The Diplomat Fall 2010 Vol.2

1

DIPLOMAT STAFFDavid Ahn

Christian CamposNisat Chowdhury

Jazzy FatemiChristina KabaCaity Knowlton

Kate LewisJessica LiNing Ma

Selina MacLarenDevon Peterson

Upcoming ΔΦΕ Events

Pledge Event - Nov. 18th DPhiE Executive Committee Elections - Nov. 30th DPhiE Banquet - Dec. 6th

Alumni: Interested in coming to these events? We’d love to have you! Please con-tact our Alumni Relations Coordinator at [email protected].

The Diplomat IN THIS ISSUECurrent Events 2-3 DPhiE Tavels 3-4Pledge Profile 4-6 DPhiE Volleyball 7Alumni Profile 7-8 Crossword Puzzle 9

Fall 2010, Issue 2

Delta Phi Espilon Fall 2010

Hello Beautiful Members of DPhiE,

As we near the middle of our Fall 2010 semester, we are proud to announce that Epsilon chapter is now 17 pledges stronger. These 17 pledges have proven to be some of the most unique, charismatic, and impressive individuals our fraternity has yet to meet. This year’s rush process started by featuring our traditional three events, the Introduction to DPhiE event, our Professional Night, and our Fun Night. Our Intro night was a great success and our professional event definitely gave a great example of what our External meetings are like. Thanks to our External Vice President, Carol Tan, we were able to have George Scharffenberger, of Blum Center fame, speak to our prospective pledges and provide useful insight on international careers. The Fun Night was filled with trivia questions that definitely exercised the mental ability of all our prospective members and showed us how much more we have to learn about our global community. At the end of it all, we now have 17 great individuals whom we will be honored to have carry on the DPhiE legacy.

Since rush, the selected pledges have moved forward and elected an incredibly skilled and talented Pledge Excomm. Under their guidance, the new pledge class has been working arduously on their upcoming pledge event. On November 18th, from 6-8, our Pledge Class will be conducting an event called “Cultural Crossings,” in which they provide insight and tips on how to work in multicultural settings with people from around the world. Everything for the event has been going incredibly smoothly, and goes to highlight how fortunate we are for having such an incredibly skilled and enthusiastic bunch of students.

Letter from the MVPs

Membership Vice Presidents Max Steiner and Tiffany Wang

2


On the more social side of things, the pledges have been doing a great job of connecting with each other and with the actives. The class got together at a local mediterranean restaurant, where they spent the evening enjoying laughs and each others’ company. After, the class had a family movie night with us (the pledge parents) filled with cookies, vanilla bean ice cream, oatmeal brownies, sauteed bananas, and of course, zombies. Truly, the love that resonates from this group is strong and I have no doubt that our lovely pledges are building friendships they’ll hold onto for a while. As with pledge/active bonding, the pledges have done a great job keeping on top of their interviews, scheduling yogurt and coffee dates, and just generally enjoying the wonderful organization that is Delta Phi Epsilon.

We are incredibly proud of the achievements our pledges have accomplished so far, and we can not wait for the love and bonds to continue to grow.

Max SteinerUndergraduate at University of California Berkeley Class of 2011 International Development and City and Regional Planning Minor

Tiffany WangUndergraduate at University of California Berkeley Class of 2011 Political Science and Peace and Conflict

In this age of technology and advanced weaponry, we can forget how powerful books are in introducing ideas and different norms. Assabil, an NGO based in Lebanon whose name means “path”, strives to remind the world of that fact. I first heard about this organization at a book reading in our very own Doe Library, where I was lucky enough to relive my kindergarten story time days with Lebanese author Rabih Alameddine. He read us excerpts from his book The Hakawati (The Storyteller in Arabic), a book about storytellers, the stories they tell, and the stories told about them. How fitting then that he should announce to us that one of his new projects is helping Assabil, also known as Friends of Public Libraries, develop Beirut’s municipal public libraries (they hope to add nine more in the coming years.) Here, a modern day hakawati wants to ensure that stories continue to spread all over the world, regardless of economic situation, politics, or war.

