Many of us think what we post on Snapchat is no big deal, especially because it will disappear in 24 hours. But 1) it might not disappear, because screenshots, and 2) Snapchat's ephemeral nature is never an excuse to be racist.
In the latest episode of "college students posting racist Snapchats," two students at Albright College made a video, which they seemed to believe was humorous, mocking the Black Lives Matter movement. One of the students, who is white, is wearing blackface, and can be heard saying "black lives matter now, okay" and "f*** white peple" while her friend giggles in the background, according to Fusion. The girl also identifies herself as "Carleisha."
In one video, the girl in blackface attempts to twerk with clothing stuffed in her pants to look like she has a bigger butt.
The videos quickly made their way around the internet. Many people tweeted angry responses to the video, and others expressed their outrage by sending private messages to the girl's Snapchat account, trying to explain to her why this was not okay.
A few hours after the videos were posted, Albright College Tweeted that they were aware of the video and were investigating.
The College is aware of and condemns the video. Senior admins are meeting with the students involved. We'll share a longer statement soon.
Later, in an official statement, the school said the students' behavior was unacceptable and "in no way represents the values of Albright." The students in the videos "voluntarily came forward" to admit to what they'd done, and have "expressed deep remorse," according to the statement.
Local news channel WFMZ-TV interviewed some students at Albright who expressed their feelings over the matter. One student, Hakieya Burrell-Sims, says "she needs to come out and apologize to us as a campus and as a community, and she needs to apologize to everyone else and the black community."
On Friday, Albright released and updated statement saying that the two students have been suspended for the time being while the school investigates further.
There are a few ways to entice young people to support causes they're less than enthusiastic about. The promise of free food is one. But what about promising free college?
Hillary Clinton certainly thinks that might work. As she edges out Republican nominee Donald Trump in a tight race (I cannot fathom WHY the polls show this, but I digress), Secretary Clinton is looking to gain more support among millennial voters as the weeks wear on. With only 30-something days until the presidential election, Secretary Clinton is enlisting the big guns to draw in more eligible voters. Her secret weapon? None other than her former opponent, Bernie Sanders.
As student loan debt has increased exponentially over the last decade, it's become a major point of contention with many young voters. In fact, many millennials plan their entire lives around their student loan debt, putting off purchasing houses and cars, even opting to live with their parents longer than other generations. Research suggests a debt-free college solution is one of the only things millennials may agree on across political lines (I mean, raise your hand if you have over $20,000 in student loan debt? What about $40K? Where are my $80,000 and highers? We're really all in this together, people). During his time on the campaign trail, Sanders promised debt-free public education and refinancing for those already in debt, winning over millennial voters by the thousands. Clinton is looking to tap into exactly this base with her plan for debt-free education.
However, there are already obvious differences between Clinton's plan and Sanders' former plan. For instance, Clinton promises free college for people whose parents earn under $125,000 a year, but under the condition that the student works 10 hours a week and uses the funds toward their tuition. Sanders' plan had no such strings, instead promising the funds would come from taxing Wall Street. In addition, Clinton may have fumbled the ball by not presenting this part of her platform to the actual youth she's trying to capture. Fortune reports while Clinton and Sanders spoke at the University of New Hampshire at Durham, they spoke mostly to a middle-aged crowd—not necessarily the ones concerned about student loan debt.
But even with this shift and addition of Sanders to the campaign trail, Secretary Clinton might still have trouble adding millennial voters to her fanbase. While she does seem prepared for the job and is undoubtedly the most qualified for the job, many young voters see her as dubious, citing her infamously racist "superpredators" statement and her email scandal. In an after game interview, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick said, "At this point, you have to choose the lesser of two evils but in the end, it's still evil." Others seem to agree, once responding to her nomination with the hashtag #IGuessImWithHer. Many others have decided to vote for third party candidates like the Green Party's Dr. Jill Stein and Libertarian's Gary Johnson.
Between interviews with Mary J. Blige and promised Pusha T concerts and this latest event, it's a little too obvious that Secretary Clinton is fishing HARD for the millenial vote. But the question still remains whether or not she will get it. Only time will tell. Fingers crossed, Hil. I think we're all in for a bumpy ride.
On Wednesday, California Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 813 into law. This bill, the Justice for Victims Act, will eliminate the statute of limitations for rape and other forms of sexual assault. A statute of limitations is the time frame in which crimes are punishable by law, leaving both the victim and prosecutor the alloted time to press charges and prosecute the crime. Prior to the creation of this legislation, the statute of limitations in California was 10 years.
The Associated Press reports that the law was inspired by the victims of Bill Cosby. In a statement, State Senator Connie Leyva, who introduced the bill, said “The purpose of the ‘Justice for Victims Act’ is simple: To prevent rapists and sexual predators from evading legal consequences in California simply because the statute of limitations has run its course. Regardless of when a rape or sexual assault is discovered or reported, survivors of sexual offenses must have an opportunity to seek justice in a court of law. SB 813 does not change the burden of proof and victims will still have to prove their allegations in court, so all this bill does is extend the opportunity for victims to have their day in court."
Many victims of sexual assault do not report their assault for fear of retaliation or being dismissed by authorities, along with other personal reasons. And sometimes, when a victim does feel ready to come forward with his or her story, it's already been years or even decades. While this law does advance aid for victims of sexual assault by lightyears, it does come with limits. For instance, the law will not apply in retrograde, meaning if the statute expired by the time the law takes effect, there will still be no prosecution for the case. But if the case was within the statute of limitations by the time the law takes effect, the clock will be suspended.
Despite passing both houses with no dissenting vote, the legislation still has opponents. One of the criticisms, according to the AP, is it might encourage wrongful convictions as memories fade and evidence disintegrates over time.
California is not the first state to eliminate the statute of limitations on sexual assault charges. In fact, the California Women's Law Center reports there are 17 other states that have similar laws regarding the statute of limitations and sexual assault charges. The law will take effect next year.
Given Donald Trump’s unflattering history with women, it may seem strange that he is choosing to publicly attack Hillary Clinton over her treatment of women. But at this point on the campaign trail, not much is a surprise anymore.
