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The 25 Biggest Struggles of Your 20s

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One minute you’re walking through campus without a care in the world. Next thing you know, you blink your eyes and college is a distant memory. Sleeping in on weekdays and day drinking are a thing of the past. Paying bills and grocery shopping are here to stay. Growing up is no fun, especially when you feel pressure to have your life together and still can’t remember to make your bed in the morning. Read on to learn the 25 biggest struggles of your 20s and know that you will survive the quarter-life-crisis.

1. Having FOMO every time you see another friend backpacking through Europe.

2. Wanting to go on an extravagant vacation but wishing your parents would still pay for it.

3. Knowing you should go to the gym, but choosing Netflix instead.

4. Trying to eat healthy, but not being into kale, quinoa or anything gluten-free.

5. Getting way too excited about the couple dollars you saved by using your Kroger card.

6. Cooking something more sophisticated than ramen and making an absolute mess in the kitchen.

7. Buying a surplus of socks and underwear to avoid doing laundry.

8. Wanting to live on your own but also not wanting to give up the perks of living with your parents.

9. Celebrating another birthday, but feeling no different than any other day.

10. Seeing the first sign of wrinkles or a strand of gray hair.

11. Being too old to sit at the “kid’s table” at family parties.

12. Getting your first real job and feeling like an intern again. 

13. Wanting to finish one more episode of "Law & Order SVU," but knowing you have to wake up at 6 AM for work.

14. Missing happy hour because you’re still at the office.

15. Using a vacation day to run errands and do chores.

16. Being excited about getting a paycheck and then realizing you have no money left after paying all of your bills.

17. Buying gifts with your own money instead of borrowing cash from your parents.

18. Hoping to get carded at the bar so you can hang onto your youth.

19. Wanting to order a shot of Fireball, but drinking a glass of wine instead so you won’t be judged.

20. Saying no to drink #2 because hangovers are the worst.

21. Starting to realize that maybe college really was the best time of your life.

22. Feeling like you have no friends because everyone lives in different cities now.

23. Being too old for Tinder but too young for eHarmony.

24. Feeling incomplete without a ring on your finger, house you can call your own, pet to take care of or baby on the way.

25. Being pressured to have your life together, but still figuring it all out.

The struggle is real.


Here's What Happens When Red Carpet Reporters #AskHerMore

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Ever since Reese Witherspoon demanded that interviewers #AskHerMore on the red carpet by focusing less on details like what she's wearing and more on her accomplishments, there's been a massive push to have meaningful discussion with women on the red carpet. Amy Poehler's Smart Girls took to the Emmys red carpet to keep the effort going. Armed with questions sourced from Twitter users, interviewers asked questions like, "How do you think we can better represent all cast types of women in the media, especially television?" and "What's the bravest thing you've ever done? What's the bravest thing you've ever seen someone else do?"

Here are the best, most inspiring questions and answers—below:











Why Amy Poehler Deserved to Win That Emmy

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When Parks and Recreation ended a few months ago, we thought we’d never feel that kind of unbearable sadness again. Boy, were we wrong! Because Amy Poehler just lost out on her final chance to win an Emmy for her role as Leslie Knope.

Over the course of the last six years, we’ve seen Amy nominated for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, and for six years now, we’ve seen her passed over. And while we believe Julia Louis-Dreyfus was more than deserving of her win tonight, this was the year to give it up for Amy. Why? Because Leslie Knope is no more, and we just can’t deal if not even our favorite girl boss can be honored for her amazingness. Not to mention that this loss makes the end of Parks and Rec all the more real, a fact we’re still not ready to address yet.

We’re stoked that this category was basically like girl power central. Well, how could it not be? But with Lisa Kudrow, Amy Schumer, Edie Falco and Lily Tomlin making up the rest of the impressive list of nominees, we understand that it was a rather tight race. Given that this was Amy’s last opportunity to receive the accolade that Leslie Knope so totally deserves is utter heartbreak. Talk about a snub!

Sure, Amy sat there in her hoodie and sunglasses like the ultimate classy lady she is. (We mean, how did she even know that’s what we’re wearing at home?) We guess Amy doesn’t have it so bad. After all, she did steal the show early on by presenting with fellow comedienne and the woman who consistently gives us all the goals, Amy Schumer. But we’re with Leslie Knope on this one; we’re ready to rip some throats out, and there are definitely hard feelings.  

Do you think Amy Poehler was majorly snubbed, collegiettes?

4 Reasons Why Uzo Aduba's Emmys Speech Made Us Feel All the Feels

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Moments of pure joy that humble us to our very core are rare at awards shows filled with Hollywood royalty that’s all too familiar with these types of events. But Uzo Aduba’s acceptance speech after winning Best Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Crazy Eyes on Orange is the New Black made us feel all the feels.

1. She showed just how much she deserves it.

We know her work warrants this win, but when an actress can put the glitz and glam aside to truly relish in the people who surround her, it proves her even more worthy. How can you not be happy for a woman who is this elated and grateful for her Emmy? We think Uzo just singlehandedly humanized this event, so thanks for that.

2. She tearfully thanked her sister.

Okay, now we wish we were Uzo’s sister, too. She took the time to thank her sister, who was sitting in the audience crying right along with her. And we could feel the love through our TV screens. Seriously, that’s how strong it was.

3. She made us just want to be ourselves.

In the most perfect moment that has happened maybe ever, Uzo thanked her team because in her words, “You let me be me.” We’re not crying. You’re crying.

4. This wasn’t even her first win.

Lots of celebs act this gracious when they pick up their first statue, but Uzo previously won the Guest Actress in a Comedy Series Emmy for the same role. The second time around she’s just as moved, and we think we’re in love.

Were you as touched by Uzo’s acceptance speech as we were, collegiettes?

How to Find a Doctor Who’s Not a Pediatrician

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For the past two decades of your life, you’ve seen the same doctor—yes, the one who once covered your shots with Hello Kitty Band-Aids, treated your bout of the chicken pox and helped you understand your PMS episodes. Suffice to say, you’ve developed a close relationship with your pediatrician over the years—but as you get older, your medical needs change. Pediatricians will treat patients up to 21 years of age (but some may treat them into college), and after that point, it becomes time to find a new doctor who’s trained to deal with adults.

Although it seems like a daunting task to change doctors, once you’re informed and you understand your health care and insurance options, you’ll be able to make the choice that’s best for you. Here’s everything you need to know about finding a big-girl doctor!

Before making an appointment with a new doctor, however, do confirm with the doctor’s office that they accept your insurance—and call your insurance company to confirm whom your primary care physician (PCP) of choice is. Insurance companies often require a PCP and may assign one to you automatically, so be sure it’s clear to both you and your insurance company who your PCP is.

1. Word of mouth

One of the easiest ways to find a new doctor is to ask for recommendations from people you know and trust. If you’re still on your parents’ health insurance and live in the same city as they do, switching to their primary care doctor is a reliable way to transition to a new doctor. Call the office and see if the doctor is taking new patients—it’s as easy as that!

If you’ve moved to a new city and you get health insurance through your job, ask coworkers whom they suggest. They’re likely all on the same health insurance as you are, and they may know doctors in the area whom they love (or maybe not love so much). They’ll be able to give you the lowdown, and you can make your decision from there.

2. Your health insurance’s website

Visiting your insurance company’s website is a good place to start your search because you can immediately find out which hospitals accept your health insurance. You can usually refine your search by location, specialty and, in some cases, patient ratings as well. Most of the time, you can also see whether a specific doctor is taking new patients or not, so you won’t need to spend time calling every single doctor you’re interested in just to find out if they’re accepting patients.

3. Online search tools

In the age of the Internet, there’s an easy way to browse tons of doctors in your area from the comfort of your own (grownup!) apartment. Check out our favorite online tools below!

ZocDoc

With ZocDoc, you can easily search doctors in your area by location and specialty. You can even filter based on your health insurance (or search all, if you don’t have insurance or you want to see every option) as well as note other factors, such as whether you want a male or female doctor and what the exact reason of your visit is. The search brings up doctors, their appointment availabilities and their ratings, which are all verified—as in, you know the reviews are made by patients who have seen that doctor. When you’re ready to book, select your time, enter your patient information and you’re all set!

