While many of us may be able to portray an image of general contentment while walking to class at 8 a.m, there are those of us who are not so fortunate. Resting Bitch Face(RBF), or as we like to call it: looking the way you actually feel, is a fast growing phenomenon that is affecting women everywhere. 

1. You think your face looks like this:

2. But it actually just looks like this:

3. ​People often think you're in a bad mood.

4. Or even take their sensitivity a step further and think you're angry with them.

5. Which is when you have to explain to them that it’s just the way your face looks.

6. Guys never hit on you in public because all they see is:

7. People try way too hard to impress you because they assume you hate them.

8. Which just makes you actually annoyed.

9. Which is when your resting bitch face turns into an actual bitch face.

10. Nobody seems to catch onto your jokes.

11. So when nobody laughs you just pretend you were serious.

12. People assume you don’t have emotions.

15. People will probably feel the need to point out your resting bitch face.

And you may ask: how do I cure my RBF?

Answer:

While she certainly isn’t the most divisive candidate in the election this year, everyone has an opinion about Hillary Clinton. We wanted to see if college women love the former first lady or are simply not ready for her, so we asked 12 college women to share what they think—read their thoughts below.

“I'm a Democrat and I'm definitely not voting for her. Her stances on different issues have never been consistent, she tries too hard to appeal to millennials by using slang terms, and she still has ­close ties to Wall Street. Bernie Sanders is a much better option.”

-Allison, University of Kansas Class of 2017

“I am a Democrat, but I would not vote for Hillary. She is untrustworthy (e.g., email server that got secret agents killed; charity fraud), self-centered, ill advised, uninformed, and just a terrible potential leader for our country. She would put us in even more debt and wreck what little solid policy we have left. I sincerely hope another candidate beats her.”

-Sarah, Tufts University Class of 2017

RELATED: Hillary Clinton Dominated the Second Democratic Debate

“I am a Democrat, and I would not vote for Hillary Clinton. The stuff with the emails was super sketchy, in debates she avoids issues and most of her views are simply repackaged from the Obama administration. Electing her would not see the change that this country so desperately needs.”

-Jack, UW-Stout Class of 2018

“I am a Democrat and I would not vote for Hillary Clinton because I believe she has nothing to offer people of color.”

-Kayla, UC San Diego Class of 2019

“I am a Democrat through and through and I love Hillary Clinton. I think she is well prepared, highly intelligent, and will certainly be able to get the job done. One of the things that drew me in was her fight for equal pay and reproductive rights for all women, as well has her focus on LGBT issues. She provides more real world solutions to our problems, saying how she would go about making change rather than just saying change needs to happen. I think sometimes she is a little less liberal than I am, but that will work to her advantage when trying to work across party lines.”

-Sophie, Boston University Class of 2018

“I believe that Hillary Clinton is a strong candidate who could competently run the country in the position of President. She has seen first-hand the way politics works and appears to understand the needs of the American people. Although her actions in office have not always been perfect, she understands her mistakes just as anyone else would and can intelligently come back and turn herself around for the good of the country. I agree with Hillary's various ideas in her campaign, yet I am still suspicious of her transparency with the American public, as many people are. Even with this, I believe that she will come around and eventually be the right person for the White House. It's a shame that her campaign is getting overshadowed by other candidates such as Donald Trump, who have to rely on publicity, eccentricity, and hysterics to gain followers and prove their worth in politics.”

-Abby, Marist College Class of 2016

 “I love Hillary. I am definitely voting for her and I love how she supports women's rights.”

-Samantha, Emory University Class of 2020

RELATED: Hillary Clinton Calls for Stricter Gun Control

“I'm a Democrat, but I don't like Hillary Clinton very much. That being said, I will definitely vote for her if she receives the Democratic nomination, but I think it's high time the United States elect someone who is more of an ‘ordinary’ person, like Bernie Sanders. I like his progressive new ideas for our country, like reducing student loan debt, providing increased government employment opportunities, ensuring that people have health care, and ensuring that there is economic equality for all. Hillary, to me, is too old school — she's too much of a politician who says what she thinks will get her the votes, and her track record is way too centrist for my taste. America needs a radical progressive Democrat, because we need to make this country a great place for all again, with a ‘level playing field’. I just can't see Hillary being that. I also don't think that America is ready for a female president yet. As sad as it makes me to say that, I think her gender has already created problems for her (i.e the Benghazi interrogation, in which she was questioned the most for really no reason), and I don't think we can afford another four to eight years of unnecessary political gridlock.”

-Katherine, Molloy College Class of 2016

“I think Hillary Clinton is a good candidate. I am a Democrat, but I do not know if I will vote for her just yet.”

-Nicolette, University of Illinois Class of 2017

“I love Hillary Clinton, I'm a Democrat, and I'm definitely voting for her. I think she is smart, knows what she's doing with foreign issues because of her time as Secretary of State, has women's issues in mind, and has real solutions for issues such as minimum wage and lowering the cost of college. I think that her ways to improve the economy would work — whereas Bernie Sanders' ideas will actually crush the economy, which anyone with a basic understanding of economic principles knows. I think Hillary is classy, calm, and intelligent.”

-Jess, Lebanon Valley College Class of 2017

“I am a Democrat and I think Hillary Clinton is a very qualified presidential candidate. She has always fought for the people and for what is right in the country. One key plan in her candidacy that I support and agree with is her New College Compact plan. I am in great support of this plan in which the goals include debt-free and affordable college expenses. I would most definitely vote for Hillary.”

-Alisha, The University of Alabama Class of 2017

RELATED: Hillary Clinton Says She'll End Sexual Assault On Campus

“I am ready for Hillary Clinton to be America's first female president. I am disappointed by the lack of support and enthusiasm by my peers for her candidacy, not only because she is a woman, but because she is a perhaps the most qualified and experienced candidate of our time. As a liberal Democrat, I feel that she stands for all of the issues that I care about such as universally accessible healthcare, women, minority, and LGBT rights, and growth of the middle class. I truly admire her drive to never give up and her passion for our great nation. She has proven herself to be a capable leader in a variety of government roles and I am excited to see what positive changes she brings to our country if elected president. As a college woman, I look up to her as an example for our generation; a woman can be the boss, a woman can be the leader of the free world, and Hillary is our woman!”

-Deena, Binghamton University Class of 2016

Now that it's 2016, it's time to let go of these 20 things that seemed to dominate the year 2015! 

1. The “dress”

White and gold or black and blue? Whichever way you see the dress, I think we’re all in consensus that the argument is left in 2015.

2. Man buns

Cute and hipster during their rise, these overdone trends are now as common as UGG boots and chai tea lattes. A good clean cut, suit and tie kind-of-man however - will never go out of style.

3. Vaping

This ongoing trend of e-cigarettes was huge in 2015, but as 2016 approaches, we hope to see the end of the vaping trend, along with the end of fruity- scented smoke clouds blown in our faces.

4. Netflix and chill

The modern day dating plague of watching movies together with sexual implications has led to an apathy towards putting in effort to actually get to know one another. Here’s hoping Netflix stays in 2016, but “Netflix and chill” does not.

5. The Confederate flag

South Carolina took down their Confederate flag at their capitol grounds this year after Charleston shooter Dylan Roof proudly defended the symbol by citing it as a motivation for his shootings. While some backlashed against the societal recognition of the confederate flag as a symbol of racism, many others stood in solidarity as many Americans rejected and removed the flag. Let’s hope 2016 is the year we stop seeing it altogether.

6. Hating on Justin Bieber

Selling over 650,000 copies, Justin Bieber’s album purpose won the hearts of non-Beliebers everywhere. His catchy hits like “Sorry” and “What Do You Mean” consistently topped the charts and reminded everyone it’s never too late to have Bieber Fever— so let’s leave the Bieber hate in 2015 and indulge in Bieber’s success.

7. Donald Trump

When Donald Trump announced his presidency back in June 2015, some grimaced, some laughed, but all were expecting an entertaining display of what happens when a xenophobic, misogynist figure expects to be taken seriously as a viable presidential candidate. Flash forward to December 2015 and Trump is the top polling Republican nominee. Okay, joke’s over, you guys— let’s leave him behind in 2015.

8. Transphobia

When Caitlyn Jenner, formerly Bruce, came out as a woman during the Diane Sawyer interview in April, the transgender community got some much-needed recognition. With the world progressing as rapidly as it is today, the transgender community is quickly gaining momentum and raising awareness for transphobia and what it means to have equal rights as a transgender American. With this constant progression, we hope transphobia is a thing of the past, left behind in 2015.

