Quantcast
Channel:
Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live

Kim Kardashian Clearly Needs to Look Up the Definition of Feminism

0
0

Kim Kardashian has, believe it or not, done a lot of things that us feminists have been able to applaud. She's unapologetic about her body; she's a successful businesswoman in her own right, whether you like to admit it or not; and let's not forget she was the first of the Kardashians to publicly and openly support Caitlyn Jenner during her transition. Listen—you don't have to have a degree in gender studies to be a feminist. You don't even have to be well-educated to be a feminist; the feminist movement doesn't discriminate. If someone with as much influence as Kim Kardashian is on our side, we are in full support.

But despite her actions, it seems as if Kim might have a little ways to go before we can consider her a feminist. At the BlogHer 2016 conference in LA yesterday, she gave a keynote where she basically called feminism nothing but a label. "Everyone always says, are you a feminist?," she said. "And I don't think that I am."

And the reason she gave makes us cringe just a little. (Actually, a lot.) "I do what makes me happy and I want women to be confident and I’m so supportive of women…" she explained, "But I’m not the ‘free the nipple’-type girl."

Wait, what? Somebody please explain to Kim what feminism is, because it's about more than just nipple freeing—you can be a feminist whether you're all about freeing your nipple or whether you'd rather not, thank you very much. Kim has benefited significantly from the feminist movement, but the most she'll admit is, "I guess people would call me a feminist." You can do better, Kim.


College Party Wardrobe Essentials: Buy These Before School Starts!

0
0

This is it. This year will be your year. It’s finally the year that you can live young and wild and free. But with great freedom comes great responsibility; for every unforgettable Friday night when you’ll dance on tabletops, you’ll need an equally unforgettable outfit!

There are several wardrobe essentials that are a must to ensure that when you walk into the club or frat basement (let's be real), all eyes are on you and only you. Before you arrive on campus, make sure you have all the clothing basics you will need to feel fancy for your first nights out on the college party scene!

Black Basics

A Little Black Dress

Marilyn Monroe once said, “I don’t mind making jokes, but I don’t want to look like one.” If you’re worried you’ll wear the wrong outfit to a party and feel like you stick out like a sore thumb, look no further than a little black dress. An LBD is a classic party must-have because, for collegiettes, versatility is key. “The perfect little black dress can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion,” says Elora Clifford, a recent graduate of Boston University.

You want to find a dress that, given the right accessories, you can wear to multiple types of parties. Pick a style that compliments your figure—you should always feel your cutest in your LBD. Your perfect dress should show off a little skin, but not too much. Keep it plain and let the dress be something your accessories can play off of.

Forever 21 is a gold mine for LBDs; check out their Strappy-Back bodycon Dress for $27.90 or their Contemporary Cutout Dress for $22.90. With the right purse and pair of heels, a black dress is the perfect look for almost any party. Once you've found your perfect LBD, check out HC’s 20 ways to wear a little black dress for some style inspiration.

A Black Skirt

Don’t be afraid to show off your legs! A black skirt has the potential to be one of your most-worn party staples. Although you might not want to wear your LBD every weekend, you can easily wear the same skirt over and over again as long as you match it with different tops, shoes and accessories. “You want clothes that are versatile so you can get the most use out of them,” says Cassie, a recent graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Tuck a cute tank into a high-waisted black miniskirt, and voilà—you have yourself an easy, stylish outfit. Elora says, “My go-to party outfit is usually a black skirt paired with a hot shirt, usually something with chiffon or lace with a bandeau underneath, and heels.”

You should look for a tight, above-the-knee skirt, but make sure it’s long enough that you’ll be able to comfortably dance or sit in it. Consider trying out this Bodycon Midi Skirt from Charlotte Russe for under $13.

For Under Your Clothes

Bandeaus

Little girls wear neon Band-Aids. Party girls wear neon bralettes. A necessity for every collegiette’s wardrobe, a bralette can be worn under a shirt instead of a tank top when your outfit needs a little extra coverage. They’re perfect for parties where you'll be spending the night on the dance floor because you’ll be wearing less fabric, so you won’t get as hot. Try to buy a bralette or two that goes well with multiple items in your closet. “A black bralette is essential. You can wear it under almost anything,” Cassie says. You also may want to consider choosing a colored bralette to wear under a sheer top to add a bold accent to your outfit. Try Free People's Galloon Lace Racerback for $38. Not only does this bandeau come in a ton of colors, but because it’s ruched, the bandeau will create the illusion of a bigger bust. If you’re looking for a bandeau with an even more feminine flair, try Free People’s Black Lace Halter Bra for $20.

Spandex Shorts

To avoid a wardrobe malfunction second only to Janet Jackson's, get a pair of spandex shorts to wear under short dresses and skirts. It’s vital to wear these when you’re going to be dancing, because there’s a good chance your skirt could fly up. You really don’t want to be known as that girl who accidentally flashed everyone at the party. Try these AEO Soft Shorties from American Eagle for $11.96. You want to opt for a discreet color that will blend with what you are wearing, so it won’t be too noticeable if anyone gets a peek. Just remember to try your shorts on under one of your skirts or dresses first to make sure they lay flat and don’t create lines.

For Theme Parties

Costume Clothing

Wearing nothing but a sheet to a toga party is perfectly acceptable (and often encouraged), but most theme parties at college will actually require clothing (unless you’re headed to an ABC—anything but clothes—shindig). There are lots of items that you can wear to multiple types of theme parties. For example, you can wear the same cute green top for Saint Patrick’s Day, Mardi Gras, a stoplight party (a party where you wear green if you are single, yellow if your romantic situation is complicated, and red if you are taken), or a Christmas party. A button-down can be your go-to when dressing up as a nerd for a jocks vs. nerds party, or as business executive for a CEOs and office hoes party. “Some kind of animal print is always a must for a jungle party, or a costume party, if you can get a pair of ears,” says Cassie.

You also should bring old costumes you might have—you never know when they may match the theme of a party. See if you can borrow your brother's old sports jersey for sports-themed parties. Thinking ahead about items that you have at the back of your closet that could potentially be great for a themed party will help ensure that you won’t have to scramble to buy a last-minute outfit.

Elora advises to pack “items that can be worn for a theme but won't make you stick out like a sore thumb at a different party. You never know where the night will take you.” This is extremely important, because although you might start the night at a party with one theme, you may end up at a different party at the end of the night.

White Tees

White tees are so useful that having a few of these stashed in your drawers at all times is always a good idea. You can guarantee that you'll go to glow parties, where everyone will decorate each other’s shirts with highlighters, and paint parties, where everyone gets slathered in a mass of paint. At these types of parties, you don’t want to ruin any of your nice clothes. A simple white Hanes tee is easy on your wallet at $4.99. They come in both crew neck and V-neck styles.

Keep in mind that you can easily cut a plain white shirt into a cute crop top. If you get really good at cutting your own shirts, try making the back into a cute bow style shirt. Plain tees are also perfect if you get invited to specific themed parties where you have nothing to wear, because you can create your own custom shirt for the night.

Accessories

A Cross-body Bag

If you don’t already have one, you should buy a cross-body bag. You don’t want to have to think about holding onto your purse, wristlet or wallet all night at a party. After all, you may end up putting your belongings down for a game of pong or flip cup and end up losing track of your stuff. Look for a small bag, since all you need for a night out is P-MILK: your phone, money, ID, license, and keys.

Macy’s has a variety of options that are sensible for a range of budgets. Try this Ralph Lauren crossbody for $43.99 or this Nine West crossbody for $40.

Fast Flats

Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but fast flats ($7.75) are a party girl’s best friend. Fast flats—very thin flats that can roll up to easily fit into a purse—are so small that they don’t take up much room and are so light that they won’t weigh your bag down. Just throw a pair of these into your purse when you’re wearing a pair of heels so you have a backup option if your feet end up killing you later in the night or on your walk home.  Sometimes beauty is pain, but it doesn’t have to be when you’re going out!

A Cheap Jacket

At the end of the night, searching through a mountain of jackets can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—finding yours will be downright impossible. Since there’s often not a good place to stash your jacket at a large party, it’s not unusual for everyone to throw their jacket in the same massive heap. Because of this, it’s possible someone may end up taking your jacket, either accidentally or on purpose. You don’t want to lose an expensive J.Crew or North Face jacket at a party, so you should have a cheap jacket or zip-up hoodie that you don’t care about that you can wear instead. That way, you will be warm on your way to the party, but won’t really care if there is a mix-up and you lose track of it by the end of the night.

