Let’s get real here. College education is pretty much the second-highest cost we are going to make in our lifetime—probably right after our first home.

 It’s expensive, and so many of us are feeling the weight of that cost on our shoulders, by working three jobs to save some money or taking out a ton of student loans. This is why it pains me, literally pains me, to say that one twitter user found out the cost of going to the University of Houston in 1975 was a lot cheaper. We are talking way less than a thousand. 

Bax Kapital posted on Twitter Monday that they found in a book a fee statement from the University of Houston in 1975. This student shockingly only had to pay $152.50. I don’t know about you, but I think my brain just exploded.  To give you a comparison to what that would give you in college today, $152.50 would probably account for half of my used textbooks. 

“This is why boomers all think you can pay for college by working part time at the Woolworths,” Bax Kapital also tweeted. 

It’s obvious that college tuition prices are a lot more in comparison to prices over two decades ago, but even I wasn’t expecting that price. The cost to attend the University of Houston right now is well over $25,000 for non-residents and that price doesn’t include the additional fees the college has. That right there is a significant price increase from 1975. 

According to the Institute for College Access & Success,  seven in ten seniors graduate with debt, with an average of $29,650 per borrower. More students are basing their college decision on the price because of such high tuition costs. According to a 2017 survey by EAB’s enrollment services division, over 40 percent of students turn down their first-choice colleges because of financial reasons.

Our choices are reduced because of our socioeconomic status pretty much before we’ve even taken the SAT. 

College has just become super unaffordable and in turn unavailable to so many people. I think the vast majority of us can agree though that college is worth it. We experience new things, learn some things, and can gain a whole world of opportunities. But TBH, this tweet was just yet another reminder as to why higher education needs to invest in expanding students access to college so that we can all benefit from it. 

Hermione Granger has always been a role model for young women. She’s smart, she’s kind and she was responsible for keeping Harry Potter in line for seven books. So many of us looked up to Hermione and now, thanks to one Twitter user, even more young girls can see themselves in Hogwarts' heroine. 

Sophia (@peaceofseoul) created a piece of fan art depicting Hermione as a black girl, carrying her many Hogwarts books, and even wearing a SPEW badge. (Hardcore fans of the Harry Potter series will remember that SPEW aka the Society for the Promotion of Elvish Welfare, was a social movement Hermione started in the fourth book.)

It’s the end of first semester and you’ve pulled several all-nighters in a row. The absolute last thing you want to do is attend that 9 a.m. organic chemistry class, but you remembered that attendance counts. Five minutes before you need to leave, you roll out of bed and pull on a pair of sweats over your sleep shorts. Throwing your hair into a messy bun, you grab a pair of slides and dash out the door. We’ve all been there. Thank goodness there’s zero judgement for showing up to class in lazy wear.

However, dressing up (or at least upgrading from sweatpants you haven’t washed in a week) has its perks. You don’t need to be runway-ready to go to class, but putting in the extra effort is more advantageous than you realize.

1. It can increase your self-confidence

You know that one dress or pair of shoes that makes you feel like you’re unstoppable? What if you felt that like that every day you walked into class? Sweats and slides are inarguably more comfortable than a pencil skirt and heels, but no one likes that sinking feeling when you realize you’re underdressed in comparison to your classmates. Rachna Shah, a freshman at Dartmouth College, believes that you can feel more put together with one simple trick.

“You should dress up for class because it’s a great boost for your confidence and self-esteem. Sometimes I don’t feel like I want to dress up for class, especially for morning classes, because I’m tired, but taking the extra five minutes to put on a nice outfit and brush your hair goes a long way,” she says.

Instead of setting your alarm for 7 a.m., try 6:55. This way, you’ve got some time to wake up and hit the snooze alarm once or twice without messing up your morning routine. If getting up early isn’t physically possible for you, set out your clothes the night before. You’ll have more energy to be creative with your outfit. Plus, it’s always assuring to know you won’t have to rush around in the morning trying to find that cute pair of jeans.

2. You get to show off your unique personal style

If there’s one thing about college that’s better than high school, it’s definitely the nonexistent dress code. You’re free to wear short shorts and tanks with straps one finger wide. Even if your style fits within the constraints of the dress code, sometimes your outfits weren’t practical. Five-inch wedges and three flights of stairs is a big no-no for most girls, although if you’re the girl with runway-ready balance skills, mad props to you! College is the time when you can start over with a new style or wear what you wish you could’ve worn in high school.

Sam Galing, a senior at Arcadia University, says, “My favorite outfits to wear to class are a nice shirt with jeans and cute boots. I take pride in dressing my best for class!”

Of course, your personal style doesn’t have to be anything fancy. Cute and cozy is the best combination. Whether it’s leggings and an oversized sweater or a flowy t-shirt dress, getting to express your personality through clothing speaks volumes to the people around you. Also, who doesn’t love receiving compliments?

3. You’ll work more productively

There’s something beautiful about going to class in sweatpants and a loose hoodie, especially in the colder winter months. You can snuggle into the rock-hard chair, pull the sleeves over your hands so only the writing utensil peeks out, and dream about the bed that awaits you after class. As much as certain classes bore us to death, we are college students. Our jobs are to learn and pay attention to whatever’s going on. Clothing that resembles sleepwear doesn’t help with staying attentive.

“I’m always more productive when I’m satisfied with my appearance,” says Angela Laurito, a sophomore at Pace University. “I’m generally happier which makes getting work done more enjoyable.”

Angela’s philosophy is similar to the idea that you shouldn’t do homework on your bed. You’re more likely to fall asleep if you’re reading a textbook while lying down than sitting in a chair. A solution to your droopy-eyed demeanor in class could be as simple as putting on a pair of jeans instead of flannel pants in the morning. However, don’t make yourself uncomfortable and wear your least favorite pair of khakis. You’ll regret it and be distracted by your discomfort level instead of paying attention in class.

Related: 6 Ways to Be Chic & Cozy AF at the Same Time 

4. It doesn’t take too much effort

It’s true that all of us are lazy on a certain level. This is the reason things like dry shampoo were invented. College seems to amplify the effects of laziness because it’s more relaxed than high school. If you’re allowed to wake up five minutes before class starts and show up in the pajamas you slept in without judgment, why wouldn’t you? It’s so easy.

While your laziness won’t hurt anyone, there comes a point when laziness can be misconstrued for sloppiness. It’s possible your relaxed wardrobe views can bleed into other parts of your life including work ethic and relationships. Morgan Pitts, creator-in-chief of Black Girls Who Blog and brand representative for Glossier, believes that dressing up can take minimal effort.