9. Islamophobia

Growing Islamophobia as a response to various terrorist attacks in 2015 has consequently led to an increased tension between Muslim-Americans and their non-Muslim neighbors. With vandalism of mosques and attacks on local Muslim communities, Islamophobia has become an epidemic we hope is left in 2015.

10. Paying for Snapchat filters

Snapchat introduced its animated lenses in September of 2015, and naturally -- the world went insane. The My Story of Snapchatters around the globe was filled with rainbow drool and exaggerated tears— a feature which later on Snapchat made available for purchase. But why would you pay Snapchat $1 to make you fake tears when you could think about life and cry for free?

11. “Lit, “fleek” and “bae”

These buzzwords have changed the way millennials communicate with one another in everyday conversation -- but is that necessarily a good thing? Let’s leave these behind in 2015 and exchange them for the proper use of “your vs. you’re” or “there, their and they’re.”

12. Cultural appropriation

No, your bindi should not be a Coachella trend. No, “Sexy Native American” is not an acceptable Halloween costume. This year’s Tumblr trends held heavy cultural influences, but many of them were appropriated—let’s leave that in 2015.

13. The condom challenge

Okay, so demonstrating the durability and importance of a condom is a great thing—but similarly to the Ice Bucket Challenge, when something is done for social media attention, things can go very wrong. As a rule, refrain from putting airtight seals over your mouth and nose, especially when they are also filled with water.

14. Hotline bling memes

We all jammed to Hotline Bling when it came out in late August, but it wasn’t long until the internet took Hotline Bling and its video into a viral meme sensation — and it was funny until it wasn’t. Let’s leave that in 2015.

15. Raven Symone

Raven Symone caused great controversy this year with her contentious views on African-American culture. Perpetuating negative stereotypes and discouraging Black pride, Raven Symone has come a long way since her days of That’s So Raven -- proving we should leave her in 2015.

16. Overfilling your eyebrows/ lips

Another trend adopted from the Kardashians, overfilling lips and brows has become the norm in 2015— but not only is this dramatic trend unnatural, but it is also a slap in the face to girls everywhere who had naturally have thick brows and full lips but were teased for it before it became cute.

17. The term “sidechick”

Not only is the term disturbing, but the concept of having a woman who is there as a supplement, an option, or a “side” to the “main” is something that should have been abolished a long time ago. Let 2016 be the year of the confident, sexy boss-lady - who treats herself as nothing less than a queen, not a “sidechick.”

18. “Menism”

The supposedly satirical trend of “menism” may seem funny to some, but in reality its inception was to mock the efforts of feminism by perpetuating negative female stereotypes and poking fun at actual feminist issues. Let’s leave that in 1950… I mean, 2015.

19. “Relationship goals”

Yes, we all want that Tumblr-worthy relationship that we see glamorized online, but in reality your “relationship goals” set unrealistic expectations for relationships and in term breed insecurities about what love actually is. What you see online is not a complete or accurate portrayal of a relationship— stop romanticizing it! Leave that behind in 2015.

20. Hiding behind or being “in your feelings”

While this generation pretends to not have feelings, or souls or whatever; we fail to understand that in order to progress mentally and emotionally, we need to trust, to express ourselves, to be human. Instead of hiding behind our passive-aggressiveness and fear of non-reciprocated feelings, we should embrace ourselves, learn about ourselves and use 2016 to grow and flourish. Time to leave the idea of  “in your feelings” in 2015.

Whether you’ve been dating for one month or one year, relationships can be tricky. After all, it can be hard to know the right or wrong thing to say. While every relationship is different, there are certain phrases that can be deal-breakers if you’re not careful. To help guide you, we’ve put together a list of phrases to avoid when you’re with your SO (unless, of course, you want things to end):

1. “I haven’t told my friends/family about us.”

After all, this is no longer middle school. Even if you’ve only been dating your SO for a few weeks, they may feel offended if you’re afraid to tell your friends and familyabout them. This could be a deal-breaker right off the bat if you can’t be mature enough to introduce them to those close to you, and it will inevitably hurt the your SO’s feelings in the long-term if they don’t feel important enough in your life.

"Ask them why they're not comfortable addressing the relationship," says Lauren*, a freshman at Indiana University. "If they're not willing to acknowledge the relationship, that's not fair to you. However, if they're just nervous about you meeting their family, you could always invite them to meet yours first as a way to break the ice."

2. “I don’t like your friend/family member.”

This one is especially important if you just started dating your SO and haven’t had a chance to get to know their friends and family very well. Announcing right away that you don’t like a certain one of their BFFs or siblings could really hurt them, especially if they’re super close. While you’re not expected to get along with every single person you meet and every single person in their life, it’s important to give every person time when getting to know them. "Part of being supportive of your significant other is being supportive of their family and friends," says Lauren. After all, if your SO really does like them, there’s probably a good reason why.

However, if you feel like one of their friends or family members is being especially rude to you, it's okay to address it in a considerate way. 

Related: 5 Reasons You May Be Feeling Unsettled In Your Relationship

3. “I don’t want you to go out with your friends.”

This one is crucial even for the most serious and long-term couples. Being willing to say “have fun!” and letting your SO have a night out with their friends is one of the healthiest things you can do for your relationship. Not only will it give you time to catch up with your friends, but you’ll just be that more excited to spend time with your SO after being apart for a night or two.

"I know from personal experience that saying this has really upset my boyfriend," says Lauren. "You have to understand that it's not up you to determine the other person's schedule, and you need to be flexible and considerate of their plans." However, if you feel like you're not getting enough time with your SO to maintain a healthy relationship, it's okay to talk about it. "Ask them to compromise with you. If you want to be invited to hang out with their friends, make sure you're always willing to return the favor."

4. “I don’t think you should go for it.”

It goes without saying that positive peer pressure can be a great thing, and talking your SO out of a bad situation or idea is important when you’re in a relationship. However, one of the worst things you can do is hold them back from opportunities that they’re excited about. Whether it’s an internship or job in another state, a change in major, a transfer to another school or anything else that they’re passionate about, it’s important to support them 100 percent. "I think being able to act independently in a relationship is so important," says Carter Barrett, a sophomore at Indiana University. "It helps each person bring fun and interesting things to the table."

After all, no one is expected to put their romantic relationship in front of their career or life goals when they’re only in their 20s. It may be hard, but if you really care about them, you’ll know deep down what’s best for them.

5. “Why can’t you be more like…”

We all know from high school that there’s nothing worse than the feeling of being compared to someone else. Pointing out someone’s flaws, weaknesses or little quirks in light of others is one of the most hurtful things you can do to another person, whether they’re your friend or SO. "A relationship should be a way to better yourself and the other person," says Carter.

Recognize your SO for the qualities that make them great and compliment or encourage them regularly. You know you’d want to be treated the same.

While communication is arguably the most important component of a healthy relationship, it’s important to approach tough conversations with caution. Every relationship is different, and certain conversations that work for one couple might not work for another. Regardless of what you’re discussing, remember to keep an open mind and heart. It’s possible to say what you’re feeling without completely hurting the other person. Best of luck, collegiettes!

*Name has been changed.

It’s recruitment season! For collegiettes whose schools do spring recruitment, it’s time to prepare your elevator speech, choose your round outfits and send in those recommendations.

HC talked to Elizabeth C., founder of sorority sugar, a blog and resource for Greek women, about the ins and outs of spring recruitment, which can come in two forms: formal and informal. Formal recruitment is highly structured: You meet every chapter on campus for several rounds (think typical fall rush, but in the spring). Informal recruitment, however, is only for chapters with membership openings. There are often fewer rounds, and it is usually more casual. Most colleges do formal fall recruitment and informal spring recruitment, but many colleges do the opposite.

Regardless, though, the game’s the same. Read on for six surefire ways to dazzle at formal or informal spring recruitment!

1. Be your most radiant

First things first: Sororities are not judging you on looks alone, and any sorority that suggests otherwise is probably not one you want to join. That being said, your appearance is going to define the first impression you make when you walk into round one. Wrinkled clothing and un-brushed hair may signal to the sorority that you really don’t want to be there.

“The goal is to be well groomed, naturally glowing and attired in the required fashions for each round,” Elizabeth says. Most schools will have several rounds of recruitment, and there may be a dress code for each night – usually the last night will be more formal than the rest. Talk to your school’s Panhellenic council for the specifics, as this can depend on your school and whether or not your recruitment is considered formal or informal.

“If you look and feel your best, it reduces stress and allows you to be more self-confident,” Elizabeth says.

