The Jade Times

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

Alison "Royale" Kao, Vice President of Finance

Alison “Royale” Kao is an alumna from the Formidable Five Charter Class at the Georgia Institute of Technology. She currently works as a product manager in supply chain finance at Bank of America Merrill Lynch and is currently serving her second term as Vice President of Finance.

Her duties primarily consist of maintaining all sorority financial records and managing the national insurance account. In addition, she is responsible for operating the national Delta Phi Lambda store, creating and maintaining the national budget and serving as an adviser to chapters regarding financial obligations.

In this Q&A, Kao shares how sisters can utilize their skills and talents to give back to the sorority beyond your undergraduate years.

What inspired you to be involved with National Board?

“[I wanted] to make a difference in the sorority and the greater fraternal community. I wanted to be a charter at my university to provide an opportunity for collegiate women to be a part of Delta Phi Lambda, andto further enhance their education via the sorority. That can only happen as long as the national sorority continues to grow, expand and flourish. Thus, following completion of my undergraduate career, I decided to continue to contribute by becoming a member of National Board.”

What has helped prepare you to handle the responsibilities of your
position?

“Learning business acumen within my positions held at my company, observing others in their work to apply to the VP Finance position,being able to continuously adapt to the environment, members of National Board (as terms change); and be actively aware of the industry trends.”

What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of your position?

“Being able to potentially provide value to the sorority beyondundergraduate terms. Also working with such a talented and diverse board allows the national sorority and myself to continually grow.”

What do you find to be most challenging aspect of your position?

“The balance of contributing to the sorority on a volunteer basis andwork/personal life.”

Who/What is your inspiration?

“All the sisters who have served the national sorority before me from committee members, executive board members, governors, alumnae, etc. as they have made time in their lives to selflessly give to the organization. Each and every person made and currently makes a commitment to benefit the sorority as a whole. The faith in each sister that resonates in every motion made for the greater good.”

What do you hope to accomplish in your term?

“Provide a start to a financially sustainable future by building a foundation that can support an ever-flourishing organization.”

What advice would you give sisters who aspire to be a part of NB one
day?

“Think beyond one sister, one chapter or one city, and of the bigger picture. Always take what you learn from life, the workplace and others to utilize in your role on NB. As much as the sorority can contribute to your life, experiences you have as you move forward can attribute to the success of the sorority as a whole.”

For questions concerning insurance or national dues, you may contact Kao at: vp.finance@deltaphilambda.org.

Huong “Theory” Van, an alumna from the University of Central Florida and author of Ground Level Gourmet, graciously wrote a guest post sharing her thoughts on the Thanksgiving holiday and discussing how she and her family celebrate with their own Vietnamese flair.

Ok, so I’m American. But why does Thanksgiving remain such a confusing time for me?

I always had this vision of a family surrounding a table with a perfectly browned turkey, green bean casserole and all the other traditional sides and fixings.

The reality — we were a Vietnamese family who would have had the turkey dipped in ketchup and a side of pho as well as a menagerie of traditional American and Vietnamese dishes. We would also dine on our cloth-covered floor. This is the traditional way a Vietnamese family feasts.

I used to yearn for “normalcy” but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to appreciate my family’s quirks. Thanksgiving has become a competition between my mother and me to see whose dishes are better (she always wins). Thanksgiving is also a competition for my family of 11 to see who can talk the loudest over everyone (it’s usually my sister Vy). It’s also about my sister, Phung, experimenting with a family recipe that one of her customers gave her (and her being so pensive about it). The best part of it, though, is that it is one of the few times my family gets to be together. That is my favorite part of Thanksgiving.

P.S. What’s the big deal with turkey? I’d take my mother’s garlic-ginger-buttered king crab legs over them any day!

This is my version of modern banh xeo as well as demonstrating how small our nephew is/was.

Read more of Van’s culinary ambitions on her blog at: Ground Level Gourmet.

By: Alexandria “Wisteria” Prejido, Staff Writer

The Social Network

Apparently, Facebook’s popularity was not enough — Hollywood decided to make a movie out of the popular worldwide social network. “The Social Network” tells the story of Facebook and how it came to be a global phenomenon. The movie surrounds the founder of Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, and his creation of a social website.

The year was 2003, and the expensive and exclusive availability of technology became more affordable to the masses. The Internet allows people to keep in touch with each other halfway around the world. Harvard undergrad and computer programmer, Zuckerberg, through heated blogging and programming, composed a website with the potential to alter the communication and fabric of the global society. The Harvard undergrad was just six years away from earning his first million.

