Student Spotlight -- Hillary Allenspach

Interviewed by Brielle Goldberg and Shane Crawford

As a member of the University of Texas cheerleading squad, Public Relations major Hillary Allenspach knows what it's like to be on one of the biggest stages in Texas, on the field at Darrell K. Royal Memorial stadium on game day. Below, Hillary talks about what it means to be a Texas cheerleader and its relevance to public relations.

How did you get involved in the spirit program at the university?

In the fifth grade my parents took me to a Texas football game, and I remember watching the cheerleaders the whole game in amazement. That was the moment I made a goal for myself to be a Texas cheerleader, and it's very surreal to live out that dream.

How has cheering for the university given you opportunities to experience public relations?

The cheerleaders are asked to attend all sorts of appearances around Austin that can be anything from going to a 5 year old's birthday party, to attending the opening of the AT&T Conference Center and meeting Red McCombs. Interacting with all different types of people has provided me with unique experiences I couldn't learn in a classroom.

What is it like to be in the spotlight in front of nearly 100,000 fans?

Although this is my third year, I still get goose bumps every time the football stadium fills up. And it's important for me to understand that with the spotlight comes the responsibility to represent the University in a positive light.