“[The keywords are] cleanliness and coordination. Sweatpants are cool and cozy, but you don’t want them to have stains from last week’s lunch at the dining hall. Also, just because you’re wearing sneakers and a hoodie doesn’t mean that they can’t match or complement one another,” she says. “If you stick to monochromatic/greyscale hues, you can easily mix and match while staying polished.”

If you have typical wardrobe staples like a white shirt and jeans, it won’t be hard to dress up the basics.

5. You’ll make a good impression on others

Even though we all know it’s what’s on the inside that counts, the reality is that people are visual. We get judged by what we wear and how we present ourselves in different environments. Sometimes women dress up to impress others. While it’s not your job to look pretty, putting in extra effort on the daily can change perspectives positively and help you in the long run.

Kayleen Parra-Padron, a senior at Florida International University, says, “It wasn’t until I had my first crush in college that I decided to dress up a bit more to get him to notice me.”

You never know who you might run into in college. It could be an important professor, a major crush, or even a future employer. You wouldn’t want any of these people to see you in your laziest outfit, would you? Pitts believes it’s always best to be prepared. “Because your appearance speaks before you do, you want to be looked at in the best light. Practicing this now will get you in the habit of dressing for the job you want rather than the job you have,” she says.

Nowadays, it’s easy to transition your outfit from class to an internship without dressing up much more. It’s like going from day to night. Add a few accessories, change your shoes and you’ll be ready to take on the world.

Dressing up for class in college shouldn’t be a chore. We should all feel self-confident, stylish and productive both inside and outside the classroom. All it takes is a few minutes of extra effort and the inspiration to put your dirty sweatpants in the hamper and open your closet door.

The sunglasses trends of summer 2018 have been memorable, to say the least. It's been a summer of funky sunglasses – we’ve seen shades in all shapes, sizes, and colors and honestly, I’m living for it. After all, your fave sunglasses say a lot about you, and wearing trendy sunglasses can make you feel especially ~cool~.

With such a huge range of types and price ranges, it's an easy accessory for the college girl to experiment with and really own in her own way. If you haven't already tried to find your perfect fit, or are feeling a bit confused with how much sunglasses have shifted in the last few years (especially in this summer alone!) we've got you covered. 

Anything goes when it comes to sunnies these days, as evidenced by Kendall Jenner and all of her friends...

...except maybe the giant shades that we were all wearing a few years ago. Giant bug glasses are def a no-go these days. 

Of course, Bella Hadid has championed funny sunnies since the beginning.

Bella went ALL IN on the tiny sunglasses trend. And, obviously, she kills it, because she's freaking Bella Hadid.

But what does this trend look like on normal/non-famous people?

Is it realistic or just something we like to look at on Instagram? I wanted to find out for myself, so I tried Covry’s Kuma sunglasses in Canary.

They’re a little on the small side, and the wire frames give them a cool, vintage look. I threw them on with a cropped t-shirt and jeans and honestly, I loved them! I don’t usually like how sunglasses look on me, but these were really cute. I felt very “fashion girl” wearing them.

I kinda feel like these were gateway sunnies – now I just wanna try more fun sunnies. Maybe some really tiny ones? Some with colored lenses? Funky frames?

The possibilities are truly endless.

If you liked these sunnies and want a pair of your own, enter the giveaway on @hercampusstyle on Instagram!

How to enter:

1. Make sure you’re following both @hercampusstyle and @shopcovry on Instagram.
2. Like our giveaway post.
3. Tag a friend in the comments who lives for new trends.

The winner will be chosen at the end of the weekend and contacted via DM. Good luck!

Digging this trend and how influencer-ready it is? Here are even more super versatile summer pieces you kind of need in your wardrobe. Because we all want some ~influencer vibes~ to go along with our insta-ready looks! 

Want more style inspo? Follow @HerCampusStyle on Instagram, and use #MyStyleEmpowers to join a community where college fashion is extra, & also nbd.

For some recent college graduates, you might still be wondering what the hell you are going to do post-graduate. If you are looking for a rather unusual job that will allow you to play with cats all day in your sweats, I may have the purrrrfect recommendation. Bonus, there may or may not be a picturesque Greek Island involved too (v Mamma Mia). 

God’s Little People Cat Rescue is located on the gorgeous Greek island of Syros, and they are looking for a new caretakers. It’s a part-time paid job that requires you to watch over 55 cats. If that didn’t entice you, then you should also know that the job offers free housing. Delish reports that the house has a garden with cats and an amazing view of the Aegean Sea. It sounds almost too good to be true. 

It’s probably the perfect job for any cat lover, and the rescue facility even prefers you to be. The listing on their Facebook page requires a 6 month commitment beginning November 1. You will also have to complete around 2 to 3 weeks of volunteer work before officially starting. During that time, you can start building your bond with each and every cat. 

Listing and details on how to apply can be found on their Facebook page. Your application should come “with a photo and relevant information.”

 Also, may the odds be ever in your favor because I bet thousands of people are applying for this once in a lifetime job.

Most of us at one point or another have forgotten to take our birth control. I feel like at times it’s just inevitable because no amount of alarm clocks, reminders, or sticky notes on your bathroom mirror will help you to 100 percent remember to take it all the time. TBH ladies birth control can be inconvenient and even frustrating. It’s more than just remembering to take them, but finding a contraceptive method that works for you can be just really exhausting. 

It’s a good thing that companies and research groups are developing new forms of birth control all the time. Global nonprofit research organization The Population Council and health care company TherapeuticsMD created Annovera, a vaginal ring that lasts for an entire year.

The FDA approved the contraceptive ring on Friday. According to the The Population Council press release, Annovera will be sold to Title X family planning clinics at a discounted rate. 

How does Annovera actually work? It essentially works like any other contraceptive ring. The ring, which is“a soft, reusable flexible silicone ring (2 ¼ inches diameter)” is inserted into the vagina and left in place for three weeks. Annovera releases hormones like estrogen and progestin to prevent pregnancy. You remove the ring for a week and re-insert the same ring back into your vagina. Annovera is different from other birth control methods out there because of how long it lasts.  

There is no need to replace it each month. All you have to do is remove the ring for your period, wash it, and store it in a case before reinsertion, according to the press release. Bonus, unlike other contraceptive rings, you don’t have to refrigerate it, and you can do this by yourself. This could be beneficial for women who can’t easily access health care providers or refrigeration storage.

It is also effective. According to the press release, Annovera is 97.3 percent effective in preventing pregnancy, when used as instructed. 

“This approval is a key first step toward introducing this product globally and better meeting the sexual and reproductive health needs of women, men and young people in the U.S. and around the world,” said executive director, Center For Biomedical Research at the Population Council Jim Sailer in the press release. “We are grateful to the dozens of researchers who have worked on this product, the donors who have funded its development, and most of all, to the thousands of women who volunteered to participate in clinical trial and made this all possible.” 