With a little advanced planning, you’ll always be prepared when you feel you gotta get down on Friday. Remember that parties are danger zones for expensive or easily stained materials, so when shopping for clothes that you’ll wear to parties, you probably don’t want to wear anything too expensive or sentimental. If you’re going to a party where there will be dancing, light colors that show sweat also aren’t the best idea since hundreds of people dancing in a basement can make the dance floor pretty hot and humid.

These essential items are vital to any party girl’s wardrobe. With the help of this guide, if you fall into your bed right after a party, you’ll never wake up in the morning feeling embarrassed—you’ll be well-dressed!

This Breastfeeding Mom Just Won Comeback of the Year

0
0

Your feel-good story of the day is equal parts hilarious and empowering. While breastfeeding in a public park in the UK, an anonymous woman was approached by a stranger who was very upset about the fact the mother was breastfeeding in public. The reason? She was sitting nearby with her "very easily distracted husband." Okay.

Turns out, it's against the law in the UK to ask a breastfeeding woman to leave a public place—so the mom, who, you know, was providing life-sustaining nutrients to her baby, responded with a great big fuck you. To our collective delight, the affronted stranger took to the internet to tell her story (hearing her perspective doesn't really make her actions look any better):

"To the lady Dartford park who thought it was appropriate to breastfeed her baby whist my child and very easily distracted husband sat near by. I don't think it was necessary for you to react the way you did just because I asked you to go somewhere private, telling me to fuck off and squirting me with your boobs was incredibly uncalled for. I hope you are ashamed of yourself!"

Her. Breastmilk. THE WOMAN SQUIRTED HER BREASTMILK AT HER. This maybe isn't the first response we would have come up with (and, okay, maybe there *are* other ways to go about getting the message across), but honestly, does somebody who has an issue with women minding their own damn business and feeding their babies really even deserve a mature and fully thought-out response? Yeah, that's what we thought. Keep on keeping on, anonymous woman.

Being Bilingual is No Longer a Barrier For Me

0
0

By Ayesha Riaz

As an Asian-American growing up in the Midwest, I realized very quickly that there were many differences between me and those who had been born and raised in America their entire lives. I immigrated to Chicago along with my parents in 1994, and was raised here as well, but my place of birth and mother language always set me apart. Growing up in my household, both my parents spoke only Urdu, and so did the rest of my family in Chicago. The only exposure to English I ever received as a child was through the TV. When I first enrolled in day care, I remember sobbing because I didn’t want to speak English, because I couldn’t communicate that well with it. Eventually, I learned and school became not only bearable, but fun. However, at home, my parents continued to communicate in only Urdu, so I began to differentiate the two languages as two different parts of me.

I picked up English fairly quickly because I was young and also started to read at a very early age. However, my mother (who taught me how to read) spoke broken English. My father spoke English only outside of the house but not inside with the family. Eventually, I would phase out of speaking Urdu and I now speak primarily in English, even to my parents, who respond in Urdu. Our communication level is really high. I completely understand what they’re saying in Urdu, and they completely understand what I’m saying in English. There are still some discrepancies with the language communication itself. Certain Urdu words have no English equivalent.  Certain English words are difficult to explain in Urdu. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does, there’s a moment of silence as all of us figure out how to proceed.

This language barrier exists, and it’s not the best thing in the world. Cultural disconnect was bound to happen because I grew up in a completely different environment than my parents, but language barriers are an issue that goes deeper because they separate generations.

As I got older, I realized that a lot of people from my parents’ generation immigrated to America around the same time and although their own English was not perfect, their children’s language was as a result of growing up here. My parents’ generation worked relentlessly for their children, and it is absolutely awful when despite all of their hard work, they are belittled for not speaking the “correct” way. Although I have not gotten made fun of for my accent, I have gotten made fun of for my lack of accent. It runs both ways when you’re part of a hyphenated demographic. Today I don’t differentiate myself as two languages as two parts of me. I embrace the hybrid.

What I have learned is that mastery of a single language (other than your mother tongue) has absolutely no indication of how intelligent you are. I am incredibly proud of my parents for starting over in a different country with different customs, different foods and above all, a different language, the very basic form of communication. I once read that you should never make fun of a person who speaks a broken language because they know another one that you potentially don’t.

 

This Back-to-School Shopping Spree From Society6 Will Transform Your Dorm

0
0

Is it just us, or is fall semester approaching a little too quickly? To soften the blow (and help you savor the last moments of summer), we've teamed up with Society6, a carefully curated online store that supports artists across the globe, to give away the ultimate back-to-school shopping spree.

You'll win a $500 Society6 shopping spree, which will score you everything from art prints to wall tapestries and coffee mugs to... yes, leggings. What else does a college girl need in her life? You'll also get $200 to spend in the Her Campus Shop, so you can stock up on HC swag and some of our brand new ~feminist bae~ merch.

Ready to turn that drab dorm room into straight up goals?Enter here *now* for your chance to win!

22 Reasons to Be Excited to Go Back to School

0
0

Summer vacation is the envy of all adults. We get to kick back, relax and basically live in a world where responsibilities are small and the margaritas are large for a solid three months. Between killer tans, awesome internships and phenom BBQs, it’s no surprise that we want our break to last forever. But, eventually, it comes time to pack our bags, soak up those final rays of sun and say goodbye to paradise. Yet the end of the summer is just the beginning of something even better: fall semester. This year, back to school definitely doesn’t have to be a drag. We’ve complied a list of 22 reasons why going back to campus will be just as epic (if not more!) as your summer vacay.

1. You get to use your brain again 

It sounds totally lame, but we’re serious! After watching 12 straight hours of The Mindy Project on Hulu (or was that just us?), your mind could use a little responsibility. As much as we L-O-V-E laying out by the pool, playing endless rounds of Candy Crush and munching on whatever snack is within arm’s reach, being that lazy can only keep you sane for so long. Our brains need a little more action!

2. College sports

Who’s got spirit? We sure do! There’s nothing like cheering on your team from the stands with a million (ok, give or take a few) other fans decked out in your school’s colors. Even if your university doesn’t have a truly spectacular sports team, college sports are not only fun to watch on TV, but they’re also a great talking point with guys. And with every game comes…

3. Tailgates 

A chance to bro out, day drink and dress in your school’s colors? Sign us up!

4. A break from your parents 

Repeat after me: no curfew. Isn’t that just a pretty, pretty thing? Obviously we love our creators (sorry to gross you out there) and caretakers, but sometimes, a little break could do us all some good. Once we’re back at school, there’s no asking for permission to do anything, and tons of this funny little thing called independence. You’ll appreciate it.

5. Meaningful conversations 

For some of us, home is a bubble. It’s your stereotypical suburb or melting pot of a city — but you tend to keep to yourself. But at school, you’re handed the opportunity to interact and learn from people from different backgrounds, countries, cultures and religions. College is the perfect time to pick at someone else’s brain, consider their ideas and discover what their completely different world has to offer.

6. Welcome Week 

No homework. No due dates. Parties all around. It’s the perfect chance to show off your epic tan and truly let loose before the school year really starts to get serious.

7. New classes 

For upperclassmen, this semester’s schedule means you finally get to stray away from intro lectures and dive into those incredibly interesting classes you’ve been eyeing since freshmen year. For underclassmen, these classes are a chance to take a bite out of everything until you find out what truly tastes the best on your palate. Not to mention, new classes generally means…

8. New professors

It’s out with the old and in with the new. This semester you won’t be dealing with that impossible intro to biology professor who made your life a living nightmare last year (fingers crossed, that is). Instead, you’ll be soaking up valuable lessons from new instructors, who have so much to offer that you better start taking notes now. And, speaking of which…

9. New school supplies 

There’s nothing like back-to-school shopping. Fresh pens, unused notebooks, working highlighters — it’s the best way to start the school year.

10. Gym access

Buh-bye, summer gym fees. Hello, free membership. That’s right; your school won’t charge you to pretend to use the elliptical while you’re actually checking out that hot crew team member. And an added bonus (sometimes there is something better than shirtless rowers): discounted classes to try out. Universities don’t charge steep rates like some more posh gyms, so you’ll be able to test out Zumba, yoga, Pilates and cycling at a pretty solid rate, if not for free.

