Your friend spotted a total campus cutie at that party last night, but she was way too shy to approach him or her. The worst part is that this wasn’t the first time you’ve seen this happen. And with reason—making the first move can be terrifying! What if she gets rejected?

Luckily for her, that’s where you—her wingwoman—can come in. You’ll stand by her side and help her spark a conversation with whichever hot single strikes her fancy. All you have to do is follow these simple rules!

1. Let her ask you for help

Your friend struggles with talking to new people, and, as her friend, of course you want to help her out. But if she doesn’t ask you to help her flirt (i.e., to be her wingwoman), you probably shouldn’t suggest it.

“You should wait to be asked,” says Susan Baxter, president of Hire a WingWoman, a Boston-based wingwoman- and dating-coach-hiring service for men and women. “Your friend may take it the wrong way if you offer her some help.”

Your friend could get defensive if you suggest that she’s doing something wrong, which is perfectly understandable. “Some people don’t want you to just randomly go up to guys [or girls] for them,” Baxter says. “Also, some people aren’t good at taking advice on how they’re flirting, etc. You don’t want to overstep your friend’s boundaries!”

If you think being your friend’s wingwoman could really help her, you can always subtly mention the concept to her and see how she responds. Baxter says you should explain that you could help her go up to people, then talk her up and/or leave the two of them alone to get to know each other. If she doesn’t like the idea, don’t push it!

2. Practice approach techniques

There’s a reason your friend doesn’t feel ready to go up to potential love interests: It’s scary! But if you coach her before heading out, she’ll feel that much more prepared to face her fears.

“Wingwomen should role-play with their friends as a warmup before talking to guys [or girls],” Baxter says. “Practice makes perfect, and the feedback doesn’t hurt.”

So pretend to be that cute someone and ask her to try approaching you. Then, tell her what you think she did great and what she can do to make the conversation even better.  “I wouldn’t necessarily encourage ‘flirting’ as much I would encourage being real and approachable,” Baxter says. “Practicing allows for a lot more confidence!”

If this makes your friend uncomfortable right off the bat, you could “show her how it’s done and go up to a different [person] first, and then role-play with her,” Baxter says.

Another reason to practice is that “you have to make sure that the person you’re helping can also handle herself,” says Marni Kinrys, founder of The Wing Girl Method, a dating-coach service for men and women. You introducing her to someone is good, but she’ll need to stand on her own two feet eventually to keep the conversation flowing. For Kinrys, the best method is to “go up to the first couple people with her and then let her do it by herself.” This will show your friend that approaching people isn’t as daunting as it seems!

3. Have fun with it

Being your friend’s wingwoman doesn’t mean you should give up on having fun. “You have to have a good time, too,” says Fran Greene, a relationship coach and author of The Flirting Bible. “Otherwise, it’s a job, and you won’t do it.”

You can have fun with the way you and your friend approach the person she likes. “Make a game out of it,” Greene says. For instance, when going up to two friends, “you could make up a story about a class assignment for an interpersonal communications class about having to approach two cute [people], then tell them the truth. Come up with a story to help your friend make a connection. It’s not deceptive; it’s just an icebreaker.”

Just the thought of helping your friend could be enough to make the night (or the day, depending on the activity) fun for you. “As long as your friend is talking to someone and having a good time, there’s no reason why [you] can’t as well,” Baxter says. “If you take pleasure in helping your friends meet people, then it’s not really ‘a job.’”

One other great thing about being a wingwoman is that you can enjoy the event without the pressure to impress anybody. “You don’t have the anxiety, because you’re not doing it for yourself,” Greene says. “It’s much easier, and it will help you in the future!”

Think about it: The skills you’re using now to hook your girlfriend up could be the key to landing your own crush’s number some day. Everyone wins!

4. Make it about your friend

One pitfall of being a wingwoman is that you could forget what you came for. “Make sure you’re not putting yourself first and getting jealous if someone isn’t into you,” Kinrys warns. “It can sting when somebody gets more attention than you!” Just remember that it’s about your friend finding someone this time around.

First, make sure you’re scouting out for people you think she could be interested in, as opposed to people you think are cute. “Remember to keep an eye open for [people] that your friend might like,” Baxter says.

If she asked you to be her wingwoman, it means she needs that extra support. “It can be hard to go up to that intimidating [person] across the bar [or gym or coffee shop!],” Baxter says. You can do it for her and casually bring her into the conversation. You can also distract the person’s friend if the situation calls for it – anything she needs!

Something else to keep in mind is that, according to Greene, “if there’s rejection, you’re not the one getting rejected,” which will make it a lot easier for you to do your duty as a wingwoman. “If your friend gets rejected, at least she has you and can move onto the next person,” Greene says. This is her night, and you’ll be there for her no matter what.

5. Talk her up

Maybe your friend needs a wingwoman because she’s struggling with her confidence. It’s up to you to make her feel awesome!

“Talk your friend up, both to her and the [person] she’s meeting,” Baxter says. “The best thing to do is boost confidence; tell her she’s hot and [anyone] would be crazy not to talk to her.” You know how great she is, so make sure she believes it.

According to Greene, “the biggest roadblock in not approaching someone is the fear of rejection.” This means that your job is “to reframe rejection. If the [person] lets your friend know that he [or she] has no interest, then the world doesn’t come to an end and [the two of you] can move on.”

Baxter explains that “everyone gets rejected at some point, at least once in their lives.” A good way to reassure your friend is to place the blame on the person who rejected her, saying he or she was probably having a bad night or isn’t in the mood to meet people.

You’re there to help her forget about any negative experiences and move straight onto the next person. “It’s up to you to make her feel comfortable, to push her to talk to other people,” Kinrys says. “Help your friend laugh it off if she gets rejected. You’re there to be an ego booster.” In other words, being a wingwoman is just like being a good friend—and you do that all the time already!

6. Give her a playful dare

Maybe your friend has been out of the dating game for a while or was never really into it in the first place. This might mean she doesn’t know how to go about talking to someone new and just needs instructions! Whatever your advice is, encourage her to be bold and follow it. “It doesn’t matter what she’s doing as long as she’s breaking the ice,” Greene says.

Another great way to encourage your friend to flirt is to “start off with dares for each other,” Kinrys says. For instance, “‘go kiss that guy on the cheek,’ ‘buy [that girl] a drink,’ ‘tell him that you’re from outer space.’ Go online and look up dares and just go for it!” Kinrys suggests. Doesn’t that sound like fun? We think yes.