Of course, with any birth control method, there are some side effects and risks. According to the FDA press release, common side effects may include: “headache/migraine, nausea/vomiting, yeast infections, abdominal pain, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), breast tenderness, irregular bleeding, diarrhea and genital itching.” 

You should also avoid Annovera if you’re over the age of 35 and smoke. Smoking increases the risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke in people using “combined hormonal contraceptives,” according to the FDA.

If you want to try Annovera, just know that it won’t be release until 2019 or 2020. It’s also important to know that no birth control option is right for everyone, so it’s best to talk to your health care professional. Honestly though, it sounds like the contraceptive ring could help so many people, if the company follows through with the affordability plan for Title X families. 

Anyone who chooses a field of study that isn’t something “practical” like business or engineering has heard the old, “Your degree won’t keep you warm at night” at some point throughout their time in college. Often poorly disguised as “looking out for you,” this dig is really just a way for people to make you feel bad about choosing a major you genuinely wanted to learn about instead of looking solely at what a future salary might get you.

Twitter user @blahblahSPEAK got a master’s degree in education, and has evidently been on the receiving end of some of those not-so-nice comments. Her mother evidently wasn’t having it and decided to pose the question, “Who says her degree won’t keep her warm at night?” with the perfect gift: A blanket with her diploma printed on it.

Frankly, this is straight-up genius. Putting your degree in a frame on the wall? No, we need to take it up a notch.

You worked for years to get this far; if you’re not showing off your degree as a blanket, what’s the point?

One Twitter user even had the idea to start printing degrees on t-shirts, so you can walk around letting people know how hard you’ve worked. Honestly, not a bad idea.

And if you want to know how her mom got this incredible gift, @blahblahSPEAK was willing to share.

So, okay, maybe us “impractical” majors won’t be out here making six-figure salaries, but you can never say we won’t be warm at night again.

After choosing your classes, finding out your room assignment and going dorm shopping, you’re feeling pretty ready for your freshman year of college. Maybe you’re a little nervous, but you’re excited to finally experience college life. 

You’ve probably seen enough TV shows and movies to have a few expectations about what your social life will be like in college — and how people dress when they go out. While some of what you’ve seen in movies might be pretty accurate, other things might be…  a bit of a stretch.

Because college parties aren’t exactly how they look on TV, we talked to college women about the right things to wear when going out, and the style mistakes they made as freshmen, so you can avoid making the same mistakes.

1. Comfortable shoes > heels 

We get it — your high heels look amazing, and we totally understand why you’d want to rock them during a fun night out. But trust us when we say that you probably won’t feel amazing after wearing them for too long, especially if you have to wait in long lines to get into a club or social event.

Holly Judge from University of Aberdeen says one of her biggest style mistakes during her first year was wearing heels she could hardly walk in. “Go for comfortable high heels or flats like Converse or Vans so you can dance the night away and still walk to get your post-night out food,” Holly says.

Going out is about having fun, so why choose shoes that will leave you feeling uncomfortable?

2. Don't dress up too much

You might be tempted to go out in your tallest heels and your favorite bodycon dress (and if you want to, by all means do it), but being overdressed might be a clear indicator to people that you’re young.  Amanda Miller, a student at The New School, says her go-to look for a night out is black skinny jeans, a nice blouse and ankle boots or stylish sandals, depending on the season.

Also, going for a more casual look is much more convenient because you won’t have to spend as much time getting ready. This is especially practical when you have a busy schedule and are trying to manage a full-time course load, extracurriculars, a social life and, you know, sleep. 

Tygre Patchell-Evans, a student at Loyola Marymount University, usually wears leggings or black jeans with a tank top. “Something casual and comfortable like this means you don’t have to think so much about what you are going to wear, so you can get ready quickly when you come right from late classes or work,” she says. Hannah Harshe, a student at the University of Michigan, also suggests a simple look like jeans and a crop top for parties during Welcome Weekend, noting that if you’re going to a club or bar, you might choose to dress up a little more. To make that style a little more interesting and fun, she suggests wearing cute jewelry or spending some time on your hair and makeup.

If you end up deciding to go to a theme party during Welcome Weekend, don’t stress too much about finding the perfect outfit for the theme. Similar to dressing up for regular parties, it’s best to not overdo it. “Honestly, probably don’t even dress up for the theme at all, because you’ll likely be party-hopping anyway,” Hannah says.

Sure, wearing neon or bright clothes to one party is NBD, but you might feel a little out of place wearing your elaborate costume for an ABC party or a toga party to multiple parties.

Related: The Do's and Don't's of Freshman Year 

3. Expect to get a little dirty

OK, so there’s another reason why you might not want to wear your cutest outfit to a frat party — it will probably get dirty. As a freshman, Hannah says, you’ll probably go to a lot of large, open parties, which are not exactly the best place to wear your favorite clothes.

“Most frat party veterans have ‘frat shoes’ that they’re OK with [ruining],” Hannah says. “In the colder months, they have ‘frackets’ (frat jackets) because nice jackets will get ruined or stolen.

Avery from University of Hawaii at Manoa says one of her best friends also has a designated pair of “frat party shoes.” But it’s also important to remember that frat parties aren’t the only reason your shoes might get ruined during a night out — so you might just want to make a habit of leaving  your favorite pair in your dorm for the night. “I remember one time I went out, I had worn these new Vans I had just bought with flames on the sides and I wanted to show them off,” Avery says. “This was a mistake, as I ended up throwing up on them.”

Even if you make your best attempt to stay clear of any messes, they can sometimes be difficult to avoid. 

4. Consider convenience

At the end of the day, what you wear is up to you and what you feel comfortable with. When choosing an outfit, don’t compromise your own comfort and convenience. High heels aren’t the only style choice that could end up being not-so-fun during a night out (yay, fashion).

Samantha Cedano, a student at Illinois State University, advises thinking about whether you truly want to commit to wearing a romper when you go out. Yes, they look adorable. Yes, they even seem comfortable. But, also consider the possible consequences — like having to completely undress to use the bathroom. “Being basically naked in a gross bathroom is never the move,” Samantha  says. Truth. 

Another style choice that’s easy to overlook? The importance of pockets. It doesn’t help that women’s clothing often features tiny pockets, no pockets at all or even those pesky fake pockets (BTW we’re over this, fashion industry). Geneve Lau, a student at Boston University, suggests always wearing something with pockets or wearing a belt bag to a party. “My biggest mistake was trying to tuck my phone and keys into the waistband of my leggings,” Geneve says.

If belt bags aren’t really your style or your jean pockets just aren’t cutting it (because, same), Geneve has another tip: wear a leather jacket with pockets that zip. Your stuff won’t fall out easily, plus leather jackets are stylish and don’t show stains.