11. You’re basically walking distance from everything 

At school, there’s no need to hop in your car, sit in never-ending traffic, and finally arrive at your favorite fro-yo place just before close… 20 minutes after leaving your house. On campus, you’re pretty much in la-la land where everything is reasonably close. If you can’t walk there, there’s always a shuttle to hop on that’ll get you there as quickly as possible.

12. No more long-distance relationships with your BFFs 

Just like being within walking distance of all the best dessert shops, you’re also close to your college friends. You don’t have to call them to catch up, but instead, you can literally roll over on the couch and have them right there — or down the hall. Talk about convenience.

13. Dorm decorating 

Who doesn’t love digging up their inner interior decorator? Whatever your style, you can decorate your room any way you want. Pick out a fun, daring comforter. Hang pictures of your funniest, craziest memories on the wall. Color-coordinate your closet. Organize your bookshelf by subject and importance. It’s all up to you.

14. Late night snacks 

Eating alone in your room at 1 a.m. while your parents snore down the hall? Not exactly the most fun activity in the world. Stuffing your face with your friends and laughing in your dorm room after a night out? Well, that’s definitely something we can work with. At school, time doesn’t determine when we eat, and those ridiculous midnight pizza cravings are something to look back on in 20 years and laugh at: “Did we really eat three Dominos pizzas and cheesy bread?” Yes, and they were ah-mazing.

15. There’s always something going on 

Home can be pretty monotonous. Wake up, work, come home, eat, sleep, and do it all again. But at school, no matter the time or place, there’s definitely something happening. Two o’clock on the quad? Free cupcakes. Ten a.m. guest lecture? It’s a world-renowned speaker. Four o’clock and running late to class? It’s because the streets are blocked for a parade. There’s always an event happening, a day to celebrate and a party to attend.

16. Joining new extracurriculars 

Didn’t have time last year for the newspaper? Been practicing all summer to try out for the squash team? Think you’re finally ready to test out your skills in the student government? Whatever the case, a new school year is a new start. Get involved — there’s nothing to lose, and hey, maybe you’ll discover a new interest (plus, it totally boosts your resume!).

17. Catch up with your friends’ summer adventures 

In middle school, the “How I Spent My Summer Vacation” essays weren’t exactly very thrilling. Some kids went to camp, some learned to swim, others watched TV — we’re bored just thinking about teachers having to read through them. Fast-forward to where we are now, and we’re having some kicka** summers. You’ve got friends interning at the UN, others taking pre-med courses in India and you’re interning at your dream magazine. There’s a lot to talk about — and flaunt — come fall semester.

18. Frat parties

College is the only time in life that it’s socially acceptable to go to frat parties, get wasted and reminisce about it the next day. Live it up and cherish those sticky floors and bottomless Solo cups of jungle juice.

19. New social scene 

You know the (corny) song, “Make New Friends (But Keep the Old)”? It could have definitely been written about college. You’ve got a ton of kids on campus to become friends with, and there’s always an opportunity to expand your social scene and group of friends. With new classes, routines, schedules and activities, you’re bound to make a new bud to pass the time away with.

20. Fall rush 

Fall rush is the perfect time to get out there, mingle with people (girl flirt) and find your new family. Greek life is always a great go-to when you’re looking to get involved in an activity on campus.

21. Up your competitive edge 

Sitting around all summer and twiddling your thumbs won’t motivate to you push yourself very far. But plunk you down in a classroom where everyone wants the same thing and has the same dream, and you’ll be busting your butt to be the best, get better grades and score that internship you’re desperately reaching for. Nothing like feeling accomplished!

22. It could be your last 

For seniors, this is you final hoorah. Embrace it, cherish it and definitely, definitely don’t take it for granted. College is seriously the best bubble world you’ll ever experience.

Links We Love 8.7.16

0
0

Debt-free college is not simple. [The Huffington Post]

These clothing and shoe hacks will save you money. [BuzzFeed]

Meet Team USA. [Sports Illustrated]

How to undo your caffeine tolerance. [New York Magazine]

Surprising things we can learn from Kim and Kanye. [USA Today College]

Hillary's best lines. [Newser]

How we know you're sleep deprived. [YouBeauty]

A day in the life of Adriana Lima. [Byrdie]

Emo's overlooked mental health crisis. [Daily Dot]

This will help you get over that guy. [Thought Catalog]

This is the Exact Hair Tie Ariana Grande Uses for Her Ponytails

0
0

Ariana Grande and her ponytail are a modern love story—remember that time she cut a hole in her hat to make room for her hair? So it goes without saying that such a special ponytail deserves extra special treatment, and hairstylist Aaron Light, who's done Ariana's hair into her signature look, has the secret we've all been dying to know.

"I love using bungees, especially on clients with thick hair, because you have more control over the hair and can achieve a very tight and secure ponytail,"he revealed to Allure. Hair bungees—elastics with hooks on either end to *really* keep hair in place—are sort of like the gold standard for hair ties. "Regular hair bands have a tendency to slip, where bungees really stay put at the base," he added.

Obviously, we'll be using these exclusively from now on.


Scott Eastwood is Team Taylor Swift

0
0

Team Swift or Team Kimye? It seems that it's the question everybody has been asking these days, and Suicide Squad  star Scott Eastwood is making it known he's in full support of Taylor Swift.

In an interview with The Huffington Post, he brought his Wildest Dreams costar up—twice. When asked about how he keeps up with fans on social media, he responded, “You look at great people like Taylor Swift, who is a fantastic role model to young women, and if I can sort of follow that path, that’s a nice thing to do.”

Of course, this friendship almost ever was—apparently, Eastwood's agents hadn't wanted him to do the video. “They said, ‘Oh, we don’t want you to do that! Why would you be Taylor Swift’s boy toy?’ Eastwood revealed to People, “and I said, ‘Why the hell not?'”

Clearly, Eastwood is glad he went for the role anyway. On working with Swift, he told The Huffington Post, "“She’s great, she’s the best,” he said. “Like I said before, she’s a great role model to young women.”

Despite all the controversy surrounding the singer, it's clear that Eastwood still has Swift's back. Watch his full interview below:

11 Resolutions to Keep You Healthy This School Year

0
0

Summer is quickly slipping away, meaning the inevitable stress of managing academics, extracurricular activities and a social life will soon be upon us. With so much to balance, it’s very tempting to let nutritious eating, exercise and other healthy habits fall by the wayside. But have no fear, collegiettes! You can keep your body and mind in tiptop shape amid the craziness of college life by making just a few simple commitments. Here are 11 “New Year’s” resolutions you can make that will help you have the healthiest and most fulfilling school year yet.

1. I will work out three days per week.

Spending some time at the gym can do wonders for both your mental and physical health. A workout will make you feel more energized and help you successfully take on your jam-packed days.

Katie Ferraro, a registered dietician and assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco, and the University of San Diego, says working out will make you feel better. “In addition to all of the calorie burning you can get in, exercise releases endorphins and feelings of pleasure,” she says. “It can be a positive way to deal with stress and depression, as opposed to binge drinking or overeating.” Certified holistic health coach Carly Lockman says cardio also helps release dopamine and serotonin, which help with managing stress – something that surely benefits any college student! 

Ferraro recommends working out at least 150 minutes per week. You can even break the workout down in multiple ways. “Think of working out like your job (or school): You do it five days per week, and at least 30 minutes per day,” Ferraro says. “You can do three 10-minute workouts, five six-minute workouts, or one 30-minute workout.”

Melanie D. Ludwig, a personal trainer and owner of Prestige Fitness Inc., in Manchester, N.H., recommends doing a combination of cardio and weight and resistance training to stay fit and toned. “Muscle mass improves metabolic rate, and if you’re standing better, you’ll feel better and want to do more cardio, so it should be a balance,” she says. “If you’re looking to lose weight, as in body mass, you should make it an even blend of cardio and weight training. If you like one more than the other, force yourself to do the other a couple times a week.”

In figuring out your gym routine, you should always remember to set feasible goals. If you’ve been completely slacking off on going to the gym lately, you won’t want to dive right into doing an intense workout every day. Instead, try doing a couple long workouts per week or more frequent shorter routines and working up from there. “Be realistic and set goals that work for you but that are attainable,” Ferraro says.

