Quantcast
Channel:
Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live

The Best Ways to Save Your College Memories

0
0

As the saying goes, college makes up some of the best four years of your life—at the very least, they make up some of your most memorable years of your life. You've immortalized those memories by taking an endless number of photos (your Facebook albums say it all), collecting t-shirts from every event on campus, and hoarding basically every notable trinket you could get your hands on. You probably don't want to display the random plastic cups you picked up at orientation and the various pens that were given out over the years... but there is a way to change those college collections into possessions you can use to decorate your new apartment or home. Here are some creative and innovative ways to reminisce on those crazy four years—and without putting a dent in your wallet!

1. T-shirt blanket       

Let’s face it—after four years of on-campus events and free t-shirt snagging, you have enough shirts to supply the incoming freshman class. After graduation, there are a lot of outfits you can no longer get away with wearing, one of them being your collection of college tees. Luckily, you can turn them into a cozy blanket with just a click of a button. There are a variety of websites such as Project Repat, Campus Quilt Company, and Too Cool T-shirt Quilts that can transform your shirts into a throw blanket for your living room or bedroom. This allows more room in your closet for your work attire, while making good use out of old college tees!      

2. Photo album 

From your first Halloween as a freshman (that costume…yikes) to your graduation day, it is important to capture every moment from the beginning to the end. One simple and crafty possibility for preservation is to compile your photographs together in a physical album. Kaitlyn Sullivan, a graduate from Salve Regina, says, “I like to put my college scrapbook on my coffee table so friends and family can look through it when they stop by.” All you need is a bit of time, some of your favorite college snapshots, stickers, and colorful paper and you have a book you can look through (that feels more meaningful than scrolling through your Instagram feed).

3. Phone cases, mugs & more

Today, you can put your favorite quote or picture on practically anything you want thanks to websites like CafePress. Additionally, stores like Walmart allow you to create a collage or pick one simple photograph to place on your mug or travel mug, so you can look back on your college memories every day. Melanie Edson, a recent graduate from Saint Joseph's College in Maine, loves the personalized product idea for both herself and gifts for her recently graduated friends. “I used Walmart’s website to create a collage mug for my friend from school and she loved it so much I decided to make one for myself too!” she says. So if you are out of ideas for a graduation present, personalized gifts combined with college memories are always a great idea.

4. Calendars         

Showcase your college photos by making a calendar! You can use sites such as Shutterfly to easily create calendars—just pick a theme and arrange pictures and captions for each month! Hang the finished product up in any room of your home, and use it to mark special occasions or reminders all while reminiscing on your college days. With the pictures you have from all four years, you can continue to make a new calendar every year!

5. Cork board  

Still have a pile of old wine corks from those college-era pre-games and celebrations? Yes, you can put them to good use! Arrange them to create a cork board to hang up your college pictures and other keepsakes! Form your board in any shape you choose and you have a one-of-a-kind DIY memento.

6. Canvas art

Canvas wall art will spruce up any home, especially if you personalize it with your favorite college memories. Plus, they're an upgrade from the paper posters and taped-on photos you used in your dorm room! Feature pictures from school or design your own with paint, glitter, or cutouts!  

Don’t be afraid to get creative when preserving your college memories. From scrapbooks and t-shirt quilts to picture mugs and phone cases, it’s easier than ever to spice up your apartment with all the things you've been holding on to from college. Use these ideas for gifts that friends are sure to cherish, or for yourself! So dig out those ratty t-shirts that survived orientation and senior week, and turn them into a college masterpiece you’ll appreciate for a lifetime!


These Two UW Madison Students Had an Amazing Snapchat Love Story

0
0

University of Wisconsin Madison’s Snapchat wrote a modern Shakespeare love story last week. 

Teen Vogue reports that when an anonymous girl known only as “Mystery Girl” posted a video confession that she was “seriously in love” with a guy she saw on the school’s Snapchat story, the internet rushed to unite them.

The guy, called 'Vikings Fan' because of a Vikings jersey he was wearing, posted a reply with a time and place for his Mystery Girl to meet him. However, in a rom-com worthy twist of fate, she missed his initial reply.

Many other UW Madison students got involved, posting everything from Bachelor-worthy support to requests for their own Mystery Girls. Vikings Fan kept pushing back the meeting to finish a project that he was working on, but the other UW students were glued to their screens, waiting for updates. Snapchat itself got involved, giving Mystery Girl her own geotag. The red banner read “Help Vikings Fan Find Mystery Girl.”

UW students posted their reactions to the unfolding saga with the geotag, refreshing their stories every 30 seconds in hopes that Vikings Fan would quickly find his girl.

Finally, the two were united at a party and hugged. The momentous occasion was, of course, captured in a Snapchat video.

Vikings Fan shared the good news with a selfie in which the both lovebirds are grinning from ear to ear. 

Wow, so beautiful. We can only hope that these two tell this story at their wedding.

The Tony Award Nominations Are In, & 'Hamilton' Is Killing It

0
0

History had its eyes on the groundbreaking musical Hamilton when it shattered records with its numerous 2016 Tony Award nominations.

According to Variety, the history-based production made history of its own when it received a record 16 nomination for the 70th annual Tony Awards—which makes sense, given its viral popularity from the moment it hit the stage.

With 16 nominations across 24 categories, Hamilton broke the record of 15 nominations set by The Producers in 2001 and again by Billy Elliot in 2009. Several categories saw multiple nominations for the groundbreaking show, too; three of five nominees in the “Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical” category are taken up by Hamilton actors, while both Lin-Manuel Miranda and co-star Leslie Odom, Jr. are in the running for “Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical.” In addition, Phillipa Soo has been nominated for Best Lead Actress and Renee Elise Goldsberry reps Hamilton for Best Featured Actress.

You may think that would be enough, but the production itself is represented in several categories for creative and design awards such as book, direction, score and choreographer. And of course, Hamilton is also nominated for the esteemed title of best musical. This award, which brings in major box office appeal, is regarded as the most important Tony Award.

The other musicals that are nominated for this award are Shuffle Along, Waitress, School of Rock and Bright Star.

