Thinx period panties are pretty much game-changing menstruation underwear, and people have been singing their praises all over the place. However, the company just became even more incredible, unveiling a new Thinx ad starring a transgender man. Because yes, transgender men get their periods too.

The ad stars Sawyer Devuyst, 30, who will be the first transgender man in history to be featured in a menstruation ad campaign, according to Refinery29.

Devuyst says he didn't start hormones until he was 27 or 28. "That leaves me with five-ish years of identifying as a man but also getting my period," he says in a video conversation that accompanies the ad. "I would wear multiple pairs of underwear with a pair of boxers on top of that just to make sure that I didn't leak anywhere, or that no one knew that I had my period. A lot of people don't realize that some men do get their periods, because it's just not talked about."

Currently the ads are up on the Thinx website and displayed in Union Station.  Thinx CEO Miki Agrawal told Bustle, "We thought it was high-time that people see a menstruating trans man 10 feet tall in the subway."

This is totally going to change the way we talk about menstruation. Way to go Thinx!

The whole world has been in love with Ryan Gosling ever since we can remember. We just can't get enough of him, no matter what he does. And, apparently, neither can Justin Bieber.

Earlier this week, Bieber posted two photos of Gosling to his Instagram, each with the caption, “What a beast.”

The shots are actually stills from Gosling's 2013 film, The Place Beyond the Pines, in which he played a bad boy type who has to rob banks to support his family. It's unclear why Bieber posted the images (maybe he's taking style inspo from Gosling's grungy character?), but what we do know is Justin must be just another on a laundry list of people who adore Ryan. 

Democratic front-runner Hillary Clinton just released how much money she’s made in the past year, and my eyes are pretty much popping out of my head. According to the Associated Press, she earned over $5 million dollars in royalties from her book Hard Choices, and on top of that, another $1.5 million in speaking fees before she began her campaign. Don’t you wish your job in retail paid that well? Her husband also earned more than $5 million from his speaking tour, as well as through other banking and corporate interests.

Now, Clinton isn’t trying to rub how rich she is in our faces. The reason she released her tax returns to the Federal Election Commission is to jab Republican nominee, Donald Trump, for his lack of monetary transparency.

You know how Trump is always talking about how filthy rich he is? Well, if he has so much money and is such a wise businessman, he shouldn’t be afraid to show us, which is what Clinton is getting at. Trump recently claimed that his revenue has increased by $190 million, and that his net worth has been raised to about $10 billion. He’s submitted his financial disclosure, but has yet to release his tax returns.

The Clinton campaign will continue to put pressure on Trump until he comes forward with his tax returns, but they suspect something fishy is happening here. What do you think?

It’s that time of year again, and we are SO excited about the goodies we’re offering in our ultimate summer survival kit! Filled with amazing swag from some of our favorite brands, this might just be the best survival kit ever.

With something for everyone, this treat is here to make your summer a whole lot sweeter. As always, Vera Bradley is helping you travel in style with their extra absorbent and generously sized beach towel, a campus double ID featuring two ID windows, a fab keychain and an accordion wallet with 12 card slots, two bill pockets and a zip pocket for coins. That’s pretty much everything you need to stay classy on the go. But wait…there’s more!

Monthly Gift knows how to keep you feeling fabulous no matter when your period hits, with a full-size box and sample box of their feminine care products. Pure Silk will ensure you’re silky smooth all summer long with complimentary shave cream guaranteed to nourish and hydrate your skin. CamelBak wants you to officially #DitchDisposable and instead make their Forge Divide travel mug your go-to beverage holder. Never wait in line again with Spots, a new social application that allows you to check the wait at all the hottest spots in town. And make Brappz your new ultimate everyday accessory; it can be practically anything you want it to be—a bra strap, hair tie, shoelaces, you name it.

We think you’ll agree that we’ve really outdone ourselves with this summer survival kit. Get in on this serious swag bag—enter today! 

Enter to Win an Amazing Summer Survival Kit!

Ah, summer break. This vacation means your mom’s home-cooked meals, relaxing after a long semester and seeing all your family and friends whom you haven’t seen in a couple months. Catching up with people you haven’t seen in a while will be fun… until someone asks about your love life, of course.

While you might not mind discussing your classes, activities or friends, as soon as someone brings up your relationship status, you don’t really want to chat. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a relationship or rocking the single life, questions about your love life can be annoying and just plain awkward. We came up with the most common love life questions you’ll receive as well as tips for how to answer them in a polite (and not awkward) way.

Preparing to face these questions

One of the main reasons we hate getting love life questions is because they seem to come out of nowhere. You can be casually talking to your cousin about science class when all of a sudden your uncle cracks a joke about having chemistry with your lab partner and now everyone wants to know when you’re getting married. Talk about things escalating quickly.

Family and friends you haven’t seen in a while are naturally going to ask you questions because they care about you. Since you’re aware of this, being prepared ahead of time to answer all their questions will help counter that awkward moment when someone randomly brings up your relationship status.

“Awareness will make it easier for you to be [controlled] in your response versus reacting [in an] overly emotional way you might regret later,” says Jasbina Ahluwalia, relationship expert and founder of Intersections Match by Jasbina. “In other words, by minimizing the surprise element, you can prepare responses.”

An easy way to start preparing yourself for others’ curiosity is thinking of an answer to the question, “What’s new?” Usually when you haven’t seen someone in a while, he or she wants to know generally how you’re doing before diving into personal topics like your love life. 

According to Jodi RR Smith, etiquette consultant and president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting, if you provide real information during small talk, it will give you and the other person more to discuss besides your love life. “Your family [and friends] want to know things because they love you,” Smith says. “Give them details about your classes and roommates. If you got a great grade or landed an internship, brag about it. Give them something else to ask questions about before they ask about your relationships.”

By having some other conversation topics prepared, you can ease yourself into the relationship talk (if you want to!) or know that you always have backup conversation starters just in case things get awkward.

1. “You’ve been dating for a while… is he ‘the one’?”

Considering all of Aunt Susan’s Facebook likes on pictures of you and your SO, you know she’ll inevitably want all the details when you see her. Even if you expect it, getting asked about your future wedding or your apparent soul mate can be startling.

There’s a good chance that you may not know if your current SO is the one, so a good technique is to acknowledge the question without actually answering it. Then, right afterwards, deflect the question back to your family member.

“You can say something like, ‘I couldn’t even imagine him proposing right now! The last thing I want to think about is being tied down,’” Smith suggests. “And then immediately ask them about how they met their spouse or how old they were when they got married. Turn the conversation back towards them.” That way, your family gets some sort of response, but you get out of a lengthy conversation about future wedding dresses.

Another way to combat this question is through humor. “Handle these awkward questions [with] humor and point out the awkwardness,” suggests Dr. Seth Meyers, a licensed clinical psychologist and author of Dr. Seth’s Love Prescription: Overcome Relationship Repetition Syndrome and Find the Love You Deserve. “When asked about [the future wedding], for example, say, ‘Oh, please tell me this isn’t the time for awkward questions! I have to plead the fifth.’”

Sometimes calling your family out on an awkward question can stop the conversation in its tracks. Paired with humor, it keeps the mood lighthearted.

If you do feel comfortable enough sharing more about your relationship with your family, you can answer this question more honestly while keeping it brief. “I always respond with, ‘I hope so, but we have a lot to learn about one another in the next few years with graduation, finding jobs and finding places to live,’” says Laura Bauman, a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. “It pretty much sums up the rest of the questions to follow, like, ‘Are you moving in together after graduation?’”

Whether you plan on marrying your current SO or not, you can gracefully answer the soul-mate question in a way that leaves your family satisfied and you in control of the conversation.

2. “So, are you seeing anyone?”

On the flip side, you might be single and absolutely dreading the when-are-you-going-to-meet-someone question. It might come in the form of grandma reminding you that you only have so much time to give her great-grandchildren or your friend consistently encouraging you to find someone new when you go out. You’re confident about your single status, but this question can make you wonder if you should hurry up and settle down.

The key to navigating this conversation is confidence. You should never feel ashamed of being single, so reaffirm the reasons why you’re choosing to be single, and that will help you answer this question confidently.

“Re-commit yourself to the ‘why’ [you’re choosing] to be single,” Ahluwalia says. “[For example], you want to do your own thing before coupling up, or it’s an act of self-love after a breakup. Re-committing to your big ‘why’ will fuel you with self-assurance to say something like, ‘I’ve decided to be on my own for a while at this time, and I’m confident that’s the right thing for me right now.’”

Furthermore, instead of just mumbling, “I’m single” and letting the conversation die, give some examples of how you’re spending your time (which you’ve already thought of during small talk!).

“As I’ve gotten older, more and more people ask about my single status,” says Haley Cahill, a senior at Appalachian State University. “Instead of telling them, ‘No, I’m single,’ I give them a more powerful response like, ‘Actually, I’m so focused on all my classes, extracurriculars and landing a killer job after graduation that I don’t have time to worry about a significant other!’ I think this makes me look focused and driven.” Again, this can turn the conversation back to a topic you’re more comfortable with while giving you a boost of confidence.