If your friend really needs an extra push, there are a couple things you can do to bring her out of her shell. “You could push your friend in front of a [person] she thinks is cute,” Greene says. That way, she will have no choice but to talk to him or her (as long as nobody gets hurt!). They’ll also have something to talk about already—your friend could apologize for you, for instance.

If neither of you feels comfortable with this daring strategy, you could promise to do something for your friend if she goes talk to the person she spotted. Say you’ll do her laundry, give her a manicure or “just anything that’s a cute incentive,” Greene says.

7. Know when your job is done

Now you know how to get your friend talking to a cutie, but how do you know when to take a step back? “Each time [you] introduce [your] friend to [someone] and their conversation is off and running and you can tell the [person] is into her, then your duty has been fulfilled and you can slowly excuse yourself,” Baxter says.

But wait—don’t leave the venue yet! “You can never be completely done, because you should keep them in the corner of your eye in case the conversation starts to die down,” Baxter says. “If so, think of some great, interesting things to say about your friend. Has she been to 10 countries? Does she know how to juggle? What will intrigue the guy [or girl]? Basically a wingwoman is always on call until the end of the night!”

As a general rule, “I don’t think the wingwoman should leave her friend with someone she just met,” Baxter says. However, if your friend set out to go home with someone or told you she’d be okay with it, “[your] job is done if their conversation is flowing nicely and the [person] seems legitimately a nice person,” Baxter says.

But how do you know when it’s time for both of you to leave? According to Greene, the answer is simple: “If your friend seems like she’s had enough, if it’s getting too late, if the place is closing, etc.,” it’s probably time to call it a night (or day). “Anything in excess is not good,” Greene says. “If it becomes work, it’s too much. There’s always next time.”

You should also leave if the person your friend is talking to doesn’t look trustworthy or your friend seems bored. Go up to them and make up an excuse for you and your friend to leave. You could make it about yourself, saying you don’t feel well and need her help, or make it about her roommate/mom/dog—anything works as long as it gets her away from a dud.

Not convinced that being or having a wingwoman is the way to go? Here’s what Baxter has to say: “This is just another way to meet people. Now there are so many great ways to do so: online dating, apps like Tinder, through friends, speed dating, etc., and the more you expand your horizons and try different things, the more likely you are to meet someone!”

We don’t know about you, but we’re sold on the whole wingwoman concept. And with a little help from Her Campus, you have all the tools you need to make it work. So what are you waiting for, collegiettes? Pair up already!

Chloë Grace Moretz has never shied away from saying how she really feels about a subject, whether it's weighing in on Kim Kardashian's nude selfie, or making it clear that squads are overrated. Now, the young actress is speaking out about feminism, and why she thinks that many people tend to be hesitant to identify as a feminist—or even openly discuss the subject.

During a recent appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Chloë was asked about her outspoken stance on feminism and why she thinks that young people are afraid to label themselves as feminists. "The word's become incredibly polarizing lately and I don't really know why. I talked to a lot of young women during the caucusing time and a lot of them were really scared to admit that they were feminists," Chloë shared, referencing her recent time spent across the U.S. in support of Hillary Clinton.  

"I think that we need to get to a point where it's more about gender neutrality and less about just feminism, and just raising one particular sect. I think we need to make it more neutral, because I think the word's become demonized a little bit," she added. 

We completely agree with Chloë, and applaud her for always talking so openly about topics that she feels strongly about!

If your idea of a great day is one spent in the library, at the bookstore, or reading in a sunny spot, you might be a book lover. It seems sometimes that book characters are better than real people. Have you ever felt this way? If so, read on:

1. You’d rather read a book than go to a party.

2. Because you’d rather spend time with book characters than real people.

3. You compare all romantic interest to book characters,

4. And sometimes they just don’t stack up.

5. Because you feel like you might be a little in love with someone fictional.

6. You never get tired of talking about books.

7. But you feel personally insulted when your favorite character is attacked.

8. And will fight to the death for their honor.

9. You meet most of your real life friends in the bookstore.

10. or at book club meetings.

11. or book signings.

12. You can’t believe it when someone hasn’t read your favorite book.

13. You’ll probably name your kids after book characters.

14. Because flipping through a new book is like meeting an old friend again.

15. Your perfect day is one spent reading.

There’s no denying that some girls in high school simply “ruled the school,” that parents could be a total buzz-kill when it came to curfews and that an 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. school day was the worst thing ever invented (like, ever). Whether you’re a soon-to-be collegiette who can’t wait to get out of the social caste system of high school or whether you are a current collegiette wanting to remember just what high school really was like, you need to check out this list of ways college isn’t like high school.

1. People don’t care how popular you were in high school

Think you’re going to impress anyone with your old homecoming queen crown? Think again. People who weren’t necessarily Queen Bees in high school now have free reign in college!

2. Professors have no problem assigning you a billion-page reading in a single night

No, there may not be a pop quiz on the reading the next day, but yes, you will fail your next exam if you don’t keep up (and in college, failing the exam basically means failing the entire class. Hello, only three grades in an entire semester).

3. College football games are like high school football games on steroids

Anything goes on game day (and we mean anything).

4. No one cares what you wear to class

Say goodbye to getting all dolled up for the school day! If you really think people are going to dress in anything but sweatpants and leggings for an 8:00 a.m. class, you’ve got another think coming.

5. Extra-credit opportunities are better than Christmas gifts

LOW A, HERE I COME.

6. Being ditzy isn’t funny, charming or cute anymore

You and the people around you are all paying (or taking loans for) what is likely an enormous amount of tuition money for one purpose: to get educated. Your classmates (and profs!) are not going to appreciate it—or think you’re funny—if you turn the class into a joke.

7. You can let your true personality shine

In high school you walk the halls trying to fit in and do everything possible to not stand out. In college, you can just let all that go and be who you really are.

8. Guys want more than just good looks

Don’t bank on Mr. and Mrs. Popular hitting it off once you’re on campus. College guys want girls with more to offer than just social status (as in a good sense of humor, a solid head on her shoulders and a passion for something!). You’ll want the same from them, too.

9. No. More. Parental. Supervision.

Hello, no more curfews.

10. Cliques are old-school

Remember how the high school cafeteria was divided by friend group -- and you knew exactly where the cool people sat? Not so much in college! Whether it’s because the students matured or they just realized that constantly surrounding themselves with the same people could get a little old, people in college want to get to know new people. Finally!

11. There’s a group on campus to satisfy everyone’s interests

Not into sororities? Sports not your thing? Don’t worry. At college, Quidditch clubs, Zombie Apocalypse Prevention groups and even Squirrel clubs are totally, totally normal (we aren’t kidding).

