If you follow any of Bella Thorne's social media accounts, you know they're not exactly PG. That being said, she's not a child star anymore, so who cares if she wants to post some steamy pics with her new BF Tyler Posey or come out as bisexual on Twitter? Apparently Hollywood. 

In an interview with Maxim, Bella admits that, since coming out, Hollywood insiders have thrown her some subtle shade about her online image. Thorne says, "I have already had people talk shit to me. And it comes from people in the industry, not even fans. I’ve had studios tell me my image is too 'out there,' hinting at it but not really saying it."

This is hardly the first time Thorne has faced this type of criticism. On Last Call with Carson Daly, Bella explained how industry workers were trying to control her image. "I've had a lot of people tell me 'You've got to change this' and 'You can't like poop on Snapchat' and 'You can't do this on your Instagram' and 'You look too sexy here and you look too this here.'" 

Most people were supportive when Bella came out and fans have stuck with her over the years, so to hear that the industry has been less cool is dissappointing. Bella says she's not letting the negativity stop her from being herself, though. Thorne tells Maxim, "I’m not going to change myself for this business, and I’m not going to change myself for anyone else." Preeeeach Bella. 

Thorne has several projects coming out, including a new show on Freeform called Famous In Love. So obviously she's not letting a couple of haters derail her—and rightfully so. 

After Stranger Things blew up this year, the second season seemed inevitable—and apparently it was. As we wait for the show to come back, we're passing the time by forming some theories about season two, obviously. 

A couple months ago, Netflix released a promo video with the titles of all the episodes. Matt and Ross Duffer, the creators of the show, talked with The Hollywood Reporter about their motives for doing this. 

Ross told THR, "That was all our idea, so if it blows up in our faces…" Safe to say it definitely hasn't. If anything, they've only increased the hype for the show. Fans now have something to work with to make their own predictions. 

As Matt explained, "Even if they aren't the final chapter titles, everything in that teaser is major. But they’re ambiguous enough that no one is going to be able to figure it out. Some of the fan theories online are amazing. Most are wrong, but I’ve read a few that are right or very close."

"Some of these theories are elaborate and smart. They're not crap. I love reading this stuff," Ross added.

Well, thanks—that's what we were going for. Still, the two only read theories sent to them and never venture onto Reddit, the hub for all fan theories. "I know I would never get out if I went in there," Ross said. 

Just searching Stranger Things on Reddit shows you why—it's a madhouse. Hopefully all will be settled when the new season premieres in 2017. 

“Whenever you take your own path, you always win.” — Rebecca Minkoff

It was this quote that left a serious impression on us after the acclaimed fashion designer kicked off July's Her Conference in New York. Her advice is relevant to college students everywhere and so perfectly captures how the fierce talent approaches her eponymous global lifestyle brand.

From her “downtown romantic” apparel to her edgy (yet subtle) handbags and jewelry, Minkoff embodies what it means to be an empowered woman forging her own path to success. That’s why we’re so excited to partner with her for a very special giveaway just for you. Collegiettes can win a super-stylish essentials pack—signed by Minkoff herself—including:

• The Florence Tote: A chic black bag that is suitable for any job or internship interview
• Mini M.A.C. Key Fob: The perfect addition to any key ring
• Sunnies Pouch: The cutest way to protect your shades
• M.A.B. Camera Bag: A crossbody bag with Minkoff’s signature “Morning After” flair

Ready to upgrade your wardrobe this season?

Enter now for your chance to win the ultimate Rebecca Minkoff prize pack.

Rebecca Minkoff is Giving Away a Super-Stylish Essentials Prize Pack!

If you thought you couldn’t be shocked by anything else in the 2016 Presidential Election, you would be wrong! On Tuesday, a map demonstrating Democrat and Republican voter distribution by state was released, illustrating the huge gender gap in voter preferences this election. The reactions were...discouraging.

As you can see, female voters in this election are significantly turning out for Hillary Clinton, while male voters are demonstrating a much higher tendency towards Donald Trump. After this map went viral, because there are no consequences to our words and actions on the internet (JK), Trump-favoring Twitter users took the opportunity to share a new political plan of theirs—repealing the 19th Amendment!

