We all know that women fought through a LOT of discrimination and unjust treatment to get where we are today. But now, thankfully, sexism has come to an end! Or at least, that's what most men believe today, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.
If you ask men across the U.S., sexism has become an issue of the past. The Pew survey says that 56 percent of men in a sample of 4,602 adults, ages 18 and up, declared that the obstacles women face based on their gender have mostly been eliminated.
Unsurprisingly, the survey also found that most women would have to disagree with the guys. Of the women surveyed, 63 percent felt that women are still facing more obstacles than men, while 34 percent said this was mostly untrue.
When the researchers broke down the results by age, the majority of women in every age group agreed that sexism has not ended, while that was the minority opinion for men across each grouping. Interestingly, the survey also found that while over 65 percent of Democrats and liberal-minded people of both sexes believe that women still face issues of sexism, only 35 percent of Republicans and more conservatively-minded people felt this way.
Another interesting point the survey found was that among registered voters supporting Hillary Clinton, seven in 10 feel that obstacles making it harder for women to get ahead still exist, while only 27 percent with this opinion support Donald Trump.
When we face the facts, the Huffington Post points out that women hold only 20 percent of all leadership positions in the workforce, still face a wage gap, and also take more time on chores and childcare than their partners do, even when both people in the relationship are working.
In total, a little over half of those surveyed still believe that sexism "makes it harder for women to get ahead then men," while 45 percent said these issues "are now largely gone." With so many blatant examples of sexism in the headlines just in the past few months, from the Brock Turner case to the sexist coverage of the Olympics, it's hard to imagine how some people don't see it. Guess we just have to keep speaking up.
Paul Manafort, former campaign chairman for Donald Trump, has resigned after questions about the viability of the campaign as well as Manafort's connections to Russia and Ukraine, according to The New York Times. Manafort was hired in March and attempted to slow Trump down and make him look more favorable to the public.
Trump's ratings among the public have been steadily dropping since the Republican Convention in July, mainly because he continues to speak impulsively, causing him to say things he later claims he didn't really mean or was joking about. Manafort's decision is yet a clear reflection of the difficulty Trump's campaign leaders have been having with controlling Trump's image in the public eye.
Recently, however, not all of the media spotlight has been on Trump himself. Manafort has been under fire for secretly working with Ukraine's former pro-Russian government. He had worked for former President Viktor F. Yanukovych in the past, but it was just discovered during investigations that Manafort had been getting paid by Yanukovych's pro-Russian political party through an "illegal, off-the-books system," according to the Times.
Donald Trump has released a statement on Manafort's resignition, saying, "This morning Paul Manafort offered, and I accepted, his resignation from the campaign. I am very appreciative for his great work in helping to get us where we are today, and in particular his work guiding us through the delegate and convention process. Paul is a true professional and I wish him the greatest success."
Last weekend, Trump brought in a new chief executive officer to his campaign, Stephen K. Bannon, as well as a new campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, in an attempt to steady his campaign.
In an interview with Fox News, the nominee's son Eric Trump spoke about Manafort's resignation, saying, "I think my father didn't want to be, you know, distracted by whatever things Paul was dealing with. You know, Paul was amazing. But again, my father just didn't want to have the distraction looming over the campaign and quite frankly looming over all the issues that Hillary's facing right now." His comments showed that it's possible Manafort did not choose to leave the campaign entirely on his own. Rather, the addition of Bannon and Conway to Trump's campaign along with the issues Manafort has been facing in the media over his involvment in Ukraine may have been clear signs for him that it was time for an exit.
After 83 years and a decade long debate, Vanderbilt University will rename Confederate Memorial Hall dormitory, according to the Huffington Post.
The dorm will now be called Memorial Hall, which will be a surprisingly complicated change that involves the school returning $1.2 million to the Tennessee Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, who bought the naming rights for the building back in 1933. Anonymous donors are covering the cost, the Huffington Post reports.
“The residence hall bearing the inscription Confederate Memorial Hall has been a symbol of exclusion and a divisive contradiction of our hopes and dreams of being a truly great and inclusive university,” Vanderbilt Chancellor Nicholas Zeppo said in a statement posted to the school’s website. “It spoke to a past of racial segregation, slavery, and the terrible conflict over the unrealized high ideals of our nation and our university, and looms over a present that continues to struggle to end the tragic effects of racial segregation and strife."
According to the Associated Press, the Vanderbilt community has referred to the building as Memorial Hall since around 2002, but was legally unable to change the sign on the dorm, because the construction of the hall was partially financed by a $50,000 donation from the United Daughters of the Confederacy.
The AP reports that this month the university and the Tennesee Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy seem to have finally reached an agreement over the sign. Vanderbilt will pay the group $1.2 million, the 2016 equivalent of the donation made 83 years ago, and the chapter will give up its naming rights to the building.
“You can memorialize individuals without taking sides in the bloodiest war that was fought over the divisive issues of slavery and equality that we're still struggling with today for those young people coming onto campus,” Vanderbilt Chancellor Nicholas Zeppos told the AP.
I’ll admit that I’m typically not the biggest foundation person. All I’ve ever worn in the past is a bit of oil-free tinted moisturizer (even at the age of 20, my skin is prone to breaking out), and concealer. So when I got the chance to give MATCHCo’s custom matched foundation a try, I was a little nervous about how I’d like a product with fuller coverage... but spoiler alert: I’m obsessed.
For the uninitiated, MATCHCo is the next generation of foundation that allows you to use the brand’s app to custom-create a unique foundation shade to match your exact skin tone. Basically, it takes all of the guesswork and scariness out of ordering foundation online—or even having to try multiple shades in store.
The process of matching your skin is insanely easy—all you need is your phone, a white sheet of paper and your makeup-free face. Once I opened the app, it walked me through each step, including calibrating the phone on a white sheet of paper and matching my skin via a few simple taps of my phone’s camera to my wrist and face. Once I was done, all I had to do was check out! My *only* complaint about the process was that the app seemed to crash right after I placed my order—but the confirmation did make it to my email, so all is good.
I placed my order on a Thursday night and received the product on Monday afternoon, so MATCHCo’s shipping game is strong too. My custom shade arrived in some seriously luxe packaging and the bottle even reads, “Formulated Exclusively For Caroline Pirozzolo,” which feels so fancy and personalized à la those expensive personalized Le Labo perfume bottles.
But now for the most important part: Did it actually match my skin that accurately? Given that I had only sent through a few images via phone, I was worried that there was no way it could be the right match—but you guys, it NAILED by skin tone. Part of what makes me nervous about foundation is that contrast around your neck or cheeks that can result from wearing a shade that isn’t quite right... and MATCHCo took those fears away completely. The shade flawlessly recreated the right balance of cool and warm tones in my skin, which is very neutral—it doesn’t really lean too far one way or another. The formula is described as being “hydrating,” and while I found that it nicely plumped and moisturized my skin, it wasn’t so moisturizing or heavy that it would be too much or oilier skin. I also got compliments on my skin all day!
At $49, MATCHCo is on the pricier side, but I feel like it’s definitely worth it. The bottle is pretty sizeable and I didn’t need too much to cover my skin—one pump is plenty. And it's the personalization that makes this worth every penny. Store-bought foundations might get *close* to your skin tone, but there's nothing like a formula made especially for you. The matching process is seriously game-changing, and it’s one "too good to be true" product that actually lives up to the hype.
Beer, the social lubricant that brings college students together—except you. You'd rather keep it classy with a nice bottle of wine or an $8 cocktail. Everyone will ask you why you don’t drink it, and truth be told, simply saying you don't like the taste is not a satisfactory answer. Here are 12 things only people who don't drink beer understand. Bottoms up!
1. The rest of the world thinks you're weird AF
2. Being forced to chug beer is actually the death of you
3. Not understanding why or how people can crave a nice cold brew
4. People not respecting you for your choice of drink
5. Spending tons of money on a mixed drink because that $1 pint just won't do
6. Party games not being as fun as people make them out to be
7. Getting drunk way faster than all your friends
8. Getting this look every time you tell people you hate the taste of beer
9. Secretly wanting to enjoy a beer or two but just not being able to
10. A trip to the bar for everyone else is a trip to the liquor store for you
11. Getting the worst hangovers
12. Every once in a while ordering a beer just so you feel like you fit in but not being able to finish it
Two months ago, heads buried in books, cramming for finals and craving lazy sun-filled afternoons, we were pretty darn well ready to pack up and dive into our summertime fantasies. Behind the pages of our econ textbooks, the idea of fabulous new internships, various vacations and European adventures, annual summer flings and—let’s not forget—homemade meals you don’t have to swipe an ID for, seemed all too appealing.
Two months in, we’re over and itchin’ to head back to campus.
Whether your hometown is boring you to tears, or your stressful internship has you desperately missing a college schedule(read: no Friday classes, ever) we all have our own reasons for counting down the days ‘til September. Here are collegiettes’ top 20!
1. Sharing the Same Address as the BFFs
Turns out that in the real world, all your faves don’t actually live down the hall from you. Sigh. Arranging get-togethers between summer jobs, long commutes and vacations is a mess. How much cooler was it to grab the girls for dinner simply by swinging by their adjacent rooms, instead of the tangled mess that is trying to plan get-togethers during the summer?
2. Living at Home Has Us Feeling Like We’re 15—Again
Back to sneaking in after-hours? After getting in the groove of living on your own, it’s totally frustrating to go back to curfews and helicopter parents. (And trying to protest that you actually stay out a lot later back at school doesn’t really seem to help matters).
3. Campus Meal Plan = Much-Needed Choice and Convenience!
Sure, we’re often bitter about the cost-per-meal ratio, and we all love to hate on the oft-wilting lettuce and greasy fries, but when it comes down to it, we secretly adore the dining hall. If we want to have an omelet and toast for dinner, or samples of three different types of cookies for dessert, we better darn well have that option. It’s better than a soggy Starbucks wrap on our way home from work!
