When you join a sorority, it becomes a huge part of your college life. You’ve made amazing friends in your sorority, but should you take the next step and live in the house with them? No matter what kind of house your sorority might have, we’ve pulled together some pros and cons of living in a sorority house to help you decide what’s best for you.

Pros

1. You’ll get to live with your best friends

You can have fun doing anything with your sisters, whether you’re getting dressed up in crazy outfits for themed parties or you’re working together to create great philanthropy events. But when you live with your friends, you get to experience everything with them, from rolling out of bed for an early morning class to getting ready for a night out. Whether there are 10 or 50 girls living in your sorority house, you’ll never be stuck feeling lonely.

“I lived in an apartment fall quarter and found it to be so lonely sometimes,” says Jennifer Steele, a sophomore in Gamma Phi Beta at the University of California, Los Angeles. “When you live in the [sorority] house, you are always around friends, and for me, being around all the girls in the house not only made everything so much more fun (like meals and The Bachelor viewing parties), but also motivated me to study more and get my work done.”

Jennifer says that the house environment is fun and social, but it also helps her academically and is very conducive for staying focused on schoolwork.

Jaclyn Turner, a sorority sister at the University of Maryland, says that her sorority house is the center of her social life. When all your friends are in one location, you don’t need to look far for a good time. If you want to enhance your social life, then living in your sorority house might be just the thing to put you right in the middle of the fun!

2. You’ll be close to everything

In the midst of all the stress that college can bring, convenience can be everything. When you’ve finally gotten into a good study rhythm, the last thing you want to do is trek across campus to attend a chapter meeting. But when you live in the sorority house, all of that happens under your roof.

Jennifer finds that it’s helpful to have a study group of girls who live where she does. Her sorority house is also located in a convenient place on campus, so her walk to class only takes between three and 10 minutes.

Sarah*, a junior at the University of Northern Colorado, says that since she lives in her sorority house, she never has to walk far to attend a meeting. When all the meetings happen in the house, it can help you be on time for mandatory events. You’ll also run less a risk of forgetting an event or meeting, since all your housemates are probably going to them, too.

3. You get dining and cleaning perks

If you’ve become nostalgic for your mom’s delicious homemade meals or her superhero ability to keep the house tidy, then you might enjoy having a house mom in the sorority house. Some sororities choose to have a house mom to cook meals for the sisters and keep things clean, which can be a huge help when you’re trying to balance a busy schedule. Think TheHouse Bunny…but toned down a few notches.

Sarah says that although her house does not have a house mom, her sorority gets groceries delivered to the house. “It costs more to get them delivered, which is annoying, but convenient,” she says.

4. You’ll have the full sorority experience

In addition to a stellar social life, living in your sorority house can give you an experience that you won’t have again after college. Learning to live with a group of your best friends will teach you more about your sisters than you would ever know otherwise. Sure, things might get tense sometimes when you’re trying to decide who gets to shower first in the morning, but ultimately, all your experiences will bring you closer together.

“At first I really was not sure I wanted to live in [the sorority house]; I thought it would be too loud and hectic all of the time,” Jennifer says. “But once I was able to get to know my sisters more, I realized that I would have so much fun living under one roof with all of them.”

Jennifer says that she would recommend living in the house to anyone, and her only regret was not moving in sooner!

Cons

1. You’ll have to follow the rules

Before you commit to living in the sorority house, you’ll want to gain a good understanding of any rules and limitations that are enforced in the house. Many sororities have rules regarding alcohol, chores and visitation hours.

At her sorority house, Sarah says boys and other visitors can only be in the house until 10 p.m. on weekdays and 2 a.m. on weekends. There are also rules prohibiting alcohol in the house and enforcing quiet hours. If you don’t do a chore that was assigned to you, you get fined.

This might be a good way to bring some structure into a potentially wild environment, but it could also make your college experience feel a lot more like living with your parents than living on your own.

2. You’ll have limited personal space

Sorority houses might look big and beautiful from the outside, but inside, things can get a little tight. Jaclyn says it can be hard when so many girls live in one house.  In most sorority houses, you’ll have to share a bedroom with at least one other girl, if not more, so you probably won’t have the luxury of a single room while you’re in the house.

More girls in tight quarters also means limited closet and storage space. Jaclyn says that she has to deal with small closet space, which can definitely be hard to manage with all the cute clothes you accumulate for date nights and formals.

But depending on where you go to school and how your sorority house is set up, the size of the house and the number of girls who live in it varies. If you don’t mind sharing a room, bathroom or closet with a few of your closest friends, then you might do just fine with the space you’ll have.

3. You’ll have limited alone time

Another problem that could arise with a large group of girls living under one roof is having trouble finding some time to yourself. Jaclyn says that she doesn’t get any “me” time in her house. On one hand, living with your best friends could be great because you never have to be alone. But for those times when all you need is a moment of solitude to collect your thoughts, you might just want to steal away from your sorority sisters.

“I do regret my decision because I am a more private person, and privacy is not possible in a sorority house,” Sarah says. Eleven girls live in her house, and living with that many girls can make it difficult to get any alone time. There is also the possibility of guests being in the house, which increases the population even more while decreasing the chance to have some peace and quiet.

4. Your sorority might become your life

When you spend every waking (and sleeping) hour with the women in your sorority, there’s a strong possibility that your life will get totally consumed by everything Greek. This might not be a bad thing for you, but if could make it harder to spend time with other people and do activities that aren’t related to your sorority.

“I refrained from living with my sorority [sisters] because I already spend so much time with them,” says Hannah Richman, a junior at Hofstra University. “I felt that if I moved in with them I would never see any of my other friends, and I didn't want to be the girl that lost all of her friends because she joined a sorority.”

If you’re worried that living in the house might put in you a tough situation like this, it’s important to be mindful of balancing both worlds from the start. If you block out certain times or days to devote to your non-sorority friends or activities, then you run less of a risk of neglecting the other important parts of your life.

No matter what you choose, your sorority sisters will always be there for you. While it might be more convenient to have them as your roommates, many campuses also have close enough housing that you’ll still be able to see your sisters easily enough. “At my school, a lot of the girls don't live together, and we live close enough to one another that we see each other when we want to,” Hannah says.

If you’re still not sure if a sorority house is right for you, but you still want to live with your sisters, you can look into the option of living with a few of them in a dorm or apartment. This way, you can test you the waters before you jump headfirst into the full sorority-house experience.

Tired of having to sort out the “nice guys” from the “bad boys”? Want to move up from one-night stand to full-time girlfriend, but unsure of how to do so? Stop worrying, because Real Live College Guy Dale is finally here to help with all of your collegiette love kerfuffles and help steer you clear of any unnecessary drama during your brief but ever-important time in college.

Can I get a guy's opinion on labels on relationships and the unlabeled relationship? I have been dating a guy who doesn't like labels but is exclusively dating me. He believes that expectations of a certain label will cause the relationship to change. I was just wondering if I could get an honest opinion from a guy. –Confused at C of C

Confused,

Labels (or a lack thereof) can certainly be confusing. What are we? Are we anything? If we are something, why can’t I say so? What’s with your hesitance to call us a thing?

For some people, labels serve a purely social purpose. I hate to compare it to owning something, but when you label a relationship, you’re saying, “This person is my boyfriend/girlfriend” (an apt example would be making a relationship “Facebook official”). You’re telling the world that the person you’re seeing is off-limits to everyone else.

For other people, labels serve a personal purpose. It’s nice to know where you stand with someone, and labeling your relationship allows you to do so. When you define the relationship, you know what the terms of the relationship are (Are we exclusive? Is this an open relationship?).

But labels can be scary, especially if the situation emerged from a simple hook-up or a friends-with-benefits situation. With those, labels force you to confront your feelings and decide what you really want. However, if the guy you’re seeing has been exclusively dating you for a while (which I would define as anywhere between a few months and a year or longer), then I see no reason why he would fear a label unless he has something to hide.

