Longhorn Life: Get Involved

March 25, 2011

an advertising special edition of The Daily Texan

GET

INVOLVED inside

PICTURES FROM ROUNDUP 2010 SNACK IDEAS FOR GROUP MEETINGS AN A-to-Z GUIDE TO UT CLUBS GREEKS GIVE THE INSIDE SCOOP

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WINES · SPIRITS F I N E R FO O D S

CHEERS TO SAVINGS ���������������������������������

ARBOR WALK · ROUND ROCK · AIRPORT BLVD BASTROP SOUTHPARK MEADOWS · BRODIE LANE BEE CAVE · TEMPLE · ELGIN SO

Longhorn Life / Get Involved

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March 25, 2011

guest column

At UT, there’s a group to fit anyone’s interest

By Destinee Hodge Our University sits on more than 400 acres of land and is home to more than 50,000 students who make up nearly 1,500 active student organizations on campus.

Quite understandably, it is very easy to get lost in the crowd.

I came to UT in 2008 as a transfer student from the British Virgin Islands, and I must admit that I was incredibly overwhelmed by the vastness of the campus and the number of people I had to dodge as I navigated my way around. I needed to find a way to connect and somehow feel like part of a community. After three years of making posters, going to meetings and planning events, I’ve been involved in 12 organizations, all of which have enhanced my overall experience here.

Getting involved on campus is vital to getting to know this University, meeting people and feeling connected. When you attend a college this large, there is really nothing better than finding a group of people with whom you share common interests. An added benefit is that it looks great on your resume to have committed to an organization for significant pe-

riods during your college career.

If you are new to the on-campus involvement scene, I suggest two things to consider when deciding what organizations to join. First, think about what you like to do and then see if there’s a group that shares your interest. And at UT, chances are you will find one. For example, if you like community service, you can join the Longhorn Unit of Volunteering, or if you love animals, you can join Students Against Cruelty to Animals. You are certainly more likely to stick with a group that you actually want to be in. As a point of reference, one of the first groups I joined at UT was the Caribbean Students Association. They could obviously provide me with the sense of community that I really needed.

Second, I suggest branching out to an organization that you may not have considered joining. It is really easy to spend your four (or more) years at UT staying in your comfort zone. However, it would completely defeat the purpose of college if you never try anything new. Maybe go to the Malaysian Student Association and learn something about that culture, or check out some moves at Texas Taekwondo. You’d be surprised

LONGHORN

CONTRIBUTING STAFF Writers

Amer Abdullat Sheri Alzeerah Cadie Carroll Lara Grant Victoria Heckenlaible Destinee Hodge Reshma Kirpalani Samantha Kline Benjamin Oheim Matt Seliger Amy Thornton Colby White

Photographers

Stephanie Bathurst Sheri Alzeerah Reshma Kirpalani

Layout and Design Sheri Alzeerah

Cover Design

Bianca Krause

Cover Photo

Corey Leamon

Special Editions Student Editors Stephanie Bathurst / Texas Student Media

Senior Destinee Hodge is co-chair of this year’s Forty Acres Fest, occurring on April 2 on the Main Mall.

what you can learn to love.

If you are still unsure about which organization or group to join, I would also suggest attending the University-wide Forty Acres Fest event for which I am this year’s co-chair.

This year’s Forty Acres Fest is next week and is one of the largest student-run events on campus.

While the event ends with a huge concert featuring Big Boi, one of the main highlights will be the more than 200 student organizations on site to showcase what they’re all about. The event also features a ton of free entertainment. I would stop by the Main Mall on April 2 to see which group is waiting to welcome you.

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CORRECTION

Kathryn Abbas

In our Feb. 23 Housing Guide, the photo that accompanied the story “UT’s Habitat for Humanity builds, repairs houses” was incorrect. The photo was of the UT Community Garden. Longhorn Life regrets the error.

Maryanne Lee

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Longhorn Life / Get Involved

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March 25, 2011

2010 Roundup in Photos

What to expect this weekend

Students dance and sing along to hip-hop duo Clipse perform at last year’s Roundup concert at Zeta Beta Tau. Both the Ying Yang Twins and Three 6 Mafia will perform at this weekend’s festivities.

Derek Stout / Texas Student Media

Above, Attendees of Roundup 2010 make colored T-shirts at the Zeta Tau Alpha house.

Left, Students at Zeta Tau Alpha’s event last year.

Photos by Corey Leamon / Cactus Yearbook

HAPPY ROUNDUP! BE SAFE.

Longhorn Life / Get Involved

March 25, 2011

page 5

Kaitlyn Clement / Cactus Yearbook

Top left, Roundup participants launch themselves down the slip-n-slide at the Kappa Sigma house in 2010. Above, Attendees at the Sigma Chi Roundup event dance while listening to rapper Slim Thug.

Center, A sorority member laughs as she reaches the end of the slip-n-slide at the Kappa Sigma house last year. Left, A student tosses colored powder in last year’s celebration of the Hindu festival Holi, which coincides with Roundup each spring.

Kaitlyn Clement / Cactus Yearbook

Kaitlyn Clement / Cactus Yearbook

Corey Leamon / Cactus Yearbook

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Corey Leamon / Cactus Yearbook

Students at Zeta Tau Alpha’s Roundup philanthropy event last year that benefitted breast cancer education.

Check out these weekend events Friday, March 25

Saturday, March 26

• Ying Yang Twins @ Phi Delta Theta, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

• Crawfish Boil @ Texas ACACIA House, go after noon

• Three 6 Mafia @ Republic Live, on West Fifth Street

• Holi (organized by Hindu Students Association) @ South Mall, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.

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Good Eats COLUMN

RUSH

the

QUARTERS

Need to increase club membership?

Bring sweet bites

By Sheri Alzeerah Let’s be real — one of the only redeeming qualities of an organization’s weekly housekeeping meetings is the free food.