Patient Fusion

Similar to ZocDoc, Patient Fusion also offers online booking and verified reviews, so you can trust the ratings associated with each doctor. The best thing about this site is that it’s a part of Practice Fusion, a medical records program for doctors, so having an account with Patient Fusion also means it’s easy to access your own health records online.

Vitals

If you’re looking for reviews only, Vitals is the place to go. You can either search for a specific doctor by name or browse doctors by specialty or location to get an overview of whom you might be interested in visiting. You can filter based on insurance as well so you’re only looking at doctors whom you know will accept your insurance.

If you’re booking online, it’s a good idea to call the doctor’s office anyway just to double check that they accept your insurance so you aren’t surprised with an unexpected bill at the end of your visit.

4. Lower-cost healthcare centers

If you aren’t insured, there are other options for health care that you can consider! You might not want to settle with a PCP without insurance (it’s expensive and you might need to switch once again once you do get insurance), so opt for one of these alternatives instead. Look up urgent-care clinics in your area, as they can usually treat any standard ailments at a more budget-friendly price; many operate under a sliding-scale policy, meaning the cost will be proportional to your income.

If you need women’s healthcare, check with your local Planned Parenthood. Different locations offer different services, but you’ll be able to get your annual exam and other women’s health issues taken care of. While fees may differ at various locations, most services are charged on a sliding scale as well.

Looking for specialty services, such as an eye doctor or a dentist? If your local university has a dental school, for example, they’ll often offer low-cost visits conducted by students (don’t worry, they’re supervised by real doctors and dentists!).

Lastly, if you just need a quick consultation or a vaccine, drugstores like Walgreens will have certain locations that offer basic primary care checkups at lower, fixed costs.

5. Specialist recommendations from your primary care physician

So, you finally found your primary care physician. A primary care physician should be able to provide you with care for a wide range of health problems, but there will be times when you’ll want to see a specialist. Most of the time, your PCP will give you a referral (and he or she will suggest doctors!) if there’s something he or she isn’t able to help you with. Depending on your insurance plan (or the specialty), you may need a referral. In cases where you don’t need a referral, your best bet is to browse the sites we mentioned in tip number three and go through ratings to make sure the doctor meets both your needs and standards.

What do you do if you don’t like your new doctor?

It’s hard to “break up” with your doctor, but it may be necessary. If your doctor rushes through your appointment, misdiagnoses you, sends you away when you’re still in pain or makes rude comments to you, you need to switch doctors.

George Blackall, Psy.D. and author of Breaking the Cycle: How to Turn Conflict Into Collaboration When You and Your Patients Disagree, says that “the most common complaint when these conflicts arise is that people feel like they’re not being heard or understood.” It’s important for your doctor to understand you, but there may be conflicts that can’t be settled. How to tell if you should make the change?

"If you feel in your heart that you’ve given your best effort to build a partnership with your physician and it hasn't happened, then it's time to move on,” Blackall says.

It’s not worth staying with a doctor you don’t like, and, fortunately, there are many ways to find a doctor that you trust and can develop a good relationship with. Lois Margaret Nora, president and CEO of the American Board of Medical Specialties, says that “people should expect quality in their doctor and the system in which the physician practices.” If you aren’t happy with your current doctor, don’t be afraid to make the change! When you find another PCP you’re interested in, notify your insurance company and call your former doctor to have any records transferred to your new office.

See, that wasn’t so bad, was it? Now it’s time to make an appointment! Before you see your new doctor, be sure to have your previous doctor send over your medical history—this way, your new doctor can know about you and how he or she can help you on your first visit.

Since you’re on your way to making the transition from a pediatrician to a primary care physician, it’s safe to say you’re officially grown up. Your real-world doctor will help you stay healthy from your 20s to old age… even though you might be nostalgic for those Hello Kitty Band-Aids.

The 10 Best Girl Power Moments from the Emmys

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Don’t get us wrong; we love TV. But we’re glad something else stole its spotlight at the Emmys. We’re, of course, raving about the endless amounts of positive female energy that simply radiated throughout the evening’s telecast. In fact, we’re so thrilled that we’re counting down the 10 best girl power moments from the show below.

10. Amy Poehler and Amy Schumer, together at last

The two Amys set the precedent by presenting the first award of the night together. Equipped with their own glam squads—for touch-ups, duh—and those perfectly sassy jokes they’re known for, they stole the show, as was to be expected. Take these two truth bombs, for instance.

Poehler:“What an exciting two to four hours for women.”

Schumer:“And let’s not forget what tonight is really about: celebrating hilarious women and letting the Internet weigh in on who looks the worst.”

They know all.

9. Tatiana Maslany eats live on television

As host Andy Samberg seemed to have a unique knowledge of, red carpets can get a little dull once the show’s guests are inside. Good thing Orphan Black star Tatiana Maslany was out there to clean up and eat that old can of beans she found. Because girls eat, too. Mind. Blown.

8. Jimmy Kimmel asks the tough questions

Who knew Jimmy Kimmel could be so insightful? We have to admit we doubted it, especially after we saw him shove that piece of paper in his mouth. But he made a great point when presenting the Lead Actor in a Comedy award: “Maybe it’s time a woman won this. You know a woman has never even been nominated for Lead Actor?”

7. Jeffrey Tambor dedicates his award to the transgender community

He’s said it before, but it’s so worth saying again. Further prompting the conversation that escalated every time his show Transparent took home another statue, Jeffrey Tambor selflessly dedicated his performance and Emmy win to the transgender community for their patience, courage and inspiration.

6. Julia Louis-Dreyfus’s shout-out to the females in her category

Although we were super bummed that Amy Poehler didn’t win in the Lead Actress in a Comedy category, Julia Louis-Dreyfus couldn’t have been more gracious. As she closed out her speech, she offered a wonderful shout-out to her fellow nominees: “I love powerful, funny women.” So do we, JLD. So do we.

5. Amy Schumer does what she wants

Amy Schumer may not have bested JLD for the acting win, but she came out on top in the Outstanding Variety Sketch Series category for her show, Inside Amy Schumer. Her speech left us with this heartfelt gem: “This show fights for what we believe in.” And she thanked the girl who gave her that flawless smokey eye—a thing that all classy actresses do.

4. Uzo Aduba loves being her sister’s sister

Uzo Aduba already had a special place in our hearts before her Emmys acceptance speech, but her compassion toward her sister only made us love her more: “You are my very best friend. I am humbled to call myself your sister. I love you so much.” So sweet!

3. Taraji P. Henson can’t contain her excitement when Regina King wins

Empire actress Taraji P. Henson had the pleasure of presenting a statue to her pal, Regina King, for her work on American Crime. And it was the cutest thing ever. Taraji screamed as Regina came up to accept her award and continued to beam during Regina's time at the podium.

2. Taraji also cheers on Viola Davis

If you were expecting to see any shade from the Lead Actress in a Drama nominees when Viola Davis was named the winner, you were probably disappointed. Taraji—who we found out tonight is, like, the best friend a girl could ask for—leapt up to applaud Viola’s win for How to Get Away with Murder. We never get tired of seeing women support each other!

1. Viola becomes the first black woman to win in her category

As if there wasn’t already reason enough to celebrate, Viola Davis was the first black woman to ever win in the category of Lead Actress in a Drama. And she used her speech to champion women of color—Taraji and Kerry Washington among them— while evoking their right for more opportunities.

Which of these moments was your favorite, collegiettes?

The 25 Struggles You'll Face in Your 20s

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One minute you’re walking through campus without a care in the world. Next thing you know, you blink your eyes and college is a distant memory. Sleeping in on weekdays and day drinking are a thing of the past. Paying bills and grocery shopping are here to stay. Growing up is no fun, especially when you feel pressure to have your life together and still can’t remember to make your bed in the morning. Read on to learn the 25 biggest struggles of your 20s and know that you will survive the quarter-life-crisis.