Of course labels can change relationships, but more often than not, they change them for the better. Instead of constantly stressing out about what you are or aren’t, they give you breathing room. After putting a label on your relationship, you know where you stand with the other person.

Unlabeled relationships are for frequent hook-ups or friends with benefits. Labels are for people who are exclusively dating each other (like you and your guy, Confused) and are ready to define the relationship. Like I said before, labels give you the personal benefit of knowing where you stand—they give you peace of mind, and how could anyone be afraid of that?

Your guy is hesitant to label the relationship for fear of changing, but I think he needs to realize that “change” isn’t always a synonym for “destroy.” Change doesn’t have to be bad, as long as the two of you are on the same page. Talk things out and ask him what exactly he thinks will change if you use labels. Unless he has something to hide, I don’t see what the big deal is.

Most people who have tried to eat a healthy diet will tell you that moderation of unhealthy foods is a lot easier than trying to eliminate them from your diet altogether. Today, though, people are constantly thinking of healthy alternatives to your favorite foods, so you can enjoy the taste without the calories.

Now, we’re bringing you some of our favorite skinny dessert recipes from around the web so that you can satisfy your sweet tooth without ruining your health goals.

Big Fudgy Bittersweet Brownies
Calories per serving: 250

The plain yogurt in these brownies will give you four grams of protein per serving, and the cocoa powder and baking chocolate will satisfy any chocolate lover’s cravings.

Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1 egg white
• 3 tablespoons plain nonfat yogurt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1/3 cup canola oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 ounces high-quality, unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped
• 1/3 cup unbleached, all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup buckwheat or pre-sifted whole wheat flour

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Lightly coat an eight-inch, square nonstick baking pan with cooking spray. In a small bowl, whisk together egg, egg white, yogurt, and vanilla extract. Set aside.
• In a small saucepan, combine sugar, oil, salt, and three tablespoons water, stirring constantly for three minutes on medium-high heat. Remove from heat. Stir in cocoa and chocolate until chocolate melts, then add egg mixture. Add all flour, stirring until batter is smooth.
• Pour batter into baking pan. Bake 25 minutes or until top is firm. Cool completely in pan on rack. Cut into squares.

Blueberry Almond Turtles
Calories per turtle: 104

These are a delicious, healthy twist on a classic candy. The blueberries pack in plenty of antioxidants, and the almonds will give you protein and fiber. And at just 104 calories per serving, you don’t have to feel guilty about snacking away.

Ingredients

• 7 Tbsp (2.5 oz) 60% cocoa bittersweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup dried wild blueberries
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds

Directions

• Microwave chocolate in a glass bowl for 60 to 75 seconds or until melted.
• Stir in blueberries and nuts. Then, drop five rounded tablespoons onto parchment paper.
• Cool in refrigerator for two to four minutes or until firm. The recipe makes five turtles.

Honey Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies
Calories per cookie: 100

This recipe is a great twist on a classic cookie. With just 100 calories and only five grams of fat per cookie, these are a way better alternative than the Oreos in your dorm vending machine.

Ingredients

• Cooking spray
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup canola oil
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup smooth unsalted almond butter
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk
• 1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour, or 1/2 cup each all-purpose and whole-wheat flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 3/4 cups rolled oats
• 1/2 cup raisins

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Mist two baking sheets with cooking spray. Beat the butter, canola oil, honey, egg, almond butter and vanilla extract in a large bowl with a mixer until combined.
• In another bowl, whisk the dry milk, flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and stir to combine. Stir in the oats and raisins.
• Then, scoop tablespoons of batter, about two inches apart, onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake until golden, about 12 minutes. Let the cookies cool for two minutes on the baking sheets and then transfer to a rack to cool completely. You can store the cookies in a loosely covered container for up to three days.

Strawberry Swirl Bars
Calories per serving: 240

Made with Greek yogurt, these bars are way healthier than your average slice of cheesecake, while still tasting great. If you love fruit, this is the perfect low-cal treat to finish off a meal.

Ingredients

• 1 c. low-fat graham cracker crumbs
• 3 tbsp. butter, melted
• 1 c. non-fat vanilla Greek yogurt
• 1 8 oz. package reduced-fat cream cheese
• 1/2 c. Splenda
• 3 eggs
• 3 tbsp. flour
• 4 tbsp. sugar-free strawberry jelly

Directions

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• Mix graham cracker crumbs and butter together and press into an 8 x 8 in. baking plan. Bake crust for 10 minutes.
• Blend the Greek yogurt, cream cheese, sugar, eggs, and flour in a food processor until smooth.
• Swirl the 4 tbsp. of jelly into the mixture. Pour over the baked crust.
• Bake for 25 minutes or until the filling is solidified. Let cool.
• Cover and refrigerate for several hours prior to serving. Makes 9 squares.

Peanut Butter Macaroons
Calories per cookie: 48

If you love peanut butter, you’ll love this healthy cookie recipe. And with just 48 calories each, they’re almost too good to be true. Using egg whites cuts down on the cholesterol, and the peanut butter will give you protein to get through your day.

Ingredients

• 2 egg whites
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar
• Dash salt
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups chocolate-flavored crisp rice cereal
• 1/3 cup chopped, honey-roasted peanuts

Directions

• Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly grease two cookie sheets or line with parchment paper and set aside.
• In a medium mixing bowl, beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt with an electric mixer on high speed until soft peaks form (tips curl). Gradually add sugar, about one tablespoon at a time, beating until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Gently fold in peanut butter. Fold in cereal. Drop mixture by rounded teaspoons two inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts.
• Bake for 10 minutes. Turn oven off and let cookies dry in oven with door closed for 15 minutes. Remove macaroons from cookie sheets to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes about 30 macaroons.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Bars
Calories per serving: not listed

If classic PB&J is more your style, you’ll love these dessert bars. They’re as satisfying as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and using natural peanut butter and a butter substitute makes the recipe even healthier.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter or margarine
• 1 cup peanut butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup flour (whole-wheat or regular)
• 1 cup old fashioned oats
• 3/4 cup raspberry preserves
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips, optional

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 8- or 9-inch square baking pan.
• In a large bowl, combine the cream, butter and peanut butter with brown sugar. Add egg and vanilla. Stir in powder and salt. Gently mix in flour, then oats.
• Pat half of mixture into prepared pan. Spread with preserves and top with chocolate chips, if using. Crumble remaining mixture over the top of the preserves.
• Bake for about 40 minutes, or until golden brown, and set. If you want them to slice perfectly, let them cool for at least 30 minutes.

Banana “Soft Serve”
Calories per serving: 108.5

If you’re craving a banana split, whip up this healthier version instead. You’ll be able to enjoy your favorite fruit without totally blowing your daily calories.

Ingredients

• Four frozen bananas, peeled

Directions

• Place frozen, peeled bananas in the bowl of a food processor.
• Pulse several times to break into smaller pieces, then turn on and run for about five minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl. The bananas will start to resemble soft serve in a few minutes.
• Transfer to a bowl and place in the freezer for about 15 minutes, or serve immediately.

There you have it, collegiettes—these recipes prove that you can enjoy a delicious dessert and be healthy at the same time. You don’t have to sacrifice taste for nutrition with these skinny desserts, so don’t feel guilty if you decide to try them all. We recommend not trying them at the same time, though: Everything should be taken in moderation, because even a “skinny” dessert can become unhealthy if you eat too many of them.

Want more healthy dessert recipes? Check these out!

For some reason, celebrities love giving their children bizarre names that make us question their sanity. Here are some of the worst celeb baby names ever created!

1. Apple (Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin) 

The last time we checked, an apple was a fruit, not a name, Gwyneth.

2. Jermajesty (Jermaine Jackson)

Is it even possible to say this name without laughing? 

3. Petal Blossom Rainbow (Jamie Oliver)

Her siblings are named Poppy Honey Rosie, Daisy Boo Pamela and Buddy Bear Maurice. It looks like someone got creative! 