Whether fresh-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies in that signature white box or a golden party platter of chicken nugs, UT clubs sure know how to ramp up the membership.

I don’t blame them. The only thing we poor, starving college students care about more than food is free food. Next meeting, why not ditch the delivery and opt for some quality kitchen time? If your club meetings are looking a little sparse, whip up a batch of these group-ready bites and watch attendance (and perhaps waistlines) balloon.

Puppy Chow

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It wasn’t until last year when I realized the term “puppy chow� isn’t universal. No, I do not mean actual chow for puppies or even worse, chow made out of puppies, aka the mother of all sins.

If you haven’t heard, puppy chow consists of five ingredients: crispy rice cereal squares, peanut butter, chocolate chips, powdered sugar and heaven.

(If you are allergic to nuts, this recipe does not apply to you.

My soul weeps for your misfortune.)

You need no oven, bakeware or even talent to make this. Seriously. If you mess this up, I’d only be impressed. Check out allrecipes.com for a great threestep recipe.

Popcorn

Though you could just pop a bag in the microwave and bring that piping hot bag of one thousand fires to the meeting, you might as well throw in a few bonuses too, like candy. Candy is pretty much fail-safe when it comes to jazzing up anything.

Boring cake? Add candy. Boring trail mix? Add candy. Boring oatmeal? Don’t add candy, but best of luck making it not taste like chewed-on cereal goo.

Sheri Alzeerah / Texas Student Media The writer’s homemade red velvet cake balls include cream cheese frosting and white and milk chocolate.

What can really take a bag of kernels from blah to !!! is chocolate bark. Melt a few blocks of white chocolate or almond bark, drizzle it over the popcorn and heck, you can even throw in some dried fruit if you’re feeling extra spunky. Let it dry for a few hours on wax paper and prepare to be amazed.

Cake Balls

I warn you: if you make these once, you will be pestered to make more for years to come.

It’s a curse and a blessing — a curse because your once-clean hands will be encrusted in sugar and chocolate for hours, and a blessing because your onceclean hands will be encrusted in sugar and chocolate for hours.

Picture the last bite of cake — the one that coats your fork in a messy mix of cake bits smashed together with icing. Cake balls are just like that bite, plus a hardened chocolate shell.

All it takes to get cake balls rolling is a box of cake mix (preferably red velvet), a tub of icing (preferably cream cheese) and a few blocks of chocolate bark (any kind of chocolate is the good kind). Visit bakerella.com for step-by-step instructions and almost (key word: almost) toopretty-to-eat decoration ideas.

Disclaimer: These foods are not guaranteed to increase meeting attendance. But hey, the more food left for you, the merrier.

Alzeerah is a journalism and radio-television-film sophomore and creator of Austin food blog Chow, Bella!, web.me.com/sherialzeerah/ ChowBella.

Longhorn Life / Get Involved

March 25, 2011

page 7

Technology COLUMN

Group messaging may lead to more prompt meetings

By Colby White The bulk of advances in technology are meant to help communication. Text messaging and blogging are intended to make keeping in touch with friends a breeze, but somehow our culture has taken it to a borderline moronic obsession with 140 characters of vain dribble. Now people have friends on Facebook they’ve never actually met in person.

What a waste of technology.

Hopefully, last week’s SXSW festival showed a change in our isolationist use of computing. A major trend during the conference’s interactive portion this year was group messaging. Sending a text message to more than one person isn’t a new concept — nor is it particularly difficult — but companies are banking that they can turn it to a chatroom-style experience right on your phone.

The mobile company GroupMe reportedly gave away 2,500 grilled cheese sandwiches with the company’s logo singed on the bread, while the company Fast Society issued tequila-flavored ice cream in an attempt to promote its brand out at the festival. Meanwhile, Facebook recently acquired the messaging start-up Beluga in an attempt to get in the door first.

The concept behind group messaging is simple. I experimented with the GroupMe app and it pretty much functions as a reply-all button for my phone. But it does have its benefits — mainly that it can be leveraged to actually meet

Watch for

with people in person.

The premise is that messaging in groups allows you to more quickly coordinate getting together. It’s easier to keep track of any changes to your group’s plans if you’re all texting each other. With GroupMe’s recent incorporation of location tracking, figuring out which Sixth Street bar everyone is at shouldn’t be a hassle.

Most of the group messaging companies seem to be trying to highlight that use of their apps. A technology that can help give you a real life experience face-to-face with other real life people. What a concept.

But, like any other technology, group messaging is subject to user error. Every group of friends has an obnoxious one who likes to send out random memos of his or her perceived awesomeness. Shortly after adding my group’s obnoxious one, he promptly sent out a text declaring, “The noise has been brought.” That of course went out to the whole group, none of whom wanted to be made aware of the noise’s status. If your group has two loud mouths in it, expect to have your phone ringing on a regular basis.

There’s no telling how long these apps will stick around.

It’ll depend on if they help people see each other or if it simply brings more “noise” in an already crowded social feed.

White is a computer science senior and a Web programming and services consultant for an Austin technology provider.

Play begins April 11. Sign up online or in GRE 2.200. Hurry – entries close April 5.

L A L R L U A M B A Y R E T L IN OL

V R E T WA TEAMWORK STARTS HERE COED TEAMS WELCOME

www.utrecsports.org

Orange Runway

out APRIL 15

Longhorn Life / Get Involved

March 25, 2011

page 9

STUDENT ORG profile

Harry Potter Alliance incorporates story in civic efforts

By Amy Thornton The tales of a boy with glasses and a lightning scar have captivated generations, causing audiences worldwide to adopt words like “Quidditch” and to accept Harry Potter’s adventures as common knowledge. A few UT students are bringing the story to life on a local level, merging the muggle and wizard worlds by creating the Austin Harry Potter Alliance.

