Good morning Her Campus! With a break-neck news cycle, there is no possible way for you to stay on top of every story that comes across your feeds—we’re all only human, after all.

But, life comes at you fast. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this quick and dirty guide to stories you might’ve been sleeping on (like, literally. It’s early.)

Protestors Took to Downtown Sacramento Following the Release of Stephon Clark's Autopsy

On Friday evening, protestors took to the streets of downtown Sacramento after an independent autopsy by Dr. Bennet Omalu revealed that Stephon Clark, an unarmed black man who was killed by police in his own backyard several weeks ago, was shot at least seven times in his back, the Huffington Post reports.

Protestors marched throughout downtown Sacramento throughout most of the weekend, and despite the fact that the marches were largely peaceful and no arrests were made, a 61-year-old woman was struck by a police vehicle as it drove through protestors. The California Highway Patrol is investigating the incident and has yet to confirm whether it is being classified as a hit and run. 

Trump Tweets "No More DACA Deal"

In yet another tweetstorm on Sunday, President Trump vowed that he would no longer be willing to negotiate with Democrats to find common ground on DACA, also threatening to back out of NAFTA, an agreement that eliminates trade barriers between Mexico, Canada and the U.S. "Border Patrol Agents are not allowed to properly do their job at the Border because of ridiculous liberal (Democrat) laws like Catch & Release," Trump tweeted. "Getting more dangerous. 'Caravans' coming. Republicans must go to Nuclear Option to pass tough laws NOW. NO MORE DACA DEAL!"

It is unclear whether Trump's tweet signals an actual policy change, or whether it was in response to a 'Fox and Friends' segment that aired minutes before, which addressed the "caravans" Trump referenced in his tweet. According to the New York Times, Trump reportedly refused to answer questions from reporters Sunday morning regarding whether he has changed his stance on DACA and immigration.

Apple Releases "Battery Health" iPhone Feature

After admitting back in December that it slows down older iPhones to prevent battery shutdowns, Apple is making good on its promise to be more transparent about the practice. As such, the company has released a new feature, called "Battery Health," as part of iOS 11.3 that allows users to turn off their phones' slowdown features. Additionally, "Battery Health" will let you see if your phone supports "peak performance capability." (A.k.a, whether or not your battery needs to be replaced.) 

It's important to note, though, that even if you do turn off the slowdown feature as a result of an old battery, your phone may be more prone to unexpectedly shutting down as a result of being overloaded by particularly demanding apps and tasks, so do so at your own risk!

Meme of the day:

Because Mondays, right?

With the season 2 of BET’s The Quad wrapping on April 3, actor Jake Allyn is still as busy as ever. He recently landed a guest role on NCIS and is continuously working on new projects. In the past, he's appeared in The Middle, Blood Relatives and held the male lead in Overexposed, which premiered on Lifetime Movies. Allyn took some time to chat with Her Campus about his experience working with his brother, director Conor Allyn, his biggest inspirations in the entertainment industry and his biggest guilty pleasure TV series.

Her Campus: You currently star as BoJohn Folsom, the first white quarterback at a historically black college, in the hit BET series The Quad. Do you think your experience playing football in high school and at Cornell University has helped you with this role at all?

Jake Allyn: Obviously, first and foremost, just knowing the game inside and out helps a lot from the footwork to actually playing football in all those types of scenes to the jargon in scenes where we're in the coach's office and things like that. I actually read the script and know exactly what we're talking about right off the bat. All of that helps, even getting used to wearing football pads. Some actors might have trouble with their lines now that they've got a mouthpiece in and a helmet strapped to their head and shoulder pads and uncomfortable pants. Sadly, I'm pretty used to all that. I would definitely say that even more than that is growing up in Texas and playing high school football, and then college football gave me a greater understanding of the full game and its importance within communities and within families. There's always that classic family that loves football but also needs football economically for their family. They need Bo's success to save the family. I think growing up around the game, you learn and understand that same importance and how a family could be that way.

HC: Besides The Quad, you’ve held a variety of roles on shows including The Middle, Blood Relatives and NCIS. Do you have a favorite and/or least favorite character that you’ve played?

JA: NCIS is coming to mind right off the bat just because it's the most recent probably. That was a really fun experience not only for the acting part but just getting to be around a show that's successful for that long and really just learning from the veterans on the show, such as Mark Harmon and Maria Bello and people like that. Simply getting to sit in a table-read with them and watch them work was very surreal and very cool for me. Mark Harmon could not have been a nicer guy. To see somebody like him who's been on a show for 15 or 16 seasons and had such a successful show for that long is admirable. When we walked in for the table read, he introduced himself to me like we were making a little pilot. To have that excitement and work ethic is something I hope that I can carry forward that experience.

HC: Even though you went to Cornell University on a football scholarship and majored in history, you’ve followed a very different career path. At what point did you know you wanted to become an actor? Have you ever doubted your choice to become one?

JA: I've doubted it many times. I used to think when I would have these self-doubts, "Oh man, I can't have these doubts because then I definitely won't be successful." I've had my fair share of ups and downs. You're mentioning some of the other roles I've been in. I've been blessed to be able to work a good amount and on those shows, but there's many roles I've auditioned for that I didn't get. That hurt really bad. I definitely am one of those actors that has the tendency to take some of the rejection personally. Ultimately, our job is to connect emotionally to a character and to a storyline, so to do my job well, I have to become attached to it. It's hard to break off after that. My thing is that if I have my doubts, I usually take the weekend to watch a few of my favorite films that always remind me why I got into this business. That's my go-to if I'm feeling down.

HC: You come from a family of producers and screenwriters. What’s the most important thing you’ve learned from watching and working alongside them? Have you received any specific advice?

JA: My older brother is a director, and so the best thing I've learned from working with him is just to go for it. Nobody wants you to be better than the director and the producer and the casting director in terms of doing an audition. It's a nerve-wracking room most of the time and just the experience is a weird one. You need to learn to comprehend that they want you to kick ass and want you to be good. Understanding that really helped me out and just going for it, that swing for the fences mentality. If you're just okay in 20 auditions, you might not get any of them, but if you really swing for the fences, your choices might be off. You might not get 15 of them because they might think you're way too aggressive or way too funny, but you'll find that in the other five, they'll say, "Wow, he was great. I want to work with that guy." That's the approach I take into the rooms.

HC: Who in the entertainment industry inspires you? Why?

JA: Taylor Sheridan and Ryan Coogler are my two dream directors that I'd love to work with. I think they do an amazing job of making just good, enjoyable, great classic movies, while never forgetting that we work in an industry that has to have a mindset to create social change and raise awareness in today's world. Movies likeWind River that came out last year, or Hell or High Water from Taylor Sheridan, and then a movie like Fruitvale Station from Ryan Coogler, I think are perfect examples of that.

HC: If you could go back and play a character from any movie ever made, who would it be? Why?

JA: Oh man, that's a tough question. If they remade On the Waterfront with Marlon Brando, I think I would love that challenge. I'd be pretty scared, but I think that would be pretty damn cool.

HC: What’s your biggest guilty pleasure movie or television series?

JA:  Don't know if this is a guilty pleasure, but maybe Friends. You just kind of turn your mind off and laugh. That or Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Let me change it to Always Sunny.

It happens in pretty much every relationship — you’re on cloud nine and it feels like nothing could go wrong. Then out of nowhere, a disagreement arises. Soon it turns into your first full-blown fight and you guys have to pick up the pieces. You can’t even remember how it escalated, but it went from zero to 100 real quick. And the fights will probably keep coming back.

Fighting is a normal and inevitable part of every relationship, and it can even be beneficial. But it is hard to do it well. That’s why we’re bringing you the tools to help you improve your fights and your relationship. There’s method to this madness (literally) and we’re going to show you exactly what it is.