1. Having FOMO every time you see another friend backpacking through Europe.

2. Wanting to go on an extravagant vacation but wishing your parents would still pay for it.

3. Knowing you should go to the gym, but choosing Netflix instead.

4. Trying to eat healthy, but not being into kale, quinoa or anything gluten-free.

5. Getting way too excited about the couple dollars you saved by using your grocery store's loyalty card.

6. Cooking something more sophisticated than Ramen and making an absolute mess in the kitchen.

7. Buying a surplus of socks and underwear to avoid doing laundry.

8. Wanting to live on your own but also not wanting to give up the perks of living with your parents.

9. Celebrating another birthday, but feeling no different than any other day.

10. Seeing the first sign of wrinkles or a strand of gray hair.

11. Being too old to sit at the “kids' table” at family parties.

12. Getting your first real job and feeling like an intern again. 

13. Wanting to finish one more episode of "Law & Order SVU," but knowing you have to wake up at 6 a.m. for work.

14. Missing happy hour because you’re still at the office.

15. Using a vacation day to run errands and do chores.

16. Being excited about getting a paycheck and then realizing you have no money left after paying all of your bills.

17. Buying gifts with your own money instead of borrowing cash from your parents.

18. Hoping to get carded at the bar so you can hang onto your youth.

19. Wanting to order a shot of Fireball, but drinking a glass of wine instead so you won’t be judged.

20. Saying no to that second drink, because hangovers are the worst.

21. Starting to realize that maybe college really was the best time of your life.

22. Feeling like you have no friends because everyone lives in different cities now.

23. Being too old for Tinder but too young for eHarmony.

24. Feeling incomplete without a ring on your finger, house you can call your own, pet to take care of or baby on the way.

25. Being pressured to have your life together, but still figuring it all out.

The struggle is real.

How to DIY Your Way to Better Skin

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Facial products can cost you your entire savings these days! We can easily get caught up in the fancy glass bottle, the persuading lingo and enticing celebrity endorsements, but when it comes down to it, there happen to be some cheap and accessible alternatives right in your home. First stop? Your kitchen—aka the ultimate spot to grab the best skincare products. You will not believe all of the goodies that Katie Wiercinski, licensed esthetician, says will give you the most radiant and moisturized skin for just under $5 per item—you can't beat that anywhere! Want to find out what Wiercinski thinks you should add into your skincare routine to get popping results? Keep reading!

Oatmeal

We know that a quick bowl of oatmeal with cinnamon sprinkled on top may be your breakfast favorite, but believe it or not, using it on your face works wonders! When cold seasons approach, dry skin can be a big pet peeve. Wiercinski swears by using oatmeal, especially for extra moisture. “First oatmeal is great for sensitive skin; even the most sensitive skin types can benefit from oatmeal,” she explains. And as for the major perks, “oatmeal has soothing and moisturizing properties.” Of course, not just any oatmeal will do. “Obviously you want to pick a plain oatmeal, pumpkin spice is not the way to go,” warns Wiercinski.

Hey Fran Hey, a blogger, YouTube vlogger and healthy living advocate, also approves of oatmeal. Check out her oatmeal rose-water honey mask, which promises to help with acne prevention and dry skin!

Aspirin 

We've all been caught running to the medicine cabinet to grab aspirin in hopes of alleviating pesky pain, but now you'll be turning to aspirin to get rid of blemishes too! “Aspirin is a great acne treatment, as well as exfoliator. It is chemically very similar to salicylic acid, which is great for people struggling with acne and oily skin. You can mix a few tablets with water to create a paste for a masque or water down a little more for a scrub. Aspirin's natural grittiness is great for a good exfoliation.” Unfortunately, there is one catch. “Aspirin treatments are not for people with very dry or sensitive skin,” Wiercinski adds.

Convinced aspirin deserves a try? You will see clearer, softer and more radiant skin in no time with this DIY aspirin mask!

Lemon

Whether you want to add a little kick to your tea or remove a hard stain from your favorite shirt, lemons are it! But what else are they good for? According to Wiercinski, adding lemons into your skincare routine can keep you looking youthful and fresh as ever. “Lemon is full of vitamin C and citric acid that are awesome for the skin. They keep the skin looking young!” she says. But there are some downsides. “You should also be careful with lemon and other citric fruits ... because they can leave a tingling or burning feel that should be avoided if the skin is really sensitive,” Wiercinski cautions.

There are more than a few ways to infuse lemon into your routine, but if you suffer from extremely oily skin, applying this honey lemon mask 2 to 3 days a week may be perfect for you.

Greek Yogurt

Beauty bloggers across YouTube rave over amazing results from using Greek yogurt in various hair mask mixtures. But did you know that Greek yogurt can also be a great addition to a moisturizing facial mask? Oh yes it can! “Greek yogurt if full of lactic acid which [has] a bunch of benefits. Lactic acid is great at reducing pigmentation and is also a great mild exfoliator. Again like oatmeal you want to find plain Greek yogurt, you don’t want to be putting added sugars on the face. Yogurt is also great at moisturization, [and] combined with oatmeal and honey makes a great masque,” Wiercinski says. This sounds too good to be true!

Lauren Conrad, best selling author, designer and blogger, offers a quick 2-step recipe for a Greek yogurt mask that will change your life.

Honey

The last item in your kitchen that is oh-so-sweet and perfect for facial care is honey. Already having made a few guest appearances on our list, honey clearly has multiple benefits and can supplement other ingredients well. “Honey is great for moisture but also for minor breakouts because it has antibacterial properties. Mixing a little honey and lemon together and applying on the nose is great for blackheads,” Wiercinski says.

Sick of store-bought goodies that irritate sensitive skin? Trade in your favorite pre-made mask for a more natural remedy with this amazing recipe for a honey face mask.

When you think of your skin, you want to give it the best nutrients possible, and these DIY remedies are sure to help. And to supplement your kitchen beauty haul, Wiercinski has one last tip. “Out of all of the items I mentioned the number one thing a person can do to help with their skin is to drink plenty of water. Unfortunately things like the sun and coffee can strip the skin of hydration, so make sure to drink the appropriate amount of water to help keep your skin beautiful!” Wiercinski says. Ready to turn heads without breaking the bank? It's time to get crafty in the kitchen with these skin-saving ingredients!


7 Ways to Get Ahead at Your First Job

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You’ve finally landed the job you spent months trying to find. Congratulations! Now that you’re settled in, finished with your training and starting to get a strong understanding of what the real world is all about, it’s time to find ways to stand out at the office.

Getting ahead doesn’t have to be a challenge, but it does require a little extra effort. Follow these tips and you’ll be moving up the career ladder in no time.

1. Volunteer to help out with projects outside of your responsibilities

Just because something isn’t in your job description doesn’t mean you can’t contribute ideas to different projects. Go out of your way to ask your supervisor or other coworkers if there is anything you can help out with. They will recognize your enthusiasm and appreciate the unique ideas and skill set you bring to the table. We aren’t suggesting you overload your plate with things you don’t have time for, but even the smallest contribution can go a long way. After all, helping others succeed will ultimately help your entire company succeed.

2. Review your work before submitting it

Though seemingly obvious, many people fall into the habit of thinking something is done when it isn’t. Remember in college (and high school) when your professors told you how important it was to proofread your papers? The same applies in the real world—it's actually even more important than ever. Don’t hand in a project—or even send an email!—without reviewing it beforehand, as one small mistake can make you look foolish in the eyes of your supervisors.

3. Don’t underestimate the power of kindness

Some people view their job as a stressful place full of deadlines, endless to-do lists and grumpy coworkers. It doesn’t need to be this way! Having a positive outlook regarding your company and your position will not only benefit you, but others as well. Be sure to say hello, smile and be cheerful. Katie Hardesty, director of PR and special events at Cherry Hill Public Library, echoes the importance of this: “Work can be a stressful place, but it's nice to be known as a person people like to be around. Who knows... that paired with your awesome skills and work ethic could be the key to your next promotion!”

4. Never turn down leadership opportunities

A leader is something you should always strive to be, especially in the workplace. When individuals recognize you as such, your career can grow exponentially. They’ll know you possess qualities of dedication, attention to detail and a natural ability to guide others. If someone asks you to take on a leadership role, even if it’s as simple as planning the holiday party, don’t pass it up.

5. Express passion and excitement for your work and your company

The old expression, ‘If you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life,’ is still true today. Being passionate about what you do helps make your job easier because you don’t see it as work or a chore. Even if you aren’t at your dream job (yet!), be sure to find a few aspects of your current role that you love and focus on them. If you demonstrate your passion for your job and company, your boss and coworkers will notice. Lisa Hoffmann, director of communications at Unite Here Health, believes that executives and bosses often find youth and excitement in the workplace to be invigorating and refreshing. “They will gravitate to you and spotlight you and your attitude because most leaders are looking for those who help create a positive work environment,” Hoffmann says.

