Favorite Pinterest Clue Week Ideas

I am currently fresh off the bus from the final part of my travels and snuggled back in my apartment, prepping for some major rest. While I'm editing pictures and putting together posts to detail all the fun (and sometimes not so fun) experiences my first vacation as a young adult had, I thought I would do a little post on my favorite Pinterest Clue Week ideas. I wrote a brief post about clue week and the things I did for my little way back in the day, but I thought I'd share some more ideas that have been floating on my Pinterest boards. It's coming up big time for my friends still in college, and it can be both incredibly fun and incredibly stressful!

Nail Kit

inspired by this pin

How fun and easy would it be to put together a fun sorority themed nail kit for your little. Using ZTA as a base, here's what you'd need:

• turquoise and silver nail polish
• a base coat
• a top coat (Sally Hansen Quick Dry is the best)
• a cute nail file (sorority themed if possible)
• a mini-manicure kit (cuticle pusher, buffer, etc)
• nail polish-remover
• bonus: sorority themed nail art (like the crown for ZTA) and/or her favorite colors
• fun bonus: freak her out by telling her you have your nails painted in the colors you've given her, and let her search for them all week (don't actually paint your nails!)

Cheesy Posters She Can Hang Up

from this pin

I one-hundred percent copied this one for my little since the bunny is our "unofficial" animal. All sorts of other fun poster ideas are abundant on Pinterest. I also love this ZTA one, "only the berry best get crown" over a strawberry with the leaves as a five-pointed crown. Make one for each day, and either get someone to post it on her door or put it with her gifts.

Treats!

from this pin

Make her some sorority-themed treats. Strawberries are an important symbol to ZTA, so this sugar cookie idea is a great one! Plus, you can work on it over the weekend. If you don't get a little, just share with your sisters. You could also do candy in the theme of your sorority's colors.

Balloons Are Always a Good Idea

inspired by this pin

Kind of. If you can go out and get balloons in either any color or, if you can, colors specific to the sorority/ her favorite colors, and fill her bedroom with them. Usually there's a roommate, suitemate, or RA that can lend a helping hand. I think this particular idea is so cute. Clear balloons filled with glitter! You could always leave small clues about your identity within the balloons, so she'd have to pop it to see what's inside (although, ex-nay on the glitter if that's the case...)

Real Art that Hints At Your Family

inspired by this pin

Get or create nice artwork that represents your family. Mine is the city, so pretty drawings or paintings of famous cities (art that she'd actually keep for a while and doesn't necessarily scream sorority) work perfectly. If it's an animal (like the ladybug) or nature (like stars/ moons/ flowers), find really nice artwork to give her. Again, this is something that you can do ahead of time, and if you don't get a little, you can keep for yourself!

Sharpie Mug

from this pin

Easy, right? I did this for my little, actually. Draw something on the mug, whatever you think is best, and bake it in the oven for thirty plus minutes. She can use the mug to drink out of (though I've heard the sharpie fades after a while) or to hold pens/pencils in on her desk.

Over to you guys! What are some crafty ideas you like? Have you had to put together theses kinds of crafts, whether for Clue Week or some other event? 

How I Define "Sorority"

A lot of universities are wrapping up rush week, and some, like my alma mater, are just beginning. While I can't honestly say I miss the chaos of recruitment (rehearsing chants while I should have been finishing a thesis chapter, no thanks), I do miss the what the new member class brings with them in all their excitement. New members remind us why we all wanted to join in the first place, and why we keep participating even after graduation and sometimes even in retirement. As sororities across the country welcome new members, I thought I would properly reflect on how I would define sorority life, and why sisterhood is so important, particularly in this day and age. 

Sorority is derived from the Greek word sororitas, which means sisterhood

I don't care if you're an introvert, extrovert, something-in-between-vert, or you consider yourself hipster, preppy, athletic, nerdy, slightly crazy (yes, I am listing The Breakfast Club), we as humans need some sort of companionship. We also like to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. The dictionary might define sorority as a society for female university students, and Urban Dictionary might like to spew out all sorts of stereotypes, but it is much more than that. Just like going to church is more than a weekly habit or joining the basketball team is more than just getting some exercise. Being in a sorority is more than wanting to socialize, take pictures, and throw some events. At the end of the day when I define a sorority, I think of sisterhood.

