The Jade Times

By Amy “Ancaria” Li, Staff Writer
 
Academic excellence is one of the hardest of the seven virtues of Delta Phi Lambda to maintain. With the stress of college life, the endless requirements of extracurriculars and the responsibilities of the sorority, good grades can become something unattainable for most sisters. However, Yoojin ‘Moxie’ Chun is a sister who has shown that academic excellence does not need to be compromised for the sake of extracurricular activities.

As a student on the pre-medical track and an executive member of Emory Chapter’s Delta Phi Lambda, she managed to earn a GPA of 4.0 last semester. She manages her time very efficiently so that not only does she devote herself fully to the requirements of college life, but she also makes time to spend with her sisters. She focuses all her efforts on her studies, but never lets stress rule her life.

By Lisa “T.I.” Soluren, Staff Writer  
 
Did you know that stress decreases brain cells and inhibits your ability to retain information? Thousands of individuals are affected by mental health disorders. To promote mental health, May has been dedicated as mental health awareness month. This year’s theme is “Live Your Life Well.”
 
The mental state of the mind includes cognition and the behavioral well-being of an individual. Anxiety, depression, psychosocial stress and eating disorders are common mental disorders in women. These mental disorders impair the functionality of the mind. As the semester is almost ending, here are three tips that can keep you mentally strong and balanced as you prepare for your final exams.
 
1) Eat a well balanced diet.
2) Get plenty of rest.
3) Exercise.

By Lisa “T.I.” Soluren, Staff Writer 

Ahh-choo! Coughing, runny noses and itchy, watery eyes are the worst part of pollen season. Pollen is seasonal and consists of tiny grains that are necessary for plant and tree reproduction. These small grains cause allergic reactions for many individuals.

If you are experiencing an allergic reaction due to seasonal pollen, the best remedy is to stay inside and avoid contact. However, if avoidance is not possible, medication such as an antihistamine can alleviate and control these symptoms.

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.

Would you like to submit a question to be featured in the next issue? Click here! (All submissions remain anonymous.)

Q: “What is the best way to dress for an interview without looking too trendy or too young?” -Prepping for Professionalism
 
A: “First impressions are very important when going to an interview, so you want to dress sharp. Gentlemen certainly have it easy, as they usually require a nice set of pants and a good dress shirt. Ladies have a bit of a harder time, mainly because we make it harder for ourselves. The main objective is to look respectable and professional without losing your sense of style.
 
No short shorts, mini-skirts or sexually alluring clothing or accessories. You want to prove you are a professional, and dressing like you are going to the club is not the way to go. Shorts and skirts are acceptable if they are close to knee-length or longer. No blouses that expose your breasts or high stiletto heels that cause you pain or make you look clumsy. You are trying to impress your interviewer for a job, not for a date.
 
Do not wear too much makeup. Unless you are applying for a job that requires sex appeal or sells a particular brand of makeup, or are auditioning for a role, minimal makeup is a good idea. You do not want to have the focus be completely on your attractiveness (unless the job requires it). You want an employer to seek your skills and talents, not your pretty face.

Try to wear bright colors. Studies suggest that differing colors produce differing attitudes toward the wearer, depending on what kind of attention you want. For example, brides tend to wear white because of the symbolization of purity and innocence; grooms wear black to symbolize strength and solidarity. Purple colors are associated with royalty and wealth; greens can be associated with growth or prosperity; and blues generally have a calming effect on a viewer, and has a strong association with nature such as the sky and waters (no wonder it is a popular color!)

Finally, be comfortable. If you do not like to wear skirts, do not wear one just because you think it is more appealing. Do not wear a blouse that is too tight because it looks good but hardly lets you breathe. If you are uncomfortable in your own attire, it will reflect on your presentation of yourself, and the interviewer will notice. It is important to feel comfortable and present your best self to the employer and the job you are interviewing for and show that you are the right fit for the position, not that your clothes don’t fit right.”

-Kippie “Sumitra” Aguilan, Staff Writer

By Geri “J-Lan” Orante, Staff Writer
 
May marks the celebration of both Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States.  It began first as only a 10-day long commemoration in 1977, but in 1992, APAHM was signed into law to become a month-long celebration. 
 

 Comedienne Margaret Cho, who is Korean, may not be the typical Asian-American leader that one would think to celebrate, but tell that to the citizens of San Francisco, Calif. On April 30, 2008, San Francisco’s Mayor Gavin Newsom declared it “Margaret Cho Day” — most likely because that she is a Bay area native who became a very successful comedienne. Many of her comedic routines focus on race and sexuality as social and political problems. On her “I’m the One That I Want” tour, she jokes about how difficult it is being the only Asian surrounded by white people.

Cho is a well-known advocate for LGBT rights, winning a Golden Gate award from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation for making “a significant difference in promoting equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.” She also received the Justice in Action award from the Asian American Legal Defense and Education fund for her contributions in advancing justice and equality.
 