12. People want friends with actual interests, not just social goals

College students can instantly tell if you’re a social climber (as in, you meet someone, take a picture with them, post it to Instagram and then never interact in person ever again). Take the time to actually share your thoughts, interests and hobbies with the people you meet -- the quality of your friends will be much better!

13. Eight-hour school days are a thing of the past

You don’t realize how terrible long school days are until you get to college. Once you get to college, you’ll never, ever want to go back.

14. And skipping class? Not a problem

With most college professors not even taking attendance regularly, skipping is a whole lot easier than it was in high school (you know, the days of forged notes from your mom to get you out of chemistry). While we don’t recommend it, we can’t say no to a Netflix-and-nap day every now and then...

15. In college, girls will stand up to you like it’s nobody’s business

This isn’t high school anymore. Many girls have grown out of their shells, found their voices and are refusing to be told where their place is (you go, girls!).

16. Friday and Saturday aren’t the only days of the week you go out

Yes, it’s a Tuesday. Yes, we will use Drake lyrics to caption our Insta pics. So what?

17. You show off your school pride like it’s your job

True, the apparel at the campus bookstore is ridiculously overpriced, but how else are you going to fit into the sea of people all dressed head to toe in your school’s colors?

18. You will really learn the definition of “communal”

As in bathrooms, showers and dorms. You name it, you probably share it with at least 20 other people.

19. You would take college over high school any day of the week

Because things like this can, and really do, happen.

College is nothing like high school. While these changes are usually ones that people love (no curfew, parents or rules!), they also mean that many girls have adjustments to make. Make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into so you don’t end up in high school, round two! 

We need to start talking about mental health. [Jopwell]

Pope Francis is open to studying whether women can be deacons. [npr]

13 interview questions you should be asking. [I Want Her Job]

New emojis to empower women. [Newser]

Taylor Swift dances like no one's watching. [EOnline]

Magazine columnists you need to read. [Ed2010]

The genetics of staying in school. [The Atlantic]

Doping is the reason Russians did so well at Sochi Olympics. [The New York Times]

The unexpected perks of Uber and Lyft. [The Daily Dot]

Rihanna launches a scholarship program. [The Huffington Post]

We all have that one dress we wear over and over because we love it so much. Tired of wearing it the same way? Mix up your dress look by adding pants underneath. You might think this is a ridiculous concept, but trust us; it's a thing. Let these outfits below convince you.

1. Eco-friendly and edgy

It's no surprise that Emma Watson is a style icon, so take note! Not only was her outfit completely sustainable, but she totally rocked the dress over pants look at the Met Gala. She also sported a similar look at the 2014 Golden Globes.

2. Tailored and sophisticated

Olivia Palermo's simple off-the-shoulder dress gives her tailored pants a feminine feel. This look puts a new spin on LBD!

3. Monochromatic

We can't get over how cool this outfit looks! The dramatic top piece makes this fashionista look like a superhero. 

4. Revamping denim

What better way to rock your favorite dress and pair of skinnies in one look? Adding a dress over jeans can immediately make any casual outfit look glam.

5. Fitted pants and midi

A slitted midi makes the perfect dress for this trend! Throw on a pair of heels and your favorite pair of pants and you're set.

Whether fitted or loose, shift dress or mini dress, your favorite dress just got a lot cooler with a pair of pants added to the mix!

Whether it’s the girl who sits across from you in psych or the girl standing across the room at the party, chances are, at one point or another, she has left you at a complete loss for words when you see her. It happens. Wipe the drool from your mouth and turn your inner flirt on, because now’s the time to make your move. Here are a few things you can do to help break the ice so that you can say goodbye to being a single lady!

1. Make her laugh

Your opening line:“If I see this kid cough one more time without covering his mouth, I swear I’m breaking out the Clorox wipes.”

When it comes to making a joke about your surroundings, the world is your standup routine. It could be the way your professor’s strange habits affect your ability to concentrate or something specific about the room you’re in.

“When I flirt with a girl, I make eye contact with her a few times across the room to let her know I notice her,” says Whitney, a senior at Arizona State University. “Then, I say something relevant to the environment to make her laugh. For instance, the lesbian bar I frequent is usually a hit or miss music-wise. If it's a miss, my job is much easier.”

Once you get a girl laughing, you’ve definitely caught her attention. This is the perfect way to really start getting to know her and continue the conversation.

2. Compliment her on something you genuinely like about her

Your opening line: “Hey, I don't mean to be creepy, but I noticed that you always have the best outfits! That floral dress, wide-brim fedora and combat boots look was so on point. You always look so well put together.”

This is your prime opportunity to make your crush feel special. What is it in particular that attracts you to her? Is it the way her eyes light up when she has something important to say? Is it the cute outfits that she puts together so seamlessly? Whatever it is, make sure it’s something significant to her. It’ll let her know that you’ve really been paying attention to her and tip her off to the fact that you’ve kept her on your radar for a while. The beauty is always in the details! Use this opportunity to make a great impression on her and ask her for advice on how to do whatever she's doing so flawlessly.

3. Ask for her homework help

Your opening line: “I don’t understand anything that’s supposed to be on the midterm. We should totally study together!”

Not only is this a total ego boost, but it’s also the perfect way to spend more time with her. If you’ve noticed she’s got a particular talent for something you’re totally clueless about, make sure you take her up on the opportunity to learn a couple of things.

"Whenever there's a girl in my class that I have my eye on, I always ask her if she wants to work on the midterm with me," says Kayla*, senior at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. "Late-night hours at the library often lead to some type of procrastination, so I always use that time to get my flirt on and get to know her better."

Just make sure that you aren’t using this as an opportunity to play dumb. It’s a lot more genuine if it’s something you actually could use a hand with and you’re not just making up a random excuse to be around her. However, if this study method works out well, make sure you make a date with her after acing that exam to celebrate your success!

4. Ask her opinion on something

Your opening line: “I was just reading an article about studying abroad in a non-English speaking country. I heard you talking in class about your trip to Ecuador last summer—can I get your thoughts on a few things?"

Who doesn't love to feel smart, are we right? This can definitely lead to a seriously deep conversation, which will only make her want to talk to you and get to know you even better.

After you both have this conversation, find out if there are any events going on at your school concerning that topic. If there are, invite her to hang out with you, and maybe even get dinner before or after!

This subtle way of asking her out is a great way to keep it casual, since you still might be trying to get to know each other. Bonus points if you can relate it to something you know that she’s passionate about!

5. Perform a “random” act of kindness

Your opening line: “This storm totally came out of nowhere! Good thing I brought my umbrella today. Can I walk you to your next class?”

