Weenie of the Week: Christle Nwora

Name: Christle Nwora

Hometown: Murphy, TX

Major: International Relations and Global Studies/Pre-Med

What's your favorite thing about being a Weenie so far?
The overwhelming amount of love! I'll be honest. The first week I was a bit thrown off people yelling "WEENIE!"as I passed by but it has easily become the highlight of my day. All the girls in my Weenie class and all the Actives are ready to go above and beyond for a fellow Spirit and I'm blessed to know them all!

What's the best movie you saw last year?
Okay, don't judge but the first Harry Potter movie! I never watched any of the HP movies when they came out and during winter break I watched the entire film series. Now I'm trying to find time to read the books!

What's your favorite thing to do on the weekend?
Saturday morning cartoons define my weekend experience. I'm patiently waiting for the next season of The Legend of Korra...

What made you want to join Texas Spirits?
It is so easy to pass through UT feeling isolated and I saw Texas Spirits as a way to get involved. Little did I know that I would meet the most incredible women and I am proud to be involved in a legacy of love, spirit, service, and friendship!

Congratulations, Christle! CIWY

Spirit of the Week: Joanne Chien

Name: Joanne Chien

Hometown: Baton Rouge, LA

Major: Nutritional Science and Pre-Pharmacy

Weenie Class: Spring 2012

What was the best movie you saw this last year and why?
A few fellow Spirits and I skipped Date Dash last year to watch Pitch Perfect. It was in no way cinematically enriching, but I thought it was hilarious. Any one of my friends can tell you I am partial to British accents and ridiculous behavior.

What's your favorite thing to do on the weekend?
Naps. They're the best. People say often say that you can sleep when you're dead, but I would like to enjoy it when I'm alive.

What's your favorite social event that you've attended while being a Spirit?
DU! DU! DU! There's nothing better than a surprise!

What's one piece of advice you wish you knew as a Weenie?
You don't have to be a Weenie to know this, but TIME FLIES. I wish I attended everything my Weenie semester because these are the memories that will last forever. Also, get to know as many people outside of your Weenie class as you can! They are all totally rad!

Congratulations, Joanne! CIWY

Weenie of the Week: Rachel Bennett

Name: Rachel Bennett

Hometown: League City, TX

Major: Nutrition

What's your favorite thing about being a Weenie so far?

All the lovin' of courseeee! I've never met a more sweet and genuine group of girls who actually care about you. Plus I'm BEYOND spoiled by my Ghoulfam...obsession would be an understatement. I can't wait to make a countless number of memories and friendships that I will cherish forever over the next four years! And the shirts of course...

What kind of music do you listen to?

Pretty much anything except heavy, screamo, rock. John Mayer will always be one of my favorites. PLUS HE'S FINALLY GOING ON TOUR AND I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO EXCITED IN MY LIFE. Oh and I'm going to marry Justin Timberlake (sorry, Jessica).

What's your favorite restaurant in Austin and why?

Well due to my lack of a car, I still have much exploring to do, but as of right now, Hopdoddy. You really just can't go wrong with a hamburger and shake...I could die. (But we are going Friday, so I'll live).

What's one thing that you wish people knew about you?

I have a weird obsession with red headed boys...............

Congratulations, Rachel! CIWY

Spirit of the Week: Christine Hak

Name: Christine Hak

Hometown: Houston, TX

Major: Youth & Community Studies

Weenie Class: Spring 2011

What has been your favorite thing about Spirits since getting into the organization?

All the memories I've shared with these groups of women are definitely my favorite things. I've  made valuable friendships that I know I can count on and with that, I've gained a bundle of memories that I will remember for the rest of my life.

Where is your favorite spot in Austin and why?

The Pflugger Ped Bridge overlooks the Austin skyline and has a great view of each Austin sunset. I love to go on runs on Town Lake and this bridge is definitely one of my stomping grounds, especially if you are in the mood for an awesome scenic run.

What is one thing not many people know about you?

I have an illogical and irrational fear of balloons...

What are some pieces of advice for Weenies to stay involved in Spirits?

Prioritizing your time! You can't be everywhere all at once. Know that you might have to miss out on some things, but it doesn't mean you can't have more fun at the next event!

Congratulations, Christine! CIWY

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...Weenie Beanie!

Few events elicit as much excitement as Texas Spirits' version of Big/Lil Reveal. It's a time for coordinated costumes, showering your Weenie with love, and showing her just how quirky her new family is.

The best things about Weenie Beanie is that no matter how long you've been in Spirits, you still get butterflies and can't help but freak out when your newest addition figures out which family is hers. If you were walking by the Tower on March 6 around 5 p.m., chances are you heard us in all our squealing glory. But most importantly, Weenie Beanie brings Weenies one step closer to being a part of the tradition; and of course, they finally get those iconic totes, filled to the brim with goodies!