Ultimately, we all have different reasons on why joining a sorority appeals to us. Furthermore, we all go through phases in college: honeymoon, eager to lead, compromise, senioritis. It happens. That's okay. 

What's not okay is a nasty attitude. An F You to your executive council. Backstabbing sisters. Manipulating sisters. Bullying sisters. Heck all of this applies to how we treat human beings in general, but you know it hurts more the closer the people are, and with any group (male or female), this occurs often.

Vent about a sister to someone you trust. Write it out. Talk to whatever sister might spur on negativity. However, remember respect. Respect the leaders your sisters voted in; respect the new members; respect each and everyone of your sisters. They're your family. 

I know; it's hard. Family is hard too. I like to think of it like this. I can complain about my siblings' habits until the sun goes down and them me, but God forbid the person outside the family who tries to reiterate that same complaint. Same with my sisters. That's sisterhood. We're bonded in some form or another. So as new members come, seniors prepare for graduation, and all sisters in between, remember you joined this organization for a reason. Look to the positive, be proactive, and appreciate the time you have. One of the biggest things I wish I had done in my senior year was not let negativity affect me so much, including not spending time with sisters.

Here's my advice: Stay a little later at dinner. Don't let big-little drama get to you. Go to the study sessions or hang outs in the library. Skip a class to get lunch in town. Sleepover at the house or dorm on a whim. Have a movie marathon instead of studying for finals one weekend. Trust me, those moments add up and create a much better memory than that time you half studied, half wasted time on social media by yourself with potato chips and too much coffee. 

Cheers to the new members, to the new generations, to the new excitement! ZTA was one of the greatest things to happen to me, and I'll always carry it with me wherever I go. Good luck to AOII: Sigma Tau, AXQ: Beta Pi, and, of course, my ZTA: Gamma Beta girls with recruitment!

What do you guys think? How would you define a sorority? Were you in one?  

A Sorority Girl Starter Kit

Haven't done a Sorority Stuff post in a while, have I? I'll be honest, sorority life fades significantly after graduation, and that's totally okay. There's ways to stay involved, and while you're not confronted with pink and glitter and cheering as much, the impacts sorority life has had on you will stay. Whether it's a particular fondness for certain colors, snapchatting goofy pics to your sisters, keeping the creed kinda in the back of your mind, or using those crafting skills in real life design of your first place, it's always there. I thought I'd do a little post to reminisce on some of the fun aspects of the soror-life, so here's your ultimate Sorority Girl Starter Kit, featuring my sorority, of course:

T H E   C L O T H E S

• Letters. The shirts you'll see plastered all over movies and pictures. These shirts are the real deal, and every girl has at least two in her arsenal (one for the chapter, one customized to herself). Most girls have a lot more. Letters can be on short sleeves, V-necks, long sleeves, sweatshirts. You name it. The rules are: you don't sleep, sweat, or have sex in them (the three S's). Also, you are expected to wear them at certain times, like Wednesdays. 
• The Screen-Printed Letters. These are a little more relaxed. You can wear it for working out, lounging, etc. The designs are a little more fun, definitely a little trendier, and they usually make a fun purchase for your little or at a convention. 
• The Spirit Jersey. A rather new phenomenon in the past year or two, the spirit jersey is the greatest thing ever to happen to sorority clothes, in my opinion. They're over sized, so they work with leggings and make your legs look long in shorts. They're comfortable, so they work for lounging and studying, but you can also make them look soror-cute for functions. 
• A White Dress. For rituals and the super important, secret parts of sorority life.
• Anything with the Crest. Only initiated girls of a specific sorority may wear any piece of clothing with the crest on it, so that makes it kinda special. Plus it's a fun change from the different ways to write your letters. I have this quarter-zip sweatshirt with the crest on the pocket that I could live in.

T H E   A C C E S S O R I E S: 

• The Hair Bow. This is controversial. Some sneer at how girlish it is, some wear it every chance they get. I like hair bows, and I think they're cute. When are you going to be able to wear one again? A hair bow and a spirit jersey together, and you've got this soror thing nailed.
• A Pair of Sunglasses. For functions outside so you don't have squinty eyes. The days you're not feeling make-up, or you've been up all night. Aviators are my choice, but choose anything that works with your face shape.
• An iPhone. Or any smart phone with a camera. However the iPhone is the most popular, and it's the easiest to find customized cases for! You need something to instantly upload your pictures to show how cute you're looking for these events. Don't lie, you've done it. I've done it. Stacked pictures, anyone? 
• Your Pin. The sacred pin! Wear it only on special occasions. And don't lose it. It's expensive to replace!
• Your Name Tag. Necessary, particularly for recruitment functions.