Ludwig suggests integrating exercise into your normal routine to make it more fun and convenient for you. “You want to try to fit it in when it’s real,” she says. “There’s nothing wrong with getting on the treadmill with your favorite show if that’s what it takes to motivate you.”

2. I will go to a group fitness class.

If you find it difficult to get to the gym yourself, sign up for a group fitness class with a friend. The commitment to both the class and your friend are great motivators to get you in the mood to exercise! Certified nutrition specialist Jason Boehm recommends any high intensity class. Classes like CrossFit, kickboxing or spinning can all give you a great workout that’ll really make you sweat. Check out your school gym’s website or other local facilities’ websites to find out the options they offer.

In choosing a fitness class, Ludwig recommends going for something that you’ll be likely to enjoy, but also mixing it up once in while to get varied workouts. “For someone who likes Zumba, it’s awesome to do a spinning class once in a while,” she says. “For someone who likes cardio, it’d be great for someone like that to get into circuit training sometimes.”

3. I will run a road race.

Running a road race is a fun way to motivate yourself to keep in shape. The goal of completing the course will help you set up a consistent exercise routine for training. When race day comes around, the motivation will surely keep coming as bystanders cheer for you from the sidelines! Plus, as Ferraro suggests, you can even run on behalf of a charity to give back to others. There couldn’t be a better way to get a runner’s high!

Hillary Coombs, a recent grad of Bryant University and the co-founder and campus correspondent for HC Bryant, ran a half marathon last May. This prompted her to devise a training schedule. “I set a resolution to run two times a week and build up my distance by 0.5 miles each week,” Hillary says. She added that she ran with a friend, which she says helped her stay motivated to keep training.

If you’re a total running newbie, you can try Couch to 5K to get you started. Also, if the thought of running a race seems daunting, you can ease your nerves and spice up the run by participating in a themed event. The Color Run, a 5K race during which runners are covered in colored powder, and the 5K Foam Fest, which features a slew of obstacles sure to get you wet and muddy, are just some of the many fun options out there. You can check out sites such as Road Runners Club of America’s page or Active.com to find races in your area!

4. I will take the stairs instead of the elevator.

With all the stairwells spread in dorms, apartments and class buildings, there are plenty of opportunities to get some exercise without even thinking about it. If you live a few floors up in your apartment or res hall or have a class on the top floor of a building, make a habit of taking the stairs up to your place or classroom instead of using the elevator.

According to Livestrong.com, a person weighing between 160 pounds burns about nine calories per minute of stair climbing. There’s no easier way to build a little leg toning into your daily routine! Plus, you won’t have to wait for the elevator and cram yourself in once it arrives. The stairs are a win-win all around!

5. I will join an intramural sports team.

Intramurals have the advantage of letting you get fit while socializing with other students and potentially trying something new. Many teams only practice once a week, so there’s no excuse to not get out there and play for an hour or so! Join a team from your dorm or another organization you’re involved with on campus. You could try out soccer, basketball, ultimate Frisbee or whatever else your school might offer.

Ludwig says the competitiveness of sports, such as tennis, is beneficial for your health and helps you burn calories. “If you’re very competitive, just the adrenaline rush of playing a game for points … will keep you going,” she says.

6. I will cook for myself five times per week.

When you have a busy schedule, it’s probably more appealing to make a quick call to the nearest pizza joint for a delivery order than to whip up something yourself. But while this may be convenient in the short run, it’s going to take a toll on your body (and your wallet!) later on.

Ferraro suggests limiting eating out to one to two times per week and planning out your meals ahead of time so that you’ll always have something healthy on hand when you’re hungry. “You should be making and taking your lunch to work and school, keeping in mind the mantra, ‘If you fail to plan, you plan to fail,’” she says.

Eating in allows you to control what goes into your food, Lockman says. And what you add will be better than what the restaurants are putting in! “Most restaurants focus on using ingredients that are extremely cost effective,” Lockman says. “All too often, these ingredients are highly processed, containing harmful additives and lots of refined sugar.”

When you cook for yourself, whether in an apartment or in your dorm’s kitchen, you also have much better control of your portion sizes than when you eat out. You have every nutrition label at your disposal, so you can be sure to stick to the recommended serving sizes, which are typically much smaller, more appropriate portions than those served at restaurants.

Cassie Brown, an alumna of Wake Forest University, is moving into an apartment with a kitchen this coming year, which she says will give her more say in what she eats. “This year I'm going to try to cut out processed foods and focus on more natural, nutrient-enriched foods,” she says. “For example, I'm going to be eating more quinoa and kale, oats, etc. I'm going to be reading labels more carefully so I can avoid high fructose corn syrup and flour.”

But for those of you who will be living in dorms, there are still options for you to keep up healthy eating habits. Some tips: Ask for whole grain breads at dining hall sandwich stations, steer away from the fried fare and go for salads (but be careful not to pour on too much dressing!), and keep some fruit on hand in your room to help you beat a late night sugar craving.

However, most college students eat out at least sometimes, so when you do, look up the nutrition information of different dishes beforehand if it’s available. What may look like a healthy salad on the menu could actually be loaded with fatty, high-calorie dressings and toppings, so it’s best to know what you’re actually eating!

7. I will watch what I eat late at night.

With the crazy working (and partying) hours typical of college students, you’re bound to get an occasional craving for a late night snack. While eating late isn’t the most ideal habit (Boehm recommends you stop eating three hours before bedtime), you can still make the best of it by watching what you’re munching on.

There are some snacks that are better than others if you’re going to eat soon before turning in for the night. “If you feel that you must eat late, try to avoid sleep disrupters like greasy foods, sugary foods and anything with caffeine or alcohol in it,” Lockman says. “Working to balance your macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbs) in your three large meals throughout the day will cut late night cravings.” In order to do this, try incorporating a combination of important food groups into each of your meals. For example, a peanut butter sandwich on whole grain bread can give you carbs and protein, and a salad with some berries thrown in will give you some much needed servings of fruit and veggies.

You should also pay attention to food and drinks that you may not realize contain sleep disrupters. For example, green tea and chocolate contain caffeine, Ferraro says, so be sure to cut back on those soon before bed, too.

8. I will sleep seven to eight hours per night.

While watching what you eat at night will be sure to help you sleep better, you still need to make sure you’re sleeping enough! Mayo Clinic sleep specialist Timothy Morgenthaler recommends seven to eight hours of sleep per night for adults.

If you know you have to wake up at 8 the next morning, make yourself get into bed by 12 a.m. or 1 a.m. This will be more feasible if you shut down your laptop and silence your phone (or set it to “Do Not Disturb” if you have an iPhone) at least 30 minutes before bedtime so you can help yourself wind down and make sure nobody wakes you with a text as you drift off. Additionally, cut down the time you spend online and on your phone during the day, which will help you get your work done more efficiently and leave you time to relax and prepare yourself for bed in the evening. What’s the best tip for staying focused on your work? Staying energized with exercise and small frequent snacks. See, collegiettes? The secrets to a healthy lifestyle are all interconnected!

9. I will watch what (and how much) I drink.

When you’re back on campus, it’s likely you’ll be kicking back with a drink at least every once in a while. But it’s important to be mindful of what you have. If you’re planning to drink, go for something low in calories and lay off anything loaded with sugar. Long Island iced teas and margaritas, for instance, have more than 700 calories each, so it’s wise to steer clear of those.

A serving of a light beer, red wine or white wine has about 100 calories and a shot of hard liquor contains 80 to 130 calories, depending on the proof (calorie content goes up as the proof increases), so having one or two of these won’t kill your diet.

If you want to add different flavors to your drinks, there are healthier ways to do it! “Rather than mixing alcoholic drinks with soda, I’m going to use club soda, and if I want something sweet I’ll use natural honey,” Cassie says. You can also try squeezing a lemon or lime wedge, or even a grapefruit slice, in your drink for a healthier way to add more flavor.

To make sure you have healthier chasers on hand at a party, plan ahead and bring your own wedge of fruit or low-calorie juice. Naturally flavored seltzer water is another calorie-free mixer or chaser. Check out this article for low-cal drink recipes.

10. I will drink water instead of soda.

There are many good reasons to love water! Ditching the soda and sugary drinks in favor of some H2O will help you stay energized for longer, as soda contains empty calories with no nutritional benefits, so it doesn’t fill you up. The Mayo Clinic recommends that adult women drink about nine cups of water per day.

