Aggie Gamma Phi Beta

New Year, New Girls

2012-02-05T20:09:00.007-06:00

So the spring semester is well on its way, and with it brought 15 beautiful new Gphi Babies!

On Friday February 3rd, we welcomed these awesome girls into our chapter. Every girl was introduced to the chapter, enjoyed a dinner with new sisters, and munched on some delicious cupcakes. Despite the weather being as treacherous as it was, the spring bid day was not put on hold! A sleepover took place at the house, where the girls played different games, such as a fun little scavenger hunt, and lots of pictures doing our famous crescent were taken.

Now, let me introduce to you the new fabulous Spring 2012 Gamma Phi Beta Pledge Class.

FOUNDED upon a Rock!

2011-11-11T11:11:00.002-06:00

Happy Founders Day!!!
11/11/11

As our new members know very well by now, Gamma Phi Beta was founded at Syracuse University on November 11, 1874 by four amazing women!

Helen M. Dodge, Francis E. Haven, E. Adeline Curtis, Mary A. Bingham

"Since the rock is the firmest and most enduring substance, able to withstand the ravages of time, and offering the strongest protection, it seemed fitting that Gamma Phi Beta should be thus founded. Protecting, like the rock, those who enter our fold, a sure help in time of need, enduring to the end time - this is the wish for Gamma Phi Beta from one of the Founders."
- Eunice Adeline Curtis, Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, 1912

GAMMA PHI'S SUPPORT THE FIGHT AGAINST CANCER

2011-11-06T21:03:00.000-06:00

The women of Gamma Phi Beta took time out of their Saturday morning to participate in 5K FOR RELAY to support the fight against cancer. The 5K took place in Lot 50 and went around the Texas A&M golf course. Over 20 girls participated and made the morning a memorable one. Sisters walked, jogged, ran, or brought their furry pets and finished the run off with some Red Mango at the finish line.

We've all been touched by cancer, directly or indirectly, or have lost a loved to the disease, but having a sister by your side makes the journey not so lonely. Sisters, you are not alone!

LET'S FIGHT BACK TOGETHER!

CRESCENT CLASSIC COOKOUT SUCCESS

2011-10-17T13:58:00.001-05:00

A BIG THANKS goes to all those who helped sponsor CrescentClassic

this year and to all those who attended.

IT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!

With your help, Gamma Phi's

are able to give children the opportunity to attend camp and give them the chance to have the time of their lives!

WE CAN'T WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR!

LAST CHANCE FOR SNOWCONES!

2011-10-12T16:04:00.000-05:00

In the mood for something yummy and sweet?

BUY A SNOWCONE TODAY!

ONLY $3!!!

All proceeds go to Camp For All & Camp Fire USA!

Gamma Phi's are located in Koldus and Wehner!

HURRY, before it's too late!

CHILLIN' WITH GAMMA PHI

2011-10-04T11:57:00.000-05:00

Gamma Phi will be selling SNOW CONES

Monday, October 10th & Tuesday October 11th

to benefit CAMP FOR ALL & CAMP FIRE USA

at the following locations and times:

WEHNER

9AM-5PM

KOLDUS

9AM-5PM

Keep an eye out for

Gamma Phi's in NEON

next week!

Crescent Classic 2011 COUNTDOWN!

2011-09-18T22:26:00.000-05:00

25 DAYS UNTIL OUR

CRESCENT CLASSIC COOKOUT!

VISIT our Facebook Event

for more information and

how to purchase tickets:

https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=292277290787222

LIKE our fan page:

https://www.facebook.com/AggieGammaPhiCrescentClassic

So Many New Gorgeous Gammas!

2011-09-16T13:00:00.051-05:00

Hillary Desmarais

Euless, TX

Why she loves Gamma Phi:

My favorite thing about Gamma Phi Beta is that you can be yourself and you get to become close with all your sisters.

Why she chose A&M:

I wanted to stay in Texas and not be too far away from home. The people on campus were friendly and they had a good Architecture school.

Summer 2011:

My favorite thing I did this summer was go to the lake with a big group of my friends and we swam cooked out together

Interesting fact:

I am a first generation aggie.

Comments from members during recruitment:

Michaella W - "Very sweet!"

Amber R - "So sweet and adorable!"

Ramey Parks

San Jose, CA

Why she loves Gamma Phi:

How we have dedication--there's always so much going on; nevertheless, there is always someone (usually more than one someone) willing to pour their heart into a project within our chapter.