If you need a history refresher here, the 19th Amendment was passed in 1920, and gave women the right to vote. It was won after decades of tireless fighting by women and allies to have equal rights as citizens of the United States. This amendment hasn’t even been around for 100 years! It’s unreal! Not to mention that women of color were routinely unable to exercise their right to vote well into the late 20th century, and voting is often still difficult for other marginalized groups today.

*Sighs deeply*

So, yeah. People on Twitter were seriously talking about this, and suggesting that taking back women’s right to vote would be for the good of the nation. Politics (and Twitter) can be so disheartening, y’all. But it is in these feelings of defeat that we gotta RALLY! Educate yourself and others, and stand for your rights. 

Given the way Donald Trump views women, the fact that this kind of thing is being said is, depressingly, not surprising. We have so much more work to do in the way of making sure that women receive equality, and not just in jobs or education. It's even more crucial that people actually believe in the equality and inherent personhood of women, so that no one is ever inclined to say they should be denied their civil rights.

You know it's fall when you feel the crispness in the air, you get the urge to go apple picking, and you can finally break out your sweaters. But, more importantly, it's the time of year when convenience stores start stocking up on all your favorite Halloween candy. While your friends may pretend they don't secretly hoard all of this themed candy when it goes on the shelves, you know you love it.

1. Candy Corn

What people say:"Gross, it tastes like wax and leaves this weird flavor in my mouth."

What people think:"Can this please count as an actual vegetable?!

2. Wax Fangs

What people say:"Who even came up with this weird stuff? I have teeth, and I have candy. They are separate."

What people think:"I have never looked cooler in my life."

3. Gummy Pumpkins

What people say:"Can't we just get gummy bears?"

What people think:"Where have these been for the past 11 months?!"

4. Halloween Peeps

What people say:"Marshmallows are gross unless they're in s'mores."

What people think:"Thank goodness these don't sell out."

5. PEZ

What people say:"These taste like chalk!"

What people think:"Why have I never tried chalk?"

Early Thursday morning in a northeastern town in Nigeria, 21 young women were released from the captivity of Boko Haram, an extremist group. The International Committee of the Red Cross announced that the girls had been rescued and were under the care and protection of the Nigerian government.

In April of 2014, 276 girls were seized from the school where they were sleeping in Chibok, Nigeria. You may remember this news as part of the #BringBackOurGirls internet activism that it prompted, which Michelle Obama herself participated in.

Boko Haram is an Islamist extremist organization, and was founded in 2002 on the basis that the Nigerian government is in need of a kind of spiritual Islamic salvation from its growing inclination towards Western ways of life. Its violent operations began in 2009, with attacks on “both civilians and the military” of Nigeria, according to the BBC.

Soon after the initial kidnapping, a group of 57 girls was able to flee the forest they were being held in, leaving 219 captives. One of these women, Amina Ali Nkeki, was found and rescued this past May. During their captivity, most of the young women and girls are believed to have been forced to marry Boko Haram soldiers.

“No captive Boko Haram fighters were released in exchange for the girls,” CNN reports.

This victory on behalf of the kidnapped Nigerian women should absolutely be celebrated, but we can't forget the women who remain in captivity. Efforts towards rescuing them should stay top-of-mind for the Nigerian government and other humanitarian organizations.

It's also important to keep talking about the implications of using female bodies as negotiating pawns in political affairs. The kidnapping of these young women and girls is a feminist issue.

A former Chief Marketing Officer for Ivanka Trump's clothing company, Melissa Verez Kraxberger, opened up this week about working for the company during her pregnancy. Her confession was prompted by an ad playing up Donald Trump's proposed maternity leave plan, which he's used to try and seem like the better candidate for women.

She reportedly accepted a job offer when she was two months pregnant. At the time, Ivanka Trump didn't have a maternity leave policy. To be clear, in most cases it's required that new parents receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. She wrote on Facebook:

"When I asked about maternity leave she said she would have to think about it, that at Trump they don't offer maternity leave and that she went back to work just a week after having her first child. I somehow was dumb enough to accept the job after agreeing upon having the discussion further down the road about how we would handle the time after my baby was born. Our team--the ones who created #WomenWhoWork and the ones who the hashtag really stood for--fought long and hard to get her to finally agree to 8 weeks paid maternity leave."