“Replacing pop or coffee drinks with water is a great resolution,” Lockman says. “This gets you off of the caffeine and sugar ‘roller coaster,’ which is characterized by a rapid increase in energy followed by an extreme crash, and improves daily productivity, as well as mental outlook and clarity.”

Drinking water also results in other health benefits. These include better skin, improved kidney function and calorie control. And don’t forget about all the money you can save by not purchasing expensive soft drinks whenever you go out. You really can’t go wrong with H2O!

11. I will relax for a half hour per day.

With all the hard work you’re putting in during the day, you’ll need to take a break to maintain your sanity. Set aside at least a half hour each day to do something just for the fun of it. Pick up a book you’ve been longing to read, watch an episode of your favorite TV show, go for a walk with a friend, practice that instrument you’ve been neglecting for a while or listen to some tunes on your iPod. Giving yourself a mental break will make you feel energized and ready to work and help you avoid a breakdown later on. Plus, having a break to look forward to will motivate you to concentrate on your work throughout the rest of the day.

Stick to your goals!

There are many approaches you can take to start the “New Year” off in a healthy way, but while making up your resolutions, it’s important to make sure that they fit with your lifestyle. “While I agree that setting objective food and exercise goals works for some people, in other cases it can foment a feeling of failure if and when the goal isn't achieved,” Ferraro says. “It's important to remember that goal setting for weight loss [and health] should be individualized; there is no one-size-fits-all approach.”

If objective goals aren’t for you, there are other useful ways to motivate yourself to stick to your resolutions. Make them with a friend, keep track of them with a weekly journal entry or a sticker chart on your wall, set reminders on your phone or write yourself inspirational notes. Ensure that your resolutions are also enjoyable. “You have to accept yourself for the way you are and be the best you can be by doing things you like,” Ludwig says.

 

So, collegiettes, set some goals that will make you feel your best and ready to face the demands of school head-on. Have a happy and healthy “New Year”!

12 Things Nobody Told You to Pack for College

0
0

We know stuffing all your belongings into one car is not the most fun way to start college (collegiettes across the country know your pain!). It requires a lot of foresight to pack everything you need for a year away from home—you’re bound to forget something! While we can’t predict your every need, we do have 12 helpful packing suggestions that freshmen don’t usually consider. Our college veterans have weighed in on items they wish they stuffed in their suitcases, and we’ve included the best in this handy checklist. So before you close your car trunk full of shoes and posters (mainly shoes), check out these oft-forgotten college necessities!

1. Safety Pins

Etka Partani, a senior at UCLA, says she took her mom’s box of safety pins for granted before she arrived at college. “I know it seems random, but sometimes they're completely necessary to adjust an outfit or make sure the costume that you threw together for a party doesn't fall off,” she says. You can keep safety pins in a small box with other random knickknacks, such as paper clips and bobby pins.

2. Boot Tray

If you’re going to college in a northern state with lots of wintry weather, bring a boot tray to store your soaked shoes. According to Phyu-Sin Than, a senior at Mount Holyoke College, “It's completely necessary to have if you're going to a school in the north where half the school year is dragging yourself around in the snow.” Try this one from Bed Bath & Beyond to keep your dorm carpet clean and dry (a regular serving platter also works just as well).

3. Bookends

You can rack up a sizable collection of books in your first year, especially with general education classes (American Lit., anyone?). Shira Kipnees, campus correspondent for HC Franklin & Marshall, recommends that freshmen bring bookends to organize their study sessions. “My books always ended up in a fallen mess on the shelf and it would take me forever to find the exact book I was looking for,” she says. You can find cheap bookends on Amazon or invest in decorative ones from Etsy.

4. Old T-shirts and Costumes

There will be plenty of themed parties in college, which means plenty of opportunities to unleash your creative fashion sense! Come prepared with the right materials to make the most of these festive events. Emma Miller, a senior at Kenyon College, suggests bringing old shirts you wouldn’t mind cutting, dyeing, highlighting, or doing whatever else to that strikes your artistic fancy. You can also bring old Halloween costumes and accessories or outdated clothes to stock your theme party wardrobe.

5. Electric Kettle/Water Boiler

Emily Willeman, a senior at Western Washington University, suggests bringing an electric kettle for making late-night ramen. Sometimes you won’t feel like walking to the dining halls or they won’t be open when studying late at night and get hungry, so it’s nice to have hot food options in the convenience of your room! An electric kettle is also great for making hot tea or soup when you have a cold or want to make hot chocolate during winter months. Add some Tim Tams to the hot chocolate and invite friends over for a snack social!

6. Brita Pitcher

Not all college dorms have a water fountain on every floor, so invest in a Brita pitcher to filter tap water so you can stay hydrated. If you are lucky enough to have a fountain in the hall, you may want to buy a pitcher anyways so you don’t have to run back and forth for another cup of water!

7. Safe

It may sound paranoid, but you’re better safe than sorry (pun intended). Since college is a completely new environment and strangers may be coming in and out of your room from time to time (depending on how social your roommate is), you’re better off having a secure place to store valuables while you’re out. A safe is a good precaution until you get to know your roommate better and have a better understanding of what’s risky to leave out in your dorm.

8. External Hard Drive

You never know when your computer will crash (yet it always seems to happen during crucial times, like finals week). An external hard drive is a solution to potentially losing all of your hard work. Though some collegiettes use online storage programs (or use the old email attachment method), it doesn’t hurt to have a local copy of your work in case there are Internet connection problems. Be sure that you buy the right hard drive for your computer!

9. Earplugs and Sleep Mask

Instead of crossing your fingers and hoping for a roommate who doesn’t snore, head to college prepared for the worst. Even if you are a deep sleeper, it’s better to have these aids at your disposal than to wish you had them while tossing and turning at two in the morning or waking up as the sun rises on a Saturday. Dorm halls have an unpredictable mix of students—some who may not have the same level of respect for others as you do. Earplugs are a safeguard against booming speakers, awkward hallway arguments, disturbing noises through thin walls and anything else you could (literally) lose sleep over!

10. Extension Cords and Power Strips

You don’t want to be tied to working at your desk because your computer charger is too short to reach your bed. Bring an extension cord for free range around your room (or the library). Many dorm rooms also have a limited number of outlets, so pack a power strip to charge all your gadgets, because you shouldn’t have to pick between a functioning phone and laptop! Plus, you will avoid any arguments with your roommate about being an outlet hog. Now you can both dry your hair in peace!

11. Duct Tape

People joke about it being a poor man’s tool kit, but duct tape is incredibly useful, versatile, and cheap! Use it to cover up wires, secure loose items, and solve problems you can’t even imagine right now. It actually works magic.

12. Sporting Equipment

If you were involved in any sports in high school, bring your gear! You don’t want to limit your opportunities on campus, especially if you love the sport and want to play it, even recreationally. “I joined a volleyball intramural team and having my kneepads made it so much easier to get involved in the game,” says Jaclyn Turner, a junior at the University of Maryland. “I also looked really official having the proper volleyball gear!”

Now you’ll be the most prepared freshman on your floor (and your roommate’s savior when she realizes what she forgot!). Happy packing!

There Are A Lot of Inconsistencies in Melania Trump's Immigration Story

0
0

Melania Trump landed in hot water this week after a decades-old photo shoot raised some questions about her immigration status when she first came to the United States, according to Politico.

The photos, which were published by the New York Post last week, caused people to see some inconsistencies in the stories she's told about her immigration from Slovenia to the States.

Many assumed that Melania first worked as a model in the U.S. with a H-1B visa, which allows immigrants to work for up to three years and can be extended. But over the years, the potential FLOTUS has said in multiple interviews that she intially had to travel back to Slovenia every few months to renew her visa—an issue she wouldn't have had with an H-1B. This has made some think that Melania instead had B-1 visa, which lasts a much shorter amount of time. People who hold B-1 visas are also not allowed to work.

“If Melania was traveling to the U.S. on a B-1 business visa, there is a potential problem,” an anonymous partner at an immigration law firm told Politico, “She would not have been authorized to work in the U.S. while on a B-1 visa…In order to avoid being sent back to Slovenia, she may have had to lie about the purpose of her trip.”

Andrew Greenfield, an immigration lawyer in Washington, told Politico that if Melania had used her B-1 visa to work in the U.S., that would be considered visa fraud.