We’ve enlisted the expert help of Jay Hurt, relationship coach and author of The 9 Tenets of a Successful Relationship, as well as others who have their own words of wisdom from long-term relationships. And as someone who’s been in a relationship for three years, I feel I can share what I’ve learned with you as well.

Why do couples fight?

Fighting can seriously suck, but why does it continue to happen? “Generally [it’s] because of a lack of communication in one form or another,” Hurt says. “Most fights could be avoided if we as individuals made sure we were clear on our understanding of our partner and we took a moment to try to see things from their perspective.” You’ve probably heard it a million times, and we’ll say it again (sorry) but it really is true — communication is key.

Is it bad to fight in a relationship?

Does fighting frequently suggest incompatibility? Not necessarily. “Fighting frequently could be an example of two people who never learned how to communicate properly with each other,” Hurt says. “Fighting can also be an example of lashing out at your mate about something not related to your mate at all.” Sometimes maybe your SO has been bottling up their emotions, and you're the last straw on the camel's back. “It could be the only release they know,” he adds. “Fights/arguments are always symptoms, never the root cause of misbehavior problems in a relationship.” Fights can also help you grow and learn as a couple and be a form of expressing yourself. You might learn a lot about your partner through how they handle conflict and fights.

“Fighting isn’t bad because you’re just talking about your feelings cause you have to,” Dora, a recent graduate from The University of British Columbia, says. “It’s good but can do damage if you don’t know how to do it sensitively and sensibly.” How about from a guy’s perspective? Alan*, a college sophomore, weighs in. “I think it’s healthy and okay. If you don’t fight you might be neglecting your own feelings. But if you fight in the wrong way, then you might be belittling the feelings of another person. So it’s important to fight properly.”

A study found that fighting can be even good for your health; people who repressed their feelings of anger during fights had a shorter life span than those who allowed their emotions to manifest and discussed the issue.

Remember those cute emotion characters in Inside Out? You have to acknowledge and accept your emotions, because repressing them will negatively impact your emotional well-being and happiness. So while fights themselves aren’t necessarily bad for your relationship, how you fight is what really counts. Plus, improving how you fight may help it happen less in the future!

Related:4 Steps to Resolving a Fight With Your SO

Ways to improve (and even prevent) fights with your SO

1. Try to communicate effectively

You’ve heard it time and time again, but it’s for good reason. Proper communication is truly one of the pillars of a healthy, lasting relationship — and it could be the key to fixing your fighting habits. “If we listen well, communicate effectively and make it a goal to be unselfish in relationships, we will minimize the fighting and make the fights we have minor in our relationships,” Hurt says. That sounds pretty good to us!

Ways to improve communication:

• Instead of putting on your fight mode as soon as your SO says something critical, pause and listen closely to what they are saying first. You might feel attacked, but chances are (hopefully) that’s not their intention.
• Try to acknowledge what the other person says: This will help both of you understand how you each feel. It helps to communicate that you’re actually considering what they’re saying and valuing their feelings. You might have been listening, but if you don’t give any verbal affirmation, your partner may think you weren’t.
• Don’t give the silent treatment — it’s immature and rude and it won’t accomplish anything.
• Check your body language. Try not to have a closed off stance, like folding your arms, and look at them when they’re talking to you.
• This should be pretty obvious, but don’t go on your phone or laptop when your partner is talking to you — this is also disrespectful and can add fuel to the fire.

2. Listen carefully and try to understand their feelings

Listening is half the battle in communicating effectively. After all, communication is a two-way street. There are always two sides to a story — so instead of trying to project or assume what they are feeling, take the time to actually listen and consider their perspective. “When you think of them first and consider their feelings first, you are less likely to have reason to become upset or frustrated,” Hurt says.

Here’s some more food for thought from a college guy’s perspective. “The difficult thing about fighting is putting yourself in the shoes of the other person,” Alan says. “And that is the key to peacefully resolving and understanding why they are feeling what they’re feeling.” Once you understand why they are feeling or acting a certain way, you might have a completely different view on the situation.

3. Don’t try to read their mind and make assumptions

As cool as it would be if we were all like Professor X, it’s not possible. So stop trying to be like an X-Men and reading people’s minds. “Most fights could be avoided if we as individuals made sure we were clear on our understanding of our partner and we took a moment to try to see things from their perspective,” Hurt says.

Also, never assume anything. It’s obvious, but not something people always put into practice: the best way to know what someone is thinking or feeling is to ask! “People can be so quick to assume, especially when you’re close to them,” Dora says. “Ask enough questions so you actually understand why they’re feeling the way they’re feeling and it’s actually coming from their mind not yours.” This isn’t a mystery for you to solve Sherlock style — just ask until you understand.

4. Don’t name-call

If you love this person, why would you ever want to put them down? “Never make it personal,” Hurt says. “Try to remember, you are upset, but you love this person. You want them to hear you, not for you to hurt them.”

Plus, name-calling can build resentment and contempt — not feelings you want to foster in any relationship. This pretty much sums it up: when you’re fighting, don’t attack the person.

5. Take a breather

If you’re getting super fired up and it’s escalating from zero to 100 real quick, sometimes it’s best to take a step back and cool off — whatever that means for you, whether it’s breathing deeply for 20 seconds or returning to the issue a few hours later.

“If it's just too heated and no one can ‘hear’ anyone at some point — take some time to walk away and come back and address with cooler heads later,” Hurt says. Be aware of when it’s getting out of hand and recognize when it’s time to take a step back so that you can discuss the issue at the best time.

6. Discuss the mistakes in your past arguments

Learn from your mistakes — it’s a cliché, but for good reason. If you take time to discuss with your partner what went wrong in your last fight, it might be your saving grace the next time things get heated.

“Know your defense mechanisms and know how to navigate around them so that you don’t continue making the same mistakes,” recommends Amanda*, a senior at The University of British Columbia. If you’ve been fighting about the same thing over and over again with no progress being made, try to rethink how you are going about it. Talking after a fight and trying to understand what went wrong can help you improve your understanding of each other and your compassion.

7. Have a game plan for fighting

There are different fighting styles, so understand that your partner may not fight the same way as you do. And once you’re aware of their tendencies, you can be better prepared to handle a disagreement.

After your fights, taking time to reflect isn’t enough — you need to apply what you learned to your future disagreements. Discussing when to compromise is also helpful.

8. Don’t use absolutes

Avoid saying “always” and “never.” “Never use absolutes because when you’re saying ‘you never listen to me’ or ‘you always mess up,’ it’s ignoring all the positive aspects and habits of the other person,” Alan says.

When you tell your partner that they never listen to you, you might be undermining all the times they did listen to you. Unless it really is an issue where they “always” or “never” say or do something, take a cue from Justin Bieber and “never say never.”

9. Try to show love and selflessness during fights

When you’re in the middle of an argument, the last thing you probably want to do is be loving to your partner. But it could make all the difference.

It also might help calm all the emotions you’re feeling. “Fights come from lack of the following — listening, understanding, caring, patience, compassion, empathy ... the list goes on and on,” Hurt says. “The best way to prevent fights is to try to put your partner first in all things — true unselfishness.” Sometimes just reaching out and letting them know you still love them can help bring your problems into perspective and help you see the bigger picture.

10. Don’t try to win a fight

Your relationship isn’t a game — there aren’t any winners in a fight. Trust me, coming from someone who’s super competitive, this isn’t the time to bring it. “It’s important not to a win a fight. What matters isn’t whether you win but how you fight,” Alan says. “So to understand someone else is to love them, not just try to force you upon them.”

Dora agrees. “Arguing is not like a debate,” she says. “The only way to win in a relationship is if you’re both happy. If the other person isn’t happy, you’re not winning either.” Let’s channel that competitive energy into something else, shall we?