She criticized the media on how they affect the way women look at their own body images. In 1994, Cho had a show aired on ABC titled “All American Girl.” In her stand-up, she talks about how she starved herself because network executives said her face was too round, and the end result was kidney failure. She jokes in her routine that the executives also told her she was both “too Asian” and “not Asian enough” during the show’s production. They even hired a coach to teach her how to “be more Asian.”
 
Cho rose above all of this, though, and was able to talk about it through her comedy on “I’m the One That I Want.” Now, she strives to improve the way women think about body image.  Recently, on her weblog, she criticized John Mayer, not just for saying such a hateful word during his interview with “Playboy,” but for claiming to have a “David Duke c**k.” For those who do not know, David Duke is part of the Ku Klux Klan. Cho criticizes Mayer for basically saying that he would never sleep with a woman of color. She states “it’s a slap in the face to all beautiful women of color … it’s hard enough to be a woman of color in this world and feel beautiful. It’s hard enough to live in this skin and feel good without having rock stars saying that you are not worthy.” She also criticizes the media for accepting his apology on his act of racism, and for not even talking about his proclamation.
 
Margaret Cho has done a lot for the Asian community in speaking out against stereotyping.  Not only has she focused on Asians, but for the LGBT community and women as well; representing much of America’s minority.  What a wonderful woman to celebrate during Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month.

By Rissa “Iris” San Miguel, Staff Writer
 
What would it be like to live in a different country? To learn the native language? To be on your own in an unfamiliar place, around strangers — could you do it? With many more viable job opportunities popping up across the globe, living and working abroad has become a very tangible possibility. For some, the change of scenery that comes with the job description has an allure all on its own.

If that piques your interest, teaching abroad is one option, and it’s a trend that’s on the upswing, due to the ever-increasing need for the world to speak a universal language and difficulties finding jobs after graduation.  Many have considered it a chance to experience the world from a new perspective before “growing up” and settling into their career paths. Whatever the case, it’s a big decision that requires serious thought and some serious internet legwork. Besides knowing where you want to go, what forms you’ll have to fill out and how much money you’ll need to have there (it’s recommended you take around $5,000 with you to pad your bank account until the checks start clearing), you’ll also want to consider why you want to go, and what you’ll do when you get there.

Two alumnae, JoAnn “Shiseido” Truong Nguyen, from the University of Cincinnati, and Alexane “Mirage” Do, from the University of Georgia, have had the chance to explore this opportunity, and we interviewed them  to hopefully give you some insight on teaching abroad from two distinct countries.

JoAnn “Shiseido” Truong Nguyen enjoying leisurely activities during her stay in Korea.

1. When and where did you go when you taught English abroad? For how long?

JoAnn: I taught English in Seoul, South Korea in December of 2005. I signed a one year contract.

Alexane: Currently I am teaching full time in Listowel, Ireland which is located in the Southwest near the coastline of the Atlantic Ocean. I left in January and will arrive back to ATL in a week, so it’s been four months.

2. Why did you decide to teach abroad?

 JoAnn: I had always wanted to live abroad and always had the passion for teaching children. I decided to pack my bags and go after talking to a friend who was doing missionary work in Japan. Plus, I wanted to take a break after graduation before applying for grad school.
 
Alexane: I’m a double major in English and International Education with a minor is ESOL, so it’s always been a pure passion of mine to travel and meet all walks of life. As far as teaching, I love to endeavor upon an individual’s growth and development from adolescents to mature adults. I want to enrich this world by being a devoted and open-minded role model or guidance to our future generation.

3. What were some truths/misconceptions that you found out once you arrived?
 
JoAnn: I always knew Koreans could drink but this assumption definitely holds true. Soju = Water…

Alexane: Truths: When traveling and living on your own, it’s true what they say, that the first three to four weeks will be extremely rough from loneliness, assimilation or homesickness. Don’t let your mind wander off too much, because after that first phase everything will be okay. You can do it!

Misconceptions: You can’t travel because you’re on a tight budget. My family and scholarships have been the major providers when it comes to financial aid. I’ve worked and saved some myself, but if you organize well and separate your wants from your needs, extra adventure and traveling is definitely possible! I budgeted wisely and am now utterly satisfied with my “Tour-de-Ireland!” I’ve gone to ALL of the main attractions and have visited this country from top to bottom, and left to right while staying on a well-maintained budget!

4. What did you pack, and what would you have packed/brought with you to your destinations in hindsight? Why?

JoAnn: I packed clothes, a year’s worth of make-up & skincare products and my laptop.  What I should have packed were more shoes!  I wear a size 8 and it was SO hard to find shoes in my size!
 
Alexane: I packed too much. My best advice to you is to refrain from packing heavily. Lugging around two big suitcases, a book bag and an extra small carry-on was horrendous. Be a smart packer and only take what is necessary! I highly suggest digging up information on your country’s seasonal weather on what to pack. For Ireland, it rains a lot and it’s usually chilly/cold so I packed leggings so I can wear them inside of my jeans or slacks, rain boots, a big coat and a whole bunch of different sweaters. That was all I really needed!

