Meira Rigley
Hometown: Plano, TX
Major: Marketing
Year: Sophomore
1. Why did you join ABSA?
At the start of the semester, I already knew that I wanted to join a business org. I had heard about ABSA from a friend of a friend of mine who went to the same high school as me (she ended up being my VP and becoming one of my best friends). I really liked the three pillars of ABSA and how, beyond just being a professional organization, it emphasized the social and philanthropic aspects of a community as well. I loved how holistic the ABSA experience was and I knew it was exactly what I needed to feel at home at UT.
2. What is your favorite ABSA memory?
My favorite ABSA memory was when our first Academic Branch social. We baked pies together to get into the holiday spirit. It was so fun to get to meet everyone in person and get to know more about them. I loved sitting on the couch and eating with Seann and Emi while other people did work in the kitchen, and I realized this kind of balance is what made academic such a great team.
3. What’s your favorite thing about UT Austin?
My favorite part about UT is getting to live in Austin and being able to get so many cool and different experiences whenever and wherever you want. Nothing makes me happier than being outside, and I love how easy it is to go hiking or biking or kayaking. It's also awesome how much great food is everywhere at any time of day.
4. If you could give one piece of advice to your freshman self, what would it be?
You can never predict the future. There's no reason to plan for things that you can't know for sure will happen. You'll either end up stressing yourself out for no reason or feeling let down. It's important to go with the flow and learn to be happy and present in the moment rather than placing your fulfillment in the future.
5. What is your dream job?
Work for Patagonia. Or be an executive in the music industry. Or own a juice/smoothie shop on a beach somewhere.
6. What’s your favorite TV Show/Movie/etc?
My favorite movies are Superbad, Dazed and Confused, and Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. My favorite tv shows are Arrested Development, Bojack Horseman, and Rick and Morty. Some of my favorite artists are Outkast, Travis Scott, Tame Impala, Kanye West, and Mac Demarco.
7. What is one thing that you love about yourself?
I love how chill I am. I think it's helped me overcome a lot of different life experiences and make a lot of cool friends.
8. Name the top five things on your bucket list
Learn how to surf
Get invited on stage at a concert
Live on a lake or beach
Go paddle boarding in the Amazon
Have my own backyard pizza oven