T H E  S H O E S:

• Riding Boots. Slims out the legs, looks particularly good with a spirit jersey. At one point in my sorority life I needed boots in black and brown. You could always get a dark, dark brown and fudge it either way ;)
• Black Flats. Again I've needed these on a handful of occasions, plus you can always use a pair of black flats!
• Rainbow Sandals. I mean, not necessarily Rainbow, but I'd lose count telling you ever sorority girl (or college girl for that matter) who owns a pair. And I could go on about why I love them despite their seemingly high price. Arch support would fall into number one.

E X T R A S:

• Paints. For all your crafting. And trust me, it's a lot more than you ever think you'll do.
• A Michaels or AC Moore. To buy your paint or any of the wood that said paint will design. When in doubt, paint a chevron print. If you find your sorority's symbol in wood form, grab it instantly (i.e. ZTA's five-pointed crown).
• A Curling Iron or Straightner. You know you're going to either curl or straighten your hair at least once.
• The Sorority Arm. For when you're on the outside of a group picture, and you don't want to look like you have fat arms. Stick your elbow out, pop your hip, tilt your head to the side. Boom.
• A Smile. For when you're having fun. For when you're posing for pictures. For when you're irritated but don't want to add negativity. For when you sit back and realize even the moments that made you want to toss your hair bow at someone have transformed into fond memories later in life.

[Sorority Stuff] Recruitment Videos

Hi all! I'm currently in DC hanging out and getting some things done. My sorority just had their big convention in LA, and I'm so proud of my chapter and how we represented! Apparently they showed the above video to everyone from this year's recruitment, and I just rewatched it! You really do appreciate all the cheesy things about sorority life after you graduate (even if it's been like...a month), and this video made me miss everyone all over again! I wish I had been around for more instead of working all the time (like all those fun boathouse shots--I was at work!), but you can manage to spot me in a few scenes ;).

Also I really miss my long hair!

[Sorority Stuff] On Why I Joined One...

...and why I'm glad I did.

I feel I should begin this post to explain more about me a little. Before I tell you all the ways in which I do not fit in with the stereotypical image or how my parents thought I was joking when I said I was going to rush, let me make this disclaimer. I am in no way, shape, or form trying to make myself seem different, and therefore cool. I am different, but so is every other person in the world that I have ever met. What I want to explain to you first and foremost is who I was sophomore year when I decided to actually try rushing and why I ultimately joined ZTA. 

I have always been the quieter overachiever since high school. I worried about getting B's, my friends were all pretty much like me, I took every AP class under the sun, I worried so much about college I was constantly sick, I swam competitively all year round, and I thought I could do everything academic-athletic-social. Although I made some changes my freshman year, the basic foundation was and will always be there. I was lonely sophomore year fall semester. I was balancing working multiple jobs, taking classes, swimming, being an officer in different clubs, and missing my friends who were abroad or who had transferred terribly. Any small change I made freshman year (whether it was slight, slight, romantic interactions or going out more or what have you), reverted all back to my high school self. I passed out in my bed at 8 pm on a Friday--no one was going to call me to go out and I had just finished a long day that began at 8 am and involved a 2 1/2 hour swim practice somewhere along the way. I could barely make the walk from the Dining Hall to Chester let alone contemplating socializing on the most social night of the week.

And then I thought about my recent time in Seoul and my favorite group ever (SNSD). I've never been the most social or outgoing person, and in high school, when I was first becoming interested in K-pop, I would watch all the variety shows and programs SNSD was on. And I liked the idea of what they were. They were nine girls who not only performed as a group together (formulated completely by their agency, SM Entertainment), but they, at the very least, put off this image of sisterhood. They all lived together, and while they each had their own lives and interests and entertainment activities, at the end of the day they were there for each other. They could be busy for months on end in separate directions (a musical, a modeling gig, a variety show, a drama guest appearance) and trust that they could always come back to this one group, SNSD. I realized, I didn't just want that. I needed that. I was never going to completely slow down, and I had yet to find a group of friends or teammates that cared enough to be the kind of support system I saw in SNSD. 