The goal is to look polished. Now’s not the time to try bright purple lips or a wacky, cool hairstyle. Keep it basic, but still you. Elizabeth recommends “simply styled hair, light makeup, manicured nails and figure-flattering clothes.”

2. Have a story that makes you stand out

During recruitment, you’re going to talk about yourself—a lot. “There will be questions regarding your achievements, activities, travels, family background, home state, etc.,” Elizabeth says. But keep in mind that each sorority is going to talk to and listen to hundreds of girls over the course of a week—so your goal is to be remembered.

“Have a few funny stories and several poignant moments from your life ready to share,” Elizabeth says. “Making a lasting impression on each sorority sister you speak with is vital. Have your personal package of information squared away in your head, and it will help you greatly.”

Figure out your talking points, and practice, practice, practice! Before you even walk into the sorority house or recruitment room, have a few stories ready to go. Did you found a super-successful business or club in high school? Talk about that. Are you from a foreign country? Talk about that. Anything that you can imagine that makes you stand out in a positive way is going to grab their attention and make you unforgettable!

3. Small-talk your heart out

If there is one make-or-break quality that sororities are looking for, it’s that you can hold a conversation comfortably and confidently. Sororities are looking for girls whom they could see themselves being sisters with, and that means looking for a certain amount of chemistry.

Elizabeth says, “The structure of a recruitment conversation goes like this: You will be asked a question by a sorority sister, you answer in a charming way while she listens, she will then relate to what you've said and hopefully you have something in common, then the two of you discuss the topic.” The sister you’re talking to will likely ask some follow-up questions, which can lead to new topics.

Now, this doesn’t mean you have to be super outgoing to shine during recruitment, but you’ll probably need to practice. Elizabeth recommends enlisting a best friend or roommate to practice these conversations. If you know your resume, you’ll already have talking points. Nod, look engaged and have great body language. Keep your arms uncrossed, make eye contact and nod often!

One absolute no-no? Yes/no questions. They’ll kill the conversation quickly. If one slips out, ask another open-ended question and drive the conversation elsewhere. Check out the top 18 things NOT to say during recruitment.

4. Don’t compare yourself to other potential new members (PNMs)

Formal recruitment can be very stressful—and the last thing you want to do is psych yourself out. We’re not gonna sugarcoat it: The other girls rushing are competing against you in a way, “but every PNM is unique in her own way,” Elizabeth says. “There is a sorority home for every type of girl, so being intimidated by others is not productive. Focus on your own attributes and make your own choices.”

Keep an open mind during recruitment. Push past any gossip or reputations you’ve heard about the sororities and try not to go in wanting only one chapter. Look for the sisterhood that you see yourself best connecting with. “Each PNM's experience will be different, so walk your own path and don't let other girls’ looks, opinions, successes or failures get in your head,” Elizabeth says.

You may end up in a sorority you never expected you’d end up in—but remember: Those are the girls who loved you during recruitment. Those girls thought you’d be a perfect match. Don’t be concerned with where your best friend ends up—chances are, you’ll love the sisterhood you’ve been matched with if you give it a chance!

5. Highlight what you can offer the sorority

Ask not what your sorority can do for you, but what you can do for your sorority! You already know going into rush what you’re going to get come bid day: tons of new sisters, some pretty awesome swag, a big, etc. But what are you going to give them? If you’re a valuable asset to a sorority, you’ll instantly stand out as a PNM.

“In conversation, share what talents you can bring to a chapter,” Elizabeth says. “How can you help them? Share your interest in leadership, your talent for finance or your experience in fundraising.” These are the sorts of tidbits you can insert during small talk.

Make it clear to the sisters you’re talking to that you have interesting and useful talents that could potentially help the sorority. “For example, talk about your experience managing the social media for a local charity and how you would be thrilled to do the same for the sorority you join,” Elizabeth says. “If you are a talented artist, let the sororities know how much you would love to paint their banners and lawn letters.” Showing what you can offer the sorority will make a great impression.

6. Relax!

Sorority recruitment is a lot like applying to college: You have to accept a certain lack of control over the situation. You prepare your app, nail the interview and have great teacher recs—but at the end of the day, even if you were totally qualified for X University, you may have not made the cut. If you go into recruitment fully accepting this, you’re likely to be a lot less stressed.

Recruitment is a two-way street, meaning that you rank the chapters and the chapters rank you. However, there very well may be cuts that can’t be explained.

“As a PNM, you will be mystified by why a certain house didn't invite you back after a fabulous conversation with your favorite sister,” Elizabeth says. “A legacy may get the bid you wanted in your number one choice chapter. Your GPA may not be high enough for another sorority.”

All sororities have their own ways of choosing sisters, and you’ll only ever be privy to the rules of the house you finally end up in.

Elizabeth’s biggest advice? Trust the system. “Let the Panhellenic sorting hat do its thing and relax,” she says. “The PNM who accepts what happens each round shines brighter.” If you’re not on the invite list for your first choice house for round two, accept it and move on. Trust that you’ll love another chapter just as much, if not more.

Formal or informal, recruitment is stressful, but when it’s done, you’ll end up in a sisterhood that loves you! Take a deep breath and present your best self. You’ll definitely end up in the right place. 

If you’re like us, you've been counting down the days till winter break would give way to the anticipated return of The Bachelor. Well, it happened and we’re sorry to report that it was totally forgettable. Granted, there’s bound to be more than enough drama on the horizon, but here’s why we were disappointed by the premiere.

1. They thought casting twins would spark our interest…

…but we still can’t remember either of their names. After 20 glorious seasons of The Bachelor and a failed attempt to cart the Iaconetti sisters off to Paradise, you would think we could do without twins. Especially ones who keep going on and on about how they’ve never dated the same guy before.

2. Amber and Becca returned

Only to stir up about five minutes of drama, though. Sure, the initial angst was palpable as the women claimed Becca had an unfair advantage and tried to figure out who this Amber person is. But then the duo disappeared until time for the rose ceremony. You paid for them, ABC. We’re expecting Nick Viall-levels of trouble, or it’s really been a total waste.

3. Ben was sweetly awkward in a way that made us feel very uncomfortable

First night jitters were legit for this Bachelor. When women donning unicorn masks and hiking up their skirts to throw a football between their legs are bombarding you in a noticeably wet driveway, it’s understandable. Hopefully he’ll ease into the role by the time first dates roll around.

4. There are literally four Laurens that we’re supposed to be able to differentiate

Seriously? Never going to happen. Maybe one of them went home already? We honestly can’t say at this point.

5. Chris Soules made an appearance to share words of Bachelor wisdom with Ben

Look, Chris. We’ll admit it was great to see you and receive confirmation that you haven’t fallen off the face of the planet. But this show wasn’t exactly successful for you, buddy. So we’re going to take a hard pass on any advice you’re shelling out.

6. Even Lace—the obligatory drunk girl—didn’t amuse us

Lace was ready to throw down by night’s end. Slurring her words and harping on Ben for his lack of eye contact during the rose ceremony—there’s a little bit of Ashley S., a little bit of Kelsey in this girl. Not only were we hard eye-rolling when she got a rose, but we got even madder when we realized she was the only girl who got drunk all night.

7. No makeouts

Props to Ben for setting this first night “no makeouts” rule and sticking to it. But from here on out, smooching will be required, okay?

8. No girl fights

Is it just too soon to expect a good girl-on-girl spat? We figured it was a lock when Becca came in all smiling and adorable. But this group of ladies may not have it in them.

9. No shirtless Ben

Come on now. If there’s one thing we rely on, it’s a shirtless Bachelor introducing himself to America. Without the potential for showering Ben GIFs, what do we have left to live for?

10. We were way more interested in keeping the miniature horse around than any of the women

When Huey walked in, it was like love at first sight. To think Ben gave Lace a rose over that itty-bitty cutie is downright heartbreaking.

11. We have no idea who our top pick is

Amongst the mass amounts of boredom, our fantasy league got lost somewhere. Well, here’s to learning names and judging total strangers next week, we suppose.

Did you find The Bachelor premiere forgettable or just as entertaining as ever? 

As the beginning of the 2016 continues to roll out, it seems as if one health resolution is being carried out by Women’s Health Magazine. Bustle reports that in an effort to appease readers and to be more body positive, the magazine has decided to no longer put the phrases “Drop Two Sizes” and “Bikini Body” on their covers. These phrases have often come across as a mechanism that screens how women’s bodies are supposed to look—a sentiment echoed in a recent reader survey, where 62 percent of readers said they want to see more on the subject of body positivity in future issues.