Ivanka took the hashtag and made it the glittering face of her company, hardly acknowledging the women who started it. She herself did not need maternity leave—she could pay people to take care of her children so she could get back to being a CEO. Did she think that everybody else would be able to get right back to work too?

"The company and the #WomenWhoWork platform we created was meant to inspire and encourage women to work at all aspects of their lives and live the lives they wanted to live, but before our eyes she took the platform and made it all about herself... and now it's being dragged along side of this man who could potentially be the face of our country," Kraxberger continued, "A man who puts down women and makes lewd comments, a man who is an outspoken rascist, a man with no real vision for our future just scare tactics and threats."

The former creative director now works for Rag & Bone. In her post, Kraxberger said that Ivanka isn't a bad person, but "if you truly support parenting and children then you actually have to support it fully... and that also means supporting maternity leave for adopted children and paternity leave as well."

A brand spokesperson for Ivanka Trump released a statement that said Kraxberger's confession was a "mischaracterization," according to Jezebel, and that they do, in fact, offer paid leave and unlimited vacation. 

"While we respect differing political views from employees, past and present, we are steadfast in our belief that we have built a culture and a brand to be proud of and are deeply committed to supporting and empowering women," the spokesperson wrote.

This election season is heating up, and while Ivanka isn't the person running for president, her father has built one of his policies around her support for working women—and it turns out she wasn't totally honest about that.

At the University of Maryland, the Student Government Association has approved a mandatory $34 fee for students to help fund the Title IX office of the university, BuzzFeed News reports.

Title IX offices, federally mandated by the Obama administration, were created to combat, investigate and address sexual assault on college campuses. However, the administration doesn't tell the universities how to run or structure their Title IX offices, or how much to funding they should get. However, an independent Title IX director told BuzzFeed the fee is highly unusual.

According to Cosmopolitan, Title IX offices are instructed to investigate sexual assault claims within 60 days. But with the rising number of sexual assault claims on their campus and a small staff, UMD has a big backlog and takes an average of 140 days to investigate. Catherine Carroll, the Title IX director of the campus, told BuzzFeed, "My people are burned out." The office is two years old and has received an increase in funding since last year, but was put in jeopardy due to the volume of sexual assault claims it has received.

The Student Government Association of the university expressed dismay that students would have to pick up the tab for the office due to lack of funding, but wanted to do what they could to fully fund a crucial service on campus. Colleges and universities are under intense scruntiny to handle sexual assault cases more seriously, according to the New York Daily News. Title IX offices are supposed to ease tensions and properly handle these cases. Unfortunately, there are still cases that slip under the cracks and that's the problem UMD is trying to combat by raising funding.

The fee will raise funds for the office from $1 million to nearly $2 million per year if the fee is approved. Carroll has said the fee will help pay for the two new investigators, a rape prevention manager and a deputy for Carroll.

According to the independent student newspaper, The Diamondback, the fee will take effect next year if it is approved by the proper officials, including the Committee for Review of Student Fees, the university president and the Board of Regents.

The university told BuzzFeed that it supports the new fee, especially with the backing of the students.

Halloweentown’s Marnie taught us that being normal is vastly overrated and, more importantly, that Halloween is cool—life lessons that have shaped who we are since 1998.

But when the original actress behind the character, Kimberly J. Brown, was recast in the fourth movie in 2006, we felt betrayed. Brown was replaced by Sarah Paxton for reasons that were never really clear and still aren’t. In a recent interview with Seventeen.com, she explains, “The entertainment industry is a crazy business. I’ve been in the business for over 25 years. At the end of the day, there’s been a lot of things that I’ve had to chalk up to just being an actor in a crazy industry. That was one of those things.”

Diehard fans of the movie series (read: us) were heartbroken, and Brown was too. “I was disappointed for the fans. And I guess a little disappointed in general just because I love Marnie and love the series and just would always love to continue to play her.”

But the original queen of Halloween hasn’t lost her roots. Brown recently wrote and published a Halloween children’s book titled Poppin’s Pumpkin Patch Parade. And she still attends the Spirit of Halloweentown festival in St. Helens, Oregon, where the first movie was filmed. Brown goes in full character, wearing the classic Marnie coat, and recites iconic lines for fans.

