The Jade Times

By Kristine Aguilan

• Full name (first name “sorority name” last name):  Hina “Hestia” Ansar
• Chapter, class and number:  ISU, Gamma Class “Tantalizing Two”, #19
• Current occupation and location: Emergency Medicine Resident Physician, Lansing, MI

What did you study at your chapter and how has life been outside of college (ex: current occupation, Masters/PhD degree, etc.)?

I was a biology major and chemistry minor in college. Just graduated from medical school this May! I will be starting my emergency medicine residency at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, Michigan.

Has there been any exciting news in your life (ex: trips, new jobs, engagements/weddings, family, etc.)?

Just the fact that I am now a doctor! Stay tuned for a wedding announcement in the near future though!

Do you still keep in touch with sister(s) even after college is done?

Not as much [as] I would like to! But thanks to modern technology (my expert Facebook™ stalking skills) we are all able to keep up with each other’s lives. I was in Tennessee for the past four years, but now that I will be closer to Chicago, hopefully I will get to see my seestars more often!

How do you feel the Sisterhood has benefited you in life so far?

My college years are some of the most memorable years of my life; I formed some truly everlasting bonds and friendships thanks to DPhiL. It helped me break my shell and open up to people. It helped make me the person I am today.

What is a fond or favorite memory with Delta Phi Lambda?

There are numerous memories – the road trips we took, the sisterhoods we had, the fundraisers we hosted! I think one of the most memorable was when we hosted Midyear at ISU! It was great having sisters from all over in our little town and it was a huge achievement for the ISU campus!

Any sisterly advice for future generations of DPhiL sisters?

Enjoy college! Do all the crazy things you can think of and have no regrets!

By Oanhie “Shinsen” Pham, Editor-in-Chief

Name:  Jaleesa “Aspire” Reed
Chapter, class and number:  UGA, Psi Class, “Enduring Eight” #120
Major: Fashion Merchandising

How is the student life on campus? What are some of the best things about your campus?
UGA is a big university so we have a very active student life. If you’re interested in something, you can probably find a club or a group of people that share your interests. The diversity and flexibility of student life are probably some of the best attributes of my campus.

What is the most exciting thing you experienced since you crossed? Why?
I’ve experienced a lot of things but crossing Alpha Alpha Class was probably my biggest accomplishment. I think all Mamas can understand what I mean by the amount of work you put into a class and all the emotions that get tied up with that. It’s an experience that never stops giving because now I can watch them grow as sisters. Knowing that I played a big part in 10 girls becoming sisters makes it exciting.

Describe a time when you were most happiest.
Being with my line sisters makes me happy. We’re all so different and we come from different places but somehow we all fit.

Any advice for a successful semester as a student and active sister of DFL?
Being an active sister and a successful student is all about balance. Learn your limits. Push yourself but don’t overwork yourself. Trust me, those are two very different things.

What are you majoring in for school? Why did you choose that major?
My major is Fashion Merchandising. I love details and I notice them the most in apparel. Merchandising is all about those things.

What is your dream job and why?
My dream job is to be the Fashion Director or Design Director of a magazine.

What inspires you in your journey to success?
Success is a journey. Every time I see the benefits of my work, it pushes me to go further. It’s almost like, “If I can do this, what else can I do?”

If you were to describe your line sisters in one sentence, what would that sentence be?
Eight Enduring Elephants. I don’t think that’s a sentence but it describes us perfectly.

What are the top three goals you want to accomplish while being an undergraduate sister of DFL?
When I came into DFL, I didn’t really have any goals. Since then I’ve done so many things that I was interested in – I’ve been Papa, Mama, Philanthropy Chair, and now I’m President. Fortunately for me, sisters believed that I had the skills for all of these positions. In my last year as an undergrad, I just want us to have a successful semester, broaden our horizons a little, and continue fulfilling our mission.

