The Jade Times

Dear Readers,

The Jade Times is proud to present three new series this month including culture spotlight, who’s who in NB and helpful how tos.

The cultural spotlight is designed to give you insight into the various elements that make a culture unique. This month we introduce you to Hmong clothing traditions that sometimes can get confused with Chinese, Vietnamese or Thai dress. This article by Li “Chamomile” Moua demonstrates the distinctive elements of Hmong clothing.

The “Who’s Who in NB” series begins with a profile featuring
Hannah “Mocha” Seoh, National Board president. This series is designed for the readership to get to know each sister and their individual contributions to the sorority’s overall mission.

This month we also begin our helpful “How Tos” and focus this month on those sisters heading back to campus. From finding an apartment in a college town to helpful study tips and how to eat healthy on a campus meal plan, you’ll find an array of advice that will help keep you on track.

Full-length versions of all articles featured in the newsletter are featured here on The Jade Times blog!

You have the opportunity to read articles in their entirety, comment on your favorite stories, and answer polls that may be featured in future newsletter editions!

On behalf of The Jade Times staff, thank you for your support! We
hope you enjoy this edition of The Jade Times.

Happy Reading!

May Advincula
Editor-in-chief

By Gaoli Moua, Staff writer & copy editor

All college students are familiar with debt, whether it is student loans or credit cards. But student debt is increasingly becoming a fact of life. Although taking out loans for education is inevitable, taking a few simple measures will pay off in getting out of and preventing unnecessary credit card debt.

Establishing credit is essential for the future, but students should not make the mistake of acquiring more credit cards than needed. The more credit cards you have, the more likely you’re going to be tempted to spend and lose track of payments.

Image credit:Gaoli Moua

Only buy what you need and can afford, despite the rewards incentives that credit card companies may offer. Credit cards may be convenient when it comes to emergencies, but avoid those situations when possible. Try to find bargains and purchase things on sale as well.

The best way to pay is with cash. If you don’t have the money to buy something at the moment, think of how much it would actually cost you to buy it if you used a credit card. Try saving for the item – usually by the time you have enough money, you won’t be as interested in that item and if you still are, it stood the test of time and was worth the wait.

Pay more than the minimum payment. Better yet, pay the whole balance on a monthly basis if possible. It could take you up to a decade to pay off one card if you are only making the minimum payment.

It’s inevitable that we are all going to have credit cards in this modern age, so might as well have low or reasonable interest rates. You can always call the credit card company and ask them to lower your interest rate. If they don’t want to give you a lower rate, no worries, because there are other companies out there looking for your business that will give in to your demands. Try to acquire cards that do not have annual fees.

Most importantly, know what your credit card agreement says before you activate an account. Be knowledgeable of your credit limit, interest rate, penalties should you miss a payment or go over your limit, etc. The worst thing that could happen is you are charged fees that you did not know were applicable to your account and having to close account after account to avoid and opt out of those fees.

Click here to take our credit card poll: How many credit cards do you have?

Sources:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2054053_stay-out-debt.html
http://www.collegestudentcreditcard.com/articles6.html

By May “Mosaic” Advincula, Editor-in-chief

According to recruitment chair, Rachelle “Avia” Kim, the sisters from the Georgia Institute of Technology will host special events during their upcoming recruitment period.
 
They will provide some relaxation time for recruits and sisters alike through a yoga event to promote the physiological, biochemical and psychological benefits of the exercise. They will also volunteer for the Make a Child Smile foundation and will make handmade cards for children ages 3 to 5. This is the chapter’s third year participating in this philanthropy event.

Georgia Tech sisters at Formal 2010

By Lillie “Ivory” Madali, Vice President of External Affairs

The last weekend of July marked the annual retreat for the National Executive Board. Facilitated by Maria Iglesia, Coordinator of Fraternity and Sorority Life at University of California, Berkeley, the board members worked on leadership development, team building and planning for the upcoming year.

“It was such a treat and joy to be surrounded by such dedicated sisters. I love volunteering and contributing my knowledge, skills, talents and strengths back to the sorority that gave me so much!” Iglesia said.

Board members left the retreat feeling refreshed and invigorated with new ideas and big plans for the new year.

Every executive board member created a goal for the upcoming year:

Hannah Seoh, President
To ensure longevity and sustainability of Delta Phi Lambda by implementing a five-year strategic plan that promotes the mission and vision of the sorority by convention 2011.