The fledgling group is a local chapter of the international nonprofit organization designed to educate and mobilize young people across the world toward issues of literacy, equality and human rights by drawing parallels to the Harry Potter books.

“Channeling all the enthusiasm for the Harry Potter series toward concrete issues is a brilliant idea,” said English sophomore Katherine Thayer. “I love the quirky blend of popular culture and civic engagement — it’s a service organization with a twist.”

The Harry Potter Alliance partners with other nonprofit agen-

cies such as Rock the Vote to fight problems like global warming, poverty and illiteracy with operations that include the Accio Books! Book Drive and the Deathly Hallows Campaign. The latest of the group’s civic efforts, the Deathly Hallows Campaign spans the nine months between the final Harry Potter movies and is designed to destroy real-world horcruxes, including bullying, body image and starvation.

Before the group became an official organization, the founding members collected more than 50 signatures for the Starvation Wages campaign, which aims to persuade Warner Bros. parent company Time Warner to switch to fair trade chocolate for Harry Potter merchandise. The Austin Harry Potter Alliance is working to make Accio Books its first project as an official chapter while also working on the Bullying and Dementor Horcruxes.

“I decided to join and help set up the Austin HPA because I’ve always been a huge fan of HPA on an international scale,” said freshman Kirsten Baumann. “I love

Stephanie Bathurst / Texas Student Media

The Austin Harry Potter Alliance meet each other in one of the group’s first gatherings Thursday evening in Burdine Hall.

the projects, campaigns and issues that the HPA focuses on, and the idea of being able to bring that same variety of issues — some tailored to a more local scale ­— to campus sounded brilliant.”

The idea to create an Austin chapter of the Harry Potter Alliance emerged while members of the Ravenclaw Quidditch team at UT stood in line for the Deathly Hallows midnight premiere in

November.

“The messages J.K. Rowling puts forth in her books are incredibly universal, things like love and equality and literacy, and they can easily be implemented in our own world,” said freshman Caitlin Gilchrist, president of the Austin Harry Potter Alliance.

“Put those two things together and you’ve basically got the HPA: an organization that harnesses the

power of a huge group of enthusiastic fans and uses that power to combat real world problems.”

The group became an official UT organization on Feb. 19, with the mission to give UT students the opportunity to get involved with the international organization and work on service and social justice projects on a local and global scale.

The group will meet every Monday and Thursday until the end of April and plans to bring Wizard Rock the Vote to UT in the fall. Similar to Rock the Vote, the wizard version has a Harry Potter twist and uses the fan base and attention from the other Harry Potter Alliance campaigns to get students interested in politics and registered to vote.

“For a community like UT, Harry Potter is a unifying force that transcends some of the dividing features of individuals,” Baumann said. “Not everyone enjoys the same things, but most people like Harry Potter, and using the power of this shared love works really we’ll to get people passionate about bettering the world.”

Longhorn Life / Get Involved

March 25, 2011

Monday night mentors

page 11

Volunteers work with refugee children on homework, reading, fun once a week

Photos and Story by Reshma Kirpalani

V

olunteers and children pack into a sparse, white apartment on a Monday evening. The children chatter quickly in Karen, Arabic and Swahili. They climb over chairs, sit on modest, fourlegged desks and squeak markers over a dry erase board.

“Everybody be friends please.”

“How do you spell friends?” one of them asks volunteer Casey Vaughn.

Vaughn, a UT graduate student, along with a group of at least four volunteers from local churches, helps mentor 10 refugee children in Austin every Monday night. Activities include homework completion, group reading, nail-painting, tag and general tomfoolery.

After homework is finished, the volunteers and children play in the empty parking lot set against a glaring streelight. The sprited versions of freeze tag elicit snickering, making it clear that laughter has the same translation in every language.

“Most every moment is gratifying. Just to see the progress they make with their schoolwork and English, and as they get to know and appreciate you more,” Vaughn said.

Vaughn joined the volunteer group in February 2010 in an effort to contribute to her local community and plug the gaps in her school schedule. She perused her church’s online volunteer job board and found an entry: “Homework Help for Refugee Children.” A week later, she showed up at a small apartment complex in Central Austin and fell in love with the kids.

This month, Vaughn has stepped up her involvement — offering to oversee the volunteers, redecorate the apartment and include more refugee families in their mentoring sessions.

At home, she has drawings from the children taped to her refrigerator.

“They are a reminder of how amazing it is to get to know them and see them grow up,” she said, “and that I might have made even a little of an impact in their lives here in Austin.”

Above, On a day off from school, the children enjoy free time by playing American and Burmese hand games. Top left, UT alum Dawn Delaney helps two of the older girls with their math homework. Below left, Two of the girls, who said they are best friends, play outside of the small rented apartment where the volunteers mentor the refugee children.

Above, UT alum Sara Vahle watches one of the children attempt a record number of times to jump the rope.

Left, After playing tag, jumping rope and throwing the Frisbee, a girl takes a break on the sidewalk while laughing with volunteer Todd Sides.

Center, Volunteer Brent Bassett, a Texas A&M alum, helps children with math and science homework and reading lessons.

Longhorn Life / Get Involved

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AJOOBA

This organization gathers to learn new dance skills and rehearse, as they compete both locally and nationally. This fusion dance team has roots in South Asian/Middle Eastern culture.

Ajooba provides an active workout and relieves stress.

Contact info: NomanA424@gmail.com.

Albino Squirrel Preservation Society

A

Protecting the albino squirrels at the University of Texas is this student group’s priority. The only requirement necessary for membership is a deeply rooted love for the squirrels of the world. The group advocates for the outdoors, to become more connected to the squirrels’ natural habitat.

Contact info: albinosquirrel.com/texas/

students operate the community center and serve as volunteers. Volunteer opportunities are available, ranging from working in the food pantry to teaching adult education classes.