5. Wear what you want

Of course, these are meant to be helpful suggestions, but what you wear is your choice. Your own comfort and confidence should be your priority.

York University student Sam Goodyear suggests wearing what you feel comfortable in so you can truly have a good time without worrying about your outfit. “The biggest fashion mistake you can make as a freshman going out is not dressing the way you like,” Sam says. “There is sometimes a pressure to dress the way other girls are, but if you like wearing jeans and a t-shirt when you go out, you should do that.”

Regardless of what everyone else is wearing or what other people think of your style, wear an outfit that you like.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a style that fashion magazines say doesn’t ‘fit’ your body type, or if your friends say it doesn’t look good on you (and if they do say that, you need new friends),” says Audrey Lent, a student at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. “When you’re planning an outfit for a night out, your focus should always be on feeling cool and confident in your skin.” 

And if people recognize that you’re a freshman? Move on — everyone was a freshman at some point, and your outfit looks great.

It looks like Disney has found its Lady for its upcoming live-action adaptation of Lady and the Tramp.

Tessa Thompson will voice the Cocker Spaniel opposite Justin Theroux as Tramp. 

via Matt Baron/REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Lego Ninjago Movie filmmaker Charlie Bean will direct the new adaptation, which is expected to be released on Disney’s upcoming streaming service set to launch in 2019. 

Andrew Bujalski wrote the script, and Jessica Virtue and Chaz Salenbier are overseeing for Disney. 

The film will also feature Ashley Jensen as the Scottish Terrier Jackie, and Doctor Strange actor Benedict Wong will voice English bulldog Bull. Kiersey Clemons will play Darling, the human owner of Lady. 

Lady and the Tramp tells the story of a pampered Cocker Spaniel named Lady who lives with a middle-class family, and her life is turned upside down when her owners have a baby. Lady meets a stray mutt named Tramp on the streets, where they embark on a journey together, and the two dogs ultimately fall in love. 

via Disney

A majority of the cast will play CGI characters, similar to Disney’s live-action remake of Jungle Book, Variety reports. 

Thompson is also set to star in the upcoming Men in Black spinoff with fellow Thor: Ragnarok star Chris Hemsworth. She is also currently in theaters with Boots Riley’s Sorry to Bother You.

Cara Delevingne and Ashley Benson were spotted sharing a few passionate kisses on Tuesday, confirming the two are officially a thing. 

According to DailyMail.com, Delevingne was seen with her arm around Benson at London’s Heathrow Airport after landing in the UK together. 

The two looked cozy together as they waited for a taxi outside the terminal. 

To prove the relationship rumors even more, Benson wore a gold “C” pendant around her neck. Perhaps “C” for Cara?

The supermodel and Pretty Little Liars star set off romance rumors in April, when the pair was spotted holding hands during what appeared to be a double date in New York City. 

Delevingne and Benson had been working together on their film, Her Smell, at the time, which is expected to be released next year, DailyMail.com reports. 

Fans also tweeted about seeing the couple kissing in the audience at a Saturday Night Live taping in May. 

Delevingne and Benson were also spotted treating themselves to a spa day in West Hollywood, just before Delevingne’s 26th birthday on August 12, InStyle reports.

The two reportedly spent the day together on Delevingne’s birthday, and Benson uploaded a video from her birthday party to her Instagram Stories. 

According to InStyle, Delevingne was recently linked with Paris Jackson after the two were spotted together on a double date in March with Jackson’s godfather Macaulay Culkin and his girlfriend. 

During a press briefing on Tuesday, White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said she could not “guarantee” that there isn’t a recording of President Donald Trump using the n-word.

“I can't guarantee anything,” Sanders said when asked if such a recording existed. “I can tell you the president addressed this question directly. I can tell you I have never heard it. I can tell you if myself or the people in this building serving this country every single day doing our very best to help people all across this country and make it better, if at any point we felt that the president was who some of his critics claim him to be, we certainly wouldn't be here.”

“But I can tell you the president addressed this question directly,” Sanders added, referring reporters to the president’s own tweets where he claims that no such word is in his vocabulary.

On Monday, Trump took to Twitter to deny the existence of such a tape.

The recent exchange of words followed the release of Manigault Newman’s book. Manigault Newman said she was fired by Chief of Staff John Kelly because she was investigating rumors that Trump had used the n-word during a taping of his former NBC show “The Apprentice,” according to NBC News. She told NBC’s Chuck Todd on Sunday she has since heard a recording of Trump saying the word.  

On Tuesday, Trump fired off another tweet aimed at Manigault Newman, calling the former White House aide a “dog.”

“When you give a crazed, crying lowlife a break, and give her a job at the White House, I guess it just didn’t work out. Good work by General Kelly for quickly firing that dog!” Trump tweeted.

Sanders disputed that Trump has a pattern of attacking African-Americans, calling him an “equal opportunity” denigrator.

“This has absolutely nothing to do with race and everything to do with the president calling out someone's lack of integrity... the fact is the president's an equal opportunity person that calls things like he sees it. He always fights fire with fire and he doesn't hold back,” Sanders said, defending Trump for “voicing his frustration” with Omarosa Manigault Newman.

When ABC News’ Jonathan Karl asked why Trump would employ an individual who he now describes in such terms, Sanders described Trump’s hiring of Manigault Newman as generous.

“The president wanted to give her a chance,” Sanders said. “And he made clear when General Kelly came on and he voiced concerns that this individual didn't have the best interests of the White House and the president and the country at heart, the president said do what you can to get along. If you can't, he gave him full authority to carry out the decision to let her go.”

Manigault Newman responded to Trump’s name-calling on MSNBC on Tuesday, saying, “If he says that publicly, what would he say privately? He has no respect of women and African-American women and having the chief of staff lock me up for two and a half hours to harass me and tell me that things can be ugly for me and there is damage for my reputation. He is unfit to be in this office and to be serving as the president of the United States.”

According to ABC News, Manigault Newman also released another recording on Tuesday which she says is a recording of a conference call where several Trump campaign aides discussed how they would handle the fallout if such a tape were to surface.

Manigault Newman said on CBS "This Morning" that the recording contradicted the recent statements by former Trump campaign spokesperson Katrina Pierson and former campaign aide Lynne Patton, who had disputed Manigault Newman’s descriptions of the call.

Pierson can be heard saying in the audio that she wanted more information so she could figure out they could “maybe try to figure a way to spin it.”

In the conversation, Patton recalled how she asked Trump if the audio existed, and Trump denied it.

Pierson later said on the recording: “He said it [the N-word]. No, he said it. He’s embarrassed.”

Patton and Pierson released a joint statement on Tuesday, arguing the audio recording does not contradict their previous statements.