The Associated Press obtained a memo distributed by the Trump campaign, which details his new plan to highlight how Clinton bullied women.
“Mr. Trump has never treated women the way Hillary Clinton and her husband did when they actively worked to destroy Bill Clinton’s accusers,” the memo reads.
The campaign's spin is that this isn't blaming Clinton for Bill's actions, but rather her own role in trying to discredit and "destroy" women who accused her husband of sexual harassment and even rape, the AP reports.
“The American people have had it with years and decades of Clinton corruption and scandal,” Trump said during a New Hampshire rally on Thursday. “And impeachment for lying… Remember that?
“If you look at her being an enabler, really, in the ‘90s and really attacking these women, it goes against everything that she now tries to spout as a candidate for president,” Trump’s deputy campaign manager, David Bossie, told “Fox & Friends” on Friday.
But not everyone is on board with Trump’s new smear campaign.
The Washington Postreports that Newt Gingrich, who led the impeachment charge against Bill Clinton, said, “It’s totally the wrong direction to go.”
And Katie Packer, a Republican strategist who opposes a Trump presidency, told the AP that “The whole notion of trying to get Hillary Clinton to pay for Bill Clinton’s infidelities is just strategically a bad choice."
Trump has been lambasted over his treatment of women this week, after he tried to defend his comments about the weight of former Miss Universe Alicia Machado, whom he said"gained a massive amount of weight, and it was a real problem." Machado says that in 1996, Trump bullied her so much about her weight that she ended up fighting eating disorders for years. The Los Angeles Times also published a story this week on court documents alleging that Trump only wanted thin, pretty women working at his resorts.
“He (Trump) can say whatever he wants to say… and I’m going to run my campaign talking about what I think the American people are interested in,” Clinton said on Thursday.
A NBCNews/SurveyMonkey poll taken after the first presidential debate found that 22 percent of women voters said the debate made them think worse of Trump, while nearly a third of the women polled said the debate improved their opinion of Clinton.
For some of us, the most difficult part of freshman year isn't class work, studying for tests or applying to internships. It's trying to play nice with the stranger you are now forced to live with in a dorm room the size of a prison cell.
Living with people isn't easy. That’s why universities use questionnaires to place students with similar living habits and complementary personalities together, and station RAs on every floor to mediate disagreements—which, let’s be honest, are bound to happen. But what happens when your college roommate situation escalates beyond a passive aggressive note or a dramatic email?
Penn State freshman roommates Jessica and Nikki experienced firsthand the fallout of a viral roommate feud, and The Washington Post has the full story.
While neither Jessica nor Nikki liked each other all that much, both girls tried to play nice at first—that is, until Jessica found Nikki’s Tweets about her.
“Two weeks down, and I already hate my roommate,” one of Nikki’s Tweets read.
Instead of taking the high road or talking to Nikki directly, Jessica decided to fight fire with fire by hanging printouts of Nikki’s Tweets around their dorm room and documenting the drama on her own Twitter account. She thought her friends would follow along and find the whole thing entertaining, but before she knew it, her Tweets began to go viral—some being retweeted upwards of 100,000 times.
“Yeah i shouldn’t have tweeted that but I did so that’s that,” Nikki texted to Jessica once she found out about Jessica's Tweets. “This is going to be really uncomfortable if you keep feeding the fire.”
Thousands of strangers were following along as the drama unfolded online. Soon Jessica’s newly formed online fan club began digging through Nikki’s Instagram account and sending DMs to her and her friends.
“These people on Twitter looked up her photo accounts and started posting her pictures, making fun of her, calling her names, basically cyberstalking her,” Nikki’s friend Analisa told the Post.
When asked if she felt responsible for the online abuse Nikki has received, Jessica told the Post, “I don’t know. Part of me feels bad, but a part of me feels like she’s the one who instigated it.”
The fallout from Nikki and Jessica’s online feud isn't over yet. Oh, and did we mention this whole thing only went viral on Tuesday? Penn State refused comment, but disciplinary actions are possible—Not to mention both Jessica and Nikki will be associated with this scandal for a long time to come because it played out on public social media accounts. So do yourself a favor by writing up a roommate contract and trying to hash out conflicts in person. Venting on social media might feel good, but it's a different story when the whole world starts watching.
It’s finally October, which means you can start breaking out your favorite Halloween classics! It can be such a struggle to try and fit all your favorite movies in between school and Halloweekend parties, so we’ve broken down the greatest movies into a binge-watching guide for you. From October 1 through 31, you’ll be able to stay on schedule with the best nostalgia and horror that Halloween has to offer. Don’t forget to make sure you have a giant bowl of candy with you at all times, too!
October 1: Young Frankenstein (1974)
This Halloween, we definitely owe tribute to Gene Wilder.
October 2: Poltergeist (1982)
We can’t decide whether ghosts communicating through the TV is terrifying or amazing.
October 3: Practical Magic (1998)
Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman are witchcraft #goals.
October 4: The Amityville Horror (1979)
You don’t know what haunted house even means until you’ve seen this movie.
October 5: The Haunted Mansion (2003)
Was anybody else attracted to Master Gracey? No? Okay.
October 6: Sleepy Hollow (1999)
It’s not Halloween without somebody’s head getting chopped off!
October 7: Mom’s Got a Date with a Vampire (2000)
Throwback AF.
October 8: Frankenweenie (2012)
TBH, resurrecting your favorite pets doesn’t sound like such a bad thing.
October 9: Corpse Bride (2005)
Has anybody noticed how many Halloween movies Johnny Depp has starred in? Should we be concerned?
October 10: Edward Scissorhands (1990)
Don’t forget to have a box of tissues at the ready.
October 11: Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983)
Disney, this was probably way too scary to be a children’s movie.
October 12: Twitches (2005)
Never forget the power that was Tia and Tamera.
October 13: The Exorcist (1973)
This is arguably the first great horror movie ever made. You won’t want to miss it.
October 14: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)
Because you’ll lowkey need to watch this to recover from The Exorcist.