6. Build relationships

Focus on building relationships with as many people in your office as possible, especially with your boss. If and when you end up leaving the company down the road, your coworkers, managers and executives can remain part of your network—and you never know when your paths may cross again or when you’ll need a recommendation. Shannon Smith, a marketing communications coordinator at Insulet Corporation, recommends having one-on-one meetings weekly or biweekly with your boss to not only check in on the status of your projects, but to have an opportunity to connect and learn more about him/her. Just remember to remain professional in all your inter-office relationships; you want to make an impression on your coworkers, but you want that impression to be a good one. Sure, you can be friendly and go out for happy hour with your coworkers, but save the drama and gossip for your girlfriends.

7. Listen and observe those around you

You’re new to your company and have a lot to learn, so take advantage by listening, observing, asking questions and learning from your coworkers, bosses and peers. “Even if you were a superstar student, you’re still brand new to your field,” says Cristin Farney, a public relations and advertising professor at Rowan University. Think of your first job as the most important class you’ve ever taken and your first step towards the rest of you career.

Your first job can be stressful, but if you follow these tips and strive to be your best, you’ll be an expert in your industry in no time.

Enter Now to Win VIP Tickets to College Fashion Week!

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Calling all fashionistas! It’s time for the exclusive annual event we’ve all been waiting for:College Fashion Week 2015!

We’re bringing the catwalk to YOUR city (or a city near you!), so mark your calendars and start planning your outfits! With shows hitting New York City, Boston, Washington D.C. and Atlanta this October, CFW 2015 is the event of the year for style-savvy collegiettes across the country.

That’s why we’re giving away 10 VIP seats in each city of the CFW 2015 tour—because who doesn’t want a front row seat to the college fashion event of the year?

Each winner of this giveaway (AKA, each VIP!) will get a seat up close to the runway, an exclusive VIP goody bag filled to the brim with incredible swag from our sponsors, and so much more!

Enter now by following @HerCampusCFW on Instagram and filling out the form below. Good luck, collegiettes—we can’t wait to see you there!

CastMeCFW Enter To Win VIP Tix

Don't Miss Snapchat's Huge New Update

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Everyone’s favorite app for taking funny pictures just rolled out a huge new update--and it’s pretty awesome. Most importantly, you can step up your selfie game with the new Lenses, which add animated effects to selfies and are both hilarious and slightly terrifying. Now, you can give yourself heart eyes, a rainbow tongue, or even turn into an old person or a zombie (or whatever the heck that thing is supposed to be). We don’t know about you, but we had a blast trying out this feature on our television screens while watching the Republican debate on Wednesday.

Perhaps the most controversial of the new updates: you can now replay Snapchats--for a small extra fee. You can get 3 replays for $0.99, 10 for $2.99, or 20 for $4.99. This might come in handy when we’re sent a snap of pure comedic gold we weren’t expecting and didn’t get to screenshot in time, but we’re still on the fence about whether or not shelling out the extra money is worth it. Would you ever pay money to unlock certain Snapchat features?

How She Got There: Leona Vasserman & Monica Phromsavanh, Co-Founders of ModaBox

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Name: Leona Vasserman

Job Title and Description: Head of Operations/Co-Founder at ModaBox

College Name/Major: F.I.T./International Trade & Marketing Communications

Website: Moda-Box.com

Instagram Handle: @LEONAVASSERMAN

 

Name: Monica Phromsavanh

Job Title and Description: CEO/Founder of ModaBox

College Name/Major: The School of Life

Website: Moda-box.com

Instagram Handle: @MMODABOX

 

What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?

Leona Vasserman: There’s no typical day at ModaBox. From shipping to web functionality, we’re constantly busy ironing out the kinks as a growing business. I answer most of our customer inquiries myself. There’s always a new challenge that needs solving, so I do a lot of impromptu brainstorming with the team.

Monica Phromsavanh: As the founder and CEO of a startup, my job is to do any and everything to make sure operations are running smoothly by managing our growing team and networking with strategic partners. I’m really happy to say that there’s no such thing as a “typical day” at ModaBox. There’s always someone new to meet or a new solution that needs to be executed. 

 

What is the best part of your job?

LV: The fact that I get to learn something new everyday. Working in a startup environment pushes your creativity to new levels since you constantly have to solve problems you never knew could even exist in the first place. It keeps things exciting!

MP: The best part of my job is meeting amazing and inspiring entrepreneurs. Running a startup isn’t easy, but it’s really rewarding and fun when you have a network of supporters on the same journey. 

 

What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

 

​LV: My first experience in fashion was an internship with our CEO, Monica, when I was a senior in high school. A good friend of mine was going to a pop-up fashion show by Richie Rich and invited me along, knowing my interest in fashion. I was introduced to Monica and nervously asked her if she was hiring interns. To my surprise she invited me to interview the very next day. At the time she had just started her very first business representing emerging designers. After staying up all night typing up my first-ever resume (googling samples for hours), I went in with no expectations. She hired me on the spot and we’ve been on this journey ever since.

MP: My first entry-level job was at an apparel wholesaler in Buenos Aires when I was 14. (I was born and raised in Argentina.) I was young and hungry; I saw a sign in the window, walked into the shop and got the job. 

 

What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?

​LV: There is way more behind fashion than meets the eye. There would be no brands, no stores and no e-commerce if the business behind it all wasn’t running smoothly. The fashion that we enjoy in our daily lives comes from long hours of creativity, strategy and hard work.

MP: The importance of marketing and product-market fit. Fashion is a universal language, but in business, you have to focus on one type of market and be great at it. As much as I would love to serve every woman, from a business perspective, it’s not the most effective way to succeed – especially in the fashion industry. 

 

Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?

​LV: Definitely Monica. I’ve learned countless lessons from her on how to be a strong woman in both business and in life.

MP: I have met so many valuable people on my journey, but I can confidently say that our technical co-founder Daniel has been an angel both literally and figuratively. From the moment I started my first business – which I couldn’t have done without his help and support – until today, he’s been a great mentor. I believe I earned his trust early on and ever since he has had unwavering faith in me. Plus, I couldn’t ask for a better team who motivate me to work harder and smarter everyday. 

 

What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?

​LV: At one point I had a lot going on; I was taking seven classes while working three full days a week and was also doing some freelance graphic design work on the side. I started treating work as an hourly commitment and forgot that I was truly passionate about what I was doing. I realized I was overworking myself and it affected every aspect of my life. I learned that it’s okay to not excel at everything at once [and] to instead focus on being great in the most important area of your life first – and it’s okay to just be good at everything else.

MP: My first retail business, a brick and mortar store in Manhattan’s Limelight building, grew very rapidly from a 90 square-foot kiosk and a team of one,to a 4,000 square-foot store with a team of 30. One of my biggest mistakes was letting go of our culture and not proactively managing the work environment. Great team members started leaving and it was no longer a fun place to work. I’m happy to say that the experience taught me one of my biggest lessons and at ModaBox we constantly work on creating a work environment where people matter and happiness is key. 

 

What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

​LV: Being asked to become a co-founder at ModaBox. I was like, ‘Who? Me?’ But with some encouragement, I realized that I helped build a lot of what you see on the site today. Over a year ago, Monica and I slaved over a rough copy of what our site would look like on the floor of her living room – using Powerpoint. Today we’re shipping hundreds of ModaBoxes to women across the US. Like Steve Jobs said, the dots only connect looking back – but we still have a long way to go.

MP: There have been so many moments that I’m truly grateful for. I never thought that an ordinary girl like me, who grew up in a refugee camp in Argentina, would be running her second business in one of the most amazing cities in the world. 

 

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

​LV: Startup jobs are not an eight-hours-a-day commitment. I look for team members who are open to grow, learn and hustle.  

MP: I look for grit and hunger to learn. I truly believe that people with a lot of talent but no willingness to work hard have nothing compared to those who are willing to go above and beyond in everything they do.

 

What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

​LV: I’m not sure that I’m qualified to give hardcore advice, so I’m going to paraphrase Marissa Mayer, CEO of Yahoo: Always do something you’re a little not ready to do – I don’t think I was ever ready for any of the great accomplishments I’m most proud of today. 

MP: It won’t be easy; nothing worthwhile is. Good things take time, and it all boils down to persistence and resilience. Make sure you pick a career that you’re truly passionate about so when things get rough you won’t give up.

