Since the day I watched "The Little Mermaid" for the first time, I’ve been obsessed with mermaids. I spent my childhood pretending to be a mermaid in the swimming pool to reading every book that had anything to do with mermaids. When I saw the preview for Freeform’s new show, "Siren," I knew I had to watch it.

Here are some thoughts that popped into my mind during the premiere:

Warning: This article contains spoilers!

1. What creature beheads a shark?!

That must've been one heck of an underwater battle.

2. What color contact brand is the siren using because I want eyes like those. 

They literally stare into your soul.

3. I'm definitely going to hear that siren song in my sleep.

*Scrolls through Spotify to find new earworm* 

4. Wow, that's a lot more blood than I was expecting to see. 

 I guess it's a realistic amount for a guy thrown through a windshield. 

5. I didn't know mermaids could have pointy teeth...or claws...or razor-sharp fins.

Is this how people perceive me when I'm on one of my PMS mood swings?

6. Remind me again how the siren learns to speak English in a day.

It takes me six hours to realize I've been wearing my shirt inside out and backwards.

7. How many times is the siren almost going to kill somebody? 

I consistently have the pulse of a marathon runner. 

Regardless of how weirded out I was at some parts, this mermaid-lover is definitely hooked for the rest of the season. 

Ever worn a denim jacket with a pair of jeans and felt like a “true blue” fashion sinner? You’re not alone––most people seem to believe that denim-on-denim outfits are a major fashion faux pas. Fashion designers now, however, are determined to make denim on denim the newest spring 2018 trend, so here are five interesting ways to make this all-denim look work.

1. Black denim is the new black

Alex's Closet

When we think of denim, we usually picture the classic blue fabric for blue jeans and jean jackets. But black denim has a cool texture and color, and doubling down on it in your outfits could make for a sleeker and more unique style. Try a black denim jacket with a plain white tank underneath, and then add a black denim skirt to finish. A bright blue, all-denim outfit may seem too flashy, but the textures of black denim give off a more rustic-yet-classy feel. It’s the perfect outfit to test the waters and see if denim overkill really is up your alley.

2. Embroidered denim mixed with plain denim

Embroidered pieces are making it big this year, and embroidered denim is no exception. Trendy jean jackets have been featuring embroidered designs like roses and curlicues, and tbh these embroidery and patchwork denim pieces totally complement your plain denim without seeming overwhelming. Try pairing an embroidered, cropped jean jacket over a blouse, then finish it off with an understated pair of jeans to see how you like the new double denim look!

3. Mix different shades together

Hot Hair and Beauty

Dark-wash and light-wash denim pieces can work together harmoniously when you style them properly. Split-colored pieces are becoming increasingly popular, including pairs of denim pants where the legs are half light-wash, half dark-wash. They’re a fun play on the denim-on-denim trend, and pair perfectly with any colored crop top. Pairing an acid-wash denim top with a dark-wash denim bottom or vice versa creates the illusion of a non-denim-on-denim outfit. If you're not into wearing the same exact denim as your top and bottom, play with different washes and find your perfect pair to wear together!

4. Rips are *everything*

The Urbanspotter

Ripped anything just looks edgier, so you can make an otherwise strange denim-on-denim ensemble a lot cooler when you add ripped pieces. Acid-wash, regular wash, big rips or small, test out double-denim by pairing ripped pieces together. Heavily acid-washed light blue denim with huge holes are the most popular right now, along with ripped denim shorts or a denim skirt. 

5. Rock a matching denim set 

Urban Outfitters

Although we try to steer away from matching denim outfits, they can look really chic when done properly. The denim quarter-sleeve shirts with a matching skirt or pair of jeans can look like a sophisticated two-piece outfit. Darker denim tops and bottoms are preferred for a matching denim-on-denim outfit to avoid looking too bright blue and cartoonish. Loose-fitting faded denim jackets, tops and bottoms can also work for matching denim-on-denim outfits. If you're into the jumpsuit kind of style, then head-to-toe denim outfits with the right color and crisp fit can actually look really stylish when you give them a try. 

So, who else is ready for an all-denim closet now? 

Keeping our beauty applicators clean is super important for healthy skin and great makeup looks. Definitely one of the harder tools to clean can be the beauty blender, but Twitter as ~always~ found the perfect solution to all our makeup sponge purifying struggles.