4. Actual Motivation to Work Out
With free access to top-notch facilities, we had no excuse during the school year for skipping out on the gym—and one really good one for checkin’ out the basketball team mid-work out.
5. Boys, Boys, Boys
As we’ve probably all learned, it’s a lot easier to meet guys as a co-ed. From flirting with your charming chem lab partner to always running into that neighbor down the hall from you, there just seem to be way more possibilities for romance in college. (Vastly older summer co-workers aren’t really cutting it for us).
6. Hometown Parties Just Don’t Compare to College Nightlife, Period
Between Thirsty Thursdays, Friday-night frat parties, and the knowledge that there’s probably a great party going on anyday of the week on campus, our summer social lives in comparison seem kind of, well, lame.
7. We Desperately Miss Our Favorite Hangouts
Whether you’ll be a sophomore or a seasoned senior, you’ve likely spent a lot of time scoping out a whole range of favorite haunts and hangouts around campus. Our college towns have become like second homes—and we’re officially homesick. Here’s to regaining our seat at the local coffee shop, hitting up our beloved boutiques and cheap eats again—even getting back to that perfect campus study spot we swear is the only place where we can actually focus.
8. Our Inner Intellectual is Wilting
Truth is, we’re actually feeling a bit nostalgic for class. Inspiring professors, incredible courses and that personal satisfaction you can only get from acing a paper for a class you’re completely passionate about are much better alternatives to making copies and fetching the office coffee all summer long.
9. The College Schedule…or Lack Thereof
Summer has many of us working 9 to 5—and yearning for the days when a 10 a.m. once a week felt like a killer. The ability to form a sched around your personal body clock just might be one of the greatest perks of college life.
10. Milestones Are Ahead
Turning another year older has its perks—from finally being able to (legally) check out the university bar life, to getting better campus housing picks and scoring prime class times (as in no mornings…see above). Plus, actually getting to take classes in your major is way more exciting than the usual drab “intro”s and 101s.
11. We’re Months Behind on Gossip
Sporadic texting, Skype and Facebook stalking just don’t cut it. We can’t wait to catch up with our college girls for real in the fall and get all the dirt on their latest adventures—especially from those who were abroad in the spring.
12. Spontaneous Dorm Makeovers
Admit it: your room at home is pretty much a shrine to the past—and probably hasn’t changed since the early 2000s. Heading back to school means news digs and more flexibility to regularly redecorate with fresh designs. Sure, your dorm room may be the size of a postage stamp, but really, isn’t that half the fun? Get creative!
13. Space from Home
Absence makes the heart grow fonder, and during the semester we were quite sentimental about our families and friends back home. But going back to living with the ‘rents, dealing with pesky siblings and remembering why we stopped hanging out with certain hometown friends in the first place can make us all(sheepishly) crave that distance again.
14. Being True To Your School
As cheesy as it is, school pride definitely helps to make college, well, college. Between belting out the fight song at a pre-game pep rally, indulging in crazy traditions (naked quad runs, anyone?) or even just participating in a friendly intramural softball game, there are just certain things that we won’t really get post-grad. Admit it—cheering on your hometown MLB team just doesn’t bring the same kind of passion we feel come college football season. Rah, Rah!
15. We Secretly Enjoy Over-Achieving
If you’re the typical collegiette, you’re involved in a million things on campus—and being away from it all is actually stressing you out. Summertime has us stuck in the office mailroom; we’ll feel a lot more confident once we’re back to our Editor-in-Chief/Student Council President/MVP positions!
16. A Much-Needed Change of Scenery
Whether you’ve been braving the concrete jungle this summer as an intern, or stuck back in strip-mall suburbia, it’s easy to get nostalgic for the blooming flowerbeds, grassy quads and fall foliage of your campus. Plus, being able to walk everywhere means you actually get to enjoy it.
17. We Heart the Campus Activities Board
Back on campus, there seem to always be a million events going on at once—and even better, most of them are free. University-sponsored events like outdoor concerts, formal dances, and poetry slams and comedy acts kept us oh-so active—and free or discounted tickets on local museums and plays kept us cultured and within budget!
18. Movie Nights––or, How We Find Ways to Procrastinate
Silly traditions often get us through those miserable late-night study sessions. We so miss the bonding, camaraderie and guilt-free midnight snacking. The bleary-eyed cramming part? Yeah, not so much…
19. Studying Abroad is Just Around the Corner
How could you not look forward to a 4-month-long credit-earning vacation—er, study session? For those who are so lucky as to be studying abroad this year, get psyched for heading overseas and enjoying one of the absolute highlights of your college career. ¡Vámonos!
20. Pant Suits are Stifling Our Fashion Freedom
Office dress codes are crampin’ our style; we’ll be glad to return to the days of wearing what we want. Whether you simply slip into sweats before lecture, or enjoy putting together crazy, trendy pieces just for the fun of it, we all love college fashion for the same reason we love the dining hall—choices.
Following Tuesday's divorce settlement, Amber Heard announced Thursday that she would be donating the entirety of the $7 million from her settlement to charity. In an effort to "help those less able to defend themselves," as she stated in her announcement, the money would be split equally between the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, where she's served as a volunteer for the past 10 years.
In a joint statement released by the former couple once they had reached a settlement, they emphasized, "Our relationship was intensely passionate and at times volatile, but always bound by love. Neither party has made false accusations for financial gain. There was never any intent of physical or emotional harm." The statement also noted that Heard had plans to donate the settlement money, and she certainly made good on that.
"We are incredibly grateful that Ms. Heard has so very generously shown her support for the important and necessary advocacy for victims of domestic violence," ACLU executive director Anthony D. Romero said. In her statement Thursday, Heard noted that her donation to the ACLU was made with the specific goal of stopping violence against women. Romero added, "[Ms. Heard] can be confident that this gift will help other women live safely and freely."
Her contribution to these organizations shows that for her, the divorce wasn't about the money. Of course, she shouldn't have needed to "prove" it—she was a victim of domestic abuse who needed the violence to end, and it's disheartening to see haters continue to question her motives. Regardless, Heard has chosen to take the high road, and do some incredible good in the process. "I know these organizations will put the funds to good use and look forward to continuing to support them in the future," Heard's statement read. "Hopefully, this experience results in a positive change in the lives of people who need it the most." We're sure it will—and more importantly, we hope that Heard can finally move on and close this chapter in her life.
It’s sweltering hot. The cute guy that seemed so sweet when you were flirting with him at the tailgate has transformed into a raging beast, screaming “Pass interference!” at the refs until he’s red in the face. The band erupts into the fight song and you have no idea why. The cheerleaders are flipping around and shouting something about “first and 10” and then you could have sworn the other team had the ball but all of a sudden the people around you are screaming “Touchdown!” and jumping up and down and What. Is. Going. On?!
Sound familiar?
College football is fun when you’re painting up with your friends or tailgating with gorgeous guys, but when the actual game starts, it’s easy for non-sports-nut collegiettes to get completely lost between the flags and positions and numbers and just wish they had stayed home instead. But don’t lose hope yet — even if the words “first down” mean absolutely nothing to you right now, HC’s handy football guide will turn you into a pom-pom-waving, screaming football fanatic in no time. Go team!
The Field
Football fields are big. This is not news (why do you think football players’ leg muscles are so huge?). What may actually be news to non-sports-savvy collegiettes is that football fields are different sizes depending on whether it’s a college, NFL or high school field. A college football field is 120 yards long and 53 1/3 feet wide. The two shorter ends of the field where the goalposts are located are called the end zones, which are 10 yards deep, while the longer edges of the field, where the players sit while they’re not playing, are called the sidelines. There are lines drawn every five yards across the field leading up to the 50-yard line in the middle, with the lines at each end zone starting at 0 and going up toward the middle.
The Clock
Football is played in four 15-minute quarters. But wait — how the heck do games last for so long, then? Well, the clock stops between each play for the teams to reset their positions, and there is a 20-minute halftime between the second and third quarters, so games get stretched out a little longer than an hour (try three or more). Each team also is allowed to have three 30-second timeouts per half so that the coach can talk to his players or challenge a call made by a referee, although the teams are not required to use all of their timeouts in a game. The clock counts down, so at the start of each quarter the clock will read: 15:00.
The Players
Each team is allowed to have 11 players on the field at a time, although most college teams have many more players on the actual roster — it’s not uncommon for a team to have more than 100! One reason college teams have so many players is because they have three different groups of players (and a lot of backups) that go on the field at different times: offensive players, defensive players and special teams. The offense is on the field when their team has the ball. They’re the guys that try to run the ball down the field and score points. The defense, which is on the field when the opposing team has the ball, tries to stop the opposing team’s offense from scoring points. Special teams are players who are put out for specific tasks such as kicking field goals or punting the ball to the other side of the field if the offense is stopped (they also have the coolest name, probably to make up for the fact that they don’t get to be on the field as often).
There are a ton of different football player positions, but the most important one to remember is the quarterback. A play starts with the offense and the defense setting up in lines facing each other. One of the offensive players hands the ball backwards between his legs to the quarterback (this move is called the snap), who then decides whether he is going to hand the ball to someone else, throw the ball to someone else or run with it himself. This is why the quarterback is so important: he (or she!) is the leader of the group on the field who takes direction from the coach and tells the other players what to do. (Also, is it just us or is the quarterback always the hottest guy on the team? Confidence is sexy.)
Helpful hint: There is an invisible line (use your imagination here) between the offense and defense called the line of scrimmage that no player is allowed to cross before the snap happens.
The Goal
The goal of football is to score points (obviously?), either by making a touchdown or kicking a field goal. A touchdown, which is worth six points, happens when one team’s offense takes the ball all the way into the other team’s end zone, either by running the ball or passing it, without getting stopped by a defensive player on the other team.