Why she chose A&M:

The friendly energy/spirit on campus is contagious (:

Summer 2011:

I climbed to the top of Half Dome (one of the most climbed mountains in Yosemite National Park in California) with my dad. It was a 12 hour hike...8 hours up, 4 hours back...starting at 7am. It was challenging, and even more challenging to persevere because we both did not have permits to climb past the subdome (they have passes because too many people used to climb at once, and bad injuries started occurring too often). Not knowing whether the hike was "worth it" because we could not even reach the top was a mind game, but I am so happy that I pushed through and reached the TOP!

Interesting fact:

I sometimes use Febreeze as perfume...I know...

I am addicted to gum....literally.

I lived in Canada from 2002-2004.

Comments from members during recruitment:

Vanessa P - "If I could come back and be active I would want her as my little!"

Jessica G - "Super energetic and has our core values!"

Emily Howell

Frisco, TX

Why she loves Gamma Phi:

I love love love how sweet and genuine all the girls are!

Why she chose A&M:

Both my parents went here, and it was my dream school

Summer 2011:

My friends and I went to Schlitterbahn for a one day road trip!

Interesting fact:

I'm a political science major!

Comments from members during recruitment:

Ashley T - "Awesome girl!"

Jana K - "Very sweet and loved our philanthropy!"

Crescent Classic!

2011-09-15T09:02:00.000-05:00

Mark your calendars now!

Featuring Rob Baird

and Sydney Dixon

Crescent Classic is October 14 this fall (the friday before the home game against Baylor.)

CC is Aggie Gamma Phi's annual philanthropy event each fall that supports Camp Fire USA and Camp For All. The event features live music, food, and a good time with the Gamma Phi girls. Last year Charlie Robison and our very own Sydney Dixon played and were able to raise over $10,000!

Stay tuned for more information regarding this year's Crescent Classic!

More G Phi Babies!

2011-09-14T20:30:00.001-05:00

Andrea O'Connor

Waco, TX

Why she loves Gamma Phi:

The amazing girls in it <3

Why she chose A&M:

I fell in love with the traditions and friendly town

Summer 2011:

I went horseback riding and white-water rafting in Colorado--my first time in the mountains!

Interesting fact:

I have a slight obsession with song-writing

We can't wait to hear her sing and play guitar!!!

Briana Pascua Salcido

El Paso, TX

Why she loves Gamma Phi:

My favorite thing about Gamma Phi Beta is how welcoming and helpful and warm all the girls have been, it's been really wonderful to come into and I feel like I fit in really well.

Why she chose A&M:

I chose Texas A&M because of how unique it is with all of its traditions and school involvement, plus I just really felt at home the first time I came to visit.

Summer 2011:

For my grandparents 50th Wedding Anniversary this summer, ten of us went on a chartered sail boat out of Rockland, Maine. We sailed down the coast of Maine for three days. It was a beautiful and one of a kind experience, the culture up there was amazing, and I got to spend a lot of time with my family:)

Interesting fact:

-I've lived in five countries

-I'm Mexican and fluent in Spanish

-I'm a lefty

-And I'm dating a hockey player (whoop!)

Aye! Aye! Aye!

Tyler Jo Pearce

Katy, TX

Why she loves Gamma Phi:

All the Gamma Phi's in it

Why she chose A&M:

I went to one football game and fell madly in love

Summer 2011:

I went on a Young Life trip called Wilderness in the Colorado Mountains. It was a hiking trip where all you had you carried on your back and you couldn't leave anything behind including trash and wastes. It was and amazing experience and on the last night we had to spend the night individually out in the woods where they left us. During my time alone I had a deer come about 20 yards from me before it realized I was there and froze for a good minuet before it ran away. It was the closest I have ever felt to God and the amazing nature that he has made.

Interesting fact:

I taught my self to not only french braid my own hair but I can also spell letters in other people's hair. If I get enough heads I can spell words.

We should spell Gamma Phi Beta for an event!!!

Save the Date - Oct. 14!

2011-09-14T20:23:00.000-05:00

Mark your calendars now!

Crescent Classic is October 14 this fall (the friday before the home game against Baylor.)

Stay tuned for more information regarding this year's Crescent Classic!

Donating to Firefighters and Departments

2011-09-12T23:55:00.000-05:00

Tonight at our formal meeting, a very important issue was addressed that has been wreaking havoc across the state of Texas for several weeks now- the wildfires.

Gamma Phi Beta ladies did not take long to step up and start an organized way of donating to these firemen and the families that are fighting so hard to keep their homes. Many of the ladies here in our chapter have been affected by the wildfires in some way, and are already showing a great passion in helping out in any way they can.

Emails have been sent out to spread the word of several ways to donate. Whether it be bottled water, Gatorade, or just money to fuel the firetrucks, I'm sure that the departments will take anything that they can get.