Here's how it works: Put your dirty beauty blender in a cup with soap and water, pop it in the microwave for one minute, and thank the Twitter beauty goddesses later.

While we haven't actually tested out this trick yet, the videos just don't lie. Mind = blown.

Any volunteers willing to microwave their beauty blender in the name of science?

Noor Salman, the widow of 2016 Pulse nightclub shooter Omar Mateen, was found not guilty on all charges early Monday morning. Salman, the center of a three-day deliberation, was accused of helping Mateen carry out the Pulse attack and obstructing justice during the FBI’s investigation, according to The Intercept.

Officials suspected that Salman had provided Mateen with materials that supported terrorism, despite her lack of ties to any radicalism or terrorist groups. According to The Intercept, Salman was actually a victim of her husband’s violence, never aiding him with his crimes.

But that wasn’t the only strange part about Salman’s trial. Prosecutors from the Justice Department were caught lying about Salman allegedly casing Pulse with Mateen – something the FBI clarified as false. Even more strange, Salman had no connection to Pulse prior to the shooting.

Image source: CBS12

And despite a confession signed by Salman herself, per the New York Times, the jury didn’t find Salman at fault for any of the charges. In fact, the confession is suspected to have been coerced and was deemed invalid by both the jury and FBI officials.

Though Salman receiving justice is a great outcome, the hoops she had to jump through are not. Many parts of Salman’s trial are now leading to questions concerning investigations like hers, as well as questioning the conduct of the FBI in these situations.

In the meantime, Salman gets to enjoy her new freedom and rebuild her life after all of the trauma.

The #MeToo movement is still happening and still calling out the people in entertainment who deserve to be exposed for their sexual harassment and assault. The bravery of so many women and men coming forward and telling their stories is paving the way for others to speak up for themselves.

John Kricfalusi, creator of the 1990s Nickelodeon series The Ren and Stimpy Show, was accused of sexually harassing two teenage girls in the 1990s and early 2000s, according to BuzzFeed.

Robyn Byrd and Katie Rice, two women now in their thirties, both have reported harassment as teenagers by Kricfalusi, who promised them both careers working as animators at his studio. Byrd and Rice did not know of each other’s existence at the time, but both eventually came together and compared stories regarding their relationship with Kricfalusi.

Kricfalusi, now 62, employed both Byrd and Rice at his Spumco studio. He was in a romantic relationship with Byrd, beginning when she was 17, and she recalls being coerced into sex with him. He went to visit both girls at their homes as teenagers, and Rice recounted the sexually explicit things he said to her over the phone.

Besides doing animation for Ren and Stimpy on Nickelodeon, Kricfalusi had also worked with Spike TV, Fox Kids, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim, where Buzzfeed reports that he “made his fixation on teenage girls plainly obvious in his art.” His portrait still hangs on the wall at Nickelodeon Studios and, as the Washington Postnoted, the network reportedly made no comment as to whether that would change anytime soon.

Coffee may start coming with a warning label in California after a superior court judge preliminarily ruled that coffee shops hadn’t clearly stated coffee’s potential to cause cancer. The state mandates that food products with cancer-causing agents be clearly labeled with warnings, something that coffee shops haven’t done.

The court claims that shops selling coffee have "failed to meet their burden of proof on their Alternative Significant Risk Level affirmative defense.” The chemical in question? Acrylamide, which is a result of roasting coffee beans.

And while the major coffee companies argue that the acrylamide levels in coffee are harmless in the quantities consumed, public health officials and the law disagreed. Of the defendants, 13 settled prior to the preliminary decision while others, like Starbucks, chose to wait, according to CNN.

This case against coffee started in 2010 with a lawsuit filed by the nonprofit Council for Education and Research on Toxics. The group claimed that consumers were not being adequately warned about the potential danger of consuming coffee.

Attorney Raphael Metzger has been working for eight years on the case and said he was relieved with even this temporary ruling. "It's a good day for public health,” said Metzger.

But don’t put down your java just yet – acrylamide is found in many other foods like potatoes, cereal, cookies, and other baked goods. And experts say that there is still a lot of research to be done. Until then, it looks like at least in California, consumers will have the right information to decide for themselves: to drink, or not to drink coffee.

Let me get one thing straight: I am Timothée Chalamet trash. (and I'm v public about this as I’ve talked about it before.)