Once a team scores a touchdown, they have two options. They can try for a field goal, where they kick the ball between the two goal posts and get one extra point, or they can try for a two-point conversion, where the team sets up at the two-yard line and attempts to score another touchdown for an extra two points in addition to the six points they got from the first touchdown. Teams typically choose the field goal because it’s easier, unless they’re running out of time and really need two extra points instead of just one.
A team can also kick a field goal from any point on the field without scoring a touchdown for three points. Teams usually go this route if they are on their fourth down and don’t think they will be able to make a first down.
Downs
We didn’t confuse you too badly with that last sentence, did we? The “down” lingo is typically where collegiettes who weren’t religiously raised on football Saturdays get confused, but it’s actually a simple concept. A down is basically a play. Each offensive line has four chances to move the ball ten yards down the field, whether by passing or running the ball (carrying it with them), without being stopped by the other team (tackling the player with the ball). When one team gets the ball down the field at least ten yards from where they started (the line of scrimmage) without being stopped by the other team’s defense, it’s called a first down. If the offense gets a first down, they keep trying to get the ball down the field until they either score a goal or are stopped by the other team before they get another first down (make it 10 more yards).
If the player with the ball is tackled by a defensive player, they start from where they were tackled and try to get the ball the rest of the ten yards. After four unsuccessful tries, the ball goes to the other team. The other team can also catch the ball in the middle of a pass, called an interception, in which case the ball would immediately switch hands to the other team. Easy enough, right?
So when you hear the cheerleaders shouting: “first and 10, do it again,” they mean that the team has made it down the field 10 yards and has another 10 yards to go before they get another first down. Same goes for second and five (second try and they have five yards to go before a first down), third and two (third try, two yards to go), and so on. Still following? Good.
Common Fouls
Fouls are typically what causes those seemingly nice college guys to turn into snarling, furious animals bellowing at the referees. Despite what the enormous muscled guys literally slamming each other into the ground may lead you to believe, there are actually some things you’re not allowed to do in college football for fear of injuring a player or giving your team an unfair advantage. The referees (the people wearing black-and-white striped shirts) signify that a foul has occurred by throwing a yellow flag on the field where the foul occurred. If the announcer says that “there is a flag on the play,” he means that a referee has called a foul. Here’s a quick list of some common fouls that could happen during a game so you can impress that guy next to you by screaming at the ref before he can.
The Foul: Encroachment
What it is: Remember how you can’t cross the line of scrimmage before the snap? If a defensive player does it and touches an offensive player, it’s a penalty.
What happens: The offense gets to move forward five yards; therefore, they will have five less yards to cover to get a first down.
The Foul: False start
What it is: An offensive player makes a movement before the snap.
What happens: The offense has to move backwards five yards.
The Foul: Holding
What it is: An offensive player holds a defensive player so that the defensive player can’t tackle the player with the ball.
What happens: 10-yard penalty.
The Foul: Offside
What it is: A player (or any part of him, really) is beyond the line of scrimmage before the play starts.
What happens: 5-yard penalty.
The Foul: Pass interference
What it is: Here’s where it gets confusing. Yes, defensive players are supposed to prevent offensive players from getting the ball, but they can’t make contact with the receiver (the player who a pass is intended for) before the ball gets to him. That’s called pass interference, and it’s a foul. The defensive player can, however, touch the receiver after he touches the ball. The defensive player can also intercept the ball without touching the receiver.
What happens: 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down for the offense.
The Foul: Personal foul
What it is: Any action that appears to be done in order to intentionally harm another player (you can’t just punch each other, guys).
What happens: 15-yard penalty. If the foul is particularly nasty, a player can be ejected from the game.
Congratulations on officially becoming a collegiette football expert (or at least more knowledgeable about football, anyway)! Now go paint up or don a jersey in your school’s colors, jump up and down in the stands and school your guy friends on the rules of America’s favorite college sport (“It’s ‘offside,’ not ‘offsides,’ Brad.”). Who says girls don’t get sports?
Forget about first exams and getting to know your randomly picked roommates… one of the most intimidating things to navigate as a newly enrolled freshman collegiette is the on-campus dating scene. In high school, it was easy to meet guys who already lived in your hometown. But in college, the dating rules are different, and it’s not always so easy to meet guys. Where can you find these collegents? How do you impress them? How do you avoid being dismissed by them as just another frat party-hopping freshman girl? We’ve asked girls and guys across the country about the first-year college dating scene to bring you this tell-all guide on how to meet guys as a freshman girl(and how not to be that freshman).
Where to meet him:House parties
Maybe it was his slick dance moves or his mad flip-cup skills, but whatever it was, it’s thrown you head over heels for this Campus Cutie. So how do you get his attention? Katie King from Western Michigan University says that steering clear of the row upon row of frat houses and opting instead to hit up house parties can be a great way to meet older college guys and stand out from crowds of freshman girls. “A ton of freshman girls go to the frats, but that is what kind of makes you stick out as a freshman,” Katie says. “Talk to tons of people and try to go out with them. House parties are usually the best place to meet older guys.” House parties tend to be a more intimate setting for meeting guys: there are usually fewer and therefore, it’s easier to chat up that cutie!
How to impress him
Be fun and flirty! Just remember that there’s a fine line between being the life of the party and being “that party girl” (LiLo, anyone?). Zachary from Wake Forest University says you should be careful about hooking up with too many guys too quickly or you’ll end up with a reputation that reaches all the way to the upperclassmen. “I guess if hooking up is what you’re all about, then have at it,” Zachary says. “But it doesn’t make you look good when you’ve hooked up with all my friends by the end of fall semester.” In other words: keep it classy, collegiettes!
Where to meet him: Tailgates and games
Sure, we’re all swooning over the quarterback of the football team or the captain of the ice hockey team, but what about that cute friend of a friend you meet while tailgating? Tailgates and sports games can be the best places to meet guys (the ones who aren’t sweating up their uniforms)!
How to impress him
If there’s one thing that guys love to talk about, it’s sports, so why not strike up a convo about the game, the teams playing, and the players on the field? Even if you know zip about the sport, take that as your opportunity to chat him up for info like Emily from the University of Mississippi did. Emily met her freshman year boyfriend through her sorority sister at a tailgating party. “Tailgating is big down here at Ole Miss,” Emily says. “But it’s funny, because coming from New England, I really didn’t know a whole lot about Southern football teams. So he tried to explain what was going on out on the field, we ended up talking for the whole game, and he asked me out. We’re still dating three years later and now, tailgating is our favorite thing to do!” If all goes well, you'll have a date for next game! And even if he’s from another nearby school and you’re rooting for opposite teams, that only brings up the opportunity for you to use this perfect betting line: “If my team wins, you’re taking me to dinner!”
Where to meet him: Dorm halls and study lounges
If you’re looking for guys, what better place to start than with the guy next door? Kema Christian-Taylor from Harvard University says that the common room in the dorm was always a hotspot for scoping out hotties. “I would always go down to my dorm's common room, no matter what the hour!” Kema says. “It was rarely ever empty, and def a hot spot on Friday and Saturday nights after everyone had finished partying, but didn't want to go to bed yet!”
How to impress him
The great thing about dorms – and especially dorm lounges – is that there is always something happening right down the hall, whether a group of your guy hallmates are watching a movie or playing a video game (in which case, you can show off your mad gaming skills at Mario Kart playing as Yoshi)! Dorms are a great way to meet, get to know, and hang out with other guys who are living in your dorm.
Where to meet him: Classes and labs (or in-between)!
If that broodingly handsome cutie in your chemistry class is making eyes at you across the lecture hall, spark some chemistry of your own by approaching him in class. Amelia* from the University of Michigan says that even waiting in between classes can be a perfect time to approach guys. “I would grab a quick bite to eat in between classes sometimes and random guys would come sit by me,” she says. “One time I was reading a magazine and a guy approached me and said, ‘[T]alking is more fun than that, right?’ I laughed and let him sit with me. Although it never went anywhere, I did enjoy talking to him.”
How to impress him
There are plenty of ways to approach a guy in class. Nab him as your lab partner, work on a group project with him, or, as Claire from Ohio State University suggests, “Ask for his notes!” Offer to study for the upcoming exam with him. While you’re at it, offer to meet him for coffee post-cram sesh or pre-lecture. As girls, we can be intimidated by asking a guy out, but being upfront and confident is always sexy. “There’s no harm in making the first move, ladies!” says Bill Feldman from Emory University.
Where to meet him: Student clubs and off-campus activities
You might be the shy type, or maybe you’re not into the party scene on campus. It’s still easy to meet guys thanks to student clubs, sports teams, and other extracurricular groups. Odds are that you’ll want to start writing for your college newspaper, or maybe you’ll want to try your hand at juggling – either way, there are countless different groups for you to join, and freshman year is the perfect time to do so!
How to impress him
Joining as many social organizations as you can is the best way to meet guys who already share the same interests as you. You’ll know that you’ll have at least one thing in common and you can impress him with your skills. Even if that first date with him doesn’t work out, you at least found a group where you can do something you enjoy (and possibly where you can meet other guys who love dancing, foreign films, or kayaking just as much as you do).
What’s most important to keep in mind about freshman year is that as a freshman, you should experience all that the college dating scene has to offer. When there’s so much to discover about being a new collegiette on campus, serious boyfriend-hunting shouldn’t take a big priority. And if you do snag a Campus Cutie your first year, don’t be distressed if the relationship doesn’t work out. It can be limiting being tied down in a relationship, anyway, and college can be the best time in your life to live it up as a single lady!
With another fall semester here, it’s time that we take a good, hard look at ourselves (and our love lives). Whatever mistakes we made last year are in past semesters—we’ve got the chance to revamp our romances, so let’s not waste the opportunity by falling into the arms of yet another sleazy frat bro! Whether you have a nasty habit of choosing guys who were going nowhere or you were too much of a wallflower last spring, we’ve got the right advice to help you change your ways.
