The Jade Times

In this issue, you can expect to read about April Fool’s pranks that you can try next year (or any day of the year!), read how Emory chapter became the first chapter to have housing on campus, sisters who are serving on the 2012 executive board for Unity Mixer, and sister spotlights on Nishita “Catalyst” Lad and Amanda “Elegance” McNally.

Happy reading!

tbs.com

By: Stephenie “Remedi” Lai

It’s that time of the year again! The time where you have to watch your back and carefully calculate your actions so that you won’t be fooled. This year, we’re giving you tips on how to get revenge on all of those pranksters who have duped you in past. With these simple, harmless pranks, you’ll be sure to have a few good laughs.

The first three pranks I have are taken from my favorite television series, “Friends.”

Prank #1: Darken the edge of a coin with a pencil. Then, dare someone that they can’t roll the coin from their forehead to their chin without the coin leaving their face. When they try, they’ll be left with a pencil line down the middle of their face.

Prank #2: This one is very simple. Take all the sugar around the house or your apartment and replace it with salt. You can also replace all of your salt with sugar. That way, when your roommate needs some sugar in her coffee, she’ll be unpleasantly surprised.

Prank #3: This prank is a classic. It works best on guys since they don’t pay much attention to detail. Just put some plastic cling wrap (such as Saran wrap) around the toilet bowl. Once your friend tries to use the bathroom, well, you can figure out what will happen with that. You can also try this with the bathroom sink, too. Water will splash everywhere when someone turns on the faucet.

Those are a few examples from my favorite television show, but here are some bonus pranks from www.aprilfoolzone.com.

Bonus Prank #1: If your friend has a ceiling fan in his/her room, pour baby powder on the top of the fan blades. Once the fan is turned off, the room will get covered in baby powder. I would suggest only doing this one if you’re willing to help clean up.

Bonus Prank #2: If you can get your hands on it, try putting some quick drying cement into your friend’s shoes. When he’s rushing to get to his class, he won’t even be able to slip his sneakers on.

Bonus Prank #3: Balance a cup of water on the top of a partially open door. When your friend swings the door open to get by, the cup of water will fall on top of them.

But, don’t think that your friends are the only ones you have to watch out for. There are some big companies like Google, Hulu and YouTube who are getting in on the fun too. Check out their pranks from 2011.

I hope these ideas will inspire you to come up with a great April Fool’s joke! Happy pranking, everyone!

Photo credit: www.tbs.com

By Stephanie “Dilemma” Pham, Contributing Writer

It’s that time of the year again. Spring has arrived, flowers are blooming, and that means the annual APIA Unity Mixer is here.

Founded in 2005 at the University of Georgia, Unity Mixer is a regional conference held specifically for Southeast Asian Greek-lettered organizations.

The purpose of the conference is to help attending organizations understand the history behind APIA Greeks and allows them to gather and discuss issues relevant to APIA Greek Life. The mixer also assists attendees in creating networks and connections between various organizations.

This year, Unity Mixer was held at the University of Florida during the weekend of April 13-14. Activities included a leadership conference, unity games, a stroll competition and a banquet. The theme for this year, “7 Deadly Sins,” is a testament to the fact that the mixer is in its seventh year.

For sisters of Delta Phi Lambda, being on executive board for the mixer is nothing new. Alpha chapter’s Pamela “Heiress” Pettus, who crossed fall 2007, was Logistics Chair last year and returned this year to take on the role of Finance Chair. For her, it’s a great opportunity to work with a diverse group of people and gain networks with Greeks throughout the southeast.

Serving on the executive board for the first time is Epsilon chapter’s Shehani “Trésor” Ranadewa, who crossed fall 2008. As the Programming Chair, she is responsible for coordinating the stroll competition and morning activities on the day of the mixer.

Although the format of Unity Mixer was mostly the same as previous years, Pettus said there was more interaction with the participants this year.