We can't wait to see how this all pans out on June 12.

Someone Handed Out 'Not Becky' Pins After the Met Ball

0
0

Last night at the Met Gala, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual fundraising ball, an attendee was on point with their pop-cultural awareness and a few lucky celebs landed lapel pins that read “NOT BECKY” on them. At an after party, celebrities including Rita Ora and Katy Perry were seen with the little decals.

For those of you not up on all things Beyoncé, the enigmatic Becky was mentioned on the megastar’s visual album Lemonade that came out on April 23 this year. More specifically, Becky is the recipient of Bey’s calling out on the track “Sorry,” where Beyoncé tells the story of a breakup that she actually isn’t sorry about at all. Becky, it would seem, is the woman with whom Beyoncé’s (former?) lover cheated on her.

Upon the release of Lemonade, the Beyhive immediately dove into discussion about who this Becky might be, and came up with several possibilities. Theories about Becky’s real identity include British singer Rita Ora and American fashion designer Rachel Roy. Both celebrities have faced heat following these accusations, but both have denied any involvement in the relationship between Beyoncé and her husband, rapper and mogul Jay-Z.

Katy Perry, Rita Ora and others at the Met Ball were seen with these pins on, seemingly wanting to avoid any of queen Bey’s wrath. And while it was helpful that we can now knock these ladies off the list, the question still remains... who is Becky with the good hair?! Hopefully we won’t have to wait for Beyoncé’s next surprise album to find out.

UMich Students Boo Michael Bloomberg During Commencement Speech

0
0

Every year students around the country prepare for the most anticipated event of the year: Graduation. Between the chaos of getting your cap and gown, making sure your parents booked their hotel, and dealing with the emotions that come with the end of college, the one thing that typically cheers people up is hearing an inspiring speech at the commencement ceremony. But for one school, that didn’t quite happen as planned. 

This past Saturday, former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg took the stage at the graduation ceremony for the University of Michigan, and it was not well received. 

Bloomberg faced extensive backlash on social media, and some booing in person, after he made some comments against some common college vocabulary during his speech

According to USA Today College, he said, “The fact that some university boards and administrations now bow to pressure groups and shield students from these ideas through safe spaces, code words and trigger warnings is, in my view, a terrible mistake. The whole purpose of college is to learn how to deal with difficult situations,  not to run away from them.” 

Immediately students began tweeting out their outrage over this comment.



Bloomberg also hit back at microaggressions, saying “A microaggression is exactly that: micro. But in a macro sense, one of the most dangerous places on a college campus is the so-called safe space, because it creates a false impression that we can isolate ourselves from those who hold different views.”

This apparently led to even more boos and angry tweets, for good reason. 



Based on the reaction from the students during his speech and after, I’m guessing that Bloomberg probably wishes he had someone proofread that speech for him. If only someone had mentioned to him that a commencement speech may not be the best place to start a discussion about whether or not microagressions are an issue. Oops! 

Orlando Bloom & Katy Perry Had the Best Interpretations of This Year's Met Gala Theme

0
0

Last night's Met Gala brought out some of the best in celeb fashion as they dressed up for the technology-centric theme, "Manus x Machina." From Taylor Swift to Gigi Hadid, we saw plenty of metallic numbers on the red carpet, as expected. But the winners? Orlando Bloom and Katy Perry.

'90s kids felt all the feels as these two stars took to the red carpet with Tamagotchis pinned to their outfits. We are *seriously* hoping this means those interactive keychains are making a comeback. 

With all the elaborate takes on this year's theme (and okay, Katy's look was pretty ornate, too), we couldn't help but laugh a little at this intepretation of the theme.

Malia Obama Receives Racist Hate After College Decision

0
0

Just like any other high school senior, Malia Obama, President Obama’s oldest daughter, had to make a tough decision last week about which school she is going to attend, and she picked a good one: Harvard University.  It was also announced that she will be taking a gap year, which is normal for a good percentage of students graduating from high school, before heading to her new school in the fall of 2017.

But after the news was announced on the Fox News website, Malia's choice was anything but supported, according to The Grio on AOL News. Exhibit A (be warned, these comments are incredibly racist and upsetting):

Basically, commenters called her every awful slur in the book, and she is only 17 years old. Disgusting. The Grio also reports that Fox News has since disabled comments on the news article due to the amount of racist slurs and hate that Malia was getting, but it didn’t stop the images and comments from circulating around. 

Regardless of the many terrible, racist people on the internet, WE are proud of Malia and are so excited to see what sort of adventures she has during her gap year!

Tennessee Schools Will Allow Guns on Campus

0
0

Public colleges and universities in Tennesee will allow faculty and staff to carrry guns on campus, the Knoxville News Sentinel reports.

Fulltime employees (which New York Magazine reports is about 27,000 people) must have hand-gun carry permits, the weapons must remain concealed, and they must notify campus police that they will be carrying a gun on campus, Knoxville News Sentinel reports.

However, it sounds like Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam isn't exactly in favor of mandating the law for all public colleges.

“I am letting SB 2376 become law without my signature," Haslam said in a letter to Tennessee's House and Senate speakers, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel. "I have long stated a preference for systems and institutions to be able to make their own decisions regarding security issues on campus, and I again expressed this concern throughout the legislative process this year. Although SB 2376 does not go as far as I would like in retaining campus control, the final version of the bill included input from higher education and was shaped to accommodate some of their concerns."

Unlike some states, which have passed similar legislation, Tennessee's bill specifically does not allow students to carry guns on campus. Opponents of the bill are worried that the law could complicate how safety procedures are followed, while supporters claim it will add an additional layer of safety for community members.

"If there were an incident or shooting on campus, they would not be able to tell who has a gun legally and who is committing a crime," Monica Greppin-Watts, the communications director for the Tennessee Board of Regents, told The Tennessean.

The bill was passed in the state senate on April 19 and passed in the house the next day, and will go into affect on July 1, just before the fall semester begins in August, the Knoxville News Sentinel reports.

Tennessee is the latest state to embrace the idea of "campus carry," following Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon, Utah, Wisconsin, and Texas, which passed the law in 2015 and will begin allowing guns on public campuses in August 2016.