It starts off innocently enough: you want to hang out with your fun, new hook-up, so you decide to spend a Saturday night with him and his friends. But then a single Saturday night becomes an entire weekend, and before you know it, you’re making plans to fit his schedule (and ditching your friends in the process).
Why is it such a bad thing? “Most college relationships don't last forever, so when the relationship ends, you don't want to be left behind by friends who are disgruntled that you have been neglecting them when you had something ‘better’ going on,” says Kathleen Bogle, author of Hooking Up: Sex, Dating, and Relationships on Campus.
Shira Kipnees, a senior at Franklin & Marshall College, had to change her habits when she started making sacrifices for her boyfriend of three years. “We're long-distance during the school year, so we try and Skype every night,” she explains. “However, some nights he would have something [going on] and would not be able to Skype me until right before I'd be going to bed. I'd stay up waiting for him to be done and to Skype me, sometimes sacrificing an earlier bedtime just to talk.”
Eventually, Shira talked to her boyfriend about the issue and they settled on a “five minute” system. Right before she’s going to bed, she asks him if he’ll be able to Skype soon. If he responds, “Yes, I have five minutes left,” she stays up. If he says, “Not in the next five minutes,” she says goodnight and goes to bed.
It’s all about compromise. By being direct and bringing up the problem like Shira did, you and your guy can figure out a way to spend time together that doesn’t make anyone feel left out or taken advantage of. If you’re long-distance, try setting a specific day and time to Skype and stick to it every week. If you’re on campus together, set aside a girls’ night each weekend—no boyfriends allowed!
2. You Hooked up With a Guy Knowing He Didn’t Want More (& Hoping You Could Change his Mind)
Like many collegiettes before you, you’ve probably fallen into the ever-alluring, fixer-upper hook-up trap. Here’s how the story goes:
You hear of his illustrious bed-hopping reputation and vow to never be just another notch in his belt (no matter how cute he looks from across the quad).
You run into each other at a party, one thing leads to another, and you discover that this boy knows how to kiss. Like, Gone with the Wind, sweep-you-off-your-feet-style kissing.
You decide to make an exception.
He tells you he doesn’t want a relationship, so you unwittingly agree to a FWB situation.
You tell yourself that once he gets to know you better, he won’t help but falling for you.
He doesn’t.
Here’s the thing: it’s not that you aren’t the most amazing, talented, intelligent girl he’s ever been with. You probably are. But when he tells you he isn’t looking for anything serious, chances are he’s set on living the single life in college—or worse, rebounding from a rough break-up.
Connie Chan, a recent graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, found herself in this exact situation. “I've hooked up with a guy before knowing we weren't on the same page,” she says. “As much as I enjoyed his company, I was really wasting my time waiting around for someone who couldn't give me what I wanted. He was nice enough to end things instead of stringing me along, but I wish I had done it myself—and much earlier!”
To save yourself from this tough situation, make some hard rules and resolve to live by them. If he tells you he doesn’t want anything serious (or you hear he’s a heartbreaker), ask yourself where you want to be by the end of the semester. If you envision yourself living the single life or open to hook-ups, then by all means, give him a shot. If, however, you’d prefer to be able to snuggle up with a guy and a mug of hot chocolate come wintertime, keep looking for someone who’s interested in more than midnight booty-calls.
3. You Hooked up With a Guy You Weren’t Really Into
Almost everyone has a past hook-up that they would rather forget, but what if that hook-up also happened to be with someone you didn’t even want to hook up with in the first place? There are plenty of reasons not to hook up with a guy, and this is high on the list.
“Junior year, one of my roommates pushed me to start hanging out with her guy friend, who was best friends with her boyfriend, after he expressed an interest in me to her,” recalls Amy*, a senior at Boston College. “I started going out on double dates with the guy, mostly because I wanted to make my roommate happy. However, once things got physical with [him], I immediately became uncomfortable. I realized that I had never been into the guy since the beginning, as much as I tried to convince myself otherwise, and ended things as best I could.”
It’s a tricky spot to be in: you want to be there for your friend, but you’re just not feeling the spark. Remember that just because he’s a friend of your friend’s boyfriend doesn’t mean he deserves any preferential treatment—and definitely no undeserved kisses! If your friend is pressuring you to give him a chance, sit her down and explain that you want to find someone that makes you as happy as her boyfriend makes her, and you can tell that this guy just isn’t Mr. Right. Plus, does your friend really want to deal with the mess you’ll make when you break things off with her boyfriend’s buddy? Definitely not—so remind her of the repercussions!
On the other hand, you might find yourself going for a guy you’re not into simply because you’re lonely, you want to be physical, or you feel left out as the only single girl in your group. (Why rom-coms make the single lady life seem like an awful thing is beyond us.) Bogle’s advice: don’t settle! “There is no upside to hooking up with someone when you don't really want to,” she says. “There are enough guys out there that you will actually be interested in, so focus on them.”
4. You Chased After Guys Who Were Unavailable
We all want what we can’t have: guilt-free carbs, Carrie Bradshaw’s closet, and, of course, unavailable guys. You’d think that we would have evolved to lust after the single ones—after all, they’re much more likely to return the favor—but unfortunately, we collegiettes are constantly crushing hard on the taken ones.
“If you only want what you can't have, you have to ask yourself why,” advises Bogle. “Are you afraid of being hurt? Do you like the thrill of trying to attain the unattainable? Does the thought of getting someone who is hard to catch boost your ego?” If this is becoming a theme in your life, she says, you need to look inward for the reason why.
Once you figure out why you’ve been chasing taken guys, you need to try to make some changes. Don’t go to a party that you know your elusive, taken crush will attend. Instead, spend your time meeting new (single) people. Accept an invitation to hang out with people outside of your usual crowd. Even if there aren’t any guys there the first time, you never know which fantastic boys they might be friends with! Plus, the excitement and nerves of getting to know new people will take your mind off any unattainable flings.
It can be hard to use good judgment when feelings get in the way—particularly when those feelings are of the “I need to dump him” variety. Whether he got on your nerves, let the spark fizzle, or played tonsil-hockey with someone else over the weekend, you knew you had to end it. The question was: how?
Briana Morgan, a recent graduate of Georgia College, regrets the way she ended things with an ex. “I was too afraid to have ‘the talk,’” she recounts. “Instead, I avoided him whenever I could. Finally, he showed up at my dorm because he was worried about me. Then, we had the talk. I wish I'd come clean sooner instead of dragging the whole thing out. It wasn't fair to him.”
To avoid making the same mistake twice, try to put yourself in his shoes. Would you want to be strung along, hurt and confused for weeks? Nope, and neither would he, so be honest with him.
If you weren’t the one doing the dumping—but you dealt with the break-up badly anyway—you’ll want to take a different tactic. There’s nothing worse than running into an ex on campus who has heard you say bitter things you came to regret. And you definitely don’t want to be known as that girl who starts rumors about old boyfriends (or hooks up with their best friends immediately post-break-up).
This fall, keep your distance from former flames. If you’re with someone and he ends things—which means he’s lost his mind, of course—think before you speak. You may not care much for his feelings in that emotional moment, but keeping in mind how any potential awkwardness could affect you in the future—like in class, at parties, or at club meetings—will help you hold back any nasty insults.
6. You Turned Down a Guy Who “Wasn’t Your Type”
Sometimes, it can be hard to spot a truly nice guy, but Carole Lieberman, M.D., psychiatrist and author of Bad Boys: Why We Love Them, How to Live with Them, and When to Leave Them, explains that a lot of college girls actually avoid good guys—but not on purpose. “They’re afraid to be with a good guy who wants to get close because they're afraid if they get close, the guy will hurt them or abandon them,” she says.
Instead of giving nice guys a chance, most of us collegiettes write them off as “not our type.” We then head straight for the notorious ladies’ men, because deep down, according to Lieberman, we think there’s no risk of getting attached—or hurt. (Spoiler alert: This plan always fails. Always.) That subconscious fear might be to blame for that just-not-into-him feeling you’ve got in your gut when you come across a nice guy.
“I went on a date with this great guy last semester, but I just felt like there wasn’t any chemistry,” recalls Jessica*, a junior at Skidmore College. “I basically put him in the friend zone. Of course, by the end of the year, I ended up wanting him. I’m giving guys a two-date minimum chance next year!”
Give the nice guys a chance, even if they don’t seem like “your type” at first glance. Don’t force yourself to go on more than one date if you really aren’t feeling it—especially since it’ll probably turn into a notorious first date disaster—but ask yourself what it is about the guy that makes you think you don’t have chemistry. Does he seem too predictable? Too interested? If he’s coming on way too strong, keep your distance. But if it’s just that he’s more direct and friendly than the bad boys who’ve kept you guessing in the past, he deserves a shot! Use these seven foolproof ways to tell if he’s a good guy to see if he’s worth your time.
We get it: cute boys are intimidating! They’ve got those dreamy eyes, that fresh cologne smell... it’s a wonder we don’t all start stuttering mid-conversation. If your nerves got the best of you last year, making you more of a wallflower than a flirt, now’s the time to turn things around.
“You only live once,” Bogle reminds us. “If something doesn't work out, fine. But, you will sleep better at night if you know you gave it a shot. Don't sit on the sidelines and watch someone else steal your crush!”
Instead, get in on the action. Don’t be afraid to make the first move. If you see your crush in class, casually ask him to remind you of your latest assignment. Then, ask how he likes the class. The conversation should flow from there!
If you get to the point where you’re on talking terms but he isn’t making moves, he might not realize that you’re interested. Turn up the flirt factor by asking him to hang out for a one-on-one coffee on campus to get him in a dating mindset. Never underestimate the power of body language, either; putting a hand on his arm for a second after he’s told a funny joke is one of the best ways to signal that you’re open to something more.