Fights can be inevitable, but what you can control is how you fight. Everyone has different ways of dealing with fighting and remember what works for someone else might not necessarily work for you. So try these different ways of coping and stick with the ones that work best for you and your SO!

*Name has been changed

Thanks to his cowboy boots, belt buckle, insane yodeling, and a tweet that's been shared over 168,000 times since publication, 10-year-old Mason Ramsey has captured our hearts through social media.

As noted by PopCulture, Mason was spotted belting his heart out with Hank Williams Sr.'s song "Love Sick Blues" in one of the aisles of a Walmart in Harrisburg, Illinois.

The video quickly garnered meme-ability, some users finding hilarious resemblances to other pop-culture moments (we're looking at you "Spongebob") to others gushing about how amazing it is. I mean, the whole thing is just iconic — it can't get any more American than country music sung by a boy wearing a little country outfit in a Walmart.

It's not the first time Mason has been spotted singing in Walmart before — a quick search on YouTube reveals other his aisle-side concerts, as well as other videos of the 10-year-old singing covers, even appearing on local radio station Beaver 100.3 FM to share his musical talents with his community.

Until then, it won't take long until we see him yodeling on "The Ellen Show."

Seth Rogen is known for being a jokester. Netflix? Not so much. So, color me shocked when Netflix played a joke on all of us using Seth Rogen!

Yesterday, while everyone was facing down the Sunday Scaries, Monday Blues and some of us were staring down yet another plate of food from Passover or Easter weekend, Netflix dropped the hilarious bomb that not only had they acquired Seth Rogen's body of work, oh no. They acquired the man himself! 

According to Bustle, a press release was sent out yesterday from the streaming king that stated, "World-renowned Canadian person ... and winner of the 2015 MTV Movie Award for 'Best Kiss' Seth Q. Rogen has entered into a lifetime deal to transfer full ownership of his personal autonomy to Netflix, Inc."

As if that wasn't already hilarious enough, senior Netflix Development Executive Jareth Chumley added, "I have known Seth for many years. After a wrap party in late 2017, Seth approached me and said something like ‘Jesus F--king Christ Jarbear, I would sell my soul for a f--kin enchilada right now.’ And so basically that was how the idea was born. In the end we settled on a price a little higher than a standard Chili’s To-Go entree, but I’ll be damned, not by that much.”

Of course, the funny man himself played into the joke as well! Variety reported Rogen saying. "As a general rule, I don’t really ‘read’ anything before I sign it. That’s what Danny is for, he handles that for me, mostly." He gestured toward an elderly man in a poncho sleeping on the couch behind him.

They even set up an email account for it! If you email srogen@netflix.com, this is the hilarious response: "Hello loyal fan / persistent detractor. I am currently away from my desk paying the ultimate price for my hubris of an all-burrito diet. If you have an urgent concern, please follow one of the following options: If you have any compliments you would like to give me (for instance: 'Seth, you’re so attractive! People who say your voice sounds like a cartoon pig are wrong!'), please feel free to post them online in as many places as possible."

Though absolutely hilarious, the April Fool's joke was actually in promotion of Rogen's new Netflix special Hilarity for Charity that will drop onto the streaming service this Friday, April 6th. The special will include special guests such as Post Malone and the Muppets, as well as many others, performing in a variety show that benefits the charity of the same name that, according to their website, is "dedicated to raising awareness, inspiring change, and accelerating progress in Alzheimer’s care, research, and support through the engagement of millennials."

A hilarious joke and an amazing special, all for a good cause. Check out the special this Friday on Netflix!

Today, a teenager named Ethan Couch walked out of jail. Several years ago, Couch killed four people while drunk driving and avoided a significance sentence by claiming he was a spoiled rich kid who didn’t know any better. During the accident, his blood alcohol content was triple the legal limit. Couch’s family settled with the families of all four victims of his drunk driving accident, and he was simply sentenced ten years of probation for manslaughter.

However, in 2015, someone tweeted a video of Couch playing beer pong, which is a clear probation violation. Instead of meeting with his probation officer, he then escaped to Mexico with his mother, Tonya. They were captured in 2015 after they ordered pizza with a cell phone. Couch was then sentenced two years of jail. Today, he was released, as the New York Daily News reports.

How did such a clear criminal initially get off with just probation? Well, at his trial, his lawyers argued that he had “affluenza”, meaning that he came from a rich family that didn’t teach him right from wrong.

Psychologist G. Dick Miller, who testified for Couch, later told CNN, “I wish I hadn't used that term. Everyone seems to have hooked onto it. We used to call these people spoiled brats.”

According to Tim Williams, a volunteer chaplain who has been visiting Couch in jail, Couch is a changed person from who he was two years ago.

“I haven't seen arrogance in Ethan in more than nine months,” he told theStar-Telegram newspaper.

Couch’s release has infuriated groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving, who believe Couch deserved a significantly stronger sentence.

Have you ever considered what you might do in case of a dinosaur attack? Or at least how you could be warned whether dinosaurs are in your range? ThinkGeek has created something that really has our backs: the Jurassic World Dinosaur Detection System

Unfortunately, though this product would be awesome to have on your desk, it isn’t actually for sale. *cries as I put away my money* When you go on ThinkGeek to buy the product, you’ll quickly realize it’s a joke -- the “Buy Now” button will lead you to a “GOTCHA!” page complete with Salt Bae.

Though we hope you aren’t preparing for a dinosaur attack, the Jurassic World Dinosaur Detection System is a pretty great desk accessory and conversation starter. You could probably even DIY one if you really want a creative cup coaster.

Whether you’re a diehard college basketball fan or you filled out a bracket based on which team has the cuter mascot, you know that this March has been absolutely maddening. (Not sure what March Madness is? Click here for a primer.) The No. 1 seeded Virginia Cavaliers lost to the No. 16 seeded UMBC Retrievers for the biggest upset in March Madness history. (Good boys, Retrievers!) Loyola Chicago was the third No. 11 seed ever to make the Final Four. Xavier, a No. 1 seed, lost in the Round of 32 to a No. 9 seed, Florida State.

But after a thrilling month of unpredictable upsets, we have arrived upon the last day of March Madness: the National Championship game. Today, No. 1 seed Villanova will battle No. 3 seed Michigan for the title of NCAA Men’s Basketball National Champion. Of the millions of brackets that people filled out this year, only 37,356 correctly picked the matchup between Villanova and Michigan. (For the record, I was one of them!)

Just a few short days ago, Michigan suffered an excruciating game against Loyola Chicago. Michigan was losing the vast majority of the game, and didn’t come up from behind until the very end. By and large, that’s how Michigan has been playing this tournament. Other than an anomaly of a game when they blew Texas A&M out of the water, every single Michigan game this tournament has been a nail-biter. It may be an ugly way to win, but Michigan always manages to win. Every single time.

Villanova, on the other hand, is on an incredibly hot streak. Immediately after Michigan struggled to beat a No. 11 seed, Villanova played on the exact same court and beat No. 1 seed Kansas 79-95. Villanova has beaten every single team it’s played this tournament by double digits. For this reason, almost every single ESPN expert has predicted that Villanova will win. This means it will be the first time in the tournament that Michigan will be the underdog.

The game is tonight at 9:20 ET on CBS. Tune in to find out which team will take home the title of champion!

This past month, dozens of news stations across the country read incredibly similar scripts on air, saying this like, “The sharing of biased and false news has become all too common on social media” and “Some members of the media use their platforms to push their own personal bias.” These scripts were mandated by Sinclair Broadcast Group, the company that owns these news outlets, and last month, CNN reported that the scripts made local news anchors “uncomfortable.”

You may not have heard of Sinclair Broadcast Group, but you’ve likely heard of some of the television stations that it owns. It’s affiliated with ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox, and owns many local news stations. You can check out this list to see if your local news station is owned by Sinclair.