Hillary Clinton Raised $2.4 Million After Trump's Woman Card Comments

0
0

Donald Trump probably wishes he hadn't made those comments about Hillary Clinton's "woman card." She jumped on the idea, and it just brought in $2.4 million of funding for her campaign, Cosmopolitan reports.

Clinton's best "I've got you now!" face.

For back story: in his victory speech last tuesday night, April 26 (and again on Fox News) after winning several northeast primaries, Trump commented that the only reason for Clinton's popularity is that she's a woman, and she plays the "woman card" more than anyone he's ever seen.

"If Hillary Clinton were a man, I don't think she'd get 5 percent of the vote. The only thing Clinton's got going for her is the woman's card," Trump said.


Unfortunately for Trump, Clinton fully embraced the idea of "playing" the woman's card, which she believes means fighting for things like woman's healthcare, paid family leave and equal pay, enough so that she created a physical "woman card." For a donation to Clinton's campaign you can become a bonafide "card-carrying member of the majority." The hot pink (of course) cards, t-shirts, and other merchandise, along with a fundraising push have since brought in 127,000 donations and raised $2.4 million, The New York Times reports.

Looks like Hillary took the lemons of a hate-filled campaign and made lemonade.

5 Reasons You Shouldn't Shave Down There

0
0

When it comes to hair removal in your bikini area, cultural trends as of late have promoted a do-it-yourself tactic that offers women everywhere a way to save time and money –– and an alternative to the dreaded visit to the Brazilian waxing salon. But, just how safe and beneficial is it to shave down there with a razor? We’ve consulted Dr. Lauren F. Streicher, MD, a Clinical Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology in the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and author of  Sex Rx: Hormones, Health, and Your Best Sex Ever and The Essential Guide to Hysterectomy: Advice from a Gynecologist on Your Choice Before, During, and After Surgery to find out the truth. Read below for five reasons you should not shave your pubic hair:

1. The decision to remove (or not remove) the hair in your bikini area is personal

In this generation, it might seem like collegiettes everywhere are supporters of a “clean” bikini area, opting for a look that is hair-free. However, statistics show that this is not the case.

A report published by the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology shed some light on pubic hair removal. According to the study, 40.9 percent of women who stopped using a razor to shave this region attributed it to disliking the side effects, such as stubble, bumps, rashes, or ingrown hairs. Other popular reasons women stopped shaving were feeling like it was too much of a hassle, a lack of sexual activity, liking the look of pubic hair, and their partners wanted them to stop.

Margeaux Biché, a sophomore at Barnard College, is a big advocate for shaving down there less. “I used to shave my bikini area probably once every week or every other week, and now I probably do so once every couple of months (unless I have some sort of event that might dictate shaving,” she says. “I have found that, as a result, my pubic hair grows WAY more slowly and I think it has gotten slightly thinner as well!” Margeaux is not alone. 

For Julie*, another college student, shaving down there is just not worth it. "I've just found that it is always extremely irritating to the skin ––it gets very itchy as it grows back and ingrown hairs in my pubic region are scary because they can be confused with warts, pimples, or a staph infection," she says. "Hair is natural and serves a purpose. Of course, it is important to manage your pubic hair for sanitary reasons, but it was given to us as a shield." If hair removal down there is just not for you ––rest assured knowing you are not alone!

2. There are some minor health complications involved

Pubic hair removal is a modern-day trend, but is it really safe? Not necessarily. According to the study, it may result in unfavorable health consequences including skin irritation, vulvar and vaginal irritation or infection, and even possibly the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Other minor health risks that come with shaving your bikini region may include epidermal abrasions (shallow wounds to the skin), ingrown hairs, hair follicule imflamation, vulva inflamation, or rashes. 

Dr. Streicher notes that most health complications are nothing major. "There is always a possibility of nicking, as it is a lot harder to see what you are doing," she says. "From an infection point of view, there is not a huge issue ––there have been a few studies done, but the numbers have been small." Even if you get your bikini area waxed, you still risk burns to the skin simply because the skin down there is delicate. 

It varies from individual to individual, but sometimes, irritation is just inevitable. "There are some people who get bumps no matter what they do," Dr. Streicher says.

3. Pubic hair helps your body in multiple ways

While in the grand scheme of things, humans have much less body hair than other animals, the hair we do have is not accidental ––and this goes for pubic hair, as well! According to Dr. Streicher, pubic hair exists to serve many purposes. "Biologically, there is a reason we have pubic hair," she says. "From a medical point of view, it decreases friction and lubrication."

Additionally, hair down there acts as a cushion during intercourse and help men maintain an erection. "When you have two bodies that are rubbing together, pubic hair stops friction and decreases potential discomfort," she says. "It keeps the gentials warm ––and for a guy trying to maintain an erection, you have to have warm genitals. It is also a way to find your way to the genitals. If you have a big patch of pubic hair, it says, 'Hey, here is where you go!'" Who knew pubic hair was offered our bodies so many  benefits?

Related: How to Shave ‘Down There’

4. Hair in the bikini region triggers arousal

As you have probably noticed on your own body, pubic hair tends to be a completely different texture than, say, the hair on your head. Most medical experts agree that this is because of pheromones, or chemicals that are secreted in our sweat and other bodily fluids, and influence the behavior of the opposite sex.

Wait, what? You read that right! Pheromones are believed to trigger sexual interest and excitement. So, hair in the bikini region can actually act as a pheromone-enhanced product that increases your natural appeal to the opposite sex.

While pheromones may influence arousal to some extent, Dr. Streicher believes that the desired look of a vagina is ultimately a personal preference. "I really think what is far more important is what a person finds most erotic," she says. "Some men prefer no pubic hair, but others think that that is just creepy. Appearance has a much bigger impact on arousal than pheromones." Either way, it is foolish to believe that having hair in the bikini region will turn a sexual partner away. In fact, it may do the opposite!

5. There are better (& safer) alternatives

In the age of bare bikini regions, is there a method that is “safest” when it comes to hair removal? As you can probably assume, professional waxing and electrolysis (removing individual hairs from the body using chemical or heat energy) result in the least amount of irritation, allergies or other medical complications. 