One of Assabil’s projects is the development of mobile libraries, which consist of mini-buses that provide much of the services of a normal public library to those

who don’t have such an institution readily available. These mini-buses will transport books, core reference materials, and a librarian, and would offer various cultural activities. Assabil’s plan is to stop in eleven villages twice a month for several hours, to distribute cultural relief from the reality many in southern Lebanon are facing. Another project running from March of 2010 until June 2011 is Learning Citizenship - Breaking Boundaries with Mobile Libraries. Assabil’s goal here is to “encourage young people to form – and also to voice – their own opinions, build an interest in political issues that transcends partisan concerns, and teach librarians how to organize successful activities on citizenship and human rights issues.” They want to start debate clubs in high schools that would foster students’ abilities “to research, express, share and defend their opinions and enhance their knowledge needed to exercise their rights and fulfill their responsibilities as citizens.” This hydra-like NGO also runs a program in the municipal public libraries sponsored by the Arab Fund for Culture, which includes movies, music, and poetry spotlighting various Lebanese artists, as well as a project sponsored by the

Assabil : The

Hakawati of

LebanonRabih Alameddine @ http://www.rabi-halameddine.com/projects.html

3

Delta Phi Espilon Fall 2010Italian Embassy to build libraries for thirteen prisons in Lebanon. This organization is dedicated to providing knowledge as many people as possible, from victims to criminals, children to adults, city to countryside.I was thrilled to find out this organization existed. I firmly believe in the power of knowledge and the importance of reading. I try to convince my cousin of the importance of reading “the classics” but am still happy to see her totally engrossed in manga. I am determined that my brother shall read the entire Harry Potter series so he stops asking me questions and wiki’ing everything when I refuse to answer and I still buy my mom books as gifts though she rarely has time to read them, because then I get to them (in fact that’s how I stumbled upon The Hakawati! And look where it’s brought me). Though I realize reading Harry Potter is not about to rebuild Lebanon, it’s an escape, and having that is just as important as having some sort of social catalyst; both are goals Assabil is striving to achieve. As my hakawati tells the world on his website, drop books not bombs. They’re much more useful.

If you’re interested in helping in any way, visit www.assabil.com and check out Rabih Alameddine’s site as well at www.rabihalameddine.com

http://www.assabil.com/projects/ http://www.rabihalameddine.com/projects.htmlhttp://www.assabil.com/news/spip/Seeking-Support-to-Establish-a.html

By Christina Kaba

I spent five weeks over the summer studying Arabic in Rabat, Morocco. The school “Qalam was Lawh” is an Arabic language center started by a Moroccan who studied electrical engineering in the U.S. It is very well-run and managed, and classes are taught by well-qualified Moroccan teachers who teach in English or French, depending on preference of the students. The center attracts students from around the world, including Europe, the US, Canada, and Japan. The students range from college students, to professionals working for the U.S. government and military. Having no background in Arabic, I felt that I learned a lot in a short time, and had a lot of fun while doing so. I made friends with some really interesting people, from graduate Arabic linguistic students, to German-born Lebanese learning Darija, to people working for the American Air Force.

Weekend trips are offered to destinations throughout Morocco, including highly picturesque sights like Chefchouen, the Sahara desert, Meknes, Casablanca, and Fes. These trips are offered through the school and provide a great opportunity to meet the other students. There are also two in-week excursions to famous exhibitions around Rabat, such as the Ville des Arts, Chellah, Tour Hassan, Kasbah des Oudaias, and the local souk (market). The school offers very new and accessible computer and class room facilities, including free wifi. One of my favorite parts of the program was the Arabic calligraphy class offered twice a week, where we were instructed by the professional calligrapher Mohammed, a calligraphy shop owner in the local souk. Even knowing very little Arabic to start with, the classes were incredibly fun as everyone tried their luck at Arabic calligraphy with hand-made pens made from bamboo. While studying in Rabat, I lived with a local host family. It definitely completed the Moroccan experience, as I enjoyed traditional Moroccan

DPhiE Travels:Morocco

DPhiE Active Ning Ma abroad in Morocco

4

mint tea with some delicious traditional dishes such as chicken tangine, coucous and... a lot of watermelon. Living with a host family is also a great way to practice both my Arabic and French, and I would highly recommend if you love complete immersion into a culture.