“We have some fun ice breakers this year, like a creative handshake and a unity stroll,” she said.

Even after six years, the spirit of Unity Mixer remains the same: it’s all about the connections.

“My favorite part about it is meeting people I have not seen in a while and new people also,” Ranadewa said.

For most APIA Greeks, attending the Unity Mixer is the highlight of their year, and sisters are encouraged to remain involved in its planning and implementation.

“It’s a great experience for any sister who is interested in holding a position because it allows you to work with a wide range of people and gives you the chance to be a part of a large regional event,” Pettus said.

Every year, the executive board is chosen by the previous year’s executive board.

For those interested in serving on the board for next year, be on the lookout for an application in the fall.

Welcome to everlasting sisterhood, ladies!

The “Exquisite Eight” Charter class at University of Albany-SUNY

#02 Sydney ‘Chinni’ Kronrad
#03 Tracy ‘Anthem’ Wang
#04 Carmen ‘Galaxee’ Lai
#05 Shirley ‘Monarch’ Wong
#06 Jennifer ‘Parallyx’ Le
#07 Fizza ‘Espresso’ Zaman
#08 Deidre ‘Saffron’ Pinkerton
#09 Diana ‘volvic’ Lee

The “Titanium Ten” Charter class at University of North Carolina at Charlotte

#02 Chee Ia ‘I.M.P.A.C.T.’ Yang
#03 May ‘Calypso’ Vang
#04 Ann ‘Borealis’ Nguyen
#05 Shua ‘Estreya’ Vang
#06 Nou ‘Covet’ Yang
#07 Pamela ‘Emporium’ Pedersen
#08 Camarin ‘Purity’ Chargualaf
#09 Lyna ‘Déjàvu’ Cao
#10 Elaine ‘NEON’ Phong
#11 Rebekah ‘obsidian’ Dikkers

Question:

Dear Sister ECKO:

If you could describe characteristics to look for in a boy for younger sisters, what would you say?

Sincerely,

Sister Clarion

Answer:

My Sister Clarion,

I would definitely tell them that, in my opinion, these characteristics are important: sincerity, respect, trustworthiness, security, intelligence, and enthusiasm.

Sincerity seems self-explanatory, but a lot of girls fall for charm rather than substance.

Respect is absolutely necessary! To have a healthy relationship, he must respect both you and himself. To not have respect would be disastrous and could become an abusive relationship emotionally.

Trust is also necessary — you must be able to trust him. If you can’t, then you will have a relationship filled with negative emotions such as doubt and unhappiness.

Security: not monetarily, although that would be nice. This ties in with in with respect and trust — you don’t want a guy that can’t be secure in himself. If he always has to be by your side, hanging onto your arm, checking your phone to see who texts you, accusing you of a wandering eye because his own physique isn’t good enough — just typing it annoys me. Of course, too much security can also be a bother. Confidence walks a fine line with arrogance, but a guy that has confidence is ultimately more appealing.

Intelligence: I’m not saying the boy you’re talking to needs to have a doctorate, but make sure that he has plans for himself. Even if he doesn’t go to college, he can still be intelligent. Look out for ignorance; that is a surefire way to get under your skin, especially if you feel that he cannot be on the same level as you.

A boy who is enthusiastic is certainly much more appealing. You don’t want a bum lying around, you want someone that is willing to do things with you, try new things with you. He needs to be enthusiastic about any possible relationship with you as well. Don’t try to date a guy that only seems halfway interested in you, because men are transparent creatures — they are only halfway interested in you. At least, that’s the case most of the time.

Sincerely,

Sister ECKO

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Question:

Dear Sister ECKO,

If you could ask our founders one question, what would it be?

Sincerely,

Sister Clarion

Answer:

Hullo Sister Clarion,

I think this is an awesome question. If I could ask our founding mothers one thing, I think it would be:

Are you satisfied with where we are at now?

Sincerely,

Sister ECKO

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Question:

Dear Sister ECKO,

What are some ways that we can strengthen sisterhood?