“We want to always empower women, not make them feel bad about themselves,” said editor-in-chief Amy Keller Laird in an interview with Newsweek. The magazine plans on “getting the focus back on health and not always just about being thin.” In an open letter to the above phrases, Laird refers to “Bikini Body” as “…a misnomer, not to mention an unintentional insult: You imply that a body must be a certain size in order to wear a two-piece.” As for the advice of “Drop Two Sizes,” Laird classifies the phrase as “Not super practical, or even all that healthy.”

With that, we can only hope that this trend can resonate hopefully to other magazines and inspire us to keep our own wellness resolutions more health-conscious rather than thin-conscious.

If you don't want to accidentally offend your queer best friend, it’s good to know what some of the most common mistakes allies make in conversation. You may not even realize that what you’re saying is hurtful or offensive, and once you’re aware, it makes it that much easier to be a supportive friend.

1. “I know another gay/lesbian/bisexual person who you can date.” 

The dating pool may be smaller for queer people, but that doesn’t mean we need you to set us up with the only other queer person you know. 

Instead, straight friends should engage their queer friends in the same conversations they would anyone else. If they genuinely know someone who is single and their type, it’s not unreasonable to ask if they’d be interested in meeting. In general, though, you should just work on getting to know whether your queer friend has any current crushes, and what kind of person they find irresistible.

“As a straight ally, if you're in a relationship, you wanna talk about it,” says Heather Hogan, a senior editor at AutoStraddle. “If you're not in a relationship, you probably wanna talk about crushes or people you'd like to date. Ask your queer friends the same questions you'd ask your straight friends.” 

Lucy Hallowell, a writer for AfterEllen, echoes that sentiment. “Are they dating anyone?” she suggests asking. “How is that going? Are they single? Then maybe ask if they are trying to meet someone or if they are happy being solo right now.”

If you know if your queer friend is looking to find someone, that can help you set your expectations when you meet another single person who may be their type, but just don't assume that your friend will necessarily go for it. 

Related: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an LGBTQ+ Individual

2. “Can you help me pick out an outfit?”

Stereotyping your friends based on their sexuality is never okay, but it can seem harmless enough if you’re asking a gay guy, for example, to help you go shopping. However, unless you know your friend personally well enough to know that they adore shopping with you, it can really make people feel pressured to perform a role.

"Sometimes, my female friends assume they can ask me for fashion advice just because I'm gay," says Sam Finch, a freshman at Amherst College. "But I'm really not into fashion or shopping. I'd rather be asked for dating advice, because that's something I know more about." Nobody wants to be reduced to a simple stereotype, so try to remember that even if your friend seems like they may fit the bill, it might still be better to ask what they actually want to do when you hang out. 

“When you tap into one of those stereotypes, you're also tapping into really damaging stereotypes that have been around a really long time,” says Hogan. She adds, “You're kind of shutting yourself down from having really satisfying friendships.” By assuming that your queer friend fits neatly in a role, you’re really just cheating yourself out of a deeper, richer friendship with them that’s not based on stereotypes. 

3. “I could never date another woman/man, because…”

This sentence is often finished off with a stereotype, such as “I could never date another woman because it would be so dramatic all the time,” “I couldn’t date another man because nobody would express their feelings" or something to that effect. "You should always steer clear of that kind of language," Hogan says. "There's some internalized sexism in those kinds of comments."

The opposite can also be harmful, if people make assumptions about how a same-sex relationship works based on gender stereotypes. "I've had friends tell me that they think it would be great to be gay," says Ashley DeCania, a senior at Rollins College. "They think that it would be like being with your best friend all the time, and that a girl couldn't hurt them the way a guy could."

Comments like these reinforce sexist stereotypes that there are only two genders, and that each gender behaves in a specific way. By saying this, you’re also invalidating the fact that same-sex couples have just as many issues as straight couples, including problems with communicating, regardless of gender.

4. “The opposite gender sucks, maybe I’ll turn gay too.”

The same can be said for saying something along the lines of, “I can’t find a good boyfriend/girlfriend, I wish I was gay!” or implying that life would be easier if you were queer.

This is problematic for several reasons. One is that it reinforces gender stereotypes, and erases the experiences of transgender people. Comments like these essentially equate people’s genitalia with a gender identity, and along with it, specific roles and stereotypes such as, “Men are cheaters, but women don’t cheat.”

And although there are definitely people who choose to be queer, there are also still plenty of queer people who are severely oppressed for coming out. “[Saying this] really invalidates the painful experience that people go through to be authentic,” Hogan explains.

Straight friends usually do mean to be supportive with this comment, though. They’re essentially saying that they accept queerness to the extent that if it were possible, they’d also be happy to be queer. Instead of making comments like these, supportive straight allies can take a page out of the book of Hanna Marin from Pretty Little Liars, and make it clear that it doesn’t matter if their best friend dates men, women, transgender or genderqueer people, both or all genders, or nobody at all. They love their friend unconditionally. 

5. “If I were queer, I would totally date you.”

As sweet as this may come across, it also has the potential to make it seem like the only reason you aren’t dating is because of your sexuality—as if your queer friend may have feelings for you.

There’s this assumption that “The only thing keeping women from dating each other is if one of them isn't gay,” according to Hogan, which is damaging because queer people don’t have feelings for everyone of a certain gender. Queer people have diverse preferences, just like straight people.

“It's weird to ask if your friend thinks you're hot or if she has a crush on you,” Hallowell agrees. “If you're a woman, would you ask that of your straight male friends? Probably not.” As annoying as it is for outsiders to assume a straight girl and straight guy who are best friends are actually dating, it’s just as annoying for a queer person to feel like the only thing keeping the two of you apart is your sexuality.

If you want to know more about what your queer friend is feeling, be honest and just let them know that you care and want to support them, and that they can always tell you if you’re saying something hurtful. We all make mistakes, even queer people, and your friend will be happy that you took the time to show how much you care. Being a supportive ally and friend is usually as simple as treating your queer friends the same way you treat your straight friends.

We’ve all been there: It’s the 2 p.m. slump the day after an all-nighter when you still have half the day to face but just can’t stomach another coffee. So you grab an energy drink (or two) to get you through the rest of your day until you can catch up on sleep. Or, you’re feeling a little weary before hitting the gym and decide to reach for an energy drink to get you in the zone. Whatever your reasons are for sipping on energy drinks, you should probably stop now.

According to Refinery 29 and Discovery News, more and more scientific evidence is coming together to illustrate the deadly effects of energy drinks on our bodies. The sugar, caffeine and additional energy stimulants that give you that extra boost comprise a deadly cocktail of ingredients that at best strains your heart function, and, at worst, can land you in the hospital.

A study conducted by the University of Bonn, Germany, found that energy drink consumption changes the way the heart functions. In this study, energy drink consumption caused significantly increased heart contraction rates in healthy adults aged 18-26, for up to an hour after having consumed the beverage. The increased heart contractions posed a risk for arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats.

One explanation for the startling side effects of energy drinks has to do with the way they’re labeled, according to U.S. News. Energy drinks that are marketed as dietary supplements are not regulated or evaluated for safety by the FDA. This means that they can forgo a nutrition facts label that discloses which stimulants (and how much) are in the drink. However, beverages that are FDA-approved can still choose not to disclose the volume of stimulants. Even worse, while some popular energy drinks may disclose all of this information, they may not take into account the caffeine content of other stimulants in the beverage, leading to inaccurate labeling information. With most energy drinks containing between 80 milligrams to over 350 milligrams of caffeine, plus sugar and energy supplements like taurine and guarana, it can be hard to know exactly what you’re getting in that can.

If you’re using energy drinks as a mixer or to fuel your workout, take caution. A study found that bar patrons who had consumed alcohol mixed with energy drinks were “three times more likely to leave a bar highly intoxicated and four times more likely to intend to drive while intoxicated than those who did not consume alcohol mixed with energy drinks.” A possible explanation for this is that the stimulating effects of energy drinks mask the depressive effects of alcohol, making you think you’re not as drunk as you really are.

It’s the same stimulating effects that make working out while drinking an energy drink dangerous as well. Another study found that athletes who had consumed an energy drink prior to working out reported insomnia and increased anxiety, compared to those who didn’t. The combination of an increased heart rate from the exertion of working out, compounded by increased heart contractions and anxiety reported in the studies above makes a strong case for keeping energy drinks out of your workout routine, and the rest of your life!