“I’m honored and flattered that people not only still talk about it all these years later, but that they still watch it. I meet fans all the time who say they saw it when it first came out and now they show it to their kids. It’s amazing beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of,” she says.

Halloweentown I through IV are definitely on our to-watch list every Halloween, and it’s all thanks to the original Marnie.

Each year, 15 million girls are married before the age of 18. Every seven seconds, a girl is married before the age of 15. 

These startling statistics come from a new report by Save the Children entitled Every Last Girl. The report highlights the fact that in developing countries, one in three girls is married before her 18th birthday.

Although this may be a relatively unheard of topic in the United States, child marriages are a major issue plaguing many young girls around the world. "Girls who marry too early often can't attend school, and are more likely to face domestic violence, abuse and rape," Helle Thorning-Schmidt, Save the Children International CEO, told CNN. "They also bear children before their bodies are fully prepared, which can have devastating consequences on their and their baby's health."

Geography is a major determinant of whether or not a young girl will become a child bride. Other factors include poor economic status, living in remote locations and coming from minority ethinic or religious groups.

"In Tanzania and Nepal, for example, poor girls are four times more likely to marry early than the richest girls," the report notes. "In Northern Nigeria, one girl in four is married by age 15, compared with one in 25 in the south of the country. "

One victim, Tamrea (not her real name), gave her testimony in the report. Tamrea was married, pregnant and abandoned ––all by the age of 12 years old.

“I wasn’t happy to get married at that age, but my father said there was nobody to look after me since my mum wasn’t around," Tamrea said. "I wasn’t happy. I was crying. I wasn’t able to get used to what marriage was."

She continued, “When I became pregnant my husband left me. When I had my baby I didn’t go to a health centre, I gave birth at home. I went to health centre when I was pregnant, but I wasn’t able to go back. Labour took me six days."

Like many others, Tamrea believes that the opportunity for education can give young girls a chance at a better life. In March 2015, First Lady Michelle Obama launched Let Girls Learn to address the challenges preventing 62 million girls from getting an education. She is not alone in her efforts. 

"We need to work together ––and work with girls–– to ensure that every last girl is free to live, free to learn and free from harm" wrote Rebeca Zakayo Gyumi, founder and executive director of Msichana Initiative in Tanzania, in the Foreward of the report. "This is only possible if we collectively pledge to advance girls’ rights to access education, to access information on sexual and reproductive health rights, and to make their voices heard." 

The sleazy apple does not fall far from the Trump family tree. 

A 2013 appearance by Donald Trump Jr. on The Opie and Anthony Show has been uncovered by BuzzFeed News. In the interview, Trump Jr. shared his deplorable opinion of how he feels women should handle sexual harassment in the workplace.

“If you can’t handle some of the basic stuff that’s become a problem in the workforce today, then you don’t belong in the workforce,” Trump Jr. said. “Like, you should go maybe teach kindergarten. I think it’s a respectable position.” 

While implying that women can’t negotiate “billion-dollar deals” if they can’t handle being sexually harassed in the workplace is utterly offensive, it is not surprising given the way Trump Jr.'s father talks about women.

When asked how his daughter Ivanka should handle sexual harassment in the workplace, Trump told USA Today, “I would like to think she would find another career or find another company if that was the case.”

The comments made by Trump Sr. and Trump Jr. are especially concerning due to recent developments—just a week ago, a video from 2005 was released in which Trump talked about groping and kissing women without their consent.

“When you’re a star, they let you do it. You can do anything,” Trump said on the tape. 

Since the release of the footage, several women have come forward with sexual assault allegations against Donald Trump.

Former reality TV star Kristin Cavallari has come to Donald Trump’s rescue—wait, what?

In an interview on the SiriusXM “Wake Up With Taylor” radio show, Cavallari explains why she supports Trump’s “locker room” defense. “I actually do think that guys talk like that. They do,” she says, adding, “Some of my girlfriends talk like that.”

Cavallari confirmed that, as a woman, she would rather not hear guys talking like that but that she believes it happens more often than we think. In fact, the mother of three—who is married to Jay Cutler of the Chicago Bears—says that she can already see one of her sons growing up to talk like Trump. "My oldest [Camden] is such a good kid that he wouldn't swear, just because he's such a people pleaser. He's the sweetest thing in the entire world. He will definitely not be talking like Trump," but "Jaxon, on the other hand, definitely will be. I have one of each in my house."