4. Diva Thin Muffin (Frank Zappa) 

Apparently when you're the child of a celebrity, three first names are necessary.

5. Pilot Inspektor (Jason Lee)

This bizzare name was inspired by the song "He's Simple, He's Dumb, He's the Pilot." But that still doesn't explain the misspelling of "inspector."

6. Tu Morrow (Rob Morrow)

Tu Morrow. TuMorrow. Tomorrow. Get it? 

7. Zuma Nesta Rock (Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale) 

Personal meaning aside (supposedly "Zuma" for Zuma Beach in Malibu, "Nesta" because it was Bob Marley's original given name and "Rock" for obvious reasons), this kid's going to be in for a lot of teasing. 

8. Blanket (Michael Jackson) 

No. Just... no. 

9. North (Kanye West and Kim Kardashian)

Kim and Kanye, I'mma let you finish, but this is one of the worst baby names of all time.

10. Bear Blu Jarecki (Alicia Silverstone) 

Cher Horowitz is totally buggin'! 

11. Kyd (Tea Leoni and David Duchovny) 

A kid named Kyd. How original!

Sick of eating cereal and ramen for lunch and dinner? Want to spend less money eating out and finally start cooking for yourself? Put down that frozen pizza, because HC’s Health Editor, Sammie Levin, is here to share her daily eats so you can get ideas for healthy, satisfying meals that are easy enough for any time-strapped collegiette to make. After you read Collegiette Eats, your taste buds, wallet and waistline will thank you.

Breakfast

Friday morning, I had a really easy on-the-go breakfast. I was running late to class, so I had less than a minute to throw something in my bag. I put a handful of pistachios, almonds and goji berries in a plastic bag and grabbed a pomegranate-flavored Greek yogurt and an Evolution drink. The Essential Greens flavor has only 70 calories per bottle and is made from only good stuff: celery, cucumber, spinach, romaine, kale, lime, parsley, wheatgrass and clover sprouts. Fast food doesn't have to be your only option when you need food fast! This breakfast took all of 30 seconds to gather and is a good balance of protein (the yogurt and nuts), healthy fats (the nuts) and vitamins (the juice). Not a bad way to start the day. Plus, sometimes I like eating my breakfast in class instead of at home because it's more bearable to listen to a lecture at 8:30 a.m. when you're eating tasty food! 

Lunch 

For lunch, I made a slightly weird concoction because I'm low on groceries, so I combined bunch of random things in a bowl. It kind of ended up tasting like fried rice, though, so I was all about it. In the mix: two fried eggs, two pieces of turkey bacon, a half cup of edamame, a half cup of quinoa and a little bit of shredded vegan cheese (which, unsurprisngly, doesn't taste enough like regular cheese for my liking, but I wanted to give it a try). I sprinkled some salt and pepper on top, and midway through the bowl I added some Frank's RedHot to the mix. Like I said, it was a slightly weird lunch, but it was good and filling. 

Dinner 

I had an absolute feast for dinner Friday night at Raja Rani, an Indian restaurant in Ann Arbor, with my friend. We ordered the Dinner for Two to be able to get a little taste of everything, and it turned out to be the size of a Dinner for Four, at least. We were both stuffed by the end but we still had a ton of leftovers to take home. Win. It came with tandoori chicken, chicken curry, navratan korma (vegetables cooked in herbs and spices and a creamy sauce), basmati rice, naan (garlic and plain) and salad. We got mango lassi to drink, which is the Indian version of a really thick smoothie. The cool, sweet lassi helped to wash down all the fiery spices of the dishes.

By the time we couldn't eat another bite, the waiter came by and reminded us that dessert was included with our meal. Wow. We couldn't turn down a free dessert, so we took one for the team and had a few bites. I got rice pudding, and I am so glad that I did because it was unreal. Rice pudding doesn't sound like it would be decadent, but this one seriously was. It was unbelievably rich and creamy, with an amazing cinnamon and cardamom flavor. I know there must have been a lot of sugar and dairy to get it to that level of deliciousness, but just a few bites hit the spot (especially considering how full I was), so I didn't even have the option to overdo it. This was only my second or third time having Indian food ever, but I loved it. I can't make a habit of these elaborate feasts, but I do want to eat them more often! So flavorful. 

36 Signs You're a Second-Semester Senior was all to real for those of you about to graduate.

Let me start off by saying that this is really hard for me to write.  I’ve only ever had one real boyfriend, and I really was in love with him for most of the time we were together.  And when the relationship was at its highest points, I can’t even begin to tell you how happy we were together, but the lows were miserable, even devastating.  Still, as bad as it got, nothing was more painful and emotionally crushing to me than the realization that I was no longer in love with my boyfriend; in fact, I began to realize that I’d fallen out of love with him a long time ago.

Tom* and I met in high school through a mutual friend when I was a freshman and he was a sophomore. I’d only had one boyfriend before him, and it was really only a relationship in name (we never even kissed).  All my friends had boyfriends, and I was reaching a point of near desperation.  Not to mention the fact that I’ve always had some self-confidence issues, and I unfortunately rely heavily on male approval to feel good about myself.  (I’ve been trying to work on that particular character flaw, but it’s difficult.)  So, when I found myself IM-ing Tom for literally four or five hours every night, talking about anything and everything, I thought I’d struck gold.  He seemed sweet, funny, intelligent… really all you could ask for in a high school boyfriend.

The problem was that we were both incredibly awkward and comically inept at conversing with the opposite gender, so I essentially had a major crush on a guy I’d never said more than ten words to in person.  That didn’t stop him from asking me out (through IM), though, so we became Facebook official.  Naturally, a whole collection of problems comes with a relationship in which neither party can hold an interesting conversation with the other.  Tom and I forged on, though, and we eventually reached a point of contentment—even happiness—together.  I like to think that I was happy, but I doubt that I really was.

In the beginning, he clearly liked me way more than I liked him, so I got annoyed with his clinginess and broke up with him (through IM) a few months after we started dating.  I cried all night long and immediately apologized the next day, so we made up (through IM). 

Then, at some point during my sophomore year, the dynamic switched: I clearly became the clingier of the two of us.  Admittedly, I was that girlfriend who would send dozens of texts an hour, even if Tom was with friends.  If he didn’t respond, I’d get huffy and hurt.  I hate that I did that.  Still, that wasn’t our biggest problem.  His entire group of friends HATED me and pressured him daily to dump me.  To this day, I don’t know what I did to them to make them dislike me so much.  My friends liked him enough when we first started going out, but they quickly changed their minds after he hurt me the first time. Anyway, this is the point in our relationship that we’d get in weekly fights (through IM) that almost always ended in near-breakups.  Every near-breakup was heart wrenching and literally painful. I did love Tom, and I enjoyed hanging out with him when we weren’t fighting or passive-aggressively expressing our frustrations with one another.  I think that I was probably more afraid of breaking up, however, because it meant I’d lose a boyfriend, not that I’d lose Tom.

Fast forward about eight months…

One of the things that Tom and I discussed in somewhat great detail was pot and how it had such a negative effect on all his friends.  He was the only one who didn’t smoke, and he told me endless stories about how stupid it made them and how their personalities changed once they started smoking.  Up until I heard all this, I never really had an opinion on the topic.  His constant rants and the knowledge that he would break up with me if I ever smoked really formed my opinion, though, so somewhere along the way, I really, truly hated the idea of anyone I knew smoking.  Imagine my surprise, then, when I came back from a three-week vacation out of the country with no cell service or Internet and found out through one of my best friends that the straightedge boyfriend I left behind was long gone.  In his place was a full-fledged stoner.