Texas Independence Day With Texas Exes

On Sunday, March 3, following Texas Independence Day, Texas Spirits joined Texas Exes and multiple Austin businesses (including Tiff's Treats!) to celebrate with friends, family, music, food, and fun at Scholz Garten. Spirits had a face painting table where we got to spread the spirit of UT to people of all ages. Children were running around and adults were mingling. The weather was beautiful and there was music of a live band in the air. Vince Young even showed up and said a few words! He also took the time to take pictures with fans. Multiple Spirits got the opportunity to talk with him and snap a photo. We're looking forward to participating in this event next year as we continue to spread spirit, love, friendship, and service throughout the university and Austin communities!

Spirits Support Texas Lacrosse

At 7:00 p.m. Spirits gathered around the stadium at Clark Field to support the men's lacrosse team. Up against Texas State our fighting longhorns stayed strong and took the game into overtime. Spirits with their foam fingers and orange scarves cheered for the guys until the bitter end. Even with a loss the guys still played an awesome game and some Weenies got to see a Texas lacrosse game!

Just another day as a Spirit, supporting our great university.

Love,
Texas Spirits

Spirit of the Week: Ashley Cubley

Name: Ashley Cubley

Hometown: Clear Lake, TX

Major: Psychology and Pre-Pharmacy

Weenie Class: Fall 2012

What's your favorite thing about being a Texas Spirit?
Can everything be an answer? Obviously the girls, they've become my best friends and I can't imagine college life if I had never met them. I love going to sporting events and cheering on all the UT teams. And I definitely love all the opportunities for service that I wouldn't have had otherwise!

What's one thing a lot of people don't know about you?
I once took a clowning course! They taught us how to do the make up for it properly (did you know you could swim with it on?) and also how to juggle. I actually became pretty good at juggling for a while! No promises on how good I am at it now though...

Give me three words that describe you.
Zany, optimistic, indecisive (example: I cannot decided what this last word should be)

What's your favorite thing about your Ghoulfamily?
Well besides the fact that we're the best... I love how perfectly we all mesh together. We all have a very unique sense of humor (think sarcasm taken to a whole new level with a good dash of sass added in), but it works out perfectly. We just got our newest ghoulbaby today and I can't wait to see what new dynamic she brings to the family!

What's one thing you are looking forward to over Spring Break?
Baseball! My younger brother plays A LOT of baseball. I basically grew up at the baseball field I was there so often. I'm really excited to get to watch him play while I'm home!

Congratulations, Ashley! CIWY

Parents' Day with Texas Spirits

Saturday's cooler weather welcomed many Texas Spirit parents and siblings to Commons Ford Ranch for a day of family, BBQ, games, and hiking. This 215-acre Lake Austin state park has hiking trails, swimming pools, horseshoes, croquet, and volleyball courts. A delicious catered lunch from Pok-e-Jo's BBQ was enjoyed on outdoor tables. Families brought their dogs and hiking shoes to explore the 2.4 miles of trails in the park. Parents' Day was a complete success thanks to our Special Projects Haunts, Ashley and Sierra. Thanks for coming out, parents!

Weenie of the Week: Bea Scott

Name: Bea Scott

Hometown: Brady, TX

Major: Corporate Communications

What's your favorite thing about Texas Spirits?
My favorite thing about Texas Spirits are the girls and all of their unique personalities! Regardless of how different we all are, we all fit together perfectly.

What advice could you give to younger girls?
If you fail at something you want desperately, don't give up. Keep trying at it! About 75% of what I'm involved in now didn't work out with my first try.

What is your favorite memory of Texas Spirits?
Weenie Roast! Through that I got to know my class on a more personal level. It was interesting and humbling to listen to the stories the girls had and how that factored into the personalities or values they hold today. Also, Maria Benson's mother made a ginormous pot of tortilla soup and I had 20 bowls but who's counting.

What is your favorite thing about your Weenie class?
EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM ARE SO COOL. Their stories, talents, personalities, and lives are so incredible and I'm so thankful to be a part of this Weenie class.

Congratulations, Bea! CIWY

Spirit of the Week: Emily Twa

Name: Emily Twa

Hometown: Missouri City, TX

Major: Early Childhood Development

Weenie Class: Fall 2012

What is your favorite thing about Texas Spirits?
My favorite thing about Texas Spirits is the girls. Everyone cares so much about each other and is always willing to go the extra mile to help out.