October 15: Tower of Terror (1997)
It’s your favorite Disneyland ride reimagined––what could be better?
October 16: Casper (1995)
Don’t forget about your favorite friendly ghost.
October 17: Paranormal Activity (2007)
Be prepared to not sleep for the rest of October.
October 18: The Addams Family (1991)
Let’s be real, Wednesday Addams is the Beyoncé of Halloween.
October 19: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
Remember to watch the remake starring Laverne Cox on Fox the next night!
October 20: The Conjuring (2013)
What makes this even scarier is that it’s based on a true story.
October 21: It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
CLASSIC.
October 22: Ghostbusters (1984)
Who you gonna call?
October 23: Halloween (1978)
Definitely keep the lights on for this one.
October 24: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Christmas would be way better with shrunken head toys and skeletal reindeer!
October 25: Beetlejuice (1998)
Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse.
October 26: Scream (1996)
The Ghostface killer literally still haunts us to this day.
October 27: Halloweentown (1998)
The OG trip to Halloweentown is the ~best~ trip to Halloweentown.
October 28: Halloweentown II: Kalabar’s Revenger (2001)
Kal—the hottest villain to ever grace our television screens.
October 29: Halloweentown High (2004)
Why didn’t Halloweentown kids go to our high schools?
October 30: Return to Halloweentown (2006)
Yes, it’s a crime that Marnie was recast, but you still have to finish watching the whole series.
October 31: Hocus Pocus (1993)
Aka the best Halloween movie ever made and the perfect form of relaxation after your night of partying.
In a sketch released on Thursday by comedy website College Humor, First Lady Michelle Obama is shown for a brief time recreating her resume and helping a college student out with her FAFSA.
In the video, a college aged girl appears on a game show hosted by Chris Harrison (yes, that Chris Harrison) that promises students free money for college. The twist? Harrison is really just asking the girl to answer the questions on the FAFSA. The girl struggles with the first question—which asks for her name. This results in her calling FLOTUS as a lifeline, who easily helps the girl stay in the competition.
Before talking to the girl, we see Michelle fixing her resume. Under the skills section, she changes "Public Speaker" to "Best Public Speaker." After the call, she comments, "Just a few months left... Oh! Gotta change my address!"
First Lady Michelle Obama has always advocated for everyone—especially women—to have the opportunity to be educated. In the video, which isn't her first for College Humor, she and Harrison help promote the FAFSA and try to encourage students to fill it out. The video repeatedly notes how easy it is to do, and that upon completion students can "win free money for college." While many students feel that the FAFSA takes a lot of time and can be difficult to figure out, this video is a good reminder that there are tons of resources available to college students to help fill it out with ease! Don't let fear or intimidation stop you from getting the money you need for your education.
In the years after 21-year-old Meredith Kercher was murdered in Perugia, Italy, where she was studying abroad, I didn’t pay all that much attention to the case. I was in a high school bubble and didn’t spend nearly as much time on the internet as I do now. I did, however, have a weekly subscription to PEOPLE magazine and a growing interest in true crime.
I became deeply familiar with the grainy photos of Kercher’s roommate Amanda Knox kissing her boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito right after Meredith’s body had been found, and knew from the Lifetime adaptation of the story starring Hayden Panettiere that Knox and Sollecito had continued to act strangely long into the investigation. Drawing on my rudimentary knowledge of the case, barely paying attention to the shifting convictions and acquittals taking place in the Italian court system, I decided they probably did it.
A new documentary that aired Friday on Netflix had me looking at the case in a whole new light. If you assiduously followed the case at the time, you probably won't find too much new stuff here. But for those of us who were too young or just weren't paying attention, the film is a powerful fresh look. Featuring many a haunting shot of Knox’s sorrowful face as she remembers the events that changed her life, the documentary presents a sympathetic picture of a young woman whose fate was shaped by forces far beyond her control. An unprepared justice system and a media starving for scandal combined to turn her life into a nightmare that she’s just now waking up from.
Watching the documentary interviews with Knox and Sollecito, it’s hard to believe they were ever painted as perverse sex fanatics who killed Kercher in anger for not wanting to join some kind of ritualistic fantasy. In reality, they had only met five days before the murder, and were excited about the budding relationship—Sollecito because he was nerdy and hadn’t dated much, and Knox because Sollecito was so different from the American boys she had dated before.
Just seeing the two famous suspects as regular people is powerful enough, but the documentary goes on to show that the evidence against the duo just isn’t that compelling. Independent investigators found that DNA samples presented as a slam-dunk by the prosecutor were likely the product of contamination, and that police botched the initial investigation of the crime scene. The case against a third suspect, Rudy Guede—which was barely touched by the media at the time because he wasn’t interesting—is plenty convincing.
Giuliano Mignini, the prosecutor, and Nick Piso, a Daily Mail journalist who covered the case extensively, can come off as villainous and calloused during their interviews for the documentary. But greater societal pressures pushed them in certain directions as well. Mignini and the police were under enormous stress from the public to find the person responsible for the brutal death of a young, foreign woman. The whole world was watching. And as Pisa says, people asked him at the time how he could cover such a lurid case—but they were the same people searching online for the latest updates every morning.
The documentary opens with a quote from Knox: “If I’m guilty, it means that I am the ultimate figure to fear...If I’m innocent, it means that everyone is vulnerable. Either I’m a psychopath in sheep’s clothing, or I am you.” It’s a powerful summary of the film’s lessons: We live in a world where fallible humans run the show—and that means we don’t always get the justice we crave. We jump to conclusions, cave to outside pressures and trust too much in gut feelings about how people are “supposed” to act. While we claim to want reliable facts and unbiased truth, we immediately click on the most sensational story we see. In this world, sometimes the wrong person gets convicted, even if everyone involved has the very best intentions. So if we really want to do right by victims like Meredith, maybe we all have to take a good long look at ourselves first.
With so many awesome journalism-related costumes, why not dress up as one for Halloween this year? Here are seven Halloween costumes only journalism majors will appreciate:
We all know making deadline can be stressful at times. By dressing in sweats and carrying around a coffee and papers, people will get a kick out of your costume. You may not even have to dress up!