A random act of kindness can be as elaborate as offering her some space to walk under your umbrella (ella, ella, eh) during an impromptu rain shower or as simple as letting her borrow a pen in class. These little efforts let her know that you have her best interests in mind, even if you don’t know her all that well.  She’ll see how sweet you are and make more of an effort to get to know you.

Make sure you get her number the second or third time around, with the excuse that she can always count on you if she needs a quick favor. Now that you have her number, let the hours upon hours of texting commence!

You can’t always wait for the “perfect time” to talk to your crush, because you never know when that moment will come! Give yourself the necessary pep talk and get your flirt on.

*Name has been changed.

Coconut oil has long been every girl's ultimate miracle product. It’s one of the most universal items at the grocery store and can be used on your hair, skin and nails to moisturize and give you a pretty glow.

Here are five coconut oil-infused beauty products to try so you can join in on the tropical fun.

1. Yes to Coconut Ultra Light Spray Body Lotion ($9.99, Yes To)

This product applies thicker than a body oil or mist, but isn’t as heavy as a regular lotion, so it’s perfect for summertime. It smells ah-mazing and will instantly remind you of the beach, even if you’re at work.

2. R+Co Continental Glossing Wax ($27, R+Co)

If you’re looking for all of the benefits of coconut oil without the strong scent, this is the product for you. The glossing wax helps to give texture to hair of any length, especially bobs and pixies. A little goes a long way!

3. Kopari Coconut Sheer Oil ($44, Kopari Beauty)

This coconut oil is perfect for the on-the-go girl, since it comes in a bottle that is easy to seal and contains a dropper so that you can dispense the perfect amount of product. Put a few drops in your hands and smooth it through your hair for shine and nourishment, or over your face to moisturize and remove makeup.

4. Herbivore Coconut Soak ($18, Herbivore)

Organic coconut milk steps up as the main ingredient in this luxury bath soak. Adored by Gwyneth Paltrow, it hydrates and softens your skin while you take a “treat yo-self” bath and will leave you smelling like coconut and vanilla. Plus, it’s all-natural. Can it get any better?

5. Yes To Coconut Cooling Lip Oil ($4.99, Yes To)

Make sure your lips are on their A-game, too! With a combination of coconut and eucalyptus oils, this balm with hydrate and restore your pucker without parabens or a sticky residue.

I had a hard time believing that making feminism and female empowerment popular could have a downside. How could making feminism more accessible and getting more people on board with gender equality ever result in anything bad?

Blake Lively’s recent comments at the Cannes Film Festival were the cringe-worthy yet necessary wake up call I needed.

During a screening of Woody Allen’s new film Café Society, Lively defended Allen against a comedian who joked about how Allen was able to create great films yet escape conviction of sexual assault in the U.S. "It's amazing what Woody has written for women. It's very dangerous to factor in things you don't know anything about," Lively said, adding that she hasn't read any of the stories about Allen. "I could [only] know my experience. And my experience with Woody is he's empowering to women."

Blake Lively isn’t the only female celebrity defending Allen. Actresses who publicly advocate for female empowerment, such as Cate Blanchett and Kristen Stewart, have also praised him and chosen to turn a blind eye to the allegations of abuse.

Look—I, too, fangirl when I see empowering roles for women on the big screen. I do appreciate when directors understand how important it is to portray women fairly, and use their power and privilege to do so. And the more I see it, the merrier. I’ve only seen one or two Woody Allen films in my life, so I can’t give a qualified analysis of his contributions to women in the media, and for all I know, maybe he has created some great female characters in his distinguished directorial career.

However, creating a couple of decent roles for Hollywood actresses does make a director “empowering for women,” especially when said director has a track record for inappropriate behavior with women.

Multiple accounts reveal that Woody Allen had a penchant for inappropriately touching his adopted daughter Dylan Farrow when she was younger, even before her sexual assault allegations. Ronan Farrow, in his powerful op-ed for The Hollywood Reporter, noted how Allen had a past history of disturbing behavior with his sister Dylan, describing how Allen would look at Dylan in a sexual way and ask her to suck his (Allen’s) thumb. And Mia Farrow reportedly wouldn’t leave Allen alone with Dylan. Actress Mariel Hemingway recounted in her autobiography how, while shooting the film Manhattan alongside Woody Allen, he attempted to seduce her by ensuring she did not have her own hotel room, when she was only seventeen years old. And at this point, do we really need to rehash his disturbing relationship with his now-wife Soon Yi Previn? Even if we refuse to believe Dylan Farrow’s allegations against Woody Allen, it's difficult to deny that Allen has a complete disregard for women and their boundaries, and has repeatedly engaged in highly inappropriate behaviors with younger women.

Ignoring women who have come forward with stories of sexual assault and trauma in favor of powerful men is by definition the opposite of empowering. No amount of well-written female characters and Academy Awards can erase that. While I don’t think Lively believes that powerful people should be able to get away with sexual assault, by defending Woody Allen and refusing to take a closer look at his allegations, she tacitly places Allen’s power over the well-being of survivors.

If Lively’s definition of empowerment requires that we ignore allegations of sexual assault in order to obtain decent representations of women in the media, I want no part of it. This is not empowerment, but rather a crappy half-assed trade-off—one that favors privileged female actresses over rape survivors. This is cheap, meaningless corporate empowerment at its finest, and it has no place in the fight for equality and social justice.

I urge Lively and other celebrities to look at Ronan Farrow's insightful column in The Hollywood Reporter. In it, Farrow urges journalists and other influential people in the media to use their power to create a culture where survivors can tell their stories, where powerful people will not be able to shrug off their misdeeds with their privilege. Farrow notes: “We are witnessing a sea change in how we talk about sexual assault and abuse. But there is more work to do to build a culture where women like my sister are no longer treated as if they are invisible. It's time to ask some hard questions.” His column serves as a powerful critique to the media, as well as to celebrities who are comfortable with ignoring Woody Allen’s misdeeds. We need to take heed of his advice and be unafraid to call out wrongdoing, even when it comes from people we like.

While there’s no way to avoid working with problematic people, we can take definitive steps to dismantle rape culture. By prioritizing survivors, listening to their stories and using our social privilege to take a firm stance against sexual assault, we can create a better culture for survivors. I hope powerful Hollywood celebrities like Blake Lively take note of that. 