A quote you live by:
“Even after all this time, the Earth never says to the Sun, ‘You Owe Me’. Look what happens with a love like that – it lights up the whole sky.”
I love this quote because I always tell people to do things because it’s the right thing to do – not because you want recognition or attention. If you do things from the right place, good things will come of it.

By: May “Mosaic” Advincula, staff writer

In a past September edition of The Jade Times, we introduced you to UGA alumna Christine “Jasmine” Nguyen, also known in the YouTube world as make-up artist “Xteeener.”

Recognized for her helpful makeup video tutorials, chic fashion sense and keen instinct for using makeup to enhance natural beauty, Nguyen provided an update about her recent ventures, which included a trip to Paris to develop an eye shadow for the Sigma Beauty Paris Palette.

Check out this exclusive Q&A with this fellow sister and YouTube star:

TJT: What are Sigma Brushes? How did you get involved?
Xteeener: “Sigma Beauty is an online beauty product company that initially started out with and has become very well-known for their high quality and more affordable makeup brushes. Through time, they began developing and producing other beauty products, such as eye shadow palettes. They approached me to do collaborative videos with them, which I upload once a month onto my channel. Next thing I knew, I was invited to go to Paris and partake in the Paris Project.”

TJT: Can you describe for us the structure of the Paris program?
Xteeener: “I, along, with six other YouTube beauty gurus, the owners of Sigma Beauty and their photographer went to Paris for less than a week to experience the city and visit many of the well-known monuments/landmarks there. We were each assigned to one of the landmarks and gained inspiration from them to help create and develop our eye shadows. Our inspired eye shadows were then going to form a larger, all-encompassing makeup palette, which includes eight eye shadows, two blushes, one highlight and two brushes. We all took part in developing the palette as a whole.”

TJT: What was your first impression of Paris when you arrived?
Xteeener: “When we actually started heading into the city I was of course blown away by the beautiful architecture.”

TJT: Where did you find your inspiration for your eye shadow?
Xteeener: “I was assigned to the Notre Dame Cathedral and had my individual photoshoot there.

TJT:  If you could describe your eye shadow in three words, what would they be?
Xteeener: “Shimmering, unique, mysterious.”

TJT:  What was the most rewarding part of the experience?
Xteeener: “Having the opportunity to go to Paris and experience it with other beauty and fashion aficionados was very rewarding in itself. I of course loved being able to create my own eye shadow as well.”

TJT: What was the most challenging part of the experience?
Xteeener: “Actually creating the eye shadows and blush/highlight shades was more challenging than one would think. We had to really sit down and swatch and analyze, reproduce shades and repeat until we were satisfied with the final product.”

TJT:  What advice would you give to other people if they are interested in becoming a make-up artist?
Xteeener: “I would say definitely get out there and practice, whether on test shoots with photographers and models, or freelancing for and assisting other make-up artists. Practice on friends and family and people of all different skin tones and ethnicities. Just like with anything else, you learn and gain so much more when placed in challenging and new situations.”

TJT: What’s up next for you? Any upcoming ventures/collaborations?
Xteeener: “I am currently talking to several networks within YouTube and may join one soon.”

To check out the entire Paris Palette, click here!

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Full name (First name “sorority nickname” Last name): Xuan “Zest” Pham

Chapter, class and number: Loyola University in Chicago, Charter Class “Faithful Five” #06

Current occupation and location: Graduate student, pursuing [a] Masters in Medical Science at Mississippi College [located in] Clinton, MS; looking to get into dental school after.

What did you study at your alma mater and how has life been outside of college?

[I received] a BS in Molecular Genetics at Loyola University (LUC). Life after my undergraduate experience at LUC has been very sporadic, many ups and downs in both personal and career aspects of my life, but they serve more or less as constant, humbling reminders to myself to appreciate what I have, the hard lessons in life I’ve had to endure and not give up on the things and people that I hold very near and dear to my heart.

Has there been any exciting news in your life?