Contact info: austinecc. org

Foot in the Door Theatre

Hit up

This break-dancing organization educates and supports the practice of the art form known as b-boyism. The group performs breakdancing, popping, locking, hip-hop dancing and offers lessons.

Contact info: bboysession@gmail.com, utexas.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5798937436

Building Tomorrow at UT Austin

FLAGS

B

This international nonprofit organization empowers students to raise funds and awareness to benefit vulnerable children in sub-Saharan Africa. Building Tomorrow has opened seven primary-level academies in Uganda and has classroom space for more than 2,100 students.

Contact info: buildingtomorrow.org/supporters/utexas/

Closet Artists

For non-art majors and art majors alike, this student organization’s goal is to teach, learn and enjoy the art of drawing and painting. Students gather in Jester West to create art together, from comics to fine art.

Contact info: closet-artists.com

Culinary Chops

C

Open to all students, faculty and staff at the University, Culinary Chops teaches the basic culinary skills and cooking techniques that will be passed on for generations. The group holds interactive campus cooking events focused on preparing foods that are both delicious and healthy.

Contact info: culinarychops@gmail.com

DIYkes

Do it yourself! This organization strives to foster education and learning through a DIY ethic in a queer-friendly environment for LGBTQ. They educate others of the craft of baking, knitting and screen printing.

Contact info: Kelsi Urrutia, kelsiu@gmail.com

Design Student Association

D

Open to all design students within the UT Design Department, this association provides an alternate resource for students while exploring the field of design through lecture series, community service and other projects outside the academic setting. The group visits design studios, designs school posters, and coordinates exhibitions.

Contact info: ayhamghraowi@hotmail.com

Eccentrik Werks

This comedy group performs improv, sketch comedy, comedic plays, Web TV shows and sketches to entertain and enlighten the student body of the University of Texas.

Auditions will be held for parts in particular shows.

Contact info: EccentricCuriosity@gmail.com

Eastside Community Connection

E

This organization serves the Eastside community center, a food bank/community center established in East Austin. UT

Bathurst and Jordan Schraeder

F

This student organization promotes a safe and supportive community among gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer students at the University of Texas through sporting activities and events. Membership is open to all UT-Austin students regardless of athletic abilities or sexual orientation. The group meets Tuesdays to plan campus-wide events and play sports.

Contact info: uflags.org

German Club

An organization that serves to promote the culture of the German language, German Club students practice and improve their German conversational skills and encourages everyone to go and experience German-speaking countries. The group organizes social events, community service projects, cultural events and offers advice for students who want to study or intern in the German-speaking world.

Contact info: UTexasGermanClub@gmail.com

G

Grammy University Network

This special-interest group educates college students about today’s music industry by combining an educational component with networking events and professional development opportunities. The organization sponsors events, guest speakers and performances by music business professionals.

Contact info: myspace.com/grammyu

Her Campus Texas

This student organization provides students with an opportunity to work with the college women’s magazine. All are welcome, and members write, photograph and help publicize the online magazine. Her Campus Texas provides a platform for students interested in magazine journalism to gain hands-on experience and get published.

Contact info: hercampus.com/texas

Hook the Cure

H

Promoting awareness of diabetes through philanthropy and charity across campus, this organization volunteers at outreach and fundraising events and educational lectures regarding diabetes. Hook the Cure also hosts a walk with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

Contact info: ayala.bme@gmail.com

Incredible India 2010

This cultural immersion program aims to allow students to develop a global perspective by providing opportunities for students from around the world to

I

share their stories, vision and learning experiences with other students at UT-Austin.

Contact info: incredibleindia2010.com

Innervisions Gospel Choir

This organization ministers on campus and throughout Austin. The choir’s page states that it reaches out to the “fellow man.” Each year culminates with a spring concert.

Contact info: utexas.edu/student/mic/texasivgc

Japan Karate Association Austin

This recreational group strives to provide quality instruction in traditional Japanese karate. All students, staff and faculty are welcome. Regular training consists of basics practice (Kihon), as well as Kata practice and sparring training (Kumite). Ranking examinations will be held.

Contact info: utexas.edu/students/jkaa

J

KVRX 91.7 FM

The student-run radio station on campus, KVRX plays “none of the hits, all of the time,” as their slogan states. Members manage the station, distribute a newsletter and sell officially licensed KVRX merchandise. Volunteer opportunities are open to members of the UT community.

Contact info: kvrx.org

Korean Student Association

K

An international student organization promoting friendship and cooperation between Koreans on campus. The group holds an orientation for new Korean students, distributes a newsletter, participates in various sports and holds an annual Christmas party.

Contact info: utksaweb.org

Longhorn Hellraisers

The purpose of this student organization is to raise spirit at the University of Texas by attending sporting events with faces painted orange and white and participating in cheers. Some rules do apply: Males cannot be a member of another social fraternity that is single sex.

Contact info: longhornhellraisers.com

Local Ongoing Outreach Program

L

Also called LOOP, this volunteer organization serves the local community through volunteering. LOOP participates in tutoring, after-school programs, retirement home volunteering and community service.

Contact info: KarsonTse1337@gmail.com

Magic Club

This club spreads the magic culture around the campus by gathering together students who

M

are passionate about magic. The group discusses magic and learning magic together, and performs across the campus.

Contact info: jaybirdballer@hotmail.com

Minorities in Education

P i V

The goal of this student org is to assist in the recruiting of minority students for education careers and to provide a social outlet in the campus environment. This organization is open to any UT-Austin student interested in multicultural issues and/or the teaching profession. Events sponsored by the group include football game tailgates, movie nights, “Education Idol” and bake sales.

Contact info: edb.utexas.edu/mie

ESS C C A -

S S PA

To Orgs t den

Stu

Net Impact

The members of this group hope to change the world through sustainable business practices. Net Impact aims to spread awareness of corporate sociability issues and green business strategies through events such as cleaning Zilker Park and group camping trips.

