Service Spotlight: UT Microfarm

This semester Texas Spirits teamed up with the UT Micro Farm for a new weekly opportunity for our members to give back to the campus community! As 4 out of 6 of our weekly volunteer opportunities deal with processed and packaged food, working with the Micro Farm allows our members a new lens in which to view food. By volunteering on the University of Texas' first on-campus sustainable farm which proudly boasts organic methods, Spirits have the chance to get their hands dirty and gain a better understanding of where our food comes from and what goes into growing various types of produce. Furthermore, the UT Micro Farm upholds our pillar of service by donating a portion of their yield to a local neighborhood food shelter!

The UT Micro Farm holds on campus farm stands, selling seasonal organic produce, every Friday in West Mall from 10:50-2:50pm. Pro tip: they are currently only accepting cash. 

If you would like to volunteer alongside Texas Spirits, we'll be on-site sporting our PR shirts every Monday from 5-8pm! CIWY

Weenie of the Week: Katie Moy

Name: Katie Moy

Hometown: San Antonio

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Weenie Class: Spring 2014

What does Texas Spirits Mean to you?

Texas Spirits means family to me! No matter what is happening in my life, my family is always there for me.

If you could choose anyone, whom would you pick as your mentor?

Julie Andrews- she is the ideal example of success and class

If you had an exotic pet, what would it be and why?

baby lion- I really like the movie Lion King

Sprit of the Week: Alyssa Pappas

Name: Alyssa Pappas

Hometown: Spring Branch, Texas

Major: Human Development and Family Sciences

Weenie Class: Spring '13!!!

What does Texas Spirits mean to you?

Texas Spirits means to me being constantly motivated and inspired to be your best by most incredible girls around!

If someone rented a billboard for you, what would you put on it?

If someone rented a billboard for me, I'd be remiss if it didn't say something about health or children. Probably I'd include both somehow. Kale babies? The possibilities are endless.

What song is always on repeat in your head?
Right now I can't stop listening to Waiting Game by Banks. That or Happy by Pharrell since I have to listen to it approximately 10 times a day babysitting.

Spirits of the Week: Gabby Garza and Ashley Sereno

Name: Gabby Garza

Hometown: Royse City, TX

Major: Public Relations/Government

Weenie Class: Spring ‘13

What does Texas Spirits Mean to you?

Texas Spirits has become my home away from home. Spirits is where I feel most comfortable. Texas Spirits is comprised of amazing, inspiring young women who want nothing more than to lift each other up and see everyone succeed, like the support system you would get from your own family. Spirits has been a way to make the UT campus just a little bit smaller, and I really do feel like these girls have become my sisters. So to be succinct in my opinion Texas Spirits means endless love, support and friendship.

If you were trapped on a desert island and you could only have five things with you, what would you take?

If I was trapped on a desert island I would want a Wilson Volleyball, a large section from a portable toilet to use as a sail in the construction of a raft, steel and flint, a spear and a black box from a plane cockpit. Castaway is one of my favorite movies so if given the chance to be trapped on a desert island I would like to recreate it, however if it goes awry I would like the option to be found via airplane black box communication signals.

What is the number one thing on your UT/Austin bucket list before you graduate?

The number one thing on my UT/Austin bucket list is to do something on the UT campus that leaves positive lasting impression. This is a university where the possibilities are limitless, and if I could make the college experience a little bit better for at least one future longhorn in generations to come, I would consider this bucket list item to be a success.

Name: Ashley Sereno

Hometown: Allen, TX

Major: Corporate Communications

Weenie Class: Fall ‘13

What does Texas Spirits Mean to you?

Texas Spirits has been truly sacred to me. As a Weenie I found myself tearing up at times during our traditions knowing that my older sister had stood in the same spot, heard the same thing, and done the same thing. It has been yet another element that has brought us closer and I am honored to share this journey with her. Texas Spirits has allowed me to meet such amazing and inspiring women that I admire everyday. The ladies of Texas Spirits are exceptional and I am proud to be a member of this organization.

If you were trapped on a desert island and you could only have five things with you, what would you take?

1) My copy of Pride and Prejudice

2) Jake Gyllenhaal

3) A sun hat

4) Dark chocolate covered strawberries

5) The lamp from Aladdin, so I can meet the genie and have three wishes, one that I can use to get off the island.

What is the number one thing on your UT/Austin bucket list before you graduate?
Go stand up paddle boarding! It looks like so much fun :)

Weenie of the Week: Madi Low

Name: Madi Low

Hometown: Waco

Major: Biology

Weenie Class: Spring ‘14

What does Texas Spirits Mean to you?

This one is hard to put into words. Spirits is love and friendship. It is an opportunity to grow and learn about others and myself. It’s also a great way to connect to the university and get involved. Texas Spirits is my longhorn family.

You go to the grocery store, and you can buy three things. What do you buy?

Hot tamales (the candy), polar ice gum, and cantaloupe.

What is your spirit animal?

My spirit animal would be a mountain goat. They are powerful animals that live in the mountains and they can climb like nobody's business. They are rough, tough, adventurous, and always looking out for each other

Spirit of The Week: Quynh Pham

Name: Quynh Pham

Hometown: Tomball, TX

Major: Human Development and Family Sciences: Pre-Med

Weenie Class: Spring ‘12

What does Texas Spirits Mean to you?

Texas Spirits means comfort. Spirits is made up of women who I have become completely comfortable around. It's a place where all my weird quirks are embraced and my talents are appreciated. However, regardless of how comfortable I am within Spirits, the impressive women in this organization still inspire me every day to also get out of my comfort zone and strive to be a better member if the organization and the UT community.

NSYNC or Backstreet Boys?

Backstreet boys because they are psychic. They knew they were coming back before they even left. (Backstreet's back, alright!)

If you could travel to space, would you go?

YASSS times a million. Getting the opportunity to travel around the universe would be OUT OF THIS WORLD. ;)

Weenie of the Week: Alyssa Kahl

Name: Alyssa Kahl

Hometown: Kingwood, TX

Major: Human Biology

Weenie Class: Spring '14

What does Texas Spirits Mean to you?

Texas Spirits has opened the door to whole a new community that I can call home here at UT. This organization is full of motivated women who inspire me each and every day to strive for more than I ever thought I could accomplish. I feel more encouraged than ever to not only achieve individual goals, but to also give back to my university and the Austin community. To be a part of this amazing organization is truly an honor that I am thankful for every day.

If you could star on a TV show (reality, sitcom, etc.), what would it be?

I would most definitely star on Game of Thrones. The characters are all developed extremely well and it’s full of deception and plot twists that would probably be more drama than I could ever handle in actual life. I also have had the chance to sit on the Iron Throne (thanks SXSW) and feel as if I belong there. Season 4 is coming.

If you could teach a class at UT, what would it be about?

 I would probably teach a class on the science of napping, because college is stressful and naps become necessary. As a college student, sleep is a precious commodity and I think students would benefit from knowing exactly how to most efficiently and effectively get the most out of their nap time.

What has been your favorite part of weenie semester so far?
My favorite part of weenie semester has been the great friendships I have made with my fellow weenies and other actives. My weenie class and Texas Spirits as a whole is full of amazing people who each have something unique to offer to this organization. Whether it’s through Texas Spirit events, ghoul families (shout out to the Diva Fam, love ya), or running into Spirits on campus, I love the community that I have gained during my weenie semester.