Honestly, what is Grey's Anatomy without Cristina Yang? We've been forced to find out ever since she left in season 11, and we don't exactly like the answer. Nobody can replace her wit or passion for cardiothoracic surgery. We're not sure if we want to be her best friend or just be her. Either way, you're totally obsessed and strive to be like her every day. If you can relate to any of the following, you're without a doubt THE Cristina Yang of your friend group: 

1. You have your (food) priorities in check

2. You're not into cuddling and discussing your feelings

3. You're blunt AF

4. Like, really blunt

5. You know that brains > beauty

6. And making history is on your to-do list

7. You don't find your worth in the opposite sex (even when it's McDreamy)

8. Because you know they're generally not very bright

9. Confidence comes naturally to you

10. But cleanliness does not

11. You have the occasional breakdown

12. You know how to party

13. Especially when it involves dancing

14. You know how to give bomb advice

15. You don't put up with whiny people

16. You're basically the sh*t, and you know it

When we were in high school, everything was about college; we worried about applications, standardized test scores and the dreaded acceptance letters. It consumed our lives. But now that we’ve made it past that struggle, we’ve found that our worries weren’t as big as they originally seemed. In fact, there are a lot of things that are harder to get into than college. For example…

1. A club or a bar. Planning on kicking off the weekend with some drinks and friends? Expect to wait in line for at least an hour. Under 21? Even worse.

2. The library during finals week. Any library. No matter how early you get there, or how late you stay, expect every seat to be filled with highly stressed and over-caffeinated students.

3. Dreaming of a sweet scoop of Ben and Jerry’s on Free Cone Day? So is the rest of the population. Get in line—you know, the one that backs around the corner and onto the next five blocks.

4. Or maybe you planned to go to Lollapalooza over the summer with some friends. Too bad 3-day passes sell out in minutes, crushing tons of hopes and dreams.

5. Once you’ve made it to college, you’re ready to live it up during Welcome Week and head to some frat parties to get the true “college experience.” But all you’ll end up doing is getting blisters waiting outside while some frat stars stare at you blankly asking who you know.

6. Office hours right before a massive paper or project is due. Everyone has messed up, and there’s only one person who can fix every mistake.

7. Your New Year's resolution is to finally get that beach bod you’ve been putting off for years. Once you drag yourself to the gym on January 1st, you’re feeling good…until every single machine is taken. Every. Single. One.

8. Even if you have all the grades, all the extracurriculars and a fantastic application, getting your dream internship is next to impossible.

9. A full Netflix account. Think about the times when all you want is to watch Netflix, but your roommates are watching on the same account, so you end up getting blocked out and can’t get in until they’ve finished.

10. Try getting into skinny jeans after eating pizza and ice cream.

11. Or a getting into (and staying in) bed when you are very, very drunk.

12. How about a public pool when it’s the hottest day in the summer and everyone and their grandma are searching for a place to lounge.

13. Speaking of summer, try putting on your shorts after a winter of hibernation and tell us that it isn’t impossible to get into them.

14. Even if you’re lucky enough to get an Uber on a Friday or Saturday night, getting into it successfully with your six best and drunkest friends is quite the challenge.

15. You may have all of your perfect classes at the best times lined up for next semester, but getting into them is a different story; during registration, you’ll most likely sit and watch as they become full and you get stuck with a 6-8 lab (in the morning or at night, take your pick).

16. Laundry room on a Sunday. You keep walking into the room, ready to finally wash your clothes, only to find that people keep taking the only open machines.

17. And if you think getting into college is hard, you’ve obviously never tried to get into a hammock.

Name: Christine Stoddard
Age: 27
Job Title and Description: Writer, Artist, and Founder/Creative Director of Quail Bell Press & Productions, with clients including Cosmopolitan, Bustle, Vivala, xoJane and more
College Name/Major: VCU Arts, B.A. Film, B.A. English, certificate in product innovation
Website:WordsmithChristine.com and QuailBellMagazine.com
Twitter Handle:@cstoddard
Instagram Handle:@christine.stoddard

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

Christine Stoddard: I run a small business called Quail Bell Press & Productions—which Folio Magazine, the trade publication for the magazine industry, recognized me as one of the top 20 media visionaries in their 20s for founding. There are multiple art and media projects under the Quail Bell umbrella, but the best-known one is Quail Bell Magazine. Quail Bell Magazine is a place for real and unreal stories from around the world. It's mainly an online magazine but occasionally comes out in print, too. 

As the creative director, my job is to oversee all Quail Bell projects and also satisfy project requirements for Quail Bell's clients. Mainly, that means I write, edit, art direct and collaborate with my favorite freelance editors, illustrators and photographers, but there are business duties, too. One day, I might have to write an article for Bustle; another day, I might have to restock Quail Bell's zines and anthologies in bookstores. I might pitch to magazines, write invoices, review a manuscript, copy edit a book, make art for a show, table at a 'zine festival or run through any other number of duties related to running my small business.

What is the best part of your job?

CS: I mostly do what I love most—tell stories. And I get to do that every day. I have authorship over my work. It's a rare opportunity to get the chance to fulfill your vision day after day. 

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

CS: Being creative alone is not enough. Staying organized is crucial. 

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

CS: On more than one occasion, I've taken on projects I should not have. Lack of interest and time mean I should've steered clear. Now I only commit myself to projects that give me happiness, fulfillment and adequate financial compensation. 

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

CS: Probably when I was 18 and had an exclusive interview with First Lady Laura Bush in the White House. Teen Ink gave one other young writer and me the chance to ask the First Lady questions about her youth literacy initiatives. We had just graduated from high school and were terrified, but I learned that our subject was human. That's what I remind myself before every interview now: This person is a person, too.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

CS: Earn the right to tell a story; some stories are not yours to tell. Humble yourself. Be a person of your word. Back down if your timing is off and your subject isn't ready. Trust and honesty matter more than a byline.

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

CS: Build up your portfolio and as soon as you have enough work to begin attracting clients, file an LLC immediately. Then pitch and make cold calls. You may not get to choose all of your clients at first, but eventually you will get to a point where you have a lot more financial stability and the power to pick and choose your projects.

It's 3:00 p.m. Your head is starting to feel a little foggy and you can't seem to focus. Did you take any breaks other than your lunch break today—if that? If the answer is no, then that's probably the reason why you're feeling so lousy. How are you supposed to get any work done if you're not feeling 100 percent? We asked a few young women in the workforce why it's important to take breaks throughout the work day, and their answers are eye-opening.

1. It gives you a chance to be more creative

If you're working on a project and you hit a road block, get up and take a break—it can help you get your creativity flowing.

"I think one of the best reasons to take breaks while working is becuase, when you do, you come back feeling refreshed and rejuvenated," says Margeaux Bichée, a sophomore at Barnard College. "For me, new creative ideas come from this place. Additionally, because I've taken some time to not think about whatever it is I was previously working on, I find that I'm consistently more efficient when I start working again!"