So if you need an afternoon pick-me-up, try to get a 20-minute power nap in, or even a short workout—Both will leave you feeling refreshed after. If you absolutely must have a sip of something to boost your energy levels, reach for coconut water or a plain coffee. Your heart will thank you!

In today’s job market, the saying often goes, “it’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Beyond a resume and cover letter, networking is a useful skill that can greatly affect your job search. According to a study by The Adler Group, 58 percent of candidates looking for jobs landed a position through an internal move or networking. Essentially, networking is all about talking to people.

Even if you’re the most outgoing person in the world, networking with potential employers and professional connections can be intimidating. And if you’re more introverted, networking might seem like your worst nightmare. But have no fear, reserved collegiettes! HC asked the experts and came up with networking tips specially tailored to those of us on the shy side.

Send a LinkedIn InMail

One great networking tool for all collegiettes is LinkedIn. Beyond being able to create a professional profile and search for job opportunities, you can also expand your digital social network. This is a particularly great first step for shy collegiettes to get their feet wet in the networking world because it’s all online.

According to Lesley Mitler, president of Priority Candidates, a career-coaching service for college students and recent grads, learning how to use LinkedIn can help collegiettes network better overall. “Connect with friends, family, past employers, high school colleagues and professors,” Mitler suggests. “You can even connect with alums through InMail.”

The majority of interactions on LinkedIn are via InMail, the messaging component of the website. For shy collegiettes, you may feel more comfortable initially interacting with alumni or potential employers from your school in the form of a written message. You can introduce yourself, explain your career goals and ask for their advice about a particular field or what they did to find jobs after graduation. This can get the conversation going so if you ever do meet one of these people in person, you’ll have an established connection, which can calm your nerves.

Want to contact an alumnus and don’t know what to say? First, start with a greeting such as, “Hi [alumni name]” and introduce yourself. It can be as simple as this:

“I’m a current student at [school] and I came across your profile. I’m graduating in [year] with a major in [blank], and I was wondering if you would be willing to give me some advice on [entering the work world/specifics about an industry/the job search]. I would really appreciate it!”

Then, provide your contact information, such as your phone number or an additional email address. Alumni tend to love helping other alumni, so a personal message can help you make those helpful connections!

Practice with friends or family

The best way to deal with your networking anxiety is to practice a lot! For shy collegiettes, the idea of small talk can be uncomfortable and awkward. But if you practice with people you’re comfortable with, you’ll feel more confident with strangers.

“Start by speaking with and connecting with people that you already know—family, friends, people you’ve worked with or for, and professors,” Mitler says. “It will give you experience with the networking process and hopefully build confidence.”

Your uncle who works for an advertising firm? Ask him what his favorite part of his job is at your next family gathering. Call your cousin who just got a job as an interior designer and ask if you can pick her brain. Or reconnect with that fellow intern from your internship last summer and ask about her future plans. The more you have these kinds of conversations, the better you’ll feel about initiating them in the future.

Beyond family and friends, internship bosses or mentors can be great people to help you practice networking. Erin Crabtree, a senior at Belmont University, says her mentor is the source of her networking success.

“I was very introverted when I began my first internship, which required me to network at parties with complete strangers,” Erin says. “[But] I had a fabulous mentor right beside me the whole time who guided me through it and taught me exactly how to connect with people.”

Your boss or mentor definitely has a ton of networking experience, so don’t be afraid to ask him or her questions or get suggestions for how to improve your own networking skills!

Improve your phone skills

Mitler also encourages shy collegiettes to get comfortable speaking on the phone. “Since many introductions will start with a phone conversation, it is important to be able to communicate clearly and enthusiastically over the phone,” Mitler says. “It’s a skill that many students, particularly those who are more reserved, are not as good at. [Practice] speaking on the phone and get comfortable with that form of communication.”

Veronica Burnett, a senior at Villanova University, says she became more comfortable talking on the phone through her internship. “I used to really hate talking on the phone [with strangers] because I just felt so awkward,” Veronica says. “But my internship required me to interview sources to write web articles, so I kind of had to just do it! I would write notes of questions or important things I [knew] I wanted to say, and after doing it a few times, I became much more comfortable.”

So instead of shooting your mom a text the next time you want to update her on your life, give her a call instead. Make sure you speak slowly and clearly, because these are techniques that can help you if you ever have to tell a potential employer about yourself over the phone. Plus, your mom will appreciate hearing about your day!

Take a public-speaking class

Most schools offer a public-speaking course, considering it’s an important skill for almost every major.  Even some of the most extroverted collegiettes don’t particularly like public speaking, so for those of us who are more introverted, public speaking is our worst nightmare. However, by taking a class, you can learn different techniques to decrease nervousness and effectively convey a message; these are two things that can be applied to networking situations.

Milter highly encourages reserved collegiettes take a public-speaking course to further build confidence. While networking is more one-on-one interaction versus speaking to a large group, applying public-speaking techniques to a networking conversation can keep you calm. Plus, if you can master your fear of speaking in front of a classroom of people, networking with one or two people will seem like a breeze.

“I actually had to take a public-speaking class for my major,” Veronica says. “I wasn’t thrilled to because I get so nervous public speaking, but my professor focused on ways to decrease anxiety in the beginning of a speech [when you’re most nervous]. She even taught us breathing techniques. I got so much better and felt awesome by the end of the semester!”

Check your course catalogue or talk to your academic adviser to find out more about these kinds of classes and when they’re offered. You’ll get over your fear of public speaking before you know it!

Do some research

So there’s a big career fair or networking event happening at your school that everyone is going to. While part of you wants to run and completely avoid a room full of strangers, preparing beforehand will make you feel more confident when you get there.

Career fairs or networking events will often publish what companies or employers will be attending, so it’s in your best interest to do some research before going. If you know a little bit about an organization before talking to an employer or recruiter, you’ll feel more confident in starting a conversation.

“Make sure you do your homework beforehand…be aware if there are any jobs posted in their organization that might be a fit for your background, skills or experience,” Mitler says.

By becoming familiar with the company, their values and possible opportunities, you’ll have a basis for conversation and questions. Check out a company’s website or look them up on LinkedIn. If you know a little bit about them, they’ll be interested in getting to know you!

Come up with a personal statement or elevator pitch

One of the most basic networking small-talk topics is telling someone about yourself. While this may seem like an easy conversation starter, when put on the spot, you might not know where to start! By thinking about it beforehand, you can avoid that awkward moment when you can only tell the person your name because of nerves.

“Compose a personal mission statement to articulate what you are about [and] your skills and goals,” Mitler suggests. “It’s far more effective than repeating what they can read on your resume. It is a great way to tell your story.”

Think about what type of job you want, why you want to be in a certain industry or a story from a previous internship or campus club that you think exemplifies you as a potential employee. You have a lot to offer, so never be afraid of sharing that!

In one of her classes, Iris Goldsztajn, a junior at University of California, Los Angeles, found that expressing her interests helped her make a connection. “The professor brought in amazing speakers every week, and I told one of them (a TV show director) that I wanted to write for a magazine, and he immediately [put me in touch with] his friend, a contributor to a big-name magazine,” Iris says. “The only courage I had to employ was to follow up with him after class and send an email reminder. I learned that networking isn’t as daunting as it sounds! It’s actually more natural and organic than you think.”

Also, it’s important to remember that networking is a two-way street, so show some interest in the people you’re talking to! Ask them about themselves, how they got started and their favorite parts about their careers. You can even ask them advice on how you should go about the job search. Prepare a list of these kinds of potential questions to avoid lulls in the conversation; that way, you can feel confident you can keep the conversation going no matter what!

Networking can seem scary to any collegiette looking for a job or internship, particularly for those of us who are not the most outgoing. If you’re more on the reserved side, don’t shy away from networking! Just keep these tips in mind, and you’ll feel confident in your connection-building skills in no time.

How could we forget the epic batch of drama that ensued when Ali Fedotowsky left Jake Pavelka's season of The Bachelor back in 2009. We obviously tune in for the promise of such meltdowns, but we often forget the contestants are real people whose lives hang in the balance. 

In Ali's case, she chose her career at Facebook over the chance to be the pilot/wannabe actor's new wife. "I loved myself more than I loved the Bachelor. My career was the most important thing in my life at that time. And I thought, 'If this guy really cares about me, if this is real, right, then he's a pilot, for heaven's sake — he can get in a plane and come find me after the show's over. I think I knew deep down inside it wasn't really right and it wasn't real love."

