The Jade Times

By: Jennifer “Impression” Nguyen

So far, the New Year has brought many changes – whether it is simply writing a new number when we write the date on papers or just changing our habits for the traditional New Year’s resolutions. Nevertheless, sisters at the University of Georgia have not forgotten the importance of giving back to the community and its heroes.

At UGA, sisters continue to work with children and teenagers ages 6 to 18 at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens. The students arrive after school at the Boys & Girls Clubs, where they can enjoy many activities, from doing art projects to playing a recreational sport or simply doing homework. Upon volunteering, sisters get to interact with the kids through helping them with homework, playing a game with them or just talking to them. Through such interactions, and in addition to the warm environment provided at the Boys & Girls Clubs, the children are able to have a positive experience every day. The sisters of Alpha Chapter choose to volunteer at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens because sisters believe in giving back to the community, so why not try to make a difference in the present community?

Furthermore, on January 25, Christina “ICON” Shin, in cooperation with the President of Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity, Inc., hosted “Bookmarks for Kids” on campus. This was an event in which sisters, along with other Greeks and students, were able to make and decorate bookmarks to donate to a local elementary school. The chapter decided to host the event because it was a fun and great way to promote reading and education among children. By donating handmade bookmarks, children are able to receive encouragement and see how much people around them care. After all, as John Kennedy once said, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.”

On February 8, sisters hosted a mixer with Xi Kappa on campus to make care packages for soldiers. Under the coordination of the chapter’s co-philanthropy chairs, Jaleesa “Aspire” Reed and Grace “Silhouette” Huang, the care packages went to the troops that are fighting in the forward deployed bases. Sister Karla “Rumour” Schott brought the idea to chapter because her father is a soldier who informed her of the situation. He said that items such as tissue, snack foods, games, etc. would really help the soldiers. Therefore, the chapter agreed to buy and donate the following: packs of pocket tissue, games (crossword puzzles, Sudoku, cards, etc.), candy, drink mix packets, travel-size toiletries, individually wrapped snacks, toothbrushes and toothpaste, hand sanitizer, razors, wet wipes and lip balm. The event was special in that it allowed sisters to show our support by helping out those who sacrifice their lives for us. Furthermore, it showed how sisters will not struggle to help a fellow sister and her family when the occasion arises. In any case, everlasting sisterhood is what we hold to be the truth.

The following day, Nyla “Prevail” Lieu, the chapter’s internal vice president, held a program concerning domestic violence on campus. Speakers from Project Safe came and told personal stories, which showed everyone that domestic violence does exist and that we can lend a hand in stopping it. Founded in Athens, Project Safe is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to ending domestic violence through advocacy by way of prevention and educational programs, crisis intervention, ongoing supportive services for survivors of domestic violence and their children. We chose to host the event so that students could be informed about what it means to be in an abusive relationship and how we can all help spread the word about turning those in need to Project Safe. We also held a donation as well in which people could donate items such as toiletries and cleaning supplies to Project Safe so that they could provide it their survivors. A lot of donations were given and three big boxes were filled. There were around seventy people who showed up and found it very informational, making it a successful event.

Lastly, the sisters at the University of Georgia have chosen to lend a helping hand in fighting hunger among orphans around the world. Through the website www.ricebowls.org, rice bowl piggy banks were ordered, and sisters are now all collecting donations. The chapter chose to work with Rice Bowls, which works with orphanages all over the world, because we all understand that philanthropic work cannot only take place within our nation’s borders. Ultimately, the rice bowls turn pocket change into food for orphans.

Photo credit: Jennifer Nguyen

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

It’s only been a little more than a month into the new year, but Delta Phi Lambda chapters have already done numerous philanthropic projects in January and plan on doing more during the rest of February and March.

Sisters at the University of West Florida recently fed the homeless at a Lutheran church in downtown Pensacola as part of their spring recruitment and had set up a Best Bones Forever! table at their Lunar New Year event. They will also be raising money for Relay for Life by selling silk roses for Valentine’s Day.

The University of Cincinnati sisters said they’ll be making Valentine’s Day cards for the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, and continuing their work with Matthew 25: Ministries, a nonprofit organization that provides aid to impoverished communities at home and abroad.

Dany “Vegas” Son, a sister at the University of Central Florida, said her chapter’s friends and supporters help at their biweekly cleanups at their school’s Lake Claire. They even try to make it fun by having contests to see which group collects the most trash. The UCF chapter also helped out at the Dragon Parade Lunar New Year Festival on February 5, and participated in Homelessness to Hope Walk-A-Thon, which is organized by the Orlando Day Nursery.

DePaul sisters volunteer every year at Chicago’s Fleur de Lis Ball, a fundraising event for the St. Vincent de Paul Center. Crystal “Chaaya” Watson said sisters help sell and manage raffle tickets for guests, provide assistance at the auctions and help answer guests’ questions. Watson said being part of the event has been an enjoyable and memorable experience, and helps the chapter get more involved with the community.