Victoria Huynh, Vice President of Internal Affairs
To develop a standard annual summer leadership retreat for the purpose of fostering national solidarity and providing effective leadership skills to all chapter executive board members for implementation Summer 2011.

Lillie Madali, Vice President of External Affairs
To build a community of supporters for the sorority (alumnae, undergraduates and interests) by increasing awareness of our mission and current events through creating avenues for listening and keeping in touch through print/digital/mobile media, by Convention 2011.

Alison Kao, Vice President of Finance
To provide a sustainable national treasury by restructuring chapter dues and the national budget to increase reserves for emergencies and strategic initiatives, and ensure longevity of the national account’s ability to support the organization by May 2011.

Wilma Miranda, Vice President of Records
To archive and document important sorority history, on national and chapter levels, using an efficient and sustainable digital system through gathering research by Convention 2011.

National board members utilize strategic planning method, SWOT to identify (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats)

The board also performed a SWOT analysis of the sorority’s programs. Following that analysis, they collaborated to unite under one SMART goal for the year:

To increase alumnae involvement to 100 alumnae volunteers, through encouraging participation in a committee and dues payment, through increasing communication, awareness and opportunities to be involved by Convention 2011.

This year, Alyssa Soluren, alumnae director, also had the opportunity to come to the retreat.

“At retreat, I was given the opportunity to learn a little bit more about the executive board in terms of their past and current projects, personalities and leadership styles. I believe this retreat both reunited and rejuvenated all attendees and gave us the opportunity to get to know each other a little bit better. For me, this experience was enlightening and educational, and I am grateful to have been a part of this positive experience,” Soluren said.

By Gaoli Moua, Staff writer & copy editor

One can tell many things about a person by the way they dress – from the genre of music they may prefer to their personal hygiene and sometimes where they come from. The same is true of Hmong traditional clothing. Many times Hmong is confused with Chinese, Vietnamese or Thai because the Hmong are from and still live in Southeast Asia. However, by observing the traditional clothing, it is obvious that the Hmong are unique.

Hmong clothes are traditionally handmade by the women of the family. Girls are taught and encouraged to practice “paj ntaub,” or hand embroidery and needlework, at an early age. They reproduce the intricate designs associated with each subgroup and family that vary from region to region. Hmong subgroups can be identified by markers on their clothing. For example, the Striped Hmong Group (Hmoob Quas Npab) wears stripes on their headgear and arm bands.

Modern Hmong women collect and wear an array of clothing from all Hmong subgroups.

Traditional clothing for men often consists of long black fishermen pants secured at the waist by a red, green or pink cloth band and sometimes embroidered bands. Men usually wear wraparound tops that are tucked in and embroidered at the neckline and sleeves. For special occasions, men will wear white shirts with an embroidered vest on top. Silver coins and beads are added to embroidered vests, bands and purses that are tied around the waist or layered over the basic pieces to represent wealth.

The traditional dress for women is most interesting and can look heavy with all the different layers, depending on which subgroup the type of clothing is associated with. Women usually wear ¾ sleeved wraparound tops that are embroidered at the neckline and sleeves but can choose to wear long black pants for a more casual look or a pleated dress for a more dressed-up look. The waist is also held up by red, pink or green bands and can be decorated with embroidered bands.

Depending on which subgroup the clothing represents, the designs on the bands, skirt, headgear and jewelry vary. For example, the White Hmong (Hmoob daub) wear plain white pleated skirts while Green Hmong (Hmoob ntsuab) dresses are dyed indigo with needlework.

Along with the optional coins and beads to dress up an outfit, Hmong jewelry consists of silver neckpieces, bracelets and earrings. The designs of silver pieces also vary depending on subgroup and region.

In the U.S., more and more Hmong are hesitant to put on their Hmong garb because it can be time-consuming to put on the layers of clothing, bands and heavy jewelry. Hmong-Americans typically only wear the traditional clothing to take photos and during special occasions such as the New Year celebration or weddings. The fast-paced lifestyle in industrialized countries limits time available to hand-embroider clothing so a lot of traditional clothing is purchased and some of the more popular designs are printed on fabric, ready to be sewed into clothing pieces.

Despite the limitations of the modern world and the Hmong assimilation into their communities, traditional Hmong clothing is still passed on through the generations in one form or another. It is a sight to see, as the clothing is bright in color and intricate in detail.