The main mode of transportation was either through bus or taxi if traveling within city, or by train if traveling to other parts of Morocco. Safety is not an issue, although traveling with at least one male in the group is preferred especially when going to the beach. Hijabs are not required, neither is wearing a djellaba, but modest dressing covering shoulders and knees is highly recommended. Overall the trip was an unforgettable and fufilling experience that I would highly recommend to anyone interested.

By Ning Ma


Pledge Profiles Continued...Caitlin Carnes

Eugenié George

Crystal J. HuangYear: 2012Major: English Literature & Political ScienceFavorite Book: Perks of Being a Wallflower, The Hobbit, Bless Me Ultima, Ender’s Game, Wuthering HeightsInteresting Fact: Until my senior year of high school, I had never exceeded weighing 100 lbs nor the height of 5’0.Life Motto: “Life is a brief intermission, between birth and death. ENJOY IT.” - M.K. SoniWhat word describes you best? Gumptious

Year: 4th year transferMajor: Peace and Conflict Studies/ Public PolicyIf you know you could not fail, what would be your dream job? Secretary ofStateIf you could be the ruler of any country, what country would it be?Why? Finland - Because I can brag about how my government is greatIf you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be?South America good wine, good food, good timesLife Motto: “ Friends come and go, but your gpa remains the same.”What word describes you best? Practical

Year: 2014Major: Environmental Economics and PolicyIf you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be? I would live in Costa Rica, because of its vibrant culture and amazing dedication to the preservation of its natural landscape.What is your favorite place in the world? Bodega Bay with DPhiErs!If you were on an island, who would you want to be with? Why? If I were on an island I’d want to be with reincarnated Charles Darwin, just so I could ride his coattails to scientific glory after our eventual rescue.What word describes you best? Enthusiastic

5


Year: 2012Major: Development StudiesInteresting Fact: When I see something extremely cute, I want to kick it because it’s cute. (I never actually kicked something cute)If you know you could not fail, what would be your dream job? A soccer playerIf you could be the ruler of any country, what country would it be? Why? Italy. Look at Silvio Berlusconi.Life Motto: Don’t have a constant one. Right now it would be: No more late-nights until finals week

Year: SophomoreMajor: Political EconomyFavorite Song: Good People by Jack JohnsonIf you know you could not fail, what would be your dream job? I have secretly always wanted to be James Bond. If you could be the ruler of any country, what country would it be? I would go back in time and be the ruler of ancient China because it would mind blowing to wield the kind of absolute power the emperor held.Life Motto: “If you never did you should. These things are fun, and fun is good.” -Dr. Seus. What word describes you best? Human.

Year: Junior TransferMajor: Political Science (IR) and Public Policy minor What is your favorite place in the world? Wherever I happen to be standing. If you were on an island, who would you want to be with? Why? Bat-man, because then I could “borrow” his awesome Batmobile, which, as we all know, also transforms into a submarine. Then I’d be able to escape the island and have a really cool car.Life Motto: Work hard, play hard.What word describes you best? Peculiar...

Year: SeniorMajor: English Major, Education MinorFavorite book: The Kite Runner by Khaled HosseiniIf you know you could not fail, what would be your dream job? An ESL teacher/voluntary work anywhere but in the USA!!! Would LOVE LOVE to go to Southeast Asia and South Africa.What is your favorite place in the world? Sanrio store, I am a Hello Kitty FREAKLife motto: “Life is a cup filled not drained....”What word describes you best? HAKUNA MATATA

Sam (Myung Chul) Lee

Nika Ip

Tuan Nguyen

Yee-Na (Lina) Li

6

Delta Phi Espilon Fall 2010 Kevin Guzik

Emily Chi

Chris Carson

Adam MotiwalaYear: 3rd yearMajor: Political Science Favorite Book: House of Leaves (the greatest book about a book about a film about a phase-shifting house ever written)Interesting Fact: Uh, I can put on foot over my head?If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be? I’m fine where I am now, thank you very much.Life motto: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Ex-plore. Dream. Discover” -Mark Twain