Then I started to consider the sororities on campus and all my acquaintances who were in one of them. I saw them walking together or having an unofficial table where they always could sit at if they wanted too. I knew girls in every sorority, and I also knew they were all busy in separate directions. But, ultimately, they all showed up to a meeting together once a week; they came together to put on shows and activities, and I knew they could all hangout over lunch or in one of the Western Shore houses. And I slowly realized that sorority life could be my SNSD life. 

And I rushed.

Rushing was a little dramatic towards the end--that's something I won't go into, but I ultimately wound up with ZTA (who has nine founders, as if fate wasn't playing a role there!). And three years later, post-graduation, I couldn't be happier that I did. I got my SNSD even if I didn't totally realize it at times. Whatever I did in college, no matter if I disappeared into my work or studies for weeks or went on some tantrum of frustration, I could always, always come back to ZTA and be treated no differently. And I know, no matter where I go in the world, I can always come back in whichever way I choose and be unconditionally welcomed. If that's cheesy, then just look at all the alumna chapters exist for every sorority. Or even look at weddings--I betcha there's at least one sister invited or even in the bridal party. 

I'll delve into the details of Greek Life in later posts as I think of them (like the money question and whatnot) since this post is already far too long. But in my contorted, clearly-me view, this is why I wanted to join a sorority and why I will be eternally grateful that I did. I'm not 100% sure if this TL;DR post made total sense, but we'll see when I inevitably reread and edit it! 

[Sorority Stuff] The Last of the Lasts

So, my sorority related posts are pretty much going to become fairly sparse from now on as I have officially become a ZTA alumnae, and I will not be participating in all the fun stuff being at college brings. I'm probably going to do a compilation post down the line and maybe some alumnae and crafty things, but overall, it's time to bid adieu to one of the biggest parts of my college career. So, here's a few of the final things I've done with this great chapter of mine.

Formal

My last Zeta formal! I had a ton of fun dancing into the night (and by night, I mean like 10:30...). It's about the closest thing I get to dancing in clubs in Madrid, and I took full advantage. I refused to be concerned about any drunk shenanigans or anything, and I just danced. My thighs hurt the next day!

Alumnae Ceremony

In our last ritual, we were made into alumna! These are a few of the seniors who were around for the pictures after brunch. Emily made the cutest lunch for us after the ceremony, and we went to the apartment of a few sisters to sit around and talk and laugh and muse on being old and graduating.

Senior Ceremony

Little hidden there!

To celebrate being seniors, we all went out to dinner at the Fish Whistle, and then went back to celebrate with the rest of the chapter, giving speeches for each senior and giving them gifts of letters from all the sisters. I cried, of course.

Can't believe this incredible experience is coming to an end. Nothing felt quite real until this moment!

23. Run a Whole 5K

So last weekend after spending Friday into Saturday at Relay 4 Life, I woke-up late morning Saturday to drive with my sorority sisters down to Ocean City, MD to participate in Susan G Komen's Race 4 the Cure Sunday morning! And, I managed to run a whole 5K (or 3.1 miles)! It was the first time I ran the whole thing, and even my mom didn't believe me when I called to tell her. Below are some pictures from the morning. It was such a blast, and I'm so proud breast cancer awareness is ZTA's philanthropy.

Signing the pink truck!

Doing warm-ups with the local Cross Fit coach. Can you see me squatting?

My chapter won the most participants for a collegiate team!

Fam o jam :) My big was off getting a fancy Chemistry award!

After we finished!

My friend from studying in Spain came and ran with us!

It was so worth the 6 am wake-up call! I'd like to look into running more 5Ks in the future.

Relay 4 Life: Crowns against Cancer

This past Friday night was my last Relay 4 Life for the foreseeable future! I only went once in high school, but I made sure to attend every year when I got to college, and I'm a little sad it's already over. For three years I was apart of the swim team's relay team, so it was fun to finally be on the Zeta one! We called our team "Crowns against Cancer," and had nail painting for donations. We also handed out Breast Cancer Awareness products as that's our philanthropy (more on that in an upcoming post). Every year, Relay 4 Life at my school does different activities to keep the night fun: melting a T-shirt in ice, a burrito eating contest, and even a fun dance rave. My ZTA family participated in the T-shirt contest together (by chance as it goes...) and got a little competitive...

I also participated in a Chipotle burrito eating contest...

Cute, huh?