If you’re a fan of Gilmore Girls, Rory may be the perfect costume for you. With a plaid skirt and knee socks, you can look like the private school girl. Don’t forget a notebook (and a cup of coffee)!
If you’re a diehard fan of The View, dress up as this beloved journalist for Halloween. Wear a short blonde wig and chunky jewelry, and don’t forget to flash everyone a smile.
We all know journalists live and breathe the AP Stylebook. Give everyone a laugh by decking yourself out in a cardboard box decorated as the AP Stylebook. Bonus points if you pass out cupcakes!
If you’re a diehard fan of The Rachel Maddow Show, your costume is set. Wear a short brown wig and a suit to dress up at this TV host. Glasses are optional!
Some of us may know how it feels to be in Andy’s shoes in The Devil Wears Prada. Whether you chose to dress up as her pre or post-makeover, you’ll look fabulous either way.
Which of these costumes do you love, collegiettes?
Rachael Bozsik is, and has always been, an “It Girl.” The kind of girl who hustles, emanates positive energy and strides confidently towards her goals. She’s the type of girl you meet and within five minutes, you are inspired to become the best version of yourself.
As the brilliant CEO + Founder of The Brand Girls, a personal brand consulting company, her main passion in life is to help young women network with confidence and make sure their first adult job is launching them towards the career they always dreamed of. Her Campus had a chance to speak with Bozsik in New York City and it's safe to say that we are more than inspired.
How did you develop the idea for The Brand Girls?
Rachael Bozsik: BG all began in my swanky college dorm—I had tons of little Voluspa candles (that I would hide when the RA came by), a brilliant white directors chair—this was the space that I unwinded in after long hours at an internship. In college, I always sought out internships within the luxury design space. I worked with companies whose clients ranged from Cynthia Rowley to Saks Fifth Avenue. This was the same space that BG began. I started witnessing my girlfriends accepting jobs that didn’t align with their career dreams, it was incredibly unsettling. They wanted to be upscale event planners, luxury PR liaisons, in product development for innovative companies—they never ever wanted to sit at a 9-to-5 in a cubicle but they became desperate and were taking opportunities that did not align with their brand. This is where I stepped in. Using my instinctive networking skills and ability to inspire, I taught my girlfriends to craft their life mission, define their purpose and build confidence.
It's crazy that you started just over a year ago! What has the first year of business been like?
RB: An absolute whirlwind! But really it was a stylish adventure of support and inspiration, not to mention a lot of 80-hour work weeks. I feel so blessed to have an incredible support system who promotes me to become my best possible self on a daily basis. They are always cheering me on and in my corner, I would not be where I am today without them. BIG SHOUTOUT TO MY LOVING PEOPLE—thank you for all that you do. The Brand Girls began exactly one year ago. Since that time, we have hired an incredible team of coaches, digital directors, event coordinators, etc. We have gone on to coach hundreds of girls across the United States to land their dream job and build an undeniable confidence while networking. In one year we have been recognized by national press as “The Stylish Girls Guide To Land Her Dream Job,” too! Our clients work at E!, Seventeen, Cosmo, DVF, Oscar de la Renta, American Eagle, Anthropologie and basically, our girls work at top tier positions that thousands apply for but few will ever be considered. We have built an incredible community of Brand Girl support where jobs are posted and contacts are shared. Sometimes I sit with a cup of tea reading through client testimonials and thank you notes where girls tell me about the life-changing transformation that came from working together and I say to myself, sometimes even crying a little bit, “WOW look what we have built, look how many lives we have changed and look at how much confidence has been built."
A photo posted by The Brand Girls - Consulting (@thebrandgirls) on
Were you always a "connector," so to speak?
RB: Yes! I absolutely love connecting and building relationships, always have and always will. At my first networking event in college, I walked away with 30 new business cards and felt this calling in my heart that my true purpose on earth was to teach others to network with confidence and also connect others to form meaningful partnerships and relationship for years to come. Networking can be such a tricky subject—it is confusing to navigate and many feel overwhelmed about their next right step of action. I absolutely love sharing with our girls tips and tricks to become their best possible selves. We have had many girls come through our program because they felt that an interview or public speaking made them want to faint … now, they are working in top-tier positions and networking like a total #girlboss.
What makes The Brand Girls different from other career coaching companies?
RB: For starters, we have a niche and specialized focus on assisting girls pursuing non-traditional career opportunities (girl power is SO our thing!). These fabulous opportunities come from the girls having a fierce personal brand and flawless personal pitch. We also have a strong Brand Girls community that is extremely personal (you are not a number) and offers our girls top tier networking contacts and job opportunities. Long after the girls' workshop is over, our Brand Girls continue to be supported by our private community in our facebook group. Here, contacts are exchanged, connections are made and empowerment occurs. We have Brand Girl groups in NYC, LA, Nashville, DC, etc., that meet on a weekly basis for coffee and girls' nights outs. In many cases, we have employers coming to us because they know the top—tier girls that come from our group.
A photo posted by The Brand Girls - Consulting (@thebrandgirls) on
What advice do you have for college women who want to start their own business or company?
RB: We help many girls go from brainstorming phrase to business launch and this is what I tell them: There is never a good time to start a business. You will forever be making excuses for yourself that you “don’t have enough funds,” “want to gain some experience first” and then you run the fatal risk that you will never take the leap. My biggest piece of advice if you want to start your own business is to start networking with industry experts within your field NOW. Start picking their brain, taking them to coffee—hearing their stories and taking notes. These mentors will serve as cheerleaders and guides to your new chapter. You are going to need a networking strategy, you are going to need to begin networking with intention.
You often talk about the Confidence Gap. Can you explain what that is and how The Brand Girls is combatting that?