Margeaux is a supporter of professional removal. “As for waxing, I’ve only ever done that a few times [but] when I did it professionally, it worked super well and hair growth really slowed down,” Margeaux says. “When I did it myself, though, it was a complete failure ––I literally removed zero hair.” Hair removal is not as simple as it looks, ladies!

Amber*, a student at Florida Atlantic University, prefers brazilian waxes. "I started getting them about two years ago and they changed my life," she says. "Of course, this isn't scientific, but I feel like the experience and results just feel cleaner than shaving. Plus, yes, I have experienced pretty painful cuts and irritation while shaving." However, Amber adds that the cost of waxing is not so great.

No matter the which method you choose, Dr. Streicher emphasizes that professional removal is both expensive and painful ––and that some red bumps will commonly show up no matter what. "I think that from a purely medical point of view, carefully clipping [your pubic hair] is always going to be better," she says. "But, there is nothing wrong with shaving as long as you are comfortable. I don't have a problem with waxing, I just think it takes a rare person to be able to self-wax." We could not agree more. 

So, what is Dr. Streicher's final advice for the removal of hair down there? "Like anything else, use common sense," she says. "It's not like there is a huge scientific literature out there about the removal of pubic hair. Keep in mind that genital hairstyles tend to come and go, and what is in style today might not be in style tomorrow."

Like any other decision you have to make in life, the decision to shave down there is always yours and yours only. Make sure you are choosing what makes you look ––and more importantly, feel–– most comfortable!

 

12 Gifts Intellectual College Grads Will Appreciate

0
0

If you're the Rory Gilmore-intellectual type, not just any grad gift will do. Whether you actually want to be a professor or just a super-brilliant social scientist or humanities expert, we've compiled a list of our fave smart-girl gifts. 

UNDER $25

Icon Mug - Typewriter, $14, available at Anthropologie

We're obsessed with this old school typewriter mug—perfect for the budding intellectual.

Everyday Weekly Deskpad, $12, available at Rifle Paper Co.

There's no cuter desk calendar for anyone education-obsessed than this!

Art Print  (7" X 10"), $17.68, available at Society6

Who wouldn't want to display these inspirational women on their wall?!

Alexander Hamilton, $11.90, available at Amazon

Let's be honest, it's nearly impossible to score Hamilton tickets. The book that inspired the show is the next best thing!

Y.B. Supply Co. College Yard Candle, $22, available at Yearbook Studios

This candle literally combines the best scents of ~college,~ perfect for any aspiring professor!

Typewriter Memo Pad, $12.95, available at Urban Outfitters

This ridiculously cute memo pad is a must-have for your new desk.

Rad American Women A-Z: Rebels, Trailblazers, and Visionaries who Shaped Our History . . . and Our Future!, $9.67, available at Amazon

This book is made up of amazing women artists, writers, teachers, lawyers, and more. It's the perfect inspiration for any recent graduate!

UNDER $50

kate spade new york Office Kit, $39.95, available at PaperSource

Who said a desk had to be boring? Spice up any setting with these adorable Kate Spade office accessories.

Customized Planner, $36, available at Etsy

Keep all your dates in order with this customized planner. We're obsessed with the black and gold color scheme.

OVER $50

 

 

Bicycle Bookends, $65, available at Uncommon Goods

Every intellectual needs a sturdy pair of book ends to keep her most prized posessions in order.

Fortitude, $63, available at Etsy

History buffs will adore this Frederick Douglass pullover.

BookBook for MacBook, $99.99, available at Twelve South

Look intellectual AF with this laptop case that turns your MacBook into a classic novel you're just always carrying around.

15 Times "Lemonade" Made You Want to Get Broken Up With

0
0

As Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” album quenched the thirst of BeyHive members everywhere, it also continues to sweep up national conversation and disrupt the PC discourse of relationship hardships and what it means to be a black woman. This album has been praised for being able to appeal to women’s emotions during and after a betrayal and the emotional rollercoaster leading to a breakup with your SO. But for those who identify as single, Beyoncé made us want to find our own disastrous SO, have a breakup, then a breakdown, like she chronicles in her visual album, so that we too can come out on the other side and make our own lemonade (and insert our fantasy ex’s face into the all the recent Jay-Z memes)!

1. When she smashes the “hot sauce” bat everywhere and into everything!

2. When she is not “Sorry” for being emotional

3. She's okay with looking jealous or crazy

4. …And if need be, alone.

5. Saying “Boy Bye” and not looking back

6. When she throws her wedding ring with defiance

7. Being able to find yourself after that breakup

8. When you remind your ex that they were not with just any average person.

9. Declaring that you are your own woman.

10. Recognizing that you are one of the women who will break your own chains free.

11. The display of solidarity and strength in sisterhood.

12. But Queen Bey also shows the power in forgiveness.

13. If you and your SO are able to get back on track, you are even stronger.

14. And even if you don’t, you are just as strong.

15. Knowing that no matter what, you will slay.

Because Beyoncé told you to do so.

Ted Cruz is Dropping Out of the Presidential Race

0
0

After a crushing loss in Indiana, Ted Cruz has made the decision Tuesday to drop out of the 2016 presidential race, his campaign manager told The New York Times.

“I said I would continue on as long as there is a viable path to victory. Tonight, I’m sorry to say, it appears that path has been foreclosed,” Cruz told his supporters, according to The Washington Post. “Together we left it all on the field in Indiana. We gave it everything we got, but the voters chose another path.”

The end of Cruz's campaign is somewhat surprising, as he only brought on former candidate Carly Fiorina as his potential running mate last week. However, Cruz was far behind Trump even before Indiana. While Cruz earned 546 delegates, Trump now has 1,001 delegates—only 236 away from the Republican nomination. Cruz also struggled with likability throughout his campaign. John Boehner called Cruz "Lucifer in the flesh" last week, and he could barely get any support from his fellow Senators.

John Kasich, however, plans to stay in the race, even though he only has 153 delegates—fewer than Marco Rubio had when he dropped out of the race several weeks ago.

