“We are all a little broken, but last I checked, broken crayons still color the same.” —Trent Shelton

Line Number: #210

Big Sister: Samantha Law *Solbreaker*

Little Sister:

Major: Biochemistry

Year: Class of 2026

Ethnicity: Vietnamese

Positions held in Kappas:

About Me:

Hello! I’m Thien-Y! I’m from Melbourne, Florida, about 30 minutes from the Kennedy Space Center. Currently, I am a Biochemistry major on the Pre-Med track and I hope to pursue a career in cardiovascular surgery. When I’m not dying from class, I like to crochet, read, play piano, swim, or dance. I love exploring new places and I’m usually down to try anything at least once, especially with friends :)

Why KPL?

Honestly, I sat on this decision for about a year and a half ever since Sammy first reached out to me my freshman year. It wasn’t until I had met many more welcoming sxsters throughout my time at UF that I finally made the decision to try coming out to recruitment events in an attempt to meet a community of like-minded individuals, each with their own story to tell. From there, the rest is history. For me, joining Kappas was about finding a community where individuality and personal growth flourished and I’m so glad for every single interaction that led up to this moment.

“Remind yourself that you cannot fail at being yourself.”

Line Number: #211

Big Sister: Diana Nguyen *Mithril*

Little Sister:

Major: Health Science

Year: Class of 2027

Ethnicity: Vietnamese

Positions held in Kappas:

About Me:

Born and raiseddd in Tampa, you'll always catch me eating at SariOne Restaurant and then doing a Target run. I am a big Buldak Stew type ramen girl. You will never not catch me with my stacks of Buldak ramen. Other than being a ramen luvr, my biggest aspiration is to become a pediatrician in the hopes of working with the disability community. Some fun things about myself are that I love to do is collect blind boxes, learn new languages, try new foods, and yap with my friends! I am currently watching Mr. Plankton, a kdrama that just came out, and now I'm back with my obsession over kdramas. A fun fact about me is that I cannot swim even after I took lessons and have had friends and families teach me.

Why KPL?

Kappa Phi Lambda stood out to me because of everyone's individuality and deep friendship with each other. To be surrounded by a confident group of women who always encourage and bring out the best version of each other is a community I've always wanted to be a part of. As I always had trouble believing in myself, I saw Kappa Phi Lambda as a second family where I know I won't ever be judged. They provided me with unconditional love and care that brought a side to me that I never thought could exist. From my big, sxtsers, and line sxsters, I wouldn't have chosen anyone else to enjoy this sxsterhood with. Hence, to be a sxster of Kappa Phi Lambda is something I hold dear to my heart forever.

“Rejection is redirection”

Line Number: #212

Big Sister: Tuyen Huynh *UNDERCOVER* (Alpha Zeta Chapter)

Little Sister:

Major: Health Science

Year: Class of 2025

Ethnicity: Vietnamese

Positions held in Kappas:

About Me:

Hallo! c: I’m Kayla (she/her), a little Vietnamese girl born in… the country: Panama City, Florida. It’s okay if you don’t really know where I’m talking about, no one ever does. Just hold your hand out like an L, face it towards you, and I’m from the space in between your thumb and pointer finger Northwest of the Panhandle! I’m so glad I’ve gotten rid of the country accent by now I hope. But- I love to make little sound effects as if I’m a video game character living life. Anyways, I’m a pretty creative kid at heart. Some of my favorite video games were ones where I could just be anything: a Disney Princess, Bratz doll, or even a dog saving the world through my little side quests. Don’t get me started on the hours spent customizing my islands or outfits I wore. Now, I love anything arts and crafts like paint by numbers. You can even find me at the Reitz for pottery! I also watch any trashy reality TV to make myself feel better or kdramas for the feels.

Why KPL?