Don’t fall back into bad habits this semester. You may not find love on your first day, but by making these changes (and avoiding these seven love mistakes), you’ll be seven steps closer!
When it comes to transitions and new experiences, your late teens and early twenties have all the other decades beat. Think about it—most college students see their living situation change every time a summer break or a new academic year comes around. For many collegiettes, the first and biggest of these transitions takes place in an on-campus residence hall, complete with a random roommate, an 8x10 dorm room and a resident advisor.
Eventually, though, it’ll be time to leave all the fun and frustration of dorm life behind for a new life off campus. You’ll replace the cafeteria’s Chicken Finger Wednesday with your own personal Starving Grocery Shopping Thursday, and you’ll swap out your RA for a landlord. The transition from life on campus to life in an apartment or house is a pretty big one in its own right—luckily, Her Campus has you covered with the ten most important things to keep in mind when you decide to venture off campus.
1. Living with landlords - know your rights and document everything
While living on campus, you rarely deal directly with the people who own your space. This, of course, will change when you move off campus. From the moment you sign your lease to the day you turn in your key, make sure you know how to interact and communicate with the landlord who’s leasing his or her property to you.
From the very beginning, make sure you’re documenting everything you possibly can. Any verbal agreements with your landlord need to be in writing as well, says Allison Lantero, a Boston College graduate who took her landlord to small claims court and won.
Allison and her roommates decided to take their landlord to court after their security deposit was only partially returned, with no detailed receipt and no bank statement for a $1,200 damages charge. They won the case, but Lantero says it would’ve been easier if every stipulation of their lease had been in writing—some agreementswere made over the phone and couldn’t be documented in court.
“If it’s not in writing within the legal document of the lease, it’s not enforceable,” says Kendal McDevitt, former coordinator for the Office of Off-Campus Community Relations at Appalachian State University. For any agreements that are not written into the physical copy of the lease, McDevitt recommends writing them in, and having each roommate as well as the rental company initial the changes. “First, go through the apartment and document the condition of rooms and appliances. Some apartment complexes provide handouts for this. If not, take a blank sheet of paper in with you and write down damage of anything you see. Second, take pictures of the apartment in its original condition. Keep a copy of the pictures yourself and submit a copy to the rental company,” McDevitt says.
Still confused about your rights as a renter? “Have a lawyer look over the lease for you,” says Chelsea McLeod, a recent grad of Rhodes College.
2. Start thinking like your mom
No, this doesn’t mean you have to start worrying about yourself(and calling yourself multiple times every day). But your mom did handle the ins and outs of your childhood home for at least eighteen years, so it might not be a bad idea to tap into her superpowers.
First, put some thought into your surroundings. Remember how your mom hauled dozens of plastic tubs down from the attic so she could redecorate the house for each holiday season? It may seem tedious, but little touches go a long way toward making a house feel like a home. So if you’re allowed to paint the walls of your rental or apartment complex, paint them! If your living room furniture is mismatched, go online and learn how to make fun covers for couches and chairs. If you’re artistic, buy wooden initials - they’re cheap at stores like Michael’s and A.C. Moore - and paint them for your room. Just make sure you clear any big changes with the roomies.
Second, remember that it’s now your job to keep your home stocked and supplied. Collegiettes who were asked about items they forgot to pack mentioned paper towels, vacuum cleaners, floor mops, toilet paper, brooms, tool kits, toilet plungers, pasta strainers, and bathroom mats. Add these items to your list, and sit down with your roommates to brainstorm other basics you may be missing.
And don’t forget to pack beyond the basics as well.“I noticed what separated other people’s apartments from mine from feeling like home is everyone else had a much more decorated place with candles, posters, and plants,” says Jessica Len, former Her Campus Campus Correspondent at UC Davis.
In addition to year-round decorations, other collegiettes suggest getting into seasonal decorating. Cut and decorate a Christmas tree with your roommates or make a spring wreath for your door. Do whatever you can to make your new place one you’ll want to remember.
3. Learn to grocery shop and cook some simple staples
One drastic difference between dorm life and apartment life revolves around one of the things college students love most: food. While living on campus, you’ll typically have a meal plan that grants you access to cafeteria meals, no cooking or grocery shopping required. Off campus, unless you feel like trekking to campus every time you feel like a snack, it’s likely a little bit different. Before you move into your apartment, make sure you’ve discussed the food situation with your parents—namely, who’s paying for what—and make a trial grocery store run while they’re still in town.
It also helps to learn a few simple meals before moving into your apartment, so that after a long day, or after your Julia Child masterpiece burns/collapses/explodes, you can whip something up quickly. If you’ve never cooked before, ask a parent or a family friend to show you how to bake chicken or boil rice. If you know the basics but need new ideas, add a new cookbook to your Kindle. There are dozens of cookbooks tailored to college students in all sorts of living situations, or check out some of HC’s recipe ideas here, and here.
4. Learn some simple cleaning fixes
You may have been cleaning your room for your whole life, and maybe you even Swiffered your dorm room once or twice, but cleaning an entire apartment is a whole different story. Before you find yourself knee-deep in dust and dirty dishes, make sure you have a cleaning schedule for yourself. You can clean your bedroom on Saturdays and your bathroom on Tuesdays—it doesn’t matter, just make sure you know what needs to be done and when you need to do it.
It’ll also save time (and take some pressure off your wallet) tolearn a few simple home-cleaning fixes—this is another area where asking for Mom’s know-how comes in handy. Instead of buying expensive cleaners, clean countertops, refrigerator shelves and other surfaces with white distilled vinegar. Dilute it with water, about one quarter cup of vinegar to every gallon of water. And instead of using up expensive paper towels to clean your windows, pick up a stack of free campus newspapers - the newsprint will remove smudges without leaving any streaks.
When you were living in the dorms, it probably wasn’t hard to feel like a part of the action on your campus. After all, it’s literally where you slept and worked and ate. After moving away and embracing the off-campus lifestyle, though, you may feel a little detached from the undergraduate community at your college or university. For Appalachian State University grad Jordyn Coats, whose studio apartment isn’t in her university town, keeping up with extracurricular activities has been the key to staying involved. “I play roller derby with some amazing women at least every other day,” she says, referencing the year-old competitive roller derby team she founded. Whatever your niche is, from intramural sports to knitting club, don’t drop it because the meetings are no longer quite as close by. If you’re only on campus when it’s time for class, you won’t feel as connected to or invested in it.
Even if all doesn’t go as planned, make every effort to get to know yourself better during your first off-campus experience. If you’re working too much to pay your rent and not using half of your apartment’s fancy features, find a less expensive place next time. If your roommates are always studying but you’d rather be loud, seek out friends and roommates who feel the same way. As a collegiette, it’s the perfect time to learn what works for you. Soak up all the knowledge you can from your off campus living experience, and make the next one even better.
It feels like just yesterday you were throwing your graduation cap in the air and vowing to have the best summer ever. But believe it or not, many of you are only a few weeks away from becoming an official collegiette. While you’re so excited for the best four years of your life to begin, you’re probably starting to freak out about that first week at school. Between making new friends and navigating your way through campus, it can be a little stressful. With our collegiette-approved tips, the first week of school will be a breeze!
Day One
The day you’ve been waiting for is finally here: move-in day. Whether you hopped on a plane or packed up the car with your parents, today marks the beginning of your collegiette experience. Alas, your day isn’t limited to unpacking a plethora of boxes and decorating your side of the room.
Meeting your roommate
Some of you may have had that awkward, “I’m living with you and I’ll bring the T.V.!” conversation with your roommate. Others may have met up with your roomie over the summer (brownie points for your outgoing initiative). Whether you know your roommate or not, the anticipation is over – you’re officially living with her. While you may be nervous to live with a stranger, take this first day to bond. Break the ice by complimenting some of her pictures or even a book that’s lying on her desk. Not only are you showing a genuine interest in her life, you may also learn that the two of you have something in common. After the two of you unpack, suggest hitting up the dining hall. The two of you can bond over the delicious pizza or questionable chicken.
Introducing yourself to your R.A.
Chances are your RA – which is collegiette slang for Resident Assistant – will come to your room and introduce him or herself. Since your RA makes the rules and writes people up if a problem occurs (e.g. noise violations, possession of alcohol, etc.), make sure to get on your RA’s good side, stat! Get to know your RA by asking questions about his or her major, grade, and extracurricular activities. If you haven’t run into your RA yet, go to him or her! Usually, an R.A. will have a sign on his or her dorm room’s door, so this search will be no needle in a haystack. Unless your RA is busy, take this time to introduce yourself. Aside from being your floor’s king or queen, your RA is an upperclassman, so you can also take this time to get some of your questions answered.
Day Two
How was your first night in your dorm? Sure, you may not love your mattress pad yet, but you’ll get used to it. Get ready ladies: today is your first day as an official collegiette.
Matriculation
Matricuwhat? Soon after you move in, you’ll be whisked away to a grandiose ceremony that marks your transition from pre-collegiette to collegiette (hooray)! Your parents might stay for matriculation… and they’ll probably cry and/or take a ton of photos. At most matriculation ceremonies, there will be long speeches. A lot of long speeches. You may stop paying attention between the welcome speech and your Dean of Students’ monologue, and that’s okay! Instead of burying your face in your cell, take this opportunity to (quietly) introduce yourself to the people sitting around you. A simple joke about how long the speeches are could lead to a new friendship!
Bonding with your floormates
Although some say making friends on your floor is just like making friends at sleep-away camp, what are you supposed to do if cabins and friendship bracelets weren’t your thing? “Leaving your door open is a great way to meet people on your floor,” says Kimberly Horner from The College of New Jersey. Since everyone’s in the same boat, your RA will probably arrange a couple floor events so make sure you attend.
Day Three
Who knew that you can buy coffee with your dining points? Life is great! Speaking of coffee, where is the closest Starbucks?