Contact info: texasnetimpact.com

Nutrition and Wellness Association

N

In addition to sponsoring UT’s National Nutrition Week, members attend monthly meetings with guest speakers from all areas of nutrition. The group also participates in various volunteer activities.

Contact info: bogoyas@gmail.com

This humanitarian organization focuses on raising funds and awareness for children who suffer from cleft lip, cleft palate or other facial deformities. Past events include a silent auction and a fundraiser at Spill Martini Lounge downtown.

Contact info: opsmilelonghorns.org

O

The goal of this club is to bring out-of-state students together via social and service events that represent the interests of Texas newcomers.

Contact info: kirsten.gassman@gmail.com

Pokemon Club

Explore the Pokemon franchise with the members of this organization by playing the Pokemon card

This chapter of Pratham USA aims to increase awareness of illiteracy in India by fundraising in the Austin area. Popular events include basketball and ultimate Frisbee tournaments.

Contact info: prathamut.org

Queer People of Color and Allies

Quiz Bowl Club

P

Q

This club travels around the nation competing in buzzer-style academic and pop-culture quiz competitions. Weekly practice games prepare members for local, regional and national tournaments.

Contact info: utquizbowl.tripod.com

Ransom Notes

This premier a capella group has shows twice a semester, performing both classic and contemporary songs that range from Harry Connick Jr. to Colbie Caillat.

Contact info: ransomnotes.org

Real Role Models

R

This campus newcomer focuses on mentoring the youth of Austin through various service projects but also plans to host social events and fundraisers for members.

Contact info: abemeghara@yahoo.com

Social Media Club UT

SMCUT helps students utilize social media sites for career and networking opportunities. The group promotes “social media for the social good” through hosting professional speakers and community work.

Contact info: socialmediaclub.org

Student Event Center Film Committee

Operation Smile

Out-of-State Students Association

Pratham

QPOCA aims to create a sense of self-empowerment and visibility of queer people of color on the UT campus. In February, the group hosted a Drag Ball in the Union, an event that promoted gender expression through student performances and makeup workshops.

Contact info: qpocatexas.com

LL

A-Z A

page 13

game, video games and watching Pokemon movies and TV episodes.

Contact the “Pokemon Master” Lee Caffee for details on how to join.

Contact info: leecaffee@yahoo.com

the clubs

This theater group performs two plays each semester to better the community through the arts.

Although they are affiliated

By Stephanie with Liberal Arts Honors organization, all students are welcome to join.

Contact info: ania.upstill@gmail.com

B-Boy Session

Longhorn Life / Get Involved

March 25, 2011March 25, 2011

S

This committee is responsible for selecting the film line-up at the Union. This semester’s picks include “Pulp Fiction,” “Fantasia” and “The Social Network.”

Contact info: utsec.org/fc

Texas Exes Student Chapter

This chapter’s goal is to create lifetime Longhorns by planning and sponsoring events such as the Hex Rally and Torchlight Parade. Interactions with UT alumni also offer students great networking and career opportunities throughout their undergraduate careers.

Contact info: texasexes.org/tesc

Texas Juggling Society

T

This club conducts weekly meetings to enhance the juggling and unicycling abilities of members. Don’t know how? No worries —

TJS offers assistance for anyone interesting in learning the art.

Contact info: juggler@place.org

Unicef Student Chapter

With initiatives including World Water Week, this campus chapter works to educate the Austin community about child survival issues and raises funds for children around the world.

Contact info: utunicef.org

U

University Residence Hall Association

Everyone who resides in an on-campus dorm is automatically a member of URHA. The group is committed to improving the quality of life in residence halls and creating policies as suggested by students.

Contact info: studentorgs.utexas.edu/urha

Vinyl Fantasy

You must love music to be in this club. Vinyl Fantasy works to support record stores by shopping locally and listening to records in group settings. E-mail the “Record Supplier” for details.

Contact info: willarcher@mail.utexas.edu

V

Voices Against Violence

This Counseling and Mental Health Center organization addresses issues of dating violence, sexual violence and stalking through individual counseling and educational classes.

Contact info: cmhc.utexas.edu/vav

White Rose Society

This Holocaust remembrance and genocide awareness group can be found handing out 10,000 white roses to passers-by in West Campus. Other outreach events include a Human Rights Symposium and Challah for Hunger.

Contact info: thewhiterosesociety.org

Women in Science

W

This organization works to connect female students in the College of Natural Sciences. WIS promotes equality of women in science, technology, engineering and math through hosting guest speakers and workshops for its members.

Contact info: studentorgs.utexas.edu/wis

Xi Gamma Lambda Multicultural Sorority This sorority was founded on the tenants of diversity and sisterhood, and membership is open to any undergraduate female, regardless of race, religion, age or sexual orientation.

Contact info: xigammalambda.com

X

Yoga Aloha

This group of yogis connects through the asana yoga practice every Tuesday in the Sinclair Suite of the Union.

Contact info: alohayogaUT@gmail.com

Young Conservatives of Texas

Y

The YCT promotes conservative fiscal and social policies by distributing literature, hosting guest speakers and working with the Texas Legislature. The group is also actively involved in campus politics.

Contact info: yct.org/utexas

Zavala Afterschool Program

This organization gives UT students the opportunity to interact with the underprivileged youth of Zavala Elementary School.

Members create and develop an after-school program that includes arts, crafts and cooking lessons for Zavala students.

Contact info: sites.google.com/site/texaszap

Z

Longhorn Life / Get Involved

page 14

March 25, 2011

Students encourage peers to study abroad

By Lara Grant Thinking about studying abroad but don’t know where to begin? Look no further than Students for Study Abroad.