I’ve been obsessed with him since awards season, seeing him and Armie Hammer being cute and bro-ing out during press for Call Me By Your Name after playing love interests in the movie.

Source: Giphy

But I’m definitely not the only one who feels Timothée relevant enough to be name-dropping him.

Tyler, The Creator (formerly of rap group Odd Future but definitely a successful solo artist himself) released a surprise new song called “Okra” that referenced the 23-year-old actor.

“Tell Tim Chalamet to come get at me” Tyler raps about 1:40 into the song.

For fans of Tyler and Timothee, this is majorly significant for two big reasons:

1. Timothée is a huge rap fan. (He even had a high school rap persona, Lil Timmy Tim.)
Though he cites Kid Cudi as his biggest musical inspiration, he also has been a fan of Tyler, as one fan on Twitter pointed out.

2. Though he has been criticized for delivering sometimes homophobic lyrics, much of the lyrical content on Tyler the Creator's 2017 album Flower Boy references the fluidity of his sexuality.
"Next line I'll have em' like woah/ I've been kissing white boys since 2004, he says on the song “I Ain’t Got Time.” Tyler confirmed that this is what he had meant, again, on Twitter.

The fact that he mentioned Timothée, who in real life is straight but has played such a high profile gay character in Call Me By Your Name, is a pretty big deal, especially in the rap community where male homosexuality is famously taboo. I'm so here for it.

Also, please enjoy Lil Timmy Tim’s own rap music video, my favorite video on the internet.

We’ve all been there. You’re just casually checking your email – and then you see it. You’ve been dying to hear back about your internship application, and you open it knowing that this is the one­…until you realize it’s a rejection.

Rejections are one of the unfortunate parts of internship application season. To put it bluntly, they suck. After spending hours perfecting your cover letter and resume and prepping for interviews, handling the rejection is tough. But, if you do it correctly, that rejection can actually help you find success in the future. So follow these tips the next time you’re told, “unfortunately, we found a better fit.”

1. Allow yourself to be upset

Bottling up your feelings and trying to ignore them is never good. Go ahead and get a little sad, maybe dig into a pint of ice cream, and then be done with it. Remember that every no is leading you to a yes. Gianna Rocco, a junior at the University of Tampa, says that all the rejections she received were awful, but they ended up paving the way to an even better internship. “Rejection from internships lead me to an offer an acceptance with one of my dream internships, but it took a lot of rejections to get me here,” she says. In the end remember that it’s just an internship, and there will be plenty of other opportunities.

2. Follow up

This step is incredibly daunting. Asking the hiring manager for the reasons why he or she didn’t hire you is terrifying and awful but important. But if you don’t reach out for feedback you won’t know why you were rejected. How can you improve if you don’t know what the issue is? Maybe they really did find someone more qualified, but on the other hand it could also be the way you interviewed, or the format of your resume or the way you wrote your cover letter. The possibilities can drive you crazy.

The hiring manager will never tell you anything nasty, but the critique you receive will help you know what to change the next time you apply for an internship. Marie Knoll, a junior at the University of South Carolina, says that rejection follow-ups are important. “Sometimes I also ask if they know about any other available options,” Marie says. “For one internship, the recruiter actually gave me the email for a different company with a similar position.” Reaching out not only shows that you’re willing to put yourself in a little bit of an awkward situation, it also expresses your drive. The worst thing that can happen is you get no response. This can sometimes happen at some larger companies who recruit through human resources, but even so, there is no harm in trying to reach out. Who knows, in the best-case scenario, maybe they’ll be impressed with your determination and will pass on your resume to a different department.

Related: How to Get a Magazine Internship

3. Stay in touch

Just because you didn’t get an internship with a company doesn’t mean you need to sever ties completely. The rejection might have nothing to do with your skill level, the company might just want someone who has more experience. You’ve heard it before, and we’ll say it again, NETWORK. Networking is key to making connections and opening up opportunities. So connect with recruiters on LinkedIn, and send them emails thanking them for their time. That effort to stay in touch might end up getting you an actual job in the future.

4. Don’t give up

Getting a rejection affects you on a personal level, but you can’t let it prevent you from continuing on. Instead of feeling defeated, apply to another internship. If you can take that defeat and use it as an opportunity to push forward, you'll become more resilient in the future. Take the time to revise your resume and cover letter, and even work on your interviewing skills. Sarah Westbrook, a junior at the University of Vienna, says, “Talk to family and do mock interviews with them. I did one with my dad and it helped prepare me a lot since they know you well and will give you honest feedback on what you're saying.” Everyone deals with rejection, but it’s up to you to turn it into a learning opportunity and make the best of it.