“The Social Network” moves from the college hallways of Harvard to the elite cubicles of Palo Alto to explore the early days’ global network that changed and expanded the concept of communication. This heady journey did not progress unscathed. Despite of all of his wealth and success, the personal life of the young programmer began to suffer. Zuckerberg’s creation brought young revolutionaries together, as well as drove them to split apart. He soon found himself tangled in legal disputes and discovered the 500 million people he befriended throughout his rising grew eager to see him fall.

The movie features Jesse Eisenberg as Mark Zuckerberg, Andrew Garfield as Eduardo Saverin, Zuckerberg’s once-close friend who provided the initial finances for the company; Justin Timberlake as Napster co-founder Sean Parker who brought Facebook to capitalists; and Armie Hammer and Josh Pence as the Winklevoss twins, Harvard colleagues who claimed Zuckerberg stole their idea and sued him. “The Social Network” consists of the birth of a global communication phenomenon that led to build up and break down of an elite group that maintained a worldwide social network.

Poll: How much time do you spend on Facebook per day?

UGA alumna Stella “Naru” Kim wrote a guest blog sharing her favorites about the Thanksgiving holiday and how she plans to celebrate the holiday overseas in Seoul, South Korea.

Stella "Naru" Kim with iconic Charlie Brown

Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday and quite honestly, I would pick a plate of turkey and all the sides as my last meal on earth. I love it that much and living abroad in a country that doesn’t know even eat turkey regularly is that much harder! In my family, I am the one who is in charge of cooking Thanksgiving dinner. It was always a great joy of mine to have the responsibility to prepare a meal for my family and friends as well as giving my mother a chance to relax. I’m going to miss having that responsibility and I’m actually curious about what my family will do without me this year. Hopefully, they won’t just be ordering pizza!

I am teaching abroad at a Korean middle school in Seoul when Thanksgiving arrives this year, and my first priority is to introduce my students to the whole festive tradition. Since many of my students have no idea that such a holiday exists, it will definitely be a pleasure of mine to give them a little glimpse into something truly American. We’ll be creating hand-drawn turkeys at the very least!

Outside of school, I will be spending Thanksgiving Day with my fellow American cousin who is stationed in the Army base in Seoul as well. I feel lucky to know someone on base who can get their hands on turkey! So, I’ll definitely make plans to stop by her place and spend time with her family. I will also be spending Thanksgiving with my fellow American teachers in Seoul. We’ll probably share a roasted chicken with whatever sides we can get from the nearest Costco. Yes, Costco is a blessing to have abroad and they carry pretty much anything you would crave from the States. Another option is to go to the foreign area in Seoul where they will advertise Thanksgiving meals at restaurants. The options are limitless! At the end of the day, it’s all about spending time with people you love and reflecting on all the things you can be thankful for. I’ll be doing just that, but in a different country.

Read more of Stella’s posts abroad at stellaface.wordpress.com.

By May Advincula, Editor-in-chief

In a poll for “Sisters share stories of U.S. citizenship,” we asked for your views on illegal immigrants who currently work in the United States.

57% of respondents said that illegal immigrants should be allowed to work in the US,as long as they apply for citizenship.

29% said that illegal immigrants should be required to leave their job and then apply for US citizenship, while 14% answered that they should be required to leave their job and leave the US.

But what happens to children who were brought to the United States undocumented?

Normally, children who are brought to the country without an immigration visa would have to leave the country to apply for a permanent visa. Even then, returning to their country of birth might detour them to a more difficult path of obtaining permanent residency in the US, encountering barriers such as a three-year to ten-year ban on re-entering the United States.

Current immigration law has “no mechanism to consider the special equities and circumstances of such students,” according to the Center for Community Change. (http://www.communitychange.org/our-projects/firm/our-work/the-dream-act/what-is-the-dream-act)

For undocumented immigrant children who grew up in the United States, legislation called the DREAM Act would address their needs and allow them to obtain permanent residency under certain provisions.

The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act aims to provide immigration relief to students who were brought to the US more than five years ago when he or she was 15 years old or younger. Upon graduating from high school, the legislation allows them to apply for conditional status which authorizes six years of legal residence. During these six years, the student is then required to either:

1) Graduate from a two-year college
2) Complete two years towards a four-year degree
3) Serve in the US military for two years

Should the student complete any of the above and exemplify good moral character, they would be granted permanent residence.