Your senior year is here and the worry and stress of not having a job lined up post-graduation is already sinking in. However, this is your year to tackle those fears and get ahead of the game, so come graduation, you’ll either have a job waiting for you, or at least be less stressed about finding one. Here are three things you can do right now to ease the senior spring scaries. 

1. Have a vision

Entering your senior year without a plan in place is never a good idea. By now you’re almost done (or maybe finished) completing your major requirements, so begin to craft an idea and plan for yourself. 

Mara Hyman, marketing coordinator at WBZ CBS Boston suggests, “The first thing you need to do at the beginning of senior year is to get into the zone and mental state of the job hunt and tune out the noise.” You can do this by writing out your goals for each month or semester and then circling back to them every time you’re in need of inspiration. “You can’t go backwards, so appreciate the experience you do have on your resume, have confidence in your abilities and don’t put too much pressure on yourself,” Hyman adds.

Above all else, make your senior year a dress rehearsal for the real world, so take it in stride, but craft a plan as soon as you can. Make a calendar of deadlines, workshop cover letters with your friends and reach out to career coaches to learn more about how you can approach you desired career field. 

2. Network

You have a special opportunity by being in college, because of the connections you can form. Professors, advisers and faculty members are there to help you.

Kristen Perrone, a recent graduate at Siena College adds, “Organize your LinkedIn profile and resume to make both look as detailed and professional as possible! Although I was good at keeping my resume updated throughout college, I didn't really get into fixing up my LinkedIn until senior year. I definitely noticed so many friends and classmates using LinkedIn more throughout the year.”

Use these conversations with your peers and the adults in your community as educational and networking tools and know that you’re benefiting from them regardless of their relation to your specific future career path. Kristen notes, “In the past few months since graduation, I've gotten notifications that several employers who later contacted me for an interview first looked at my LinkedIn profile. It may seem a little daunting at first, but it can be even more informative than your resume because you can easily add links to your clips or projects relevant to your possible career field. I would even look at the LinkedIn pages of my friends within my major for inspiration on how to word things and what to include!”

3. Keep your options open

Entering the workforce is like entering uncharted waters—scary and unfamiliar. Zoe Strickland, a recent graduate of Western Oregon University, has recently experienced this and says, “Keep your options open. You may be set on the dream job, but it’s important to realize that your dream job may not be the one you get straight out of college. You may get something that has the potential to lead there, or you may not.”

Working hard will always pay off, but having a one-track mind about a career you want isn’t always the best idea. Keeping your options open to new endeavors and possibilities will clear more paths for you and ultimately lead you to a career you love.

Remember that your senior year is your opportunity to take advantage of all the world has to offer, but enter into this time with an open mind, an eagerness to connect with those around you and a vision for where you want to see yourself. Good luck, collegiettes!

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.)

Trump Warns NY Gov. Cuomo: Anybody Who Runs Against Me “Suffers”

President Donald Trump dared New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to run against him in 2020, saying that “anybody that runs against Trump suffers.”

via Getty Images

During a fundraiser in upstate New York on Monday, Trump remarked that Cuomo once called him and promised he would not run against him. According to the Associated Press, Gov. Cuomo’s office did not immediately dispute the claim.

Trump’s warning came as he was raising money for the re-election of Republican congresswoman Claudia Tenney.

A New York native, Trump spent most of the event criticizing his home state’s governor, as well as Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who is also thought to have her eye on the White House.

Manafort Defense Team Rests Without Calling Witnesses

Attorneys for Paul Manafort, former Trump campaign chairman who is on trial for financial crimes, said they will not call forward more witnesses to present a defense.

“The defense rests,” Manafort’s lead attorney Kevin Downing said Tuesday in court.

via Jacquelyn Martin/AP

“Mr. Manafort just rested his case, and he did so because he and his legal team believe that the government has not met its burden of proof,” Downing explained to reporters.

Prosecutors from special counsel Robert Mueller’s team rested their case on Monday after more than two weeks of testimony that Manafort hid millions of dollars in offshore accounts and failed to pay taxes on that money.

According to ABC News, Manafort faces life in prison if convicted on all 18 counts of financial charges. Manafort has plead not guilty to the charges.

With no more witnesses to be called, the jury is expected to begin deliberations after closing arguments on Wednesday.

Robert Mintz, a former federal prosecutor, said Manafort had “little to gain and a lot to lose” by taking the stand.

“The defense strategy from the outset has been to attack the credibility of Rick Gates and the government’s decision to bring him on as a cooperating witness. If Manafort were to testify it would give the government the chance to refocus the jury on Manafort,” Mintz said.

Avenatti Weighs 2020 Bid & Talks Policy

Michael Avenatti, lawyer for adult film star Stormy Daniels, talked about his policy views on Tuesday as he weighs a Democratic bid for the White House.

Following a visit to Iowa, Avenatti said he would release more information over time, but said “people want to know how I stand on the issues at 20,000 feet.”

via Chris Zoeller/Globe-Gazette, via Associated Press

In a new policy document, Avenatti said he supports “basic Medicare plan for all Americans,” with an option to purchase additional coverage, and also supported a path to citizenship for Dreamers, ABC News reports. Avenatti said he wants to see a national paid family leave program implemented.

Avenatti also said he believed marijuana should be decriminalized, assault weapons should be banned and the United States should rejoin the Paris climate accord.

The lawyer was more moderate on some issues than other potential 2020 Democratic presidential prospects, including his stance on ICE. “We should not eliminate ICE but we must change the way ICE carries out enforcement,” Avenatti said.

Avenatti, in the policy document, said he wants an economic plan that “delivers good quality jobs” and that college should be “more affordable for all Americans.” He promised an infrastructure plan called the “Real Deal.”

Regarding trade, he said America must “be aggressive in dealing with countries that have gamed the system - but smart about how we fight back to avoid inflicting unnecessary harm on American workers and farmers.” In addition, he said the United States must “negotiate denuclearization agreements with North Korea and Iran.”

Avenatti said he is studying the issues, consulting with experts and will release more information over time.

If Avenatti does decide to run for the White House, he pledged he will not take corporate PAC money.

What to look out for…

Ariana Grande and James Corden performed a “Titanic” musical, and I will never let go of this.

Replay Lincoln Park created the pop-up bar of our dreams that is based on hands-down one of the funniest shows on television—“The Office.”

According to the Chicago Tribune, the bar delivers you right into the heart of the Scranton offices. There you can see Dwight’s desk, take selfies with life-size cutouts of Pam and Jim, and discover hidden Easter eggs. The pop-up also has Office-themed drinks, karaoke, and trivia. 

Diehard fans of the show have came through for everything from Office Olympics to the “Dunder Mifflin Office Party” since late July. Now to end the pop-up bar festivities on a high note, Replay plans to host it’s very own “Dundie Awards” on August 17. 