The amount of time it takes just to apply for internships could probably count as another three credits towards your major, so we know that every rejection is like a knife to your ego. But if you use them to improve your skills and prepare for your next opportunity, don’t worry—you’ll get that acceptance email.

China’s Tiangong-1 space lab is expected to fall to Earth by the end of this weekend, according to new re-entry forecasts by the European Space Agency and Aerospace Corp. The space lab is projected to hit Earth sometime between Sunday evening and Monday morning, Space.com reports.

The re-entry path is expected to be within 43 degrees north and 43 degrees south of the equator, which spans from New York City passed Cape Town, CNN reports.

While it is not certain exactly where the debris of Tiangong-1 will end up when it reaches Earth, Aerospace Corp. predicts that, at this point, it will most likely land in the Pacific ocean.

“Some parts of the upper atmosphere are thicker than others meaning the craft slows unpredictably and since it travels around the Earth in just 90 minutes even an uncertainty of a two minutes means the craft could fall anywhere along a 1,000 kilometer track,” Alan Duffy, a research fellow in the Center for Astrophysics and Supercomputing at Swinburne University of Technology in Australia, said.

It is difficult, though, to predict where the remnants of the 9.4 ton space lab will end up. Tiangong-1 is tumbling as it falls to Earth, which makes it hard to determine how atmospheric drag will affect the re-entry path.

“It is tumbling,” Roger Thompson, a senior engineering specialist with Aerospace Corp., told reporters on Wednesday. “We have been able to confirm that there is a tumble, we just can't tell the orientation.”

But there is no need to worry about suddenly being hit by a huge piece of Tiangong-1.

“There is no need for people to worry about its re-entry into the atmosphere,” an article by the China Manned Space Engineering Office said. “It won't crash to the Earth fiercely, as in sci-fi movie scenarios, but will look more like a shower of meteors.”

The chances of being hit by a piece of debris from the space lab is about one in a trillion, as most of Tiangong-1 is expected to burn up in the atmosphere as it re-enters, CNN reports.

The 40-foot long space lab, also dubbed “Heavenly Palace,” was launched in September 2011 as a prototype for a permanent Chinese space station expected to launch in 2022, CNN reports. According to Space.com, Tiangong-1 was meant to test docking systems and other technology to prepare for that permanent space station.

However, according to Space.com, in March 2016, Tiangong-1 stopped communicating with the mission control center in Beijing, and its mission was declared to be over. In 2017, the Chinese government told the United Nations that the space lab had “ceased functioning.”

The Tiangong-2 space lab was launched in September 2016 and successfully put into orbit, CNN reports.

This isn’t the first time that a space lab of this sort has fallen back to Earth. According to CNN, Nasa's first space station, Skylab, fell to Earth in 1979, mostly burning up in the atmosphere during re-entry. The most recent space lab to fall back to Earth was Russia's 135-ton Mir station in 2001, CNN reports.

The humanities—or the study of human culture—are a broad term that can encompass a variety of majors. Whether you’re working toward a degree in art history, anthropology, philosophy, literature, performing arts or visual arts, your humanities major will take you far in life. While you’ve probably heard over and over that you’ll never get a job out of college, and may have even joked about it yourself, you also know that you didn’t go into your field for the money. Here are five benefits of a humanities major—share these the next time someone questions your path.

1. You have excellent communication skills

No matter where your specific major falls under the humanities umbrella, you are constantly improving your oral and written communication skills. Your ability to relay information in a succinct and persuasive way will help you out, regardless of what your future career ends up being.

Kristen Fowler is a junior English major at the University of Alabama who switched her major from mechanical engineering because she missed being able to express ideas through writing. “In my experience, communication is the most important skill to have in the workforce,” she says. “Studying English has honed my writing skills and my public speaking skills, which will help me succeed after college. I look forward to papers and presentations instead of dreading them, because I know I have the ability to express myself clearly.”

Malory Weber is a sophomore at the University of Utah majoring in both international studies and linguistics. “Not only am I learning languages that are always useful,” she says of her linguistics studies, “But I am learning to analyze the impact of languages on the way people think, the choices they make and the opinions they have. That analytical factor stimulates the logic-based part of my brain that most people would turn to math or science for.” Malory plans on attending law school, where these strategies will be extremely beneficial.