Trump has also previously said that she originally immigrated to the States in 1996, but the photo shoot published by the Post was shot in 1995…in New York City. Anyone who has heard Donald Trump speak can understand why this situation is politically dangerous, as he has made his opposition to illegal immigration the central issue of his campaign.

The inconsistencies and half-truths have continued to pile up. Melania's website was taken down in late July after reporters discovered that while she claimed to have obtained a degree in design and architecture while living in Slovenia, the school she said she attended had no record of her graduation. Then there was the whole Michelle Obama plagiarism scandal at the RNC.

But the story gets weirder. On Friday, Univision reported that Michael Wildes, an immigration attorney working for the Trump Organization, said in a recorded interview that Melania got a green card in 2001 "based on marriage." This stands in direct contrast with Melania's previous statements that she was never married before Donald Trump.

The Trumps continue to assert that Melania entered the country legally.

"I have at all times been in full compliance with the immigration laws of this country. Period,” Melania said in a statement. “Any allegation to the contrary is simply untrue. In July 2006, I proudly became a U.S. citizen. Over the past 20 years, I have been fortunate to live, work and raise a family in this great nation, and I share my husband’s love for our country.”

Trans Person's Positive Experience With a TSA Agent Goes Viral

0
0

It's WAY more likely these days to hear an upsetting story about the treatment of a transgender person than a positive one. But this week, an uplifting airport story made tens of thousands of people a little more hopeful that we can all be better.

Amanda Sapir shared her experience with a TSA agent on Facebook shortly after it occurred. Sapir, who identifies as gender non-conforming, was taken aback at just how accommodating and understanding the TSA agent Darlena Thi Lac was to her.

While Sapir says she has yet to experience some of the awful treatment many transgender people have been subjected to at the airport security line, she has faced general awkwardness—but felt that Lac went the extra mile to make her feel more comfortable.

TSA regulations stipulate that passengers must identify as either male or female when going through the security checkpoint. This, many argue, can make a trans person’s experience at the airport more complicated and leaves potential for discrimination.

According to the Facebook post, Lac was especially accommodating to Sapir by asking her simply, “Which gender do you wish to identify as?” when Sapir walked through the metal detector and was flagged for having boxer briefs on, since the TSA had identified her as a woman prior to walking through the machine.

Asked if she would like to go through under the male settings, Sapir was then flagged for having breasts. This made both TSA Agent Lac and Sapir laugh.

When giving Sapir the mandatory pat-down, Lac again asked Sapir how she would like to be identified as the protocols for the search vary for different genders.

“You get to decide how you are identified,” Lac told Sapir.

Sapir said that she was not expecting the story to go viral and only simply wanted to commend Lac for her social consciousness.

““I did not think this would go viral, I am so surprised,” Sapir said, according to BuzzFeed News. “It was important to lift up her professionalism and the humanity in her professionalism. I’ve received lots of comments from trans people, but also from diabetics or other folks who have medical issues who have also had inconvenient experiences with TSA screening. We all can benefit from humane treatment.”

When BuzzFeed News caught up with Lac, she said she was simply just doing her job.

“I’m a natural people person,” Lac said. “My intuitive nature took over and I handled the situation in a way I’d like to be treated.” She continued on to say that she hopes the story helps people.

“The effortless approach to a sensitive matter is such a sight to see, especially seeing how many were affected by this. It shows us all, those affected and those who can relate,” Lac wrote on her Facebook page. “That this is a sensitive issue that many don’t talk or speak out about.”

Sapir and Lac have since reconnected via social media, and their story is certainly one to build off of as transgender people fight for rights and acceptance of their humanity.

California Mayor Allegedly Played Strip Poker With Minors

0
0

Anthony Silva, the mayor of Stockton, Calif., was arrested on Thursday and charged with cruelty and endangerment to a child’s health, recording confidential communications, and providing alcohol to a minor.

Silva, who has served in office since 2013 and will be up for reelection this year, is said to have played strip poker with young people at the summer camp her ran and given them alcohol. All were under the legal drinking age, according to CBS News. The summer camp was largely for underprivileged kids, and events that led to the investigation occurred in the mayor’s bedroom at the camp.

FBI authorities seized the mayor's phone in 2015. Throughout the investigation, they found incriminating videos on the 41-year-old’s phone proving that the children playing the strip poker game did not consent to being recorded.

A press release from Stockton police detailed the contents of the findings on the phone more carefully:

“In one of the video clips, it appeared that moments after the video began, the phone was set down, darkening the camera lens and thus only containing audio. That clip contains audio of a conversation between participants involved in a strip poker game that occurred in Silva's bedroom. The conversation between the participants indicated that they were naked. One of the participants was a 16 year old male. The audio of the surreptitious recording clearly indicates that the participants did not want to be recorded. Witnesses also informed FBI agents that Silva provided alcohol to the participants, all of whom were underage, including a minor.”

Despite these serious allegations, Silva remains adamant in his innocence, according to Reuters.

The mayor was recently in the news when police reported that a gun stolen from his home had been used in several crimes. That weapon was said to have been used in the 2015 murder of 13-year-old Rayshawn Harris.

Because he has faced so much scrutiny, some have called for the mayor to resign and drop out of the race for reelection. However, it is not clear that Silva has any plans to do so as he fights the court on his charges.

After his Thursday arrest, Silva was released on $20,000 bail.

17 Things You Should Never Say to Your Busy Friend

0
0

She always forgets to reply to the group text, she’s impossible to make plans with and you swear she never actually sleeps – she’s the busy friend. And as irritating as it can be to deal with her nonstop schedule, the worst thing you can do is try to change it. Accept the madness, embrace the insanity and steer clear of these 17 conversation starters.

1. "How much longer till you're ready?"

10 minutes, promise. No wait, 15.

2. "Are you here yet?"

I will be after I fold this load of laundry, empty the dishwasher and solve world hunger.

3. "You should stop getting involved with things."

Lol, you with the jokes!

4. "Why are you late?"

Something came up, okay?!

5. "Why won't you make time for me?"

I don't have time for myself half the time, let alone anyone else.

6. "Why haven’t you answered my text yet?"

You mean the one you sent five minutes ago? I'll get there, sheesh.

7. "You suck."

You know, I don't appreciate the hostility.

8. "You need to be more fun."

Sorry, guess I was born lame.

9. "Do you sleep?"

I mean, I get a solid four hours a night. That's normal, right?

10. "Do you breathe?"

Last time I checked.

11. "Why can’t you just be lazy?"

I tried once, I got bored. 

12. "Do it tomorrow."

There's no time like the present!

13. "You need to take a chill pill."

Please write me a prescription.

14. "You’re never going to get a guy this way."

Well, that's rude... and true.

15. "I slept for 12 hours last night."

GOOD. FOR. YOU.

16. "It’s so nice to have no obligations."

What a life. 

17. "Whatever, you’re not that busy."

Girl, bye. 


What It’s Like To Be In College, As Told By Our Favorite Disney Characters

0
0

When you went on your first college tour, you were so pumped to be there.

Then you get to college ready to have the best grades, social life, and dating life ever.

But the campus is enormous.

And you think your dorm is going to be like,

But really, it’s the size of a jail cell.

Not to mention, sometimes you walk into your room and your roommate… isn’t alone.

And you’re just like,

Oh, and the dorm showers are freezing.

And you get to the dining hall and the food is like,

But somehow you manage to gain the Freshman 15 anyways.

At the beginning of the semester, you couldn’t be more excited about your classes!

But then you get one of those professors who’s like,

Or one who is terrifying.

So you try to take notes in class like a good student.

But all of a sudden you get a bunch of papers and exams all at once.

So you prep for your exam like a boss.

…Even when your friends distract you in the library.

And you walk in confident that you’re going to pass.

But you get your grade back and you’re like,

So you go to the professor’s office hours and you’re like,

But your professor is just like,

And then there’s the dating scene in college.  In high school, you couldn’t wait to meet college guys!

You expect college dating to be like,

But really it’s full of frat guys.

You try to flirt with a guy and think you look like this,

When really you look like this,

And there’s always that girl who tries to steal your guy and you’re just like,

There’s that guy who only sends you booty call texts…

…and you respond anyways.

And there’s the guy who doesn’t text you at all and you’re like,

So you find another guy.

And this time he’s a keeper (if you’re lucky).

Frat parties were a mystical thing in high school.  You think they’re going to be all like,

And you walk in the house all dressed up ready to get your flirt on.