Of course, we already know Jake didn't chase after her, instead embarking on a tumultuous relationship with Vienna. So, Ali signed up to be The Bachelorette in 2010. That's when she received a surprising phone call from Facebook's Chief Operating Officer, Sheryl Sandberg. "[She] said, 'You have to do it. You have to show women that you can be a successful woman in business and be a wife and a mom and all these things. It's possible to have it all.'" Since Sandberg herself is all of these things, we think she kind of knows what she's talking about.

Turns out, her advice had a huge impact on Ali's decision: "She's the biggest reason why I thought, 'No, this is like the best thing I can do to empower other women.'"

And the rest is Bachelorette history. Guess we should send Sheryl Sandberg a thank you for drafting one of our favorite Bachelorettes of all time.

President Obama gave an emotional speech Tuesday at the White House, in which he announced plans for several executive actions to regulate gun sales and gun safety.

“The United States of America is not the only country on Earth with violent or dangerous people, we are not inherently more prone to violence,” he said. “But we are the only advanced country on Earth that sees this kind of mass violence erupt with this kind of frequency. It doesn't happen in other advanced countries. It's not even close.”

Obama brought up the Virginia Tech shooting in 2007, the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in 2011, and the Aurora, Colo. movie theater shooting in 2012 as reminders of why the U.S. needs stronger gun control measures. He reminded the audience that he is not running for re-election and isn’t attempting to “score points” by trying to improve gun safety.

He began to cry when speaking about the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting in 2012, where 26 people, 20 of them children, were killed in Newtown, Conn.

“Every time I think about those kids, it gets me mad,” he said, wiping away tears. “And by the way, it happens on the streets of Chicago every day.”

The steps the president proposed in his speech included requiring background checks for all gun purchases, even online and at gun shows; increasing the number of agents enforcing existing gun laws; expanding mental health treatment nationwide to reduce gun suicides; and improving gun safety technology. For the last point, Obama invoked Apple technology, such as fingerprint unlocking and the “Find my iPhone” app, saying,“If we can do it for your iPad, there's no reason we can't do it with a stolen gun.”

Of course, gun-rights advocates are already denouncing Obama’s plans. NRA spokeswoman Jennifer Baker told the Washington Post that the speech was “political theater to distract from the president’s failed record,” while the New York Times reports that both House Speaker Paul Ryan and presidential candidate Jeb Bush accused Obama of trying to take guns away from law-abiding citizens (although the president said several times in his speech that this is not the case).

College students don’t need to be reminded of the dangers of guns: In 2015, we saw shootings at Umpqua Community College, Northern Arizona University and Tennessee State University, among others. Here’s to hoping that there will be fewer (or ideally, none) of these stories in 2016.

If you haven’t seen Taylor Swift’s new music video for “Out of the Woods”, you need to go watch it ASAP. In the video, we find one of our favourite pop stars running through everything from an ethereal woodland setting to a wintery wonderland. But Taylor had to do a lot more than whimsically frolic and lip-sync to give us this powerful video.

Joseph Kahn, the video's director, confirms that Taylor did all of the stunts herself. So every time she was trudging through mud or shivering in the snow was real. There were no stunt doubles, no camera manipulation, no CGI-created snow—and if that doesn't sound like a difficult feat, try lying in the snow in a sleeveless dress.

On New Years Day, the director shared a series of tweets that described the efforts Taylor went to in order to create video. He says that she really “suffered for her art.”

This isn’t the first time the director has spoken about Taylor’s involvement in her music videos. In an interview he did with BreatheHeavy a couple of months ago, he said “One of the things that’s really interesting about working with [Taylor] is that she’ll watch the edit with me as I shoot (because I edit as I shoot). She’ll see how I place an edit into the shot, and I can see her brain ticking, and seeing the pieces come together the same way I do… That’s very rare.”

Ugh. She's just so incredible.

The youngest Kardashian-Jenner has been working hard to make a name for herself lately. With various projects along with the release of her app, Kylie has made a sincere effort to prove herself and capitalize on the momentum her famous family continues to bring.

Just before the holidays, Kylie released her much-anticipated Lip Kits. In three Kylie-approved shades, the kit inludes a liner and a matte lip cream—exactly what you need to achieve Kylie's notoriously plump lips. Unfortunately for most of us, the line of product sold out within minutes, not only the first time the kits were released, but also when they were restocked.

Luckily, Kylie's not done yet! She recently announced on her app that she's planning on releasing more makeup. She wants to add more colors to her Lip Kits, as well as expand on a fuller makeup collection. If anybody knows total glam, it's Kylie Jenner—and we can't wait for her to share even more of her beauty secrets with us.

Just in recent months, Trump has made headlines for his likeness being used in a terrorist video, his newly released campaign ad, his sexist comments about Hillary Clinton's bathroom break, his being shortlisted for the TIME Person of the Year and his proposed bans against Muslim travelers. 

Trump's latest campaign ad is not only factually incorrect, since it actually shows Morocco, rather than the Mexico/United States border as it seems to suggest, but it's also yet another show of his stark discrimination. Trump loves to oversimplify the issue by saying that closing our borders to an entire religion is an outlet for stopping terrorism, but under that logic, we should ban white people for acts of terrorism as well.  

With the amount that Trump has been in the news this year, it didn't even surprise me to see him on TIME's shortlist in December. He's arguably made a remarkable difference in both the Republican party and the election as a whole. 

It's still difficult to swallow the fact that the media often ignores the influence of other candidates, but provides Trump with platform after platform to dominate the media in the wake of his horrific proposed ban against Muslims in the United States.

I can't go a single day without hearing about another of Trump's offensive comments or policies, but it's rare that I hear anything specific about Sanders, Clinton, Carson or any of the other candidates unless I actively search for it. Meanwhile, news of Trump's encounter with a feisty bald eagle goes viral. 

When Trump first announced his candidacy, I laughed out loud. The idea of Trump as president was so ridiculous that even The Simpsons had already parodied it in 2000. 

I'm not laughing anymore. I'm in complete agreement with the petition to ban Donald Trump from the UK. When Trump announced his proposed new policy against Muslims, I shared the article on social media with the caption, "I propose a ban on Trump!" It was meant as a joke, but this isn't a parody now. Media outlets won't stop covering Trump, and we need to stand with petitions like these to fight for what's right.

I'm not arguing that the media should stop the presses and not cover timely, breaking news about Trump's latest offensive policy or sexist comment. Journalism exists to inform people of what's going on, nationally and on a global scale. However, media outlets are also influenced by what's trending, what people are listening to and talking about, and what people are willing to pay money for. As individuals, we have the ability to influence what's covered.

If we want Trump's coverage in the media to be negative, and we want to see more #TrumpIsDisqualifiedParty trending on social media and less celebration of Trump's anti-Muslim discrimination, we're the ones who can make it happen. We may not have control over all forms of media, but we do have some control, especially online. We have purchasing power in terms of what we click on, what we buy at the newsstand, what we tune into on television and what we share on social media. We can write essays about why Donald Trump isn't fit for the presidency. We can trend the candidates we do support on social media, for positive reasons rather than the overwhelming controversy surrounding Trump. 

If we want to push back against media outlets covering Trump's Islamophobic, racist policies, and we want to stand up for coverage of the issues that we believe in and stand behind, we need to make it happen. In the wake of the growing discrimination, the most important action we can all take is to be a strong ally to Muslim community members around us, all while pushing for the media to cover this issue.

If you see a Muslim person, or anyone who might be seen as Muslim, being harassed in any way, intervene. If you can't intervene, call for help immediately. If you use public transportation or see Muslim community members in public, don't shy away from them. Look them in the eyes. Sit next to them on the bus. Say hello. If you have any Muslim colleagues, classmates, peers, friends, family members, check in with them and ask how they're doing. Tell them that they have your support and solidarity. Call out any hate speech and discrimination when you see it, especially if you think the person doing it may not know a Muslim. Read and share articles about Muslim community members who are defying the intolerance. Write essays and articles about how horrific the rhetoric has been against Muslims, and don't be afraid to show that you stand on the side of the Muslim community. Use your privilege as a platform to support Muslims who may not have the ability to speak up without fear of violence. 

I'm sick and disgusted by the amount of hate rhetoric I've witnessed toward the Muslim community lately, and I think it's crucial to use my place of privilege to stand as an ally. Last year, I stood among a room of participants who wore hijabs for a day, as encouraged by the Muslim community organization on campus. Initially, I'd worried the event was appropriative, but it was hosted by the Muslim student organization, and the event coordinator was a Muslim woman. She explained that she wanted non-Muslim students to have the chance to experience even a fraction of what Muslim students that wear hijabs go through on a daily basis. The saying goes, when it comes to oppressed and marginalized groups, "Nothing about us without us." The Muslim student community wanted us to wear hijabs for a day, so we could understand that it's not the hijab that oppresses Muslim women, but the discrimination they face from others.