RB: At The Brand Girls we are in the space of confidence building. We coach our girls on where to get it, how to grow it and how to keep it. We live in a day and age where college girls have a severe addiction to social media, spending an average of 17.8 hours a day consuming media either by scrolling through model's feeds, Snapchats of the Grammys or yacht parties. Overall, all are a quick way to tear down confidence when you are sitting in your PJ's petting your cat. It is a proven fact that women, on average, lack confidence professionally compared to men. As well, I read that men are four times more likely to ask for a raise than women and when women do speak up and step into their own power they are asking for 30% less than their male counterparts. Those numbers have to change.
A photo posted by The Brand Girls - Consulting (@thebrandgirls) on
What's the most important thing a college woman can do when applying for her dream job?
RB: So, let’s talk about dream jobs—you need to get into that top 50 group in order to even be considered. These top-tier positions are often posted on LinkedIn and Monster.com. Many of these positions will receive anywhere from 1,000 to 4,0000 applicants and smaller boutique groups around 400 applications. FOR ONE JOB—that is a huge chunk of your student body who wants the same exact job. NO ONE wants to sort through thousands of applications—it takes time, energy and money. So, what these companies do is reach out to their immediate network and ask for referrals. They sort through the 50 referrals first and most times these come from their outside contacts. Our goal at The Brand Girls is to get our girls into that top 50 group and not only within that top 50 but to nail their interview and to feel confident about their personal brand and what they can offer that is unique vs. the other female applicants. So in short, you need to get into that top 50. We connect our girls and teach them how to network with key players who are the decision makers. They have their personal pitch down, know the types of questions to ask, are given a script, know when to re-connect with the contact etc. When it comes time for a position they are pulled into the referral group.
And finally, is there anything you wish you knew when you were in college that you know now?
RB: I wish that I knew that 70% of Americans are unhappy at work. The reason why many are unhappy is because they did not take the time to step back and uncover their core brand. I wish I knew that you need to begin your professional development NOW. The sooner the better—this is not something “that can wait until senior year.” It all begins with uncovering who you are and what makes you different than the thousands of applicants. What do you want to do with your major? You cannot just say “PR” anymore. Is it fashion PR? Lifestyle PR? Do you want to work with an agency? Do you want to work in-house? Do you want to work in pitching the media? Planning events? There are so many questions and categories that need to be uncovered, molded, polished and pitched in order for you to get to your end goal. It is our mission to help girls launch into a happy, successful and strong career so they never, EVER feel unhappy at work.
Imagine a world where you can go out on Thursday night, drink as much as you want and still make it to your Friday 8 a.m. stats class without dealing with a hangover. Does it seem too good to be true? Well, soon it might not be, thanks to David Nutt.
Nutt is a neuropsychopharmacology professor at Imperial College London and the creator of Alcarelle, which is made of chemical compounds called “alcosynths”—they give you the same buzz your favorite mixed drink, without the hangover or dependency.
Nutt's tried to patent a full 90 different chemical compounds that work like alcohol, with two tested on humans. The different compounds either give you that fun and free feeling that makes you a better dancer, or they alter your seratonin and dopamine levels to make you feel happier. They target the same areas in your brain as alcohol, but they're not alcohol. Cool, right?
The best part about Alcarelle? It'll eliminate blackouts. And not only does it save you from your hangover, but scientists are working on a feature where after a certain number drinks with Alcarelle, your brain will tell you when you’ve had enough because the drinks won't be effective anymore.
Nutt toldThe Washington Post, “My ambition would be for my grandchildren to never be exposed to alcohol.”
With such positive effects, alcohol alternatives could change the way you party and function the next day. Now we just have to wait for Alcarelle to be looked at by other scientists and regulatory agencies like the FDA. Hopefully this potentially life-changing product will be hitting the market sooner rather than later!
Congress has cleared a bill changing the way rape kits processed by the federal government are handled, giving rape survivors more rights. The bill now heads to Obama's desk. With this bill, survivors will have the right to store their rape kits until statute of limitations has expired on their case, and will also be notified in writing 60 days before the rape kit expires.
The new bill is called the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights Act, and not only will it provide guaranteed storage for a victim’s rape kit, but it will also prohibit law enforcement officials from charging victims for forensic exams that can detect things like date rape drugs.
“I introduced the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights Act in the United States Senate [to] codify basic rights for survivors of sexual assault, and provide a model for similar reforms at the state level across our country,” Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire told The Guardian.
Shaheen is the bill’s primary sponsor, and her fight for it wasn’t easy. After a narrowly avoided government shutdown over funding for the Flint water crisis and the Zika virus, the Sexual Assault Survivors’ Rights Act is being seen as a bipartisan victory—not one member of Congress voted against it.
Amanda Nguyen, a 24-year-old survivor and founder of the organization Rise, turned over her rape kit to the state of Massachusetts several years ago. She was told that her rape kit would be destroyed in six months, despite the statute of limitations being 15 years. Now she has to request an extension twice a year just to make sure crucial evidence in her case doesn't get thrown out.
Nguyen and Shaheen both knew this process had to change, and since they got the bill through Congress, their next fight is to get states to improve the rights they give rape survivors—again, this bill only applies to federal crimes.
Nguyen told The Guardian, “That’s what we’re gearing up for. We’re working with a slew of state lawmakers who have already reached out and are eager to introduce this bill. And every state can do better.”
Red alert: This is not a drill. Taylor Swift might have recorded her first new song after breaking things off with Calvin Harris earlier this year, and we have the video to (sort of) prove it.
Country singer and Swift squad member Kelsea Ballerini recently shared a video on her Snapchat story, in which a quick sound bite of music is playing on a computer. T. Swift fans jumped to share the video on social media because, like many, they think the voice on the track sounds a lot like Swift’s.
While the song was never confirmed to be Swift’s work, we can’t help but wonder if Tay is plotting her musical revenge on ex Calvin Harris, who recently released the song "My Way," which is basically a thinly-veiled breakup anthem about his relationship with Swift.
Adding fuel to the gossipy fire are the lyrics in the clip. “We didn’t know it, thought we could grow it, beautiful for a moment, we were roses.” The lyrics still don’t mean that the song belongs to Swift; however, we definitely can’t deny that it does sound like something she would write.
What do you think? Is Taylor Swift finally back with a new breakup song for us to sing along to in our bedrooms? And what will Calvin Harris think of all this?