Over the weekend, Timothy Burke, the video director at Deadspin, stitched together dozens of speeches from local news anchors, emphasizing how eerily similar they were.

This video has resulted in widespread criticism, as Sinclair has been accused of having ties with the Trump administration, and these forced reads seem to support Trump’s war on the media.

Trump responded to the criticism of Sinclair via Twitter on Monday.

The speeches about media bias aren’t the only scripts that Sinclair has mandated of its news stations. According to CNN, news stations owned by Sinclair are also required to feature the recurring segment “Terrorism Alert Desk: and commentaries from former Trump campaign adviser Boris Epshteyn.

Former Disney Channel star Alyson Stoner was part of our childhoods in so many ways. She starred in Cheaper by the Dozen, "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody,""Phineas and Ferb,"Step Up and Camp Rock. Since her Disney Channel days, Stoner has been active in the music industry and released a new single only days ago, called “When It’s Right.”

In conjunction with her new new song, Stoner wrote a personal essay for Teen Vogue where she opens up about the tumultuous journey she took to accept her bisexuality.

“A girl who changed everything I knew about myself as a woman, human being, and performer,” she writes. “My new single ‘When It’s Right’ is the first painting of a vivid new world I now call home, and she’s the main inspiration.”

Stoner relays her confusing experience she had trying to figure out the source of feelings after meeting this woman at a dance workshop and their interactions afterward. Growing up in a religion that believed gay relations were sinful, she struggled internally and externally, even going as far as trying conversion therapy to correct what many believed to be a problem.

“Our bond didn't feel quite sisterly or platonic. Flashes of her smile progressed to flashes of her wavy hair followed by the curve of her hips through her straight-leg pants,” she writes. “I realized I had never fantasized about a guy this way, nor really ever felt comfortable dating guys. Come to think of it, I stared at women’s bodies more than anything. But wasn’t that just societal conditioning or the unattainable beauty standards that fuel comparison and objectification? I refused to entertain other possibilities.”

After many years of struggle, Stoner finally accepts her sexual identity,and she tells other women in her place to know there’s nothing wrong with them: “I, Alyson, am attracted to men, women, and people who identify in other ways. I can love people of every gender identity and expression...If you’re questioning or struggling with your sexuality, gender identity, or anything else, know that I and so many who’ve gone before us are with you. Whatever your identity, you are lovable and wonderful and enough.”

I highly recommend taking five minutes out of your busy day to read the full essay because it will make you see things differently in the best possible way. Find it here.

This spring, the sneaker trend is showing no signs of going anywhere — and whether you’re an edgy, mysterious Scorpio or a Leo who gravitates toward all things eye-catching, every star sign needs a go-to pair of sneakers in her life. They’re comfy, go with everything from flirty sundresses to jeans and a tee, and add carefree spring vibes to any outfit. Read on to shop the must-have sneakers for your zodiac sign — though you might just want them all.

Aries

Adidas Tubular Viral 2 ($89)

Independent, go-getting Aries is always the first to try adventurous new trends — which is why Adidas’s edgy-meets-sporty Tubular sneaker, which stands out in a sea of the brand’s more popular Superstar sneaker, is the perfect pick.

Taurus

Comme Des Garcons PLAY Converse High Top Sneakers ($125)

It’s no secret that the Taurus girl loves a little bit of luxury in her life. The Comme Des Garcons x Converse collaboration takes a steadfast classic and adds a chic twist that’s ideal for the fashion-forward Taurus collegiette who can’t necessarily afford the four-digit price tags on CDG’s other pieces.

Gemini

Topshop Travis Flower Slip-On Trainers ($48)

Vivacious and bubbly, the Gemini girl is just as fun and flirty as these floral slip-ons. Paired with a cute mini skirt, they’ll become your go to spring look.

Cancer

Vans High Top Sneakers ($58)

As an artistic and intuitive Cancer, chances are, all shades of lilac and violet are already your go-to colors. This classic pair of vans in an on-trend shade of ultraviolet (it was Pantone’s 2018 color of the year!) are right up your alley.

Leo

Madewell x Veja Esplar Low Sneakers in Embroidered Stars ($130)

If gold stars don’t scream Leo’s love of standing out from the crowd and being in the limelight, we don’t know what does.

Virgo

Adidas Originals Stan Smith Sneakers in White and Grey ($90)

Practical and down-to-earth Virgo is all about a classic. Your style probably gravitates toward minimalist classics you know you’ll wear forever — which is exactly what you’re getting with this chic, understated pair of Adidas Stan Smiths.

Libra

Women's Aurora Backless Sneakers ($27.99)

As a Libra girl, you probably occasionally (okay, more like often) find yourself having trouble making decisions — including when it comes to deciding what to wear. Luckily, this pair of sneakers incorporates another spring trend — the backless loafer — to allow you to try two trends at once.

Scorpio

Puma Suede Satin Platform Sneakers in Beige ($135)

Mysterious Scorpio generally gravitates toward black in her daily wardrobe — but other neutrals are a great way to update a Scorpio girl’s wardrobe for spring. A pair of platform sneakers fit perfectly into your edgy wardrobe, but their nude color offers a spring-appropriate update.

Sagittarius

Badgley Mischka Women's Barre Embellished Velvet Slip-On Sneakers ($92.50)

Extroverted and energetic Sagittarius will love the conversation-starting embellished accents and velvety texture on this millennial pink pair.

Capricorn

Madewell x Vans Sneakers in Denim ($60)

Capricorns are dependable and practical, so it makes sense that the Capricorn girl is likely already a huge fan of denim — why not wear this closet staple in a new way via this pair of denim Vans?

Aquarius

Nasty Gal Bud Out of It Floral Sneaker ($60)

Florals, for spring? Not necessarily groundbreaking, but the free-spirited Aquarius girl is all about them — and colorful floral embroidery offers the perfect update to the typical white sneaker.

Pisces

Nike Classic Cortez Suede and Leather Trimmed Sneakers ($100)

Emotional and intuitive Pisces will easily gravitate toward the soft, pink velvet on an ‘80s classic: the Nike Cortez sneaker.

Sure, your perfect spring sneaker may be written in the stars — but if you want to press "add to cart" on more than one pair, we're not judging.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt is currently under fire for renting out a room in a condo that is partially owned by the wife of an energy lobbyist, as many, including member of Congress, see this as a major conflict of interest.

The condo is partially owned by Vicki Hart, the wife of lobbyist J. Steven Hart, who is the head of the lobbying firm Williams & Jensen, ABC News reports.

The controversial rental agreement between Pruitt and Hart is especially problematic due to the fact that the EPA, in March 2017, approved a Canadian energy company’s pipeline-expansion plan at the same time that Pruitt was renting out the condo, The New York Times reports. Pruitt was renting out the condo for only $50 a night, which would total approximately $1500 to rent out the room in the condo for an entire month.

The issue is that Pruitt had made a pledge to not accept any gifts from registered lobbyists, and that includes not accepting a reduced rent on the room. The EPA has claimed that this was fair market value for the rental, and EPA spokesman Jahan Wilcox said on Friday that this rental agreement was “consistent with federal ethics regulations.”

But there is concern that Pruitt was engaging in a conflict of interest, especially since other apartments in the area have been rented out for nearly $5,000 a month, ABC News reports.

“Entering into this arrangement causes a reasonable person to question the integrity of the E.P.A. decision,” said Don Fox, who served as general counsel of the Office of Government Ethics during parts of the Obama and Bush administrations.

“The people at the E.P.A. are charged with following the science and facts as it applies to individual decisions,” Cynthia Giles, who was an assistant administrator at the EPA in the Obama administration, said of Pruitt’s rental agreement, adding that the appearance of accepting gifts from those that could influence policy “is just not good judgment.”