5. What are some of the highlights of your experience?
 
Joann:
-Walking down the street from my villa (studio apartment) passing Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and the likes to get my hair done at Toni & Guy.
-After some good Korean BBQ for dinner, singing karaoke from sundown to sunrise and going out for breakfast afterward in the middle of the week because class started at 4 p.m.
-The nostalgia of taxi cabs and city lights.
 
Alexane: My teaching experience at my Convent Secondary school has taught me a lot about being patient to uniqueness. I’ve met so many teachers and students who have really held my hand through it all. My traveling around Ireland was also my favorite part! I learned all about its history, culture, language and traditions by seeing and listening. Spontaneous fun such as going to football (soccer) matches, the live music pub night and activities happening in town were always so memorable to me. The personal experiences sucked me in.

6. What were some issues, if any, that arose unexpectedly and what did you do to resolve it?

JoAnn: I can’t think of any real “issues” but I did have a stalker.  I resolved this issue by skipping my Korean class for a couple weekends, (I’m not one to skip class but this guy would wait for me outside) being mindful when walking back to my villa, not taking any unknown calls from my cell phone and having one of my guy friends tell the stalker that he had bought my phone from me because I had moved back to the States and was never coming back.
 
Alexane: The toughest part as an independent traveler is the unfamiliarity of EVERYTHING that surrounds you. My school system was completely different from the States, the strong Irish accent, the exchange rates threw me off, lack of food in grocery stores, the conservation of water, electricity and trash is overwhelming, and since I live a rural part of Ireland, lack of places to go and see. Those were some things that I was NOT used to when I first got here, and that I’m still not used to. You just have to make it work by playing along. Not everything will be the same anywhere you go; it’s a challenge for yourself to be able to latch onto the same lifestyle as our locals.
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7. Being away from family and friends can get lonely. What did you do for fun, and who did you hang out with?

JoAnn: For fun, I’d grab dinner with co-teachers after work, have brunch with my church friends after Sunday Mass, hang out with my classmates from Korean class and go out with Lambdas that I met or already knew from the States.  Oh — I definitely did lots of shopping, too!
 
Alexane: Luckily, my staff provided me with the warmest welcome into their community and linked me up with some of their sons/daughters who were my age. Having connections is the key! You have to be open to meet people and to develop a relationship with them because they’re the ones who will introduce you to their circle of friends. Most weekends, other traveling teachers like myself take small one day trips to see a part of Ireland via bus. We go to the pub a lot of the nights, that’s where everyone (young and old) go to have some Irish fun! We also go to a lot of Irish traditional music nights where the locals sing, dance and tell stories.

8. What advice would you give someone who is interested in teaching abroad?

JoAnn: Talk to people you know who have taught abroad.  Keep an open mind!
 
Alexane: The huge part of finding happiness wherever you go, especially when teaching abroad, is to make trusting friends and co-workers. Trust your intuition when it comes to strangers wanting to befriend you. Be yourself and be persistent when you have the opportunity to meet a potential friend because they’ll help you immerse in their native country. Go on cheap (but reliable) guided tours and see your country as much as you can! You shouldn’t just live in it, but experience it as well. There are always great deals and discounts so do a lot of researching. Learn on your own (but never be afraid to ask for help) the skills to adapt 100%, it will foster resilience and happiness. Be a lifelong learner. Go out, explore and have fun!
 
9. Any last comments?

JoAnn: I was very fortunate with my experience teaching abroad and met lots of great people.  Unfortunately, I’ve heard of not so great experiences.  If you are interested in teaching in Korea, my advice is to stay in Seoul.  www.TeachinKorea.com takes you directly to the school that I worked for. 
 
Alexane: You only live once. Travel and see how the world was created, revolutionized and currently transforming with humanity! Life is constantly changing. It’s a wonder out there and no matter what you see, where you go and who you meet along the way, you’ll find yourself.

Alexane “Mirage” Do celebrates Irish tradition and kisses the infamous Blarney Stone for the Gift of Eloquence.

If you would like more information, go to your school’s career development or study abroad centers. They’re a good start and have brochures for you to take home. Also check out the following websites:

www.TeachAbroad.com
www.ESLcafe.com
www.languagecorps.com
www.ciee.org/teach

[Left to right: Hai "Esmeralde" Nguyen, Kellee "Thrive" Duong, Kristie "Kaito" Chan, Jamie "Mercury" Zhou, Hannah "Siena" Kyung, Katie "Ruby" Chan, Gina "Elevate" Lawson and Wen "Selene" Guo.]

By: Amy “Ancaria” Li, Staff Writer

Georgia State University Gamma Chapter continues to raise awareness and promote Delta Phi Lambda on their campus with bi-weekly fund-raisers where they sell various baked goods such as cupcakes, cookies, pudding cakes and muffins. Not many people can resist their delicious food or smiling faces.