DeAnna Gaytan had an idea that I believe could be a big success if we get everyone to pull together and make it happen:
Bastrop is an area that has been greatly impacted by these wildfires. People have lost their homes and all of their belongings. Although cold weather is far from our mind right now, winter is right around the corner, and warm blankets will soon be needed. With some donations and crafty girls, Gamma Phi Beta could easily make the fleece-tie blankets we all know and love and deliver them to these families. Blankets for Bastrop.

I know that other Texas A&M organizations are already donating, and we are even uniting with them.
If you are out there and have already been working toward raising donations for the firefighters or departments, we would love to hear about your efforts. The more we pull together as a state, the easier the rebuilding process for these communities will be.

With love,
Chaney Barton
Class of '14

Meet some of our New Members!!!

2011-09-12T22:27:00.009-05:00

Taylor Chi

Fort Worth, TX

Why she loves Gamma Phi:

Each girl is unique in her own way, but I love them all!

Why she chose A&M:

I chose A&M because of their traditions and super friendly environment.

Summer 2011:

This summer I got to travel to Puerto Rico!

Interesting fact:

I'm half asian and half caucasian!

Comments from members during recruitment:

Tori V. - "Super sweet!"

Kaitlin G. - "Looking for a great group of girls!"

(Think she found 'em!)

Cybil Armbruster

Pearland, TX

Why she loves Gamma Phi:

The philanthropy and how the girls are so down to earth

Why she chose A&M:

The school Spirit

Summer 2011:

I went to Schilterbahn, and floated the river with my family and best friends:)

Interesting fact:

I am very talkative normally you cant get me to be quiet.

Comments from members during recruitment:

Devin M. - "Love."

Erin A. - "Nice, sweet, and loves working with kids!"

Heather Mokerski

Sugar Land, TX

Why she loves Gamma Phi:

The sisterhood and friendships.

Why she chose A&M:

I LOVED the traditions!

Summer 2011:

I went to South Dakota to see family

Interesting fact:

I am 4'11" and I am OBSESSED with pitbulls!

Comments from members during recruitment:

Hannah - "Cutest thing ever!"

Kayla G - "Darling."

Cybil, Danielle, Taylor, and Heather.

Three of our lovely new members with our new member educator Danielle

Recruitment Review

2011-09-07T22:58:00.002-05:00

WELCOME GAMMA PHI BETA FALL PLEDGE CLASS 2011!

We love our new g phi babies!!!

It took a week full of sisterhood to get the lovely ladies we now have!

Here's a little recap of recruitment 2011

Day 1: Sisterhood Day

We wore black shirts, jeans, and everyone loved our pink sparkly TOMS!

Grace, Ashlyn, and Jana

Shelby, Katie, Jana, and Cheyenne

Day 2: Philanthropy Day

We wore white long sleeve polos, navy shorts, and wedges

Ashlyn, Christina (Panhellenic), Grace, and Shelby

Hillary, Cara, and Daniela

Day 2: Skit Day!

We wore black dress with red accessories

Some of our GAGA for GAMMA skit dancers

Nicole, Kaitlin, Courtney, and Ashlyn

Michaella and Brooke

Day 4: Preference Night

We wore matching Alfred Angelo dresses

Elise, Lindsey, Kayla, Amy, Teal, and Haylea

BID DAY!!!!

Gamma Phis only Fly First Class

The Crescent

Waiting anxiously for our new members to arrive!

A huge thanks to all the alumni that came out and helped, especially Karen Kline, Barbara Hurt-Simmons, Jordan Lyons our CLC, and Lindsay Dawson our chapter advisor!

Seven Countries in Nine Weeks

2011-08-16T01:37:00.000-05:00

By Marselle Kovarsky

Over two months ago, I said goodbye to my parents and America when I boarded my plane for the Bahamas. I was pretty excited, and a bit nervous, for my adventures that awaited me. I was going to visit seven countries over the next nine weeks and earn nine school credits, a pretty sweet deal! I didn’t know any of the other 800 students aboard the MV Explorer, but I was ready to make new friends. Ironically enough, my roommate Ginny is a Gamma Phi Beta at Loyola New Orleans, so we instantly hit it off. It took ten days to sailacross the Atlantic Ocean, and living at sea was a pretty easy transition. The cabins are decent sized dorm rooms with private bathrooms, and maid service comes every day. The food is edible, but by day 59 I’'m sick and tired of potatoes, pasta, and bread (I can’t wait for some chips and queso from Fuego!)

Our first port stop was Barcelona, Spain. Being an Architectural History minor, I was super excited to see all thewonderful works of Gaudi. I visited the Casa Mila, La Sagrada Familia, and the Picasso Museum. Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia was overwhelming; it was by far the largest and most spectacular church I had ever seen. At night I enjoyed walking around with my new friends exploring the main street, Las Ramblas, and experiencing the fast-paced lifestyle. I even tried my first olive, tomato, and glass of wine (all Spanish must-have’s). Spain was a great first stop since it wasn’t too much of a culture shock; it eased us Americans in to the European culture.