I got physically ill when I heard that news, and night after night we fought until he finally broke up with me.  We (of course) got back together a month later, but all the trust that I had in him was gone.  It took me an entire school year (I was a junior at this point) to rebuild the trust, and I came to terms with the fact that he smoked.  I actually joined him, although I only did it to gain his approval.  I smoked probably a total of fifty times in my life over the span of two or three years, and every single time was with him.  I really hate myself for that.  He promised, though, that he only smoked weed and would never try any other drug.  Ever.

Toward the end of the school year, just as we started to be happy again (and I swear, we really were happy), he broke my trust a second time.  Just a few hours after we came back from his senior prom (which was a magical night for me), he went to a beach house with his friends and spent the weekend tripping on acid.  The worst part of it all is that he swore to me that he didn’t do anything at the beach, but I did some digging around and found out otherwise.

Devastated doesn’t even begin to cover how I felt.  I had to step outside of class and literally fell to my knees in the hallway, sobbing.  I know that sounds dramatic of me, but it was a physical reaction that I couldn’t control.  Throughout our relationship, I was so emotionally invested in constantly trying to prevent breakups that I think it had a weird physical effect on me.  Meanwhile, the drugs had more or less changed him as a person.  He still had the same interests and sense of humor, but his compassion and ability to think about my feelings and how much he was hurting me seemed to disappear as time went on.

Needless to say, we fought for months before breaking up.  He went off to college, and I began senior year as truly single for the first time in years.  I even sort of began to heal, but I was so scared of the possibility that maybe Tom was my one and only true love and I’d never have a boyfriend again (dramatic, I know, but it was a real possibility in my mind) that we got back together.  Drugs were no longer something I let myself worry about, and I spent all my time trying to make the relationship perfect.

We actually probably had the most fun for the first few months after I graduated and went to college.  We had more freedom, and we’d matured.  He’d take the bus up to Boston to visit me once or twice a month, and every time I went home, I’d stop at his place for a few days first.  We were really happy, but everything started to permanently go downhill around the beginning of my second semester.

Tom and I would talk (online) every day, but we’d run out of things to talk about.  I really wanted to focus on my work, so whenever he asked, “What’s up?” my answer was some variation of “busy and stressed.”  He started to doubt that we were working as a couple, but every time he brought it up, I’d shoo the topic away. Also, it was right around this time that he started dealing amongst his close friends and, eventually, a startlingly large collection of people from all around my hometown area.  I had a problem with this, but not because of trust.  Mostly, I was annoyed that he was jeopardizing my safety by dealing drugs (mostly weed, sometimes more serious drugs like ecstasy or pills) when I visited him.  My particular career path is one that absolutely cannot in any way be tainted by anything drug-related, even if I don’t partake in doing drugs myself.  He tried to respect this as much as possible by dealing in another room, but let’s be honest; if a drug bust were to occur when I was in that house, I would be arrested whether or not there were drugs in the room I was in.

Finally, I was completely turned off by basically every sexual act we engaged in.  I don’t know how it happened or why, but I just absolutely did not under any circumstances want to do anything sexual with him anymore.  If I had to determine around what time I fell out of love with him, my best guess would be around the same time that I stopped enjoying sex with him.  Love makes the whole experience more enjoyable, and a lack of love, in this case, clearly turned me off completely.

We continued to date for the rest of my freshman year of college and into the summer, but I think we both knew that the relationship was coming to an end.  I’m very serious about pursuing my dream career, so I worked all summer at an internship and didn’t really have time to talk with him.  I saw him maybe once every week or two, but we actually found ourselves reverting back to our passive aggressive actions to express our frustration with the state of our relationship.

The last straw for both of us- but especially me- occurred on one night in July when I slept over at his apartment.  Literally seconds after we’d finished having sex (I felt bad for denying him sex for so long), I burst into uncontrollable tears because I was so disgusted with the sex we’d just had (I was just so emotionally disengaged that it felt almost dirty to me).  We didn’t break up that night in words, but we both knew that it was only a matter of time.

Tom left for the west coast for all of August to visit family, and before he left, I hugged him and cried because I think I subconsciously knew that that would be the last time I’d ever hug him like that again.  We kept in touch by sending a text or two every day, but almost no communication occurred beyond that point.  Finally, a week before I went back to school, I summoned up the courage to call him after work and break up with him.  He didn’t pick up the phone (I called three times), so I went on Facebook, saw that he was online, and messaged him.  In a weird way, it was almost poetic that our relationship started through IMing and ended on Facebook chat.

The breakup itself wasn’t difficult.  In fact, it was quick, easy, and polite.  What was difficult for me was that I literally did not shed one tear; I didn’t lose any sleep over it; I wasn’t sad.  As I said before, the most devastating part of my relationship was fully realizing that I hadn’t been in love with him for a long time.

Tom and I keep in touch every once in a while just to catch up.  We’re not friends, but he was my first love and I was his, so we try to honor that.  From what I’ve heard, he still deals, but he’s happy and can’t wait to graduate college.  I spent the past six months or so since the breakup working harder than I ever worked before during my fall semester, and I’m currently working full-time at my dream job with an amazing group of coworkers.  I surround myself with friends, family, and really anything I have a passion for, and I’ve worked on my self-consciousness issues.  I learned so much about myself and what not to do in my future relationships.

Most importantly, though, I love being single… and I don’t miss Tom at all.

*Name was changed

Broke from calling late night love lines for advice? Looking for the lowdown on the hoedown when it comes to college guys? Real Live College Guy Sean is here to help you pick apart the mind of the average college guy. Whether it’s avoiding that awkward weekend hook-up, or full-on relationship advice, Sean is here to save the day!

At what point in a relationship should you first say 'I love you?' I've been dating my boyfriend for almost four months now and I definitely feel something stronger than "like." I think he does too, but is four months too soon? If he feels it too, how do I get him to say it first? – Loving Him at Lawrence

Oh man, this is the big one. “I love you” is one of the most feared phrases in any relationship. Say it too early and it’s the kiss of death. Timing is everything (no one wants the relationship to feel one-sided, right?). Luckily, there are ways to approach the situation without having this happen.

First of all, make sure you’re actually in love with him. Spending time together and being comfortable around someone is great, but if you’re only doing it because you’re going through the motions of the relationship, you’re not in love. On the other hand, if all you do is smile whenever they pop into your head, you’re probably head over heels. Once you’re sure that you do love him, you’ve got to feel out how he feels about your relationship.

If you want to make sure he feels it too, you have to hint at how you’re feeling. When you’re together, wait for a lull in the conversation, and tell him that you really like spending time together and that you’re enjoying how things are progressing. When it comes to love, most guys won’t drop the L bomb first unless they are fairly certain that you feel the same way. We hate rejection, and moreover, we hate when the affection feels one-sided. So even if we absolutely cannot live without you, we’re going to play it cool until we’re pretty sure you share the same feelings. After all, there aren’t many things that are more awkward than saying, “I love you” and getting “Thanks!” in return.

That being said, there is no specific timeline for dropping the big “love” bomb.  It sounds like you guys have been together for a reasonable amount of time, and depending on how much time you spend together, four months doesn’t sound like an unreasonable amount of time. However, if your relationship is long-distance, or you guys only see one another on the weekends, four months may not be a reasonable amount of time to fully decide how you feel.

Also, why do you have to wait for him to say it? You’re in a relationship, and you should have just as much of a voice as he does. Now that you’re an established couple, he’s much less likely to panic if he doesn’t feel the same way.

If you’re still persistent on him saying it first, remember to be patient, and as I said before, he probably won’t say anything until he knows the feeling is mutual. In the meantime, keep flirting with him and leave little clues here and there about how you really feel. If he feels the same way, it won’t be long before he’s planning how to tell you his true feelings. The “cat and mouse” game that ensues when you’re still feeling out one another’s affection is exciting, so have fun with it!

We know that Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Mindy Kaling are hilarious, but they also have a lot of good life advice! Get inspired by these nine quotes from our favorite funny women. 