But frat parties are really like,

And there’s always that one creepy guy hitting on you

And you’re just like,

And after a little too much Jungle Juice, you walk home like,

And then all of a sudden it’s your senior year, and people start asking you what you’re planning on doing with your liberal arts major.

And you’re just like,

And then you start worrying about finding a job after graduation.

To quote Jane…

And then you actually have to graduate, and you have no idea where the time went.

It turns out, between the tiny dorms, the nasty dining hall food, those crazy classes, the parties, and the dating snafus, you made a lot of great memories in college.

Do we really have to graduate?

How She Got There: Megan Grassell, Founder & CEO of Yellowberry

0
0

Name: Megan Grassell
Age: 20
Job Title and Description: Founder and CEO of Yellowberry
Website:www.yellowberrycompany.com
Twitter Handle: @megangrassell
Instagram Handle: @megangrassell

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

Megan Grassell: There is not a typical day in a startup, which I love. I started Yellowberry when I was 17 years old. I had this idea because I took my younger sister shopping for her first bra when she was 13 years old, and I was appalled because we went to all of these different stores and everything was so over sexualized. She needs a better option that’s just comfortable and cute, and doesn’t make her feel awkward or embarrassed about wearing a bra. I wanted to find a way to make age-appropriate bras specifically for girls. I was keeping in mind a really high-quality product and great fit, fabric and color. My job started out just me on my own for the first year when I was trying to figure out how you build a company, especially when you’re so young and have never done anything like it before. It’s a little over three years later, and we’ve grown so much, which is awesome. We’re a growing company and things change every day, so it’s a very fast-paced work environment, which is very fun for me.

What is the best part of your job?

MG: My favorite part is that as the founder the vision for Yellowberry and the direction we’re going falls on my shoulders. I love that when we deliver a package to a young girl our message is that you can be a part of this community and feel really good about yourself and feel empowered. We’re here to literally and figuratively support you. I love that.

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

MG: I don’t think there’s any one specific thing that’s glaring, but I look at the little mishaps we’ve had as learning opportunities. I think when we try a new marketing campaign and aren’t sure how it’s going to perform or we introduce a product that nobody wants to buy the important thing is to listen to your customers because that’s what matters most.

What is one thing you wish you knew about the industry before being in it?

MG: I never aspired to go into apparel. I didn’t have an interest in fashion or retail, so I literally knew nothing about it. I didn’t realize how long the process of building prototypes takes, especially when working with a team. Even just to make one bra takes around a year because you have to go and find the fabrics, the pattern and deal with logistics. By all means, it’s not an overnight thing, which from the beginning I didn’t realize. It’s hard, but I do love it.

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

MG: You should always ask for help. The worst answer someone can give you is ‘no.’ I’ve been able to find so many great mentors and people willing to answer questions or give feedback and advice. It’s become invaluable.

 

Fill out my online form.

This is What it Looks Like to Lose Your Virginity

0
0

Earlier this year, we surveyed over 3,000 college women on a topic we get questions about again and again: your ~first time~. Whether you're thinking of taking this step yourself or are just wondering how your first time compares to other collegiettes', check out what these women had to say about this momentous (or not so much) experience.

All of the Highlights from HC’s 5th Annual Her Conference

0
0

Collegiettes from all over the country gathered in New York City last month to celebrate HC’s 5th Annual Her Conference. Created to give college women like you the tools you need to excel on-campus and in the workplace, the annual event draws over 600 students—not to mention over 75 noteworthy professionals and brands—to talk all things female empowerment. The weekend was non-stop action with inspiring keynote speeches, panels, and workshops, as well as fun activations, contests, and giveaways. Weren’t able to make it? We’ve got you covered with these must-know event highlights.

On Friday evening, before the weekend even began (thanks, AMTRAK, for getting us there!) collegiettes enjoyed an exclusive in-store shopping event and meet and greet with  keynote speaker and esteemed fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff complete with champs, treats, and signed RM handbags! Saturday kicked off with a delicious breakfast (Chobani for the win) followed by Rebecca’s introductory conversation with Her Campus President and Co-founder Windsor Hanger Western. One of our favorite piece of wisdom she shared? “Whenever you take your own path, you always win.”

HC Co-Founder Windsor Hanger Western with Rebecca Minkoff.

 

The day continued with panels covering everything from how to land an entry-level gig in journalism to becoming a social media maven. Panelists hailed from such lauded companies as Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, Buzzfeed, Good Morning America, MTV, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, CNBC, Victoria’s Secret and The Muse, just to name a few. Collegiettes stayed hydrated and (well-fed!) with sweets, treats, and meals courtesy of Shake Shack, Suja Juice, Baked by Melissa, Sugarfina, and Kettle Brand.

How sweet is Baked by Melissa’s HCXO cupcake mosaic?!

 

Saturday’s keynotes also included SELF Editor-in-Chief Joyce Chang and Andi Dorfman, author, former Atlanta ADA and star of ABC’s “The Bachelor & The Bachelorette.” We love these two soundbites from both incredible women:

“Be the person you needed when you were younger.” — Joyce Chang

“In order to persevere, you have to fail.” — Andi Dorfman

The energy kept up between panels with fun activities from some of HC’s ~BFF~ brands:

  • Vera Bradley offered dedicated photo ops
  • Using their famous swiping technology, Tinder provided a polling station to identify trends in fashion, beauty, entertainment, and politics, set in a truly epic 3,500 red rose flower wall!
  • The DivaCup presented a fem care activation to explain once and for all, the most mysterious (and our new favorite) menstrual care necessity
  • A professional beauty bar by ULTA Beauty offered hair and makeup touch ups (naked palette for everyone!) ensured that collegiettes could get glam (and profesh) LinkedIn headshots

The ULTA Beauty Bar was *every* collegiette’s dream.

 

Conference participants also celebrated the return of the beloved tracksuit with a #TrackIsBack popsicles and prosecco networking reception and Instagram scavenger hunt courtesy of Juicy Couture—HC’s first ever partner.

   Track. Is. Back.

 

The fun continued on Sunday with the same goody bags and activations, new panelists, and even some workshops run by the HC staff.

A look inside the enviable #HerConference swag bag.

 

Sunday kicked off with a major keynote speech by ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief Vanessa De Luca. We especially loved this always-true takeaway: “A winner never quits and a quitter never wins.”

Vanessa De Luca is an unstoppable force in the magazine biz.

 

The day continued with an amazing line up of speakers hailing from Refinery29, POPSUGAR, Marie Claire, The International Business Times, ELLE, Soul Cycle, Forbes, Bustle, DoSomething.org, and HarperCollins.

Next up on the keynote roster was Olympic champion, fitness advocate, and author Nastia Liukin who shared the most valuable lessons she’s learned during her time in the spotlight. She urged, “You can never quit on a bad day.” Preach!

The Olympic champion

 

Finally, the day concluded with a conversation with Samantha Power, the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, led by Her Campus Editor-in-Chief, Stephanie Kaplan Lewis. Samantha revealed everything from what (or rather, who! Cough – Obama – cough) inspired her to work in government to her passion for human rights.

Samantha Power is remarkable.

 

Our favorite time keepers, Bertha Watches, were also on hand to present a check to the winner of their super-inspiring scholarship contest. It recognized one very lucky collegiette for her standout uniqueness. Love it!

As if that wasn’t enough, weekend attendees entered raffles to win prizes from brands like 7 For All Mankind, Aritzia, UGG, Urban Decay, Vince Camuto, and more.

It was definitely a weekend to remember. Until next year collegiettes!

 

5 Women Who Reached Success Later in Life

0
0

It’s a fact that the internet is inundated with articles, blog posts and advice columns about the struggles of adulthood that plague new grads. The pressure is on almost immediately to live up to those honor cords you wore proudly as you strutted across the stage at your commencement ceremony. But more and more college-educated millennials are finding their doe-eyed expectations of life in the real world crushed by prolonged unemployment, or the promise of one too many unpaid internships with companies who aren’t willing to hire them full-time.

It’s easy to feel discouraged, to wonder if you’ll ever be successful or if the only people who really believe you’re destined for greatness are your parents. 

We’re here to tell you that you’re not alone. But instead of boring you with age-old clichés about the long and winding road to success, we thought we would share very real stories from five women about how they achieved success later in life and what they learned along the way.