Since this pipeline crosses over international border — with the oil coming from the Canadian tar sands — it requires a presidential permit, which is issued by the U.S. State Department after it receives a green light from other federal agencies, including the EPA, and has conducted an environmental review, The Times reports. In a letter to the State Department in March 2017, the EPA said that it had no environmental objections to the project, meaning that the Calgary-based company could now pump hundreds of thousands more gallons of oil into the U.S. every day.

According to The Times, the EPA’s sign-off on the pipeline-expansion came after the agency had just fined Enbridge $61 million at the end of the Obama administration for a 2010 pipeline failure that sent hundreds of thousands of oil into the Kalamazoo River in Michigan.

Other concerns regarding Pruitt’s rental agreement stem from the fact that Pruitt was renting out this condo during the time that the EPA was also interacting with energy companies that Williams & Jensen were representing, The Times reports.  

A spokesman for Williams & Jensen, however, did say that the lobbying firm did not engage Pruitt or the EPA on the Enbridge pipeline-expansion matter before or after Pruitt had stayed in the apartment, The Times reports.

But now Democrats on The Hill are questioning Pruitt’s rental agreement.

On Monday, several Democrats on the House Energy and Commerce Committee wrote a letter, expressing their concerns over Pruitt renting out the apartment owned by Hart, ABC News reports.

“We are concerned that the unique rental arrangement, in which you only paid rent on the nights you were in town for use of one bedroom in the home, could be a potential conflict of interest,” Reps. Frank Pallone, Diana DeGette, and Paul Tonko wrote.

According to ABC News, the committee has reached out to the EPA to receive more information concerning the rental agreement. The committee members have requested that the EPA respond to the letter by Monday, April 16.

Applebee’s is welcoming spring this month by bringing back their famous $1 “Dollaritas.” Yes, that’s right: $1 margaritas all day, every day, all month long.

According to Time Magazine, Applebee’s originally debuted their take on the margarita back in October, and it instantly became a favorite. Now, as of April 1, the drink is now available for the entire month of April, PopSugar reports.

The Dollarita, according to PopSugar, is made with tequila and margarita mix, and served on the rocks. So this drink will definitely satisfy all of those margarita cravings!

“Margaritas are extremely popular with our guests, and our Dollarita is the most refreshing drink money can buy,” Patrick Kirk, vice president of beverage innovation at Applebee’s, said in a statement. “We first introduced the Dollarita to America last October, and we’re excited to bring it back in April as a reason to celebrate the return of spring.”

The $1 drink deal is happening at participating Applebee’s restaurants, and with over 2,000 locations, you’ll definitely be able to find a Dollarita near you.

And no need to worry about bringing in a coupon; you only need your 21 and over self. Cheers, everyone!

After it was announced by the Kremlin on Monday that President Trump had invited recently re-elected Russian President Vladimir Putin to the White House during their March phone call, the White House has now said that it is considering hosting a meeting between Trump and Putin at the White House, ABC News reports.  

“A number of potential venues, including the White House” are being considered for the meeting, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said in a statement Monday, adding that the White House has “nothing further to add at this time.”

Following the call, Trump had announced to reporters that he had “a very good call” with the Russian president, congratulating him on his recent re-election, and that the two presidents would “probably get together in the not-too-distant future,” NBC News reports.

Yuri Ushakov, the Kremlin aide who broke the news, said on Monday, according to the Russian news outlet, RBC, “When our presidents were talking on the telephone, Trump proposed to hold a first meeting in Washington, in the White House.”

According to NBC News, however, the Kremlin aide said that the two leaders did not have time to start planning a meeting time before the United States expelled 60 Russian diplomats.

The 60 Russian diplomats were expelled from the United States after it was alleged that the Russian government was responsible for the poisoning of an ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal in Britain, ABC News reports.

Last week, according to NBC News, Russia announced that it would expel 60 American diplomats and close the consulate in St. Petersburg in a retaliatory move.

When asked about Russia’s actions to dismiss 60 American diplomats, Sanders said Russia’s response “marks a further deterioration in the United States-Russia relationship.”

Trump and Putin are currently no scheduled to meet each other for a meeting until the G-20 summit in November, NBC News reports.  

When you wash and blow dry your hair at home, it’s usually nothing like the sorcery that goes down in the salon chair. Going to the salon is certainly a magical experience—all the wonderful smelling shampoos, oils and conditioners the stylist uses seem to transform your hair into a glossy and shiny masterpiece, rather than a dry, frizzy mess. However, if you think that the perfect blowout is something you can only achieve in the salon, then we have some good news for you! We spoke to Diana Giacalone, a stylist at Jack Alexander Salon and Spa, as well as a few collegiettes about how to fake a salon blowout at home, because you deserve a good hair day everyday!

1. Begin by washing your hair

Although a salon blowout seems like witchcraft, faking one on your own is a lot less complicated than you may think. “If you want to fake a blowout and do it yourself at home, then begin with shampooing your hair. Use a good conditioner from middle to end and rinse with cold water—it seals the cuticles and makes your hair shiny,” Giacalone explains. Showering in hot water the whole way through is oh-so-tempting, but you don’t want to skip this step!

2. Grab your towels, ladies. And don’t forget the product!

“Towel dry your hair and get out as much of the moisture as you can,” Giacalone continues. Be sure to go easy and gentle on your hair so you don’t cause any damage. “Spray a primer and heat protectant spray into your hair, and add drops of Moroccan oil for long hair. Comb through to distribute the product.” Make sure you’re focusing on applying the product midway down to the bottom of your hair shaft so you don’t weigh down your roots.

Related: 7 Ways to Extend the Life of Your Blowout

3. Ready, set, blow dry!

“Blow dry your hair in sections until your hair is about 90 percent dry. Try to wrap your hair twice around a round brush, going section by section with the blow dryer,” says Giacalone. “Blast it with cool air to set it, and to add some volume, wrap the top section of your hair around a round brush and spray it with hairspray!” Recreating a salon blowout will save you time and money, and you’ll look so good that no one will guess that you did it in your teeny dorm room!

Victoria Corrado, a sophomore at Carthage College, sees the value in faking it until you make it. “Being a college student, it’s hard to find the time or money to get your hair done. Doing a fake blowout at home is perfect because it makes your hair look professionally done but it saves you time and money!” Yas, girl. Going to the salon is great, but saving money is even better!

In a hurry? We got you, girl.

We know that you’re a busy collegiette, so in the mornings when you’re rushing to get out the door, there are still ways to fake a rockin’ blowout and make it to class on time!

“The way I fake a blowout is by washing and conditioning my hair, separating it into sections with clips, and blow drying a portion at a time,” says Erika Gordon, a junior at Carthage College. “I also make sure to flip my hair upside down and blow dry it to get the volume where I want it. Depending on how frizzy my hair is after, I will either just apply product or straighten it as well,” Erika says. Utilizing heat tools or even going old school and using non-heat curlers at night can help you achieve the blowout you need in half the time.

Who says that a perfect blowout can only be achieved in a salon? With the right tools and steps, you can fool ‘em all with a DIY blowout that looks like you just hopped out of the chair.  

Good morning, Her Campus! With a break-neck news cycle, there is no possible way for you to stay on top of every story that comes across your feeds—we’re all only human, after all.

But, life comes at you fast. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this quick and dirty guide to stories you might’ve been sleeping on (like, literally. It’s early.)

President Trump Seeks Arbitration in Case Against Stormy Daniels

President Trump has asked a federal judge to order private arbitration for the case brought against him by Stormy Daniels, ABC News reports.

According to ABC News, Trump along with his attorney, Michael Cohen, filed papers with a federal judge in Los Angeles arguing that the judge should require that the case involving Daniels’ non-disclosure agreement be heard by a private arbiter rather than in front of a jury.

Daniels had sexual relations with Trump in 2006 and their affair continued for nearly a year after that, ABC News reports. Trump, however, has denied any such relationship with Daniels.