Picture credit: Gao Xiong

By May “Mosaic” Advincula, Editor-in-chief

The “Who’s Who in NB” feature is a chance for The Jade Times readership to get to know the ladies currently serving on our National Board (NB). We begin this series with Hannah “Mocha” Seoh, a University of Cincinnati alumna who currently serves as NB president.

Hannah’s responsibilities include presiding over all NB meetings and serving as a liaison between external organizations such as the Association of Fraternity and Sorority Advisors (AFA), National APIA Panhellenic Association (NAPA) and other campus-based professionals. Outside of her national board duties, Hannah also serves as secretary for NAPA and currently works with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

Hannah Seoh, President

In this Q&A, Hannah shares her inspirations, challenges and other insights that she has learned throughout her sorority career.

What inspired you to be involved with National Board?
“I crossed the summer before I started my senior year of college so after graduation I knew that I still wanted to be involved.  I also moved away from my home chapter so getting involved on a national level was a natural progression for me.”

What has helped prepare you to handle the responsibilities of your position?
“I attribute much of my success as President to networking and attending professional development conferences, studying student development theories and researching different board models.  By attending such conferences as the Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values and AFA, I’ve been able to make contacts with many professionals in the field of fraternity and sorority life (FSL) – these are men and women who have made their careers in the FSL world and have a wealth of knowledge to share.  I cherish not only the educational sessions at these conferences, but also the more relaxed moments where I can sit down to a nice meal and pick the brains of the experts.”

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of your position?
“Any time I see a sister who is successful in her life and attributes part of that to Delta Phi Lambda, I feel thankful.  I believe that Delta Phi Lambda has the potential to help young women find their voice, explore their identity and become great leaders in their communities.  If the sorority is able to help even just one woman better herself and her future, then that is reward enough for me.”

What do you find to be most challenging aspect of your position?
“The most challenging aspect of my position would have to be that there is always more to learn.  As a more experienced National President once told me, “If you want to play with the big dogs, you gotta act like a big dog.  And you’re definitely with the big dogs now.”  Even with my years of service on National Board, I have only just begun to scratch the surface of what it takes to run a legitimate national fraternal organization.  As our organization is an incorporated entity, I’ve learned a lot about how to run our ‘business.’  I will forever be learning and hope to always be able to contribute my knowledge to improve our sorority.”

Who/what is your inspiration?
“The sorority played such a crucial part in the development of who I am today that it will forever be ingrained in me and a part of who I am.  Thus, being someone who is never satisfied with status quo, never happy with mediocrity, I continue to push the envelope and push myself to push the sorority to be better.  On those difficult days, I remember those same experts that I’ve met at conferences who continue to stay involved well into their 50′s and 60′s.  Great grandparents who no matter how busy they are or what curveballs life throws at them, still manage to give back time and/or money until the day they die.  My service is miniscule compared to these extraordinary men and women.  I also look to our mission and preamble because I truly believe in what we are trying to achieve.  Recently I made a trip to Angel Island and reflected on how far Asian-Americans have advanced in this country.  They paved the way so I can enjoy the benefits I do today, but there is still much work to be done.  So I keep working hard to honor those before me and make a better experience for those who are here now and those to come in the future.”

What do you hope to accomplish in your term?
“I hope to work on a sorority strategic plan to ensure longevity and sustainability for our organization.  This plan would include an analysis of our strengths and weaknesses as well as identifying potential areas of growth.  I hope to continue to promote our organization and keep good relationships with our campus advisors.  I will work closely with the other Board members to serve the sorority in the best manner that I can.”

What advice would you give sisters who aspire to be a part of NB one day?
“I would encourage all sisters who wish to stay involved to contact NB and volunteer their services.  Our Board strongly believes in playing to individual strengths and passions so if there’s an area of interest you have, we can definitely put you to work.  Being a part of a committee is a good way to be introduced to the role and responsibility of NB and becomes a good stepping stone for a position on the Board.”

By Oanhie “Shinsen” Pham, Staff writer & Copy editor

Regardless of if you’re an undergraduate or graduate, exams are lurking around the corner. So how do you prepare for the inevitable?