Year: SophomoreMajor: Political Science and GeographyIf you could be the ruler of any country, what country would it be? Why?Azerbaijan. Most people can’t spell it or find it on a map, and thelargest city is below sea level. Perfect place to hide from the rest ofsociety.If you were on an island, who would you want to be with? Why?Yoda. He could use the force to make me food.Life Motto: The best way to succeed at anything you desire is to have very low standards.What word describes you best? Nocturnal

Year: 3rd YearMajor: Political Economy; Legal StudiesIf you know you could not fail, what would be your dream job? A judge on Iron Chef!What is your favorite international food? I could probably eat pho for every single meal for a week and not be sick of it. I love Vietnamese food!What is your favorite place in the world? Central Park in New York City. There’s so much to eat, see, and do. Life motto: “Now that I have seen, I am responsible. Faith without deeds is dead.” Albertine, Brooke FraserWhat word describes you best? Over-thinker

Year: SeniorMajor: Political Science/Peace and Conflict Studies Favorite song: Time by Pink FloydInteresting Fact: I used to love watching game shows, and I still getreally competitive and take score whenever I watch Jeopardy withpeople.If you could be the ruler of any country, what country would it be? Why? I would love to rule a country like the Bahamas where I can relax on the beaches, and be able to run an efficient governmentLife Motto: Make the most out of every experience and person you meet.

7


I really hate writing sports articles, but I am okay. Because what happened on the 1st of November was more than just a volleyball game, it was a crucible of brotherhood. The DPhiE volleyball team is a hodgepodge of players with various skill levels. Some of its members such as Miki Sankary and Liz Sanchez are whirlwinds of fury, diving for the ball (regardless of any obstacles including this humble writer). Others such as Lorenz Noe and George Kadifa are naturally gifted with incredible height. But above all, regardless of our individual abilities, the DPhiE volleyball team is united by our fraternal bonds. This brotherhood was exemplified by the game on the 1st of November.

From the beginnings the game was stacked against team DPhiE. Due to an arbitrary rule by the Cal intramural referee organization, the DPhiE team was limited to fielding four players at a time (apparently our team could only field as many guys as girls) while our opponents were able to field six. The first game was one that will be retold many times around good company and spirits. Both teams were evenly matched as we traded points reaching overtime. Through sheer will power alone we managed to overcome the odds and etch out a win for the first game.

With high spirits we proceeded to game number two, but unfortunately fate was not with us that day. The opposing team employed a skilled server quickly putting us behind. Team DPhiE fought valiantly but our efforts were not enough. By game three, although our bodies ached from the strains of battle, our spirits were undaunted. Again our opponents fielded their talented server producing similar results by exploiting our numerical weakness. I am proud to say though, that team DPhiE faced defeat head on, making our opponents fight for every point.

Even though we lost on the 1st of November, team DPhiE remained strong in spirit. Although the odds

DPHIE VOLLEYBALL: AN Epic of

Brotherhood

were stacked against us, we gave it more than our best and managed to give our opponents a run for their money. I will never forget that day nor my brothers and sisters that struggled with me to the end.

By David Ahn

Members of Team DPhiE from L to R in descending order: David Ahn, George Kadifa, Lorenz Noe, Kevin Guzik, Liz

Sanchez and Nika Ip. Members of Team DPhiE also on the roster: Christina Kaba, Lina Li, Meghan Mize, Miki San-

kary, Mimi Thich, Tiffany Wang and Carol Tan

Alumni Spotlight:

Ingrid Budrovich

1) How did you first come to join DPhiE? What were some of your first impressions?

I came to join DPE upon seeing a leaflet attached to a doorway in Dwinelle. I was a junior, fall of 2007. I went to one of those first meet and greet events, and really liked it. I was also surprised to see an acquaintance, Ashley Elles, as president. Additionally, Luong, a student whom I worked with, was in DPE as well, so from the get go, DPE looked awesome in terms of international connections and social circles. \

2) What did you study, why were you passionate about it? I studied History and Food Politics, though as already mentioned, Food Politics was late addition

8

alongside my History major (senior year, yeesh). I started with History because I enjoyed reading, writing, and analyzing, but I did not want to be trapped into English literature (English department) or solely art (Art History). History provided me with the opportunities to read and analyze world events on my own and come up with my own ideas and understandings. In understanding history, the dilemmas of the present become all the more lucid and understandable (and idiotic). I was also able to integrate my travels to Italy within my concentration, focusing on the interplay of social control and fascism in World War II Italy.