I guess I’m just excited to have started my graduate program! I’m doing well and the program is challenging (my nerdy brain); although I do have to say, I’m not pulling as many over-nighters as much I did when I was in undergraduate. I guess that’s a plus in terms of study habits improving, right?!

Do you still keep in touch with sister(s) even after college is done?

Yes I do! [However], I’m a busy bee with graduate school. I always do try to say hello to some of my sisters and ask how they’re doing with things in their life. I’m so far away from them, so it’s just harder to keep in touch. I strive to try to make it annual thing where I come back and spend time with my old/new girls at chapter. I love meeting the old/new girls and seeing how everyone is doing.

How do you feel the Sisterhood has benefited you in life so far?

I think ‘our sisterhood’ has helped me realize and appreciate my time while I was active. Whether it had something to do with teamwork, respect or discipline, these were constant themes I’ve noticed that seem to replay [themselves] in terms of my transition towards ‘post-life after undergraduate,’ so to speak.  Sometimes you may not see them at first, but they’re there through and through. As you progress throughout life, you slowly come to appreciate the values and virtues our sorority upholds.

What is your favorite memory with Delta Phi Lambda?

I don’t think I have just ‘one favorite memory’ with the sorority. I think reflecting back, I’d like to think my favorite memories are all the times, both good and bad, that I’ve been through with my line sisters. Sometimes, when I reflect, I have to chuckle because it’s kind of funny, [thinking on] some of the silly things we did back then. Not every line is going to be perfect. Not every chapter is picture-perfect as well. But the [train of] thought is to be able get pass one’s indifference and moves towards ‘improvement and/or some level of forgiveness,’ because at the end of the day, if you care for each other, as though you were ‘real sisters,’ if you can put the pride aside and act on true sincerity, I assure you things will turn out for the best!

Closing statement/sisterly advice to pass on your wisdom to future generations:

To my young ladies starting out with the sorority: your time with the sorority as a sister really goes as far as you’re willing to take it. Don’t let small misfits deter you from enjoying your time in the sorority. Be open to forgiving and reminding yourself that we’re all a part of a dynamic sorority where we’re all different. Hiccups are bound to happen, but remain open that you want to work something out and I assure you, things will pan out eventually! Meet as MANY sisters as you can from different chapters, as some of them JUST may be that someone you find yourself leaning on when you need their love and support later in life.
Finally, I’d like to close with a note on appreciation. I think we’ve experienced at some point when someone expressed appreciation towards us. It makes the effort that we’ve put into something so much more worthwhile. With that being said, I’d like to remind some of us to take the time out to express appreciation to sisters, near or far, and just thank them for whatever they’ve done. Just the small thank you, just makes everything much more worthwhile and gives us the drive and passion to continue to want to contribute to our sorority so we can grow together. Of course, that means I have to say thank you to all sisters that volunteer their time overseeing the sorority. Without them, our sorority would have not grown as much in the last 10 years! So a special thank you to all you lovely ladies! Especially [to] “ The Jade Times” staff, I actually enjoy and always look forward to reading our newsletters! Thank you to Ms. Kristine Kippie “Sumitra” Aguilan for even thinking of me for this issue’s Alumnae Highlights.

Name: Michelle “Rnemosyne” Armstrong
Chapter, class and number: Georgia Tech, Theta Class, “Sedulous Six” #28
Major: Applied Language and Intercultural Studies

Describe yourself.

I’m 19 years old, and I am from the state of Georgia.  I have an interest in anything random, and I love to have a good time.  Although a good time to me consists of eating and sleeping.  I am vegan. I enjoy watching basketball games on TV and listening to new music.  I also have a really strong interest in languages.  There’s a lot more, but I’d rather show you than to say it all here!

What’s your favorite hobby that you find yourself doing often?