Remember, you should never be embarrassed because you’re single, and your family members and friends are asking with the best intensions. Remind yourself of all the reasons you’re flying solo, be confident in them and rock your single status whenever someone questions it!

3. “How are you and [insert your ex’s name here]?”

You just stopped listening to sad Adele songs when your sorority sister wants to know if you and your SO want to double date. Or your uncle, who hit it off with your ex-boyfriend last year, wants to know why there’s not an extra seat your family’s dinner table. No matter how long ago you and your SO broke up, getting a question about him or her can be uncomfortable.

Despite how your relationship ended, it’s important to stay calm and collected when answering questions about your ex. Again, preparing an answer to this question ahead of time will help you feel less awkward when it comes up.

“Whether your family [or friends] knew your SO or just knew you had an SO, they’re going to ask,” Smith says. “This means you need to be prepared. Have a brief statement you can always say when asked. [For example], ‘We just broke up a few weeks ago, it’s not easy, but I’m doing fine. Thank you so much for asking.’”

While your friends or family might want to know the details of the breakup, there’s a good chance you’re not going to want to get into it. After briefly responding that you and your SO broke up, Smith suggests you change the topic of conversation immediately. So if someone says, “I heard you broke up; I really liked [name],” you can say, “Thanks; I really liked [name] too. You know what else I like? Your sweater. Where did you get it?” Or, if someone asks why you broke up with him or her, you can always use some humor like, “You know, it just wasn’t working, but it does make my holiday shopping easier! What’s on your wish list this year?”

It doesn’t matter if it’s been a week or a year—talking about your ex can be uncomfortable. By politely and briefly answering a question about him or her, your family and friends can be up-to-date on your relationship status, and then you can steer the conversation in a different direction.

4. “Would you like me to set you up?”

This usually comes from family and follows the “Have you met someone yet” question. Even though your first instinct might be to immediately deny a date with your aunt’s coworker’s son, try being open to your family’s attempt at matchmaking.

“People sometimes go unwillingly on blind dates and end up really liking them,” Smith says. “Unless you’re going through a dramatic breakup, it wouldn’t hurt going on a coffee date!”

If you’re in a place where you’re not emotionally ready or comfortable meeting someone new (e.g., you’re going through a breakup, you really want to do your own thing), politely reiterate all the reasons you’re choosing to be single and then change the subject. You shouldn’t go on a set-up date just to please your family; you should only go if you feel comfortable. Saying something like, “I really appreciate the offer, but I’m just trying to focus on myself right now. I’ll be sure to let you know if I change my mind!” is lighthearted but also gets you out of a blind date you might not be ready for.

On the other hand, if you do find yourself ready to date or meet new people, take your family member up on his or her offer. You never know how it might turn out!  

“Even if they’re not the right person for you, they might be great for your friend or you might really like their roommate,” Smith adds. “Going out on a set-up coffee date gives you practice with future dates and networking. Plus, you’re never going to find someone in your dorm room. Get out and meet people!”

Who knows, maybe you’ll hit it off with your cousin’s friend-of-a-friend and you can look back later and laugh about how it all started. Or you might not connect with him or her at all and come out with a funny story to tell your family later. However you decide to answer the setting-up question, make sure you’re comfortable and confident, and you can’t go wrong.

At one point or another, you’re going to get a question about your love life. Just remember that people are only asking because they care about you, not because they’re trying to make you feel uncomfortable. No matter if you’re single or in a serious relationship, stay cool and confident, and you’ll be able to answer any relationship question your family or friends throw at you!

With only less than two weeks until graduation, my friends and I were tackling our college bucket list. We gathered everyone into one room to figure out what the plan was.

As we all listed out the activities we wanted to cover before graduating—hiking a mountain, a day trip into the city, decorating our caps—a trend began to emerge. Everyone was too busy to make time for the list.

We all had the same very real excuses:

“I have a meeting for my major that day!”

“I’m at my internship.”

“I’m spending that day studying for my final.”

In the end, we weren’t all able to do every single item on our bucket list. We had to split up; some of us made it to some events, and others went to others. I took a midnight walk around campus, but I didn’t go hiking. There was too much to do at once: say goodbye to friends, enjoy our time on campus, and also prepare for the future. I had job interviews lined up, and I was preparing for a post-grad move into a new apartment. I was researching new cars and thinking about whether or not to buy one, since my 1998 Buick was nearing 200,000 miles. I was planning my graduation party and thinking about graduate school classes for fall.

How do we balance it all? How do we decide that it’s time to say “No,” and enjoy life in the moment?

This was a question I struggled with throughout my four years in undergrad—and to be honest, as a full-time graduate student with a full-time job who also writes and volunteers on the side, I’m still struggling with it. There were times in college when I spent a late night with my friends and stayed up until four in the morning, only to wake up at eight to go to my internship, exhausted and drowning in yawns, because I couldn’t choose.

I’ve always believed that our friends, family and happiness are the most important things. My mom died young, and it really shaped the way I make time for the people I care about. I’m also a hard worker—and if I’m being honest, a bit of a workaholic.

It was easy for me to learn to say “No” sometimes when I was in college. My rationale was that my time there was limited; it had a definite ending. I only had four years on campus, four years with my friends all living within walking distance. There were times that I did homework as much as a month in advance so I could free myself up for spontaneous movie nights. It was possible only through intense time management; I kept track of as many deadlines as possible as early in advance, and if surprises came up, I sometimes sacrificed sleep and my own free time so I could make schoolwork and my campus community my priorities.

For some of my friends, it wasn’t easy. Depending on the demands of their coursework, their major, their internships or co-ops, not everyone had flexibility to always hang out. And I didn’t understand why—until I graduated.

Now that I’m out of undergrad, life doesn’t seem so short. There is no time limit, no “I only have four years here.” Instead, everything seems pressing, like I need to do exceptionally well in my graduate coursework and in my early career choices, because these decisions will decide the trajectory of the rest of my life. I’m in a competitive field—publishing and online media—and there’s a constant pressure to be the best of the best. And I’m not the only one. One of my friends is in law school, my girlfriend works and is a graduate student and another friend is in a rigorous occupational therapy graduate program. When I asked him about hanging out this summer, there were only two dates he was free because his program is year-round—and one of those dates didn’t work for me, because I work full-time during the week.

As college students and young adults, how do we decide when to put our work away and spend time not only with our friends and family, but also alone? Being alone is critical, and even as an extrovert, I really value it as time to recharge my creative energy and brainstorm ideas. Some of the best creative moments happen during downtime—when I’m not busy bombarding my brain with signals, when I’ve given myself a few hours to just live.

It sounds sad, but the only way to hack this is through scheduling. I hate the idea of scheduling my friends into my life, but I do it. Because I work, go to school and volunteer, if I don’t make time for fun, it won’t happen. My friend who’s studying to be an OT recently joked, “Sometimes, when I have more than an hour of free time, I still can’t relax, because I keep thinking, ‘What am I forgetting about doing?’” He hit the mark completely, because that’s exactly how I feel, especially during the throes of finals and big projects at work. But I force myself to carve out time. I schedule blocks of time to spend with my girlfriend, my friends, my family and by myself.

It’s difficult for me to leave work early—even if I’ve come in early that day—so I can meet friends for a book signing event, but I make myself do it. We all need relationships with the people in our lives, and downtime with ourselves, to prevent complete burnout from doing too much at once. If I have to schedule my time in order to say “No” to taking on too much, then I’ll keep doing it as long as it works for me. 

Dear Collegiettes,

Your caps are decorated. Your dorm room cleaned out. You’ve said goodbyes to professors, to friends, to crushes, to campus. You feel excited and happy and sad and terribly, terribly afraid all at once. You don’t know whether to sob, cheer or drink—or all three.

Related: 20 Signs You’re About To Graduate

I’m here to tell you, a few years later, that the real world isn’t as bad as you think it will be. Yes, most of the clichéd advice is actually true—I know because I lived it.

First: The real world is nothing like college. You are not prepared.

After driving the familiar three hours from my now-alma mater back home, I was shellshocked. I refused to believe it was over. It was just another summer break, I convinced myself. It wasn’t until September rolled around and I realized I was not packing up everything to return to school that it really hit me: I had become an adult.

I freaked out. What did I know about being an adult? How do you cook anything besides pasta? Where were my friends when I needed them? Everyone was so far away and all I felt like doing was scrolling social feed after social feed, desperate to live vicariously through the new class of seniors.

You have two options: freak out or embrace it. Or both. There’s nothing wrong with spending an evening bingewatching Disney movies and eating cookie dough because dammit, adulthood is hard, and you miss college.

Then: I moved on. It took time—almost an entire year—but I realized that not doing final papers at 3 a.m. was kind of okay. Because I wasn’t running around trying to do homework, I could actually pursue what I love: writing. It wasn’t until I graduated that I had the time to focus on something completely different.