I listened as my Muslim classmate recalled the many times she had been harassed and even threatened for wearing her hijab to class, and even sneered at by professors. My stomach was in knots as I thought about the struggles she was facing, but I knew it to be an opportunity—to join the fight as an ally, and to never back down when I witnessed discrimination. 

It may have been TIME's choice to include Trump as a finalist, but it's my choice to include the Muslim community as a loved, included and accepted part of society. I'll make that choice every day until the fight for equality is over. 

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it dictates how well we perform throughout the day – mentally and physically. Though it seems like kind of a no-brainer that cookies just don’t seem to fit the bill of foods that constitute as a healthy breakfast, this is only half-true. Eating cookies for breakfast may seem like a pretty bad judgement call, but we know of a few ways that you can get your cookie fix early in the morning and not feel guilty about it.

1. Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies

From being at the bottom of the cookie barrel to being blamed for peoples’ trust issues, oatmeal raisin cookies don’t get nearly as much respect as they deserve. However, the fact that these cookies are packed with protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins and omega-3s would make it impossible for anyone to deny how healthy they are on top of being delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 large banana (mashed)
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (or non-peanut)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup ground flax seed (or an additional ¼ cup flour)
• 1/4 cup nonfat milk powder or vanilla protein powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°.
2. In one bowl, combine all of your wet ingredients. This would include your banana, peanut butter, honey and vanilla. In a separate bowl, combine all of your dry ingredients, i.e. the oats, flour, flax seed, milk powder, cinnamon and baking soda.
3. Once that’s done, stir your dry mixture into your wet mixture until everything is combined evenly.
4. Then add in the cranberries.
5. Take your dough and form it into mounds using either a measuring cup or your own judgement. Place them on a cookie sheet up to three inches apart.
6. Bake them for 14 to 16 minutes or until browned. Once you take them out of the oven, be sure to let them cool off for a few minutes.
7. Enjoy!

Recipe courtesy of Momables. 

2. Vegan Blueberry Banana Cookies

This one is like a blueberry muffin in cookie form. Not to mention – they're vegan, which gives you a very guilt-free opportunity to indulge. They're super filling and packed with nutrients that give you just enough fuel to make it through those rough early morning classes.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups and 1 1/3 cups gluten-free rolled oats, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoon ground flaxseed
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 cup mashed bananas
• 3 tablespoon coconut oil
• 3/4 cup blueberries
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°.
2. For your flour, add 1 1/3 cup of rolled oats to a food processor and process until it becomes a very fine powder.
3. In a separate bowl, combine your dry ingredients. (Oat flour, flaxseed, cinnamon, rolled oats, baking soda and salt.)
4. Then add your wet ingredients (applesauce, mashed bananas, coconut oil, maple syrup, vanilla extract) to the mixture.
5. Carefully add in your blueberries and let the batter rest for about ten minutes.
6. Scoop the dough onto a cookie sheet two inches apart from each other. Flatten the scoops out with a spatula.
7. Bake for 13 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Once you take them out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes.

Recipe from Vegetarian Gastronomy.

3. Zucchini Cookies

Say what? Don’t let the name fool you. It is possible to combine cookies and vegetables in a delicious and hearty way. The zucchini, which is a great source of vitamin C and manganese, is combined with just the right amount of spices to pack a punch that still isn't extremely sweet.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup shredded zucchini
• 2 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup raisins

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°.
2. In a bowl, combine your dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt and spices).
3. In another larger bowl, combine your wet ingredients (applesauce, vanilla extract, maple syrup, egg and zucchini) until a smooth mixture forms.
4. Combine your wet and dry ingredients, then stir in the oats and the raisins.
5. Drop mounds of the dough onto a baking sheet, setting eat mound to inches apart.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Let cool and enjoy.

Recipe from Dishing Up the Dirt.

4. Almond Lemon Macaroons

We have to admit, this is a pretty creative twist on coconut macaroons. These have a nice lemon flavor and are loaded with protein. We bet you won’t be able to eat just one.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups unblanched almonds
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
• 3 egg whites

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°.
2. Add your almonds to a food processor and roughly grind them.
3. Mix in your sugar, almond extract, salt and lemon zest. Then add in the egg whites.
4. Separate the dough into balls and place them on a cookie sheet two inches apart.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Recipe from POPSUGAR Fitness.

5. Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookie Cereal

Plot twist: cookies actually do come in the form of a healthy cereal. This is a nice, homemade alternative to many name brand cereals that are laced in ridiculous amounts of sugar.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 1/8 cup sugar
• 1/4  cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 egg
• 1 1/4 cups white whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour
• 3/4 cup oatmeal
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 – 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°.
2. In a bowl, combine your flour, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a mixer, combine your coconut oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract for three to five minutes or until creamy. Then add in the egg.
4. Add your dry mixture to the wet mixture, then add in your mini chocolate chips.
5. Divide the dough into two halves, placing each half on a large piece of plastic wrap and rolling them out to form a long, thin log. (At least two feet long, one inch wide.)
6. Place the logs in the freezer for 15-20 minutes.
7. Once removed from the freezer, use a knife to cut the dough into ½ inch slices.
8. Place the slices on a cookie sheet and bake for five minutes. 

Recipe from Half Baked Harvest.

6. Coconut Banana Cookies

Put the banana in the coconut and twist it all together (to make a cookie). Coconut banana cookies are like the perfect power snack. What's great about these is that, not only are they vegan, they're also nut free.

Ingredients:

• 3 overripe bananas
• 2 cups oats
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 8 ounces pitted dates, chopped
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened, shredded coconut
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°.
2. In a bowl, mash your bananas and combine them with your oats, coconut oil, chopped dates, shredded coconut and vanilla. Let he mixture sit for 15 minutes.
3. Scoop cookie dough into mounds and place them on a cookies sheet two inches apart.
4. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Remove and let cool for five minutes.

Recipe from Alida's Kitchen.

7. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

Behold: a non-basic way to get your pumpkin fix. Vegan, gluten-free and low in carbs, these are the perfect alternative to a calorie-packed slice of pumpkin pie.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup creamy almond butter
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips 

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°.
2. In a bowl, combine all of your ingredients until your batter is smooth. Add your chocolate chips in last.
3. Drop your batter onto a cookie sheet using a spoon. Spread each spoonful out.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are slightly golden brown.
5. Allow to cool completely.

Recipe from POPSUGAR Fitness.

8. Two-Ingredient Banana Bread Cookies

It doesn't get any better than realizing you can make a healthy, gluten-free, and nut-free cookie with only two ingredients. You can also add ingredients like certain spices, raisins or cranberries, chocolate chips, etc. at your own discretion.

Ingredients:

• 2 large bananas (mashed)
• 2 cups gluten-free oats

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°.
2. Throw the oats in a blender or food processor and blend them until they turn into a flour-like powder.
3. In a large bowl, combine your mashed banana with oats and mix them until smooth. This is where you can also throw in one (or maybe more) of your desired add-ins.
4. Spray a cookie sheet with nonstick spray and drop the dough in large tablespoons onto the cookie sheet.
5. Bake for 9-12 minutes or until cookies are set. 

Recipe from Ambitious Kitchen.

Eating cookies doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. On any given morning when you’re feeling rushed, you can have the benefit of not only being able to grab a quick and easy breakfast, but these cookies will provide you with health benefits that will definitely keep the guilt away. 

Though he's sometimes a greedy, spoiled liar, that doesn't mean Mr. Bass isn't without his redeeming qualities.

Here are the fifteen reasons why WE should've been with Chuck Bass (thanks, Blair):

1. He's confident in who he is. 

And he's not afraid to say it.

2.  He's sensitive. 

Underneath all that bad boy exterior is something genuine.

3. He's willing to recognize love... 

4. And isn't afraid to say it... 

5. He's willing to swallow his pride. 

And admit his faults.

6. He favors physical pain over the emotional kind. 

Aww...

7. He's honest. 

And that's admirable.

8. He isn't afraid to speak his mind... 

or call people out on their actions.

9. He's got great style. 

Digging the pink bowtie

10. He's always brooding. 

But he always makes bad look so good.

11. He has the same experiences as the single girl. 

We know all the feels.

12. He thinks he's unlovable.

But he totally deserves love.