“I always reminded myself of my long-term goals…” – Kelley Kitley, psychotherapist and author of My Self, An Autobiography of Survival

Kelley Kitley knew what she wanted to do professionally at a very young age, but her journey to success was far from short or easy. Kitley admits, “I knew at age 16 I wanted to be a psychotherapist, [but] I also knew I had a long road ahead of me in school and training. I did my best to embrace every opportunity, as a way to get closer to my goals of owning a private practice.” She earned her undergraduate degree in social work, which, she says, allowed her to work in the non-profit industry—a noble and useful start that presented new challenges.

“[Working with] non-profits didn’t provide a livable salary for me,” so Kitley did what most college students do to earn extra money. She explains proudly, “I worked in the restaurant and bar industry on the weekends to supplement my income and always reminded myself of my long-term goals, which made the ride well worth it.”

With hard work and a positive outlook on life, Kitley persevered and, in the end, walked away with a few extremely valuable life lessons. “Each experience was a stepping stone, although not always recognizably so in the moment. Over the course of 20 years, I’ve worked for a dozen agencies—some I liked better than others. [But] today, I own my own practice—creating hours that are a good balance with four children. I’m a published author and speak nationally on women’s mental health issues.”

If ambition is your driving force, it’s easy to be overwhelmed when positive results aren’t always immediate. But, like Kitley realized with time, “[success] truly is a process.""That lesson has taught me patience and to enjoy where I’m at in the moment. Even in the least attractive work situations, I tried to focus on the gratitude and benefit. When that stopped working, I took a risk to find a better fit. So can you!” she says. Kitley reminds us to never give up on our dreams; if it’s important enough to land on your vision board, it’s worth pursuing relentlessly!

“Success is a moving target…” Anna Colibri, digital marketing entrepreneur

Unlike Kitley, Colibri didn’t always know where she saw herself professionally. Instead, she found her motivation in the midst of a difficult time in her life. “In my late 30s, I went through a divorce. I’d say traumatizing, but aren’t they all? In order to support two young boys in San Francisco, I had to create a career after 10 years of staying at home taking care of babies and teaching yoga part-time. To meet the challenge, I started my own marketing firm and haven’t looked back since.” Talk about girl power!

But Colibri admits that even a girl boss like herself doesn’t always start out that way. “When I was in my 20s, I was seeing a therapist who predicted I would be a late bloomer. I felt upset! We all want instant success, but the truth is none of us are going to get it. Why?” she asks. Because “success is a moving target that changes with your age, stage in life and other unique experiences.” Be patient with yourself as you go through each of these transitions and understand that, at each stage, you may very well define success differently than you did before.

For Colibri, the real reward is the sense of self-satisfaction and validation that comes with personal success. “It’s been difficult at times running my own company—can you say 15-hour day? [But] I have never been happier or prouder of myself. I think achieving success later in life is great.” If you’re worried that your time hasn’t come yet, Colibri says encouragingly, “Why peak early? Keep setting new goals for every area of your life and you’ll be amazed at what little ol’ you can achieve!” And that’s a lesson we can all use from time to time.

Related: Is It Ever Too Late for You to Change Career Paths?

“I started exploring…” –Jodi Adler, TV personality and author of How Dare You: Helpful hints for staying sane in an insane world

TV personality Jodi Adler went to college to become something very different from what she's doing now. “I wanted to be a financial analyst,” she says. “I kept plugging away for months and months, applying for all sorts of jobs in areas that I thought I’d get hired. Eventually, after about a year of hunting, I was hired in finance, what I thought was my chosen field.” But, as fate would have it, Adler decided that the position wasn’t a good fit for her, so she started pursuing other related options.

She began with a little exploration, identifying her strengths and ways that she could monetize them. “As a financial analyst, I would read The Wall Street Journal every day and I thought, ‘I can write, I’m going to be a financial reporter,’ [so] I set a goal of being on-air in a major city before I was 30—and I did it! I did do some financial reporting and I think that background helped me get hired at some radio stations. But guess what? The environment at the last major city newsroom I worked at completely changed my mind. So I started exploring…again…and I found acting, voice over and writing”—a far cry from where she first started out.

The benefit of being as professionally and creatively diverse as Adler was prepared to be is that it allowed her to be more self-sufficient. “It’s rare for someone in my field to have an understanding of numbers and finance. Plus, there are every day references that I just get because of my finance background.” And, as for her degree in finance, she says, “it was important in the ‘big picture’ of life. It’s something I accomplished.”

Sometimes, it’s okay to make what seems like a drastic career move as long as it’s for the right reasons. Adler explains, “I’ve changed careers because I wanted fulfillment in my life. I’d suggest that when starting a career, you never give up your dreams because they do become reality, and then life changes. You change. Jump in and try even if the job you get is not what you thought you wanted. It’s an adventure! What you think you want to do may one day surprise you.”

“I was on the six-year plan…”—Kimberley Wallace, renewable energy expert and entrepreneur

Kimberley Wallace’s secret to success has always been investing in her personal development—intellectually and professionally. But her journey, like the others, has not been without turbulence along the way. “I worked my way up, putting myself through college. I thought I wanted to be a doctor. I spent years accumulating my biology, chemistry and anatomy classes only to sit in Organic Chem II and not understand a thing my professor was talking about. Not having the confidence in myself to switch up professors, I completely changed my career direction to communication and psychology.”

Even in the face of uncertainty, Wallace’s commitment to success never wavered. She says, “I was on the six-year plan because I would work one semester and go to college the next. I took every entry-level role I could, learning the ins and outs of marketing and public relations.” She got her start in the energy efficiency industry when she moved to San Diego in her 20s, but it wasn’t easy.

Her six-year college plan may have been over, but her professional journey would go on to span almost two decades. “I self-taught and took every opportunity to work with senior engineers who had the patience to teach me what they knew. I’m not an engineer even to this day, but now in my 40s, there’s no one in the energy industry who can tell me I don’t know what I’m talking about because I paid my dues.”

Wallace’s challenges—and, more specifically, the barriers that she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field—encouraged her to do what she does now. “I provide a platform to help bridge the information gap within an industry that can be very intimidating. Kill-a-watt Kimmie (Wallace’s online personality) is a superhero designed to ignite interest in energy efficiency for people of all ages. “Given my career path, my legacy is to teach others, to give them the information it took me decades to understand and if I can help one person, that's my gage of success,” she explains. The best part about knowing that you’ve achieved success is knowing that you are finally in a position to help others do the same.

Success is not always instantaneous nor is it guaranteed. Circumstances change. And people change. It’s important to know when to be patient and when to seize a new opportunity. Sometimes, the time to jump is sooner than you think—maybe even just a few years after graduating from college, for example.

“I am filled with so much passion and excitement…”—Heather DeSantis, 27-year-old freelance publicist

Heather DeSantis worked as a publicist at an advertising agency for approximately three years, where she dealt with national food brands, nutritionists and even NFL players. “I was and am extremely results-driven and would secure 35 segments per week for all of my clients. [But] in my heart and soul, I knew I wanted to do more,” she says. “I have so much gratitude for everything I learned from my time at the agency, but I felt cornered," she says. DeSantis was faced with a tough decision, but in the end she vowed to pursue her dream of being an entrepreneur.

“I decided to become a freelance publicist for female entrepreneurs and health coaches. I wanted to work really hard, help a lot of people and build my business around what was most important to me,” DeSantis, a self-proclaimed fitness fanatic, explains. But, like most young entrepreneurs, she immediately encountered a roadblock. Because she no longer had a steady source of income, DeSantis decided it was more financially responsible to move back home with her mom—a life change that the young businesswoman says was a blessing in disguise. “My mom has always supported me but, after my dad died in my senior year of high school and I went to college, it was a huge struggle. Moving home has given me time to deepen my relationship with my mom,” she says.

DeSantis knows, from personal experience, that life doesn’t always go as planned. But she hasn’t let that get in the way of her professional dreams. “Every day, I wake up and get to work on my business. I am filled with so much passion and excitement. Nothing excites me more than hearing back from a producer that they want to have my client on air. I am eager to build a life first and to build a business around that.”

Related: 5 Things Millennials Want Their Employers to Know

If you’ve recently graduated from college and are feeling uninspired or under-accomplished, remember that your journey is just beginning. No one expects you to have it all figured it out by now, and you shouldn’t either. Take this time to explore your professional interests and learn more about the things you’re really good at. Everything else will fall into place eventually.

Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images