Embrace the fact that you don’t know what you’re doing.

Unless you went to culinary school or became an accountant (in both cases, power to you) you will be dramatically unprepared for the real world. Health insurance. 401k. Cooking for yourself. It’s seriously overwhelming. And there’s more to come.

The good news? You have Google, and your parents didn’t. We have the world of information at our fingertips—use it! Whether that’s watching Youtube videos of how to cut an onion or reading up on different health insurance plans, you’ve got this. After all, if you can whip out a 10-page final paper on adrenaline and Redbull after two days of no sleep, you can do this.

Second: It’s going to be okay.

Whether you’re spending your last few days alternating between sobbing and partying or have already skipped town, you’ve just completed a major chapter in your life. Give it the attention it’s due.

My biggest regret of senior week and graduation was not taking the time to say goodbye. I was so emotional about all of the lasts that I didn’t take the time to sit down and talk to many of my friends. Now all we have is the occasional WhatsApp and Facebook post, especially with those of my friends volunteering, teaching, or working abroad. I can’t talk to those people face-to-face anymore, and I wish I had taken the time to do so before I left.

Instead, I worried about what I was missing and rushed from party to party and activity to activity, desperate to get my mind off of the impending doom of graduation.

Stop for a second and do as Ferris Bueller advises: look around a bit, and relish it. Stop worrying about the next for focus on the now. You won’t remember what you wrote your final paper on, but you will remember staying up all night to stargaze on the quad.

Related: Why It’s Okay Not To Have A Job At Graduation

Senior year is bittersweet for all of us. A year of lasts. Last first day of school, last swim meet, last jazz band concert, last pub night. They keep piling up until you’re there: your last day of college.

You’re about to cross a precipice into a world of firsts.

By focusing on the lasts, we miss all of the firsts that come next. First real apartment, first dinner party where you actually cook, first real job, first time doing your taxes.

Yes, some of those might seem boring. But these firsts represent a giant leap into adulthood that doesn’t really sink in while you’re tossing your cap into the air.

One of my proudest moments my first year out of college was completing my taxes—without calling my parents, without talking to an accountant. And I got returns back. I didn’t mess it up. Thank goodness for TurboTax, but either way, it was my first moment of:  “Okay, maybe I’ve got this.”

It may be daunting to look out into your life and see no more structure—no more four-year chunks of schooling—but that gives you the possibilities to do literally anything you want. Your career will change more times than you can count, but in the end, it will all be okay. Just as your college search was fraught with worry and tension and disappointment, so too will be your job search. One of my mentors at my first job told me, “Imagine your life is this meter stick. Your first job only looks like 1 inch—one snippet. You have the time to figure things out.” Even if it feels like this job is the be-all and end-all, especially if you hate it, you will find something new. You’ll be able to do more than one thing your entire life.

There’s so many choices, it can be overwhelming. Where do you live? What city? With whom? I live with my boyfriend, and I wasn’t sure that would work. I rewatched Friends and How I Met Your Mother and wondered, “Am I doing this wrong? Should I be with all my friends in New York right now?”

But that’s not right for me. I couldn’t be happier in the boonies with my best friend. You end up where you’re meant to be.

If that’s living with six of your best friends in a tiny apartment in New York City a la Friends, great. If that’s traveling the world on a shoestring budget, amazing. If that’s moving in with your long time partner and deepening your relationship, that’s great. And if you’re single, loving it, and heading to a brand new city where you know no one—that’s great too.

As you cross the stage, accept your diploma and shake hands, you’re also crossing into a brand new chapter of your life. Embrace the adventure and craziness that the real world brings. Ups, downs, and in betweens, get out there—and get living.

Oh, the places you’ll go.

HCXO,

A Graduette

Even though we KNOW women are fabulously creative and hard-workers, take a look at these sobering statistics:

• While women make up almost half of the advertising industry, only 11 percent are creative directors.

• According to a survey by The Guardian with the Young Creative Council, 88 percent of young women in the creative industry say they lack role models (!!!)

• The same study revealed that 70 percent of young female creatives say they have never worked with a female creative director or executive creative director.

Here’s how J. Walter Thompson Company, one of the world’s largest and longest standing advertising agencies, has committed to changing the tide.

J. Walter Thompson is proud to present the Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship.

Now in its second year, the scholarship is named after the industry’s and J. Walter Thompson’s first female copywriter. The scholarship is an international opportunity that supports young women of diverse academic backgrounds who aspire the join the creative ranks by awarding five individual scholarships up to $10,000 annually. Each scholarship recipient will also receive a paid summer internship with the J. Walter Thompson office in her region, a J. Walter Thompson mentor and a “first look” placement consideration upon graduation.

It gives the Helens of 2016 – and beyond – their chance to break into the industry and, like Helen, create some kickass pioneering work that breaks the mold.

To be eligible, an applicant must be female, be registered as a student at a participating undergraduate and/or portfolio school and be no less than 12 months from the completion of their degree by June 15, 2016. She should show creative talent and promise, as well as maintain satisfactory academic and creative progress as determined by their school.

For more information, click here.

Break the glass ceiling and apply to the Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship today! The deadline is June 15. Good luck, collegiettes! 

When you put two comedic masterminds like Amy Schumer and Lena Dunham together, you know you’re going to be in for a good laugh. That was definitely true when Dunham appeared in a sketch alongside Schumer on her show, Inside Amy Schumer. Lena chatted with Cosmopolitan about the sketch—which took on sizeism in such a raw and revealing way—earlier this week.

While the term "plus-size" isn't actually uttered in the sketch, it is easy to make the connection between Schumer's comedic approach to sizeism and the fairly recent run-in she had with Glamour over being included in the magazine's plus-size issue. 

But despite the sketch's intention, Dunham has thoughts of her own when it comes to the label. "I agree with Amy that, it's like, why don't we get rid of that kind of delineation? Like, fashion should be for everyone, and it should be playful and exciting, and it should reflect the span of American women, and women everywhere. So I think it's a little bit outdated."

Lena's body positive rant didn't stop there: "There's nothing wrong with being any size! As long as you feel comfortable with yourself—even if you don't feel comfortable with yourself!—there's nothing wrong with being any size."

PREACH. Body positivity is for everyone, after all. 

If we can count on Jennifer Lawrence to do one thing it would be to get herself stuck in an awkward situation—but then to miraculously get out of it. In an appearance on The Graham Norton Show, she revealed that she was once put in jail for lying at the airport.

Yep, you read that right. She was flying to London to audition for the part of Mystique in X-Men: First Class. Unfortunately, she was traveling with a passport that was about to expire, and without a work visa, had to lie to the customs officer about why she was traveling.

When asked by the customs officer whether she was flying for business or pleasure, she replied, “Pleasure.” He then asked, “What are you doing for pleasure?” On the spot, she made up a story of how she was going to attend her brother's wedding. Unfortunately, she couldn’t keep the jig up and cracked under pressure, confessing to what was really going on. "And then, I had to sit in a tiny little jail for like five hours, while they called my employer," she said. "I felt tiny."

On the bright side... this makes for a good story, no?

Kesha fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that she is no longer banned from the 2016 Billboard Music Awards.

Music producer Dr. Luke has been under fire this year after Kesha accused him of sexually, emotionally, and physically abusing her. Unfortunately, Kesha is considered to be in breach of her original contract as long as she refuses to continue working with the producer, thus explaining the absence of her long-awaited third album. The singer is allowed to sing cover songs, however, which had fans excited for the upcoming Billboard Music Awards. 

On May 17th, Dick Clark Productions released a bizzare public statement, announcing that Kesha would no longer be allowed to perform at the award show.

"Kesha accepted an invitation to perform on the show and she received written approval from Dr. Luke's record label, Kemosabe Records," read the statement, "Kemosabe subsequently rescinded its approval following a media report on Wednesday May 11 regarding Kesha’s appearance on the BBMAs."

The singer was originally set to sing a cover of one of Bob Dylan's songs.

Following the statement, Kesha took to Instagram to defend her motives.

Just two days later, Dick Clark Productions retracted their original statement and released the following announcement:

"Kesha’s performance on the Billboard Music Awards was always approved, in good faith. Approval was only suspended when Kemosabe learned Kesha was to use the performance as a platform to discuss the litigation. Now that Kemosabe has obtained assurances, that it is relying upon, from Kesha, her representatives and Dick Clark Productions that neither Kesha nor her supporters will use the performance as such a platform, the approval has been restored."

We're glad they made the right decision—this is about allowing an artist to do what she loves.

Before we begin introducing you to the badassery of these careers (and the women in them), let us set one thing straight: anyone can be a feminist and anyone who is a feminist can find fulfillment in their chosen career. Feminism and one’s line of work aren’t inherently mutually exclusive. That being said, the careers you’ll find on this list are dedicated to the pursuit of feminism, and what feminist wouldn’t want a career all about empowering women?