"Tonight's results are not going to alter Gov. Kasich's campaign plans," Kasich's chief strategist, John Weaver, wrote in a memo. "Our strategy has been and continues to be one that involves winning the nomination at an open convention."

It's really looking like Donald Trump will be our 2016 Republican nominee.

What You Learn By Going to an All-Girls Catholic School

0
0

A few things things come to mind almost immediately when we think about all-girls Catholic schools like rules, nuns and plaid – lots and lots of plaid. All-girls Catholic schools are often praised for being academically exceptional, producing like-minded young women who are inspired, ambitious and fearless.

It’s not unreasonable then to wonder how these schools are able to consistently achieve the results that they do. Here are a few insights into what it’s really like to have the all-girls Catholic school experience. 

1. Sisterhood is everything 

The thing about spending four years with the same group of girls, day in and day out – sharing the same religious views, taking the same classes, favoring the same teachers and flirting with the same boys after school – is that it’s all pretty much one long initiation process into a lifelong sisterhood.

So many women recount their all-girls Catholic high school experiences as the most meaningful experiences of their lives, times during which they formed long-lasting friendships that they maintain even in adulthood, like Micki Wagner, a sophomore at the University of Missouri. For Micki, attending an all-girls Catholic high school was the single most empowering experience of her life. “The girls I went to school with are still some of my closest friends, even though we’re in college all over the country,” she says. 

Psychotherapist and women’s mental health expert, Kelley Kitley, explains that all-girls Catholic schools often provide a strong foundation for young girls who may be struggling through adolescence. “I’m the product of an all-girls Catholic high school, which is exactly why I’m doing what I do as a psychotherapist specializing in women’s health," she says. "It was the foundation I needed as a girl who struggled with family issues and internal insecurities.” Twenty years after her high school graduation, she remains best friends with many of her classmates. 

The truth is that wearing the same uniform as everyone else (and in more extreme cases like mine, the same jewelry even down to the shape, size and “sparkliness” of an earring) encourages a certain level of comfort. “I think people perceive all-girls Catholic schools like Britney Spears’ "Baby One More Time" video, just oozing with sex appeal," Micki says. "[But] it was incredibly real and not sexy, like at all. We all just got a place to be unapologetically ourselves – a safe place to explore what that even meant for all of us individually.” 

There’s something about uniformity (quite literally in this sense) that forces people to find more creative ways to express their uniqueness and individuality, whether that’s through hobbies like joining the choir or playing a sport, or through other outlets like academic excellence or volunteer commitments. 

2. Religion is not uniform 

Although sameness of religious beliefs is the foundation upon which these institutions are conceived, it is often not the case that all students experience the same religious journeys. I, myself, found the rigorous nature of the system to be counterproductive in its efforts to inspire interest in the Catholic faith.

Religious teachings were used to instill discipline and obedience through fear rather than understanding, and over the years, I felt a growing disconnect with the Catholic Church. I attended all-girls Catholic schools all my life up until college, and I remember so distinctly the day that I first questioned everything I was being taught. I was six years old, and my teacher at the time told me (very matter-of-factly) that I would go to Hell if I went to see the parades in an upcoming carnival. Her exact words were, “that’s Satan’s celebration.” 

While my experience is not all encompassing, others have expressed for one reason or another that, although religion is what brought them and their schoolmates together, it was not always the main takeaway from the experience. Travel consultant, Jennifer Dillon, attended all-girls Catholic school from kindergarten all the way through sixth grade and is a self-proclaimed “recovering Catholic.” 

Jennifer says, “As early as kindergarten, the nuns at St. Mary's would tell us to be on the lookout for signs that God was calling us to the church, to ‘marry Christ’ and become nuns ourselves. I took this very seriously…until the day in 4th grade when my spiritual aspirations were crushed, and my faith forever lost.”

A local priest visited Jennifer’s class to teach them about baptism and confession – the two basic requirements, he said, for entering Heaven. It was not Father Joe’s lecture that perplexed her but rather his response to one of her questions. She asked, “Does that mean a person can live a terrible life, and as long as they were born Catholic and baptized, and confessed on their deathbed they will go to Heaven? And a person who has never heard of Jesus but who lives a good life and is kind to others will not?” Jennifer says that she doesn’t remember his exact response, “just that they brought hot tears to [her] face.” The nuns listening in on the lecture immediately chastised her for her unruly outburst and disrespectful demeanor. And from that day on, she says that she’s struggled with her belief in Catholicism.

For others, the religious aspect of all-girls Catholic school is equally, if not more, significant to their experiences than the promise of sisterhood. Kelley says that most of the positive feelings she harbors today about her all-girls Catholic high school are owed to “the lasting relationships, supportive environment and spiritual connection” she encountered. “Worshipping together as a community brings a sense of closeness, giving young women the opportunity to openly discuss spirituality,” she says.

Moreover, Kelley says, “The religious component adds a foundational element that nondenominational schools don’t provide, specifically in the area of social justice as a core Catholic belief.” Undeniably, all-girls Catholic schools promote values of kindness, compassion, community, gratitude and philanthropy regardless of the ways in which they approach religious education.

Even though we may not all have left with the same religious beliefs, our experiences at our all-girls Catholic schools encouraged us to think deeply about what religion and spirituality meant to us. Evidently, we were allowed to discover and develop our own religious identities – Catholic or not.

3. Intelligence is attractive… and empowering 

All-girls Catholic schools often pride themselves on academic excellence. Statistically, they outperform not only all-boys Catholic schools, but also nondenominational same-sex schools and nondenominational co-ed schools – in number of hours students spend studying per week and likeliness to engage in peer tutoring for example.

Jennifer remembers witnessing these differences first-hand. “In sixth grade, my parents divorced and we moved from rural Wisconsin, where I went to Catholic school, to Colorado, where I enrolled in public school," she says. "In Catholic school, I had been a sort of middling student I think – not a top student. But when I got to public school, academically, I was waaaay beyond these kids, who seemed wild and undisciplined to me.”

Overall, the experience offers young girls a higher level of academic self-confidence, inspiring them to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated STEM fields and take an active interest in politics and social activism in the future.