This article will highlight some tips to help you improve the way you study. They won’t guarantee an A on an exam, because what works for some students may not work for others. However, finding an effective way for you to study is important so you don’t end up procrastinating up until the last few hours and don’t know where to start.
Time:
What is your daily schedule like? If you start studying well before you need to, you won’t have to study as much info each time. It’s also good practice to study as soon as possible (some might study even before the start of the semester!), so give yourself time to study.

When are you most productive? Use that time to study since you’re more focused and alert. For example, if you prefer being in natural light while you study, study early in the day when the sun’s coming up. If you like to study when all are asleep and not awake to distract you, study early in the morning or at night. If you’re busy the whole day and don’t have three-hour blocks of free time, but have 30-minute free periods here and there, use that time to quickly glance over an upcoming chapter or  look at notes you’ve taken that day.

Location:
Find a good place to study. Do you prefer a busy environment or a peaceful one? Picking out where to study is important because if you get too distracted with too many people around, you won’t have productive studying time. Or if it’s too quiet, you might become distracted at how boring your environment is and end up doing something else.

Studying at home is convenient, but can also be a distraction because it’s too convenient.

“I can’t study in my room because it makes me want to fall asleep,” said Sarah “Chíc” Nguyen, from the University of West Florida. Nguyen said the kitchen doesn’t help either, because it draws her attention away from her studies and more on the food.

If you find yourself getting up from studying and doing something else in your house, you might want to find a better place to study. Try your local library or your school library. Since others around you tend to be quiet, you’ll be encouraged to remain quiet as well.

Read the rest of this entry »

By: Alyssa ”T.I.” Soluren, Staff writer

Are you on the meal plan for the semester and afraid that you will gain the “Freshman 15”? Often times, eating a healthy diet is challenging for college students due to time restrictions, and in many cases bad eating habits may develop. Eating a balanced diet ensures that you stay healthy and function better physically and mentally.

Here are some easy suggestions that will help you maintain your weight and a balanced diet during the semester.

1. Never skip meals. Always make time to eat three meals a day because food is an important staple for brain functions. If you are in a hurry, grab something quick and easy such as a fruit or a sandwich.

2. When deciding what foods you should eat, always go for color. Fruits and vegetables add color to your plate and ensure that you are receiving a sufficient amount of nutrients.

3. Choose whole grains rather than refined grains. Whole grains contain more vitamins, minerals and fiber than refined grains, such as white bread.

4. Choose healthier fast food options. If ordering a salad, try to choose a low-fat or vinaigrette dressing. Choose leaner meats on sandwiches and low-fat or skim milk cheeses for pizza. Substitute a baked potato for french fries.

5. Keep nuts, dried or canned fruit, pretzels, wheat crackers and yogurt in reach. These snacks are a better option than chips, candy and ice cream.

6. Drink plenty of water. Make sure you drink more water than soda or fruit juices. To establish this habit, carry a water bottle with you.

By Alexandira “Wisteria” Prejido, Staff writer

“Where am I gonna live?” is the most common question among incoming college freshmen or college students who are nearing the end of a lease. Apartment hunting can be both enjoyable and stressful at the same time. However, if done correctly, you can save much time and money.

Before looking up apartments in newspaper listings or on the internet, you need to decide what you really want in an apartment. Consider what price range you are comfortable with as well as how much space you really need.  . How many bedrooms do you need? Does it include private baths or will you have to share with your roommate? Does it have access to university transportation?  Write down what you are willing to work with.

Once you begin hunting,  start by checking listings in the local newspapers of the college town or on the internet. Good websites to help your initial search for apartments are apartments.com and campusrent.com. 

During your search, write down the apartments that you like along with the number of bedrooms and baths, square feet and amenities that they offer. Be sure to check out the community environment. Many listings provide pictures of their community, the inside of the apartment and the floor plan. Make sure you write the ones that meet your standards.

Once you narrow your hunt to a few options, give the leasing offices a call to check their availability. Sometimes you will find that some complexes have no availability and knowing this information beforehand can save you time and a long drive. In the event that there is no availability, you should also ask when one may be available.

After calling the offices of the complexes for information, it’s time to drive out and check the apartment in person. Get directions from the main highway to each apartment that you want to check out. This way, once you finished visiting one complex, you can always head back to the main highway and go to the next one.

Sources:

http://www.homedit.com/how-to-find-the-perfect-apartment/
http://www.ehow.com/how_4665266_perfect-apartment.html