For recent grads or those already in an established career path

1. Non-Profit Management or Pro-Bono Work in Your Own Field

Working for a non-profit organization is a great way to truly work for a cause that you care care about. They are often run by a team of staff members who specialize in finance, marketing, public relations, and related fields that make business majors a great fit for this field. If you don't want to pursue a non-profit career but still want to make a difference, look into opportunities to do pro-bono work in your field for a non-profit that you care about! Pro-bono is a term most commonly associated with legal work, but opportunities abound in fields like business, engineering and medicine, too.

Her Justice is just one of many non-profit organizations out there that is spearheading the pursuit of justice for women and their children whose well-being is compromised by domestic violence. Her Justice engages a network of New York City law firms, and their attorneys work pro-bono cases for these women and their families, who often face economic and language barriers that complicate their access to fair and affordable legal services. Amy Barasch is the executive director of Her Justice and manages the network of volunteer attorneys, representing over 80 law firms and corporations.

"To me, being a feminist means not making assumptions based on gender and ensuring equal treatment for everyone,” says Barasch. “By making a habit of questioning assumptions based on gender, we end up with solutions that are fairer to everyone."

We couldn't have said it better ourselves! As for her career, "Working in non-profits allows me to spend my time speaking honestly about the challenges facing low income women and children, and raising awareness about how all of us can help to improve their situations,” says Barasch.

2. Talent Development Mentor

Another great option for current graduettes (or senior collegiettes) to empower the next generation of women leaders is by serving as a mentor to younger students who are interested in pursuing careers in the same industry. Engineering and technology are two fields where mentors are critical to changing the ratio of women pursuing those careers.

According to Sharon Weinbar, CEO of Hackbright Academy, a software engineering school exclusively for women, hiring more women in these fields is the foundation for creating more diverse and successful businesses. As a tech industry veteran of 25 years, Weinbar was actually a mentor for Hackbright Academy before she stepped up to the role of CEO. During her time working in tech, Weinbar has seen increasingly more companies come to the realization that having less female employees, and therefore less diversity in the industry, is detrimental to innovation, team building success, and ultimately, the bottom line.

“As CEO, I understand that there isn’t a single approach that will close the gender gap in the tech industry, but providing educational and mentorship programs that encourage and promote women in tech is a step in the right direction,” says Weinbar.

Weinbar also maintains that her mentees have enriched her life in ways that she never knew was possible. In a field made out to be so "complicated" for women, helping emerging talent see that young women just like them are changing the industry could be the key to getting more girls interested in the field and ultimately changing the ratio for good.

Also check out Teaching and TA opportunities with Girls Who Code, a similar program that equips high school girls with the education to succeed in technology and engineering studies in college.

If you’re interested in a career in law enforcement

3. Special Victims Unit Police Investigator

We’ve all rooted for the kickass Detective Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU, but have you ever thought about what it would be like to investigate sex crimes and put the perpetrators that commit them away for good? Detective Linda Pace from the Philadelphia Police Department’s Special Victims Unit told us that it’s definitely not easy, or like the TV shows, but it is completely worth it.

Detective Pace worked up to her position with the SVU gradually. After graduating the Police Academy as a single mother, she worked with several different units of the Philadelphia Police Department. After about a year and a half as a police officer, she had enough seniority to request a transfer to the SVU. Once she got there, she faced unique challenges as the only woman (and the only African American woman) in the unit. In addition to dealing with sexist prejudices from men in the police department during her career, she’s also had to come to terms with having to learn to not take her work home with her at the end of the day. After all, her unit handles all sex crimes committed against men, women and children of all ages.

According to Pace, nothing about the job is like it seems on TV. “I would like for people to understand that most cases can’t be solved right away, especially cases where the perpetrator is a stranger," says Pace. "That our unit investigates hundreds of cases a year with a limited amount of officers, and [we] don’t always have the resources or equipment we need. But most of all, that we as police officers, detectives or investigators really care about the people we serve and that we want to get justice for them."

If you’re interested in law enforcement and defending the rights of those victimized by sex crimes, this might be a career field to look into. By contributing to the incarceration of numerous sexual assailants and even a murderer, Detective Pace realized her dream job—one that might not be for just anyone.

How to prepare for this career in undergrad

4. District Attorney’s Office Internship

A great way to get exposure to the reality of a career in law enforcement is to intern with your local District Attorney’s office. The District Attorney’s office handles the public prosecution of crimes, and can provide an unparalleled look into the inner workings of the criminal justice system. While each office runs its internship programs differently, most do offer internships tailored to the education and proficiencies of undergraduate students, recent graduates and current law school students.

Like any internship opportunity, it’s important to remember that you might not get placed in the exact role that you want. The District Attorney’s office is actually made up of several smaller district law offices overseen by their own assistant district attorneys. While there is a chance that you could be working directly with an assistant district attorney, you may also be working with paralegals or related staff. But the point is, you’ll be working with the professionals who put away dangerous criminals and make the streets safer for everyone. Not many interns can say that, can they?

If you’re interested in learning more about internships with the District Attorney’s office, start with a simple Google search to find out what opportunities exist with your county’s District Attorney’s office that match up with your current education level.

If you’re interested in a career in political reform

5. ACLU Advocate

For any feminist aspiring to a career in political reform, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is a powerful and familiar ally to the women’s rights movement.

The ACLU was founded to protect the constitutional rights of Americans in the face of oppressive state and federal legislature. The ACLU has been involved in the victories of countless cases that have been turning points of history, especially for women’s rights. Notable cases include 1973 cases Roe v. Wade and Doe v. Bolton, cases critical to maintaining our autonomy over our bodies and reproductive health, as well as 2003 case Lawrence v. Texas, which overturned a Supreme Court ruling stating that the right to privacy did not extend to same-sex relationships, and decriminalized same-sex intimacy.

Advocacy opportunities exist in a variety of career roles with the ACLU. One example is the position of advocacy and policy strategist, who works with other legal organizations and judiciary officials to reform specific laws to be more mindful of civil rights. The ACLU also has specialized projects in which all involved staff and resources are allocated toward a specific goal, like the Reproductive Freedom Project. The Reproductive Freedom Project uses a combination of legal litigation, advocacy and education to work toward the goal of everyone’s guaranteed freedom to make their own decisions regarding reproductive health.

How to prepare for this career in undergrad

6. Campaign Volunteer

You know what they say: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither were the platforms necessary to dismantle years (or even decades) of legal obstructions to justice and our constitutional rights. The saying goes something like that, right? Before you can even dream of changing the law or the future, you need to get very familiar with what it’s like to advocate for a cause that you believe in. That’s why volunteering for the campaigns of a variety of political figures, like your local Congress members and the future president of the United States are the perfect start to your political career! It’s no secret that this year is playing host to the biggest election in recent history, where the most is at stake for women.

We consulted Holly Shulman, the former press secretary to the Democratic National Committee, for her advice on how collegiettes who are interested in politics can get their start.

“Put yourself out there. Show up at a political meeting. Raise your hand, and speak up," says Shulman. "The first press job I ever got in politics was because I cold-called a campaign and showed up ready to volunteer. I worked hard, gave it my all and after three weeks of volunteering, I become press secretary for a Senate campaign! There are plenty of opportunities out there all over the country and in Washington, D.C. All you have to do is ask.” 

While not the sole focus of the upcoming election, having a qualified woman leading the country would undoubtedly change the landscape of women’s rights in the United States in ways that no man could quite mirror. There are numerous opportunities to volunteer with the campaigns of Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and any of your local Congress members’ campaigns. All you have to do is go looking for them.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in education

7. Feminism & Gender Studies Professor

Teaching about feminism and gender studies at a collegiate or post-graduate level is the foundation of understanding how we can shape a society that isn't built around the male perspective.

Sydnee Lyons, a first-year graduate student at Florida Atlantic University, talked with us about “Sex and Violence in Hollywood,” a graduate class she's taking with feminist author Jane Caputi. The class focuses on the themes of sex and violence in films like Psycho, Silence of the Lambs, Fifty Shades of Grey and Pretty Woman. In the class, Sydnee has been analyzing these works and the way they perpetuate sexism, sexualized violence and gendered stereotypes.

"I'm always in awe at what Professor Caputi brings to the discussion and how impactful her role must be in helping students across disciplines discover opportunities for equality of the sexes,” says Sydnee.

If you want to make an impact with the next generation of intellectuals who aspire to change the way society looks at the roles of women, this might be a career path for you. If you're interested but unsure of whether you want to make it your career, take a class in the subject at your university and see what you think! Some schools even offer majors in the subject.

How to prepare for this career in undergrad

8. Sorority Chapter Development Consultant

Calling all sorority women! We know that when led correctly, the college sorority experience imparts empowerment, support and an unparalleled drive to succeed upon its members. Unfortunately, not all sororities have the guidance and leadership they need, which usually results in those cringe-worthy headlines that we occasionally see hit the news.