2. You can approach a topic from a variety of different perspectives

In your classes within your humanities major, you learn to look at the world from a number of perspectives other than your own. You study various cultures, languages and bodies of work that other majors may not have even heard of. This gives you an advantage when you enter the “real world.”

Royall Bryan is a junior at Christopher Newport University majoring in sociology/anthropology and minoring in writing. “I chose anthro because it’s so versatile,” she says. “I can adapt to most positions because the concepts I’m learning help me understand people’s actions. Learning company culture, assisting dignitaries with customs and just learning about who we are as people were some of the things that drew me to anthro.” Royall is able to combine her love of both knowledge and writing through her humanities major and minor.

Related: What To Do With Your “Impractical” Major

3. You are an avid reader

Due to the nature of your major, you probably have a lot of reading to do for class. Knowing you, though, you already loved reading long before you came to college. Your thirst for knowledge and your passion for literature are going to take you far, trust us. Plus, reading exposes you to different people and ways of thinking, which can make you more empathetic toward others.

Shereen Jeyakumar is a sophomore at Florida Atlantic University minoring in literature. “I absolutely love to delve into written masterpieces,” she says. “It’s always been a great joy of mine. I can’t tell you how many times reading a poem or short story for a literature class has lifted my spirits when I was bogged down with complicated physics equations and organic chemistry reactions.”

Shereen is able to balance her pre-med and literature courses just fine. “Medical schools encourage students to major in the humanities,” she says. “It lets admissions officers know that you’re both open-minded and well-rounded. Even if you don’t end up looking for a career in the humanities, college is a safe space where you can explore your greatest passions, whatever they may be.” We couldn’t agree more.

4. Your creativity is off the charts

While you write papers like a pro (thanks to your awesome communication skills!), you would prefer to complete assignments using the medium you are most passionate about. Whether it’s writing a play or a short story, filming a movie or creating a sculpture, your talents ensure that your homework goes above and beyond what is expected.

Kristen is also pursuing minors in journalism and creative writing. “Studying creative writing has opened me up to an entirely new outlet for creativity,” she says. “Knowing how to write engaging and meaningful creative pieces is a transferable skill. Pairing this minor with my other minor, journalism, I'm preparing myself to succeed in fields such as advertising and marketing.” Did we mention that humanities majors are versatile?

5. When you put your mind to something, you are unstoppable

Most humanities majors require that you write a senior thesis or create a final, cumulative project of some kind. You will put your heart and soul into this task, which happens to be a pretty serious undertaking. This culmination of your years at school will prove to yourself (and everyone else) that you are a force to be reckoned with.

“I’m an English major with a focus in writing, and I think that the humanities are completely underrated,” says Reilly Tuccinard, a senior at the University of South Carolina. “My major has prepared me with an arsenal of skills, from learning to speak my opinion to interpreting a text or situation. They are skills that can be applied to a slew of careers, and skills that will make me a well-rounded candidate in my career and the life I want to pursue. There’s a lot more to it than just reading books, and that’s a misconception that many people can’t grasp. I dare those people to write a 15-page paper exploring the theory of fictional reality, or delve into some of the most prolific novels ever written and maintain their prior sentiments—flipping pages isn’t the only thing we do all day (although it’s one of my favorite parts)!”

It’s pretty clear that majoring in the humanities is a worthwhile choice. “My humanities majors are helping me improve skills that I will need not only professionally, but in every day life,” says Malory. “And they make me unique, because they aren’t typically the majors that people jump to.” No matter what your dream job, you’re sure to achieve your goals—in school and in the workplace. You chose a challenging major, and you are killing it. 

Chicken and waffles is the breakfast from the gods, and just cannot be improved. Until Red Lobster decided to up the game, that is. In honor of this year’s Lobsterfest at Red Lobster, the seafood restaurant is releasing a very special dish: lobster and waffles!

Yes, you read that right: lobster and waffles.

The dish, which rolled out on March 26, consists of golden, fried lobster atop a crispy Cheddar Bay Biscuit waffle, Food & Wine Magazine reports. I mean, just when we needed another excuse to love those delicious, cheddar-y biscuits even more, they turned it into a waffle.