13. He looks good in a duo...

Even if he's just with his step-sister.

14. He's playful. 

He's serious with a playful side.

15. How can we explain Chuck Bass?

We should've ended up with him because he's the best Gossip Guy.

What are your favorite Chuck Bass moments?

Earlier this week, Coachella debuted what seems to be the best lineup the festival has ever conjured up. With headliners like LCD Soundsystem, Ellie Goulding, Guns N’ Roses, Calvin Harris and Sia, Coachella will surely not be a weekend to miss this year.

We will see iconic reunions between LCD Soundsystem’s members and the members of Guns N’ Roses. The Guns N’ Roses performance will be the first show with the band’s co-founders, Axl Rose and Slash, since 1993, Billboard confirms. This will also be the first time LCD Soundsystem will take the stage together since they announced their retirement in April 2011, The Guardianadds.

Other big names taking the stage this year will be Ice Cube (we're praying for a cameo appearance by O’Shea Jackson Jr.), Sufjan Stevens, Jack Ü, A$AP Rocky, Zedd, Halsey, Major Lazor, and the up-and-coming country artist Chris Stapleton, among other performers. Though not a headliner or a main attraction this year, we will also get to see a performance by Alessia Cara, whose song “Here” is ranked number seven on Billboard’s Hot 100 list.

Although we have some of the best A-lister artists performing taking the stage this year, perhaps the best performance of the festival will go to Sia. This must-see moment will be her first live show in the United States in five years, and she is never one to disappoint her audience. Maybe we will see a little Maddie Zeigler running across the stage this year?

Coachella passes will go on sale starting at 8 a.m. EST tomorrow, Jan. 6. The first weekend is scheduled for April 15-17 and weekend two will run from the 22-24.

Check out the full lineup below!

Sorority girls do love their secrets. From the rules of recruitment to their carefully guarded rituals, some sorority traditions will just never be public. But all sorority girls have the following things in common: 

1. They love to eat

They have the online order for pizza saved on their laptops, and make frequent late-night food runs.

2. They totally stalk PNMs online

Everybody does it but pretends that they don't, and you always stalk (and fall in love with) your rush crush first.

3. Songs during recruitment are just as uncomfortable 

Yeah, doorstacks are weird and overwhelming. Just imagine practicing them a hundred times.

4. Recruitment is actually the worst

You can't feel your feet by the end of the week, your body is aching, you are running on four hours of sleep and there are five extra girls sleeping in your room in the house.

5. Recruitment is also the best

It helps make an incredibly strong bond between sisters that you may not have even talked to before. Plus, you get a new member class that you already love and adore.

6. Roommates become #squadgoals

Those who live in the house together have an endless supply of selfies on your camera roll, inside jokes to laugh about, and are usually with you wherever you go.

7. You find your bridesmaids before finding a boyfriend

Psh. Who needs a boyfriend? You've already planned your wedding sans groom, and your sisters make up the majority of your bridesmaids.

8. Social can be super awkward

You might as well call the awkward mixers sisterhoods, because that is who you surround yourself with.

9. Behind closed doors, they live in sweatpants

You may be polished in letters and pearls outside, but once you get home, it is a baggy event tee and sweatpants.

10. They are total wine enthusiasts

Wonderful day? Wine. Horrible day? Wine. Fail an exam? Wine. Finish the semester with all As? Wine. Wine.

11. Not all are crafting connoisseurs...

You didn't take a second little solely for the fact of not wanting to go through the week of crafting again.

12. Your little is more like your child than your little sister

You are responsible for her, always check up on her and boast with pride to all of the other bigs.

13. Everyone has a girl crush on that one sister

Have you seen her contour skills and winged eyeliner? Her style is always on point, her makeup is flawless, she is the nicest person ever, can we just be her? #wcw forever

14. Nothing is scarier than big graduating...

Big graduating = you are the active matriarch of the family, and responsible for all under you. Honestly, this is too much responsibility... 

15. They love friendly gossip

It is one of your favorite pasttimes, no harm, no foul, right?

16. Philanthropy competition season is the best

Yes, you will make huge posters for our big/little/glittle/ggniece, everyone else will have to deal with it.

17. But they are seriously passionate about philanthropy

There is no greater feeling than hearing how much money they raised for a good cause.

18. Summer is way too long

After about two weeks, you're already dying to go back because you missed our sisters.

19. Fines act as motivation

It isn't that you don't love your events, but sometimes you have a lot going on, aren't feeling well or aren't up to the activity. But fines, so...

20. Dues are often a big financial burden

But it is worth every penny, of course. You couldn't put a price on everything that your sorority has given you.

21. A lot of girls pay their own dues 

Hello, part-time jobs that totally interfere with time commitment.

22. You have friends who aren't affiliated

This isn't necessarily a secret, but sometimes it looks like you only hang out with other Greeks. You do have friends who aren't affiliated, and hang out with them just as much.

23. Library is our second home

Everyone has a minimum GPA, and study hours to fulfill, so Club Lib is always poppin' with sorority girls.

24. Sometimes it is too much to handle

Everyone has had meltdowns and thoughts of dropping, but the reason behind that ends up being the same reason of why you love and stay in the sorority. 

I, like most people I know, have always had a special place in my heart for Taylor Swift. From when she was a wild-haired country girl to now, when she's transformed into a bold feminist with a cropped cut and winged liner for days. However, no matter how much time has passed and how she looks, T-Swift has always been about positivity and being downright nice. 

Related: 7 Empowering Taylor Swift Songs that Aren't About a Guy

Getting the Look

The first step I took towards living like Taylor for a week was taking a page out of her book in the wardrobe department. I decided to take 1989-esque polaroids of accessories and outfits I wore during the week that were inspired by things she wore.

I ended up wearing hats almost every day, which was something I've never felt confident enough to do. From beanies to berets to brimmed hats, I tried them all and have gotten used to how I look in them. 

I already like to dress in lots of layers with sweaters and scarves, so that was something that I didn't have to change during the week. It was appropriate for the winter, and I felt like I was hiding under cozy blankets during the day, which is always a bonus.

I usually stick to my same pair of combat boots or moccasins, but this past week I went with tall black leather boots and suede Chelsea boots. I felt a lot taller with the 3-inch heels, which sometimes made me uncomfortable, but that's all part of the T-Swift package!

Another part of nailing Taylor's look is the classic winged eyeliner and red lipstick. I'm used to doing a simple wing everyday, but that's about as far as I go. The first few days of wearing a bold lip like Taylor was super weird, and definitely took some practice to eat and drink with, but I feel like any girl can rock a bold lip with some confidence.

Lucky Number 13

If you know Taylor Swift, you know that she believes in luck when it comes to the number 13. I'm not as superstitious, but I decided to take on this idea and write "13" on my arm like Taylor does to carry some luck with her.

Whether it was the lucky number or just a coincidence, the week was a successful one for me! Although, it could have been because I was striving to be as cheerful and kind as T-Swift the whole week, I had a lot of great things happen to me and nothing seemed to rain on my parade.

Cat Obsession

Before I was trying to be the ray of sunshine that is Taylor Swift, I was already a bit of a crazy cat lady when it came to my own two cats. It was very easy for me to show the love for my feline friends like she does on social media and IRL. 

Letting the Haters Hate

A big part of Taylor's personality is her ability to let the haters hate and to do whatever she wants to (like dancing her heart out at award shows). I admire this about her, and it was a little hard to bring myself to try this harder part of the week-long task, but I was up for the challenge. 

I figured the best way to approach this was to just simply do whatever I wanted and not filter my actions by considering what other people would think. Whenever I went out in public, if there was a song on in the store I liked, I would hum along and dance. If I saw a girl with a cute sweater on, I went up to her and told her I thought it was adorable. If I wanted to wear my t-shirt with the lame pun on it, I did without a second thought. It was an eye-opening experience and it taught me that not worrying about embarrassing yourself makes you an approachable and fun person!

Overall, the biggest challenge that came up during my week of living how Taylor Swift would wasn't picking out the quirkiest sweater or scrubbing "13" off my arm every night. It was stretching out of my comfort zone and trying to become someone who knows who she is and doesn't constantly base decisions off of others' opinions. That way of life is something that Taylor promotes everyday, and it's a great characteristic that everyone should be inspired by. 

So, thank you, Taylor, for being a good role model and trying to get us all to live a carefree life full of happiness, cats, bold makeup, and warm hats.

If we all tried living like Taylor Swift, even just by shaking off the haters, I think we'd all be a lot happier. It worked for me—are you up for the challenge, collegiettes?