According to the Facebook event description, Replay has worked with “talented Office fans to create a whole script for an Office-themed ‘awards ceremony’ honoring Dunder Mifflin’s best and brightest.”

TBH, “The Dundies” is probably one of the best episodes. It’s essentially an annual award show hosted by “World’s Best Boss” Michael Scott at a Chili’s. Obviously, the event wouldn’t be complete without the help of Chili’s.

The restaurant tweeted out on Thursday that for 31,564 retweets they’d come to “The Dundies”. Thankfully no one let us down, and Chili’s will in fact be there, Food & Wine reports. 

Standing room tickets for The Dundie’s are $20. If you are feeling fancy, you can get reserved seating for $40. According to Delish, your tickets can get you two drinks, which includes a Chili’s special Presidente Margarita in a keepsake glass, a t-shirt, and entry to win an Office-themed goodies. 

The pop-up will end on August 20, so get your tickets ASAP and join in the Office awesomeness. 

This article has been syndicated from The Honey Scoop, an InfluenceHer Collective Member. Read the full post here.

College is the perfect time to become obsessed with stationery. Between the endless options for notebooks, colored pens and desk organizers, it can be hard to resist this obsession. Because I am a writer, I already had this bug early in the game where buying new notebooks, even if I didn't need them, brought me tremendous comfort.

Stationery is absolutely key for any student out there. I've recommended a few of my favorite must-have items that will help you feel just a little bit more like you have your life together (because we all need to feel that way from time to time). School is hard, so why not make it a little bit easier (and cuter) with some trendy notepads and knick-knacks? #signmeup.

Laptop sleeve

For the longest time, I didn’t have a computer case and I regret it. I want to make sure my laptop is protected from any dirt or from getting scuffed up (because who wants that in their life)? Even on my clumsiest days, I can rest knowing that my laptop will survive in the safety of this sleeve.

Notepads on notepads

If you like to think frantically, consider getting a notepad for your desk where you can jot down all your thoughts right when you think of them. My thoughts can really distract me, so writing it down helps me to clear my mind and remember it in the future.

A padfolio

I can make lists like it is my job, so this comes in handy. I love using this padfolio during my day. It's perfect for when I want to make a list before I organize it all in my planner or when I want to write down my ideas for an assignment before I get started. 

Cute mug for pens

Mugs are not just for drinking: they can also be for decor. I am not a huge fan of pencil holders, so when I saw a mug being used for pen storage, I thought it was the cutest thing. Best of all, you can always use it for several other purposes (like filling it with thumbtacks or normally sipping some coffee).

File folder

This is a great way to keep everything in place. If you like to organize, I recommend getting one with a bunch of cute file tabs. You can use these for just about every aspect of your life, from juggling student organizations to having your own personal documents in a safe spot. 

Classy scissors

This one speaks for itself. Having your scissors and stapler match is all the more power to you. But either way, having cute scissors will definitely be a plus. I like to keep my scissors in my mug with all of my pens for extra organization.

Phone sticker pocket

This item is a must for any college student. Instead of always having to dig through your wallet to get into your dorm or buy something from the store, it is so much easier to just have your student ID close and ready for anything. 

I hope you feel prepared to take on the school year, equipped with the most functional and fun stationery pieces. There's no better feeling than being organized and on the top of your game. Good luck!

Read full post here.

Crazy Rich Asians is making history—but of course, you already know this. How couldn’t you, when every publication from The Hollywood Reporter to The New York Times is writing about the fact that it’s the first non-period studio movie with Asian Americans in lead roles since 1993’s The Joy Luck Club?

The film follows NYU professor Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) as she heads to Singapore with her boyfriend Nick Young (Henry Golding) and encounters his “crazy rich” family and their disapproval of her. While for many non-Asian viewers it will simply be a lighthearted romantic comedy, its portrayals of Asian and Asian-American characters will have a much greater impact on Hollywood’s depictions of them on screen—both in amount (65 of 2017’s top 100 films had no Asian or Asian-American women) and in diversity and complexity—in other words, characters of Asian descent could finally become more than nerds or sidekicks or martial arts masters.

The film has already had people in tears for the sheer amount of types of Asians and Asian Americans it showcases: funny, spunky, elegant, sexy, good, bad, everything in between. It allows these characters to be three-dimensional, to require a closer look. And, perhaps most important of all, it allows them to be different from one another.

It can be easy for non-Asians to lump together everyone of Asian descent into one group (we’ve all heard someone make the racist “all Asians look alike” joke before). But whether or not that’s true (it isn’t), Hollywood has rarely acknowledged that the experiences of Asians and Asian Americans are vastly different. As pointed out by The Washington Post, much of the (extremely small) canon of Asians on film includes movies like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which convey the Asian experience through the mastery of martial arts and are also period pieces, having little to do with the idea of the modern Asian American. When there are so few films or TV shows to choose from, the Asian-American experience and the Asian experience get conflated, generalized and stereotyped.

We also rarely see Asians and Asian Americans in conversation with one another on screen. That’s part of what makes me so excited for Crazy Rich Asians—I want to see a story that explores these overlapping yet conflicting parts of Asian-American identity. As an Asian-American woman, I have had a few “do you eat dogs?” and chopsticks jokes thrown my way. But at the same time, I have sat with my Chinese grandparents and felt utterly disconnected from them, where they came from and how they live. So while we rarely have the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or Memoirs of a Geisha characters, we even less rarely have characters like Rachel Chu or To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’s Lara Jean Covey—both from films premiering this year, which hopefully signals a shift.

Rachel does not fit into the Asian experience depicted in the film (which, by the way, is by no means the universal experience for Asians). She’s labeled an ABC (American-born Chinese) from the get-go, and is met with disdain by Nick’s old-money, old-traditions Singaporean family. She’s too American; she tries to drink from the bowl meant for handwashing, she hugs Nick’s elegant and haughty mother, who is like Singaporean royalty, when they first meet, she gets called an “unrefined banana”: yellow on the outside, white on the inside (we’ve all heard that racist joke before, too). She was raised by an immigrant, working-class mother, and she’s proud of it. That, although still not universal, is a much more recognizable story to Asian Americans, and one that is not nearly shown enough on screen.

There’s conflict between Nick’s family and Rachel: they don’t understand each other’s lifestyles, and they don’t exactly think highly of them. It calls to mind Black Panther and the distinction made between the experiences of Africans and African-Americans—yes, they may share the same cultural background, but there are so many other factors making up who they are based on different histories and different surroundings. Black Panther received critical praise for pointing this out, and Crazy Rich Asians should, too.

That said, Crazy Rich Asians isn’t perfect. Professor EJ Ramos David, Ph.D., pointed out on Twitter that the film has a “token brown Asian” and glosses over much of the struggle and exploitation that brown Asians face in Singapore, instead focusing on the lavishness of the rich East Asian lifestyle.