Naples, Italy was the next port we docked at. Margarita pizza from Naples is hands down the best pizza in the world. The city was pretty crowded and dirty so I’'m glad I was only in the city for one night. For five days, I went on a “field trip” to Florence, Pisa, Assisi, and Rome. Florence was a great city with a lot of rich architecture and Roman Catholic culture. I was able to see the Duermo and Michelangelo’'s David, which is so much bigger than I expected! I spent a few hours in Pisa taking the typical touristy pictures with the leaning tower, but there isn’t much else to do in that city. Assisi was by far my favorite place in Italy; this small hill town is the epitome of the Tuscany countryside. Rome was the most crowded city I have ever been in… there are 5 million people living there plus 1 million tourists. I threw two coins into the Trevi Fountain, went inside the Pantheon, saw “aTm” carved in the walls of the Coliseum, and walked through the Roman Forum. The next day in Rome I visited the Vatican where I experienced the Sistine Chapel (which is smaller than I expected) and the marvelous St. Peter’s basilica. St. Peter’s basilica is the largest church in the world and it is one of the most memorable places I’'ve seen during my travels. The last day I learned to make pasta and tiramisu in a local Tuscan winery. Overall, Italy was a beautiful country with wonderful food; I will definitely be going back. I had little knowledge of our next port Dubrovnik, Croatia, but this port became a wonderful beach vacation filled with kayaking, swimming, and cliff diving! For the day I also drove to Montenegro, which is the most picturesque country where the mountains fall straight into the clear blue water and the orange tiled houses are nestled into the valleys.

Our next stop caused a bit of concern; Athens, Greece, has been experiencing riots and the government is going through a lot of economic problems. My only interaction with this unrest was the taxi riot that shutdown traffic for a whole entire day! The first day I visited the Acropolis and my architectural side was so happy to see the famous Parthenon! I spent the remaining days island hopping, visiting Hydra, Aegina, and Mykonos. These islands had the stereotypical blue and white houses that characterize Greece. On the islands, I enjoyed another beach vacation riding donkeys and playing on jet skies. I even tried my first mussel!

Varna, Bulgaria was a last minute addition to our itinerary once Egypt was removed due to the political unrest there. I was bummed about not being able to go to Egypt and the pyramids, but Varna turned out to be my second favorite port! Like Croatia and Greece, Bulgaria was a beech vacation; every night I laid on the beach and had a nice relaxing time with my friends. One day I even went to a local salt lake and mud bath where I covered my body in black “healing” mud!

Istanbul, Turkey was my favorite port! Minarets tooe over the dense skyline, and my first mosque experience was great. I had to cover my head with a scarf and remove my shoes before entering, and the blue tiles inside made beautiful geometric patterns on the walls. I visited the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and multiple palaces. I was a smart shopper in the Grand Bazaar and walked away with great souvenirs! I also experienced a Turkish bath, which is better than any spa treatment you can get in the States! I even had lunch on the Asian continent one day. Istanbul was my favorite because there was so much to do and the culture was so different from the Western world.

My last port was Casablanca, Morocco, and, yes, I went to Rick’s Café! The first day I stayed in port and visited the Hassan II mosque, which is the second largest mosque in the world with a minaret larger than the Washington monument! I spent the remainder of my days in Marrakech where I rode a camel, played with a monkey, bought Aladdin pants at the bazaar, and got plenty of henna!

Now it takes eight days to cross the Atlantic and arrive back in Boston. I think I’'m in for a culture shock when everyone around me speaks English! While at sea, we are finishing up our classes, taking finals, and writing papers. Heading home is very bitter sweet: I’m excited to get back to my friends and family, but I will also miss traveling the world! I can’t wait for when I return again to these countries though!

Famous Gammas in showbiz

2011-08-13T22:51:00.003-05:00

There are some pretty talented Gamma Phi's out there in the world! Here are a few in the entertainment business!