The adult film star had signed a non-disclosure agreement in 2016, just days before the presidential election. She has been seeking to invalidate the non-disclosure agreement and has offered to pay back the $130,000 that was given to her during her attempt to “set the record straight,” ABC News reports.

In their court filing, Trump and his attorney argue that Daniels had never raised any objections or concerns to the agreement or the settlement reached before now, and thus the agreement should still stand.

Daniels' attorney, Michael Avenatti, says they oppose any attempt to move the case to private arbitration, keeping it “hidden from the American public,” ABC News reports.

“This is a democracy and this matter should be decided in an open court of law owned by the people. #sunlight,” Avenatti tweeted.

Convicted Domestic Abusers Will Not Be Able to Own Guns in New York

The New York State legislature has now passed a bill that makes it illegal for all convicted domestic abusers from buying and owning guns, The Huffington Post reports.

The bill, which was part of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s 2018 Women’s Agenda, passed 85-32 in the State Assembly and 41-19 in the State Senate.

While New York State law previously prevented domestic abusers convicted of a felony or a “serious” crime from owning a gun, the new law adds more assault and battery charges to the list of “serious” offenses, HuffPost report. Previous law also only required that convicted domestic abusers surrender handguns, but it now requires these individuals to surrender all firearms.

“New York is once again leading the way to prevent gun violence, and with this common sense reform, break the inextricable link between gun violence and domestic violence. This legislation builds on our gun laws ― already the strongest in the nation ― to make New York safer and stronger,” Cuomo said in a press release.

“The recent wave of mass shootings is horrifying, and the federal government’s failure to act on any form of meaningful gun safety laws is unconscionable,” Cuomo added.

According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the presence of a gun in a domestic violence situation increases the likeliness of a homicide by nearly 500 percent. Furthermore, according to FBI and state crime data, every 16 hours, a woman is shot by a former or current intimate partner.

These Adorable Service Dogs Took a Field Trip to Disneyland & Awww

A group of service dogs took a field trip to Disneyland and they are just paw-sitively adorable.

These very good dogs, who do such important work, were treated to cute Mickey ears hats and Minnie ears headbands, according to HelloGiggles, and they just look too cute.  

This cuteness is just too much too handle, and they literally make Disneyland the happiest place on Earth!

However, even if you were lucky enough to see these cuties at Disneyland, you wouldn’t be able to go up and pet them. Service dogs often undergo training at Disneyland, HelloGiggles reports.

I mean, when you think about it, Disneyland is the best place to train service dogs: it’s hot, crowded and has lots of temptations and external stressors. These service dogs would definitely be able to hone in on their skills, and become top-notch service dogs for those that need their services.

But, it’s still cute to see these very good doggies enjoying their time at Disneyland and preparing to be awesome service dogs.

What to look out for…

Starbucks has a line of millennial pink tumblers for spring, and I’ll definitely be drinking coffee now.

Choosing a job after graduation can be intimidating. There are so many options it may feel overwhelming but if you’re looking to secure a career in STEM, chances are you’re qualified for a specific field. We spoke with an array of women currently working in STEM to shed some light on things you should know as you take steps to advance your career.

1. You’ll be thankful you worked so hard in college

Every major has its own challenges and time-consuming tasks. There were weeks when homework felt never ending and exams seemed nearly impossible, but somehow you managed to pull it off every time. This is because you’re driven. You want your dreams to become a reality. STEM majors can advocate for the craziness they experience in their classes but women working in STEM will tell you to keep pushing yourself because you’ll be grateful you did once you enter the professional world.

“In the moment [at college], I would say that it felt like I was working incredibly hard, like all the work I had to do was impossibly hard,” says Zarah Thanasides, an environmental engineer. “But looking back now, it doesn't seem as hard as I made it out to be, and it was definitely worth it. It really is true that hard work pays off. I feel very grateful to be in the career and job position I am in now and I would do it all over in a heartbeat!”

As you move forward into a career in STEM, remember the motivation that kept you going in college. Long nights of homework may be replaced with long hours at the office. Never forget why you chose this career. Carry that spark with you and put your extensive efforts in college to good use.

Related: Informational Interviews: What They Are, Why They're Important & How to Rock Yours

2. As a woman, you may have more to consider than a man in your field

It may be a tad early for some, but leaning into your career goals may have you considering what this means for your future family. Many of us will be content with our canine companions for years to come but others may want children sooner.

Dr. Ella Coffren, owner of Synaptic Chiropractic in Maine, has achieved great success throughout her career but has felt the pressure from time to time in terms of “having it all."

Dr. Ella says, “There is an unspoken bond between females within the STEM world. This is for good reason given the differences that many of us face. During grad school, I found that my strong work ethic allowed for me to rise to the academic challenge. What I was not ready for was my biological clock that started to voice itself during these years.” 

She continues, “As a professional female who is interested in a family, there is often a nagging thought of 'How will my career change when I have children? How will I manage both?' There is plenty of time in life for both your career and personal family. But there are no teachers to explain that you will need to juggle more mentally and physically than your male counterparts in this area.” These thoughts aren’t a bad thing, because women are strong enough to handle them, but they can be especially frustrating when others begin to doubt your abilities because you want more.

Ella explains, “There are subtle hints, from various employers, co-workers and society that a woman of childbearing age should not be hired due to the fear that she will become pregnant. That it isn't 'good for business' to hire and train an engineer or doctor  who is about to start a family.” Yes, we’re rolling our eyes too. The doubters clearly don’t know what modern women are capable of. “The good news is they are wrong. It is possible and working mothers are an asset to a great company. They know hard work and do it daily. You can be a great mom and one of the best in your professions. You can have both. It happens. It is purely up to you to make it happen for yourself.”

Don’t let multiple dreams, including that of starting a family, hold you back from a career in STEM. Women from many generations have found incredible ways to be successful in all aspects of their lives. Don’t rush it, but never limit yourself.

3. You should always ask for what you deserve

This is true for any career choice, but especially important to remember if you don’t feel equal to your male coworkers. Certain workplaces may make you feel lesser because you’re a woman, causing you to be hesitant to ask for a raise or opportunities to learn more. Don’t be intimidated.

Tracey Olsen, Lead Laboratory Technologist at York Hospital in Maine, shares her experience after working over twenty years in her field. “In 1999, I started work at York under a strong male personality. I did not feel that I was his equal that is for certain,” she says. “It did not stop me, however, after being hired, to approach him in his office to request a raise. Surprisingly, I had success.”

As long as you’re committed to your work and performing well, there should be no reason to sit back and let others receive the praise or perks that you equally deserve. Stand up for yourself, even if it’s scary at times, and you’ll be respected more because of it.

4. You may feel like you have to prove yourself

Zarah Thanasides fully understands the extremes of having to prove her abilities even after working for a construction company in the NYC area for over five years.

“I had one call a couple years ago that I will never forget. I was talking to a developer (a man) on speakerphone and he was expressing concerns about how our system would not work due to an interior grade beam being in the way. I must have explained to him four different ways how the system would not be compromised, and how we have dealt with similar situations on most projects,” Zarah continues.

“The developer was getting frustrated with me and was asking me the same question over and over again. He finally started yelling, 'You are not listening to me. You do not understand what I am saying.' My coworker, an older male who I consider my mentor, finally got tired of the verbal abuse I was being subjected to, and walked over to my desk.” Zarah says, “My coworker then spoke to the developer and went on to reiterate exactly what I had been saying for the past five minutes. The developer said, 'Oh wow, thanks for explaining it to me, that works, thanks for your help!' After the call I looked at my coworker, who was in just as much disbelief as I was.”

Zarah knew exactly what she was talking about but it took a man’s voice to drive the point home. Ridiculous, yes, but Zarah uses these unfair moments as motivation rather than a reason to get down on herself.