This is certainly valid criticism, and the film should not be immune to it. But we also can’t expect Crazy Rich Asians, or any film with an Asian or Asian-American lead character, to tell every story of everyone who shares an Asian background. I think the reason we assign this film more responsibility than it necessarily has is perhaps because it’s one of the only films making an effort at all, so we expect more from it. But, as Constance Wu noted in a Tweet about the film, Crazy Rich Asians doesn’t represent every Asian American. “So for those who don’t feel seen,” she said, “I hope there is a story you find soon that does represent you. I am rooting for you. We’re not all the same, but we all have a story.”

We need more films and TV shows with Asians and Asian Americans in lead roles, films that don’t fall back on the martial arts genre or present a generalized, stereotyped version of what it is to be of Asian descent. The more stories that are made, the more distinction we can make about what it means to be Asian vs. Asian American, East Asian vs. Southeast Asian, etc. We all have a story, so let’s start telling them.

What do you get when you put together Ariana Grande, James Corden, arguably the best film of the ‘90s and a bunch of iconic songs?

One hell of a good time, that’s what.

Ariana appeared on The Late Late Show on Monday, and of course, you can’t bring Ariana on your late-night show and not utilize her seemingly endless talents. Both Ariana and James have Broadway experience, so it made sense that they would want to do both acting and singing (with a little dancing thrown in just for fun). And what better way to do that than James’ popular sketch, “Soundtrack To…”?

The story the two chose was 1997’s Titanic, and they took to the roles of Jack and Rose with enthusiasm. I think Leo and Kate are still my top choices to play those characters, but watching James and Ariana sing Nelly's “Ride Wit Me” during the famous handprint-on-car-window scene would put a smile on anyone’s face.

The songs ranged from the Foo Fighters’ “Learn to Fly” (“I’m flying, Jack!”) to Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” (“Draw me like one of your French girls!”) Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby” (I’m assuming you know which part of the movie this one is). Even Lady Gaga and One Direction made the cut. The best song, however, was the only one that was actually in the movie itself: Ariana absolutely nailed Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” and James’ harmonies just made the whole thing even better.

Ariana certainly had some high standards to live up to, since previous “Soundtrack To…” leading ladies include Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Anna Kendrick (twice!), but it’s safe to say she’s one of the best. It has me even more excited for the upcoming “Carpool Karaoke,” where we’ll get to hear her sing some of her own tunes, new and old.

In the meantime, I’m going to go rewatch Titanic and get angry again about how Jack totally could’ve fit on that door.

The much-anticipated Teen Choice Awards never fails to be a blast, and this year was no exception. The award ceremony on August 12 was full of gorgeous stars like Chloe Grace Moretz, Anna Kendrick and Lucy Hale and they all (of course) brought their style A-game to the red carpet. With plenty of sparkle, bling and sleek silhouettes to go around this year, here are this year's 5 most show-stopping looks from the TCAs. 

Camila Mendes's Romantic Pink Moment

 

retro hollywood vibes in @fendi 🌸

A post shared by camila mendes (@camimendes) on Aug 13, 2018 at 9:20am PDT

It's safe to say that the entire Riverdale cast stole the show Sunday night, including the elegant and charming Camila Mendes. Camila looked sweet and stunning in a pastel pink mid-length dress with matching pink strappy heels and Jacquie Aiche drop earrings. Her hair in loose waves and dainty pink makeup had Camila looking as flawless as royalty (doesn't this look just channel glammed-up Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle vibes?). It comes as no surprise that everyone fell for Camila's simple yet romantic silhouette and natural makeup look. 

Chloe Grace Moretz's Chic Blazer Statement 

Chloe Grace Moretz took her look high class with a Louis Vuitton blazer and skirt combo. Moretz looked fierce in a super loose Louis Vuitton beige blazer, with a color blocked top underneath followed by a sparkly fringe skirt. The outfit's orange, black and brown accents, along with Chloe's mauvy lip color, definitely welcomed in some Autumn flare. To top it all of, Chloe's petite frame and short haircut brought an extra edge to the outfit that'll leave any blazer fans feeling inspired. 

Olivia Holt's Emerald Blast to the Past 

The beautiful Olivia Holt of the show, Cloak and Dagger, rocked an emerald green minidress that was truly old school. The glimmering green dress had a plunging V-neckline and the classic puffed up sleeves that reminded us that, yes, '80s fashion is truly back and better than ever. Olivia's eye look was equally as mesmerizing, with a matching green eyeliner and smoked out black eyeshadow. Putting her hair in an updo followed by some loose bangs at the side to frame her face, Olivia looked stunning in this green outfit.

Madelaine Petsch's Floral Ensemble 

Another Riverdale star had all eyes on her with her unique floral two-piece set. Madelaine Petsch wore a white floral crop top, with the bodice like a dainty tank top style and a black lace overlay underneath. She matched the white floral print with long white pants, cropped at the ankle. The style of white floral with black lace, and the little black bow at the hem of the top, made the outfit look summery while sophisticated. The cropped pants highlighted Madelaine's black platform heels, which flattered her even more by giving her a taller, slimmer shape. We're not surprised if people try to recreate Madelaine's look — it's new, high-end and chic.

Lucy Hale's Pretty Patterned Gown

 

Your postmates is arriving soon.

A post shared by Lucy Hale (@lucyhale) on Aug 12, 2018 at 7:12pm PDT

Lucy Hale looked stunning in a multi-colored, strapless midi-length gown. Lucy's black dress was speckled in multi-colored dots, the pattern looking reminiscent of a refined George Seurat painting. The skirt was cut in an upside-down V shape while the bodice was accented with plain black panels cinching the waste. The best accessory to this artistic gown was definitely Lucy's makeup, as she donned a turquoise smoky eyeshadow that brought out all the cool greens in her dress. With her familiar raven hair in a neat long bob, Lucy looked as picturesque and pretty as always. 

The Teen Choice Awards always delivers the best fashions, from casually cute to pure artistry. These outfits are sure to start some new trends and inspire all the fans who watch these talented queens on the big screen. 

If you haven’t heard of Lana Condor yet, you’re about to see her everywhere. The 21-year-old actress is the star of Netflix’s To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, directed by Susan Johnson and based on the classic YA novel by Jenny Han. Condor plays Lara Jean Covey, a half-Korean teenager juggling boys, family and her sense of self—struggles all catalyzed by the love letters she wrote to five of her ex-crushes, which get sent out without her knowing.

Before her turn in To All the Boys, Condor could be seen as Jubilee in X-Men: Apocalypse, though many of her scenes were cut from the final film (something she hints at in this interview). It’s clear, however, that Condor’s future is where we should all be looking: her fantastic portrayal of Lara Jean is sure to cement her as a leading lady. Condor spoke with Her Campus about what it was like to go back to high school for the film, her thoughts on the movement to create more leading roles for Asian Americans and the power of giving back.