Kristin Chenoweth (Oklahoma City)

Recently featured on GLEE, this Gamma Phi is an actress, singer and 1999 Tony Award winner for Best Featured Actress in a Musical ("You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"); 2009 Emmy winner for Best Supporting Actress ("Pushing Daisies")

Alexandra "Alex" Wystrach Flanagan (Arizona)

Sports journalist for the NFL Network, sideline reporter for Notre Dame home football games; former sideline reporter for ESPN

Paige Galt (University of Georgia)

Mrs. Georgia 2005, Miss International Pageant Contestant 2005

Demetra George (Oklahoma City)

Resident soprano for Nevada Opera Theatre, awarded an honorary Doctorate of Music from Oklahoma City University, Grammy nominee, Oklahoma City University Performance Hall of Honor Inductee, Miss Oklahoma, 1972 (Formerly Deborah Giannopoulos Mustafoglu)

Bailey Hanks (Coastal Carolina)

Broadway actress, Elle Woods in "Legally Blonde: The Musical"

Cloris Leachman(Northwestern)

Actress (Raising Hope, Great Gam Gam in Beerfest, Spanglish, Granny in the Beverly Hill Billies, Young Frankenstein), author; Oscar and Emmy Award winner; most recently on Dancing with the Stars

Heather McDonald (Southern California)

Comedian on "Chelsea Lately," actress, author

Kelli O'Hara (Oklahoma City)

Broadway actress, two- time Tony nominee

("The Pajama Game," "South Pacific," "The Light in the Piazza")

Mary Beth Peil (Northwestern)
Opera singer, actress on "Dawson's Creek," 1985 Tony Award nominee for "The King and I," and currently co-starring on "The Good Wife"

Sarah Richardson (Western Ontario)

Star of the HGTV design shows: "Room Service," "Design Inc.," "Sarah's House" and "Sarah's Cottage

Who will be next g phi to make it big?!?

Paris of the Middle East

2011-08-10T23:25:00.001-05:00

By Danielle Ghorayeb

My family took our annual trip to Lebanon at the end of July. We go every year to see all of our family and have a relaxing vacation. This year my parents went on different flights than my siblings and I, so it was up to us to navigate the Paris and Lebanon airports on our knowledge of French and Arabic. When I finally got to Lebanon I was greeted at the door by all my aunts, uncles, and cousins. Throughout the trip my family and I did lots and lots of fun activities. My uncle is building a farm near the biggest lake in Lebanon, so we spent a day there checking out his animals and the incredible view.

Capturing a Crescent in Lebanon!

We also went a toured the Grotto Jeita, which was a contender to become one of the new World Wonders. Apart from seeing magnificent architectures and natural wonders, the best thing to do in Lebanon is hit the beach. We went to several different beaches that had beautiful sand and clear, blue water. The best thing to do in Lebanon is eat. When someone eats at a Lebanese restaurant there is always an overflow of food. We start our meals with an appetizer that includes hummus, tabouleh, and foods with names that I can’t type out if it tried. Then we get the main course of chicken, lamb, meat, and kaftah. After we’re done stuffing our faces and can’t eat any more, we get plates and plates of fruits, the main one being watermelon. A lot of the restaurants we visit are in the mountains, so we have a magnificent view while we eat.

This year a giant portion of my family (which comes out to be around 20 people) went up into the mountains and got to enjoy a wine tasting. We even got to tour the caves in which the wine is made. The thing I always enjoy most is getting to see my family. My immediate family are the only people that live in America, so when I go to Lebanon, family reunions and dinners are completely out of control. This year we had a new addition to the family, my mom’s cousin had a new baby boy, and when we saw him two days after he was born, I literally started crying because he was so precious. Even though all the beaches, food, tourist sites and are incredible; there is nothing more wonderful than spending time with family

The Sky is the Limit

2011-08-05T11:04:00.001-05:00

By Jana Kubecka

Every summer is special—there is just something about the idea of two months of endless possibilities that can make any girl excited. For me, this summer has been especially unique.

In June, I had the opportunity to help a film crew from Austin video exotic animals for an upcoming IMAX film. The experience was very enlightening, and I was lucky enough to get to interact with some of the animals, such as monkey named Bailey, a lemur, and a bush baby. A few weeks after this experience, I had the chance to get to know a few Secret Service Agents when they came to my dad’s ranch to hunt. Listening to the stories of both of these groups of people was extremely interesting and entertaining, and I established relationships that may one day prove beneficial. Little did I know, my summer was just getting started.

I have been around aircraft all my life. My parents own a flying service, so agriculture and aviation are central to the way I was raised. As far back as I can remember, my dad would take me flying, whether it be to look at crops, travel, or perform predator control services for local farmers. Fixed-wing crop dusters were my parent’s main focus, although my dad also owned and operated a Robinson helicopter in a hog eradication program. A few years ago, a company approached my parents about pollinating rice test plots, simply called “pollinating”. What started out as a one or two helicopter job exploded this summer into requiring eleven helicopters to fly over the rice. Thus began a summer that has changed my life forever, and garnered memories that will last a lifetime.

Growing up, my summers were always packed with camps, travelling, and sports. There was always somewhere to be and something to do. This summer, with my first year of college behind me and a long, hot vacation ahead, I decided to come home and help my parents. After a few fishing trips and a road trip or two, the helicopter busy season began, and I found myself in the office as the first helicopters began to arrive.