According to the Center for Community Change, the DREAM Act would also eliminate the federal provision that discourages states from providing in-state tuition to their undocumented immigrant student residents — essentially providing them with full authority over determining college and university fees.

Several forms of this bill have been introduced in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Initially introduced the House in 2001 with three co-sponsors, a version of the bill was debated this past September in the Senate.

The bill required 60 votes to gain cloture, a procedure by which the Senate can vote to place a time limit on consideration of a bill or other matter. This would overcome a filibuster, or an attempt to block or delay Senate action on a bill or other matter by debating it at length. This could be done by offering numerous procedural motions, or by any other delaying or obstructive actions.

The bill failed on a 52-44 vote, 8 votes short of overcoming a filibuster.,

The bill still continues to remain under intense debate and many groups have been active in their pursuits to push support for this legislation.

For more information on the DREAM Act, you can visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_Act or www.dreamact.com

Sources:
http://dreamact.info/students
http://www.nilc.org/immlawpolicy/dream/index.htm
http://www.senate.gov/reference/glossary_term/filibuster.htm
http://www.communitychange.org/our-projects/firm/our-work/the-dream-act/what-is-the-dream-act

By: Christine “ECKO” Ho, Staff Writer

This November is American Diabetes Month nationwide. With numbers as high as 24 million children and adults afflicted with diabetes, with another 57 million with prediabetes, the risk continues to grow. One in two of minority children will be born with diabetes, should Americans continue with their current trends of eating junk food, fast food and infrequent, unhealthy meals. This should hit close to home, as the majority of sisters are minorities.

The many necessary tools of survival for a diabetic.

Diabetes is a condition which is treatable, but cannot be cured. Once diagnosed with diabetes, the person’s entire lifestyle must change. Whether it is from lack of glucose or an overindulgent lifestyle with glucose, the person must readjust his/her entire life to serve the level of insulin in his/her body. Diabetes is becoming a deadly disease that is on the uprise, despite declining death rates of cancer, heart disease and stroke.

The most common form of diabetes is the type where there is too much sugar in the body, and the body cannot regulate the levels by itself anymore. The levels must be constantly monitored and checked. With Halloween over with, sugar levels should be normal. However, one more danger lurks around the corner: Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a reason to gorge on turkey, mashed potatoes, yams, sweet corn with melted butter, etc. However, this feast can turn deadly for some.

Eating Thanksgiving dinner in moderation will help those with high sugar levels. Planning ahead is always wise when mapping out the Thanksgiving feast. Also, it is absolutely essential that exercise remains a part of the plan. Not only does it regulate the glucose levels within the body, it keeps you extra healthy for the upcoming feast.

This site contains many diabetic Thanksgiving recipes: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/Holidays_and_Special_Occasions/Thanksgiving/.

These recipes are healthier than what is usually consumed on this overzealous holiday, so everyone should give one of the recipes a try.

Here is one that looks scrumptious and that anyone can eat:

New Potatoes with Olive Oil and Garlic
Ingredients:
• 12 small new potatoes (1 pound total)
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Pinch of freshly ground pepper

Directions:
1. Peel off a 1/2-inch strip of skin around the center of each potato.
2. Place the potatoes in a steamer set over simmering water. Cover and steam until tender, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and reserve.
3. Heat the oil and garlic in a nonstick skillet large enough to hold the potatoes in one layer. Cook over medium heat until the garlic is fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the potatoes and roll them in the oil mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

Photo Credit: Christine “ECKO” Ho

Sources:
Recipe: http://diabeticgourmet.com/recipes/html/358.shtml
American Diabetes Association : http://www.diabetes.org/

Thanksgiving Day commemorates the expression of gratitude and appreciation. For families with roots outside of the United States, adoption of this American holiday blends with cultural backgrounds and allows for a unique celebration.

Some sisters currently living aboard have decided to bring the traditions of Thanksgiving with them, though they have moved to countries that do not normally observe the holiday.

Jean “Sistine” An currently works as a representative and translator for the international affairs team at the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education in Shindorim, Seoul, South Korea. With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up, she still has plans to celebrate. “I would love to get together with sisters in Korea and celebrate [Thanksgiving] together on that day. Just like how sorority has provided a ‘home away from home’ for us [sisters], I think it’s important to support each sister who left their home to come to Korea. It will remind us of where we came from and how thankful we are to have wonderful people around us.”