As someone who’s stood up against mommy-shaming in the past, Cavallari really isn’t helping her case.

Seeming to ignore that Trump’s comments not only included obscene language but also, more importantly, bragged about sexual assault, Cavallari went on, “Obviously, guys with power and money, they kind of can get any girl, unfortunately. I mean, girls do throw themselves at these guys, and so they kind of can do whatever they want.” Hey Kristin, we’re fairly certain that this is the equivalent of the “she was asking for it” trope that is too often used to discredit women who are brave enough to report their assaults.

As far as Cavallari’s low opinion of the male species goes, feminist author Roxane Gay said it best.

Police have fatally shot 754 people so far this year in the U.S.

That statistic doesn't come from the federal government, but rather a database maintained by The Washington Post. Why? Because up until this point in time, there has been no nationwide data kept on fatal police encounters.

President Obama appointed a commission in 2014 to study ways of improving relations between police departments and the communities they serve following recorded fatal instances between unarmed black men and the police in places like Baltimore, Charlotte and Ferguson. The Justice Department announced on Thursday a pilot program based on recommendations from that commission. But Kanya Bennett, a lawyer in Washington for the American Civil Liberties Union, feels that the process has been too slow. 

“I can’t believe two years into this crisis that we’re still having conversations about data,” Bennett told The New York Times. 

James B. Comey, the director of the F.B.I, told the House Judiciary Committee last October, ““We can’t have an informed discussion because we don’t have data.”

The program will begin collecting data in early 2017. The F.B.I. will collect data from 178,000 agents at major federal law enforcement agencies. Local and state law enforcement agencies are required to report instances of fatal encounters and can voluntarily report instances nonlethal encounters. Under the Death in Custody Reporting Act, which was passed by Congress in 2014, the attorney general can impose financial penalties on states that fail to report data. 

"Accurate and comprehensive data on the use of force by law enforcement is essential to an informed and productive discussion about community-police relations,” Attorney General Loretta Lynch said Thursday, according to NPR.

There are still some kinks that will need to be worked out by the pilot program, such as how financial penalties will be imposed on departments that fail to report data, but the initiative is a huge step in the right direction for making meaningful change in community-police relations.

Ever since the second presidential debate, people from around the country have fallen in love with “the man in the red sweater,” Ken Bone. The world was charmed by the adorably shy Bone and his use of a disposable camera in the digital age. It wasn’t long until Bone went viral, and the internet started creating wholesome memes of Bone. Unfortunately, it seems like our high hopes for a pure and lovable Ken Bone have been crushed. 

After Bone was invited to host an “Ask Me Anything” session on Reddit, the Daily Beast looked into Bone’s comment history and discovered a disturbingly slimy comment about Jennifer Lawrence’s leaked nude photos. The comments, which Bone wrote under the username StanGibson18, are about as sleazy and seedy as you can get. 

"Maybe she should have been more careful with her pics, but the bad guys are still the ones who sought them out and looked at them," Bone wrote. "By which I mean guys like me. I saw her butt hole. I liked it.”

What Bone doesn't seem to understand is that Lawrence’s choice to take nude photos was not an invitation to hack into her phone and release them to the world. Lawrence’s privacy was violated, and she was cruelly and ruthlessly mocked on the internet. How someone could ever find pleasure in the cause of someone else’s turmoil is something Bone has yet to comment on. Bone’s nauseating and sexist remarks on J. Law weren’t the only disturbing comments that StanGibson18 wrote. According to the Daily Beast, Bone also wrote that the death of Trayvon Martin was “legally justified.” 

It’s officially time to move on from Ken Bone. 

According to conservatives, #LiberalPrivilege is a real thing and some college-aged students are not remaining silent anymore.

What exactly is #LiberalPrivilege? It can be summed up as the benefits that conservatives feel liberals have––benefits that they are not equally receiving. Basically, it boils down to an overall feeling of being in the ideological minority on campus and not feeling represented.

These conservatives are no longer remaining silent and have taken to Twitter to air their grievances.