By giving yourself a much needed break, you'll be able to clear your mind and open yourself up to new ideas that you might not have been able to think about while you were focused on your project.

"Taking a break gives your mind time to think of new ideas that you may have not considered, especially if you take the time to get away from the area you were physically working in, like taking a walk or spending time outside," says Alaina Leary, a graduate student at Emerson College.

2. Your body and mind will feel more refreshed

It's not good to sit at your desk all day. The more time you sit, the more negative effects it has on your body. You start to slump, your neck can start to feel stiff, and your eyes will begin to feel strained.

"I take breaks to move my legs and to get my blood flowing," says Mara Hyman, a 2014 University of Southern California graduate who is on the marketing team at CBS Boston. "I don't like sitting at my computer all day because it can affect your posture as well."

Sydnee Lyons, a first year grad student at Florida Atlantic University, brings up another great point—risk of a urinary track infection.

"Sometime at work, I would be so busy or distracted (and the bathroom would be so very far!) that I'd just hold it," Lyons explains. "I drink a lot of water and pride myself on being really hydrated all the time, so I read [an article about it] and it made me feel like other millenials do the same thing!"

3. Your work day will go quicker

Have you ever sat at your desk for what feels like an hour, only to look at your clock and realize that a mere ten minutes has passed? We've been there. Checking the clock constantly can make the day drag on forever, and taking breaks throughout the day will definitely help it pass a little quicker. If you have trouble remembering give yourself a breather, try setting an alarm on your phone every couple of hours to remind you to get up and stretch your legs.

Related: 6 Ways to Work From Home (& Actually Get Things Done!)

4. You'll be more productive

There's no better feeling than checking off your whole to-do list and leaving work with a somewhat empty plate. If you sit at your desk all day and refrain from taking breaks, you might not be as productive as you could be. By giving your time time to refresh, like taking a walk to a co-worker's area or sitting outside, you're giving yourself a chance to re-group and get a better focus for the task at hand.

"I take breaks to re-energize myself," says Leary. "I think breaks are especially important if you're working on a long, in-depth project that requires a lot of focus. Longer projects may take hours and it can be easy to want to just power through them, but you can also get stuck in a rut if you don't take breaks."

Sophia Walker, a junior at Bowdoin College, believes that not taking breaks during the workday can make you feel tired and worn out.

"Without breaks, I can't concentrate and without concentration, I can't produce and quality work," Walker explains. "Additionally, if I don't schedule in breaks and off-time, I will spend all my time working, which isn't good for productivity or general health and happiness."

5. You'll avoid burnout

Just like having a positive work-life balance is important, it's important to have a balance throughout the work day, too. If you try to work your 9 to 5 straight through, chances are you aren't going to have a sharp focus. Not having a sharp focus will lead to distraction and procrastination, and you'll only feel as though you need to work harder and longer to complete your project. If you give yourself a chance to refresh, you'll avoid feeling run down and stressed out. You'll even be more productive during the day, so that you don't feel like you have to bring your work home with you to finish up.

6. You can meet more people

How many of your co-workers can you meet if you sit at your desk the whole day? Not many! Aside from your immediate area and the people in your department, you probably aren't giving yourself a chance to get to know everyone in your building or on your floor.

"During my work breaks, instead of hiding away in a break room with my phone, I try to see what other coworkers are doing, and if there's something we can do together," says Leary. "Go for a short walk to get lunch down the street or step out into the sun. These are all times you can get closer to your colleagues and get to know them better."

It's hard to be laser-focused at work all the time, but it's even harder to focus when you don't take a break from what you're doing. Take a walk down the hall, do a loop around the parking lot, or sit in a common area to clear your head. You'll be happy you did!

Dreading packing for your upcoming summer vacation? We know how to make it quick and easy! With the help of Topshop, we’ve compiled our list of essentials you’ll need no matter if you’re taking a weekend trip or heading on a longer adventure.

1. Neutrals

Courtesy of Merged Fashion

The key to vacation packing is building a foundation of neutrals. They go with everything, they’re always chic and they can easily be dressed up or down. Our absolute must-haves? A well-worn jean jacket, high-waisted jeans, a plain white tee, tan sandals and a simple black dress. Endless possibilities! Shop our favorites at Topshop.

2. Good walking shoes

Courtesy of To Be Bright 

Trust us when we say you won’t want to deal with blisters while on vacay. This can easily be avoided if you bring comfortable walking shoes that you can go miles in without scraping the skin off your ankles. You don’t have to sacrifice style for function, though. We’re obsessed with these white sneakers from Topshop.

3. A day-to-night look

Courtesy of Mae Amor 

If you plan on going out after long days of relaxing on the beach, you’ll need some versatile pieces that can be taken from day to night. Be sure to pack a simple dress that can be dressed up or down. We suggest this simple black bodycon dress from Topshop that looks just as good with a jean jacket and flip flops as it does with heels.

4. Comfy layers

Courtesy of Haute Tempered 

When you’re traveling, layering is key! You’ll need at least one light jacket (or heavier, depending on where you’re going!) for the plane, and you’ll also want something for night. We love this black bomber from Topshop, which is a neutral classic piece that can be easily dressed up or down. Beyond the jacket, we recommend packing tanks, tops and sweaters (in neutral colors like tan, black and white) so you can easily adjust to weather.

No matter where you’re going this summer, be sure to pack these absolute must-haves! You won’t regret it!

Love quick and easy DIY projects? If you answered "yes," then you're definitely going to want to check out these seven monogram DIYs. From revamping your old Chuck Taylors to making your own personalized stickers, DIY-ing has never seemed so worthwhile!

1. Clipboard

All you need is a clear clipboard and a monogrammed decal in the color of your choice. That's DIY-ing made easy! 

2. Converse Sneakers

It's time to revamp those old Chuck Taylors with a small personal touch.

3. Blooming Initial

This floral initial is a pretty and chic addition to any girl's room. 

4. Baseball Hat

For those hot summer days when your hair wants nothing more than to be frizzy. 

5. Stickers

Who would've thought? Now, this will lead to major savings. Customized stickers don't come cheap! 

6. Coasters

The perfect tabletop accessory—it makes for a great gift, too!

7. Ring Dish

Never lose your rings, earrings, bracelets or other jewelry pieces again! 

Between club meetings, sorority mixers, intramural volleyball games, and filling out applications to land that killer summer internship, who even has time to study in college anymore?  With such chaotic lives, collegiettes today are typically professional procrastinators.  But what’s a collegiette to do when it’s midnight and she hasn’t even started studying for that 8 a.m. exam yet?  Several college students across the country have found a risky solution: study drugs.