Sisters at the Fleur de Lis Ball

“It wasn’t the fancy location of the ball or the formal attire that we got to wear that made it memorable for us,” Watson said. “It was the fact that we were able to contribute our time for the children in need and knowing that we would make a difference.”

During Martin Luther King, Jr.’s weekend, Grand Valley State University sisters participated in Day of Service, a school-wide event held every semester. GVSU sisters were placed into two different groups, one with Healthy Homes Coalition and the other with Love Inc. Sisters, who were helping out the Healthy Homes Coalition and were given the task of giving out and collecting tests for radon, an unsafe substance found in homes. Sisters with Love Inc., a Christian-based nonprofit organization, volunteered to organize clothing and put them where they belong in the organization’s store. Xee “Marvel” Yang said she finds it neat that the organization has a priority request box in which one can write names on so the organization will pray for them. Overall, Yang said sisters had a lot of fun doing community service.

Even though their spring semesters are busy with recruitment, classes and work, sisters still set aside time to volunteer for various organizations and have fun doing it! If you would like to find out how you can start volunteering today, check this out.

Photo credit: Crystal Watson

By: Stephenie “Remedi” Lai, Staff Writer

October is a very exciting month. Not only does it bring beautiful weather with the changing colors of the leaves that everyone loves so much, but it also brings a holiday favorite – Halloween!

What is it about this season that gets everyone so excited? Karla “Rumour” Schott, Sisterhood Chair at the University of Georgia, suggests, “It’s the memories you have as a kid, the fall weather and the spirit of fun that comes with the Halloween season.”

Current sisterhood chairs reflect on past events while preparing for the upcoming season.  Schott recalls last year’s pumpkin carving contest. Georgia Tech’s  sisterhood chair, Thuy “Prodigy” Le, also recalls their own pumpkin carving event.

This year, Schott and Le have other exciting ideas. UGA sisters will be taking a day trip to the annual Athens Corn Maze, which includes hayrides and farm animals. Schott adds, “It’s a great time to go back to those fall activities you did as a kid and you can do them again with your sisters!”

Le has planned a Halloween costume-shopping event. Sisters will have a chance to look for costumes and dress each other up. It’s also a good way to make sure no one has the same outfit as you. Le comments, “Halloween is a time when sisters can get together and just relax and enjoy the holiday.”

However, while we are in the midst of fall and Halloween, the University of West Florida also takes this time to remind us that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. According to Honey “Joie” Nguyen, the sisters at UWF will be participating in a breast cancer walk to show their support towards finding a cure.

October also means Homecoming season. Several chapters will also be gearing up for their annual Delta Phi Lambda Weeks. With so many great events in October, make sure to keep an eye out for DPhiL! Nguyen exclaims, “This fall might be one of the best!”

Picture credit: http://monclovatwp.org/images/fall-leaves.jpg

Last month a powerful earthquake off the coast of Japan triggered a deadly tsunami that left northern areas of the country devastated.

Though damages were estimated between $122 billion and $235 billion by the World Bank, the Japanese government estimated that the cost of the earthquake and tsunami would reach $309 billion which would make it the most expensive natural disaster ever recorded.

In conjunction with members of the National APIA Panhellenic Association (NAPA), Delta Phi Lambda sisters across the nation heeded the call for relief assistance and hosted various fundraising efforts to show their love and support for those affected by the tragedy.

Sisters at the Georgia Institute of Technology encouraged over 150 guests at their annual “Night of Diversity” event to make donations to the Red Cross Japan Earthquak Relief site while sisters at the University of Georgia showed their support by selling “Hope for Japan” wristbands to students on campus.

In addition sisters at Grand Valley State University donated proceeds from their lollipop fundraiser to International Medical Corps.

Relief from the disaster is still far from over as the country continues to rebuild. Individuals who are interested in donating to this relief cause as well as other relief initiatives around the world can do so at the American Red Cross website.

Donate here.

Photo credit: 

http://www.angeloplessas.com/blog/uploaded_images/Japanese_flag-712397.jpg

University of Georgia sister Diana “Demure” Bui began 2011 with an immersion trip to El Salvador with a group of fellow Greeks as part of the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values.

The AFLV provides challenging experiences for members of the Greek community to promote leadership and values. It is also meant to stimulate the growth and development of fraternity and sorority council and chapter leaders.

Bui graciously provided her personal account of her experiences while in El Salvador to “The Jade Times.”

By Diana “Demure” Bui, Contributing Writer

For six days and seven nights, I was in San Salvador, El Salvador. Despite my back pain from shoveling and the pain of missing home and my family, I know I arrived there on January 1 for one reason. That one reason is to make a difference; however, that one reason multiplied. I, as well as eighteen other Greeks from across the nation, came to this realization after just a day. We had embarked on a journey that changed our view on the world and on Greek life forever. That journey was the Association of Fraternal Leadership & Values 2011 El Salvador Immersion Trip.