Listen up, binge-watchers. Netflix is reportedly working on a new update that would change how we stream our favorite shows and movies. According to LightReading, Netflix is developing a "download-to-go option,” which would allow viewers to stream content without an internet connection.

"We know from our sources within the industry that Netflix is going to launch this product," software specialist Dan Taitz told LightReader. "My expectation is that by the end of the year Netflix will be launching download-to-go as an option for their customers.” Don’t play with our hearts, Dan. 

Unfortunately, Netflix didn’t reveal any substantial information regarding whether or not this kind of streaming service is actually being developed. ”While our focus remains on delivering a great streaming experience, we are always exploring ways to make the service better," a Netflix representative told LightReading. "We don't have anything to add at this time.”

Despite insider predictions that, if the feature were offered, the selection of shows would be limited to mostly Netflix’s original content, we’re still extremely excited for the future of streaming and the possibility of watching our favorite shows on a long plane ride without paying for wifi. 

Getting a job is always a big deal, but getting the right job is especially important. You’ve probably heard from your parents or professors that landing a position with a large corporation will lead you down the path to professional victory. While this may hold true for some collegiettes, there’s plenty of other job options available! Here’s why working for a business that’s just starting out could be the perfect starting point for you.

1. Opportunities for experience

Does money motivate you to fill out job app after job app? If so, that’s not a bad thing. But a consistent cash flow isn’t the only thing to be gained from employment.

“Working for a startup gives a person an opportunity to see a business from the ground up,” Darlene Johnson says. Johnson, who boasts an extensive background in career counseling, is the Director of External Relations at the Hofstra University Career Center. She believes that the startup environment is a solid place for you to discover your interests because, as with most internships, a startup job will likely provide you with opportunities to test the waters in several areas of the business.

This testing should result in some pretty stellar insights. “Working at a startup is valuable because of the sheer amount you learn,” says Halana Dash, a Temple University senior with more than a year’s worth of experience in startup work. Your paycheck might help you get from apartment A to apartment B. However, it’s experience—and the education you earn along the way—that will truly take you to the next level.

2. More meaningful responsibilities

With great knowledge comes greater expectations. In other words, the experiences you rack up will qualify you to handle important matters within a startup business.

Rachael Bozsik is the CEO and Founder of The Brand Girls, a team of professionals who train collegiettes in cover letter writing, networking and other areas related to personal branding. According to Bozsik, working for a startup means “you may have to step outside of your comfort zone and take on tasks that are outside of your job description." Because the business is so small, you’ll be trusted with trying your hand at the roles and responsibilities that would normally be off-limits in a more corporate work setting.

Related: What to Do When You’re Stuck Between Job Offers

3. Passionate people

If you’ve ever seen Shark Tank, then you’re well aware of the fact that there’s no shortage of passion in the startup community. These people eat, breathe, sleep and, in some cases, sleep in their businesses!

Franklin & Marshall College senior Juliana Knight feels as though this energy is worth experiencing firsthand. “I currently work for a startup, and I would absolutely recommend that collegiettes try it!” she says. Juliana has found that those who work in startups are “very innovative” and excited about what they’re doing. Because good vibes are contagious, she says she feels “so comfortable” when she goes to work.

Of course, the tricky thing with passion is that it can end up being a little all over the place. “I've worked for a few startups, and there were both positive and negative experiences with each,” says Tessa*, a Western University senior. One of the companies for which Tessa worked would change its mission constantly because the owners had several “abstract ideas” that weren’t being channeled into one objective. “I think it's very important to know that the startup has an obtainable goal,” she says. Therefore, the easiest way to get to a gig that’s more like Juliana’s job is to make sure the startup in which you’re interested has passion with a purpose.

4. Thrifty Thinking

To say that the average startup is strapped for cash would be a total understatement. As Halana puts it, “startups work much more leanly” than their corporate counterparts.

That’s because everything is significant in a startup setting. “Entrepreneurs are constantly praising the virtues of being ‘scrappy’ and ‘hustling,’” Halana says. Although Halana has worked and held internships in other employment environments, she thinks the conservation strategies she’s gained from her startup roles have proven to be some of her most treasured takeaways. The resources that go to waste in other companies are prized by startups. As Halana states, new businesses “definitely value everything, from office space to computer paper to the free lunch at an investor networking event.”