Study drugs are prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin that are used inappropriately to increase mental focus and productivity for the purpose of studying.  Also called “smart drugs,” they are commonly prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).  Used without a prescription, however, these drugs can be dangerous – not to mention illegal.  Despite the risks, about 1 in 5 college students reports using study drugs to get a short-term boost of energy for those dreaded all-nighters. 

“A Growing Problem”

Amanda*, a student at Auburn University, was feeling the stress of a collegiette’s life. One night, she decided to try Adderall to see if it would help her focus on studying for an important test the next day.  Even without a prescription, she was able to get a dose of Adderall from her friends, who frequently ask her if she wants any of their pills.  Although it took longer to kick in than she expected, after 15 minutes she could feel her focus growing.  “Instead of wanting to lay around and do nothing, I actually wanted to get things done,” she says. 

Like many college students, Amanda usually relies on coffee to keep her going, but she says coffee just makes her jittery, whereas Adderall gave her focus.  “With Adderall, I don’t want to run around,” she says, “I just want to focus on the task that is in front of me.”

Amanda is just one of the overwhelming number of college students across the country seeking focus and productivity who have turned to prescription drugs.

The University Health Services department at the University of Texas at Austin says that 87 percent of the university’s students say they do not use study drugs, but that it is “a growing problem” nonetheless.  The department also reports that about 50 percent of college students who have prescriptions for ADHD treatment medications have been asked by others to give out their pills.     

In 2011, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimated that five percent of Americans between the ages of 18 and 25 illegally used prescription psychotherapeutic drugs like Adderall and Ritalin.  While five percent may not seem like a significant number, it is higher than the percentage of that demographic that illegally used cocaine and hallucinogens such as LSD combined.

“The misuse of prescription drugs among college students often flies under the radar,” says Natalie Rich, the alcohol and drug intervention specialist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  “Students think these drugs are safer than street drugs, but in reality, their effects are very similar, and they can be highly addictive.”

Risks Versus Rewards

Study drugs can improve focus and motivation to study, but the short-term benefits of these substances do not come without their fair share of risks. 

Prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are designed to give users increased concentration focus.  Experts agree that when used appropriately under the guidance of a doctor, they are effective tools to overcome attention disabilities like ADD and ADHD. 

“For people with ADD or ADHD, these drugs may have a calming effect because the drugs increase dopamine in the brain, and it is believed that ADHD sufferers lack adequate dopamine,” explains Rich.  “For those without ADHD, these drugs are more likely to cause restlessness and euphoria because these people already have enough dopamine.”

However, the misuse of such drugs can be dangerous, especially when used regularly or combined with alcohol and other drugs. 

“People who use these drugs only on occasion to study are much more likely to crash once the drug has worn off,” says Rich.  “The crash can cause exhaustion and depression because the body’s energy supplies and dopamine have all been used up.”

Along with increasing concentration and focus, study drugs have short-term risks like increased blood pressure, increased heart rate, nervousness, and insomnia.  Natalie asserts that each of these risks is present even when the drugs are only used once. 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Adderall can cause hallucinations, impulsive behavior, paranoia, and irritability.  These are among a long list of dangerous side effects that probably won’t help with that final tomorrow morning when used by people for whom the drugs are not prescribed!

In addition to the health consequences associated with study drugs, a collegiette who uses these substances could face serious legal consequences like fines, jail time, and suspension from school.  Misusing prescription drugs, with or without a prescription, is illegal, as is passing out these substances to others.  Additionally, your chances of committing a crime increase when you’re under the influence of drugs. 

And then, there are the long-term risks. Adderall and other prescription stimulants have been known to cause adverse side effects when used with antidepressants like Marplan and Nardil.  When used simultaneously with antidepressants, which are used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders, study drugs can produce life-threatening effects. 

The most worrisome risk of using study drugs is the potential for dependence and addiction.  Addiction can lead to the health conditions mentioned above, as well as more serious consequences, namely death. 

Study drug users don’t necessarily plan to get addicted to the helpful substances—we would hope not!—but it certainly happens. “Adderall and Ritalin are Schedule II substances, meaning these drugs have a high potential for abuse and dependence,” Rich says.  “Because of this, anyone using these drugs without supervision is at higher risk of developing a problem.” 

Richard Fee was a 24-year-old college graduate from Virginia Beach, Va.  He played on the baseball team and served as sophomore class president at Greensboro College, and he was one of the last people you’d expect to have a drug addiction.  Yet, Fee had been able to falsely convince doctors and nurses that he had ADHD since his days as an undergrad.  In November 2011, Fee’s addiction to prescription stimulates turned deadly when took his own life after his most recent prescription for Adderall ran out.

Despite the dangerous consequences, the use of study drugs is alive and well on college campuses across the country.  Even Amanda, who has had personal experience with study drugs, says she would use the drugs in the future.  “I would take [Adderall] again if I felt it was necessary,” she says.  “I do not want to become dependent on it, but I do appreciate its effects on me while I’m studying for an important test.”

The persistent study drug trade on college campuses speaks to the pressure that collegiettes and collegents face on a regular basis.  UT-Austin reports that students in highly competitive academic environments at four-year institutions and those with higher family incomes are at an increased risk for prescription drug abuse. 

Students like Amanda and Richard Fee would probably not feel the need to resort to prescription drugs if they did not feel so much pressure to succeed.  While the pressure of success can be an effective motivator, it can also be a heavy burden on today’s college students, driving them to dangerous lengths to make the grade. 

How do Students Get These Drugs?

On many college campuses, there is no secretive black market for study drugs because they are often easily attainable.  There are two ways to obtain study drugs: you can either get a prescription, or you can make friends with someone who has a prescription and who is willing to dole out doses.  Judging from the stories of Richard Fee and Amanda, neither of these options is particularly challenging.    

“On my campus, and I imagine at most other campuses as well, Adderall is extremely easy to find,” Amanda says.  “Sometimes you don’t even have to ask for it if your friends take it regularly and study with you often.” 

UT-Austin’s health services department says that 58 percent of college students who misuse prescription drugs get them from their peers. 

“People will try to sell [Adderall] to get cash for laundry money,” Amanda says. 

These distributors can often get a prescription for study drugs relatively easily from their on-campus health centers.  In some cases, it can be as easy as a student filling out a short survey and walking away with a prescription in as little as 10 minutes. Combined with the perceived benefits, this ease of access makes study drugs appealing to overwhelmed, grade-hungry college students. 