1. "If you retain nothing else, always remember the most important rule of beauty, which is: who cares?" -Tina Fey

2. "Girls, if a boy says something that isn't funny, you don't have to laugh." -Amy Poehler

3. "Confidence is 10 percent hard work and 90 percent delusion." -Tina Fey

4. "I think women dress for other women to let them know what their deal is. Because if women were only dressing for men, there would be nothing but Victoria’s Secret. There would be no Dior.” -Tina Fey

5. "Take your risks now; as you become older, you become more fearful and less flexible. And I mean that literally. I hurt my knee this week on the treadmill, and it wasn't even on." -Amy Poehler

6. "Anybody who doesn't make you feel good, kick them to the curb. And the earlier you start in your life, the better." -Amy Poehler 

7. “If you’re a kid who was not especially a star in your high school, I recommend going to a college in the middle of nowhere. I got all the attention I could ever have wanted.” -Mindy Kaling

8. "There's power in looking silly and not caring that you do." -Amy Poehler

9. "Sometimes you just have to put on lip gloss and pretend to be psyched." - Mindy Kaling 

Where is Jesse Pinkman now? [The Independent]

3 surprising ways the brain controls how you love. [Your Tango]

How to make stress work for you (and not against you). [I Want Her Job]

The March Madness workoutbracket. [Life by DailyBurn]

The worst guy ever. [Vice]

52 celebrities and their college majors. [BuzzFeed]

8 ways to guarantee you’ll stay single. [Thought Catalog]

Duke porn star says every day is ‘like a nightmare.’ [The Huffington Post]

The new way to do a selfie is to wrap yourself in tape. [Jezebel]

I worked for the Army and it was a horrible place to be a woman. [xoJane]

What really goes on during sorority pledging? While many collegiettes have gone through it, some who haven’t been in a sorority have no idea what the process is like. Luckily, Her Campus got the lowdown on what really happens in the life of a sorority pledge. Check it out!

Time Commitment

Pledging a sorority involves many different activities and meetings, many of which are mandatory. This means that for most collegiettes, pledging ends up being a huge time commitment.

New members spend a lot of time learning about the different aspects of their sorority. By the end of the pledging period, they’re expected to not only know about their sorority’s mission and values, but also about all of its current members.

“We had to learn literally everything,” explains Laura*, a collegiette at the University of North Carolina. “It was so dumb because none of that ever came up again, and I don’t think it served to bind us together in any way. We had to learn the history of the sorority, the dinner prayers, names of national leaders, etc.” 

Many sororities even have a sort of final entrance exam on what they’ve learned. Some sororities will expect pledges to learn miscellaneous facts about the sorority and its members and will be quizzed on them.

“We learned lots of history, for the most part,” says Hyanna from New York University. “We [had] weekly quizzes on PowerPoints about our sorority.”

Along with the time pledges spend learning about their sororities, they’re typically also expected to attend a multitude of other events such as mandated study times, weekly meetings and other social activities.

“We bonded with the sorority as a whole through sisterhood activities like letter making or sewing shirts,… watching movies in our suite or painting nails, mandatory Greek Life events, and just hanging out outside of sorority,” explains Victoria*, a student at a small, private school in West Virginia.

Abigail, an Zeta Tau Alpha sister at Salisbury University, explains that the time commitment made the new member process special for her.

“I know my new member experience was time consuming in a lot of ways, but I feel like that's what brought my pledge class closer together,” she says. “Once you spend eight weeks straight with a group of people, they really do become family, and it's a time I wouldn't trade for the world.” 

However, for some pledges, the time commitment can be overwhelming.

“For me, pledging was like taking an extra class,” explains Laura. “I had to spend a ton of time not only at the house, but also getting back and forth across campus from my dorm and back. I eventually ended up dropping my sorority because the time commitment was too much for me.”

Hazing

Hazing forces pledges to participate in activities that are specifically designed to make them uncomfortable in some way, and it can lead to dangerous outcomes.

Hazing does still happen in some sororities, but more and more schools are cracking down on it. Many colleges have zero-tolerance hazing policies and also use other methods to prevent it. For example, the University of Alabama has a hotline where students can notify the school of hazing violations. Last fall, the University cancelled all pledging activities after a number of anonymous phone calls.

“I had a really great experience with my pledging process,” says Meghan, a Delta Gamma sister at the University of Rochester. “Delta Gamma nationally has a strong anti-hazing process, but when I first went through, I was skeptical; I thought all sororities had to haze. I went in a little hesitant and nervous about when the hazing would start, but it truly never did. Instead of forcing us to do things together, our pledge moms created really fun events for us that made us naturally want to be together.”

Brooke*, a collegiette at a small, private school in Iowa who is in a sorority, explains that the hazing in her sorority has stopped in the past few years.

“I personally wasn't hazed at all,” she says. “I've heard stories that the current seniors were mildly hazed right before their initiation when they were forced to listen to the same song on repeat for a long time, but now the hazing is completely gone. We definitely have a hazing policy, and my sorority is really careful about it.”

Laura explains that she went through some hazing before initiation.

“We were forced to walk on the roof without shoes on and had to go get frozen yogurt for some of the older girls, but that’s it,” she says. “These were mostly jokes and nothing that anyone was uncomfortable with.”

But some sororities take hazing to an even worse level. Margaret* from East Carolina University said she dropped out of her pledge class after being told about her sorority’s hazing process. A sister explained to her that she would have to lie blindfolded on a table while brothers from an ECU fraternity wrote on her body what they thought were her physical flaws. 

Hazing has been a huge issue with Greek life in the past, and it can be scary to hear the stories about it. However, it’s important to remember that most sororities no longer condone it.

Drama

In the midst of the chaos of sorority life, it’s not uncommon for conflict between girls to run rampant. Drama and gossip often seem to go hand in hand with the pledging process. While getting to know the current members is supposed to create an atmosphere of sisterhood, it doesn’t always go as expected. 

“My least favorite part about pledging a sorority was how much the girls stabbed each other in the back and how ruthless it was,” says Callie*, a student at East Carolina University. “We didn’t know anyone, and once rush was over, the older girls who had been really nice to us turned sour and acted like we weren’t worthy of being members until initiation.”

Victoria explains that the current sisters didn’t make it easy for her to feel at home in her sorority.

“Before actually joining, the girls will act really nice and seem interested in you. They'll go out of their way to invite you to things, and it'll seem genuine and exciting,” she says. “As soon as you join, though, things can quickly change. Like many of my other sisters, I was one who was pushed to the side, who nobody wanted to get to know, because I didn't party and I had a steady boyfriend. It can be really confusing because you think you're making the right decision by joining, but then it all seems so fake.”

Some sororities even force girls to gossip and cause drama at mandatory events.

“Every week at chapter, there was a cup that was passed around where you put in ‘anonymous’ stories you knew about crazy things other girls had done over the week,” says Laura. “For example, ‘What girl had not one, but two guys in a bar bathroom on Friday?’ or ‘What girl peed on the street Saturday night?’ That was a little weird because they would read them out loud at the end and everyone sort of knew who had done what.”

While this doesn’t mean that every sorority girl is fake and two-faced, it does show that the process of joining and being a member of a sorority does not always go as expected, and it isn’t for everyone.

“You just have to find where you feel like you belong, bond with others to the best of your abilities, and really just find your niche, whether it be in or out of sorority,” explains Victoria. I love my sorority and what it stands for. With that said, you also have to understand that you'll never get along with everyone, and it's the people, probably not the organization, that can potentially turn you away.”

But not every sorority is full of conflict and cattiness. Anna, a Chi Omega sister at the University of Nottingham, says that her pledging process was drama-free.

“I had no drama at all during pledging,” she says. “I trusted myself to pick a house I knew would be right for me, and with that came no drama and not a single bad thing to report!”

Big-Little Relationship

One super important part of the pledging process for the majority of sororities is the big-little relationship. At some point during pledging, each pledge will get a “big,” or “big sister,” to guide them through the pledging process. Most sororities even have a “big-little week” during which the big showers her little with gifts before revealing who she is on the last day. Other sororities just have a reveal ceremony.