Each pilot was unique and had his own story. A few were ex-military, some had “real” jobs such as paramedics or handymen, and one, a 20 year old from San Marcos, Texas had flown all over the southern US between his jobs as a bouncer in a club and a valet car parker. The energy in our little office was high, as was the noise level! Each pilot had a story to tell and an opinion to give. They would leave at 11 and come back from flying at 2, and sometimes they would hang out at the hangar until 3 in the morning! Driving home from the ranch one day, I asked my dad how hard it was to fly a helicopter. This shocked him, because I had never shown interest in flying before. Come to find out, that same day my dad called Jon, one of the pilots who had pollinated for us for a few years, to get me lined up for flying lessons. My mom’s secretary overheard the conversation and she later told me all she could think about was that she hoped I had been serious when I mentioned learning to fly! Two days later, on June 30, I flew for the first time. I had no idea what to expect, and I was pretty nervous, but with the guidance of an exceptional instructor, I survived each new maneuver without scaring myself into quitting.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a student must fly 20 hours before soloing in an R-22 helicopter. Just recently, I hit that 20 hour mark. The night before I was to solo, I sat in bed unable to sleep. The next morning, I was sick to my stomach with nerves. My instructor and I flew to our practice space, where we did a couple of normal traffic patterns and landings. On the second landing, Jon reached over and unbuckled his seat belt and said, “I’m getting out Boss.” I was literally close to tears as he climbed out. I sat there for a few seconds, trying to calm myself and get my bearings. Then, with a deep breath, I lifted off the ground. I hovered for a moment, making sure I was in control, then began to taxi forward. I literally had to remind myself to breathe! I went around the traffic pattern once, landed and waved at Jon that I was done. He shook his head and mouthed “One more?” I was feeling good about it, so I nodded my head, lifted off the ground, and took off again. Later, Jon asked how it felt to look in the seat next to me and not see him sitting there. I replied that I simply did not look at the empty seat, I just pretended he was still there! Upon landing, Jon walked to the hangar and let me fuel up, as usual. He came back with my mom, who had her camera in hand. After talking for a moment, Jon got a devilish look on his face and whipped out a pair of scissors. He then proceeded to cut the back of my shirt, as is tradition when a pilot solos for the first time. The tradition started a long time ago, before radio communication. Instructors would sit behind their students in the fixed wing airplane, and whenever the student was doing something wrong the instructor would tug on the back of the student's shirt. Thus, when you solo you cut the tail of your shirt.

This summer has definitely been unique, and I have been so blessed to have had such extraordinary experiences. Each day I learn something new. How far I take my flying career is yet to be seen, but every time I go up into that wild blue yonder, I know I’m learning something not only about an incredible piece of equipment, but also about myself. Never forget to have confidence in yourself, and don’t be afraid to try new things. After all, the sky is the limit.

Say Yes to the Dress

2011-08-01T09:00:00.004-05:00

By Megan Philips

Basically the only interesting thing about my summer is my job!

My new job is at Signature Bridal Salon in Austin. I'm basically living and breathing "Say Yes to the Dress" everyday! It's so fabulous. I've always been in love with weddings and hopeful of becoming a very well known wedding planner/coordinator. Maybe I'd even have my own show on WE like David Tutera :) But the more I get into dressing brides up, the more I begin to stray away from my original idea of planning their big day. I'd be under so much pressure and stress and basically giving up all of my weekends. If I'm just involved in dressing them up and making them look beautiful for their big day, the stress load is almost at zero. I think I like that a lot more than a stress load of 1,000! My favorite designer is Maggie Sottero. She is absolutely fantastic. Her dresses have an Australian flare and are the most sought after dresses in the world! I can't wait to get married and wear a Maggie. I just need to find me a MAN :)

Our very own Gamma Phi Politician

2011-07-31T12:15:00.008-05:00

By Erin Williams

I've spent my summer in Washington D.C. interning with an organization called NumbersUSA. I've learned a lot about non-profits, public policy, and immigration. I've been fortunate enough to actually work in the industry and not just shred paper and stuff envelopes. I do a lot of research, edit the website, and I even wrote a report that got published on their website! My bosses also have sent us to a number of Congressional hearings, and I was at one that our Senator, John Cornyn, was at!

I've tried to see as much of D.C. as I can after my long weeks of work. I've been to a lot of the Smithsonians, went to the National Zoo, seen the memorials, gone to Roosevelt Island, been to Arlington, Baltimore, and Alexandria, will tour the White House and the Pentagon next week, shopped and ate at Georgetown, shopped and got my nails done in Dupont Circle, and been to both the memorial and 4th of July parades on the mall! Seeing the Museum of Natural History has definitely been my favorite touristy thing, and I am super excited to visit the Pentagon soon.