If you feel like your sorority experience has shaped your undergraduate college experience in a positive way, you should check with your sorority’s international headquarters (or your alumnae chapter) to see what opportunities there are to help consult developing chapters in learning how to prepare for a lasting presence on campus. These positions are usually contracted to last for about a year per cycle and involve traveling around the country for a few weeks at a time to work with each chapter. It’s a great way to give back to your sorority and work during a gap year before graduate school, or if you’re still trying to figure out what exactly you want to do career-wise.

Related: 6 Ways Greek Life Can Benefit Your Future Career

If you’re interested in communications and the media

9. Fashion Writer

When you think of feminism, fashion might not be the first related industry that comes to mind. Over the years, media sensationalism has contributed to the notion that the industry is catty, cutthroat, and promotes classism. It’s a notion that even industry professionals like Maya Singer, a fashion writer for Vogue and GQ, can’t refute. But it’s a notion that they, and we, can change.

In an outstanding article for Vogue, "Finding Feminism in Fashion," Singer explores the juxtaposition of the "evils" of the industry, and the feminist ideals it does promote, like the way women almost singlehandedly dominate all aspects of the market, and thus, the inherent expectation for women to succeed in the industry.

A key way that Singer reconciles her interest in fashion with her feminist ideals is by celebrating designers who use their creativity to elevate women as the subject of their clothing, not the object.

“I guess I try to cheerlead for designers who seem to be endorsing women’s subject-ness through their clothes—that they’re dressing women who aren’t just meant to be looked at, but who are out in the world making and doing and thinking and paradigm-shifting,” says Singer.

But if you want to make it in the fashion industry, there’s more involved than just knowing the ABC’s of designers, or even how to present concept boards.

“Competence—plain old, work-your-ass-off, detail-driven, unentitled competence—is the quality that best determines success in this industry. Lots of people can know about what’s happening in fashion, so bring something else to the table,” she says.

Above all, Singer emphasizes the importance of studying culture to succeed in fashion. Fashion echoes and evolves from art in culture in every way from abstract ideas to literature and everything in between.

How to prepare for this career in undergrad

10. Blogging & Vlogging

The blogging sphere extends far beyond our favorite WordPress flat-lays. Some of the biggest online influencers of our generation are using their fame to speak loudly and clearly about everything from food to fashion to (of course) feminism.

With almost 4 million subscribers, Ingrid Nilsen is one YouTube vlogger who has taken the world by storm with the food, style and DIY favorites that she talks about on her channel. However, she recently interviewed President Obama and forced national attention on issues like the tampon tax, which instills a luxury goods tax on feminine hygiene products that we as women you know, need. Not to mention that her Instagram is straight fire.

Estee Lalonde is another YouTuber (and blogger!) with over one million subscribers who uses her platform to talk about feminist issues. She even went so far as to dedicate a section of her channel, called FemTalk, to talking openly about removing the stigma surrounding the discussion of feminist issues.

Lexie Pelchen, a senior at Penn State, has been a longtime fan of both vloggers. "[They] provide a platform for feminism and feminist issues to be openly discussed and I think this is so important!" she says.

As the publishing industry continues to move largely online, many magazines also maintain blogs for their content, which is another publishing platform that you can utilize if you already have some writing experience on your resume.

Professor Susanne Althoff, who teaches graduate-level courses at Emerson College about women’s publications, believes that purporting feminism through writing and the media also has to do with the kinds of publications we read, write for and buy into.

“I feel it is important for students to know about the rich history of women’s publications and their place in the modern media world," says Althoff, "and understand why women’s publications are so often ignored or belittled. It’s true a lot of fluff content is produced for and by women, but there are also women’s magazines and websites contributing to important conversations about politics, culture, science and other subjects."

Still not sure where to start? Check out opportunities to join the Her Campus staff of contributors!

If you’re pursuing an education and a career in medicine

11. Planned Parenthood Clinician

Planned Parenthood is the leading non-profit healthcare organization in the United States for reproductive healthcare. Historically, Planned Parenthood has spearheaded women’s reproductive rights by providing comprehensive reproductive health care and by organizing grassroots efforts through Planned Parenthood Action Networks.

According to Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley, the chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood, the organization has a strong history of fighting for women’s rights by supporting the initial development of birth control, and fighting for women’s access to contraceptives and safe, legal abortions.

When we asked Dr. McDonald-Mosley what she would like to share with someone contemplating a career as a Planned Parenthood clinician, she gave us the most heartfelt response.

“I would tell them they’d be joining the ranks of some of the most passionate, concerned and skilled people I know, who believe deeply in the health, well-being and dignity of women. And they put that trust and care for women into the work they do every day," she says. "At Planned Parenthood, you are not simply starting a job; you are joining a mission, a movement and a community. It is very motivating and compelling to work at a place that aligns with your own personal values and vision.  It is incredibly rewarding that millions of people across the country trust us to provide high quality care in a safe, supportive environment.” 

Dr. Raegan McDonald-Mosley also explained that the number of practicing OB/GYNs in the country is not enough to keep up with the number of women who need their services. There’s also a nationwide need of nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives, each of which has their own education requirements and their own place in the industry of women’s healthcare.

She went on to explain that she believes that planning and preventing pregnancy is the key to elevating women to be able to have control of their futures. By educating women on their reproductive healthcare options, she empowers them to make their own choices and is able to advocate for the vital healthcare services that her patients, women just like us, need.

Career opportunities for medical professionals (like medical assistants, clinicians and registered nurses) abound with Planned Parenthood, along with administrative volunteer positions, which you can learn more about if you’re still working toward your license or degree.  

No matter where your career interests lie, there are infinite ways to incorporate the pursuit of feminism into your work and your education. While these roles aren't all overtly obvious in that respect, they make a significant impact on furthering the equality of men and women and demolishing the obstacles presented to this fundamental necessity. 

Even though you’ll be probably experiencing high-levels of senioritis by the time your turn to graduate comes around, there’s going to be plenty of things you’ll miss about your college days. Here are 15 strange things you wouldn’t think you’d actually miss once you have to say goodbye to college.   

1. Your (super) tiny dorm room.

When you first moved in, you didn’t know how you could fit all your things in it. But you’ll miss all the memories you created in your small space and the community that forms when you live in a dorm. You could definitely live in a dorm for the rest of your life (or at least a couple more years).

2. Seeing all your friends in the library.

The library may seem like the last place you’d want to socialize, but once midterms and finals hit, it’s definitely the place you see most of your friends. It’s so convenient to be able to grab a quick bite or have a chat with your friends when they’re all in the same place as you. 

3. Having a routine college schedule.

While you probably hate having to wake up for your 8 am class, following a schedule your familiar with seems to make life so much easier. You know when and where your classes are and when your huge deadlines are- something real life doesn’t always afford us. You’ll totally miss the comfort of your college schedule! 

4. Being able to justify eating like crap.

College is stressful, so eating unhealthily and in large quantities is pretty much the norm. However, when you reach the real world, you won’t be able to justify your crappy eating habits as the result of a large research paper or a wicked hangover. Instead, you’ll feel the pressure to eat more “adult” like...time to finally learn how to use an oven!

5. Your school's high speed internet.

Whether you’re working on a 15-page paper, watching Netflix, or Facebook stalking your crush, you definitely have come to appreciate you school’s fast internet. Unfortunately, the internet probably won’t be as good in your new workspace or home, so your days of speedy surfing are numbered.

6. The concept of "semesters."

It’s refreshing to start fresh every four months and have new things to work on. Being in the same routine or working on the same projects can become monotonous, so you’ll miss the excitement of beginning all new classes every couple months. Suddenly the real world doesn’t seem that cool.

7. Your corner of the library.

Admit it! We all have that one special studying space that we’ve experienced hell and back in. Though you probably won’t miss the studying, you’ll miss the familiarity of the space you’ve claimed as yours.

8. Being able to write in brightly colored pens.

When you enter the real world (aka the workforce), your boss probably won’t appreciate you writing in a bright pink gel pen. You’ll have to trade in your colors for more work appropriate ones, like blue, black or red.

9. Feeling superior to all the freshmen.

Once you become a senior, you know that you have earned your place at the top! After all the years of gruelling take-home essays and multiple choice exams and figuring out your way through every on-campus building, you have no problem feeling superior to all the newcomers. But, once you graduate, you’ll most likely be starting somewhere new and that means your back at the bottom (again).

10. Knowing where everything is located.

Now that you’re graduating, you’ll probably have to get used to an all-new environment. You’ll miss knowing exactly where your meeting is located and the best places to grab a quick, cheap coffee. Getting to know somewhere new is never fun. 

11. That cute barista at your favorite coffee shop.

Even though you may not admit it, you love getting to chat with the cute barista while they make your coffee. Seeing an attractive, familiar face totally brightens your day and you’ll definitely miss it when you have to say goodbye to your campus café.