I am still in the process of finding THAT hobby, but I’ve meddled in a few things this year. Here recently, I’ve been interested in sewing. I took a class once a week on campus, and I had so much fun. The teacher was really cool, and my class was full of really amazing people. I can’t wait to start some sewing projects over the summer!

What is your dream job and why?

I don’t really have a dream job, but I do know that I want it to involve working with people, whether it’s through a classroom, interviewing others, or anything else. I want to be able to use language to connect people of different backgrounds and cultures. I am a strong believer that we are all the same once we find a way to connect with one another. I hope my future career consists of connecting people in this way.

What inspires you to succeed?

Just knowing that the world is so vast inspires me. There is so much to see out there and do, and I know that one day I’ll be able to do all of these things. That’s what truly gets me up in the morning. Life is too quick to be angry all the time, so I try to live by this philosophy and do something meaningful each and every day. I can’t wait to experience the world in a way that makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something!

Advice for a successful semester as a student and active sister of DFL:

I believe the key to success is balance, and the sorority definitely helps with that.  It teaches you to prioritize and manage your time better. It also helps with a lot of things related to being a successful student. There’s our virtue of academic excellence that constantly pushes you to keep your grades up. There’s the social aspect that helps you branch out and meet new people. And there’s so much more. If you just remember that you always have sisters supporting you, you’ll always do well!

What positions in the sorority are you most interested in pursuing and why?

I’ve only been Sisterhood and Assistant Recruitment Chair in the past, and this upcoming semester, I’ll be Alumnae Chair. I already know that Recruitment Chair is in my future, but I’d like to pursue some other positions as well. Nothing specific, but I just want to try out a lot of chairs and become a very versatile and useful sister to the chapter. I guess only time will tell which chairs I decide to hold.

Are there any funny moments with sisters?

Every time I’m with sisters there’s bound to be a funny moment. I can’t even remember a specific one because there are so many, and I feel like that’s the way it should be. I like that all of my times with sisters just run together because it makes me feel like I’m doing this sorority thing right. I want to always be able to have a good time with sisters, no matter what point I’m at in life.

Closing thought:

I just believe that joining Delta Phi Lambda was one of the best choices I could’ve made in life.  Sure it can be stressful sometimes, but a lot of beautiful things have come from joining as well. I can’t wait to see what the future of our sorority will be because I know that we are growing each and every day. We have a lot of amazing sisters, and I can’t to wait to meet as many as I can!

Name: Amanda “Elegance” McNally
Chapter, class and number: University of West Florida, Beta Class, “Sparkling Six” #21
Major: Public Relations

How is the neo life so far?
It’s pretty cool! Everyone finds out you’re a neo, they’re excited, I guess. The Divine Nine had a stroll competition. There were three of us [that went]. There was a Greek roll call … I [kicked off] the call. It was pretty cool. I was excited they recognized us. My voice cracked when I yelled!

What do you most look forward to this semester as a sister of DFL?
I’m looking forward to Formal. I get to meet my sisters/syands … it was really exciting during Midyear and Formal’s going to be much bigger.

What’s your favorite hobby that you find yourself doing often?

Listening to music! I always have music in my room constantly or in my car every single day, when I’m getting ready, etc.

Any hidden talents you want to share?

I can remember birthdays really well even without trying or effort.

When you were growing up, what did you wanted to be?
In high school, I really wanted to be a photographer (from 8th grade till senior year). […] Then I decided I don’t want it to be my career anymore in the middle of my senior year.

What inspires you?

The thought of being considered successful. What inspires me to go to school is the outcome of having a degree. Going through school, taking classes I don’t want to take … but it’ll help me get the job I want.
Which DFL virtue do you think you feel most related to?

Honesty, because I think honesty is the best policy. I’ve always lived that way. Even if it sucks for you at the time, you still should be honest anyway. Or dedication. I always commit to things to the end.

What footprints do you wish to leave behind as a sister of DFL? In other words, what achievements do you want to fulfill as a sister?