Outside of a Senate hearing

I'm a Gorilla By Morning

2011-07-30T10:00:00.011-05:00

By Devin McGaughey

Fish Camp has been an awesome experience for me. I'm in session A Green- Camp Wellman! I have not only been able to help the incoming class of 2015 and brainwash them to be the best Aggies they can be, but I have also made life-long friends. My 23 fellow counselors and my 2 co-chairs have been amazing friends and we have all come together as a family to make sure that the freshmen have the best experience that they can. I love how everyone is working towards a common goal and just lets loose. No one is afraid to be themselves and everyone has just gone crazy these last couple of weeks getting ready for camp. We are not only working hard to make Camp Wellman a success, but we've also played hard too. Some of my favorite memories have come from the road trips that we have gone on. Travelling to Port Aransas for a relaxing weekend on the beach, driving to Middle-of-Nowhere Lampassas and enjoying a river oasis, and ending our spree of road trips at Lake Travis have all been experiences that have drawn us all closer. There isn't much that I don't like. We all get along quite well and our preparation has not been as stressful as I had planned on it being. It does take a lot of time- especially the preparation that comes four days before we leave for camp- but it will absolutely be worth it in the end. Probably my favorite part about camp is my partner, Robbie. He is perfect. He's so sweet and he's an experienced counselor, so he has really helped me get prepared. We have so much in common and he is definitely the funniest counselor in camp. We came up with our DG name on the very first night that we were placed together. As we were driving home, he asked me what kind of music I listened to and who were my favorite artists. I told him that I liked Kyle Park and George Strait and he asked if I had heard a song that Kyle Park wrote about George Strait. I even finished his sentence- which instantly made us know that we were perfect partners. We started talking about our favorite George Strait songs and I said that I loved "Amarillo by Morning", but I shared a funny story- when I was younger, I thought that the opening line said "I'm a gorilla by morning." He made SO much fun of me, and decided that should be our DG name.

Fish Camp has been so much fun for me. It has made me more outgoing and made me a stronger person when it comes to working with groups. I hope to show the class of 2015 how much we all love Texas A&M and it will definitely be the home of some of their greatest experiences. I want them to not only learn all of the traditions but find a love for Texas A&M and realize that they made a great choice to come here. Hopefully, we'll get some of the wonderful freshman going through Rush :)

What's it like to be a Gamma Phi Beta house boy???

2011-07-29T09:50:00.001-05:00

My name is Jacob Roney and I work for the Zeta Rho chapter of Gamma Phi Beta. Formally I’m known as the “house boy” but I have often been referred to more colloquially as boy, slave, “you,” or my personal favorite, Jacob; though undoubtedly I prefer JabRoney.. The job description of a house boy is quite vague and elusive, while I was told I had been hired simply for kitchen scrub-work and the like, more often than not my position entailed doing anything and everything the house requires, which may include – but is certainly not limited to: moving furniture, Christmas and Halloween decorations as well as cheerfully belting out Seal’s newest musical masterpiece, a burden I carry with utmost respect. These responsibilities may indeed be difficult at times, but I rest assured that the benefits far outweigh these hefty costs. The obvious and wonderful perk of free leftovers is surpassed only by the ubiquitous atmosphere of beautiful girls. These perks, however, present evident quandaries that must be dealt with! Firstly, with whom do I share my delectable leftovers? And finally, will any of these girls find me moderately attractive enough to date??? Well, dear readers… fear you not! for I have the answers to both of these dilemmas! As to the first predicament, it is permissible to share tasty leftovers with your most favored roommate. And as for the second... Well… Kylie Jo Boykin certainly thinks so!

Gettin' Back in the Swing- Summer Workshop Style

2011-07-11T20:43:00.004-05:00

Howdy!
As most of you know (either through our Gamma Phi Beta emails, facebook pages, or my own personal blog), my name is Chaney Barton and I will be keeping y'all up to date through this blog! I'm excited about my first post, especially since we've had stuff going on recently, but I feel like a small introduction is in order:

Like I said, my name is Chaney Barton, and I joined Gamma Phi in Fall 2010! I'm a marketing major with a journalism minor and was probably discovered as a "blogger" through my personal blog. Because of that, I was recently asked to take over posting about our sisterhood on this very site. I'm very excited to keep everyone updated about what's going on in our chapter, and I would love to hear about what you want to read. So if you have pictures or stories that you want to tell, just email me at this address! Most of all, I want this blog to be interesting to people who may not be in our sorority but just stumble across this page, so my goal is to thoroughly explain what we're all about: Love, Labor, Learning, and Loyalty!