12. Paying everything in one bill.

Generally, your college will send you one bill every month that includes your tuition, accommodation, living and other expenses. But, in the real world, you’ll have to deal with multiple bills from different services, like internet, electricity and heating. You better be organized!

13. Being able to wear school-themed clothing in public.

It’s totally acceptable (and encouraged) to show up to class in head-to-to school-themed clothing- and you totally own everything from your university’s trademark hoodie to the matching sweatpants and hat. Unfortunately, whether you’re starting out at a new job or grad school, showing your school-spirit isn’t a sign your outfit is professional and acceptable.  

14. Opening new packages of pens and highlighters.

There’s some sort of unexplainable thrill associated with opening a new package of pens or highlighters. And with the ridiculous amounts of readings and assignments you need to finish, you find yourself buying theses sorts of office supplies on the regular. When college comes to an end, you’ll definitely miss this small source of happiness.

15. Accumulating new textbooks.

Though you hate having to read them, having new books to add to your ever-growing bookshelf makes you feel smart and accomplished. Plus, sometimes your textbooks turn out to be incredibly interesting. When you’re done with college, you’ll have no reason to keep buying these overpriced texts. Though you’re bank account will probably be happy, you’ll miss the prestige you felt whenever you got a new textbook.

There’s going to be a lot of things you’ll miss when you graduate University that you didn’t even realize at the time! Though these may seem strange, we guarantee that you’ll have some serious nostalgia when you’re no longer a student. After all, they say college is the greatest time of your life for a reason! 

There’s no denying that Lorelai Gilmore is the shining star of the cult classic, Gilmore Girls. As a coffee enthusiast and spokeswoman for all things sugar, it is utterly impossible to resist her charm. In honor of the soon-to-come Gilmore Girls Netflix reboot, here’s a list of all the times Loralei II had you staggered by her wisdom and bowing down to her Majesty.

1. When she totally understood your insane coffee addiction

A perfect example of ~fine dining and breathing~

2. But felt no shame in encouraging it

Every morning is a coffee morning, after all.

3. When she validated the errors of your youth

Literally so many.

4. When she was a strong advocate for the post-breakup wallow

Ice cream = closure.

5. When she wasn’t afraid to get want she wanted

A Gilmore through and through.

6. When she found inspiration in an American junk food staple

FREEDOM.  

7. When she highlighted the glory of all junk foods in general

It’s a tradeoff, really.

8. When she managed to turn frustrating moments into brilliant one-liners

Home is where the heart is, eh?

9. When she had no qualms about embracing cynicism

There’s a little bit of evil Lorelai in all of us.

10. When her approach to life’s hardships was clear and simple

Clear as the cling film upon which she sat.

11. When she established that weekends are for sleep and sleep only

SLEEP ONLY, RORY.

12. When she was passionate about basic human desires

Not a lot indeed!

13. When she admitted to being fluent in moron

Probably one of the easier languages to learn.

14. When she was an all-knowing prophet and just wanted you to know

She has much knowledge, you see.

And lastly,

15. When she had her goddamn priorities in check

As if she’d have it any other way.

While she certainly has her faults, the incomparable Lorelai Gilmore is always in our hearts. What with the new episodes to come in just a few short months, here’s hoping that she stays that way.

My hair has always been a core part of my identity. I’ve had curls my entire life, and save that one period during sixth grade when I thought it was cool to straighten my hair all the time, I’ve worn them proudly. I use as little heat as possible when styling, and I never blow-dry. But according to many hair care enthusiasts, I’m still doing one thing wrong: washing my hair every day.

The sulfates in most shampoos can strip hair of its natural oils; drier hair, in turn, gets more split ends and breakage. No-poo enthusiasts insist that after you get through that first week of greasy hair, your sebaceous glands will adjust to the moisture and make less sebum (aka grease), and your hair will be naturally moisturized all the time, never dry, and never greasy.

RELATED: 4 Things to Do Tonight to Wake Up With Flawless Hair Tomorrow

I have tried to go without shampoo before, but I never made it through that dreaded third day. My hair would look greasy and stringy, and I would break down and wash it, drying it out and starting the cycle all over again. My mom has always told me I should wash my hair less often, so I decided to take her advice, get over the third-day hump, and not wash my hair for a full seven days.

For this experiment, I used my normal products: Suave Professionals Almond & Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner and Catwalk by TIGI’s Curls Rock Amplifier. The shampoo and conditioner have always left my hair feeling clean and moisturized and the amplifier, which is halfway between a gel and a cream, helps to keep my curls frizz-free all day. Most of the blogs I looked recommended no product as well, since it'll only build up on your scalp when you're not shampooing. But going out in public on day one with naked hair was a no-go because without product, my frizz makes me look like the first cousin to a troll doll. Many also recommend easing yourself into it by using dry shampoo for the first few days, but most dry shampoo has to be brushed out, which is also a no-go for curly hair.

Day One

I washed my hair in the morning as usual, but used less of the amplifier than normal for fear it would weigh down my hair later in the week. Day one hair is usually the only hair that sees the light of day because my curls are still together, my roots are clean and not shiny, and it holds style well. Thankfully, my hair dried without much frizz. My curls were tight and my hair felt light and dry. Day one was the only day I applied any product to my hair.

Day Two

Sometimes, day two hair still feels clean enough for me to wear it down. This was one of those times. It still looked clean, but running my fingers along my scalp, I could feel it start to get greasy. The curls in front had separated a bit, so I braided it back to hide that and also to keep it out of my face. Sleeping on it made it a little frizzy, but I still felt comfortable wearing it down. I spent the day out with some friends and didn’t feel the need to put it up even though it was incredibly windy outside.

Day Three

The dreaded day three arrived, and I could feel how gross my hair was before I even looked in the mirror. I decided to “wash” it with just water to see if I could rinse out the product I put in on the first day, which I suspected was contributing to the heaviness. I also brushed my hair before getting it wet, hoping to work some of the natural oils from my scalp down the rest of my hair. To my surprise, the brushing combined with the friction in my fingers actually got the greasiness down to a manageable level. In fact, my hair felt almost as light as it did on the first day, and my curls were holding together really well. By the end of the day, I did get some frizz, but I chalked that up to the cold weather in Ohio rather than to my hair care routine.

RELATED:10 Cute Half-Buns to Wear During Finals Week

Day Four

Day four was probably my favorite out of the whole week. I repeated the day three process, brushing and rinsing my hair with water to redistribute the oil. My hair looked—dare I say it?—better than it did on the first day. My curls were tighter and the top of my hair was smoother. The problem with gels and creams is sometimes you can tell that you are wearing them—your hair might look shiny or stiff if you use too much. On day four, my hair looked natural... because it was. Of course, I hated the way it felt. My roots felt greasy (but didn’t look shiny, thankfully) and my hair felt heavier than normal. Regardless, I felt comfortable going out for lunch with my friends without worrying about frizz. (Note: this was also the day I realized my selfie skills were still incredibly sub-par. I might be washed out like Casper the Ghost, but you can see my hair!)

Day Five

The fifth day was... okay. My ends felt thicker and stronger than ever, but I felt like someone had poured coconut oil over my head. Or like I was in a scalp-only sauna. Or like you could start a grease fire on my scalp. Gross, I know. I thought the third day would be my hump day and the rest of the week would be better, but day five was the worst yet. I was glad to take my picture in the morning and spend the rest of the day with my good friend Netflix.

Day Six

Hair from hell. I woke up with a mess of hair and washing it with water did absolutely nothing. I stared longingly at my shampoo as I tried to figure out how to tackle the beast. My curls had separated. Usually when this happens, it creates so much volume that I get the dreaded “triangle head,” but my hair was so heavy that most of it fell straight. I was going to put it up in a ponytail (my go-to lazy style for bad hair days) but doing so would have exposed my hairline, where you could clearly see how dirty my hair was. I read somewhere on Pinterest that dirty hair holds braids better, so I braided my hair down the side and back and twisted it into a little bun. It worked, but it was definitely not my best hair day ever. I felt self-conscious going out to the grocery store because I felt like everyone could tell how gross I felt.

RELATED: Should You Change Up Your Hair?

Day Seven

You know when you open Snapchat and you accidentally see yourself in the front-facing camera when you aren’t expecting it? And you have three chins and you can see up your nostrils and you feel really gross? Yeah, that’s how I felt when I went to take my selfie on the seventh day. I looked like... well, somebody who hadn’t washed her hair for the last six days. I took my hair out of the bun I had tied it in the night before and I had exactly one curl left. The rest had fallen straight from the weight of my hair’s natural, healthy, (super gross!) oils. So I took my picture and then washed my hair—for real this time, with shampoo and conditioner.

To nobody’s surprise, my hair looked almost exactly the same as it did on the first day. But, it felt much stronger than it ever has before, and it had a natural shine to it instead of looking dull and flat.