“Moments like that are what have fueled me over the years,” she explains. “The unfortunate reality is that women in STEM will constantly be faced with situations where they are made to feel like they aren’t good enough. It’s all about how you deal with it. Use it as fuel to prove yourself, prove your intelligence and prove that gender and intelligence/work ethic have no correlation.” Preach!

In any new position you have to prove yourself, but you may feel inclined to do more as a woman in a predominantly male field. Don’t let intimidation get the best of you. You earned the same degree as everyone else in your field, it’s your drive and unique experiences that will set you apart now. STEM careers need more powerful women, and you can take on that role.

5. Always put yourself out there for new opportunities

Wherever your STEM career path may take you, never turn down opportunities. Saying yes’to big projects, difficult tasks or even unexpected discussions with your higher-ups are how you’re going to continue to improve and reach the top.

Tracey shares that she has worked for two male bosses during her career and only recently gained a female boss. “I had a great working relationship with my male boss who made a career move and left York Hospital. I learned a lot about myself and acquired new skills because he was willing to take the time to share his professional experience and knowledge for which I am very grateful.” Tracey made it known she was eager to learn more, even after working in the field for over 20 years.

Tracey’s desire to continuously expand her knowledge is a major part of how she earned her current position. “I feel empowered to be holding the position of lead tech, for which I have worked very hard. Work ethic is very important to me and is a very admirable quality in all individuals.” It doesn’t matter what position you hold, having a solid work ethic will always make you stand out. You can enhance this work ethic by offering to take on new projects and learning the necessary skills as you go. Taking initiative will show your boss and coworkers that you want to improve and as a result you’ll be trusted with more responsibility down the road. Always say yes, you never know what advances it can lead to in your career.

6. Work for a company that awards you based on skills, not gender

If one of your biggest concerns is being overpowered by men in the STEM field, think again. With all the strides being made publicly and badass women taking stands, it’s no surprise companies are learning they need to get with modern times. These are the companies you should want to work for.

Tracey says, “Among my peers here at York hospital, I feel that we are on an equal playing field. We have both men and women who take on much responsibility and then we have those men and women that do not take initiative but will do something if asked. There is opportunity for growth to a certain degree for both women and men.” It should always come down to whether you’re a good worker, no matter your gender. 

Choosing where to work is ultimately up to you. It may feel like you have to take a not so ideal job, since student loan payments are lurking, but that doesn’t mean you should be discriminated against because you identify as a woman. You are worthy of greatness and fair treatment, don’t settle because you’re in a traditionally male field. Cheers to you and this next chapter of your life!

Follow Autumn K. Dube on Instagram!

New festival aesthetic is trending every year, but classic hairstyles like boho braids and beach waves still come in clutch for providing the basis of your look. Not sure where to start? Take some inspo from celebs. We’ve compiled five iconic festival 'dos as worn by our fave celebs that are super easy to recreate. Style your own version of the look using a few products from Bed Head by TIGI and build on it by adding your own unique finishing touch! Start pinning these looks on your FestivalHair2k18 board, because you’re definitely going to want to copy them later.

Vanessa Hudgens’ Boho Braid

Bohemian flowerchild braids are festival iconic, as demonstrated by Vanessa Hudgens, the literal queen of Coachella. This year, create your own version of the plait for a hairstyle that blends with everything from glitter boobs to midi-dresses.

Get the look:

1. Rejuvenate roots with Oh Bee Hive! Dry Shampoo (trust us, after all the travel and time in the sun, your hair needs this).
2. Braid your locks into two loose pigtails.
3. Seal it all in with Hard Head Hairspray to make the style last all day.

And when you can’t even deal with your second-day festival hair, casual braids are a life saver for that greasy, tangled mess. Just don’t forget to accessorize by throwing a hat or crown on top!  

Kylie Jenner’s Sleek Bob

Your locks may not be highlighter yellow, but rocking a straight, sleek bob like Kylie Jenner’s is the definition of festival ~edgy~. Wear with something grungy and punk or pair with a sophisticated dress for an elevated daytime outfit.

Get the look:

1. Pre-festival, use a hot tool until your hair is straight and silky AF.
2. Spritz with Headrush mist to bring out your color and give an overall gloss.
3. Layer in Maxxed-Out spray to hold the straight style and protect hair from sun damage.

If you’re loving the style but feel it needs a little something more, don’t be afraid to incorporate color and glitter at the roots to give your hair extra shine.

Alessandra Ambrosio’s Beach Waves

Beach waves are festival classic, and there’s no wrong way to nail these casual curls. A carefree and easy style for any hair type, consider these tousled tresses your festival BFF.

Get the look:

1. If you’re working with damp hair, start by working Small Talk, aka the thickifier of your dreams, through your hair.
2. For dry hair, give your tresses a quick spray of Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo to give texture and keep your locks smelling fresh. 
3. Scrunch your hair with your hands or leave in braids for a few hours to get wavy.

These waves will bring the beach to the concert – no hot tools needed when you’re in a middle of nowhere dessert.  

Emma Roberts’ Low-Maintenance Locks

Some of us just want to get up and go dance in front of the mainstage without having to pour hours into getting festival-ready. For lazy girls on the go, keep hair natural but chic with a little product.

Get the look:

1. Leave hair natural post-shower or however it is when you wake up.
2. Work in After-Party hair creme to tame fly-aways, cut the frizz and keep your lowkey look silky smooth. 
3. Moisturize hair with just a touch of Superstar Queen For A Day thickening spray.

Cool girls everywhere will be proud of this effortless mop.

Katy Perry’s Short Crop

Festival hair faces the challenge of a long weekend without showers, straighteners or curlers. For babes with a pixies and crops, we love Katy Perry’s example of embracing the funky and playing it cool with a simple spike and minimal product.

Get the look:

1. Work Manipulator styling cream through wet or dry hair. The more you use, the more texture you get!
2. Finish with Headrush for an all-over gloss and shine to last through the weekend.

Whichever style you opt for, don’t forget to pack lots of dry shampoo and hairspray – they work in every hair emergency and can basically stand in for perfume when you’re running low. Enjoy the concert and sunshine babes, and just remember that whenever you need styling inspo, your favorite celeb Instagram queens have got your back.

I am happy to report back to you all with the news that, after this week’s episode of Grey's Anatomy,  “One Day Like This,” somebody has finally gotten through to April Kepner. It's a damn miracle, ya'll.

She started off the day waking up at the Emerald City Bar, leading to a bit of a dark start to her shift as she fumbled through her patient's records and discovered that he’d been in the ER numerous times for Diverticulitis, which Bailey had treated with antibiotics each time in an effort to avoid surgery. Most unfortunately for Rabbi Eli Riggler, an incredibly rare adverse reaction to the antibiotics that he had been prescribed caused his skin to begin to slough off. April took it upon herself to attack Dr. Bailey for her treatment plans, but Bailey had followed protocols, doing everything she could to avoid having to put him through surgery. As Avery tried to deescalate the situation, April snapped at him, saying that her reaction had nothing to do with her and everything to do with needing to clean up poor Dr. Bailey’s mess.

The doctors knew that Eli was dying, and quickly. While he gathered that as well, he still made jokes at April and kept a smile on his face. As April let it slip that she thought Bailey had made a mistake in his care, Eli saw April’s own pain and called her out. She told him not to worry about her, but what else should he worry about if not her? His wife not arriving in time? His skin giving up on being skin? He told her that the Talmud says that if someone is in need, and you can take away a sixtieth of their pain, that’s goodness. He used his position to convince her to talk to him, and they discussed pain and heartache.

She spent her whole life practicing what she preached, following God’s rules, and didn't understand how that could lead to so many awful things. He pointed out that being devout doesn’t guarantee anything, good or fair. He relayed multiple biblical examples of unfairness, and asked why it should be any different today. “Faith wouldn’t be real faith if you only believe when things are good,” he told her, adding that she shouldn’t punish herself for her hardships. When he asked if she was happy now, April began to cry at his bedside. I guess that this is where he realized that she would be okay, because he rapidly declined from there. 