Her Campus: I wanted to start off by talking about your character Lara Jean, because I found her so instantly likable and I feel like everyone who watches the film will, too. What aspects of Lara Jean’s character really made you gravitate toward this role?

Lana Condor: To start with, she just has such a good heart and it’s really refreshing to play a character that has a good heart. But right off the bat, when I got the audition and it said, “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, feature film, auditioning for the lead,” I was like, “What?! I’m auditioning for the lead in a rom-com?!” I flipped out! So initially, that opportunity in itself [was amazing].

And then when I got to know Lara Jean, she has a beautiful heart. I love that she kind of lives in her own world, I love how awkward she is, but I don’t really think she cares. I think she owns herself being awkward, and if anything, she thinks it’s a little funny, probably. She has a good heart. She’s a good person. She owns who she is. She’s unapologetic and I really do love that about her. And then, it’s just attractive to play a character that’s just trying to figure life out, because we’re all trying to do that in real life.

HC: Has playing Lara Jean brought back any nostalgia or cringey memories from high school? Because that is when you’re trying to figure out who you are and you’re navigating all these different things.

LC: Yes! Absolutely. Just walking the set hallways immediately brings you back, and that scene where she’s trying to find a place to sit in the lunchroom, and she just kind of gives up and leaves—that totally brought me back in a way that was slightly uncomfortable. [laughs] When I was in high school, I did go to an all-girls’ high school, so that was a major difference in my life and hers. But her feeling of not really fitting in brought me right back to high school, because every day, I was like, “Who am I? What am I? Where am I?”

High school’s weird, man. [laughs]

HC: You mentioned that Lara Jean is awkward, but she’s also very unapologetic about that. We see her grow a lot throughout the film—she comes out of her shell, and it’s really nice to watch that. Is there any piece of advice that you’d think Lara Jean would give you or any young woman that you would undertake in your own life? What can people learn from her?

LC: This is going to sound so cliche, but I believe this through and through: Don’t be afraid to be yourself. And there’s a line in the movie like that. You can’t hide yourself away from the world, and she actually taught me that.

There were days on set where I was self-conscious, or scared and nervous, and then I get to play this character that’s going through the same things, and she comes out the other side realizing that people will love her just the way that she is. That was a learning experience for me as well, and I took that from set and have applied that to my real life. I suppose I would love if people took that away from the movie, and younger girls as well. I hope my little cousins take that away from the movie, that would be great.

HC: Of course, we can’t do an interview with you and not ask about Asian representation.

LC: Of course.

HC: Because there are so few leading roles for Asian-American actresses, especially in romantic movies—right now, people are pointing to To All the Boys and Crazy Rich Asians as gamechangers in that sense—did you feel any pressure while you were filming, knowing that you could have this impact on the industry in that way?

LC: When I was filming, no. The pressure that I felt was getting Lara Jean right for Jenny Han. That’s the pressure that I felt. Leaving the film and taking a step back and then going through all the press, I definitely now feel a pressure more than I did when I started. Because when I started to film, I felt like I was just playing a great character in a great rom-com with great people. I just wanted to do a good job.

But now I do feel—I don’t think pressure’s the right word. I’ve had people ask, “Oh, do you feel like you’re spearheading a movement?” And I don’t. I feel that it’s not just my responsibility to spearhead a whole movement, I feel like it’s everyone’s responsibility. If we want to see a change, we can’t just put it on a couple people. It’s great to have faces, but if we really want to see a change, the audience needs to get behind it, people out in the real world need to get behind it as well. I don’t feel a pressure as an individual, because I know that it’s not just a one-person fight. I believe that it’s the responsibility of everyone.

Tom Cruise says he hates when people call it “his” movie. Because he’s like, “No, no, it’s not my movie. It’s our movie. That means we all have to take responsibility. You can’t just put it on one person.” And I feel that way about making changes in representation, for Asian Americans, especially, in Hollywood. It can’t just be on one person or a couple people. We all have to take responsibility and do it together.

HC: Right! And I think it’s not just down to the actors, either. I think screenwriters need to be writing more stories for these people.

LC: Oh, absolutely! I think screenwriters, I think editors in the cutting room—they have a lot of responsibility that we don’t think about, but they could cut the coverage of an Asian person to focus on a white person because, unknowingly, they think that white person has more to say or is more interesting. So I think it goes, like you said, down to screenwriters, down to editors, down to everyone. It’s everyone’s responsibility to make a conscious change.

HC: You recently created a scholarship program through the Asia Foundation for girls in Vietnam. Can you tell us more about this and why you wanted to create this scholarship?

LC: Susan [Johnson], our director, was the one who got me into it because she has such a big heart and she’s so thoughtful. So as a wrap gift, she proposed this idea to me. Now, myself and my family fund six girls in Vietnam—and it’s so sad, because it’s actually so cheap to do that, to fund their education. Education there is so, so cheap, and I wish more people would do it.

We pay for their education for four years, we pay for their bike to get to school, we pay for their stipend for lunch, we pay for their books and their uniforms, and they write us—it’s kind of a penpal situation.

It’s been so incredible because I believe education is power, and education is one of the few things that can get you out of a situation that maybe isn’t the best, and so these girls are getting this education that they wouldn’t have gotten without the foundation, which is so beautiful. It’s also so humbling, because I was adopted from Vietnam, so I very easily could have still been there, if my parents hadn’t found me, so it’s been a very humbling experience. I sure hope that as my platform grows, I can let more people know about the Asia Foundation because it really is so cheap to sponsor these kids. You might feel the loss of the money in your pocket for a couple days, but you’re giving these kids a four-year education, instantly. It’s amazing.

From holographic nails to highlighters to clothes, is there really such thing as too much ~holo~? If you are looking for the next iridescent treasure to wear, look no further as Nike has just released two new designs in their Nike Pre Love O.X. Sneaker line and they're absolutely beautiful. One design features the usual Nike swoosh logo, but in an iridescent color that shines with a rainbow of hues. The body of the shoe comes in a light beige and the best part is the rainbow-colored soft sole at the bottom of the sneaker. 

The other design is more understated, a light gray sneaker with a baby bluish iridescent Nike swoosh logo and matching sole. Both shoes are designed with a soft flexible body and thick soles for extra support. Basically, they channel unicorns and soft clouds and all the lovely things with the iridescent aesthetic. The shoes retail for $80 online and are available on Nike's online store, in-store, and other department store retailers. If these kicks are just your speed, be sure to snatch them quickly before school starts so that you'll have the perfect pretty sneaker to take you all around campus!