Conclusion? I don’t like having dirty hair, and I never will. (Also, I’m still really bad at taking selfies.) My hair felt stronger by the end of the week, but brushing through the oils and scrubbing at my scalp was actually much more work than my normal, low-maintenance process. Props to the no-shampoo girls who swear by their routine, but it's not for me. I might try again someday, but I’m sticking to my old routine for now, and showing off my stronger, healthier, clean hair.

A trip to Sephora can make any collegiette feel like a kid in a candy store. With eye shadow galore, infinite rows of lipstick, and more blushes than our cheeks can handle, it’s a sparkly, color-coordinated heaven for our inner makeup artist. But when you hit the $50 mark two products in, this high-end makeup dream quickly becomes a nightmare for your wallet. Lucky for us, there are plenty of budget-friendly makeup alternatives for expensive brands. Every collegiette should be well versed in balling on a budget and looking good doing it. Here are seven drugstore dupes for your favorite products that will help you take it easy on your wallet and keep you looking fabulous.

1. Wet ’n Wild 5-Pan Palettes ($3.99 at CVS)

Urban Decay’s Naked Palettes have been hailed as the holy grail of neutral shadows in the makeup world. Retailing at $54 a pop, these gorgeous shadows will surely cost you. But don’t break your little piggy to splurge on these palettes just yet! Providing a much cheaper alternative, Wet ’n Wild’s 5-Pan Palette in The Naked Truth offers dupes for some of Naked 2’s neutrals. From its sheer beige to its deep, earthy brown, this 5-pan is all you need to create the perfect neutral take on a smoky eye. Though the shadows are already smooth and pretty pigmented for their cost, adding an eye shadow primer beneath them will bring out their shimmer and color even more. Perfect for makeup newbies, Wet ’n Wild palettes are even labeled, so you don’t have to worry about where to put each shadow. Talk about an added bonus! Say a prayer to the makeup gods and you may be able to find the Melrose at Night and Smoke and Melrose 5-pan palettes from the 2014 Fall Limited Edition collection. They include highly-pigmented dupes for the Naked 3 palette.

This tutorial will tell you everything about how to apply The Naked Truth for a sultry look that can take you from class to a night out!

2. Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balms ($9.49 at CVS)

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balms seem to have some competition in the world of lip crayons. Chubby Sticks retail at $17 and while they do have a cult following, Revlon ColorBurst Matte Balms put their Clinique equivalent to the test. These two products are nearly identical—even down to the packaging! But Revlon’s Balms have so much to offer, making them a dupe that stands strong against the high-end product. If there’s one thing dominating the makeup scene, it’s matte finishes. And that’s exactly what Revlon’s Matte Balms provide. The color payoff is to die for! While the Chubby Sticks apply with a shiny finish, Revlon’s product offers a matte texture that applies smoothly in just a few strokes. The pigmentation is incredible, proving that this lip crayon is a must-have. Putting the icing on the cake, Revlon’s Balms are moisturizing and have a minty fragrance. Be sure to try the ColorBurst Balm Stains ($9.29 at CVS) and Lacquer Balms ($9.49 at CVS) too! With this collection you can find just what you need, whether it’s a matte finish, a lip stain, or a high-shine gloss.

Check out this review of the Matte Balm collection.

3. e.l.f. Mineral Infused Face Primer ($6 at Target)

Next in this beauty faceoff is Smashbox’s $36 Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer. Its formula uses antioxidants to fill in pores so that you’re left with an even skin texture before applying your makeup. However, e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer gives Smashbox a run for its money. e.l.f.’s primer has a gel consistency similar to the Smashbox primer. Working just like its high-end counterpart, e.l.f.’s product provides a canvas for smooth makeup application. In fact, there are no obvious differences between the two primers after long wear (see for yourself in the review below). No need to pay an arm and a leg for the same results!

For a detailed comparison of the two primers, check out this full review.

4. Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner ($9.99 at CVS)

Gel eyeliner may be the greatest invention since sliced bread. With its sleek application, gel liner can help you achieve any look, from the classic cat eye to any chic liner work. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner weighs in at $25. Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Eyeliners do the same at over half the price! Maybelline’s gel is just as pigmented and waterproof as Bobbi Brown’s gel line. The only downside may be that Maybelline’s collection consists of four colored gels compared to Bobbi Brown’s 14 shades. Nevertheless, Maybelline still makes for an incredible dupe that holds its own when pit against Bobbi Brown.

Still skeptical? Check out this product smack down to see just how well Maybelline compares.

5. e.l.f Studio Blush ($3.00 at Target)

Back at it again, e.l.f graces budget-conscious makeup enthusiasts with yet another dupe! At $30 apiece, NARS blush can definitely put a strain on a collegiette’s budget. These blushes are known for their high pigmentation and radiant shimmer, but e.l.f. swoops in and shares the limelight with its Studio Blush collection. The NARS collection may be much larger, but several of those blushes have e.l.f. counterparts. The e.l.f. finish is more subtle against the skin compared to the shimmering NARS blush, but this dupe does hold its own. It’s as close as you can get at a whopping fraction of the cost!

To hear more about e.l.f.’s Studio Blush, take a look at this review.

6. Milani Color Statement Lipstick ($5.99 at CVS)

It’s definitely not easy to combat the reputation that MAC Cosmetics has built. With endorsements from the celebrity world it’s hard to knock their long list of lipsticks, ranging from $16 to $25. But Milani Color Statement Lipstick offers a great alternative. Lipstick enthusiasts went gaga over MAC’s Rebel, a midtonal plum. Milani countered with its Color Statement Lipstick in Sangria, its most popular MAC dupe. You’ll be surprised to find that they are practically identical. At such an affordable price, Milani proves to be a worthy adversary to MAC with its high pigmentation and moisturizing feel. It applies smoothly and only needs minimal touchups throughout the day. Plus, you’ll love its gorgeous, gold packaging! Study this lipstick guide for tips on rocking any Milani shade like a pro.

Check out this Milani lipstick review to see their amazing color payoff.

7. L’Oréal Voluminous Original Mascara ($5.89 at Target)

Just the right touch of boldness and volume on the lashes can complete any makeup look. Diorshow Iconic Mascara by Dior provides a high-end option at $28.50. L’Oréal Paris’s Voluminous Original Mascara in Carbon Black is the budget-friendly substitute. Proving the expensive product isn’t always better, Dior’s mascara actually has a stiffer consistency. While it does have a darker appearance on the lash, L’Oréal’s alternative applies much more smoothly. Ultimately, both mascaras give a similar voluminous finish; but at a much cheaper price, L’Oréal’s mascara is the better option.

Curious to see how well L’Oreal compares to Dior? Check out this full review.

Always remember, collegiettes: for every high-end product, there’s probably a much cheaper alternative ready to make it into to your makeup bag. A trip to Sephora may sweep you off of your feet, but a visit to your local drugstore can easily do the trick. Your bank account will thank you!

For most of us, Snapchat is a way to give our friends a window into mostly irrelevant 10-second snippets of our lives—but for film student Jeremy Abdo, Snapchat is bringing in thousands of dollars. According to Cosmopolitan, Abdo, who attends UT Austin, does custom Snapchat drawings as a side hustle that earns him money from friends and clients.

BroBible reports that the young college student fulfilled requests ranging from party invites to a drawing to help a friend explain to his parents that he wrecked his car. “The weirdest request I’ve drawn,” Abdo told BroBible, “was when some guy actually paid me to turn a photo of his poop into Mr. Hanky from South Park.” 

As a way to document his increasing collection of Snapchat drawings, he posts each finished project onto his Instagram profile. Abdo has worked with large-scale chains, such as Dairy Queen and Krispy Kreme and plans to continue drawing while still studying film. He's even used some of the money he's made to travel to meet other artists and invest in better drawing tools. Snapchat as a job...he's living the dream!

Snacking is our favorite hobby. Some days, we'll just snack instead of eating meals, and that makes our bellies really happy. But if you are extra lazy (same), then you probably don't want to spend a lot of time making your snacks—you want easy snacks. These snacks manage to be easy, delicious, and for the most part, pretty healthy. The best part is that these snacks are also more than just chips—for some, you will have to use an oven, but the oven does all the hard work. 

1. Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Sticks

All you need for these is canned biscuits, cheese sticks and pepperoni slices. Roll it all up, slather with some butter and dried basil, and bake. This recipe could not be easier, and we want to eat it right now. 

2. Loaded Tater Tot Skewers

Buy frozen tots. Put them on skewer sticks. Add bacon (if you want) and tons of cheese. Bake and dip in sour cream. You know that video of the girl on the kiss cam double fisting slices of pizza? That's us with these. 

3. Oreo Truffle Stuffed Strawberries

Hobbies include: shoving these into our mouths by the fistful. 

4. Garlic Cheese Bombs

Ch-ch-ch-ch-cheesy bomb! These are so easy, you could make them for a fancy party (aka girls night in with wine and The Bachelorette—we feel you) and people will be impressed by you. 

5. Frozen Yogurt Bites

Put yogurt on trays. Freeze and fill your belly with delicious yogurt. 