Sincerely,

Sister Rumour

Answer:

Hola Sister Rumour

I think this is going to sound confusing, but FOCUS. A lot of times, sisters are rushing about, trying to meet aspirations and meet goals. I understand that our sorority is an exceptional organization that always strives to do better, but it has the same sense of a businessman working away from home more and more to make more money to keep the family happy. The family, however, would just prefer the businessman to be home.

Comparing that analogy, I think that sisters should sometimes ease off the other events while focusing on sisterhood. The entire foundation of our sorority is sisterhood, after all. Whenever you ask a person why they want to join, they will almost always say, “I want a home away from home,” or “a second family.”

I’m not saying let’s abolish all events or anything ridiculous like that. The businessman still has to feed his family after all. But even during events, or even working during an event, I have found that my strongest relationships have formed through work. By working with sisters, I have found their determination and passion to be equal to mine, something that we share in common. This underlying bond has created a path for the sisterhood to form, and I still have those bonds today.

I think that keeping sisterhood strong is a simple idea, but a difficult task. Don’t get so caught up in the business. FOCUS on the sisterhood.

Sincerely,

Sister ECKO

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.

By May “Mosaic” Advincula, Staff Writer

Sisters at Emory University will have the opportunity to make their presence more well-known on campus with the recent grant of housing in The Lodge, Emory’s housing for Greek organizations.

Currently, Greek life at Emory comprises about 33 percent of the student body, with more than a dozen fraternities and sororities housed in The Lodge. With this recent grant, the Emory chapter will be the first and only multicultural Greek organization that will be represented on Fraternity Row.

The process of acquiring housing began approximately three years ago when housing became available after the suspension of three Greek organizations on campus. After signing up on the waiting list, the chapter received the official application in October 2011.

Chapter President Sandra “Diesel” Barlaan followed through on the application with the initiative “to have the best application since [the chapter had] been wanting [housing] for forever.”

The application itself consisted of six essays in which the chapter had to explain details, such as why they wanted housing, the values of the organization, past major accomplishments, how they would benefit in the housing and how living in The Lodge would contribute to the Greek community. From there, sisters formed an essay committee in which sisters were assigned to write and proofread the application.

The Emory chapter was the only sorority to apply for The Lodge. After submitting their application in November 2011, they received notice at the beginning of the year that they had been granted housing.

“[We’re] very proud and excited that it is really happening,” Barlaan said.

Six sisters from the chapter will move into the housing at the beginning of the 2012 fall semester.  The housing has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a basement and a meeting area that the chapter can utilize for chapter meetings.

Emory sisters hope that acquiring housing at The Lodge will help to strengthen the chapter’s presence on campus and offer more publicity as the Greek letters will be visible on the outside wall of The Lodge once sisters have moved in.

“Everyone will be able to see it, and that will hopefully help us have a higher number of girls interested in recruitment,” Barlaan said.

In addition to more visibility on campus, the chapter also hopes that this will also allow them to make stronger connections with other Greek organizations, as the housing will allow them to be physically closer to those organizations also residing on Fraternity Row.

Another goal Barlaan noted was “to strengthen the sisterhood. [The] central location is a home base to go to at any time and will build stronger ties with sisters. We hope to host events at The Lodge and open it up since it’s a convenient location.”

The notification of the housing grant seemingly had perfect timing, as the chapter also celebrated its 10-year anniversary.

In reflection of this milestone, Barlaan said, “[The chapter has] gotten a lot better [recognition]. I don’t have to explain who DPhiL is [to people] anymore. After the article [in “The Emory Wheel”] was posted, a lot of people said ‘Congratulations on your house.’ This will be the first step of knowing more about [our sorority].”

Barlaan also added words of wisdom for the chapter: “When things get tough, and they will get tough, don’t give up hope. Set concrete goals for your chapter, and don’t ever forget the sisterhood.”