 

Fill out my online form.

How to Feel Your Best in Every Aspect of Your Life This Semester

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Now that fall semester is ramping up, it’s easy to get sidetracked by your jam-packed planner and heavy workload. But between classes and clubs, you also need to prioritize yourself! Here are our top tips for feeling your best this semester in every sphere of your life. These small lifestyle tweaks can make a huge difference.

Look your best self

1. Upgrade your hair 

You don’t need a drastic haircut to totally enhance your look. Even small changes, like playing with texture can create a big difference! (We LOVE TRESemmé’s Perfectly (un)Done Sea Salt Spray and Sea Foam to achieve tousled waves). Just because you’re back to the books doesn’t mean you can’t look like you just came back from the beach. You’ll be amazed by how confident you feel, with just a small upgrade.

2. Revamp your room and wardrobe  

Wearing a great outfit or walking into your gorgeous bedroom can make any day better. But we know it can be hard to look chic on a college budget. That’s why we love Marshalls for their incredible prices and even better style. Become the envy of your friends with items from their home décor department, or get that name brand outfit you’ve been wanting—all for a great price. It’s totally possible to shop smart in college!

3. Dare to try a new look

Stuck in a makeup rut this semester? A little bit of change can do wonders for both your look and your outlook! We prefer makeup that works as hard as we do – NYC New York Color brings us Cityproof 24HR Shadow Sticks that are waterproof and last all day, available in 12 fun, energetic colors. Need a quick but trendy look for class? Just twist, glide and go!

4. Find the balance between style and function

Those six-inch stilettos and tiny bedazzled clutch you brought to school? Not so practical. You can be super stylish and stay organized at the same time. Let us introduce you to our back-to-school must-have: the Chelsea Tote from MZ Wallace. It’s lightweight, stain and water resistant, fits comfortably over your shoulder and has TONS of room for your books and knick-knacks. It’ll take you from the gym to class to a weekend away while looking great! We’re obsessed!

5. Moisturize—a lot

No, seriously—the easiest way to look beautiful all of the time? You have to moisturize! Your entire body needs water—hair, skin and even lips. Keep your pout smooth with a Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Swivel Stick with Vitamin E. Store it in your backpack and use it spot moisturize anywhere you need.

Think your best self

1. Indulge in pleasure reading

Step away from your chemistry textbook just for an hour or two. We know you probably haven’t read for pleasure in years (and no, reading your Facebook newsfeed doesn’t count!), but it’s a great way to escape from the monotony of schoolwork. Our top pick for fall? We Were Liars by New York Times bestselling author E. Lockhart. If you’re a John Green fan, you’re going to be obsessed with the novel he calls “thrilling, beautiful and blisteringly smart.”

2. Participate fully in your daily life

Unfortunately, we haven’t reached gender equality yet. But there are ways us women can continue fighting for it. Participate fully in your life. That means everything from voting in your student government election to running as a candidate yourself. We encourage you to participate in No Ceilings: The Full Participation Project’s #NoCeilings 30-Day Challenge.

3. Host a bake sale

All cupcakes are great, but they’re even better when they’re for a great cause. This fall, She’s the First is aiming to inspire 400 bake sales in America, all dedicate to fundraise scholarships for girls in low-income countries, to foster first-generation graduates and to cultivate the next generation of global leaders. We encourage you to host one on your campus this fall!

4. Refine your study technique

Gone are the high school days where your teachers walked you through the material. In college, you’re expected to do a lot of work independently - no easy feat. 5-Hour ENERGY ® shots can help you maintain that energized feeling when studying. They’re four calories, contain the caffeine comparable to a cup of the leading premium coffee, and will get you through your study session without falling asleep at the library.

Care for your best self

1. Eat fresh foods

If you treat your body right, you’ll feel amazing. Don’t settle for anything less than fresh, whole foods. And guess what? Your obsession with Chipotlecounts! Chipotle prepares their food with no added sugar, artificial sweeteners, flavors or colors. This includes meats raised without antibiotics or added hormones, pasture-raised dairy, local produce when seasonably available and only non-GMO ingredients. Go get your guac fix, collegiette!

2. Make your period better

Okay, so your period is definitely not the most fun thing in the world, but we think you can make it a little better. This year, try The DivaCup—it’s a reusable menstrual cup that will save you money, is good for the environment and great for your health. The DivaCup is way more convenient than constantly restocking on pads and tampons—and you never have to worry about chemicals that could potentially wreak havoc on your body.

3. Don’t let illness weigh you down  

Getting sick in a college dorm is basically a rite of passage—but that doesn’t make it any more fun. Even the common cold can seem like a huge deal when you don’t have your mom to bring you soup and you’re still expected to do homework. Take Cold-EEZE Cold Remedy Plus Natural Multi-Symptom Relief Cold & Flu QuickMelts, which shorten your cold and help relieve cold and flu symptoms. That way you can get back to feeling your best (and also not get your poor roommate sick!)

4. Add a little sweetness to your life

After a hard day in the library, there’s nothing better than a little treat. Add Zing™ Zero Calorie Stevia Sweetener to your favorite foods and drinks. It is made with only real ingredients, nothing artificial. Enjoy the thrill of treating yourself to something sweet!

5. Love the skin you’re in

Taking care of your skin is super important—and what you do NOW to keep your skin healthy can have huge benefits for when you’re older. Spruce is an app that connects you to board-certified dermatologists, anytime and anywhere, for all of your skin concerns, from acne to bug bites to eczema. Through the app, a board-certified dermatologist will respond to you within 24 hours with a diagnosis and a treatment plan, and any necessary prescriptions will be sent digitally to the pharmacy of your choice. Each visit is a straight $40 and is perfect for anyone out of network of their insurance coverage. Use promo code HERCAMPUS15 at check-out for your first visit free! (Limited offer)

Create your best self

1. Design a life you love

Surround yourself with art! Whether you just love going to museums or expressing yourself through fashion, it’s so important you find a way to express yourself. Want to create art or fashion? We love My Social Canvas, which allows millennials to participate in the process of national design campaigns. The winning designer gets scholarship funds to assist with the pursuit of their design dreams, as well as help fund the design campaign’s cause, be it women’s health or alleviating poverty.

2. Make something beautiful 

You spend probably 80 percent of your day on a laptop reading or doing problem sets. Setting aside time to be creative will do wonders for both your productivity and your mood. Need inspiration? Martha Stewart Crafts provides the crafting tools needed to bring out your creative side. If you’re a DIY kind of girl, you’ll love their paper crafting tools and party products that allow you to make everything from awesome dorm room or party decorations to gifts for friends!

We hope you have an AMAZING year, collegiettes! Keep these tips in mind to feel confident all semester long! 

Look Stylish on Campus & Change Lives With These Gorgeous Accessories—For Free!

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Whether or not you got to travel the world this summer, being back on campus feels about as exotic as white bread. As students immersed in on-campus activities, it’s easy to forget the impact we can have on the daily lives of people across the globe. However, now you can use one of our favorite activities—accessorizing—to help better the lives of women around the world.

 

 

We teamed up with Global Goods Partners to give you everything you need to rock a unique, gorgeous look this year. This amazing fair trade, non-profit organizationconnects women in the Global South to the international market by selling their beautiful handmade goods. Every purchase goes toward improving the quality of women around the world and their families’ lives, creating otherwise inaccessible opportunities for them.

 

One lucky winner will receive a large tote bag from the Thai-Burmese border, an Ethiopian infinity scarf, a pair of Afghan lapis cutout earrings, a teal bracelet and a multi bead wrap bracelet from Guatemala, and a Mayan acai and glass bead necklace.

 

Enter to win these incredible prizes and support global women! And be sure to keep up with Global Goods Partners on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

 

Global Goods

How You Feel on Exam Day, As Told by 'Parks and Recreation'

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Parks and Recreation may have ended, but that doesn't mean its characters won't live on. Why? Because Leslie Knope, Ron Swanson and the rest of the Parks crew just get us. And they definitely get how we feel during the panic of exam day, because let's be honest: we're feeling all the feels all at once, and the clock is ticking. Here's what exam day is really like:

Your alarm sounds and you couldn’t be more depressed because TODAY IS EXAM DAY.