That's enough about myself-- now for our latest news:

Even though summer for most means pushing thoughts of school to the backs of our minds and soaking up as much sun as possible, some girls keep themselves busy year-around with their school year commitments. This definitely goes for the girls that are getting us ready for Formal Recruitment which is just right around the corner!
During the spring we began attending workshops to prepare us for the hectic two weeks that take place in August: Spirit Week and Recruitment Week!
This past weekend we had the Summer Recruitment Workshop back at the Gamma Phi Beta house in College Station! For many of us, it was a weekend of reuniting with sisters-- which meant lots of excited chatter about summer vacations! Our early morning started out with a very interesting power point from two Gamma Phi Beta alumnae: Terri Briggs and Linda Johnson. After that, Kayla Graham, Kylie Boykin, Michaella Walton, and our president, Hannah Kight kept us busy for the afternoon by preparing the newest members (Fall 2010 and Spring 2011) for their first look on the member-side of recruitment! I think I can speak for all of us when I say that we're anxious, nervous, and most of all, EXCITED to meet our new members!!

I hope to have some pictures to post later in the week that were taken at the workshop, so keep checking back for that!
This was my first time using blogger.com (I use wordpress for my personal blog) so I'm still trying to get the hang of it! Thank Marisa Chapa for our beautiful layout!
I would love to hear what you think-- leave me comments, and follow our blog! I have some ideas for future posts that I think will keep everyone interested!

Thanks for reading!
until next time,Chaney

BSTUD WEDNESDAY!

2011-06-29T15:22:00.002-05:00

Ladies, do you desire to know God and to make Him known?

What about leadership and living out your beliefs in college and beyond? Gamma Phi Beta's summer Bible study is going through the book of Titus which covers those very topics. It's a great time to come together each week, have fun with your sisters, and to learn the foundational truths of the Christian faith.

We meet on Wednesday nights at 7pm at Traci's house; email her at traci.toone@gmail.com for directions! Tonight we're going through Titus 2:1-10. Never been before? No worries! Come anyways; we'd love to have you.

Not in Aggieland this summer? Follow along wherever you are (http://grace-bible.org/files/biblestudies/Titus_2009.pdf) and we'll see you in August!

Gamma Phi's Around the World

2011-06-26T23:44:00.015-05:00

Gamma Phi Beta's LOVE to travel! Whether it's for a study abroad trip, mission trip, or to simply explore the world around them, our sisters come back with life changing experiences and many stories to tell.

Junior Marselle Kovarsky will be at sea for two months with Semester at Sea, the world's premier shipboard program for study abroad, aboard the MV Explorer. More than 45,000 students from colleges and universities around the world have studied with Semester at Sea. Notable alumni and contributors include Nobel Laureates Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, and many other world leaders and global thinkers. She will be going to seven countries: Spain, Italy, Croatia, Greece, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Morocco!
Your sisters are so proud of you Marselle!

Seniors Morgan 'Mo' Acton, Leslie Ballinger, Erika Stubblefield and junior Ashley Jurk are currently in Italy visiting Rome, Milan, Tuscany, Venice and many other beautiful cities! From enjoying rich gelato, seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and even getting the chance to meet Snookie and Ronnie from Jersey Shore. Our sisters are definitely making memories of a lifetime!

Capture the Crescent in Italy!

Sophomore Kathryn Blackwell is back home after studying abroad for a month in Beijing, China with Mays Business School. Visiting the Forbidden City and the Great Wall of China, Kathryn blogged about her many adventures.

You can visit her blog at http://maysblogs.tamu.edu/china/author/kblackwell/

Kathryn at the Great Wall of China!

Our very own G Phi B president, Hannah Kight, spent time in Alaska where she enjoyed time fishing and experiencing the beauty Alaska had to offer.

Capture the Crescent in Alaska!

Sophomore Sarah Gossett will be home soon after studying abroad in Costa Rica for a month where she got to hike to the world's third most active volcano, Volcano Arenal! Sarah also had the opportunity to go zip-lining through the canopy of a rainforest and whitewater rafting.

Sounds like so much fun!

Two of our Gamma Phi sisters, Senior Megan Kepler and Sophomore Sarah Stebbins, had the pleasure of studying abroad in Australia this summer. They got to cuddle with cute koalas, visit the Great Barrier Reef, and explore the many other wonders of the great down under.

After her trip to Australia, Sarah vacationed in Hawaii where

she took a surfing class. SURF'S UP SARAH!

Senior Marisa Chapa went on a two week camping trip with her Geology class visiting The Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon National Park, Zion National Park, and many other places. During her trip, she hiked an 800 ft volcano, explored the hoodoos of Bryce, and toured Meteor Crater in Arizona.

Sophomore Erin Williams spent her summer time in Washington, D.C. At D.C. she visited the Museum of Natural History and

attended the Memorial Day Parade.