File this under reasons we love Kate McKinnon. After years of making us laugh on SNL, McKinnon won her first Emmy a few weeks ago. The comedian is only one of a handful of SNL cast members who have won for their work on the long-running variety show.
Like most award shows, however, the Emmys don’t usually have the awards ready to send home with the recipients the night of the ceremony. Instead, most of the winners receive their awards weeks or months later. This was the case for McKinnon, except she never actually got her Emmy statue.
As McKinnon shared with Jimmy Fallon on a recent episode of The Tonight Show, she was apparently so excited that she blacked out after she was announced the winner.
“I have no conscious memory of that night,” she said. “I came to many hours later. I was eating spaghetti in a hotel room. Not the first time that it’s happened.”
Despite having seen clues on social media as to where her award may be (at one point, the Emmy was photographed with her manager’s son), McKinnon remains completely calm not knowing its location.
“Have an adventure,” she told the Emmy. “Come back to me when you feel it’s appropriate.”
This is just further proof that Kate McKinnon is basically the cool, insightful aunt we always wish we had.
Whatever cause you're fighting for, defending your beliefs can sometimes be tough. After all, not everyone is going to agree with you. Not everyone is going to understand you. And more importantly, not everyone is going to support you. When someone dismisses your beliefs, you may not necessarily agree with them, so how do you stay inspired—especially when it comes to feminism?
The feminist movement is one we should all be advocating for. It's a movement that has fought for voting rights, equal pay, access to education and so much more. To us, it seems like a no-brainer to support feminism, but unfortunately, you'll come across those who disagree.
When people try to get you down about your feminist beliefs, here are seven videos to watch that will restore your faith in the movement!
1. Miss Representation
This movie exposes mainstream media for promoting limited and degrading portrayals of women and for contributing to how women are under-represented in positions of influence in the U.S. Even the trailer will give you the girl power feels!
2. Half the Sky
This documentary takes place in 10 countries, telling stories of women who are fighting back against inequality across the world. Each film sends the message that our rights are in the hands of women everywhere and shows how celebrities (and all women who watch Half the Sky) have the power to make a difference.
3. The Invisible War
This documentary, which explores the military rape epidemic, tells the stories of survivors. It even received a nomination for Best Documentary Feature at the 2014 Academy Awards. This movie brings light and attention to a problem that is routinely swept under the rug.
4. Ted Talk: Violence against women – it’s a men’s issue
Jackson Katz talks about how domestic violence and sexual abuse is tied to “definitions of manhood” and how we should be leaders of change. This "idea worth spreading" will make you think in a way you haven't before.
5. Ted Talk: My daughter, Malala
Ziauddin Yousafzai talks about how women and men deserve equal opportunities in all aspects of life by sharing stories from about his daughter, Malala, who was shot by the Taliban in 2012 for going to school. This Ted Talk is a reminder that there are still many countries around the world where women's access to education is still limited.
6. 10 Hours of Walking in NYC as a Woman
This YouTube video features raw footage of one woman walking down the streets of New York City to draw attention to catcalling. She experiences more than 100+ instances of verbal harassment over a 10 hour period.
7. Re: Feminism
In this video, Joseph Gordon-Levitt discusses feminism and its real definition—and in doing so, he'll make you reflect back on what feminism means to you.
Feminism comes in all shapes, sizes, forms and definitions. There isn’t one way of thinking about this word that is right or wrong. Use these videos to help you define what you think about feminism, and don’t let anyone get in the way of those beliefs!
The shock of finding out that your friend is in an abusive relationship might make you feel incapable of giving her the support she needs. Thankfully, there are many resources to help both you and your friend get through this. We asked experts for the telling signs that you should be worried about your friend’s relationship as well as the steps you should take if her SO’s behavior is unacceptable.
How to tell if your friend’s relationship is abusive
There are many signs that could tip you off that your friend’s relationship is abnormal and harmful. Jessica Ladd-Webert, LPC, director of the Office of Victim Assistance at the University of Colorado Boulder, lists some of the signs of an abusive relationship:
Your friend’s partner constantly puts her down.
Your friend gives up on things that are important to her because of her relationship, such as school, family, friends or hobbies.
Her partner gets overly angry and has unpredictable mood swings.
Your friend is embarrassed by her partner’s behavior towards her.
Her partner makes all the decisions in their relationship and is overly controlling.
Her partner reads your friend’s messages and calls her very frequently to check up on her.
Your friend’s SO manipulates her with guilt, insults and/or threats.
Her SO threatens to harm her, him/herself and/or others.
Her partner destroys your friend’s property.
Her partner threatens or harms her pets.
Her partner harms your friend physically, by pushing, shoving, slapping or hitting her.
Her partner forces her into unwanted sexual activity.
If you notice any of these signs, you should talk to your friend. Then, you two can work through it together.
Rebecca*, a senior collegiette, saw some of these signs. “My friend Kira* went to school a little ways away from me, so I never even met the guy,” Rebecca says. “All I knew for sure was that he was into some pretty scary drugs and … had a lot of anger management issues, and she saw the brunt of that.”
Even if you have noticed that your friend’s relationship is harming her, it’s possible that she is either denying it or hasn’t realized it herself. The right thing to do is to “express concern and empower your friend to make her own decisions,” advises Denisha A. Champion, a counselor at the Wake Forest University Counseling Center. “A person may not realize that they are being abused, may feel very in love with their abuser or feel too embarrassed to tell anyone about what is happening for fear that they are just imagining it.”
This was – and still is – the case for a friend of Ashley*, a sophomore collegiette. “[My friend’s boyfriend] was very insecure, jealous and did not trust my friend at all,” Ashley says. Her friend spent most of her year in her dorm talking to her boyfriend, did not meet anyone new and always defended her partner when Ashley and her other friends tried to warn her about him.
In order to help your friend realize what’s happening, you have to reassure her that you are on her side. Tell her that you’re worried about her and that she deserves better treatment. “Be specific,” Ladd-Webert says. “Avoid putting down her partner’s whole personality. Say, ‘When so-and-so insults you in front of us, I get worried,’” for example.