And if that wasn’t enough, the whole thing is topped with a drizzle of sweet maple syrup, to give you a truly decadent, rich, sweet and salty experience.

According to PopSugar, other delicious dishes on the Lobsterfest lineup this year are: Lobster Truffle Mac & Cheese, Dualing Lobster Tails, and Stuffed Tilapia With Langostino Lobster. Yum!

According to Delish, though, the lobster and waffles feast is only available for a limited time, so even if you are unsure about whether to try this masterpiece out, you better go before it’s too late.

The average price for the dish is $19.99, but it depends on the market, Food & Wine reports.

I don’t know about you, but I’m am running over to Red Lobster ASAP. Just one question… Even though the waffle is just like the famous biscuits, I still get my serving of the actual Cheddar Bay Biscuits, right?

Chick-fil-A is taking a big bite out of the Big Apple, opening the world’s largest Chick-fil-A location in New York City. The restaurant, which opened on March 30, has five stories, including a basement prep kitchen and three upper levels with floor-to-ceiling windows specifically meant for dining, Food & Wine Magazine reports.  

This location can seat up to 140 customers, and has two kitchens, ABC News reports.

It’s also the narrowest Chick-fil-A restaurant in the world, coming in at only 15-feet in width, Food & Wine reports.

According to ABC News, the restaurant is also very tech-savvy with mobile and in-store technology to help diners order their food more efficiently and get their their food quickly.

The site, according to Today, is located only half of a mile from Ground Zero and the 9/11 Memorial, and has a rooftop terrace where Chick-fila-A diners can enjoy views of the One World Trade Center while eating the famous chicken sandwich.

The front of the restaurant features some elements in its façade that pays homage to and gives the impression of the Twin Towers, Today reports.

The Chick-fil-A location will remain locally owned by borough resident Luke Cook.

“My family and I are honored to be opening a Chick-fil-A restaurant in lower Manhattan, a part of the city we’ve always loved. We’re so happy to be living, working and raising our children in the most vibrant city and neighborhood in the world. We want this restaurant to be a gathering place for everyone in the community,” Cook said in a press release.

The location will be open Monday through Saturday like all other Chick-fil-A locations.

For seven seasons (and one revival), we watched Lorelai and Rory Gilmore navigate the treacherous waters of school, work, love, friends and growing up. We laughed with (and even at) them, swooned alongside them and looked to them for guidance when they faced challenges similar to ours. In particular, we watched two intelligent, strong women navigate the career world from very different perspectives. Rory was just starting to try to answer the terrifying question of what are you going to do with your life? while Lorelai was taking a step back to reevaluate her answer. Whether you're in high school, college or just joining the work force, we can all look to the Gilmore girls for career advice.

1. Be confident

Know who you are and own it—including your strengths, weaknesses, decisions and mistakes. Lorelai is unabashedly herself and takes full responsibility for her actions, and she tries to instill this sense of self-confidence in Rory from a young age. Remember that terrible double date she had to go on with Sookie and Jackson? She was insulted the practically the entire night, but she didn't let it phase her self-image. Also, Lorelai owns her past—she is not embarrassed and does not deny that she made mistakes as a teenager. Instead, she decided to make her life her own by leaving her parents and dropping out of school, eventually working her way up to management level at the Independence Inn. In the first season, it is hard for her to ask her parents for help paying for Rory's private school education, but she does it anyway, because she cares about her daughter and she knows that she has made her own life on her terms for the past 16 years. 

2. It’s okay to start over

Lorelai left her job at the Independence Inn to start her own business, and while she faced some challenges along the way, her risk paid off. If you feel like you’ve outgrown your current situation—career, academic or otherwise—don’t be afraid to change your life. Sometimes you have to start over from square one.

3. Surround yourself with people who challenge you

Rory and Paris’ friendship is a great example of the importance of having challenging peers because although they started out as each other’s competition, their relationship evolved into a strong friendship. Yes, Paris might have driven Rory crazy sometimes, but she pushed Rory to do her best. You might not have to be wildly competitive with someone to reap the benefits of a friendship, but it’s a good idea to associate with people who make you want to be a better version of yourself. 

4. Work hard now so you can reap the benefits later

Both Lorelai and Rory are examples of girl bosses who aren’t afraid of hard work. Despite financial and personal challenges they each face throughout their career paths, they stay determined and kept persisting. We can all take a page out of the Gilmore girls’ books when we’re stuck at that terrible (and unpaid) internship that might be hard at the time, but will seriously help you get where you want to go. 