If you haven’t already purchased your books, you may be tempted to follow the massive horde of people headed to the bookstore. However, we urge you to stray away from the pack. Not only will the store resemble Macy’s on Black Friday, but you can find better deals. “You can save so much money by using Amazon or half.com,” says Alaine Perconti from Miami University of Ohio. “The bookstore is easy and convenient, but books are so expensive so any money you can save is big!” To figure out which books you need, you can usually search your classes on your bookstore’s website. If that doesn’t work, wait until the first day of classes. “Sometimes the professors change the book or tell you that a book can be downloaded online for free,” says Erica Avesian from the University of Michigan. Since the first day of classes is usually filled with reading the syllabus, you can get away with not having your books right away.
Getting comfortable with your campus
Some campuses may be easy to navigate; others are a jungle. Instead of having a mild to severe panic attack on the first day of classes, spend a few hours exploring what your university has to offer. While some colleges offer tours the first few days, test your knowledge by going without a guide. Make sure to take note of major landmarks while you search for the following locations:
Student health services
Dining halls
The nearest pharmacy or convenience store
The gym
Where your classes are located
The student center
The closest bus or subway stop
To make this event a million times better, bring your roommate along. That way, the two of you can laugh about that time you couldn’t find your way back to your dorm. Speaking of getting lost, don’t be embarrassed to ask for directions! Ask a student who seems to know where they’re going (bonus points if you ask a cute collegent).
Day Four
You made it to the gym and back in one panic-free piece? Congratulations! On your walk, you may have noticed all the welcoming banners. If the number of “Welcome Freshmen” signs haven’t proved that colleges go all out for incoming collegiettes, the slew of welcome week activities will! Don’t take these events lightly because they are prime opportunities to make new friends.
Making friends outside of your floor
As much as you love your new floormates, it’s imperative that you make other friends as well. After all, aren’t cliques so high school? Since everyone’s looking to make new friends during the first few weeks of school, unleash your social butterfly pronto. Easier said than done, right? Not necessarily. In fact, going to all your school’s welcome week events is half the battle. “You will seriously feel so much better connected to people on campus if you attend all orientation week events,” says Katherine Mirani from Northwestern University. Break the ice with that charismatic boy by telling him that you liked his “ice breaker” answer. Or compliment that super trendy girl on her sartorially superb sandals. From there, don’t be afraid to ask your new friends about hometowns, majors, and even residence halls. Once you’ve covered the basics, making friends is as easy as it was in kindergarten because, as in kindergarten, everyone’s looking to make new friends too!
Welcome Week Activities
While you now know that you’re supposed to make friends during welcome week activities, what does welcome week mean? Essentially, your lovely school organizes a plethora of events so you can assimilate into college. Though every school has a different agenda, specific academic programs usually provide a lot of scavenger hunts, barbecues, and seminars. Most likely, you will receive an email or flyer that’s inviting you to all the fun. If you were concerned there won’t be loads of corny icebreakers and free swag, don’t worry—there will be. But isn’t that the fun of college? Just remember to be outgoing, energetic, and enthusiastic!
Day Five
After a couple collegiette days, you’re starting to get really comfortable on campus! Social life? Check. Academic life? You bought the books, so you’re good for now. Extracurriculars? Uh...
Signing up for extracurriculars
Don’t be surprised if your new collegiette status prompts you to be as school-spirited as humanly possible: it’s completely normal. Side effects of school spirit may include buying tons of college apparel and, more importantly, signing up for a million extracurricular activities. Since the next four years is all about figuring out who you are, take a chance and sign up for a bunch of different clubs. You’ll never know how much you adore Quidditch if you don’t sign up for your school’s intramural! During the beginning of school, most universities have an extracurricular expo where you can learn about all the clubs on campus. Sign up for the ones that truly interest you. If your school doesn’t offer one of these club conventions, look on your school’s website and email the clubs you’re interested in about how to join.
Day Six
The term TGIF exists for a reason, collegiettes.
Party time!
Now that your bustling social life is underway, the moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here: your very first party as a collegiette. It’s like a debutante ball, just without the Blair Waldorf-approved evening gowns (think skinny jeans, sultry party tops, and “to die for” shoes instead). Though you may want to dive right into the world of crazy college parties, make sure you don’t end up regretting your night of fun. “Don’t be ‘that girl’ the first week that has a drunken tragedy,” says Lauren Macmullen from Boston University. “You want to make a good impression.” Instead of cutting the keg stand line, take your first few outings to meet people. Speaking of socializing, make sure you adhere to the Buddy System. It may sound lame, but it’s definitely better to be safe than sorry (especially in an environment where drunk collegents only have one thing on their minds… and it’s not flip cup). With all that in mind, remember to have fun. It’s a party after all!
Day Seven
Is it just me or was your first week of college on fast forward? Time flies when you’re having fun. Unfortunately, this week of social outings and free swag will come to a screeching halt soon. Although college is still loads of fun, you do have to go to school.
Find a study spot
By now, you should know what kind of studying atmosphere you prefer. Are you the quiet library kind of gal or are you craving a chaotic space? Before classes begin, head to your desired study spot for a test run. You can learn all about the location’s food and drink regulations as well as WiFi access. Though your new home away from home may look deserted, finding a place to study early will allow you to focus on your work.
Final preparations for your first day
Though you already have all your textbooks (or have ordered them), there are a few things you need to do before your first day of school. Sure, classes don’t start until Monday; however, who really wants to wait until the last minute? Exactly. For a stress-free first day, there are some simple tasks you must do beforehand:
Decide whether you should use notebooks, an iPad, or your laptop
If notebooks are your thing, pick up some pens and paper
Write down what building and room each of your classes is in
Figure out how much time you need to get ready based on how far away your classes are from your dorm
Print a copy of each class’s syllabus
Pick out your first day of school outfit (I don’t care how old you are, it still matters)
With school supplies, and a rocking outfit, how could anything go wrong?
So the first week is over, now what? We’re pleased to tell you that the most stressful part is over (well, except maybe for your first final). Sure, you’ll encounter some collegiette dilemmas; however, if you can survive your first week of college, there’s nothing you can’t do.
When we were in middle school, we were so hyped to wear our new Lizzie McGuire T-shirts from Limited Too on the first day of class. Now, it’s a bit more difficult to figure out what to wear as we start a new semester. We want to look fab, but it can be so tempting to just give up and turn to our beloved sweatpants.
Comfort is everything when it comes to campus fashion, but your inner fashionista might be craving a change. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite outfits that will have you ready to slay, without worrying about high heels or body-con anything.
Since the weather will still be warm by the time we enter our first classroom of the semester, wearing a romper to class is perfectly acceptable. Choose one with a floral pattern if you’re looking for a cheerful and easygoing look (or, opt for a neutral solid if you're looking to stay classic). To keep the look comfortable and casual, pair it with your favorite pair of gladiator sandals. You’ll look put-together without being too dressed up.
Every collegiette needs black leggings (it's a total wardrobe staple!), and there is no better time to rock yours than on the first day of class. Just like a supportive friend, they make you happy and they’re always there when you need them.
To keep the look simple with a little bit of flair, pair your leggings with a black and white striped top and a delicate necklace. For comfort all the way down to your toes, finish the look with a comfy pair of nude flats, which will pull the rest of the look together perfectly.
Jeans might have been seen as too casual at your internship, but on campus they tend to lean on the dressier side, especially compared to all of the leggings collegiettes are rocking on a daily basis. If you find that you’re ready to wear jeans on the first day of class, opt for a pair of boyfriend jeans, which exude chic and are not nearly as binding as your fave skinnies.
For a lived-in vibe, reach for a pair that is distressed and plan the rest of your outfit accordingly, letting your pants steal the show. A basic scoop neck tee works perfectly with the texture of the jeans, and leaves room for a simple necklace.
Don’t forget the shoes! We recommend pairing this ensemble with a pair of metallic Birkenstocks for a comfy and edgy look.
We know saying goodbye to summer break is hard, so make sure you wear your favorite pair of shorts a few more times before you put them away for the fall. Denim shorts are so versatile, so feel free to get creative.
For an athletic twist, pair them with a cropped baseball tee and a pair of colorful sneakers. It’s definitely a casual look, so you’ll feel comfortable just being yourself as you reunite with all of your campus friends on your way to class.
The best part about patterned jogger pants is that they are just as comfy as your favorite baggy sweats, without actually being sweatpants. It’s definitely the best of both worlds! Opt for a statement-making printed pair, and wear it with a solid black top; we love the idea of sporting this cropped tank. Keep the comfort going all the way down to your toes with a pair of espadrilles, which are basically slippers you can wear in public, making it feel like you never changed out of your loungewear once you’re taking notes during your morning lecture.
No matter what you wear on your first day of class, we know you’ll rock it! As long as you’re comfortable in your outfit of choice, you’ll be able to take on the semester by storm, and these outfits prove that cozy and chic can come together in harmony.
As the Olympics come to a close, we reminisce on the last 17 days of tears, hard work, and most importantly, gold medals. It goes without saying that one of the most exciting sports to watch is gymnastics, with all that flipping and flying. Her Campus got a chance to catch up with Olympian Gabby Douglas to chat about how exactly the experience has been for her. Although it was not her first rodeo, it was definitely one for the books.
Going into Rio, was there anything you wanted to do differently than your last experience at the Olympics?
Gabby Douglas: Not really. For me, I always thought about approaching it the same way I did London and go out there to really enjoy the experience, have fun and stay confident.
How does competing against your best friends impact your relationships with them? Particularly after Simone and Aly moved on to the All-Around competition and you were held back. Is there any negative energy in the group? Or is it more of "we will always be a team no matter what"?
GD: Competing with my best friends is amazing. For me personally, the team competitions are always the most fun. But we always have each other’s backs. Fall or make it, we are still there for each other and encourage each other along the way. It’s so much fun!