Pledges’ bigs act as their go-to person whenever they have questions or concerns during pledging. They are supposed to make their littles feel special and welcome, and most do a pretty great job of it.

“Big/little week was definitely my favorite, and a year later, I'm basically best friends with my big,” says Stacey, a Kappa Delta sister at Vanderbilt University. “I really wish that every girl got to experience a positive pledging period, because it really makes being in a sorority and being a new member that much better!” 

However, there are some bigs that just aren’t willing to spend enough quality time with their littles to make them feel accepted and appreciated.

“My big was nice enough, and at first it really seemed like we were going to get along,” says Laura. “But after the first week or so, she became really hard to get in contact with. We hardly ever hung out, and when we did it was awkward. It always seemed like she would have rather been doing something else.” 

In the end, pledging a sorority is a trial run of whether or not a particular sorority is right for someone. For many, it’s a truly great and life-changing experience, but there are some who discover that pledging, or at least certain aspects of it, are not at all what they expected. 

If you’re currently a pledge, tell HC about your experience with a comment below!

* Names have been changed.

Let’s face it: everyone loves chocolate. It’s just a fact of life. Unfortunately, it’s easy to let a little chocolate craving turn into scarfing down a few candy bars or an entire pint of Ben & Jerry’s. But in moderation, chocolate can actually be good for you! Studies have found that chocolate improves blood flow to the brain and heart, and it’s also rich in antioxidants. Try out these healthy recipes with a chocolate twist to satisfy your craving without going overboard.

1. Coconut bars with chocolate drizzle

Recipe from Real Food Real Deals

Coconuts are not only high in fiber and excellent at boosting the immune system, but they’re also tropically delicious. Try these healthy coconut bars with a little bit of chocolate drizzle. One bite and your sweet tooth will be satisfied all day long.

Ingredients for bars

• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup flour
• 2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut

Ingredients for chocolate drizzle

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 ounce unsweetened chocolate

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix the wet ingredients for the bars together in a large bowl.
3. Add the flour and shredded coconut to wet ingredients and mix to combine.
4. Pour the mixture into a 9-by-13 inch baking dish. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until set and top begins to brown.  Cool completely on a wire rack.
5. Chop the unsweetened chocolate.
6. Heat all three chocolate drizzle ingredients in a double boiler until melted. Stir them until well combined.
7. With a spoon, drizzle onto bars.

2. Chocolate-covered fruit with walnuts

Fruit is an important part of a balanced diet, but sometimes it’s hard to eat it regularly. Everything tastes better with a little bit of chocolate, though! For bonus points, add a few nuts for fiber, protein and healthy fats.

Ingredients

• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 cups fruit (e.g. sliced apples, strawberries, etc.)

Directions

1. Melt the chocolate in the microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally, until liquefied.
2. Dip fruit in chocolate and place on tray with parchment paper or wax paper.
3. Before chocolate solidifies, sprinkle chopped walnuts on top.

3. Chocolate, peanut butter and kale smoothie

Recipe from Nap Time is My Time

Having a hard time eating your veggies? Don’t worry; you’re not the only one. The best way to change that is to mask the taste with chocolate. Yes, it sounds a little bizarre, but with the taste of chocolate and peanut butter in this delicious smoothie, you’ll get all the benefits of leafy greens without the flavor of them.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 2 scoops chocolate protein powder
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon chocolate peanut butter (Try Dark Chocolate Dreams from Peanut Butter & Co)
• 1 handful chopped kale
• Ice cubes

Directions

• Mix all ingredients together in a blender and blend until smooth.

4. Whole wheat chocolate pancakes

Recipe from Alida’s Kitchen

Who doesn’t love pancakes in the morning? Luckily, whole wheat pancakes are actually not too unhealthy as an occasional treat. So why not add a little something extra to make the whole wheat pancakes* extra delicious?

Ingredients

• 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons low-fat buttermilk
• 2 tablespoons brewed coffee
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Strawberries (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. In a large bowl, sift flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and salt. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together egg, buttermilk, coffee, vanilla and butter.
3. Add buttermilk mixture to the flour mixture and mix until blended. Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.
4. Preheat nonstick skillet over medium heat and spray with cooking spray. Pour batter in skillet by the ¼ cupful and cook until bubbles appear (about 3 minutes). Flip and cook on the other side until done (about 2 to 3 minutes). Repeat with remaining batter. Serve with fresh berries, as desired.

*Don’t have as much time to cook? Use a whole wheat pancake mix from a brand like Aunt Jemima or Hodgson Mill and follow the box instructions, adding the vanilla extract, brewed coffee and cocoa powder.

5. Peanut butter chocolate dip

Recipe from Meal Makeover Moms

There’s more than one way to make fruit even tastier—you can also try a yogurt-based chocolate fruit dip! High in protein and low in sugar, this dip will only taste like you’re spoiling yourself.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon chocolate syrup
• 2 tablespoons low-fat plain or vanilla yogurt

Directions

• Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix until well blended.

6. Chocolate almond soldiers

Recipe from The Earth Diet

Almonds are a delicious way to improve heart health and prevent weight gain. So why not make them just a little bit tastier by adding chocolate? These chocolate-almond snacks are perfect to bring on the go to fill you up and satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely ground almonds
• 3/4 cup cacao powder
• 3 tablespoons raw honey or maple syrup

Directions

1. Mix the ground almonds, cacao powder and honey in a bowl.
2. Roll the mixture into balls.
3. Keep in refrigerator until ready to eat.

7. Chocolate avocado mousse

Recipe from The Daily Hiit

We know what you’re thinking: avocado and chocolate? Sounds gross. But the first time you try this dish, you won’t believe that it’s anything more than a delicious chocolate treat. It’s a great recipe to make you feel like you treating yourself while consuming natural ingredients with healthy fats rather than processed ones with additional sugar.

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup honey
• 2 avocados
• 4 ounces dark chocolate pieces
• 1/3 cup cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil

Directions

1. Melt chocolate pieces, coconut oil and honey either in the microwave or on the stove.
2. Combine melted mixture with avocados and cocoa powder in food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.
3. Place in fridge and chill overnight.

8. Nutella pie with strawberries

Recipe from (never)homemaker

Usually “Nutella,” “pie” and “healthy” aren’t found in the same sentence unless the word “not” is somewhere in there. But this pie has a secret, subtle ingredient: tofu. This relatively flavorless ingredient gives the pie a thick, silken texture without the extra sugar or calories.

Ingredients

• Pie crust (or make your own using this recipe)
• 1 block silken tofu
• 1 cup Nutella
• 3 ounces milk chocolate
• 2 tablespoons agave nectar
• 5 large strawberries, sliced

Directions

1. Put all ingredients besides strawberries in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
2. Spread filling inside crust with spatula.
3. Top pie with sliced strawberries. Put in refrigerator to set for 1 hour.

9. Cocoa popcorn

Recipe from Yummly

Plain popcorn is a healthy, low-calorie treat that’s easy to make at home. But you can add a little chocolate flavor to make this easy snack a sweet treat. You’ll turn this classic into an explosion of sweetness!

Ingredients

• 10 cups popcorn (plain, unsalted, popped)
• 2 tablespoons sweetener (like Splenda or stevia)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Directions

1. Drizzle melted butter on popcorn.
2. Add cocoa powder and sugar. Stir until well distributed.

Indulge in chocolate without letting your sweet tooth get the best of you! These tasty recipes allow you to eat chocolate as part of a nutritious, balanced diet. The next time you feel a craving coming on, go for one of these healthy treats.