5. Maintain a strong support system

From phone calls with your mom to brunch dates with your best friend to happy hour with colleagues, invest time in the relationships in your life. Rory and her mom are the definition of mother-daughter goals, and they definitely needed one another throughout the series. Rory also could rely on her strong friendships, like Lane and Paris, while Lorelai could count on Sookie. 

6. Don’t be ashamed to be smart and show it

While we might not all be Rory Gilmore-level genius, we have something to contribute, and shouldn’t be afraid to engage in conversations at work. Paris did not shy away from her ambitions, instead she pursues them in full force, often leaving chaos in her wake. If anyone tried to silence Paris or make her feel inferior, you can expect a clapback of epic proportions ("If you need some love, get a hooker" anyone?) While Paris is sometimes the enemy character in the show, you have to admire her strength, persistence and confidence. While she might not care how people respond to her straightforwardness, she does value herself. Your input is valuable and your perspective is unique, why stifle it with self-doubt? 

7. Don’t let distractions hold you back

In the very first episode of Gilmore Girls, Rory meets a cute boy (Dean) and second-guesses her decision to transfer from her local high school to the fancy private school Chilton. But her mother quickly reminds her what is truly important, because boys come and go, but some opportunities are once in a lifetime. Don’t get sidetracked by something that seems super important now if you know five years (or even five days) from now it won’t matter. 

8. Be stubborn about your goals

Don’t let self-doubt or naysayers prevent you for going for what you want. But a goal without a plan is just a dream. Take the time to reflect on where you want to go and how you will get there. 

9. But also be a little flexible

Your five-year plan might hit a major roadblock—and that’s okay! Rory had her heart set on a fellowship at TheNew York Times and turned down other jobs in hopes of working at her dream job. However, when she did not get the position, she had to reassess her next move. Nothing always goes exactly according to plan, so be prepared to reevaluate your career strategy at every turn.

10. Failure can only stop you if you let it

Rory hit a rough patch in college and needed some time to regroup. But she returned to Yale to become editor-in-chief of the Yale Daily News and even when she graduated from college without a set post-grad plan, she embraced her freedom. She persisted, kept applying to jobs and eventually got an amazing opportunity as a journalist for a presidential campaign. 

11. Coffee can get you far 

Sometimes all you need is a strong cup of coffee to help you power through.

In the end, the main lesson we can take away from watching the career ups and downs the Gilmores navigated through the years is that everything might not turn out exactly the way you want, but that's okay. You have to dedicate yourself to being the best you can be at whatever you're doing at the moment. And if you've been working so hard lately and you're in desperate need of a break, maybe a few episodes of Gilmore Girls are the exact inspiration you need to get reenergized (consider this the doctor's order). 

Okay, this is fake. But pet natal charts would be a dream.
(April Fools!)

Having a wide-open summer can be a bit of a bummer—but it can also be a blessing! Don’t fret about not having a booked and busy few months because there are tons of ways to spend your free time. We got the lowdown from collegiettes on how they’ve spent past summers so you can start making plans!

1. Travel

Who doesn’t want to take a dream trip to Europe or the classic American road trip? If you’ve had traveling on your mind, a plan-free summer is the perfect time to go through with it. Take advantage of your free time and book that hotel, buy those flights or pack up the car for the trip of a lifetime.

Rachael McCulloch, a third-year student at Carleton University, spent last summer on a French exchange program in Quebec. While she was a bit hesitant at first, she decided to give it a try. “I wanted the opportunity to travel while still earning course credits, and I'm so glad I did!” says Rachael. “The trip was a much-needed step outside of my hometown and comfort zone. I definitely recommend combining travel with learning for anyone who has the chance!"

Chelsea Schroeder, a freshman at Bowling Green State University, also recommends spending the summer traveling—but it doesn’t necessarily have to be a long trip. “I would definitely say just go [on] small, spontaneous road trips a few hours away,” says Chelsea. “It's the most fun when you have no idea what your exact plans are!”

Whether you plan a long, faraway journey or a simple, spontaneous trip, summer can be the perfect time to set out and explore. If you have a few weeks (or even a few days), consider spending your free time exploring a new place!