When you’re trained to cut costs at work, you become more in tune with the deals made available by grocery stores, online retailers and other points of purchase. This thrifty thinking will definitely come in handy as you prepare to give the real world a run for its money.

5. Jack of all trades

The various responsibilities you’ll have and the savings strategies you’ll have to practice while working for a startup are going to make you feel like you’re bouncing all over the place—and that’s okay! In fact, being on your toes comes with its own set of advantages.

“You will most likely have the ability to be a bit flexible in your role,” Bozsik says, as many startups aren’t staffed by huge departments of employees. Bozsik provides a great example of what tends to happen within a new business. “If you were hired for event planning,” she says, “you will most likely be dabbling in public relations and marketing work with a variety of team members across the company.”

At first, you’re going to feel overwhelmed by the differences between your duties. Lucky for you, though, finding your footing in every section of a startup will work in your favor. “This well-rounded experience can make a person a more marketable candidate for a future job search,” Johnson says. It’s important to have a firm handle on your personal passion, but showcasing the skills needed to thrive in other areas is how you’ll stand out in the long run.

6. Your opinions matter

Isn’t it great when people want to listen to what you have to say? According to Bozsik, the startup community is all ears.

“The [startup] team is in the stage of new growth and development,” she says. “They will be looking for feedback on how their process runs, edits they can make to their product and restyling their packaging.” Because of this, you’re more likely to have a say in what the business could do to improve than you would in a work environment that doesn’t allow as much room for (or doesn’t need as many) suggestions.

Bozsik recommends utilizing the platform that’s granted to you by a startup. Pitch the big-picture ideas and creative projects you’ve been harboring since Day One of freshman year. “In most cases,” she says, “your voice will be heard.” When it comes to startups, speaking up could spark seriously worthwhile innovations.  

7. Sharing in the success

Some businesses never make it past the starting out stage of development. Because of this, it’s no surprise that startups—and the people who work for them—are often considered risky.

“Since startups are not established businesses, of course there is always a potential for the business to fail,” Johnson says. “However, this is a risk for most organizations!” Johnson makes an excellent point. Though the difficulties a business endures in its beginning months and years are valid reasons for concern, it’s important to remember that even the most successful companies go through this exact same process. They may have struggled initially, but, today, they shine.

According to Johnson, the difference between working for a startup and clocking in at a tried-and-true business is that you’ll get to shine with the startup. “The upside [to startup work] is that you have the opportunity to share in tremendous success if the business takes off,” she says. Your hands will touch so many pieces of the startup puzzle that, when positive things happen, they’re going to seem especially sweet.

Wishing you all the best in your search for the perfect job, collegiettes! Though there’s something to be learned from every place you work, we hope you find a spot that allows you to take advantage of all the awesomeness the startup community has to offer.

Do you have any startup stories you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments!

*Name has been changed. 

You don’t have to go on a crazy outing with friends to make your night to be remarkable, in fact you’ll probably have more fun relaxing at home and taking some alone time to treat yo’ self. After you do it once, a solo night in is going to be something you’ll find yourself craving again and again––maybe you’ll even make it a routine! And honestly it’s empowering AF to enjoy your own company. Here are Her Campus’s tips to make your evening spent at home the best one yet.

1. Pamper yourself first

Tonight is all about you, and if that means you need to warm up with a face mask and bubble bath before you start a movie marathon and some crafting, then go for it! Treating yourself to a personal spa night will do wonders for your stress level and leave you feeling cozier than ever.

2. Manicure and tweeze

Let’s be real, there’s never enough time to keep up on tiny grooming habits that just make you feel like a person who’s got their life together. Since you have the while night, get rid of those stray eyebrow hairs and finally give yourself that manicure you’ve been wanting. Tomorrow you’ll be a little bit less of a hot mess and so thankful for it.

3. Don’t drive anywhere

If you’re cooking in then do your grocery shopping the day before, and if you want take out then call delivery. Driving and having to go out in public looking like a potato in your sweatpants is stressful. Plus, it’s called a night in for a reason.