According to Micki, all-girls Catholic schools often create a culture of achievement, and she’s right. In an environment where the male presence is almost non-existent – since many of these schools are primarily staffed by women, nuns included – traditional patriarchal gender roles tend to be less oppressive and less apparent. Every position on every sports team is played by a girl. And every leadership role of every club is held by a girl (Who would have guessed that Catholic school would be feminist?). The result is an environment that is not only incredibly supportive, but also incredibly stimulating. “Being around girls who placed an importance on being smart was so powerful. It truly made me feel like I could rule the world,” Micki says.

Kelley explains that this kind of work ethic stems from a natural competitive streak that most women exhibit. It’s helpful, she says, because it inspires us to challenge ourselves inside and outside of the classroom. Focused, intelligent, motivated and fierce are just some of the words we could use to describe all-girls Catholic school students – a combination that’s bound to ignite some healthy competition. The downside, though, is that if we’re not careful, it can also lead to feelings of anxiety. I can attest to this, since anxiety attacks (especially before a major exam) were not uncommon at my high school and even elementary school. Kelley, herself, remembers feeling pressured in high school to be the perfect overachiever. Now, her areas of professional expertise include anxiety and agoraphobia, panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression.

The takeaway here is that while it’s empowering to exist in a safe environment of your peers who share similar aspirations and are motivated by many of the same influences as you are, it’s important not to engage in unhealthy levels of competition – with others and even with yourself. 

Related Article: 7 Things Sorority Girls Won’t Tell You About Being in a Sorority

The value of an all-girls Catholic school education, although frequently debated, is unmistakable – uplifting environments in which girls and young women learn that they can do anything and be anything, without fears of gender discrimination. J. Lo, Salma Hayek and, even, Lady Gaga are all top-ranking celebrities who, at one time or another, attended an all-girls Catholic school. And like these women, whether you go on to affirm your faith in the Church, pursue a more spiritual than religious route or opt for secularity, chances are that if you attended an all-girls Catholic school, you and your Catholic school sisters still share very similar ideas of what it means to be strong, confident and passionate women of worth.

15 Signs the Library Has Completely Lost Its Chill

0
0

Hate to admit it, but finals are right around the corner *starts sobbing* and collegiettes everywhere are getting ready for the most dreadful week of the year. What's the most stressful part you ask? The library. Here are 15 signs you know it's finals season and the lib has lost all chill. 

1. People actually started bringing sleeping bags and camping out

2. The line at Starbucks is equivalent to Frodo's quest to Mordor

3. The book aisles have turned into nap nooks

4. There are literally no seats or tables available

5. Which will lead to people sleeping and studying on the floor as a last resort

6. The library has reached max capacity

7. You have never faced a bigger struggle than trying to find a close outlet to charge your laptop

8. Good luck trying to find an open computer

9. The vending machines somehow ran out of your favorite snacks

10. If you managed to find an open seat, you're now surrounded by a whole bunch of random people

11. You've never seen a longer line to the bathroom

12. You've convinced yourself that a wooden library chair is more comfortable than your bed

13. You've resorted to using tears to underline important notes because they're more sustainable than highlighters

14. Watching someone else's breakdown is easier than studying

15. Everyone around you looks like this...


Misty Copeland Now Has Her Own Barbie Doll

0
0

There's hardly anything Misty Copeland does that isn't an inspiration. We've long admired her as the first black woman to make principal at the American Ballet Theater—so it goes without saying that she's a total role model. And now, she'll be able to inspire even more young girls—she has her very own Barbie doll.

Copeland debuted the doll on Good Morning America on Monday, where she discussed the collaborative and creative process behind creating the doll: “I was hands on with making sure that she really looked like a dancer and looked like me."

The Copeland Barbie is part of the Barbie Sheroes program that features women in different industries who are trendsetters and groundbreakers such as actress Emmy Rossum, triple threat Zendaya, and singer Trisha Yearwood, to name a few.

The doll is seen clad in Copeland’s Firebird costume, which is what she wore while performing her first principal role at the theater. She will be taking the stage once again on May 18 and 19 to bring this character back to life.

The Barbie doll is available for purchase for $29.95 online, and will soon be available for purchase across the country, according to Mattel. 

9 Reasons Why You Need to Go to Her Conference 2016

0
0

Her Conference is our favorite time of year. Why? Where else can you get to mingle with the media industry's best and brightest, make amazing new connections and friends and walk home with both new knowledge and a killer swag bag? Trust us--no where else. If you need even more reason to attend Her Conference 2016, or just want to know more, read on for the nine reasons why you should register NOW for this year's Her Conference! 

1. Rebecca Minkoff, fashion designer and founder of her own luxury handbag line, is keynoting and we cannot EVEN

Guys, this is HUGE. 

2. You’ll get to network with the best of the media industry 

~Making connections~

3. You’ll get to hang and bond with people who totally get you 

If you're looking to meet other highly ambitious women, you've come to the right place. 

4. You’ll walk home with incredible swag

It really is all for you. 

5. You’ll learn so much from the panel sessions which cover everything from how to freelance to what it’s like to be an entrepreneur 

Real world here we come. 

6. Past panelists have come from Cosmopolitan, BuzzFeed, PeopleSeventeen, The Wall Street Journal and many, many more

#Fangirling

7. FOOD. EVERYWHERE. 

Get ready for Baked by Melissa cupcakes and Chobani for breakfast!

8. Your #HerConference social media posts will have gotten you tons of new followers

Friendship FTW!

9. You’ll leave feeling inspired AF 

So what are you waiting for? Register NOW and get ready for the best weekend of your life. 

7 Brunch Recipes To Make With Your Mom This Mother's Day

0
0

Finals are over, all your dorm decorations are shoved in the back of your closet, and you’re finally able to spend some time with your number one friend. Instead of calling her crying at 3 a.m., spend this Mother’s Day baking with your favorite lady. Rather than trying to make up for all the time you've been away in one overpacked day, why not sleep in and then enjoy some quality time together making brunch? Here are seven recipes every mama will love!