I want to leave behind how we do things now. I want to teach others who come after me [and to] leave behind the way we do things, [such as] organization, so it can [continue to] be that way (or better). [Also,] funny stories about me or what I did. I like to make people laugh and make them happy.

Full name (First name “sorority nickname” Last name): Nishita “Catalyst” Lad

Chapter, class and number: University of Georgia, Upsilon Class “Fierce Five” #99

Current occupation and location: Student in Kennesaw, GA
What did you study at your alma mater and how has life been outside of college?

[I] studied health promotion and behavior at the University of Georgia. I am currently still a student and starting my Bachelors of Science in Nursing at Mercer University in fall ’12!  Life outside of college is very different than what I expected. It becomes very routine-like; well, [at least] for me. It also has been good, though. I have had more time to spend with my family and get closer to them. I finished a course [to be a] Certified Nursing Aide and am looking for a job until school starts again in the fall.

Has there been any exciting news in your life?

I don’t have a new job or anything. I don’t have anything exciting to really share.

Do you still keep in touch with sister(s) even after college is done?

I do keep in touch with some sisters after graduating.

How do you feel the Sisterhood has benefited you in life so far?

Sisterhood gave me a family away from home when I was at school. It gave me a connection with those that could understand me and my cultural background. It gave me lifelong relationships with people that I can go to anytime or any day for advice and comfort. [The] DPhiL sisterhood has helped me grow into a stronger person and leader.

What is your favorite memory with Delta Phi Lambda?

I don’t have one specific favorite memory with DPhiL. I always enjoyed hanging out with sisters and just doing random things around Athens. I loved going on road trips to conferences and formals. A lot of my favorite memories are times with my Unique, Uplifting, Upsilon Class!

Closing statement/sisterly advice to pass on your wisdom to future generations:

Remember to have fun. Remember to look out for each other and take care of each other. Sisterhood always comes first! Do as much as you can in college and never regret anything you do. You Only Live Once so enjoy life while you are here.

Full name (First name “sorority nickname” Last name): Charlene “Teal” Topacio

Chapter, class, and number: DePaul University, Zeta Class “Fortunate Four”  #24

Current occupation and location: Marketing Operations Assistant at Uline, Pleasant Prairie, WI
Personal Update:
What did you study at your alma mater and how has life been outside of college?

I studied marketing in the College of Commerce at DePaul University. Since finishing at DePaul in 2008, I continued to be active with Delta Phi Lambda for another year by serving the first term of Midwest Governor in National Board. I got a taste of the sorority on a national and regional aspect rather than just [at] a chapter level. It was bittersweet, but I do hope to attend alum events hosted in the future.

Career-wise: Life post-college was a bit of a struggle to find my place since the recession hit, but after two years of working to make ends meet, I finally got my foot in at Uline Shipping Supply headquarters in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin and have been here ever since September 2010.  I started out being an administrative assistant and then moved on to being a marketing operations analyst focusing on new product suggestions to add to our products.

Things I like to do now with my time is to read, watch movies, snowboarding and spend quality time with friends.
Has there been any exciting news in your life?

One and a half years ago, I got my new corporate job, which was a big step for me.  No engagements or weddings, but I am currently in a very stable, serious and loving relationship with my boyfriend of two years (two years is actually a milestone for me!) We have a dog named Diesel. We have talked about our future together, but nothing big happening for another couple years.

Do you still keep in touch with sister(s) even after college is done?

I do still keep in touch with sisters, a few more than others, but even if some time has passed, it’s always easy to catch up on old times regardless [if] it were a fellow sister from DePaul, another midwest chapter or even those I’ve bonded with in Georgia and Florida.

Unfortunately, I am not as active as an alum than I would like to be due to location inconveniences; however, I do try to make it to special events if I can. Recently, a lineage dinner was set up for last week but a snowstorm unfortunately got in the way and [had] to be rescheduled so I am definitely looking forward to meeting and getting to know those continuing my lineage.