StufSA aims to connect students who have studied abroad with prospective study abroad students. Through various social events and a mentor program, the organization works to unite their members through a common interest: travel. By presenting study abroad as an accessible and valuable part of a UT education, StufSA hopes to move all students to study abroad and in doing so, embrace UT’s vision of transforming lives for the benefit of our global society, according to the group’s mission statement.

“I’m a firm believer that college is about learning different ideas and beliefs,” said sophomore Austin Powell, president of StufSA. “What better way to do that than through study abroad?”

Powell and the other 137

mentors have been touched by their experiences outside the States and are ready to answer any questions students might have about a specific program or country. Mentors are either current students or alumni and are listed on the StufSA website by the countries they visited, making it easy to find a mentor who matches your particular interests.

“Our mentors who have been abroad can provide insight in areas the abroad office otherwise can’t,” Powell said. “For example, what’s the drinking culture? Where do most students go for night-life activities?”

If students aren’t sure where they want to study, StufSA offers Country Corners. These one-hour informal talks discuss a specific country and are hosted by mentors. They occur in various venues around campus, including coffee shops and libraries and allow prospective travelers to ask questions about what to pack and

“

I’m a firm believer that college is about learning different ideas and beliefs. What better way to do that than through study abroad?”

- Austin Powell, sophomore and president of Students for Study Abroad

how much spending money to bring overseas.

StufSA also hosts various social events. Past events include a pumpkin-carving party for Halloween and an international karaoke night.

“Socials are a chance for officers, mentors and prospective study abroad students to talk about study abroad in a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere,” said sophomore Roberto Van Patten, membership director for the club.

These socials are open to everyone and usually have a cultural aspect that’s indigenous

to a certain area of the world, Powell said. Van Patten, who hosted a social at the beginning of the year, made Brazilian food and drinks to help attendees learn about that particular region of the world.

The next opportunity to be immersed in study abroad culture is StufSA’s annual Spring Mixer on April 13 at 6 p.m. in the Student Activity Center ballroom. There will be free Argentinian food, live music and guest speaker Ambassador Greg Engle from the LBJ School of Public Affairs. Taking place during International Educa-

tion Week, the event usually attracts between 300 and 400 people, said junior Ana Rivera, public relations director for StufSA. “... including study abroad into one’s curriculum as a UT student is of vital importance to take on the challenges of an ever-changing and evermore globalized world,” Van Patten said.

Curious about the options to study abroad?

Attend these upcoming Students for Study Abroad events: • Tea Party, @ the International Office on March 31, 6 p.m.-7 p.m.

• Spring Mixer, @ the Student Activity Center on April 13, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.

• Fundraising Event, @ Pluckers on April 28, 6 p.m.

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Longhorn Life / Get Involved

March 25, 2011

page 17

study abroad column

Trip to Rome one of most memorable life experiences

By Paul Carrubba We just took off from Newark airport. Our plane gains altitude as we speed past New York City. I have never seen so many buildings all huddled together like a forest of gleaming metal and glass. The plane is headed east. One of the last things I see of America before heading into the endless expanse above the Atlantic Ocean is the Statue of Liberty. My face tightens and my eyes twitch as I try to fight back tears that refuse to be stopped.

I don’t well up because I’m already missing the States only three hours into my trip. I well up because the Statue of Liberty was the first thing my great-grandparents saw when they were making the reverse of the journey I’m about to take. I’m 20 years old, and I’m on my way to Italy.

It’s early summer in 2005, and I’m part of the Rome Study Program, a study abroad course that is part of UT’s French and Italian Department.

For almost an entire academic year, around 30 Italian students have been preparing for this trip. We would be spending almost six weeks in the sun-baked Italian capital with

optional trips to other towns and cities across the country. We are to stay with Italian host families spread throughout the city.

To this day, those six weeks in Italy are the longest I’ve ever been out of Texas. It took me a long time for that idea to sink in. Especially now that I look at classmates in my graduate program who are taking two-year journeys from their home states, and in some cases, home countries.

Being uncomfortable a long way from home is probably the best way to learn. The distractions associated with an old life or an old situation melt away as you find yourself adapting to a new one.

Studying abroad, for me, was an exercise in shedding preconceived notions. I think I had this rosy view of Italy as the paradise of my ancestors, but the reality was much more complex. I sank my teeth into the most delicious produce I’ve ever eaten, swam in the most beautiful water and caressed stone bricks that more than 2,500 years worth of hands have caressed before me.

But I also witnessed governmental inefficiency on a scale I’d never seen before, got shaken down by transit

cops and walked along walls that were only held up by dirt, soot and ugly, filthy graffiti.

The hard, bare truth is that studying abroad will probably be one of the most memorable (and fun) experiences of your entire life, but it will be, at times, extremely frustrating.

Being immersed in a language that is not your own is pants-wettingly frightening. It took many, many tries to figure out how to properly order a piece of pizza (“ohhh, by the gram!”).

But it also teaches you to think swiftly on your feet. Each misstep is an opportunity to create another folder on your brain’s hard drive.

As I mentioned before, studying abroad is all about the dichotomy of good and bad, and even though I probably experienced a million little annoyances, that’s all they were: annoyances. I had the time of my life.

I witnessed a massive soccer celebration in Genoa immediately preceded by a matinee play of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” in Italian.

I drove a small motorboat around the island of Capri and swam in the deep azure of the Mediterranean. I arm-wrestled a burly Romanian in a hotel lobby (at least that’s what my friends told me later; for the life

Photo courtesy of the writer

The writer, journalism graduate student Paul Carrubba, on his study abroad trip to Rome in 2005.

of me I can’t remember doing it).

The one thing that studying abroad taught me was that everything is nuanced. There is no black and white. You cannot have the beautiful without the ugly, the sweet without the bitter. You have to take life as it comes. For every missed bus and every moped that

nearly runs you over there’s a flawless work of art or a plate of linguine alle vongole. Life is too short to let it be ruined by the little annoyances.

