day to provide this love to each and every one of its dogs. A very unique way in which they do this is through a volunteer program call RuffTail Runners. After going through training, you can go a take a shelter dog out onto the amazing Lady Bird Lake Trails and jog or walk with your lucky new friend. This is one of the most hands-on volunteer programs I’ve been a part of and makes such a direct impact on the conditioning and behavior of the dogs at APA. And not only do they get some exercise and fresh air, but they also get to strut their stuff to all the avid Austin runners that use the trails. This along with social media posts by RuffTail Runner volunteers gets it out to others that these amazing dogs are looking for a forever home and gets more of the dogs at APA adopted!

Regardless of whether I’m having a good or bad day, I’ll head over to APA and go on a run with an awesome running buddy like Brisket (see picture).

Saint Louise House Valentine's Day Cards

Last weekend Spirits got together with some Spring 2015 prospectives to make Valentine's Day cards for our philanthropy Saint Louise House. Overall, 250 cards were made!

Then some Spirits took all the cards to Saint Louise House and helped the kids further decorate the cards for their mothers! Spirit Clarissa Lobo, who was one of the girls to go to Saint Louise House, commented that the kids "were creative and ingenious and it was so fun to watch them put their ideas onto paper and help them along the way!

Spirit of the Week: Gracie Hopkins

Gracie Hopkins

Hometown: San Antonio, Tx

Major: Bilingual Elementary School Education

Fall '14 Weenie

Where is the next place you would like to travel? 

The next place I would like to travel to is any Spanish speaking country! Fortunately, I’m going to Mexico for Spring Break for a mission trip with my church! I’m super excited because I am trying to become fluent in Spanish and this will give me the opportunity to practice the language while serving Christ by building houses for local citizen of Reynosa, Mexico! Traveling means a lot to me, therefore I take any opportunity I can to visit a new place, meet new people, and understand their culture. I am fascinated with Spanish language and customs, and I can’t wait for the day that I get my own classroom of first or second grade bilingual students!

Which historical figure would you most want to meet?

Without a doubt, I would definitely want to meet Mother Teresa. There are few words gracious enough to describe such an inspiring and momentous woman. Her dedication to faith, her acceptance of her doubts, and her never-ending dedication to the Lord’s call compare to no other. She inspires me to find something I am passionate about and to stop at nothing to help others. Her selflessness and love for her brothers and sisters in Christ encourages me to be more like her everyday.

What is your favorite memory from Spirits?

I have so many great memories in Spirits, but one of my favorites has to be Initiation Dinner and Initiation Brunch! That was a point in the semester where I could look around all the girls in my weenie class and realize that I truly love each of them and that they accepted me for exactly who I am. I knew that in just one semester I grew up a lot and became incredibly close to those who had once been strangers. I’m so excited to spend the next few years with them by my side! Fall Fourteen Forever!