What attracted you to your partnership with Venus? And real talk, do you shave right before every competition? (Because tbh, your legs are perfect!)
GD: Venus has been in my shower for as long as I can remember and I am so excited to be their new ambassador for the #MovesLikeNoOther campaign. I’m happy to partner with a brand that shares my passion for inspiring women to reveal their most confident, beautiful selves and show off their moves like no other. And yes, I HAVE to shave before every competition because I wear a leotard. Cameras are HD, so my legs need to be flawlessly smooth!
In Rio, do you get a lot of time to socialize with the other athletes? Is there anyone you have met that you fangirled over?
GD: Yes, we socialize! In the Olympic Village, there are different athletes from each county and from each sport. We like to pin-trade because it’s a great way to start a conversation and meet other athletes. The coolest was seeing Usain Bolt walking around in the village.
How does your mindset change from a smaller competition to the Olympics? How do you stay calm under pressure?
GD: I like to treat every competition like it’s the Olympics. Every competition is so important, especially leading up to the Games, because if you can handle the small stuff and stay cool under pressure, you can handle the big stuff.
What's the first thing you do after you are done competing for the day in Rio? Is there something special you like to eat? A special pair of sweat pants you crawl right into?
GD: Eating! I’ve enjoyed some pizza and ice cream post-competition.
Do you have a favorite story from Rio so far that you can share with us? Any hilarious moments with your teammates that no one knows about?
GD: We were in the airport on our way to Rio and saw a Cinnabon. We broke away and went on a secret mission to get some by ourselves. But security radioed in and our coaches found us trying to hide! It was hilarious – we wanted to be secretive, but it’s just not possible with all of us together!
What's next for you? Do you want to compete on a collegiate level? What are your next big goals after the games are over?
GD: It’s a little weird going from training every day and competing to right now. We just finished two days ago, so I don’t know what it’s like not to train! I’m still in Rio working, and then am heading back to NY for a tour. So right now, lunch is next for me, and then I’ll go from there.
In other words, Gabby Douglas is just like us... except with more gold medals and better abs.
Name: Michaela Cisney Age: 26 Job Title and Description: Founder and Executive Director of Priyam Global College Name/Major: Indiana University, Master of Public Health Website:www.priyamglobal.org Twitter Handle:@michaelacisney Instagram Handle:@saltwatermocha
What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Michaela Cisney: I don’t have a typical day, but my typical morning starts with attempting to wake up at 6:30, a mug of black coffee or green tea (mood depending) and often a short yoga practice at home. I start the day by glancing through my Spark Planner to check in with my goals and agenda for the week and month.
In addition to my work with Priyam, I freelance as a communications consultant in global health, so my tasks vary and my job mainly entails strong time management skills and being able to stay highly organized. I first look at any urgent emails for Priyam or consulting assignments, and then get to work. For Priyam, I usually schedule out a few days of social media posts, make some progress on a grant application or research for grant opportunities. I’ll probably email a possible collaborator, investor or partner. I might be designing our next shop goods, writing a blog feature or scheduling an email update to our tribe. Lately, I’ve been meeting people for lunch or coffee to talk about our newest project, get their feedback on our proposals and invite them to be involved.
Other typical parts of my day include meetings over Skype with staff members of the humanitarian agency I consult with, writing and finalizing reports, editing health curricula, drafting blog posts and submitting marketing support materials for review. I split my time between working at home and working in coffee shops around town (I’m currently based in Bloomington, Indiana) and travel to India a handful of times each year.
I try to prioritize self-care between tasks. Working from home—and the nature of my jobs—means that it’s up to me to set boundaries and keep from burning out or succumbing to stress. Staying aware and backing off from work for a few minutes keeps me sane. I might make another cup of tea, water the plants, eat an orange, take a hot shower, find a ten minute yoga sequence on YouTube, or make myself go outside and stand still for a few minutes just to breathe.
What inspired you to start Priyam Global?
MC: My journey to founding Priyam Global began in 2009, when as a volunteer in India I watched a young mother bring her three-year-old daughter to an orphanage and then leave without her. Her little girl was affected by a disability that paralyzed her legs. When the mother turned to leave through the gate, her eyes were filled with tears. This experience sparked four years of research into understanding the realities of life as a child with disabilities and the challenges their families must overcome. During these years, I earned my bachelor’s in community health before taking a job as a community health worker supporting families living in poverty in Indiana, U.S. Frustrated by a program that never involved the families in determining what they needed, I earned my master’s degree in behavioral, social, and community health with a focus on maternal and child health and the goal of influencing health programs to listen to those they serve. In 2014, I founded Priyam Global to tackle the root causes of poverty for children affected by disability in India and raise awareness of childhood disability in developing countries. I am and will always be inspired by the beautiful language of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and motivated every day to fight for what it stands for, for every child, mother and family in India and elsewhere, and for every neighbor, stranger and friend at home.
What is the best part of your job?
MC: I love the challenge. Essential to our vision of change at Priyam is a conviction that beauty makes a difference. Beauty, which captures us all, is a catalyst for change. Poverty and disability can be difficult to discuss and are not always beautiful, but we are committed to sharing our work in fresh, compelling and beautiful ways that inspire involvement and change rather than suffering and pity. That is not always easy and requires creativity, persistence, humility and a constant ability to pivot and redesign. It is time for the best in art, design and innovation to be channeled for children affected by disability, and that is what we aim to do.
What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?
MC: In terms of what it takes to build a movement in global health that is genuinely collaborative and impactful, I wish someone had told me that it is okay to spend years thinking gradually around every angle of an idea before acting on it, that it’s okay to go into communities without an agenda to listen to what they have to say (again and again) before deciding what to do, and that I should listen to both the optimists and the cynics in this kind of work. I wish someone had told me that those things are not just okay—they are necessary.
What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
MC: Much has been written on the Western savior complex: a complex held by people from western, wealthier countries (America, Europe) that gives them a sense of superiority and misplaced responsibility, assuming they have the answers to complex problems in developing countries and jumping in to “help” and “save” the locals with little or no understanding of the political, social and economic factors at work. Globally this is a huge problem, and critics, understandably, are everywhere. I was aware of these issues before beginning Priyam and I was wary of them, so our central values have always been collaboration, equal partnership, listening and respect for the expertise and experience of local communities.
Recently, however, I realized I was in the middle of a mistake. In a small organization, the words we use directly shape what we do and directly hinder or help the possible impact of our work. Despite our focus on partnership, I realized that 90 percent of our social media communications began with the words “our work” or “we [do this].” It was very us-centered. We sometimes referred to local initiatives (where the real work is happening) with a tone that bordered on amazement, as if we were surprised that anyone in a developing country could possibly have the initiative and dedication to make a difference without outside help. We talked about partnership, but our partners may as well have been invisible for the number of times we actually featured them on our social channels. These were all very subtle, but together they painted a clear picture: our actions and words were not reflecting the values we chose to guide us. Rather, they were reflecting assumptions we thought we’d left behind.
I’m still learning, but I’ve learned from this small shift that we still have a long way to go. I’m learning to craft sentences that take the focus away from us. I’m learning to treat our partners as cofounders rather than recipients. Learning how to live our values, both in words and action. There are many start-up organizations today that do respect the local scene, that do want to learn from and work alongside to expand possibilities rather than “save” or “help.” Most of us genuinely value collaboration. But I think we all need to be more aware of the silent assumptions that might underlie our work. They’re in the words we use.
What do you look for when hiring somebody?
MC: I look for openness, positivity and independence. It’s important to have an honest view of what you can and cannot do well. Someone I admire once said, “You need to know what you don’t know and know what you know to be a good healer. If you know what you don’t know, you can be more resourceful.” That’s one of the most essential traits for me—resourcefulness. I don’t care if you don’t know everything, but if you know how to find the resources and make the connections that are relevant and useful and fresh and put them on the table for the entire team to access, we can learn together.
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
MC: My aspirations are to bring healing and restoration to some corner of the world in some way. It’s not specific to nonprofit or global development work. Being a light often starts with being different. Carve out a niche in any career—for profit or nonprofit—as a person who lives with integrity and strength. When you come across something that shatters what you thought you knew about the world, let the uncomfortable questions from a difficult experience linger long after you return to the safety of your home. Don’t jump into “changing” it immediately. Look at a daunting problem and approach it with curiosity. Listen, listen and listen some more. You absolutely cannot make a difference in the world without choosing again and again to shove your way past your many comfort zones. Sometimes, surprisingly, you’ll find more comfort in action when just outside of that is a more uncomfortable process with greater rewards: listen, and learn humility.
We're just a couple of months away from election day—Doesn't it seem like a lifetime since this election cycle started? But no matter how fatigued you are by the many gaffes, scandals and secrets of our two major candidates, now is the time to pay attention and make your decision about who you’ll be voting for come Nov. 8.
As always, we want to provide you with the best possible coverage of the 2016 election—and that means hearing from YOU in HC's Pre-Election Survey #3! Which candidate are you leaning toward? How did you feel about Bernie dropping out of the race? And do you feel like you’re choosing between the lesser of two evils in this election? Let us know, and soon we’ll publish the results so you can see what college women as a whole are thinking.
We’ve all heard it before. Athleisure is this year’s fashion fad, and there are a million ways to wear the trend. From long, loose layers to crazy printed leggings, athleisure combines the comfort and ease of sportswear with the style and fit of your favorite ready-to-wear pieces. If you’re new to the athleisure concept, and you’d really like to achieve a look that’s more Kendall Jenner than Britney circa 1990, we’ve got plenty of inspiration for you to get started. Most importantly, athleisure should suit your personality and lifestyle, so no matter what the stars have in store for your busy life, there’s an outfit to match.