6. No Bake Energy Bites

Like a healthy chocolate chip cookie that you don't have to bake. How could you go wrong? 

7. Roasted Parmesan Broccoli

The broccoli is covered in cheese, so you can't taste the broccoli part and you can still pretend you're being healthy. 

8. Baked Cinnamon Apple Chips

Is there anything better than apples with cinnamon? These crunchy chips will satisfy your chip craving, but they're better for you than a salty potato chip.

9. Chili Cheese Dip

Three-ingredient cheesy deliciousness—perfect for your upcoming weekend Netflix binge. 

10. Bell Pepper Pizzas

Fuggedabout carbs—pizza crust can definitely be healthy!

11. Banana Cereal Snacks

Roll a banana in peanut butter and then in cereal. This recipe uses rice krispies, but you could try granola for that extra bit of crunch. 

12. Cucumber Sandwiches

Bread = carbs. Use cucumber slices so that you can eliminate the carbs and add a fun crunch to your sandwiches. 

13. Hummus

You can't go wrong with hummus. You can dip all your veggies in it and make a lot of it very easily and quickly. Snacks for dayz. 

What's your favorite lazy snack?

When it comes to acting professional, face-to-face interactions usually come to mind, but what about on the phone? It’s hard enough to calm your nerves when talking to a potential employer or supervisor, but doing it over the phone can be extra tricky. One of the main things you might worry about is how your voice sounds, but there are tricks to make you strong and confident. Don’t be too self-conscious about how you sound; after all, it’s what you’re actually saying that matters most!

Expert Dr. Paul Bailo, author of The Essential Phone Interview Handbook and PR pros Meryl Weinsaft Cooper and Jessica Kleiman, co-authors of Be Your Own Best Publicist: How to Use PR Techniques to Get Noticed, Hired and Rewarded at Work weigh in on how to make your voice sound professional over the phone.

1. Warm up your vocal cords

You can say as many tongue twisters and vocal exercises as you want, but there is an extra secret ingredient to making your voice sound smoother. “Having a teaspoon of honey can help to soothe your throat,” says Dr. Bailo. By doing this, you can avoid having to cough or clear your throat in the middle of an interview. This is the perfect way to prevent your voice from trailing off while answering an important question. Before you start reciting scales to warm up your voice, grab a spoonful of honey instead.

2. Slow it down

Here’s an important tip for all you fast-talkers. It’s normal to talk fast on the phone (especially when you’re nervous!), but it’s important to take the time to annunciate. “Talking in a slow natural voice will help you focus on each word you are saying,” explains Dr. Bailo. By slowing down, you will also have time to gather your thoughts and write down or remember any important information throughout the interview. “Taking time to write down notes and referring back to earlier parts of the conversation will help you seem engaged and smart,” say Cooper and Kleiman. Don’t rush the conversation; instead, speak slowly and clearly to help you in the event that you start to get tongue-tied.

3. Stay seated and keep smiling

As strange as it may sound, facial expressions and body language have an important role during a phone conversation. “Try to smile as you are speaking with your interviewer,” suggest Cooper and Kleiman. “Believe it or not, that smile will translate into a warmer tone in your voice.” Another thing you can try is sitting down while speaking on the phone. “Sitting down during your interview will help you have a stronger, more focused voice,” says Dr. Bailo. You wouldn’t lie down or frown during an interview, so don’t do it on the phone either!

Don’t be intimidated when talking to a future employer or supervisor on the phone. Instead, take the time to prepare your voice beforehand. This way, you can let go of those nerves and feel extra confident for your interview! Even though the person you're speaking with can’t see your face, they can still get a sense of how you interact with people based on how you speak on the phone. By the end of the conversation, you’ll know you’ve nailed that interview!

The tagline of a recent xoJane essay, "My Former Friend's Death Was a Blessing," is, "Some people are so sick, they are beyond help." The piece has since been removed and replaced with an apology.

Earlier this week, someone I love dearly told me that they want to commit suicide. I have had friends and family members hospitalized for suicide attempts and suicidal thoughts, and I have seen that empty look in their eyes when they truly believe that there's no hope left.

This article is exactly the kind of thing that they're searching for: Some kind of sign that they're right; that because they're sick, they don't deserve to live and they can't get better.

There are so many problems with this piece that the only way to really break it down would be to do so line-by-line, deconstructing every word out of the writer's mouth. According to the Facebook writers community group where I found the piece this morning, the writer originally had a byline; xoJane took it down after the storm of Internet outrage began.

Before I even get to the fact that the writer essentially says that it's okay that a young woman died, let's start early on in the essay, where she begins by literally demonizing mentally ill people. There are some dangerous phrases thrown around as she describes Leah*, her former friend, who the writer is careful to distance herself from in her writing. She says about Leah: "the person she became wasn't really her" and that "it was as if mental illness took demonic possession over her." She refers to Leah, separated from her mental illness, as "the real Leah."

These are insidious ways to describe someone who is living with a mental illness. While some mentally ill people have expressed that they are not their mental illness, others say that their mental illness is intrinsically a part of who they are, and cannot be separated. I have PTSD from surviving a rape in college. While most of the time, I refer to myself as a survivor rather than mentally ill because I feel it better describes my relationship with my mental health, it's still something that does define me, something I can never separate from. 

By calling Leah's illness a form of "demonic possession" and and acting as though she wasn't the same person as before, the writer is contributing to the stigma of mental illness. Mental health issues are already strongly stigmatized to the point where people who need help don't seek it, but this writer has no problem adding to that. The writer also says that Leah "just stopped evolving after high school," which is dangerous not only to those with mental illnesses, but to those with cognitive disabilities, since this is a common rhetoric used to silence disabled adults. Here the writer is making light of that situation, and writing as though being mentally ill is just a form of immaturity, of not being able to grow up and take responsibility. By discussing in depth how messy Leah's apartment was, the writer is taking on the perspective that if someone doesn't fit certain criteria—in this case, criteria she's making up as she goes along—then they're aren't okay, and they're too ill to be helped.

The writer goes on to discuss Leah's dating life—or lack thereof—as though a successful dating life is necessary to being seen as a whole person. What about asexual and aromantic people who don't date out of choice? What about people who haven't found someone they really connect with yet? Plenty of people choose not to date for years, even for their entire lives, and that's a valid experience. Plenty of mentally ill people do choose to date, and have fulfilling and happy love lives, too.

Then there's the part where the writer says, "I don't judge anyone for becoming a sex worker, but she wasn't in her right mind to consent," when talking about Leah's possible decision to become a sex worker. Not in her right mind to consent? How was that, in any form, for the writer to decide? Was she Leah? Was she a trained medical professional who met with Leah on a regular basis? The writer has no right to decide whether or not Leah was in her "right mind" to consent to anything. It's a dangerous implication, too, that people with mental illnesses can't consent, because it takes away their personal freedom to make choices. 

It's funny that this writer admits all this social media stalking was "voyeurism" into Leah's life, because that's exactly what it was. The writer claims to have been Leah's friend, but there's no ounce of care or concern for her in these words. She says Leah was "putting unnecessary negative energy into my life" and that her "death was inevitable." As a rape survivor who has several people close to me who are mentally ill, I get it: Sometimes you need to take care of yourself, and you need to know when to set boundaries if someone else's mental health is affecting your own. But that's not the perspective the writer is describing here. The writer never takes the time to empathize with Leah or think about how she feels; she spends the entire essay chastizing Leah for being mentally ill.

The end of this essay is probably the part that infuriates me the most. The writer calls Leah's life "a tragedy," saying, "This girl had nothing to live for" and "What would the rest of her life been like? She would have either been institutionalized or a major burden on her family. There was just no way she would have survived on her own."

The writer takes just a moment to admit that there are some people with severe mental illness who can survive. But that's not what her essay is about. Her essay ends with a bang, essentially saying that any mentally ill person without a support system is doomed, and that if someone can't learn to live on their own without support, they aren't deserving of life, period. 

There are many people who can't live on their own, many people who need family and friends to support them in some way. Many people do live in institutions, and they're already at a high risk of being abused by the system. What about elderly people, including those with Alzheimer's and other cognitive and physical issues? If they need round-the-clock care at a nursing home, does that make them "a major burden"? What about parents who have a severely disabled child who is unable to care for themself? Should that child die, simply because they can't survive on their own? The writer ends a shameful essay by saying that if someone is in any way a burden on others or needs help and support to survive, that they might as well not. Don't we all, to some extent, need the support of others to get by? Even those of us who don't live with illnesses and disabilities sometimes need to count on our friends and family members to help us; we all go through hard times, and we're all capable of requiring some form of assistance. 

It's an absolutely shame that this essay was published. I can only think of the people this could potentially hurt, and those are the people who need hope the most right now: People who are currently considering suicide, who need a reason to believe that they're not a complete burden on everyone else, and that they have something to live for. I can only imagine how they must feel, coming across this essay that tells them that, no, they are just too sick, they can't be helped and shouldn't survive.