Upon leaving the airport to our volunteer house, I saw many things I was not used to. Kids were riding on the back of a pick-up truck while their parents sped down the highway. On the side of the road, I noticed rows and rows of homes made up of garbage bags and metal scraps. It was then I saw my first dead body lying in the middle of road from a car accident. Instead of an ambulance, I saw a minivan labeled “Funeral.” A chill went through my body as my cab slowly passed the traffic surrounding the accident. The cab driver explained to us that this was normal.

We went to a Catholic church the next morning and later spent the rest of the day at an orphanage. There, I became attached to this one little boy whom I still can’t get off my mind. He is about one and he has the most precious smile I have ever seen. The whole time there, I felt like I was at a day care center. It didn’t hit me until we were leaving. When that little boy ran to me and held me tight, I realized that these children were not going to go home. If I could, I would take him with me and take care of him forever.

The rest of the week, I learned so much more about this country’s history and the way of life for many El Salvadorans. Why is it this is the first time I have heard about a civil war that happened there 20 years ago? People like Don Miguel told me horrific stories about infants that were thrown in the air and stabbed to death and other tortures the poor endured from the soldiers. It’s unbelievable that no one did anything about it and the war lasted for decades.

Due to the history of political issues, half of the population is living in poverty. While there, our two main projects were to: 1.) Build a home for the Santiago family and 2. Build a day care center for the Las Delicias community. The Santiago family needs this home. This family of seven is living under a shelter made up of a tin roof and plastic bags with no running water. Their only source of water is carrying buckets of it from the bottom of the hill to the top. This is something the children and women have to do three times a day. This was very eye opening to me as I struggled up and down that hill with them. At both sites, we dug trenches to set the foundation. Through the heat, illnesses and pain, all of us worked together and accomplished our goal.

During my time there, I fell in love with the people. Seeing the people we helped smile was so rewarding. I saw the true meaning of family, hope and community through them. Family and hope: the women and children helping their father build their new home. Community: neighbors helping when they can. Kids stopping by on their bikes, asking what we were doing, leaving their bikes and picking up a shovel. I can’t explain this feeling in words. It just felt really good to see what was happening as I shoveled dirt out of the trenches.

Photo credit: Diana "Demure" Bui

This experience allowed me to see many things under a different light. For example, action versus donations. The kids here need food and clothes, but they need your care and attention too. Families need materials to build a home, but they want you to be part of it too. You won’t understand unless you’re there with them. They will tell you their stories from start to end. Another example is unity versus an organization by itself. This was Greek Unity at its finest. I am so proud of all the Greeks who shared this experience with me. We are bonded by service. We used this bond and impacted many lives. We all went home with the hope of inspiring you, our fellow members, to do the same. The AFLV 2012 El Salvador Immersion Trip application will be out this summer. I encourage you to apply and continue this Greek Unity, as well as give the people of El Salvador hope.

To read more about the 2011 AFLV Immersion Trip, please visit: http://www.aflv.blogspot.com/

By Aura “Cherish” Reyes, Staff Writer
 
Every spring semester, the lovely ladies of Delta Phi Lambda Epsilon Chapter host an event called Iron Chef. The event’s proceeds always go towards a philanthropy. This year, UCF sisters decided to raise money for the sorority’s philanthropy, Best Bones Forever. Since Best Bones Forever is run by the government, they do not accept donations. They referred UCF sisters to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, to which they donated instead of Best Bones Forever.

During the last Iron Chef event, there were eight teams. This year, there were 11 teams competing for a $125 prize. Each team had to create an appetizer, a main entrée and dessert containing the main ingredient, which was coconut. The judges then had to score the meals by creativity, taste and presentation. At the end of the event, Pi Delta Psi took the prize, making this their fourth time winning the competition.

By Lisa “T.I.” Soluren, Contributing Writer
 
Silent! This powerful adjective describes the path of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a common bone disease that causes the bones to become brittle and fragile. The development of osteoporosis is a gradual process, and the symptoms of the disease are unidentified until after the age of 50. The best practice for osteoporosis is prevention. As young females, we believe that we are invincible and fail to practice healthy lifestyle choices. If you desire to live healthy and age gracefully, you must exercise healthy lifestyle choices now. Remember, prevention is the key to osteoporosis. Here are five easy recommendations to prevent osteoporosis:
 
1) Know your risk factors. There are two types of risk factors: modifiable and unmodifiable. Unmodifiable risk factors are age, family history and frame — these cannot be changed. Modifiable risk factors are diet and exercise, and can be changed.
 
2) Consume your daily recommended amounts of calcium and vitamin D. Vitamin D recommendations for adults less than 50 years: 5 micrograms daily. Calcium recommendations for adults between 19-50 years: 1,000 milligrams daily.
 
3) Engage in regular weight-bearing exercise to build strong bones.
 
4) Avoid smoking, excessive alcohol and limit your intake of carbonated soft drinks.
 
5) Get tested! Have a bone mineral density test or your height measured regularly to ensure adequate bone health.
 
References: 
Institutes of Medicine (IOM) http://www.iom.edu
National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) http://www.nof.org/
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Osteoporosis/osteoporosis_ff.asp