Don’t make any accusations, and don’t act like you know exactly what the situation is like. Instead, make sure to listen, because “your friend may be confused about her relationship,” Ladd-Webert says. “Use 'I' statements and avoid telling her what to do; make observations about what you are seeing and hearing.”
You should find out the resources that are available to your friend and suggest them to her, but, most importantly, you should “avoid taking control of the situation,” Ladd-Webert says. “Talk with a confidential counselor or advocate who understands the dynamics of intimate partner abuse.”
Finally, don’t forget about your own well-being, because “it can be very hard to see someone you care about in this kind of relationship, especially if they go back and forth a lot,” Ladd-Webert says. Use your school’s counseling center for advice for what you should do for your friend, but also to helpyou stay strong in this difficult situation.
How to react if your friend tells you about her abusive relationship
The best thing to do if your friend comes to you for help is to “listen actively and be supportive,” says Abbey L. Carter Logan, a clinical counselor at the Ohio State University Counseling and Consultation Service. “Take a non-judgmental attitude and just let your friend talk to you so she knows that she can trust you. Let her know that you are there for her if she needs to talk or if she feels unsafe.”
Additionally, and although this might seem intuitive, you should always make a point to believe your friend, “even if you personally know the partner and are shocked to learn that [he or she] might be engaging in abusive behaviors,” Champion says.
Your friend is much more likely to downplay the abuse she is experiencing than she is to make it up. “[Kira] told me that her boyfriend would go into a fit of rage, but she always insisted that it was because he cared about her,” Rebecca. “She never eluded to the fact that he would hit her.”
You have legitimate reasons to be angry with your friend’s partner, especially if you knew and trusted him or her, but “do not try to take on the abusive partner yourself or try to get between [your friend and her SO],” Carter Logan advises. “This has the potential to isolate your friend further and will make it more difficult for her to talk with you in the future.”
Finally, encourage your friend to seek out support, and make sure she knows the resources that are available to help her on and off campus. Check out the next section to find out where to go.
Which resources should you and your friend turn to?
You and anyone else your friend has confided in are her first resources; don’t underestimate how much you can do for her. Even if she refuses to go to counseling at first, your ongoing support and understanding could eventually change her mind. “If informal support, like friends and family, respond in a positive, supportive way, this will increase the likelihood that the person in the abusive relationship will seek formal support,” Ladd-Webert explains.
After the summer when Kira reported her boyfriend's abusive behavior to Rebecca, both girls went back to their respective schools. “All I felt I could do was insist that she break up with him and report his behavior with the school,” Rebecca says. After many arguments between the two friends, Kira finally broke things off with her abusive partner and obtained a school-issued restraining order against him. When you seek formal support for you and your friend, a counselor might suggest you do the same and help you with the process.
Formal support refers to “a confidential advocate or counselor who is knowledgeable about the cycle of violence and abuse,” Ladd-Webert says. Thankfully, there are many such services on college campuses. Research your school’s counseling services and find out how to set up an appointment for you, your friend or both of you. This is usually done over the phone so that you can answer a few questions before the appointment.
With that in mind, don't make an appointment for your friend without consulting her first. Many schools' counseling centers won't let you set up a session for someone else, but even if yours does, you should “avoid taking control or telling your friend in the abusive relationship what to do,” Ladd-Webert says. “She is already dealing with this in her relationship.”
Both the National Domestic Violence Hotline and The Red Flag Campaign are comprehensive websites on which you will find information about abusive relationships, a list of local counseling services and numbers to call in order to get help for you and your friend.
Depending on the seriousness of your friend’s situation, domestic violence professionals will either help her get out of her relationship or direct her to police in cases where there were threats or physical abuse.
Having a friend in an abusive relationship is a horrible situation to be in, and it’s the kind of thing we think only happens to others. Unfortunately, abuse on college campuses is common. According to the Counseling & Testing Center at the University of Oregon, 57 percent of reported abusive relationships happened in college. This is why it’s essential that you know which resources to turn to if you find yourself having to help a friend.
The good news is that your friendly support is one of the best resources for her to begin separating herself from her abusive partner. You should empower your friend, let her know that what’s happening is not her fault and encourage her to seek out professional help. You are strong and so is she; neither of you should ever forget that.
Whether we're making our way out the door for an early class or for our first day at our internship, we all have those days when spending extra time on our hair just isn’t a priority. Sometimes we’d rather sacrifice our appearance for a few extra minutes of sleep (and there’s nothing wrong with that). For days like these, we turn to our handy-dandy list of hairstyles that can take us from drab to fab in five minutes or less. Whether you woke up late, or your hair just isn’t cooperating, these six quick and easy hairstyles can help you pull yourself together in no time.
1. Loose side braid
So you’ve never been very good at braiding hair. Lucky for you, you don’t have to be a pro at braiding to pull off this style. This is a perfectly imperfect hairstyle that will give you a bit of a romantic look while also allowing you to show off your inner boho girl.
Using a comb, tease the ponytail as much as possible.
Braid the teased hair into a regular braid.
Pull the braid so that it's uneven and loose.
Cut the top hair elastic off.
2. Ballerina bun
You don’t have to be a ballerina in training to wear this look! A ballerina bun is a great go-to hairstyle for collegiettes who want a look that’s simple but chic. The bun can be worn right on top of your head or lower down.
Brush your hair into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic at the top of your head. Make sure there aren’t any bumps in your hair.
Put a hair donut at the base of your ponytail and begin wrapping your hair around the donut, securing with hair pins to keep your hair in place. Continue pinning until your hair completely covers the donut, and wrap it under the base.
Apply a spritz of hair spray to keep the bun in place and make sure there aren’t any loose hairs getting out.
3. High ponytail
Believe it or not, there’s more to a ponytail than just throwing it up on the top of your head and wrapping it with an elastic. The key to a great ponytail is its volume and staying power.
Give your hair some texture. If your hair is freshly washed and a little too smooth, add some hair spray to your hair. This will allow your ponytail to stay in place all day long.