You’re cranky because you pulled an all-nighter to prepare, so you’re only running off of a two-hour power nap and a couple of granola bars (read: Oreos).

You take advantage of every last second to cram in some more material... Then you panic because you realize you only have 15 minutes to get dressed and make it to class.

On the way, you feel the need to ask your friends for a last-minute pep talk.

And for a split second, their reassurance starts to help you perk up a bit.

Then you start feeling hopeless again, because you realize they’re not in this class and couldn’t possibly understand how tragic this test is going to be.

So you fall back into your state of supreme displeasure and become irritated by every little thing. Watch out, chirping birds and chipper freshmen.

You finally make it to class, and you couldn’t be more anxious if you tried.

Despite knowing this counts for 40 percent of your grade, you try to psych yourself into thinking this exam is no biggie.

And you start to feel confident again when you see how easy-peasy question #1 is.

You definitely get suspicious when the next couple of questions are just too easy.

Then the short-answer portion backhands you, and you want to throw your desk across the room in a fit of rage. 

You’d feel embarrassed if you cried in front of everyone, so you try convince yourself that grades don’t matter anyway.

But you’re so furious that you begin plotting how you can destroy your professor’s career.

Especially as you're on your way out and he has the nerve to ask you,“How do you think you did?”

You finally leave, and you’re utterly distraught. 

You could almost laugh at the fact that you’re royally screwed now.

Then you realize how silly you are, because you forgot one simple thing that’ll ease your pain...

You know you may have been wrong about every question on that exam, but you're confident about what to do next...

But no matter what grade you get, you did it! You survived. Here's to treating yo'self on exam day, and every day after.


14 Street Style Looks from NYFW that You Can Totally Copy for Campus

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New York Fashion Week may already be over, but what if we told you it could live on forever in your wardrobe? And you don’t even have to purchase those straight-off-the-runways pieces that are way out of a collegiette’s budget. Below, we’ve compiled 14 of our favorite street style looks from NYFW that you can totally copy on campus.

1. '70s chic

‘70s-inspired style is big for fall again this year. We love how this look goes full-on festival with the floppy hat, round sunnies, denim skirt (or culottes, if you're daring!) and booties.

2. Suit up

Menswear doesn’t have to be blah. In fact, it can add the sophistication that your ensembles have been lacking. Keep the cuts feminine—like the plunging neckline and perfectly short shorts—and the colors soft.

3. The skirt has it

Overall, this outfit is pretty simple, which ensures that the intricately detailed skirt shines. We bet you have a similar piece hanging in your closet that you’ve been dying to wear.

4. Best dressed

A long-sleeved midi dress in a striking pattern is just what you need to embrace the cooler weather. We’d swap out those stunning heels for a pair of clean white sneaks.

5. Please don’t say summer’s over

There are ways to transition your favorite summer pieces into fall, as shown in all three of these outfits. From the poppy hues to the hints of exposed skin, we can see ourselves wearing these right on into October.

6. Cream of the crop

Crop tops don’t have to be reserved for weekend outings only. Pair yours with a high-waisted skirt or jeans to class it up enough for, well, class.

7. One coat

Sometimes all you need to make an outfit is an expertly fitted coat in an especially strong color. How nice would it be to just throw this on with some accessories when you’re running late?

8.  Mixing prints

If you haven’t tried your hand at mixing prints yet, now is the time to start. It’s a complicated yet thrilling way to stand out from the crowd. This look combines three prints in similar shades to make for an outfit unlike any other.

9. That’s a match

So maybe you and your bestie don’t have these unforgettable black moto jackets. You can still pick a day to match a piece you have in common. Just make it your own rather than going full-on twin.

10. Suspended

Suspenders are such a cheap way to elevate your entire look. Thin styles that look like they came with your outfit will give you that effortless flair every girl is always trying to achieve.

11. Embrace the fall

Fringe, leather, turtlenecks… these are some of the fall pieces we can’t wait to try out. But while the temps stay warm, you can keep cool while nodding to the impending seasonal change.

12. Trendy lady

Button-front skirts and long, open vests are very on-trend right now. We’re planning on stealing these two looks ASAP.

13. Bring on the drama

Who said being in college means your clothes have to take a backseat to the drama in your personal life? Let’s change that, with pieces that carry a major impact wherever you wear them.

14. Easy updates

The lace, stripes and denim found in this look are all wardrobe staples. But easy updates—like distressing the hem of your jeans or combining the lace and stripes into a single top that wows—will give you a brand new perspective on fashion.

Will you be copying any of these NYFW street style looks on campus, collegiettes?

Should You Participate in Hook-Up Culture?

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Fact: College is a busy, stressful and confusing time in life. Relationships are also notoriously time-consuming and sometimes stressful and confusing. So it makes sense that “hook-up culture” is popular on college campuses across the country. Just to be clear, by 'hook-up culture' we mean an environment where dating is sparse and people tend to get together, no strings attached. No commitment, no problem...right? Who has time for a serious relationship, a full schedule of classes, a job and extracurriculars? In theory, this hook-up culture seems like the perfect solution to a busy schedule. But in reality, things can get messy and there can be serious consequences of hooking up. Before you choose to experiment in the culture or not, check out these pros and cons to make a better-informed decision.

PRO: There’s less pressure to be in a relationship

Growing up, we’ve all felt the pressure of needing to be in a relationship. But on a campus where hook-up culture is prevalent, there’s less people jumping into a serious relationship. This ultimately means less peer pressure, and more freedom to just enjoy your college years. “I think having your first boyfriend in middle school or high school is always so exciting,” an anonymous source from Penn State says. “But getting to college and realizing that you don't have to go that route is comforting for a lot of people.” Hook-up culture definitely gives you the freedom to let loose and just have fun!

PRO: Exploring sexuality can be empowering

College is all about exploring, and that doesn’t just mean academically. This is the time to find yourself, and a hook-up culture celebrates that. “Sexuality is empowering here [at my school] which I think is great,” says Lexie Mikula, a senior at Point Park University. “Before I came here, freedom in sexuality was downplayed, stereotyped and shameful, but I feel so comfortable with myself as a person with sexual desires, rather than ashamed!”

CON: Things can get awkward 

Unfortunately, we live in the real world where not every hook-up goes well and sometimes things can get awkward. “I am not a big fan [of hook-up culture] because our school is small and you’re almost guaranteed to run into the person you randomly hooked up with at some point in your time here,” says Lauren McClure, a senior at the University of Wyoming. If things didn’t end well between you two, things can get weird pretty fast. What do you do? Acknowledge them? Avoid them? Help! It ends up just being weird for both parties involved.

CON: It’s hard to find a serious relationship

For those of us who are interested in getting serious, hook-up culture is a big hurtle. When people who just want casual hook-ups surround you, you might feel like the odd one out. “It can be hard to find someone who's looking for something more,” says Rachel Petty, a junior at James Madison University. “It's difficult to tell if people just want to hook up or are actually interested in you!” It’s important to be open and honest from the beginning, and make sure you communicate to the person you’re with that you’re interested in more than just a one-night fling.

CON: There can be judgment 

This one can vary depending on where you go to school, but unfortunatley "slut shaming" has become a serious issue recently. Slut shaming refers to degrading or mocking a girl for being sexual. This is all too real at some college campuses, even those with rampant hook-up culture. However, this dones't mean that all campuses do this. In fact, there are places that celebrate women’s sexuality and don’t put them down for it. “I like that people don't judge others for hooking up with who they want to hook up with,” says Rachel.

We listed this one as a con because criticizing someone for their sexuality is always a negative. But, that doesn't necesarily mean you'll run into that on your campus. Props to your school if it embraces sexuality and doesn't put other people down for it! 

CON: There can be serious health risks

Because hook-ups are temporary, people don’t always think about the long-term health risks that could be involved. If you choose to be sexually active, it’s important to be safe. This means using contraceptives and proper protection to prevent STDs. Be sure to take advantage of the resources that your school’s health center provides, beyond the free condoms they pass out. Also, don’t be ashamed to talk to a doctor if you think something might be wrong. Taking good care of yourself always comes first! 

As you can see, we listed more cons than pros, but a lot of these can vary depending on what school you go to. Obviously every school has a different culture, so it's hard to make generalizations. There's really no "one size fits all" when it comes to discussing casual hook-ups. Some of these cons could be pros at your school, and vice versa. For example, not every school will shame you for exploring your sexuality, or maybe you don't think it's that awkward to run into an old hook-up. But like most things in life, the hook-up culture has both pros and cons. Whatever you choose to do, the most important thing is to have fun, stay informed and be safe.