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
You’ve got a creative mind that reflects in your cool, casual aesthetic. Your wardrobe contains a mix of bold prints and chic, body-hugging cuts, because you’re not afraid to show off that figure. Give athleisure a go with a matching jacket and legging set in a vibrant print. At the gym, all you need is a sports bra, but bring a tank top along to throw on after for a day of errands, shopping or exploring.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
Your favorite piece of clothing is most likely that soft, worn-in pair of blue jeans you’ve had since high school, and you’d much rather feel comfortable than constricted. You’re probably already inclined to jump on the athleisure bandwagon, but you can ease into the trend by pairing those well-loved jeans with a loose tee and a modern varsity jacket. Slip on some sneakers and you’ve got a versatile look that’s functional and fabulous.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
Geminis don’t like to be pinned down to one type of look. You’ve got a style that’s all your own, and you favor eclectic mixes of prints, colors and textures. Luckily, athleisure should be fun and definitely not fussy, so you can easily incorporate some sporty pieces into your wardrobe. Pair a boxy tee with a classic mini skirt and accessorize with funky sneakers, printed laces and a metallic bag. Geminis love their accessories, so go big and have fun!
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
The Cancer girl is all about the classics. You like comfortable, versatile pieces that you can mix and match with a lot of other things in your wardrobe. Invest in a couple key athleisure garments that can be worn a number of ways, like a long, knit sweater and full-length black leggings. A basic tank, printed tee or crop top are all great options to wear underneath the cozy topper.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
The Leo lady is confident, fierce and always colorful. Your buoyant personality translates perfectly to athleisure, where you can go all out with bold prints and bright colors. To prevent your look from becoming too clown-like, pick one piece to be the focal point of the outfit. A pair of vibrant leggings is a great option and paired with a relaxed hoodie, you’ll be the epitome of casual-cool.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
You know how to get in touch with your feminine side, but as a Virgo, you also appreciate a bit of edginess in your wardrobe. Classic cuts and neutral colors are amped up with luxe fabrics and metallic details. For a Virgo-worthy athleisure look, mix classically athletic pieces like a sweatshirt or jersey with leather, denim and other cool-girl favorites. Keep the fit feminine and chic with a crop top or jacket that highlights the waist and curve-hugging jeans.
Libra (September 23 - October 22)
You’re a master of mixing, and you enjoy combining masculine and feminine aesthetics in addition to prints, colors and textures. A boxy skirt and basic tee shirt blend the best of the feminine form with the sportiness of menswear. Slip-on sneakers complete the look while a simple cross-body bag makes for easy on-the-go living. Make one garment, like the skirt in this example, the focal point of the look by choosing an all-over print. The key is to balance your proportions with a fitted waist and flared, a-line cut.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Your look is focused, polished and always put-together. While everyone else may envy your easy-breezy style, you know that that the key is picking tailored, classic cuts in black, white and neutrals. Maintain your hint of edginess with sporty joggers and chunky heels, but take the look to true fashionista territory with a timeless black blazer. It’s a look that as comfortable to wear as it is put together, but you’ll still dazzle the most finicky fashion maven with your elegance and flair.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
You favor classic cuts, a figure-hugging fit and subtle prints. Athleisure blends with structured sophistication in this take on the modern pantsuit. The Sagittarius girl doesn’t take herself too seriously, and this outfit proves that style doesn’t have to be stuffy. Pick a matching jogger and jacket set to pair with a black tee and sandals for day or pointy-toe heels for a night out. It’s comfy, versatile and completely effortless.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
You like to keep things sleek and sophisticated, and classic cuts and streamlined fits are your jam. You may have once cringed at the thought of athleisure, but now you know that it goes far beyond sweatpants and dirty sneakers. Try pairing those trendy ripped jeans with sporty slip-ons, a deep V-neck tee and a long-boxy coat that will take any look from daytime cool to evening chic. For the Capricorn, it’s all about versatile layering for a mix and match wardrobe that’s always accessible, so look for sportswear pieces in a variety of cuts and colors.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
Your signature look is fun and flirty, and you dress to make yourself happy, no one else. When it comes to athleisure, you can maintain your flirty flair with a mini skirt and crop top in sportswear inspired fabrics. Pair the look with tennis shoes for comfort and a chic printed coat for a touch of class. A structured bag is the perfect accessory, and you look for a rich, textured material like leather to add a bit of interest and sophistication to an otherwise relaxed look.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
You are a true minimalist, and you appreciate style in its simplest form. Keep things clean and chic with a black and white look and only two classic pieces—a great pair of joggers in a rich material and a flowy cropped tank. You could add sandals or slip on sneakers for a daytime look or go bold with strappy heels for a killer evening ensemble.
One of the least-discussed (and, arguably, most important) issues at stake this election season is global climate change. We’ve all heard of it, and we all know to reduce-reuse-and-recycle—But since the American response to this phenomenon affects everyone worldwide, it’s time we start understanding what the U.S. government has planned to fix this growing problem.
So what is global warming?
Simply put, climate change is an increase in global temperatures as a whole. Some argue that it’s all a myth—but it’s no secret that average temperatures worldwide are rising each year, and the vast majority of climate scientists agree that climate change is a human-made problem that's threatening all of us.
This is due in part to the increase of greenhouse gases, like Carbon Dioxide, or CO2, in Earth’s atmosphere.
Anup Shah from Global Issues explains that greenhouses gases are to the Earth like salt is to humans. We need some salt to survive, and it definitely makes food taste better to use it, but too much of it becomes unhealthy. Similarly, there are some greenhouse gases that keep us alive on Earth, and, according to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the amount we are supposed to have keeps the planet at a comfortable temperature, instead of close to freezing all year long. But a lot of the things that people are doing to make their lives easier, like using spray cans and burning down certain forests, are actually hurting our planet by adding too many greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, causing the Earth to heat up more than it should.
According to NASA, the increase of these gases can be attributed to both natural and human activities, but if we as humans don’t start doing something now, the worldwide climate change could be irreversible.
Fixing these issues has been left in the hands of the government for decades, but not much has been accomplished. Environmentalists hope that will change in the coming years with the election of a new U.S. president.
So where do the candidates stand on climate change?
Hillary Clinton:
Hillary Clinton’s campaign focus about this issue is on clean energy. She agrees with science that climate change is a huge problem, and has several plans to fix it.
Her official website says that she wants to make “America the world’s clean energy superpower,” through the installation of more solar panels, the reduction of energy waste, and the minimizing of American oil consumption. She wants to follow in President Obama’s footsteps by continuing his “Clean Power Plan,” and her ultimate goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emission by 80 percent by the year 2050. While David Roberts from Grist claims that reaching this goal could be possible both economically and physically for the U.S., it would require immediate and decisive action by legislators, many of whom still deny climate change.
To combat these “climate deniers,” Clinton’s claims on her campaign website that she will work against global warming without the help of Congress, suggesting that she is willing to overstep the legislative branch and make the controversial executive orders that President Obama has been so widely criticized for.
Furthermore, her plans are criticized by opposition who say that her ideas are much too broad. They argue that she may try to change her position on the issue, since she won’t make any definitive statements.
Finally, others say she simply isn’t passionate enough about the issue, as her campaign chairman, John Podesta, said in an interview that climate change is not one of Clinton’s top priorities this election season.
Bernie Sanders:
Bernie Sanders may now be out of the race, but it's worth looking at his former plans to see how the other candidates stack up. Sanders had detailed and extensive plans to combat climate change. His ideas included an increase in electric transportation options and a state-by-state plan to switch to renewable energy sources, but, like Clinton, he probably would have faced heavy criticism from Congress had he tried to implement these changes.
Sanders specifically said he does not condone natural gas or nuclear power. Some argue that this leads America right back to the coal industry, by eliminating its other low-cost options, but he maintained that only a strong and decisive action, like banning these energy sources from the start, can make change at this point.
“If the United States took the climate threat as seriously as it did the Nazis in World War II,” Matt Vespa said in paraphrase of Sanders, “the country could, in a few years, radically transform its entire energy system.”
It is clear that Sanders made the environment a top priority in his campaign, and that he was the only one to truly do so. However, some have pointed out that Sanders' campaign pushed Clinton's campaign farther to the left on the issues, and he may have done that for climate change as well. Ben Adler of the Grist wrote in June that Clinton clarified several of her positions on climate change issues, such as fracking, after Sanders started talking about them on the campaign trail. Sanders was also allowed to choose five members of the Democratic party's Platform Drafting Committee due to the strength of his campaign—and one of his picks was Bill McKibben, a prominent environmentalist.
Donald Trump:
Donald Trump has said very little about climate change and environmental issues over the course of his campaign. In September 2015, Trump told Hugh Hewitt that “We have much bigger problems.”
“I believe there’s weather,” Trump said. “I believe there’s change, and I believe it goes up and it goes down, and it goes up again.”
For this reason, Trump once claimed that he would abolish the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in favor of businesses, but he does think moving to alternate energy sources could be beneficial.
In his own business expenditures, he has worked at home and abroad to minimize erosion (the degradation of soil that, according to the World Wildlife Fund, is known to cause harm to wildlife and agricultural endeavors), but that seems to be the extent of his environmental concern.
In the United States, David Biello from the Scientific American writes that global warming will produce hotter and wetter summers, more severe thunderstorms, deadly heat waves and the extinction of wildlife. He even attributes the California and western wildfires to climate change.
Humans will be directly affected by climate change even more with an increase in allergies and asthma and more deadly extreme weather.
Finally, across the world, a hotter Earth means less food will be able to grow, and with scarce water, everything will be more expensive. There will be less rain and more droughts like ones that a lot of the country has been experiencing lately, as well, and ocean levels are expected to rise several feet by the year 2100. This means that in our lifetimes, we could see the sinking of major cities around the globe.
The effects of global warming will cost our country millions of dollars if we don’t do something now to start fixing it. Make sure climate change is a topic you consider when deciding who to vote for this November!