1. 3-Ingredient Nutella Croissants

Make your mom’s day sweet and simple by combining two of the things she loves most in the world: Nutella and you. These flaky pastries are good for up to three days, even though we know they’ll be gobbled up in three minutes!

2.Honey Lime Rainbow Fruit Salad

Bring back childhood memories with this fruit salad that sounds like it’s named after your favorite My Little Pony. It’s a sure way to brighten up your mom's day.

3. Breakfast Enchilada Bake

Spice up Mother’s Day with this cheesy goodness. The combination of sausage and avocado will be a unique addition to your brunch table.

Related: 15 Ways to Send Mom Your Love This Mother's Day

4. Buttermilk Fried Chicken and Waffle Sandwiches

Chick-fil-a meets Eggos in this dreamy brunch sandwich recipe. After making everything from scratch, you and your mom will be extra hungry for this mouthwatering combo.

5. Chunky Monkey Chocolate Banana Muffins

Satisfy your mom’s sweet tooth with these vegan treats. They’ll be ready in about half an hour!

6. Paleo Sweet Potato Hashbrowns

This foolproof recipe is as healthy as it is simple. Made with almond flour and coconut milk, these hashbrowns are perfect for your Paleo-loving mom.

7. Best Ever Hot Chocolate French Toast

End your Mother’s Day brunch with the perfect dessert. Need we say more?

Baking brunch is the perfect way to spend time with your mom this Mother’s Day. Now all that’s left is to find the perfect gift!

John Kasich Drops Out of Presidential Race

0
0

Ohio Gov. John Kasich is dropping out of the 2016 presidential election, just one day after Ted Cruz bowed out of the race. This leaves Donald Trump as the likely GOP nominee come election time in November.

According to Politico, a senior campaign adviser of Kasich’s announced the news Wednesday afternoon. Kasich only won his home state of Ohio in the primaries, garnering 156 delegates according to CNN. This left him in fourth place behind Trump, Cruz and Marco Rubio (who dropped out of the race after the Florida primaries), respectively. Politico reported that Kasich’s campaign cancelled Washington D.C. events to begin staging a news conference set for 5 p.m. in Columbus, Ohio—which is likely when he will officially announce the end of his presidential bid.

On Tuesday night, Ted Cruz suspended his campaign after losing in Indiana. “From the beginning I’ve said that I would continue on as long as there was a viable path to victory. Tonight, I’m sorry to say, it appears that path has been foreclosed,” Cruz said Tuesday according to CNBC. Trump had overwhelmingly won in Indiana, taking all of the state’s 57 delegates.

“The voters chose another path, and so with a heavy heart, but with boundless optimism for the long-term future of our nation, we are suspending our campaign,” Cruz said.

Cruz and Kasich teamed up earlier last week to stop Trump from reaching the necessary 1,237 delegates, which would lead to an open GOP convention this summer. Kasich has long been mathematically eliminated from the race, needing an impossible amount of delegates to be nominated. His only hope was to make it to the convention and somehow get nominated in lieu of Trump. However, Cruz dropping out of the race essentially sealed off this path, according to Vox. The Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus declared that Trump was the presumptive nominee after Cruz bowed out.

According to the New York Times writer Thomas Kaplan, Kasich was the “conventional candidate in an unconventional race.” Kasich tried to remain the adult during debates when childish insults were thrown around, even as his competition won in many of the contests.

This effectively leaves Donald Trump as the GOP nominee, despite about $43.3 million in expenditures by Never Trump groups to stop his campaign, according to CNBC. Never thought you would see Trump make it to a major presidential competition? Think again, collegiettes, because it looks like that’s exactly what’s going to happen. 

6 Reasons You Didn’t Get the Internship (& What to Do Next Time)

0
0

You’ve spent the last few months sending out countless resumes and cover letters to your dream companies, you’ve interviewed with hiring managers and you dutifully followed up afterwards with polite emails. But before you know it, summer is around the corner and that internship offer you expected to have is nowhere in sight! What happened?

We all know that the internship world is extremely competitive, and trying to land a summer gig at a big-name company can feel like trying to get an acceptance letter from Harvard. Even if you feel like you have the total package, there are a few things you might be doing (or not doing) that are standing between you and a job offer. Read on to find out which mistakes you might be making during the internship application process and how you can step up your game next time to make sure you get the job!

1. You didn’t research the company beforehand

One major thing that employers look for in a potential job candidate is knowledge of the company and the positin you’re applying for, so getting caught off guard by a basic question about the company’s values or mission statement is going to raise a red flag.

“A candidate can look fantastic on paper, but preparing for the interview is critical,” says Alicia Rodriguez, director of employer relations at the University of Miami’s career center. “Recruiters look for candidates who know the organization in and out and can speak to how [their] skill sets can benefit the organization.”

Tip for next time: Research, research, research! Knowledge is power, and knowing as much as you can about the company you’re applying to work for can only help you. Familiarize yourself with the company’s mission statement, know who the head of the company is as well as other important employees and be prepared to discuss the company’s values (and how they line up with your own). A great place to find this information is the “About” section on a company’s website, as well as its LinkedIn page.

You should also find out if the company has been in the news recently for any major accomplishments. Not only is this a great talking point, but showing that you’ve read up on the company is a surefire way to impress your interviewer. 

2. You didn’t seem passionate about the company

If you can’t answer the question, “Why do you want to work here?” the employer has already mentally crossed your name off the list. Although you may be interviewing with several different companies, it’s important to convey to your interviewer the passion you have for this particular business.   

“You need to have a personal story or connection to the brand and have good reasoning for why you want to work for that specific company,” says Lauren Berger, CEO of InternQueen.com and author of the upcoming book Welcome to the Real World: Finding Your Place, Perfecting Your Work, and Turning Your Job into Your Dream Career“You don’t want to say that you just found the job posting online and applied.”

Employers are likely to be turned off if you seem disinterested in the company or too concerned about what the company can do for you. “Too often, students may simply give the impression that they only want an internship for the sake of having one,” says Tom Dezell, author of Networking for the Novice, Nervous, or Naïve Job Seeker.“Or, they may want one at a well-known company, but not articulate what they offer the company in return.”