What advice could you give to younger girls?
Savor every moment you get to spend with people you love! It's easy to let life bog you down with things you feel obligated to do. The trouble is when you start to focus on that stuff when you should be having fun! When I was at Weenie Roast, or drag paint, there were definitely school things I could have been doing, but letting that go for just a little bit allowed me to bond more with my Weenie class and have a great time!

What is your favorite memory of Texas Spirits?
My favorite memory of Texas Spirits was getting my scarf! I stood in line with my ghoulfriend and watched my best friends earn what they had worked so hard for. When it was my turn, I almost cried I was so excited. It sounds really cheesy, but it was awesome to have a room full of girls who are so proud of you and understand the work that went into getting that scarf.

What is your favorite thing about your Weenie class?
Well my Weenie class is perfect, so it's hard to pick a favorite thing. The truth is that they bring out the best in me. They are all such beautiful women, inside and out; whenever I think I can't do something, or need a push in the right direction, they give me the confidence to do my best!

Congratulations, Emily! CIWY

An Exciting Win over OU for Texas Mens' Basketball

It's 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28, and Texas Spirits are out in full force. An orange scarf is the perfect accessory to brown boots and cold weather, didn't you know? The Frank Erwin Center isn't exactly packed, but that doesn't dampen the amount of excitement we have for this game to start.

This game was an interesting one for me. I left my home thinking, "Man, I kind of miss football season..." just a tiny bit. But leave it to Texas Basketball to prove me so wrong.

It was nearing the end of the second quarter and the Horns were still down. Some of our more disgruntled fans had trickled out of the Frank Erwin Center, but Texas Spirits down in the student section were up on their feet. This is when our team needed us the most. Myck Kabongo gets the balls and makes the shot! We're in overtime. It's incredible. The crowd goes wild! The next few minutes are everything. Not a member in the crowd even takes their seat for a fraction of a second of this redemption time...until finally...5...4...3...2...1 THE LONGHORNS TAKE THE WIN!

Spirits Compete in DHFS Cupcake Showdown

UT's Division of Housing and Food Services put on a Cupcake Showdown to provide student organizations the opportunity to tell everyone what they're all about and potentially win $1,000 for the philanthropy of their choice.

Student organizations submitted videos of how their cupcake represents their organization and submitted it to DHFS. The organizations who submitted the top four videos were invited to a live bake-off! Texas Spirits was chosen as one of the hardworking and lucky four to advance to the next section of the competition.

At a live bake-off at J2, a dining hall in Jester, the organizations competed by baking a cupcake and creating a display that embodied their organization. Our bakers, Emily Twa, Anajli Sethi, Ashley Cubley, and Quynh Pham, created a honey, cornmeal cupcake with grapefruit curd and grapefruit buttercream. 

Their display showcased a cardboard Tower with torchlights, cupcakes, and signs to represent UT's annual Torchlight Parade.

In addition to the scoring of cupcakes, the organizations also received points for donating canned goods. The organization with the most can donations had two extra points added onto their final score. Texas Spirits donated an overwhelming amount of canned goods and earned these two extra points easily!

A photo booth was set up for students to take pictures with fun cupcake props. Chef hats, aprons, bags of flour and sugar, and cupcake costumes were a huge hit!

In the end, Texas Spirits ended up placing second in the competition to Kappa Delta. It was a tough loss considering all of the hard work our girls put into this competition. However, we are now ready to take on anything that comes our way next year!

Seventh Inning Stretch

The spring semester for a Spirit is a little more exciting being that we cheer for a new sport each week. If it weren't for Spirits I think most of us would go through UT never seeing a lacrosse or quidditch game.

This week was the first baseball game of the 2013 spring season for Spirits. Crowded together in our burnt orange scarves we cheered on the baseball boys from dusk till dark. This was the first baseball game some of the Weenies has been to as Spirits and we couldn't be more proud of them. Singing along to "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" and rocking the jumbotron every few innings, it couldn't have been a better night.

Our Longhorns lost 5-3 to Sam Houston State but in the end we all stood and sang "The Eyes of Texas" with our proud horns. It's only the beginning of the season and we can't wait for more opportunities to support our baseball team. Hook 'em!

xo, Spirits

Spirits Volunteer at Project 2013

On Feb. 23, Texas Spirits participated in Project 2013, UT's largest day of service. After a service kick-off rally with special guest Vince Young, an awesome group of Spirits, as well as students from other organizations, headed to First Independent Baptist Church. There were many different ways to help out, from clearing brush, to building a whole new playscape for the kids. Some Spirits chose to help fix the fence and show off their muscles carrying large 10x2 and 8x2! Others chose to help paint the inside of the church and put the skills they gained from drag painting to good use!