Pull your hair up towards the crown of your head.
Holding the ponytail in place with one hand, brush out any bumps with the other hand to ensure a smooth, sleek ponytail.
Once you have found the perfect ponytail placement (center of your head, visible from the front), take your hair elastic and secure the pony into place.
To keep your ponytail looking chic and not like you just came from the gym, take a 1-inch section of hair from the underside of your ponytail and wrap it around the hair elastic. Secure the hair with a bobby pin to hide the elastic, pushing the bobby pin in on the underside of the hair elastic so everything is covered up.
For some added volume and texture, tease the ponytail with a fine-tooth comb, gently combing hair upwards and towards the front.
Spray a toothbrush with hairspray and brush down any flyaways.
4. Hair bow bun
A unique take on the classic high bun, this style is cute, easy and fun. Watch this tutorial from Mr. Kate for reference.
Gather all of your hair on the top of your head and start a ponytail with an elastic.
Loop your hair through the elastic. On the last pull through, don’t pull your hair all the way through, and instead create a loop, leaving the tail of your hair (the ends) pointing toward your forehead.
Divide your loop into two halves.
Take the ends/tail of your hair and fold it back through the space in your two looped halves, creating the center “knot” part of the bow. Secure the ends in the elastic behind the bow in the back of your head.
Fluff up your bow by spreading out the loops and gently tugging them tighter.
5. Knotted bun
Simple enough to do in a matter of minutes but elegant enough to pull off at even the fanciest of occasions, this hairstyle is a must-try!
Start by taking a 1-to-2-inch section of hair on one side of your hair above your ear. Split this section in three and make a braid.
Angle the braid back around your head and secure the end of the braid with a small, clear hair elastic.
Repeat on the other side, taking a section above your ear and making a braid. Secure the end with a small, clear elastic.
Bring the first braid across the back of your head and pin in place with bobby pins.
Cross the second braid over the first, and tuck the end in behind the first braid. Secure it in place with bobby pins.
Not every late morning has to result in a bad hair day. Whether your alarm conveniently decided to not go off, or you just needed a few extra minutes with your bed this morning, these simple yet chic hairstyles will get you out the door in no time.
Sick of the dining halls but lacking a full-size kitchen? Don't worry, we've got you covered! Here are seven simple yet delicious recipes you can make right in your dorm room.
You’ve finally landed the job you spent months trying to find. Congratulations! Now that you’re settled in, finished with your training and starting to get a strong understanding of what the real world is all about, it’s time to find ways to stand out at the office.
Getting ahead doesn’t have to be a challenge, but it does require a little extra effort. Follow these tips, and you’ll be moving up the career ladder in no time.
1. Volunteer to help out with projects outside of your responsibilities
Just because something isn’t in your job description doesn’t mean you can’t contribute ideas to different projects. Go out of your way to ask your supervisor or other coworkers if there is anything you can help out with. They will recognize your enthusiasm and appreciate the unique ideas and skill set you bring to the table. We aren’t suggesting you overload your plate with things you don’t have time for, but even the smallest contribution can go a long way. After all, helping others succeed will ultimately help your entire company succeed.
2. Review your work before submitting it
Though seemingly obvious, many people fall into the habit of thinking something is done when it isn’t. Remember in college (and high school) when your professors told you how important it was to proofread your papers? The same applies in the real world—it's actually even more important than ever. Don’t hand in a project—or even send an email!—without reviewing it beforehand, as one small mistake can make you look foolish in the eyes of your supervisors.
3. Don’t underestimate the power of kindness
Some people view their job as a stressful place full of deadlines, endless to-do lists and grumpy coworkers. It doesn’t need to be this way! Having a positive outlook regarding your company and your position will not only benefit you, but others as well. Be sure to say hello, smile and be cheerful. Katie Hardesty, director of PR and special events at Cherry Hill Public Library, echoes the importance of this: “Work can be a stressful place, but it's nice to be known as a person people like to be around. Who knows... that paired with your awesome skills and work ethic could be the key to your next promotion!”
4. Never turn down leadership opportunities
A leader is something you should always strive to be, especially in the workplace. When individuals recognize you as such, your career can grow exponentially. They’ll know you possess qualities of dedication, attention to detail and a natural ability to guide others. If someone asks you to take on a leadership role, even if it’s as simple as planning the holiday party, don’t pass it up.
5. Express passion and excitement for your work and your company
The old expression, ‘If you do something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life,’ is still true today. Being passionate about what you do helps make your job easier because you don’t see it as work or a chore. Even if you aren’t at your dream job (yet!), be sure to find a few aspects of your current role that you love and focus on them. If you demonstrate your passion for your job and company, your boss and coworkers will notice. Lisa Hoffmann, director of communications at Unite Here Health, believes that executives and bosses often find youth and excitement in the workplace to be invigorating and refreshing. “They will gravitate to you and spotlight you and your attitude because most leaders are looking for those who help create a positive work environment,” Hoffmann says.
6. Build relationships
Focus on building relationships with as many people in your office as possible, especially with your boss. If and when you end up leaving the company down the road, your coworkers, managers and executives can remain part of your network—and you never know when your paths may cross again or when you’ll need a recommendation. Shannon Smith, a marketing communications coordinator at Insulet Corporation, recommends having one-on-one meetings weekly or biweekly with your boss to not only check in on the status of your projects, but to have an opportunity to connect and learn more about him/her. Just remember to remain professional in all your inter-office relationships; you want to make an impression on your coworkers, but you want that impression to be a good one. Sure, you can be friendly and go out for happy hour with your coworkers, but save the drama and gossip for your girlfriends.
7. Listen and observe those around you
You’re new to your company and have a lot to learn, so take advantage by listening, observing, asking questions and learning from your coworkers, bosses and peers. “Even if you were a superstar student, you’re still brand new to your field,” says Cristin Farney, a public relations and advertising professor at Rowan University. Think of your first job as the most important class you’ve ever taken and your first step towards the rest of you career.
Your first job can be stressful, but if you follow these tips and strive to be your best, you’ll be an expert in your industry in no time.