Jean "Sistine" An, Jeannie "Hype" Cho, Alexane "Mirage" Do, and Hannah "Enigma" Kamau meet up in Seoul, South Korea

Growing up, An’s family would celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with a big dinner. “[Thanksgiving was] not much of an American style though, so no turkey, but lots of Korean barbeque and other meat,” An explained.

Though her family did not have the traditional Thanksgiving staples such as turkey during their meals, she was always able to get a taste during the annual Thanksgiving dinner potluck hosted by sisters at the University of Georgia Alpha Chapter and brothers from UGA Lambda Phi Epsilon, Asian-interest fraternity.

The Thanksgiving holiday reminds An of family, and this year, her expression of gratitude is focused on her parents. “My parents gave up everything in Korea to immigrate to US when I was nine years old. They saw that I could get a better opportunity in [the] US. Through their sacrifice, I was able to explore many things [like] traveling, learning different sports, playing violin & piano and even finishing college. Now that I am working in the real world, I realize how great it is to be educated I cannot thank my parents enough for giving me this wonderful opportunity.”

The idea of “family” resonated with sister Hannah “Enigma” Kamau, who is an elementary school English teacher also located in Seoul.

Usual Thanksgiving traditions in the Kamau home were a blend of different cultures. “My family was kind of different from other American families. My mom would always cook something cultural, so we would always have Vietnamese food or Kenyan food… we would always have turkey, and we would always go around the table and talk about what we were grateful for,” Kamau said.

While in Korea, Kamau also had the opportunity to celebrate Chuseok, a harvest holiday which has some similarities to Thanksgiving.

“I went to a festival at City Hall [and] was able to learn about Korean traditional music and games,” Kamau said. “What stood out to me the most was the whole idea of family. Family is central to the Chuseok holiday.”

Hannah "Enigma" Kamau celebrates with friends at the Chuseok festival

Kamau explained, “The holiday is officially only one day, but everyone gets three days off. All families travel back to the city where their family is from and spend time with the family to prepare a wonderful feast for the day. But the traditional way of celebrating Chuseok pays homage not only to the living family present, but to the past family who have made them who they are today.”

Children dressed in traditional Korean Hanbok for Chuseok

Kamau introduced the American Thanksgiving holiday to her 4th, 5th and 6th grade classes and plans to have Thanksgiving themed activities and games. In addition to the Thanksgiving activities with her class, Kamau plans to celebrate the holiday with friends. “I heard that at the army base, they sell turkeys! So I’m thinking that we will buy a turkey and celebrate… I think we will have a potluck, and probably a cultural lesson for my non-American friends. I actually hang out with a very diverse group of people, including people from Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Japan, America, as well as many Koreans. I never imagined I would meet such a diverse group of people!”

Photo credit: Hannah “Enigma” Kamau

By: Gaoli “Chamomile” Moua, Staff Writer and Copy Editor

Scarves provide warmth and a wealth of fashionable possibilities.

With so many different shapes, colors and materials, it is impossible not to find a scarf that will fit any season, occasion or style. Squares, rectangles, triangles, short, long or infinity, made from chiffon, knit cotton, merona wool, heavy or lightweight, in floral, animal print, dual tone, solid or multiple colors, the choices are endless.

Not only are scarves versatile in design, they can be worn in many ways as well. Used as a fashion accessory, a scarf can change the whole look of an outfit and can be a statement piece itself. They can be worn covering the head with some old Hollywood glamour, wrapped around the shoulders like a shawl, hugging the neck, draped around the neck and shoulders, around the waist as a belt and as headbands.

This winter, ruffled scarves, jersey, hooded and infinity scarves are “in.” Animal prints, furs and scarves adorned with studs, fringe, sequins and other decorations are popular.

Unlike costume jewelry that may go out of season or become dull, you can’t go wrong with scarves. With prices starting as low as $5, scarves are affordable accessories. Try out a new trend, whether it be a print or pop of color, with a scarf.

Poll: How often do you wear scarves?

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Phot o credit: polyvore.com

From top left: Mango Foulard Chiclet 3 Scarf, 18 GBP, johnlewis.com; Pocket Detail Hooded Grey Scarf, 24 GBP monsoon.co.uk; Staring at Stars Crochet Lurex Square Scarf, $28, urbanoutfitters.com; Fall Market Scarf in Cranberry, $38, modcloth.com; Cecille Animal-Print Scarf, $20, delias.com; Studded Infinity Scarf, $48, juicycouture.com; Skinny Sequined Scarf, $24, newport-news.com