Name: Jessica Brondo
Age: 31
Job Title and Description: Founder & CEO of Admittedly: Manage all things Admittedly, from fundraising to user acquisition strategy, community management and partnerships.
College/Major: Princeton University/Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs
Website: www.admittedly.com
Twitter Handle: @JessBrondo

Name: Emily Cole
Age: 34
Job Title and Description: Co-Founder & Chief Operations Officer of Admittedly, the ultimate college advisory tool. I run operations and oversee product development.
College/Major: Boston University/Psychology
Website: www.admittedly.com
Twitter Handle: @emilycole13

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

Jessica Brondo: Literally everything! We’re still a small team (only five of us), so we all work on most aspects of the business. I try to schedule different tasks for different points throughout the day.

On a typical day, I try to wake up at around 6:30 a.m., head to the gym (I’m currently loving the Tone It Up program!) and then tackle emails during the morning. I try to do all of my meetings and strategy sessions with the team between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. so we can bond over lunch, and then I’m meeting investors and potential partners between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. and then am working with our Community Manager from 5 to 7 on videos for our YouTube channel and answering posts in different forums. Then, after 7:00 p.m., I usually cook dinner and have some “wine time” with my fiancé, or [I] am at a start-up networking event somewhere in the city!

Emily Cole: There’s no typical day in the Admittedly office, and like many roles in a start-up, I wear a lot of hats. I can be writing up questions and games for the site one moment, interviewing potential employees the next, building partnerships and decorating a team member’s desk for a birthday all in a given day.

What is the best part of your job?

JB: My team! I absolutely love coming to work every day with such passionate, amazing people who inspire me in more ways than I could ever iterate.

EC: The best part of my job is sitting with students and listening to their feedback about Admittedly.
 
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

JB: I was an SAT instructor back in the day when I was a student at Princeton. I absolutely fell in love with teaching, especially for the SAT and ACT, which seemed so daunting for most students, so it was particularly rewarding when students “got it” and began to hit their target scores. I had gotten a perfect score on my SAT, so it was definitely a natural area to focus on in terms of teaching, but in order to get the position, I tried to focus on making my lessons fun and engaging during my “audition” and really trying to relate to the students.

EC: My earliest peek into the admissions process was my first job after college teaching pre-kindergarten in London.  I spent a lot of time meeting with families and helping them figure out which school would be the right fit for their child. I got the job by asking contacts in London to introduce me to schools and headmasters. 

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

JB: I wish I knew how inclined students would be to do tutoring sessions online and how engaging an online course could be. I would have started working on Admittedly much sooner!

EC: I transitioned from academia and didn’t know much about the business side of things. I’m really pleased that we took part in a tech accelerator program and that helped me learn the ins and outs of starting a business. 

Who is one person who changed your professional life for the better?

JB: My parents! My first job after college was as a director of another test prep company, and the person I was working for didn’t really have much vision for growth and expansion and also didn’t value his employees enough. I took a leap one day and quit and started working on launching my own test prep and admissions counseling company, The Edge in College Prep. Had it not been for my parents’ belief in me, I don’t think I would have had the confidence to start my first business at 22. They certainly inspired the entrepreneurial spirit in me.

EC: Jess Brondo has certainly changed my life for the better; her drive and passion inspire me daily. Admittedly may be our first venture together, but it won’t be out last!
 
What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

JB: One of my favorites is: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it is the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead

I like to be inspired that individuals can make big changes, but that also even improving one small aspect of society is worth it. You don’t need to make monumental changes to have done something great.

And then [I] absolutely love Winston Churchill’s “Never, never, never give up!”….when you’re an entrepreneur, there will ALWAYS be bad days. You need to just push through, and never give up on your goals.

EC: “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.”  Things happen so quickly in a start-up and it can be difficult to anticipate exactly how the next day will be, so I try to make this quote my motto.

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

JB: Not trusting my gut. When I was first starting out, I obviously had very little experience running a business since I started my company just a year after graduating from college. I had hired someone to run a marketing campaign for the company, and he started launching things on the radio, on train platforms and in a variety of media that were very expensive. Deep down I knew those wouldn’t be the ideal outlets for a test prep and admissions counseling company, but never voiced my opinion because I thought the marketing consultant would know better.

EC: I once took a job because it was an amazing opportunity and an honor to be selected for it even though I knew my heart was not in it.  To me, this was not a mistake, but rather it helped me realize that I needed to be doing something more entrepreneurial and was willing to take the risk to leap into the start-up world.
 
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

JB: Hunger and drive. I like working with people who seem hungry and driven. I hate complacency and like people who want to actively make things better and are inspired to always try their best and never just do the bare minimum of what is required. I think it is so important to surround yourself with the best so you always remain challenged.

EC: First and foremost, we look for someone who understands the product and our vision.  We are a small but growing team, and hiring goes far beyond assessing someone’s skill sets.  It’s equally important that each new person’s work ethic and personality is a good fit with the rest of the team.
 
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

JB: Just do it. Basically to stop dawdling and waiting for the right moment to take a leap of faith, but to just dive in and take chances. Your twenties is the time to make mistakes and take risks. People always put off their dreams and get the cases of the “When I haves…”, but nothing will ever be perfect. Just like they say there’s no ideal time to have a baby because it changes everything, there’s never an ideal time to start something new, but it is a magical journey and you’ll never regret it once you embark on the path.

EC: Explore your passions and try different things. You learn just as much from a job you don’t like as you do from something you do.  In today’s world, it’s so easy to stay in touch with friends, former classmates and colleagues; make sure you do.  Your network is one of your most valuable resources. Even though Jess and I didn’t meet in London, we did eventually meet through a mutual friend in NYC, and to him I’ll forever be grateful.

So you had a smashing time across the pond and now you’re back, refined as ever, because you developed an appreciation for English literature and breakfast tea. You were completely knackered after the 8-hour plane ride, but the hardest part about coming home has been readjusting to the American lifestyle (since you’re so posh now). We have faith that you'll revert to your old ways eventually, but like many students who spent a semester in England, you are probably guilty of these post-traveling transformations:

1. You say “flatmate” instead of “roommate.”

2. You think American boys look so sloppy (*sigh* English boys are right fit).

3. You are excellent at multiplying numbers by 1.6.

4. You know what bangers and mash is (but you still think it sounds funny).

5. You know “Ya alright?” is not synonymous with “Are you okay?”

6. When you cross the street, you have to think twice about which way to look first.

7. You cannot stand American accents anymore.

8. You know not all English accents sound the same.

9. You feel robbed every time you have to pay tip or tax.

10. You say "predrink" instead of "pregame."

11. You worship any sunlight you can get.

12. You are grateful to wash your hands at a comfortable temperature.

13. You think “fish and chips” has more of a ring to it than “burger and fries.”

14. Everything in American grocery stores looks twice as big as it used to.

15. You never want to see another “Keep Calm and Carry On” spoof ever again.

16. You start every story with “when I was in England….”

Cheers, mate!

A former Hannibal-LaGrange University student says that he was rejected from college after coming out as gay on Facebook in December.

Chase Martinson, a 20-year-old from St. Louis, withdrew from HLGU due to illness in October and later re-applied for admission. He was admitted in January to re-enroll this fall, but he received a letter earlier this month from the Office of Admissions stating that his application was under consideration and in a state of inactivity. Although no particular reason for the change was specified, the letter referred him to two pages in the student handbook that layout the school's moral guidelines. 

“I asked to speak to the man who wrote me the letter," Martinson tells KHQA, a news station for the Tri-State area of Illinois, Iowa and Missouri. "He said that I had received it because I was outside the moral guidelines, and in the letter, it said two specific pages in the student handbook, pages 20 and 27, which deal with sexual misconduct, premarital sex acts, extramarital sex, homosexual acts.

"I was told I couldn't come back unless I petitioned to the president or I wrote a statement that I would adhere to the moral guidelines and basically not be gay anymore."

Martinson believes that a Facebook post he made in December, in which he came out as gay, is the reason for the turnover of his re-admission. 

Following the letter, Martinson has decided not to return to HLGU, where he would've been a junior, and will instead attend the University of Missouri-St. Louis to pursue a nursing degree. He does not regret his decision to open up about his sexual orientation.