Healthier Alternatives to Study Drugs

Prescription drugs do not have to be the answer for a collegiette’s stressful life.  Who needs the dangerous side effects and legal issues, anyway?  There are healthy, proactive steps that collegiettes can take to keep their academic and professional lives in check without study drugs.

Kelley Urban, a registered dietitian at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has several stress-beating strategies for college students, none of which involves study drugs. She encourages students to set aside time each day to relax by yourself—without friends, Facebook, or your phone.  “Just rest and reflect,” she says. 

She also urges students to eat a balanced and healthy diet, limit caffeine intake, and get plenty of sleep… just the opposite of taking drugs and staying up all night!

Collegiettes can also practice relaxation techniques to reduce day-to-day stress.  Yoga, for example, has been proven to effectively reduce stress and promote a healthy lifestyle.

The key to productivity may also be having fun.  Kelley encourages students to take study breaks and spend time with friends—another way to relax and reenergize for the next study period in your future.   

While not concentrating on work can be a natural human tendency, it is important to remember that there are alternative ways of getting an energy boost that do not involve prescription drugs, or any drugs for that matter.  Consider sipping on coffee, Mountain Dew, or Red Bull instead of popping pills. These may not be the healthiest strategies, but at least they’re legal!

*Name has been changed

Kesha is ready to literally flip off the haters. The star recently posted an inspiring photo on Instagram with a message to anyone who would dare to bring her down. 

Kesha defiantly captioned the photo, "I have been battling depression and an eating disorder for a while now. my career is in a strange place and it feels like I'm fighting an uphill fight some days. but I have decided to take my life back. my freedom. my happiness. my voice. my worth. I will not just fucking be quiet and hide." 

She also took a shot at her body shamers, giving "a big ol fuck u if u wanna hate on my body. just remember that makes u look like a dickhead."

Kesha received tons of support in the comments section, ranging from expressions of solidarity to revivals of the #freeKesha hashtag. After a rough year, it looks like Kesha is ready to take control and demand the respect she deserves. 

We're glad to see her standing up to the trolls and sending out such an empowering message. Raise those middle fingers high, Kesha!

Jennifer Lawrence isn’t one to hold back when it comes to sharing her thoughts on presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump. Last October, the Hunger Games star told Entertainment Weekly, "If Donald Trump becomes president, that will be the end of the world.… I genuinely believe that reality television has reached the ultimate place where now even things like this might just be for entertainment."

In the months since that interview, all the other Republican presidential hopefuls have suspended their campaigns. Now that Trump is uncontested to become the Republican nominee, Lawrence revealed on The Graham Norton Show that she has some harsher words in mind for Trump—and she admits she tried to meet him just so she could tell him to his face.

It all started when the show’s host Graham Norton showed a photo of Johnny Depp, who appeared on the show alongside Lawrence, acting as Donald Trump in a Funny or Die skit called "The Art of the Deal." Lawrence’s reaction was blunt: "I never thought I wanted to kill Johnny Depp before."

This prompted Norton to ask whether Lawrence has ever met Trump, and the actress detailed a wild story in which she had her security search for Trump at an event so they could meet.

"I was at a concert where I heard he was attending, so I had my full security team, like I was like, 'Find Donald Trump,'" Lawrence recounted. "I was adamant on finding him and making a video of me going, 'Hey, Trump, f--k you!'" Lawrence reenacted her flipping Trump off as she had planned and the audience, host and fellow celebrity guests applauded her gesture.

We're sure there are plenty of people who would love to tell Trump the same thing.

Transgender actress and advocate Laverne Cox has been making strides for transgender representation since she rocketed into the spotlight in Netflix's Orange is the New Black. Now she's breaking even more ground for the trans community by co-starring in CBS's new legal drama Doubt, which will be the first-ever broadcast TV series to feature a transgender actor in a leading role. 

According to Deadline, Doubt will revolve around a successful defense lawyer who becomes romantically involved with one of her clients, who may or may not be guilty of a horrific crime. Cox will co-star alongside Katherine Heigl and Steven Pasquale in the series. 

We don't know much about Cox's character yet, but we're always glad to see her getting the attention she deserves! We can't wait to have a little more Laverne in our lives. 

The Supreme Court announced today that it was not going to make a decision on the contraception case that was brought to the court this spring. The case has to do with whether employers should provide birth control as a part of their workers’ health coverage, even if it is against religious beliefs. According to The New York Times, the decision will be left up to lower courts to decide.

In order to avoid deadlock in the court, which appeared likely based on Monday’s announcement, the Supreme Court “instructed lower courts to explore whether a compromise” would be possible between the two parties. Otherwise, the length of time it takes for any changes to be put into place, as well as how long women might go without potential contraception options, could be extended.

"Given the gravity of the dispute...the parties on remand should be afforded the opportunity to arrive at a [compromise] going forward," read the unanimous decision, according to the Times. This "punt," or sending the case down to lower courts to decide on a compromise, is likely because the Supreme Court probably would have tied on the issue 4-4. CNN reported that this is just one of the reasons why Obama's administration is pushing to have their Supreme Court nominee, Merrick Garland, approved by Senate after Justice Antonin Scalia's death. 

The original case, Zubik v. Burwell, was made on the grounds that religiously-affiliated organizations did not find it ethical to provide some or all birth control to their female employees—such “conduct” might go against their faith. The judges in support of this position argued that forcing private companies to comply with a ruling that required them to provide contraception would be “‘hijack’[ing] the insurance plans of” the companies.

This case is extremely complicated, as it brings in issues of both reproductive and religious freedoms. For the U.S. Supreme Court, this remains a gray area. The reason this case made it to the highest court in America is because of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993, which says that federal bills that pose “a substantial burden on religious practices” must be “subject to an exceptionally demanding form of judicial scrutiny.” Basically meaning that only high courts should rule on religious freedom cases like this. 

If the individuals against the employers providing contraception do win the case in the lower courts, a compromise can still be made. There are alternate means of getting contraception to employees. For example, the companies could pay for insurance for the women without including contraception payment. Under Obamacare (the Affordable Care Act), insurance companies pay for contraception either way. This solution would “not establish a substantial burden” on the religiously-affiliated companies, and would apparently get female staff the reproductive solution they deserve as U.S. citizens.

It remains to be seen whether the lower courts will decide on a compromise. If not, many people wonder if reproductive (i.e., human) rights will precede religious rights. Is the Supreme Court's "punt" of the case to try to find a compromise a smart move, or is the court just stuck in deadlock on any large issue without a new justice to replace Scalia?