Since my freshman year, I’ve wanted to find a place where I could truly belong. I tried so many different things- joining many clubs, getting involved in leadership, and putting myself out there to meet new people. But even after everything I’ve done during undergrad, there was still this lingering feeling that something is missing. I couldn’t help but want something more— something that will follow me after college. Through some self-reflection, I wanted to take the chance and find that forever home (no regrets!) And I feel like I’ve finally found that through Kappas. One of the most unique things about Kappas to me is that it combines everything I’ve been searching for since freshman year all into one: a strong community that I can pour myself into, a place to celebrate our shared and individual cultures, and especially the unique, life-long, shared intention of wanting to uplift each other, even as alumni. Plus, I’ve only been met with genuine kindness from Kappas, which made me feel even more excited about the idea of joining a fun group of silly, but sweet individuals.

"The most unforgettable moments are the ones that happen unexpectedly."

Line Number: #213

Big Sister: Wen Jie Lin *Rengeri*

Little Sister:

Major: Accounting

Year: Class of 2027

Ethnicity: Chinese

Positions held in Kappas:

About Me:

Hi!! My name is Kiki and I was born in Brooklyn, New York but raised mostly in Bonita Springs, Florida. I’m definitely ready to leave Florida and go back to NY. I'm currently studying Accounting and hope to become CPA certified and work as a corporate girly! I wouldn't say it's my dream job but it's stable :) I enjoy working in aspects of business since my parents own a Chinese American restaurant and I worked there as a kid until I went to UF. I really value family and relationships. In my free time, I like picking up new hobbies, spending quality time with friends, trying new foods, traveling (!!!), and sleeping all day/bed rotting. I’m a big foodie and big on online shopping. I love traveling and learning about new cultures, my travel list includes visiting South Korea, Japan, Shanghai and Hong Kong in China, and Switzerland. I'm always down for a trip even when I'm in the trenches.

Why KPL?

Growing up, I struggled with social anxiety and finding my own identity in a predominatley white and hispanic area. There weren't many opportunities for me to connect with Asian culture. Coming to UF, I never imagined I'd join a sorority, but during recruitment events, I immediately felt how genuine and welcoming the sxsters were! What really stood out to me was the supportive and inclusive environment KPL had and I knew it was something I wanted to be part of. I value the opportunities KPL has given me to grow not only personally but also professionally. I’m so grateful to be in this sxsterhood where we support each other, give back to our community, and create genuine friendships that will last a lifetime. I’m excited for what the future holds!

“you can’t control the wind, but you can adjust your sails”

Line Number: #214

Big Sister: Allyse Doblmeier *GRANDMASTER*

Little Sister:

Major: Applied Physiology and Kinesiology

Year: Class of 2026

Ethnicity: Vietnamese

Positions held in Kappas:

About Me:

Heyloo! My name is Jalena Dinh, and I am from Tampa, Florida! I aspire to be an orthopedic PA for young athletes, and I currently work as a PCA at Shands. If I am not locking myself in the library for hours on end, I love to lift, hike, and rock climb. Some fun facts about me are that I am obsessed with smiskis (like chronically obsessed), I do not know how to swim or ride a bike (please don't make fun of me), I am a competitive powerlifter with scoliosis, and I have really bad fomo :P.

Why KPL?

For those who know me, joining Greek Life was never something I considered. I had a skewed perception that I didn't belong in that community. Early in my college years, I regretted not being involved in cultural organizations, and I wanted to make a change. That desire led me to attend recruitment events, which turned my perspectives upside down.

What really made a difference was the warm, welcoming conversations I had with the sxsters—right from the start, I felt a sense of comfort and belonging. It was this simple decision to give Greek Life a chance that changed the course of my life for the better. Through this experience, I’ve met some of the most compassionate, hilarious, and genuine people I know. KPL has given me a space to be myself and has helped me grow both personally and professionally.

I am forever grateful for the sxsterhood I’ve found here. KPL will always hold a special place in my heart

“Euphoric, this feeling I hope will stay, I ever so long to belong this way”

Line Number: #215

Big Sister: Clementine Dela Cruz *Electronica*

Little Sister:

Major: Psychology

Year: Class of 2027

Ethnicity: Korean

Positions held in Kappas:

About Me:

Hi! Everyone calls me or knows me as Amy, but my name is actually Yaesul Yang and I am an international student from Korea. I am just a normal person who loves to draw, take pictures, and meetings new friends. My goal would be to successfully graduating college and I hope to be make the world or live a life that is always happy and help others to also become happy.