My Food Politics major was a late addition, but not in the least something I regret. As said, I became passionate about food after my trip to Rome. Arriving back in the states, I began taking classes focusing on food’s relationship with the environment, nutrition, communities, cultures, policies, and history. Food is such a part of our daily lives, and I have a passion to cook, that making such into a topic of study just came naturally.

3) What are some interesting/exciting/funny stories (that you aren’t embarrassed to expose to the general public)?

Hahahaha, too many, and very few I am not willing to expose to the public.

When I was in Rome, at the end of the semester, I sprained my ankle, except Italian doctors couldn’t diagnose it as a sprained ankle (yeesh). At the hospital, I was waiting on a table to get x-rayed, the doctor says “aspetta” (wait). I wait. I wait for a long time, like 20-30 minutes. He comes back, and asks me, “Do you have pregnancy?” I reply no. He says good, and we proceed with the x-ray.

Going for a jog during the summer, after work, and in my swimsuit and short shorts, and thinking guys were checking me out, when in reality I had sticking out of my shorts and stuck to my upper thigh for the majority of the run: awesome.

Mountaineering: sliding down waterfalls, jumping over cliffs into pools, belaying, ropes course: in the countryside of Slovenia.

Being asked out by an Egyptian soldier after driving with our car for security.

Having a wonderful life and not changing anything at this moment (even though I am still freaked out by the future) 4) What now?

Don’t know. Good question. I am looking at graduate schools in food areas, such as food studies and nutrition, but also hunting for jobs within the California area that have to do with food, in order to start paying off loans, woohoo college. It is up in the air, which is really a double-edged sword, but that is the joie de vivre. 5) What do you miss most about Berkeley/DPhiE?

Ummm, everything! Seriously, is that even a question? Without a doubt, the people, first and foremost, Berkeley attracts great people and so does DPE. I have maintained such great and truly deep friendships with people in DPE and other friends at Berkeley; it truly is an amazing place in that regard.

As a foodie, and health nut, Berkeley is amazing. You can walk everywhere, get amazing food and amazing drinks both at restaurants and at grocery stores. There is this sense of environmental and social stewardship that permeates the crevices and crannies of Berkeley, I love it and miss it.

By Jazzy Fatemi

9


By Jessica Li

World Flags Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS2 The flag of __________ features the motto “Ordem e Progresso”4 The U.S., the U.S.S.R. (Russia), the European Union, and _________ all have flags on the moon6 The light blue color in the flag of _________ was a tribute to the UN troops that helped to maintain peace in the country for many years8 An olive branch is present in the flags of the United Nations, Eritrea, and _________10 The flag of this African country features an AK-4712 The number of stars that appear on the flag of the People’s Republic of China13 The flags of __________ and Indonesia are identical

DOWN1 The flag of this country is solid green3 The former flag of __________ featured the letter R to distinguish its flag from the flag of Guinea5 The flag of ______________ has 14 red and white stripes which represent its 14 original states6 The number of U.S. flags currently on the moon7 Armenia’s flag has red, blue, and _________ horizontal stripes9 The phrase “one nation under God” was added to the U.S. Pledge of Allegiance during President ___________’s administration11 The flag of this country has more than four sides13 The flag of ___________ has a replica of a bravery medal awarded by the U.K.

Across2. Kilimanjaro6. Java8. Santiago11. Thailand12. Belgium13. Canada15. Venezuela16. Egypt17. Titicaca

Down1. Wellington3. Antarctica 4. Argentina5. Japan7. Panama9. Mexico10. Superior 14. Dog

Answer Key for the Last Issue

10

Delta Phi Epsilon at UC Berkeley

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President

Lorenz Noe

External Vice President

Carol Tan

Internal Vice President

Miki Sankary

Membership Vice PresidentsMax Steiner

Tiffany Wang

Treasurer

Gisoeb Hyun

Secretary David Ahn


Carol Tan Miki Sankary

Max Steiner Tiffany Wang

Gisoeb Hyun David Ahn

Lorenz Noe

The Diplomat Fall 2010 Vol.2

Documents

Transcript of The Diplomat Fall 2010 Vol.2