So when a bar owner keeps his bar open past close so you and your friends can hang out a little longer, then offers you your 10th Sambuca, you take it, because life is good.

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March 25, 2011

page 19

A glimpse into UTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thriving Greek life Students write about their experiences as members of fraternities and sororities

By Cadie Carroll journalism freshman

Going Greek has been a decision that has impacted my college life in a number of ways. The experiences Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had are unforgettable, and the memories Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made thus far will last a lifetime. I have met some of the most amazing, friendly and intelligent people through the Greek system here at UT, and my sorority has provided me with some incredible friends who I now have the privilege to call my sisters. With so many wonderful things to love about going Greek, a few stand out in my mind.

First off, the men and women in the Greek system are always finding ways to give back to their community. We are constantly having various service events that benefit both our local and national philanthropies, and we encourage everyone to participate and contribute to these wor-

thy causes.

Secondly, you never have a dull moment. Not that Greek life is so demanding that you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time for anything else, but you can always count on the fact that something will be going on to fill in your spare time.

Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a girlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s night out with your sisters, a community service event or a fraternity party, there is always some fun and exciting activity in which to partake.

Though it may sound clichĂŠ, the best part about going Greek is the friends you make and the relationships you form. The men and women Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been fortunate enough to meet have very high standards for their lives. They are trustworthy, hardworking people who are always there to lend a helping hand, no matter how big or small my request may be. I love everything about the Greek system here, and I cannot imagine my life any other way.

By Amer Abdullat government junior

Just like almost every other college student, when I came to the University of Texas I had heard from previous alumni and friends of mine that the one bit of advice to succeeding in college and enjoying yourself was to get involved.

At first, you are under the impression that the only real groups on campus to join are fraternities and sororities. However, once you look deeper there are more than enough possibilities to satisfy someone. Many of my friends took the fraternity route, and I am sure they have no regrets about it, but it was not the path for me.

Then one day I heard from a friend about the rush process of one fraternity, and I found that it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t exactly a â&#x20AC;&#x153;fraternity.â&#x20AC;? It was a coed business frat called Phi Chi Theta (PCT). After attending the first meeting, I knew

this was something that interested me and I decided to join.

PCT is an organization made up of students with the same professional interests, such as business, networking and succeeding in the workplace.

By inviting corporate speakers to our meetings, we are able to learn about internship opportunities and network with professionals that could possibly provide guidance in the future. The organization also has a social side. Every semester, PCT hosts multiple parties, a retreat and a formal to provide a sociable environment for members to get to know each other better.

Joining PCT over a traditional fraternity might have been one of the easiest decisions of my life, and I encourage anyone looking to get involved to come out in the fall and give it a try.

GREEK continues on page 20 & 22

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Longhorn Life / Get Involved

page 20 GREEK continued from page 19

By Victoria Heckenlaible rhetoric and writing junior

To be Greek is to have a community wherever you go.

Freshman nerves filled my stomach the first day of class as I slid on my neon green Kappa Delta T-shirt — a transition from a small private school to a large public university proved to be daunting.

Heading to my 8 a.m. chemistry class, I nervously examined my new classmates. Each person blurred into an overwhelming mob. Then a single neon shirt appeared. Wearing the “A Chi O” T-shirt was a petite freshman girl as confused as myself. We were complete strangers, but we both smiled with relief as we stopped to wish each other a wonderful first day. UT could be my school after all.

Three wrong buildings later, I reached my biology class 20 minutes late. I was flustered and an absolute mess looking for the first available seat. I darted toward one, just before hearing a girl whisper-

ing, “KD baby. KD, baby.”

An older girl sat next to an open seat pointing to her letters embroidered on a tote. I rushed to that seat and the sophomore girl gave me a hug, welcoming me to UT and Kappa Delta.

The same girl later answered tearful phone calls, guided me through college and celebrated even my smallest victories. She became my big sis in the sorority and the older sister I never had. My family is at UT. I decided to study abroad one semester and lived a wonderful few months with a host family in Amman, Jordan, but one of my first days was rough. My broken Arabic got me dropped off in a strange neighborhood, where I wandered hopelessly until two Jordanian boys on tricycles peddled toward me. Forty-five minutes of hand gesturing and broken Arabic later, I found myself at my host family’s apartment eating dinner by myself.

I missed home.

So to distract myself, I flipped through photos of previous exchange students. Most were un-

March 25, 2011

interesting until the photo of my family’s first exchange student. She wore jeans, knee-high boots and a Northwestern Kappa Delta shirt.

Comfort overwhelmed me as I saw this familiar image and found home in the Middle East. My sister had been here before me.

By Benjamin Oheim pre-nursing sophomore

In explaining my experience as an active member of Beta Upsilon Chi fraternity (BYX) or Brothers Under Christ, I must begin with my first experiences at the University of Texas.

I graduated from a 5A high school, so the size of the student body and campus seemed to be somewhat proportional to what I would experience at UT. Although, when I arrived my freshmen year, I was overwhelmed by the number of students, rarely seeing a face I recognized in a crowd of 50,000. I knew I needed to join an organization that would allow me to have a good network of friends who I

could grow close to and be able to depend on.

After searching for the “right” group, I was introduced to BYX and was surprised by the acceptance and kindness the members showed.

They encouraged me to continue my pursuit to find good organizations but also suggested that I check out their upcoming events.

I attended a few rush events and a party that concluded the week and found the same kindness and acceptance from all the active members. It became apparent that this was the organization I was looking for, so I pledged and became an active member myself.

The relationships I have built within the fraternity stretch beyond typical friendship. I’ve experienced genuine brotherhood and authentic unity through the common bond of religion. Also, as Christians and members of BYX, my brothers and I are called to be men of integrity, honor and service for the students of the University of Texas. Looking back at my three-and-a-half semesters at UT, I see that BYX has truly shaped my college experience.