Why KPL?

After coming to America to study abroad a year ago, I struggled to find a place where I could truly be myself and feel at home. But after joining Kappa, I found people I could call family—friends who support and guide me through tough and challenging times. Being part of Kappa has helped me grow both professionally and socially while allowing me to be my authentic self. It gave me the courage to face my fears, step out of my comfort zone, and confidently present and develop myself.

“Don't wish for it, work for it.”

Line Number: #216

Big Sister: Leslie Nguyen *BassBender* (Alpha Zeta Chapter)

Little Sister:

Major: Digital Arts and Sciences

Year: Class of 2025

Ethnicity: Korean

Positions held in Kappas:

About Me:

Hi my name is Caroline Grike! I was born in Korea but I have lived in Florida for the majority of my life! I have always loved the arts since a young age and have been actively pursuing a career in the arts since high school! Some of my hobbies include going to the gym, reading webtoons, baking, and trying new things! I have always loved traveling to new places but I really hope to move to a big city like New York or Chicago in the near future.

Why KPL?

I had never imagined myself rushing a sorority once in my life but I ended up meeting some sxsters Spring of 2024 and they were so welcoming and helped break my false perceptions of sororities. During the Summer of 2024 I happened to run into more sxsters who genuinely matched my energy, interests, and humor which really encouraged me to finally give in and rush. I found that the people in KPL hold strong values that really align with mine and I have also found a family that will continually support me through my hardships and wins.

“Make your heart the prettiest thing about you.”

Line Number: #217

Big Sister: Melody Gu *Elytra*

Little Sister:

Major: Chemistry

Year: Class of 2028

Ethnicity: Chinese

Positions held in Kappas:

About Me:

Hi! I’m Tian Jiao (or just TJ) and I’m from Sarasota, FL. I love sleeping, arts and crafts, all kinds of music, and going to the beach. I’m obsessed with collecting cute things like Jellycats and Sonny Angels and waste too money on overpriced coffee/matcha. Fun fact: I’m on day 79 in Papa’s Freezeria. I also like playing games like Pikmin Bloom and Pokémon Go. If you ever want to play Roblox, hit me up!

Why KPL?

When first talking to sxsters at recruitment events, I felt so welcomed and like everyone genuinely tried to get to know me for who I am. I really appreciate how Kappas makes me feel valued and cared for and provides a space for me to truly be myself. I’m so grateful that I joined the sorority and have sxsters that support me and push me to be the best version of myself <3

“You won't know until you try”

Line Number: #218

Big Sister: Alex Naughton *7OCRONYX*

Little Sister:

Major: Business Administration

Year: Class of 2028

Ethnicity: Japanese and Korean

Positions held in Kappas:

About Me:

Alohaaa!! I am Melia Okamoto, a military brat from Hawaii. The islands will always be home to me, but I currently reside in Tokyo, Japan, and love every second of it. I have been studying Japanese for the last 5 years and love to learn more about my heritage through language. My hobbies include cooking it up in the kitchen and watching films (often simultaneously). I will try to cook anything and challenge myself by making it from scratch; my current obsession is sourdough (I <3 my little sourdough starter). I can talk for hours about my favorite movies and TV shows; some honorable mentions include Ocean's 11, Brooklyn 99, and Modern Family. I adore traveling and hope to cross a few places off my bucket list soon!

Why KPL?

Coming to UF, I knew I wanted to establish a strong community where I belonged and felt comfortable being myself. Upon my search, I found Kappas. Immediately after the first recruitment event I attended, I was locked in. I felt an instant connection with the positive energy and love sxsters have for one another. Through my time in Kappas, I have learned so much about myself personally and professionally, and I am truly grateful that I decided to attend my first recruiting event.