And of course got to spend another night with some of my best friends. I'm getting so ridiculously sentimental and nostalgic as my days nearing graduation draw nearer!

Also, shout out to the girls who lasted the whole night! Had such a fun night with all of them even if we were catatonic by six a.m. And to my crazy hair the whole night...

The message of Relay 4 Life is so important, and I'm glad I could be apart of it for my four years here! If you don't know much about it, learn. It's a wonderful cause that helps fund a lot of research against cancer. It's motto is "Official sponsor of birthdays." I mean, really?! How could you not rally for a cause like that?

#zlam2014

So this past Saturday my chapter and I traveled across Maryland to attend Zeta Day. It basically includes all the MD Chapters (called III-Alpha) including collegiate and alumnae gather together for awards, good food, shopping, and all things ZTA-fun. Each year as a theme, and this year was ZLAM (Zeta Love and Mine), so we all wore letters. Of course, with a day like this, we took an absurd amount of picture, which was greatly encouraged by the Instagram hashtag #zlam2014.

Seenyas Seenyas!

All of our chapter that could come.

Fam a Jam :)

And a selfie, obviously!

Perhaps the coolest part of the day was when we found out our keynote speaker was the ZTA Archivist and that she brought along with her the links which represent all our chapters. She talked about all our nine founders, and, of course, we got to see our Gamma Beta link!

Over all, it was a fantastic day!

[Sorority Stuff] Initiation Day!

Since I explained all about Initiation and present-giving in this post, I won't go into all the details this time around. This year since I'm a senior, I helped with conducting the ceremony, and thus I had the opportunity (via rehearsals), to really get to pay attention to what exactly was being said. When I was being initiated, I was far too nervous to really focus, and last year I just sat in the audience, so I never really focused on the words. Try it one time, though, it's actually kind of moving if you think about the different promises and oaths being made (and that's all I'll say about that ;)). 

Anyhow, my little had to go home all that weekend, so it was up to my big and I do the aforementioned present-giving. She crafted most of the basket and whatnot, but we handed it out to my g-little (pictured above!). Since it was so cold out, we opted to keep the present giving inside Freddy, but we did go out to take some pictures later.

We were really tired.... 

And, of course, I finally got a picture with my new member class. I feel so old!

Hope everyone enjoyed their own initiation days!

[Sorority Stuff] On Becoming a G...

You know, like a gangsta... Obviously.

A few Fridays or so ago, the City Family welcomed our newest member! Meaning my little got her own little, and that makes me a G-Big! Haleigh already fits into our family perfectly, and I can't wait for us to all hang out more this semester (including a road trip to Disney World!). 

[Sorority Stuff] Ritual Week

So this week is National Ritual Celebration Week for sororities across the country (and world, I suppose), and I thought I'd be a little cheesy and do a little something for it here. Obviously, I can't tell you ZTA's rituals (they're top secret and may involve the blood of sisters' past), but I can explain their importance a little bit. Rituals are what bind every chapter, every new member class, and every girl from the time of our founders to the newest member that accepted her bid. They're the most sacred part about being in a sorority--that's why we dedicate a week to celebrate them.

Anyhow, my National Office did a cute thing with our creed, so I thought I'd do the same thing with girls from my chapter illustrating the various points. In a cheesy way, I really love ZTA's creed. The woman it paints is the kind of person everyone should strive to be.

To realize that within our grasp, in Zeta Tau Alpha,

lies the opportunity to learn those things which will ever enrich and ennoble our lives; 

to be true to ourselves, to those within and without our circle; 

to think in terms of all mankind and our service in the world; 

to be steadfast, strong, and clean of heart and mind, 

remembering that since the thought is father to the deed, 

only that which we would have manifested in our experience should be entertained in thought; 

to find satisfaction in being, rather than seeming, 

thus strengthening in us the higher qualities of the spirit; 

to prepare for service and learn the nobility of serving, thereby earning the right to be served; 

to seek understanding that we might gain true wisdom; 

to look for the good in everyone; to see beauty, with its enriching influence; 

to be humble in success, and without bitterness in defeat;

to have the welfare and harmony of the Fraternity at heart, 

striving ever to make our lives a symphony of high ideals, 

devotion to the Right, the Good, and the True, without a discordant note; 

remembering always that the foundation precept of Zeta Tau Alpha was Love, 

“the greatest of all things.”

Happy Ritual Week from the ZTA GB Chapter!