How do you feel the Sisterhood has benefited you in life so far?

Sisterhood has definitely benefitted my life with great friends and confidants. For example: my line sister, Christina “Amor” Orda, is one of my best friends that I talk to if not every day, at least once [a] week. I also have a great relationship with my little sis, Diana “Ariel” Wong. Even when I visit out-of-state areas like Atlanta or Orlando, I love being able to spend time with sisters in the area and have a good time.  I can really see that everlasting sisterhood being true for me through Delta Phi Lambda.

What is your favorite memory with Delta Phi Lambda?

I’ve had a TON of great memories with Delta Phi Lambda and the most memorable were during my trips to Midyear and Convention or other conferences, representing as the DePaul chapter of Delta Phi Lambda. i.e. Winning Purdue Lambda’s Boiler Olympics, dancing/step/strolling performances at showcases, bonding with our conference hosts and making DePaul their favorite guest chapter *wink* and most of all, all the times getting crunk with all my lovely DPhiLs!

Closing statement/sisterly advice to pass on your wisdom to future generations:

Although I had a blast in college with making new friends, sisters and networks, life outside of college is a total eye opener. I learned that what you did and how you did in college can affect the quality of your life afterwards. The knowledge, experience and certain skill sets gained during those collegiate years […] will make or break you in your life afterwards – so other than completely focusing your attention on one thing, find your balance and make it work with your sorority, studies, work, love and social life. The sooner you find your balance, the BETTER and the happier you’ll be. Remember, “PLAY hard, WORK hard!”

Name: Hailie “Coco” Hyun Young Park

Chapter, class, number: Purdue University, Rho class “Flawless Five” #56

Major: Biology

What got you interested in rushing for DFL?

At first, I just rushed for DFL because [a] friend of mine, Casey “Amuze” Yoo, who later became my big sister (haha), asked me to join recruitment events. I thought it would be great chance to socialize with people inside of campus and actually connecting with people from outside of campus.

How is the neo life so far?

I [went to the] AFLV conference held in St. Louis which actually was the interesting part of being a sister of DPhiL [so far]. One thing that I remembered was the session talking about how to make recruitment events with various types of events. I found it interesting because I underwent difficulties as making schedules. And that night, chapters from other universities had a social with Pi Alpha Phi Fraternity, Inc. and I just want to say it was unforgettable memoryJ

What do you most look forward to this semester as a sister of DFL?

As a sister of DFL, I want to dedicate myself as acknowledging our sorority inside and outside with passion. And I want to get along with my line sisters more and I can’t wait all the times. Also, I want to accumulate lots of money through active fundraising events, as I’m fundraising chair. That’s my goal as a sister.

What are you majoring in for school? Why did you choose that major?

Park is majoring in biology and said she chose it because “When I was in high school, I saw a video which was about [a] new world inside of our body. Actually it looked like a universe outside of earth that I’ve never seen.”

What inspires you?

My mother used to inspire me since I was in high school. Because of her passion as a scientist and pulled her career related to that, I influenced from her woman leadership and choose the same field as her and pursuing a biology major.

What positions in the sorority are you most interested in pursuing and why?

I’m pursuing the VP Finance and Fundraising [position] because I love to plan an event and set up a budgetJ I try to plan a fundraising event at my campus every month with various items so that my sisters from our chapter get involved and build more bonding among sisters.

What achievements do you want to fulfill as a sister?

It’s hard for every sister to take all virtues into action during [their] lives because human beings are not perfect! J So, I want to try as my best to take into action when it comes to seven virtues. Also, I want to make our sorority recognized to others not just inside the states, but to all Asian-interest women who have lights inside of their heart.

yeowL <3

p.s. I want to say thank you and I love you all of my sisters of Purdue University-Colony Chapter and to my bebe #88 Kyonghwan ‘Kicks’ Choe from Alpha Iota chapter of Lambda Phi Epsilon Fraternity <3