Tip for next time: When preparing for an interview, think about what it is that draws you to the company, whether it’s the company’s success, an employee you admire or similar values you have to the company. According to Dezell, you should also think about your long-term career goals and how a position with this company can help you achieve those goals.

Make a list of possible questions that you could be asked in the interview and come up with strong yet thoughtful responses. Practicing the interview beforehand with a friend or family member will help you build your confidence and is also a great way to get constructive feedback on your interview skills.   

Keep in mind that although employers are looking for passion and drive, in a professional setting you have to walk a line between being passionate and overwhelming. “You don’t want to come across as a ‘fangirl’ or stalker,” Berger says. “You have to find that balance in how you present yourself.”

3. You didn’t sell yourself

Your ability to sell yourself to an employer is easily one of the biggest factors that can make or break an interview. “Students may not be showing the employer how they can add value to the organization,” says Vicki Salemi, career expert, coach and author of Big Career in the Big City: Land a Job and Get a Life in New York. “Yes, it's important to showcase your skills and experience, but you need to make it easy for them to say yes. What are their problems right now? Why are they looking to hire you, and what are their ultimate needs? Show them how you're the solution.”

Tip for next time: As a potential employee, it’s your job to present yourself in a way that highlights your strengths and relates your skills and experience to the position you want. “You need to point out the strengths you have as well as why they are relevant to what you will be doing,” Dezell says. “By relating how one’s strengths will help perform a role in the internship, it reflects that the student has taken the time to research the role and company.”

An internship interview is an opportunity to showcase your talents and show the employer how awesome you really are. Talk about your study abroad experience, the work you did with a student organization or at a previous internship—anything that you think will add to your value as a future employee. “This is where I tell college students I coach to brag away!” Salemi says. “Now is the time to toot your own horn.”

When talking about your past experiences, you should highlight the skills you developed as a result of those experiences and how those skills relate to the position you want. For example, if you chaired a committee or were the editor-in-chief of your school’s newspaper, talk about how your leadership skills, experience working on a team and ability to multitask will be beneficial to the company.

4. You didn’t ask any questions

Even if you answered those tough interview questions like a pro, not asking follow-up questions (or not asking the right questions) could pull you out of the running. There’s nothing more awkward than answering “Do you have any questions for me?” with nothing but a blank stare. Employers are looking for candidates who demonstrate interest in the company, and you not having anything to ask could be viewed as a lack of enthusiasm.

Tip for next time:“Prepare a list of five questions to ask, in case the interviewer answers a couple of them during the interview,” Berger suggests. A great place to start is by asking, “Can you describe a day in the life of an intern at this company?” which Berger calls the “magic question.”  

You might be thinking, “I asked questions after all of my interviews and still didn’t get the job! What’s up with that?” Even if you’re following up with questions, it’s possible that you might not be asking the right ones. The questions you ask should be thoughtful and relevant to the position you’re applying for. This is your opportunity to find out exactly what the company is looking for in a potential intern and what you can expect from the position. Here are a few examples of great questions to ask:

  • What do you enjoy the most about working here?
  • What specific qualities are you looking for in a successful intern?
  • What are the best things about this job and the biggest challenges?

As for what not to ask, “You don’t want to come across as being too concerned about what the company can do for you,” Berger says. “Instead, focus on what you can do for the company!”

Never ask question about the company that you could have easily found online or in the description of the position, and don’t bring up money, getting time off or how many hours you’ll be working per week. If the employer gets the feeling that you’re not totally committed to the job or that you’re more interested in how it can benefit you personally, they’re going to move on to the next candidate.

5. You didn’t have leadership experience

With the extreme competitiveness of the internship hunt, employers are used to seeing resume after resume filled with extracurricular activities. While being super involved at school is great, to truly stand out from the crowd, you need to have leadership experience.  

“Employers care less about the number of organizations you’re involved in and more about the leadership experience on your resume,” she says. “They don’t just want to see that you went to a meeting, they want to see that you ran the meeting.”

Tip for next time: Instead of overloading your schedule with meetings and events, Berger suggests that students pick just two to three organizations on campus and get involved in leadership positions within those organizations. An employer will be much more impressed by the charity events you organized or your position on the executive board of your sorority than a laundry list of activities.

Berger also suggests picking diverse organizations for different reasons; for example, a sorority, a volunteer organization and a career-related group. Focus on what you’re passionate about and make the most of your college experience.

6. You aren’t using social media appropriately

Employers often use your social media profiles to get a better picture of who you are and to decide if you would be a good fit for their company. Good social media use is more than just posting fabulous selfies and retweeting celebrities; it’s a way to show employers that you can use sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn both effectively and appropriately. Your public profiles are out there for the world to see, and unfortunately, that includes those embarrassing drunk tweets and photos of you with a red Solo Cup in hand.

“The misuse of social media can still pose problems for students who are applying for internships,” Rodriguez says. “Inappropriate pictures and posts can and will be found by potential recruiters, so it’s critical for students to utilize social media wisely.”

Tip for next time: If you haven’t cleaned up your social media profiles lately, now is the time to do it. The last thing you want is for your killer interview to be overshadowed by something you could have (and should have) deleted months ago. What’s funny now won’t be as hilarious when it’s standing in the way of you and a job offer!

Look at your social media profiles through the eyes of an employer and get rid of anything that screams “unprofessional.” Of course, this includes those pictures from the party last night and 3 a.m. drunk tweets, but also bad language and whining or angry rants. Who wants to hire someone who’s constantly complaining? An easy way to clean up your online image is to use a site like Socioclean, which removes anything that could be seen as offensive to potential employers.

When in doubt, keep these three things in mind: Control your privacy settings, think before you tweet and use professional sites like LinkedIn to your advantage. It goes without saying that your LinkedIn profile picture should not be a photo of you on spring break! Instead, use a professional headshot and make sure that your profile reflects your experience, accomplishments and goals.

Remember, not getting an internship isn’t the end of the world! Check out these awesome things you can do this summer (instead of interning) that will still get you ahead in the career game.

Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images