75 Thoughts We’ve All Had While Watching Pretty Little Liars

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We "Pretty Little Liars" fans are banded together for life. “Why?”, might you ask…because we’ve all been strung along together for five years, dying to know if we’d ever find out A’s secret identity! Thankfully, for our sanity (and for I. Marlene King’s safety, might we add), we’ve finally gotten our big reveal! But boy did it take years of suffering, curiosity and anger to get here. As our eyes were glued to our screens, our minds were racing in the background, scrambling to keep up with PLL’s twisted plot while wondering a million and one things about our favorite liars. Here’s 75 thoughts we’ve all probably had over the course of PLL’s run.

1. Here we go with this sh*t again!

2. *Flips light switch on* No way I'm watching in the dark!3. Why am I still on this emotional roller coaster five years later?

4. Damn you, I. Marlene King! 

5. Whose body is in that casket on the intro anyway?

6. More importantly, will they ever paint her entire nail?!

7. And who decided Lucy Hale should do the “shhh”?

8. Whatever, her brows are definitely always on fleek.

9. Wonder how many characters from three seasons ago will pop up this time?

10. Like, where the hell is Jenna?

11. Oooo, loveeee Hanna’s ensemble!

12. Who actually wears heels to high school every day, though?

13. Totes not buying that actual people can pull off Aria’s wardrobe!

14. Well maybe I can mix florals and plaid?

15. Nahh, this is real life!

16. Here comes Spencer with yet another witty reference I’m gonna have to Google.

17. Cue the A text...

18. So over this sh*t right now!

19. Why is Emily so naturally gorg!?

20. Normal people def don’t look this in high school…Or ever!21. Then again, normal people don’t follow sketchy, hooded people into the woods at night!

22. Like seriously, who does that?!

23. That’s what police are for!

24. But actually, why does no one ever call the cops!?

25. I guess Rosewood authorities are pretty sketch though.

26. Seriously can’t trust anyone in this town...

27. Or Ravenswood.

28. Haha Ravenswood!

29. That show went nowhere!

30. Where are the parents in this show?

31. And how could they have been so clueless for this long?32. That’s how I know stuff like this doesn’t happen in real life.

33. Actual parents are like bloodhounds…always sniffing around.

34. My mom would call me 1,000 times if I went MIA.

35. Meanwhile the liars go on A hunts in the middle of a freaking school day!

36. I wonder how many absences and tardies they’ve accrued by now.

37. Does the school not say anything?

38. Parent-teacher conferences clearly aren’t a thing!

39. Man I love me some Haleb! #baegoals

40. But why can’t I find a bad boy with a heart?!

41. I’ll believe they exist when I ride a unicorn!

42. Are we just going to keep glossing over the fact that Ezra was Aria’s teacher?

43. I almost forgot and that’s just not okay.

44. My teachers are not even the closest thing to man candy.

45. I’d probably show up to class more if they were though.

46. How long is it going to take these girls to graduate...

47. I feel like it’s been senior year for all of eternity.

48. Meanwhile, I’m nearing 30 here!

49. If they don’t stop A by the time I'm married with three kids, I quit life.

50. Seriously!51. I just can’t even anymore!

52. Everybody and their mom has been accused of being A!

53. I thought I was A for a second there!

54. It’s like the liars learn NOTHING from their slip-ups.

55. Like how can you routinely walk into A's traps all the freaking time?

56. And speaking of A, who wants to wear black hoodies forever?

57. Would A’s closet seriously just be infinite black hoodies on hangers?

58. Hasn’t he heard orange is the new black?!

59. Why is Mona so badass!?

60. How does she keep her head on straight with all her deviousness going on?

61. She’s totally cray.

62. Yet, I want to be like her!

63. Someone please shut down Radley for crying out loud!

64. That would solve half our problems!

65. OMG! Zoned out for like 30 seconds and missed some intricate theory the liars have come up with this time that’s probably wrong anyway.

66. *Hits rewind*

67. Okay, I can’t keep up!

68. I forgot half the characters they just mentioned.

69. There are just so many plot holes.

70. And these endings are always so sketch.

71. *Looks over the shoulder to make sure no one is creeping up behind me*

72. I’m not doing this anymore!73. *Sees preview for next week*

74. ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!

75. *Clears plans for next Tuesday night*

The 7 Phases of Fasting for Yom Kippur

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Many Jewish collegiettes can relate to the feeling of going from Shana Tovah to "Is Yom Kippur-OVAH?"

You know what we're talking about...the real Hunger Games

The struggle is real, but the feeling of completing a Yom Kippur fast is so worth it. Besides that, it's great to atone your sins (like that time you skipped your night class to watch the Oscars). So congratulations! Here is your chance to ring in the new year with a clean slate...and the seven stages that come with all the ~feels~ of fasting.

1. Being reminded that the fast is coming

You're not sure how this happens every year. Maybe it's the overload of apples and honey going to your head, or the fact that school just started and you haven't organized your planner. Regardless, you get that heads up from your friend that has it together, "Hey! Are you going to fast this year?" and realize it is actually happening. 

2. Feasting before the fast, when calories don't exist (win!)

Game on. It's time to take on all the #foodgoals so you can make it through the next 25 hours. That's right, collegiettes: you have the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to three bagels. Nobody is going to stop you. Oh, and consider taking your Insta foodie pic during the meal, because you totally know better than to post one on Yom Kippur...right? Right.

3. Waking up on Yom Kippur with complete confidence

It's a good thing you set a reminder on your phone so you don't accidently make a bowl of cereal. You're so full of confidence and know you can make it through. So confident that you're not even upset that you dreamt about pizza. Oh, and you're definitely not tempted by your pumpkin spice scented candle. You're unstoppable. 

4.  That first stomach grumble

You're lying in bed and it happens. 2:00 p.m. Whatever, maybe that was just a lawn mower outside—totally not your stomach? So you head back to sleep for what you think is three hours, only to wake up to another grumble at 2:27 p.m. You lie there, trying to think of anything but food.

5. Using your Phone-a-Friend lifeline

You have that (almost) defeat where you think that if your friend breaks, you can break. You just want to check-in. So you call, "Hey! Are you still fasting?" Of course she is. She told you that she isn't even hungry. And that she's so proud of you. Good thing you were just calling to check in, and not calling for a way out. 

6. The smell of the break-fast feast being prepared

You make it to a point where the day as flown by and break-fast is being prepared! You're asking if the food is ready every two minutes, and you're not quite sure you can make it. But this is the final countdown and you have come SO far. 

7. BREAK-FAST (emphasis on fast)

The word breakfast has a whole new meaning. You've got the green light, and you're quickly eating whatever you want. You've basically forgotten anything that happened today and connect with every bite on a ~spiritual level~. This is an out-of-body experience that you've earned. 

You post a status on every social media letting your friends know that YOU completed Yom Kippur. The best news? You have 365 days until the next one. 

Are you ready for the ultimate Hunger Games, collegiettes?

7 Queer-Girl Dating Problems (& How to Deal)

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Let’s be real: No one ever knows the perfect formula to dating, especially not in college. Yet, like a swift autumn breeze, the season for finding a beautiful girl to cuddle with on those cold, lonely nights is upon us. Whether you’re just embarking on your journey of self-discovery or you’re a well-seasoned queer girl, we hope to answer some of your #queergirlprobs with this list!

1. The LGBTQ+ community on your campus is totally lacking

One of the main dating complaints collegiettes have, no matter where they fall on the spectrum, is the lack of options they have on their campuses. But when you’re trying to find a lady friend, that problem has the potential to become even worse. If your school doesn’t have an enormous LGBTQ+ population, it might be really hard to find a girl who isn’t your ex, your BFF’s ex or someone who’s connected to you in some other strange, distant way.

Dr. Frankie Bashan, LGBTQ+ relationship expert and coach, says that if your community is too small or practically nonexistent, you should look into lesbian-specific websites or communities for not only romantic company, but friendships as well. Sites such as Autostraddle and Curve have online communities in which you can talk to other queer women from all around the world whom you might be able to connect with.  