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Longhorn Life / Get Involved

page 22 GREEK continued from page 19

By Samantha Kline radio-television-film sophomore

I am a Chi Omega. It will never be “I was a Chi Omega,” but forever, I am a Chi Omega.

Let’s face it: Going off to college is downright scary whether you are going far away or staying close to home. You are being thrown into a new atmosphere with tons of new people who were crazy involved, just like you were in high school. I knew I wanted to join a sorority ever since I was young because my older sister was a Texas Chi Omega here. I never knew much about the whole sorority thing; I just knew I wanted to be in one.

To me, it was like my high school dance team — just a bunch of girls with similar interests — but being in a sorority (or fraternity) is so much more than that.

I’m not going to get all mushy about how much I love my sorority or my sisters, but being a part of a national women’s social and philanthropic organization that is dedicated to friendship, scholarship, campus activities, community service and career development is rewarding in more ways than one.

For example, each sorority or fraternity is involved with charity work, and for Chi Omega it is the MakeA-Wish Foundation. We raise money throughout the year to grant wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses. It is extremely rewarding to see the children we serve and how we can make such a difference in their lives.

As far as friendship goes, you will find your friends, your best friends and your best, best friends but it goes without saying that they are all your sisters. Sisters who will be there for you

and tell you what you need to hear instead of what you want to hear. These are girls with whom you can laugh, cry, scream, be angry, be excited, whatever it is and they will love you no matter what. The relationships you create within or because of your sorority or fraternity last.

Being a part of Greek life at UT is great for networking and making connections for later in life. This is what Greek life is truly about, contrary to the stereotypes.

Even our very own University President William Powers is a Sigma Chi.

By Matt Seliger corporate communications sophomore

When I joined the Kappa Alpha Order here at UT right before my freshman year started, I was instantly immersed into a group of lifelong friends who had very

March 25, 2011

similar interests and characteristics as mine. Being a part of the Greek community has given me opportunities that have not only provided for fun, but also that will help me later on in life.

One of the most satisfying parts of being in a fraternity is knowing that a majority of negative connotations about Greek culture are extremely exaggerated. There are several things that are not true about fraternity life. First off, there is a lot more to being in a fraternity than partying.

While for some, it is a highly valued attribute that comes with being in the organization, it is not the only one.

Almost all fraternities and sororities take part in philanthropy events. For example, Kappa Alpha is supporting research to cure muscular dystrophy. Other Greek organizations hold events to raise money and awareness for causes such as breast cancer research, the Make-A-Wish Foundation and St. Jude Chil-

dren’s Research Hospital.

Another valuable asset that comes with being in a Greek organization is the ability to network, not only with prominent alumni, but also with relatives of fraternity brothers. Our alumni relations is something that’s important to us as a chapter. It is fulfilling to be able to meet these men and hear their stories from when they were active members.

My favorite aspect of being a Kappa Alpha is probably the opportunity to be a part of something big. Upon our entry to the chapter, we got to learn about the chapter’s history dating back to the 1860s.

It lets you know that what you do in your time there contributes to an already rich history.

Because of all of these reasons, I can’t imagine not being in a fraternity at UT. It has been a fun, fulfilling experience that I would recommend to everyone who is interested.

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merrell oyster urban adventure More often than not, the college-aged population appears to be at some sort of peak both intellectually and athletically.

So why not challenge that height while you have it and sign up for one of the most exhilarating and stimulating races around Austin?

The Merrell Oyster Urban Adventure, which started in Denver in 2003, provides the perfect marriage of thought-provoking strategy and high-adrenaline athleticism. From scavenger hunts and relays, teams of three to six people race around the city, answering clues and completing tasks. And we can’t think of any better way to spend a spring Sunday in Austin than taking in the outdoors while working your brain.

In its eighth year, the race has expanded to 10 cities across the country: Phoenix, Austin, Pittsburgh, Seattle, Denver, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Nashville, Tenn., Bend, Ore., and Portland, Ore. This year’s Oyster Racing Series kicks off in Phoenix in April and ends in Nashville in October.

It has been recognized as the premier urban adventure racing series, and the organizers call it “ball-busting,” referring to the race being named after the dish Rocky Mountain oysters — fried bull’s testicles.

The series offers two separate races that cater to any endurance level. The original Oyster covers about 20 to 30 miles over four to six hours on foot and on bike in teams of three to six people. New this year is the Oyster Shooter, in which individu-

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Test your social, mental and sports skills at this one-of-a-kind urban exploration race. Visit downtowndashtx.com and see the ad in The Daily Texan.

als race on foot throughout the city over about five miles with obstacles along the way.

The racing series raises money each year for local non-profits and recently added the opportunity for racers to win money themselves. At the end of each race, participants have a chance to win $50,000 in a top-secret challenge, and they can increase those chances by donating more money to the cause.

Photo courtesy of Merrell Oyster Urban Adventure The Merrell Oyster A team of last year’s Oyster Racing Series participants.

Racing Series hits Austin on Sunday, May 15. And “with one of the best trail systems in the what you can expect, find the Oyster RacU.S., lots of young, active residents and a ing Series on Facebook at facebook.com/ wide variety of great attractions, Austin home.php#!/OysterRacing?sk=wall. is a perfect location for [the race], and the Entry fees vary by race but get more expeople here love it,” said Jason Ornstein, pensive closer to race day. Every racer will who is executive director of adventure receive either a cowbell or a T-shirt and at for the Merrell Oyster Racing Series, in a least one free beer at the end of the race. press release.

The freebies alone are worth signing up, To sign up and for more infor- but we can’t deny the fun that emanates mation, visit the race’s website at from just talking about the Oyster Racing oysterracingseries.com. To view a video of Series!