“There is no such thing as free lunch“

Line Number: #204

Big Sister: Charlee Anne Rodriguez *FORESHADOW*

Little Sister:

Major: Digital Arts and Sciences

Year: Class of 2025

Ethnicity: Chinese

Positions held in Kappa:

About Me:

Hey, my name is Maya. I was born in China but have lived in Sarasota, Florida the majority of my life. I love all mediums of art and pursuing a degree in the Digital Arts and Sciences. In my free time I like to work on my passions projects, sleep, or train for sports I have no interest in playing. I am also an extrovert, but am very selective about the type of people I choose to surround myself with. I hate hypocrites and I hate people who end sentences with prepositions.

Why KPL?

From my experiences rushing Kappas, I felt a strong connection to the people and the pillars of this organization. I wanted to be part of a community of confident and caring sxsters who transcended the shallow relationships I had previously made in college. Coming from a predominately white town, it felt a little isolating for someone with my background, but since joining Kappas I have always felt accepted, supported, and seen.

“Everything has its time”

Line Number: #205

Big Sister: Ashley Nguyen *Essie*

Little Sister:

Major: Information Systems

Minor: Computer Science and Chinese

Year: Class of 2025

Ethnicity: Chinese

Positions held in Kappa:

About Me:

Hey!! My real name is Sum Ye (心怡), but I usually go by Priscilla (She/her)! My hometown is in south Florida and I grew up speaking Cantonese! I'm a business girly and love crocheting, doing nails, and cooking. Lowkey I've always wanted to go to culinary school and open up a little bakery/cafe situation, but here I am prepping for corporate America. A fun fact is that I've been trying to learn how to ride a bike since Elementary school but I literally just can't. Kermit is my spirit animal.

Why KPL?

I never could have imagined joining a sorority, but with every interaction I had with sxsters, I always felt welcomed and supported. I was drawn in by the energy and community that fostered an inclusive and safe environment. I can say without doubt that I have grown in both my professionalism and confidence in the short amount of time I have been in Kappas. The community and support system is something that continues beyond college and I am so so grateful for the friendships and memories I have made in KPL!

“It is what it is”

Line Number: #206

Big Sister: Sarah Bae *Venerate*

Little Sister:

Major: Microbiology and Cell Science

Year: Class of 2027

Ethnicity: Chinese-American

Positions held in Kappa:

About Me:

Meet Ivy, an 18-year-old Chinese American girl from (the suburbs of) Chicago, IL, who found herself more than 1000 miles away in Gainesville, Florida! When she isn’t crying about organic chemistry, she’s out and about, either playing badminton or at a social gathering. Beyond her academic and social pursuits, Ivy is an INFJ at heart. She tries her best to be understanding of others and strongly values making meaningful connections with the people around her. This shines through late-night conversations and cozy gatherings, where Ivy and her friends can be seen either baking cookies, talking about life, or even just sitting in silence and appreciating each other’s company.

Why KPL?

Growing up, I struggled with social anxiety and awkwardness among new people, which prompted my desire to join something that would help me better present myself in both a professional way and in every day life. I also wanted to connect with like-minded people and be in an inclusive and uplifting environment!

“Be the leader you want to work under”

Line Number: #207

Big Sister: Maegan Ocampo *Grenadine*

Little Sister:

Major: Economics and Hospitality Management; Business Administration

Year: Class of 2026

Ethnicity: Vietnamese

Positions held in Kappa:

About Me:

I love to eat. I am a big foodie. I also love to dance even though I am legally handicapped. Weak knees don’t stop me from dancing. I love to be involved in my community and, to one day, spoil my family by becoming rich. In my free time, if I do have any, I love to watch free movies and TV dramas. Me and illegal movie pirating sites are like 🤞. Every now and then, I travel. I am always super excited when a plane takes off because I know I am leaving Florida. Just kidding, Florida has her charms.

Why KPL?

The sxsters were incredibly welcoming during recruitment events, and, at that time I was interested, KPL was awarded highest GPA! At the end of the day, we are all college students striving to get an education for a brighter future. Hence, I appreciate that KPL holds such a high value to academic excellence. I also wanted to be part of a community where I could be myself and be surrounded with those who have the same core values as me.

“ “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

Line Number: 208

Big Sister: Bianca Mateo *Nuvola*

Little Sister:

Major: Applied Physiology and Kinesiology

Year: Class of 2026

Ethnicity: Cuban and Chinese

Positions held in Kappa:

About Me:

From a young age, I have loved all things having to do with the arts and animals! I've had many pets growing up, including dogs, chickens, guinea pigs, fish, turtles, hermit crabs, and even a snake! Additionally, I love to DIY anything I can, from room decorations to furniture. Aside from my hobbies, my goal in life is to make long-lasting connections with people and help as many people as I can. Although I am not sure what I want my occupation to be, I think no matter what, I would be helping work with others to improve their lives.

Why KPL?

The primary reason I wanted to join Kappa Phi Lambda was to forge lifelong friendships that extend beyond college. Even as a neo, I can already sense that I've achieved that goal. From my big sister to my line, I'm certain I've found friends for life. Moreover, after joining, I've come to realize that Kappa Phi Lambda offers so much more. I've seen a significant enhancement in my public speaking, business acumen, and critical thinking skills.

"Opportunities don't happen, you create them."

Line Number: #209

Big Sister: Tammy Nguyen *Nightfyre*

Little Sister:

Major: Pre-Nursing

Year: Class of 2026

Ethnicity: Taiwanese

Positions held in Kappa:

About Me:

Hi!! My name is Paulina Yu :) I was born and raised in Taiwan (Taiwan) and moved to Miami, Florida when I was two years old. I speak Mandarin and a little Spanish from being raised in Miami! I am a pre-nursing major hoping to work in pediatrics or psychiatry as a nurse practitioner. In my free time, I like to bake sweet treats that I am craving, paint cute things I find on Pinterest, do my nails, and window shop at the mall. I also like to collect random Sanrio trinkets and play mobile games!

Why KPL?

I wanted to find a community where I could really connect to the people and Kappas was exactly what I was looking for. I chose Kappas because I strongly resonated with its values and the welcoming energy that all the sxsters showed during recruitment. I also admired our commitment to serving the community and professional development. Kappas has allowed me to meet so many different people that I have learned to love. Everyone is so supportive and never fails to make me laugh, which has made me come out of my shell and be more confident in how I present myself to others.