Another potential way to meet new girls is dating apps. Whether you’re trying to find your Tinderella or just someone to talk to, dating apps can be great for connecting with people who might not be on campus but are still just a few miles away.

2. You’re not sure if your crush is into girls

So there’s this girl you’ve just met, and you can’t get her out of your head. You talk all the time, and you have a bunch in common. You’ve started making subtle yet flirty remarks to test the waters, to which she giggles, but never quite reciprocates. Here lies one huge problem: You have absolutely no clue whether or not she’s into girls.

There are a bunch of subtle ways to figure it out, such as testing her knowledge of queer-girl culture or Facebook-stalking to see what she’s interested in. But Dr. Bashan warns that the only way you’ll know for sure is if you straight-up ask her.

“This process can get dangerous when it comes to stereotypes,” Dr. Bashan says. “You can’t trust these assumptions all the time. I’ve seen cases where a girl might look more masculine, but she’s straight, and I’ve also seen girls who I could’ve sworn she was straight, but she was into girls. You really can’t know unless you ask.”

Dr. Bashan also warns that in your early 20s, the topic of sexuality is very charged, and you should tread lightly when it comes to asking about her preference. Make sure you’re a person whom she knows that she can trust, and when you do decide to ask, make sure you’re both sober so you both are making the right choices.

3. You’re still struggling with being out

While coming out is liberating for some, we don’t want to undermine the fact that coming out can be a difficult process for many people. Coming to know this part of yourself can be scary, especially if you come from a family or any type of background that isn’t accepting of the LGBTQ+ community. This directly affects your dating life, especially if you’re dating someone who is out and wants you to be out along with her.

Dr. Bashan suggests that you try coming out slowly but surely to people whom you know you can trust.

“If this person can hold information in confidence, then you should try coming out to them and see how they react,” she says. “Ask them to be respectful of your privacy, but also ask them for advice or help if you think they can assist you.”

Another thing Dr. Bashan suggests is finding resources on your college campus, such as peer-led coming-out groups or a therapist who can talk through these issues you might be experiencing.

“Even if you don’t have these resources available to you on your campus, books and websites can also help you get a better understanding of yourself,” she says.

However, if you’re already dating a girl who is out, she might be trying to push you to be out of the closet. Maya**, a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, admits that she has tried to pressure her partner into being out.

“I would be passive-aggressive about it,” she says. “I wouldn’t actually say that she needed to be out, but I would tell her how hard it was for me to not be able to tell my friends I was seeing someone. I could tell it hurt her feelings that I wasn’t trying to see it from her perspective.”

This is when you need to set boundaries and let her know that this is a decision that you need to make for yourself.

“We all go through our own process, and if you’re not ready to come out, nobody should be pressuring you,” Dr. Bashan says. “You need to be comfortable enough with yourself to let her know that it’s not okay.”

Make sure your girlfriend understands that this is something that is very personal and not something you’re comfortable with doing right now. While she may have been perfectly fine with coming out, everyone’s coming-out journey looks different.

4. Girls are constantly judging you for being bisexual or questioning

Whether you’re for sure bisexual or you’re bi-curious, you may be nervous about telling this to anyone in the LGBTQ+ community for fear of flat-out rejection. Queer girls are wary of hooking up with bi girls and often might respond negatively if you come out to them as such.

“When I date someone, regardless of gender, some people do not know how to handle the fact that I am bisexual and are either confused by it or, in some cases, rude about it,” says Claire**, a senior at the University of Texas at Austin.

Dr. Bashan says that one of the biggest issues that she sees college women facing is trying to figure out where they fit on the sexuality spectrum.

“Many people in college are still trying to come into their own and find out where they fit in the community,” Dr. Bashan says. “Labels can be frustrating to people, especially when it comes to bisexuality. Those who identify as bisexual face lots of discrimination.”

If you’re bi-curious, you need to make sure that you find a partner who is comfortable with the fact that this is an identity you’re still in the process of exploring. If she understands from the beginning that this is something that is new to you, you will know from the start where she stands, and you can plan out together how you want your relationship to play out.

However, if you’re bisexual, it’s a different story. You already know whom and what you’re attracted to. You should have confidence in this, and if someone tries to judge you for it, then you should definitely see it as his or her loss instead of yours!

5. You run into your ex all the time at LGBTQ+ gatherings

Nothing sucks more than going to your LGBTQ+ club’s monthly potluck only to find your ex-girlfriend hitting on the new transfer student. You want nothing more than to scoff, roll your eyes and sulk off in the opposite direction as you contemplate “accidentally” spilling your drink on her later on in the night.

While most people feel like completely avoiding their exes or gossiping about them in these situations, Dr. Bashan suggests that you do the exact opposite.

“When you see your ex in a public space, say hi and be friendly,” she says. “Catch her off guard and be amicable. You don’t have to be best friends with her, but you don’t have to bad-mouth her either.”

Dr. Bashan also says to make sure you’re not putting pressure on your friends to choose sides. While you and this girl have gone your separate ways, you still might have mutual friends who aren’t interested in getting involved in all of your messy breakup drama. If you handle the situation maturely, you have the opportunity to maintain those friendships long after the relationship is over.

6. Girls you like aren’t interested in you because you’re a trans* woman

As a queer trans* woman, the dating scene is even more complicated to navigate in comparison to what queer cisgender women deal with. You might face transphobia from not just the general population on campus, but even from within the LGBTQ+ community.

“I think even in our society right now, I feel like transgender folks are going through what lesbians and gay men were dealing with 20 to 30 years ago,” Dr. Bashan says. “They’re even being discriminated against within the queer community. They’re excluded, even though we’re all queer, and we all know what it’s like to be discriminated against, whether we’re gay, bi or trans*.”

Dr. Bashan says in her experience, lesbians have been more accepting of trans* men than they are of trans* women. But she also insists that trans* women in college should prioritize their safety.

“On a college campus, there are a lot of risks,” she says. “They have to make sure first and foremost that it’s a safe environment to expose themselves. People in college are not fully evolved. We’re talking about young adults who may be less knowledgeable and threatened by [trans* women]. If there is a trans* woman who is trying to find a partner on campus, particularly a lesbian, safety should come first.”

Next, Dr. Bashan suggests finding a group of people you can trust, whether they be trans*-inclusive organizations on campus or online communities, as discussed earlier. When you’re connecting with allies, you’re more likely to meet girls who are supportive of your gender identity. What’s sexier than inclusivity, are we right?

7. You’re friend-zoned because you’re not masculine enough

Femme girls, we know you’ve heard this too many times before. You’re considered “not queer enough” because you prefer florals to flannels and heels to high tops. This can even apply to queer girls who don’t identify as femmes but don’t completely fit the butch stereotype. If you’re even remotely “too feminine” (whatever that means), you might run into trouble finding a date.

“I know that in our coming-out process, we go through phases,” Dr. Bashan says. “When I first came out, I felt like I was too feminine. People always thought I was the bisexual at the bar or the straight girl hanging out with my lesbian or gay guy friends. I got no respect or attention because I looked like a straight girl. I got really tired of it. I cut my hair off, I stopped wearing makeup and I wore looser clothes.”

Dr. Bashan says that it’s perfectly normal to feel the need to change ourselves to fit the mold of what you believe is expected of queer women. She says that she now identifies as more feminine; she has short hair but sports makeup and skirts and owns her femininity.

At the end of the day, what matters is that you feel comfortable and secure in your identity.

“I think people go through phases of trying different looks on to see what’s best for us,” she says. “We discover how our community responds to us and how we feel most comfortable wearing these different outfits. At the end of the day … accept who you are and accept where you fall on this continuum of femininity and masculinity. As long as you are confident in wherever you fall, that’s sexy. That is attractive. You’ve got to own it.”

After all, if someone thinks you should be a different person in order to be attractive, you probably don’t want to date her, anyway! Hold out for someone who will like you for who you are.

Queer or straight, dating in college isn’t easy. There’s still so much that you’re figuring out about yourself, as well as how you relate to everyone around you.

“I think the main point at the crux of it all is maintaining personal boundaries, believing in yourself and knowing that you’re at a stage where you’re comfortable enough to play with roles and appearances,” Dr. Bashan says.

If you make sure that you have the right support system and you’re confident in who you are and what you want, it’s definitely possible for you to have a fantastic dating experience. Happy dating, everyone!

*Names have been changed.

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