sister spotlight: Amber Bennett

Name:  Amber Bennett

Hometown: Longview, Texas

Major: Psychology

Campus Involvement: Shackouls Honors College, Member of Honors Council

What is your favorite thing about Mississippi State? "My favorite thing about State is how down to earth and kind everyone is. I also love the football games and the cowbell tradition!"

What is your favorite thing about Zeta? "My favorite thing about Zeta is everyone accepts me and loves me for who I am. I don't feel like I have to change anything about myself."

What is something you are passionate about? "I am really passionate about mental health awareness and suicide prevention. I have been working on a video and other things I hope to have posted on social media soon to inform people about certain mental health issues that are prominent among young women."

What is an interesting fact about you? "People wouldn't expect this, but I absolutely love Star Trek and Spock is my favorite sci-fi character ever!"

*Amber now has her own Tumblr blog that promotes her passion for mental health awareness and contains interviews with people who have overcome issues such as eating disorders, self-harm, and depression. We love how she incorporated Zeta's symbol of the crown in order to promote awareness.  
http://underthecrownmentalhealth.tumblr.com/

what to wear for recruitment

     There is a major problem girls always have. That problem? Finding something to wear. We stare at our closets, we try on everything we own, we leave it on every piece of furniture in our rooms for about three weeks, clean it up, and then do it all over again the next time we have to dress up. We try to look effortless, but really, we broke out in hives over this slammin' outfit. If you are preparing to go through recruitment, you have probably experienced the anxiety over picking the perfect outfits for each day of the week, but have no fear, here are some tips and tricks on what to wear for recruitment:

GO GREEK: The first two days of the week are the Go Greek days. These days are the most casual days, where you wear the Panhellenic shirts that are given to you, with any cute shorts, simple jewelry, and sandals. Your shorts can be colored, patterned, or khaki, but it is ideal to keep them at an inseam of about 3 inches or longer, which can be found anywhere from Target to J. Crew.

PHILANTHROPY DAY: The third day of recruitment week is philanthropy day where you learn important and exciting information of the philanthropies of each sorority and what they do to help benefit those philanthropies! On Philanthropy Day you can wear sandals or wedges with a fun colorful sundress, or a simple dress with fun jewelry. Try not to go too heavy on the makeup, but rather opt for a fresh faced look.

THEME NIGHT: Theme night is one of the most exciting and fun nights of recruitment, where each house will put on a skit for you, which is a great time for you to see the different personalities each house has to offer! This night is dressier than philanthropy day, so wedges or heels with a nicer dress and a piece of statement jewelry is a great way to go!

PREFERENCE NIGHT: The final night. The big hurrah. This is when you get excited about coming closer to choosing your future sisters and have hopefully found where you feel best. Preference night is also the dressiest night of recruitment week. A little (but not too little!) black dress is a great option, and make it your own by opting for classic pearls or a fun statement necklace. Add some classy heels, and enjoy your last night of one the most overwhelming and exciting weeks ever!
 
     During recruitment week also remember that it will be hot hot hot, so be aware that whatever you choose will keep you cool and comfortable. Do not wear shoes you can't walk in, and do not wear a dress that you feel doesn't represent your personal style or makes you uncomfortable. Although it is important to look presentable during recruitment, remember that clothing is an extension of who you are and should represent YOU. Wear a smile, be yourself, and look great while doing it!

why we love ZTA

     Choosing the sorority you feel is best for you is a very exciting, overwhelming, and blissful moment. We each joined and love our sorority for numerous reasons, yet we are all united in a single sisterhood full of love, values, philanthropy, and friendships. With recruitment right around the corner and excitement over meeting future sisters,  we remembered a few reasons we joined and love Zeta:

 "I joined Zeta because the sisterhood was one like no other, and being an only child, I always wanted a sister. By joining Zeta, I gained so many sisters and I would do anything for any of these lovely ladies!"       -Alli Phillips

"I love Zeta because everyone is so different, yet we work so well together!" - Macy Osman

"I joined ZTA for the sisterhood and because I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. Joining ZTA was the best decision I've ever made and wouldn't trade it for anything."-Hannah Bariola

"I love ZTA because you can be yourself, and you will always find someone who will love you for who you are." -Chloe Cantor


"I love Zeta because I have met and am still meeting some of the best friends I will ever know." -Hayley Rabbit

"I love Zeta because no matter how bad my day has been, I know that when I walk into the house there will be people I love waiting to cheer me up. It's more than just a house on campus, it's my home." -Arden Robert

"I wanted to be a Zeta since I walked into the house freshman year, three years ago. The girls are real. Even though I don't live in the house, every time I walk in it feels like home. Sounds cliche, but it's the best decision I ever made!" - Erin Whitney

"I joined Zeta because I wanted to be a part of an organization that offered me sisterhood and supported a philanthropy that has a special place in my heart! It is a decision I would never change for anything!"       -Brittany Scroggins

"I love Zeta because my sisters are always there to catch me if I fall, and I never feel alone. My sisters genuinely want the best for each other." -Ikhlas Siddiqui

"I chose Zeta because I felt it wanting to transform me into a better woman the moment I walked through the door on my first water party during recruitment. I stayed and love Zeta because I know my sisters are always there for me and continue to encourage me to keep evolving and bettering myself!"
-Alayna Murphy

"I joined Zeta because I am 5 countries away from home, and Zeta gave me a home away from home. You feel welcomed every time you walk in the house and honestly, that is the best feeling ever, to feel the love and compassion from all your sisters. Even if all of us aren't that close, you know the bond is still there. I believe in sisterhood thanks to Zeta." -Yani Pinto

"I joined Zeta because of the connections I made on theme and pref night! I also thought it would be cool to share such a special bond with my older sister, Laura Leigh who was already in the chapter! And I love Zeta because of the special bonds with my Zeta family." -Paige Buatt

"I joined Zeta because I felt like I belonged. I never had to feel awkward or out of place because everyone is real. I know I will never have to change, and I can always be the best version of myself." -Amber Bennett

"I joined Zeta because I noticed how down to earth everyone here seemed to be. I felt no judgement whatsoever, and that is a big deal. I always have someone to talk to, and no matter what I know my sisters will be there for me." -Hannah Borntrager

    Each sister joined ZTA for a reason specific and personal to herself, but when we come together we realize that each reason is just as important, amazing, and beautiful in such a great sisterhood. These reasons strengthen the relationships and bonds in our Zeta friendships, families, and as a chapter overall.