Related: Your Guide to Planning the Perfect Summer Trip

2. Learn something new

Whether you take a class at the local community college, sign up to barista at your favorite coffee shop or just stay in and finally teach yourself how to French braid, that chunk of free time this summer can be a great opportunity to learn something new. We know that summer is probably your sacred time away from school, but there’s so much more you can learn outside of your university.

“The summer before I went abroad, I brushed up on my Spanish,” says Alex Watson, a senior at New York University. “When I came home from my summer job, I’d use Rosetta Stone and an app called Duolingo to practice my speaking. It was a great use of my free time and it really came in handy when I was abroad.”

If you’ve always wanted to learn about a certain subject or specific skill, take advantage of these next few months to do so! Sign up for a class, download an app or reach out to someone in your industry and pick up a few new skills this summer.

3. Volunteer

If you’ve ever wanted to contribute to an organization you love but haven’t had the time, now’s your chance! Consider using your freedom this summer to volunteer at an organization near you. Think about helping out at your local Humane Society, lending a hand at a soup kitchen or volunteering during a race that donates to a cause you’re interested in.

If you’re thinking about volunteering but don’t know where to start, consider using a resource like VolunteerMatch. You can plug in where you are and what interests you, and the site will generate opportunities near you. Time to get volunteering!

4. Try something you’ve always wanted to

Summer is a time to be spontaneous, so why not try something you’ve always wanted to? If you’ve been longing to try something out or cross something off your bucket list, maybe now is your chance!

Olivia Shaw, a senior at UNC Greensboro, finally decided to get a tattoo last summer. “I'd been wanting to get a dove tattoo on my forearm for three years, and I finally just walked into a tattoo parlor and did it one day,” she says. “I was nervous, but it felt so amazing to check something off my bucket list! I think summer is the perfect time to gather your courage and do something you've wanted to do for a while. It definitely makes your summer more memorable.”

If there’s something on your bucket list that has been on there for a while, maybe it’s about time to check it off! If you’ve always wanted to get into photography, buy a camera. Always wanted to get your first aid certification? Take a class. Take advantage of this time and do something you’ve been considering for a while.

5. Catch up on reading

Many of us collegiettes wish we had the time for some pleasure reading, but let’s be honest—we’d rather spend it on Netflix. If you’ve got a few free months this summer, consider spending some of it catching up on your reading list.

“As a grad student, I have a lot of assigned readings and, sometimes, the best I can do is skim the not-so-urgent ones,” says Sydnee Lyons, a first-year graduate student at Florida Atlantic University. “So, I like to keep a running list of the readings that looked really interesting to me but that I didn't get to spend enough time with and go back to them during the summer months off—at my own pace and at the beach,” she says.

Whether it’s for fun or for work, think about spending your extra time catching up on the reading you’ve let build up over the past year or so. We’re all guilty of putting it off, so summer is the perfect time to play catch up!

6. Take up a new job or internship

If you’ve spent past summers relaxing on the beach and soaking up the glory of three months with no responsibilities, it can be hard to bring yourself to get a job instead. But summer is an awesome time of year to try out a new job and boost your resume.

“The summer between my sophomore and junior year, I decided to stay in the city and try a new internship,” says Alex. “Normally I’d go home for the summer, and usually I’m too busy during the school year to do an internship, so it turned out to be the perfect opportunity. It was great to learn more about my field, make a little money and avoid the boredom of home!”

If you lack the time for a job or internship during the semester, consider using your summer to take one on. Learn something new about your field, make a little money and get a new experience!

7. Stay at school

Sure, summer and school don’t mix well in our minds—but why not?

Spending your summer on campus means many opportunities and benefits. Many college campuses transform for the summer. For example, Harvard, American University and Boston University—among many other schools—offer programs for high school students. So if you’re looking to make a little money and stay on campus, consider signing up to supervise! Check out what your school does during the summer and see if you can get involved.

Moreover, summertime can be a great opportunity to catch up on classes and get ahead in your academic career. Oftentimes, colleges offer a different curriculum during the summer, so see if there are any classes you’re interested in taking. And if you’re looking to get ahead or graduate early, see what requirements you can knock off your plate!

While you may have booked your past summers with plans to the brim, it’s not so bad to have a completely plan-free summer once in a while. A free summer gives you the time to try new things, explore and relax. If you’re trying to fill up your summer months, consider taking these collegiettes’ advice!

Probably not, TBH. But April fools! 

You wish we did this work for you. Sorry, April Fools!