He refused pain meds, even as April begged him to let her take away a sixtieth of his own pain, saying that she already had, and asked her to tell Bailey he forgave her. She found Bailey lighting a candle for him in the chapel and took her hand, relaying some of Eli's own words to April back to Bailey. “Sometimes things just happen, and we don’t get to know why.”

Is that foreshadowing?! It has to be. My more solidified theory is that number 6 on the list of ways that April might take her leave is the most likely exit strategy, and it's probably going to have very little explanation. Like if George got hit by the bus and that girl hadn't been there to tell us he'd pushed her out of the way and we just had to wonder forever what the hell he was doing there. 

Any word on Arizona yet? She already seems to be MIA, and I can't take much more of all this speculating. 

You know the moment. Maybe they texted, sent a late-night Snap, slid into your DMs or liked a Facebook post that’s just a little too off the beaten path. That’s right. Your ex/former flame is back, and they’re looking to lure you back in. Don’t give in (at least not without some caution)!

Those of us who have been dumped, ghosted on or just plain treated poorly by a former romantic interest know your pain, and we’re here to make sure you don’t fall back into this painful cycle. Read on for a variety of steps to take when your ex tries to strike something up again!

1. Don’t engage

It isn’t worth it. If they’ve decided to slither their way back into your life after hurting you, it’s likely their motivations aren’t good—they should be able to respect your space otherwise. You shouldn’t have to deal, especially if talking to them is going to bring up bad feelings and stress. If you take this route, simply delete whatever they’ve sent you and move on! Keep doing you.

“One of my exes reached out to me on my birthday,” says Katie Sall, a junior at Illinois State University. “Even though it was kindhearted, I wish he knew that it sort of broke my heart all over again after not speaking for months and also sort of killed my birthday. My tip would be to hold your ground and remember why it didn't work out in the first place.”

In the long run, you’ll be happy that you didn’t give them the satisfaction of knowing they still had a grip on you. “Not everybody deserves to hear how you're doing, and not everybody deserves your time,” Katie says. “It's okay to take a step back and realize that you don't owe them anything!” You have to put yourself first before you can think about welcoming anyone else, romantic or otherwise into your life.

Related: What It’s Like to Run Into Your Ex

2. Don’t stalk their social media

It can be near impossible — especially for those of us who never want to hurt anyone’s feelings — to avoid checking in on a former romantic interest when they’re not still in your life, let alone if they start talking to you again. "Stalking your ex on social media only serves to hurt you," says Grace*. "They'll constantly be on your mind and you'll get no distance from what happened."

If you have to, block them or delete their number. Their feelings aren’t relevant at this point, and you need to put yours first! It might very well be better for your mental health to have them completely out of sight, and that way they’ll start to fade into the background.

They’ll stop popping up in your brain every other thought, and eventually it will get easier to deal with the pain or the unhappy memories. "Removing your ex from your social media is a good step in the process of getting over them," says Grace. If you have to justify blocking them another way, consider how you’ll make them wonder what’s going on if they can’t get in contact with you. Then they’ll be the one stressing! Nothing wrong with a little payback.

Ideally, the happy memories will even start to outweigh the bad, and you can look back on the relationship (or whatever it was) and remember why it did make you happy and what it taught you.

3. Have an honest conversation

If you think you can do so and that it will be productive (that is, they will be honest too), then maybe it’s time you had a talk about what happened and why it isn’t cool that they’re trying to get in touch again.

Maybe there’s potential here for growth and closure that won’t leave you wondering about what it was exactly that went wrong or what you could have done to change the way things ended. “My advice for exes coming back in your life would usually be ‘No, do not pass go, do not entertain them,’ but if the relationship is still genuine, you both understand what went wrong and mutually want to work on making things right, then go for it!” says Ashley Drayton, a 2015 graduate from Georgia State University.

Confronting the person you used to be involved with can lead to a variety of conversations. “The last guy I was dating started reaching out to me shortly after we broke up and I was very confused,” says Annie*. “I'm happy I talked to him afterward because I called him out and told him that he treated me like garbage, and that wasn't okay at all.”

There’s nothing wrong with expressing your feelings about the way things went and how what they did impacted you. “If someone treats you poorly, don't let them in right away with no questions asked. They're your ex for a reason,” Annie says. “I'm so glad I kept my guard up with him and told him off.” Hopefully they’ll take what you said seriously and not put someone else through the same thing — that’s about the best you can hope for from an ex!

Related: 17 Things We Wish We Could Say to Our Exes

4. Take note of your progress and remember why things ended

Since they got out of your life, things have undoubtedly been better. Even if the relationship was good at the beginning, there’s a reason they’re gone — it wasn’t meant to be. Think of all the time you spent grieving and annoying your friends and going over every moment a million times. You don’t need to go through that again!

Getting over them and the relationship took so much time and effort, and it may very well seem like things could be different now — try to think objectively. They didn’t treat you well and you weren’t good for each other, and it ended. If it’s meant to be, it will work itself out, but don’t give in just because they are making this power move! If they are being genuine, they’re going to have to work harder than that — and you’re worth working hard for.

If you’re reading this and you’re thinking about reaching out to your ex yourself, consider whether you’re doing it for selfish reasons. “My ex-boyfriend contacted me about eight months after the relationship ended with an extremely long text message,” says Stephanie Huynh, a freshman at Lehigh University. “He basically told me his version of the breakup and how he still wanted to be friends after everything we had been through.”

Unless there’s a legitimate reason for the contact, err on the side of leaving them alone. “If you ever want to get back in touch with your ex, do it with good intentions, not just to make yourself feel better,” Stephanie says. “There is another person on the line, and bringing up old, painful memories isn't worth it sometimes.” If it’s still painful or sad for you, the case is probably the same for them.

5. Be the bigger person

If you’re in a place where talking to them won’t screw up all the amazing progress you’ve made, there’s also nothing wrong with being nice and polite! It’s also a great way for you to maintain control in the situation.

Former romantic interests always manage to show up at the worst times. “After I got into my first committed relationship with my now husband, I turned into a guy magnet,” says Emilie Trepanier, a senior at The University of Utah. “Former flames who ghosted on me or simply said ‘it's just not working’ suddenly appeared back in my life.”

If they’re trying to get under your skin, they won’t be able to if you’re playing it cool and letting their dumb moves roll off your back. “I continued to be nice to them because I sort of saw it as one big joke because they knew they'd treated me poorly in the first place, [and] it felt kinda good to say that they missed their chance on me, not gonna lie,” Emilie says. Snaps to that.

Hardest of all is making the decision to continue talking to them. Self-assess first, and determine whether this is something you can handle and whether or not it will be beneficial for you to keep them around. “I realized when you care about someone, when you have simple admiration for what it is, and you enjoy their presence in your life (even if that's just knowing you’re on good terms), I [would] personally rather be around to support them as a genuine friend, then as nothing at all,” says Danielle Pransky, a junior at Montclair State University.

If you’re both mature and stable enough to handle it, maybe test out the friendly waters. “Feelings can definitely complicate things but if you like them as a person and they treat you well as a friend, I don't think it's a bridge that necessarily has to be burned, maybe you just don't have to talk as frequently,” Danielle says. “Creating that distance helps a little bit as well as meeting new people.” Maybe having them around can keep you more aware of what you’re looking for and what you know isn’t good for you!

Whether or not exes have a radar for when you’re just starting to get your life back on track (let alone just getting involved in something new and good), we’ll leave for science to determine. For now, just follow these trusty tips, and you’ll keep moving on to bigger and better things! Don’t forget — there’s nothing wrong with falling in love with yourself first.

*Name has been changed