One of my favorite aspects of the Junior League is having phases or seasons to our membership. One of those seasons is known as Sustainer. A Sustainer is a Junior League member who has completed 9 Active years of service and 1 New Member year OR has reached age 40 and completed at least 3 years of Active service. Sustainers add a wonderful sense of tradition and heritage to the League while providing both support and a wealth of knowledge. Each month I’d like to tap into that knowledge base and ask a Sustainer to share a little. We can learn so much from those that have come before us. 

Q. Tell me about yourself (work, school, family, pets, hobbies, interest, favorite wine, favorite junk food, etc.)

I am the manager at Bird & Pear in La Villita. I taught for 28 years prior to this. My husband Bobby and I have two sons, Daniel (23) and Carter (20). We have three rescue cats, Lucy, Tesla, and Wally. I enjoy reading, driving my Mini Cooper, and show tunes. I collect lobsters, buttonhooks, and playbills.

Q. Why did you choose to join the Junior League?

I had been to a Rummage Kick-off Party and met some great people. I had a very enthusiastic sponsor. I joined in 1995. I worked full-time, had a toddler, and was in graduate school. Looking back, I’m so glad I made the time to join.

Q. While an active member, what kind of placements did you hold?

SA Works, Olé, Nature Camp, View, Mentor, Nominating, and Community Council chair. I know I served at least once on each council.

Q. What placement did you enjoy the most and why?

I learned the most on Olé and my first year on Nominating.
I worked the hardest as Nature Camp Chair.
I grew as a person the most serving on the board.
I’d do all of them again.

Q. As a Sustainer how do you stay active with the League?

I’ve been an advisor on Nominating, Membership, and served twice as sustaining advisor to the board. I try to attend as many sustainer events as I can. I participate in book club and dinner club.

Q. How has being in the League affected your life?

It has been my primary source for lasting friendship, personal growth, and leadership development.

Q. To those considering joining the League, what would you say?

Do it. It’s empowering, fun, purposeful, and life-changing.

Q. To our brand new members, what advice would you give?

Be involved. Don’t wait to be asked. Don’t dwell on not getting certain positions. Volunteer to lead, learn, and love it. The League is YOU.

Q. To our members midway in their league life, what advice would you give?

Step up and lead. Keep trying, even if positions you want don’t come your way. Ask for help when you need it.

Q. As a woman speaking to women, what one thing would you want them to know?

Never stop learning, exploring, changing, and challenging yourself. Be kind to everyone.

Thank you Barb, for your commitment to the League and the knowledge you bestow. 

“By three methods we may learn wisdom:
First, by reflection, which is the noblest;
Second, by imitation, which is easiest;
and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”
-Confucius

By Crystal Sperber