“I would just like them to know that it doesn't matter what you do, who you are. If they're trying to send out a Christian message, they shouldn't be pushing away people that they deem as sinners,” he says. “They should be accepting of everyone, and they shouldn't be discriminating on this sin, that sin. Everyone sins.”

Marcia McCormick, a constitutional law professor at Saint Louis University, tells the Associated Press that because the school is private and has a religious affiliation, exclusions based on sexual orientation are permitted. She adds that students who believe a private school is discriminating against them because of sexual orientation have little to no legal protection.

It’s Sunday morning. You roll out of bed, brush your teeth and realize with a surge of happiness that it’s the best time of the week: brunch time. You immediately feel excited for the day, reinvigorated by the idea of your favorite meal being only minutes away. Brunch is every girl’s fave meal of the week for about a million reasons. Here are our favorite things about brunch!

1. Rehashing the weekend with your girlfriends is not only a necessary component of brunch, it's what ties the entire event together.  

2. The food options are limitless. Pancakes and a burger? Why not?

3. So. Much. Coffee.

4. And mimosas (if you’re 21 or older)!

5. Ordering seconds. Or thirds.

6. It basically counts as two meals, so brunch is really an exercise in efficiency. 

7. Because you’re technically eating two meals, there’s no shame in filling your entire plate with all sorts of delectable things to nom on.

8. There’s usually bacon involved.

9. You can get away with things at brunch that wouldn't be socially acceptable in any other situation. 

10. There are so many possibilities for egg entrées. Eggs Benedict? An omelet? How about both?

11. After a long night out, eating brunch food makes you feel alive... and ready to to do it all again. 

12. Brunch usually lasts between two and three hours. If you try hard enough, you can even make it a daylong event.

13. It makes Sunday the best day of the week.

14. You can even have dessert! Dessert at breakfast, you ask? Yes, you heard us correctly. Dessert at breakfast.

15. Did we mention you get to hang out with your friends, talking and lazily easing into the day? If that’s not perfection, we don’t know what is.

Our mouths are salivating. Where the pancakes at? We hope you enjoy your brunch, no matter where you are or whom you're with.

We all know the guy (or guys) who plays uncool, perplexing and completely ridiculous mind games that leave you wondering, “WTF?!” While it’s generally best to stay away from these mystifying men, sometimes it can be worth sticking it out with a confused cutie who may just need a little direction. But when should you stick around, and when should you run out the door? Here are seven mind games guys play and how to deal.

1. The “Ghost Texting” Game

What he does

You had a fantastic time on your date—and he did, too. At least, that’s what you thought until he suddenly dropped off the face of the planet. You haven’t heard back from him in a week. What’s going on?

What you should do

“You may never know for sure what's up with him,” says Marla Martenson, a matchmaker, author and motivational speaker. “It could be that he is seeing multiple girls, or he is just not that into you. But whatever it is, that's not your problem. Get out there and date like a guy.”

If he still hasn’t responded to your texts after a week, stop dwelling on that dude and move on. A guy who leaves you on the line just isn’t worth it. After all, you want a man who won’t disappear sporadically (and that’s really not too much to ask).

2. The “Roller Coaster” Game

What he does

On your dinner date, you were both laughing at each other’s jokes. And that sweet nighttime stroll you went on afterward? It was so romantic; he held your hand and gave you a kiss. But the next day, he seemed kind of weird and distant. What’s with the mood swings?

What you should do

“It sounds like he's probably unsure of his feelings, or the feelings he experienced the night before may be something so new to him that it may be making him feel a little scared,” says Suzanne Oshima, a matchmaker and dating coach at Single in Stilettos.

Whether he’s feeling shaky about his emotions or your awesomeness intimidates him, one thing is certain—you won’t know for sure until you talk to him (and not over text!). In person, gently ask him what’s up with his behavior: “Hey, Mark, you’ve been acting a little distant lately. Is there something going on?” He may open up and have an amazing heart-to-heart with you. But if he still gives you the cold shoulder, it’s best to see what else is out there.

3. The “We’ll Never Be Official” Game

What he does

You’ve been seeing this dude for three months, and every time you bring up the completely un-crazy notion of a relationship, he totally shuts down.

What you should do

“If every time you bring up the 'girlfriend' concept he shuts down, the worst thing you can do is to put more pressure on him,” Oshima says. “It's important to find out the reason why he's averse to the idea of a girlfriend.”

It’s likely that this guy is flat-out terrified of commitment or has been hurt in the past. Threatening him with an ultimatum isn’t a good idea; give him time to see how wonderful you are! However, Oshima also recommends keeping your options open—give him competition. That guy may never open up to the idea of a relationship, and you don’t want to end up heartbroken.

4. The “Secret Girlfriend” Game

What he does

He’s the sweetest guy ever when it’s just the two of you. But that’s the problem—it’s always just you two! You’re getting the sense that he’s hiding you from his friends. Why would he do that?

What you should do

“If you've been dating for a while, then that's a big, red flag when a guy never wants you to meet his friends or family,” Oshima says. “If you're an important part of [this] man's life, he will want you to meet his friends, so he can show you off to them."

Next time he mentions his posse, ask to meet them! Or tell him you want tag along to a party he’s going to. If he says okay, great! But if he finds a way to get around your requests, let him go. You’re fabulous, and your guy should want to show you off, not keep you a secret.

5. The “Spontaneous Jerk” Game

What he does

You think the world of him. He’s gentle and kind, and he treats you like the princess you are. But when you’re hanging out with him in a group setting, he suddenly enters douche mode and you’re left feeling confused and disgusted. Does his evil twin take over every time you guys hang out with friends? Which is the real him?

What you should do

“This guy is very insecure and feels the need to show off in front of his friends,” Oshima says. “He may be the type of person who feels like the bigger man by putting other people down in front of others.”

If your man feels the need to make awful jokes and mean comments in order to fit in with his friends, this is never okay! Talk to him about his behavior: “Tyler, I think you’re awesome. But when we hang out with other people, you don’t seem to be yourself. I wish everyone could see the sweet guy that I see.”

Give him time to fix his behavior after you’ve talked. If he does it again, Oshima says to “get up and walk out.” If he never comes around, cut ties with this guy. You want somebody who’s secure enough to be nice all the time.

6. The “Never Texts First” Game

What he does

He seems like a perfect fit for you: You both have a ton of fun hanging out together, and he seems totally interested. Except for one minor little detail that you can’t stop stressing about—he never texts you first.

What you should do

“Don't chase,” says Tyler Young, dating coach and owner of Attractology. “It's hard sometimes, especially when you like someone and feel a connection.  However, it is vital to allow the man to pursue you.  Men are wired to hunt.”

Young recommends not being available 24/7, so stop texting him first! If he starts initiating the convos, awesome—you’ll know he is interested. But if that dude doesn’t make any moves, then hey, there are plenty of other fish in the sea—fish who are entirely willing to say hi first.

7. The “Super Flirt” Game

What he does

He’s a great guy, and you two just click. You always have a ball together! Unless (and this is a big “unless”) there are other ladies around. Suddenly, he enters mega-flirt mode.

What you should do

Chatting it up with other women while you’re around him is totally rude, but there’s the possibility that he doesn’t even see it as flirting. Confront him about his behavior. Let him know that it’s not cool to flirt in front of you— and be sure to use the word “flirt” so that he knows how you view it. Get straight to the point: “I don’t like when you flirt with other girls in front of me. It hurts my feelings.” If he’s the good guy you thought he was, he’ll stop his offensive actions ASAP.

Collegiettes, the most important thing to remember is to never play his game, no matter what it consists of. “There's really only one way to deal with mind games from a guy: don’t play into them,” says online dating expert Gina Stewart. “You need to be brave.  Call him out on BS behavior. Don't just ignore it, even if you are strong enough to walk away.”