4. Don’t watch the clock

Who cares if 10 pm is your usual bedtime and you have to be up early tomorrow for class? If you’re having a blast re-watching Legally Blonde and guzzling red wine, then keep going.

5. Cuddle something

Whether you’re snuggling up with your dog or spooning your body pillow, cuddling is going to take your night to next level coziness. We all need some affection and a good snuggle now and then! A solo night in means trading bae for your favorite blanket––and we’re lowkey excited about it.

6. Don’t skip dessert

Dessert is literally the cherry on top of your perfect night in. Even though you’ve probably already gorged yourself on Skinny Pop, finish off with something sweet. Baking something from scratch is ~always~ a good idea, or getting friendly with a carton of ice cream is great too. We're partial to Tea-riffic! Tea infused ice cream for double the relaxation and yumminess. They already have single serve sizes sold on the University of Connecticut and University of Illinois campuses, so you'll definitely want to bring it to yours.

7. Read a book or watch a movie

During college, reading for fun is so not a thing, so if you’re a reader then take this night to get invested in a dreamy romance or fast-paced mystery. Reading not your thing? A movie marathon works just fine.

8. Smell is everything

Light a candle or diffuse some oils. Filling your dorm with good smells (pumpkin spice, anyone?) is going to calm you down and leave you relaxed and ready for a long night of sleep.  

9. Turn down the lights

Your solo night in is not the time for glaring lights and bright phone screens. Use candle light, tea lights or a dimmer to create a quiet, dark ambiance perfect for watching movies and dozing on the couch.

10. Keep it solo

Being alone is something the average college student definitely isn’t used to, but you’ll be thanking us if you do it. That means no pop-in visits from friends or a late night booty call. When you’re by yourself nothing can go wrong, so let’s keep it that way.

What’s more adorable than a baby? A baby dressed-up in a Halloween costume, of course! We scoured the web to bring you the cutest little nuggets of All Hallows’ Eve. Get ready to “aww” your brains out.

1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s

Isn’t she darling? This little lady’s take on Audrey Hepburn’s Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s is spot-on. She’s going to grow up to be quite the fashionista some day.

2. Hobo

This pint-sized drifter looks like he just got back from a long night of trick-or-treating and his sad face breaks our hearts. Don’t you just want to take him home with you?

3. Gnome

We just want to pinch the chubby cheeks of this happy little garden gnome. And his clever bib beard couldn’t be cuter.

4. Oompa Loompa

It’s not too often that a trick-or-treater will knock on your door to give you candy! We could just eat up this baby Oompa Loompa with his green hair and Wonka bar.

5. Raggedy Anne

What a doll! She’s just adorable with those big blue eyes and giant red wig.

6. Rainbow

Just the sight of this little one is enough to brighten the gloomiest of days! Her colorful costume makes us feel all warm and fuzzy on the inside.

7. Frosty

This little Frosty melts our hearts. From the top of her little hat to the bottom of her tiny boots, she is perfection.

8. Spider-Girl

Girls can be superheroes, too! Our friendly neighborhood Spider-Girl completes her web-slinging look with a dainty tutu. She rocks!

9. Carl from Up

Just when you thought the movie Up was the cutest thing you’ve ever seen, then this picture happened. We know—he’s too much cute.

10. Lobster

Isn’t the scared expression on this lovable lobster baby’s face precious? We just want to rescue him from that pot and snuggle him up.

11. Ghost

This tiny spirit is anything but spooky! Her white tutu adds such a sweet touch to this Halloween classic.

12. Peapods

These delightful twins are just two peas in a pod. Double, double, toil and trouble.

13. Superman

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Superbaby! This miniature Clark Kent costume is the perfect mix of cute and geeky.

This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from Strength and Sunshine by Rebecca Pytell, a Her Campus Blogger Network member. Read the full post here.

Making a Halloween treat was not intentional—I had the grand idea to use some beautiful purple sweet potato (PSP) in a wonderful morning mug cake. I also felt like adding a bit extra baking soda to make it really rise and be fluffy. Now, if you know anything about baking, you know that baking soda is an alkaline substance and can make your baked goods green or blue when mixed with, say, something like a PSP. When I started baking, I thought I'd come out a pretty purple mug cake; but instead, it turned out green!

I was a little bummed out because it tasted great, but wasn’t the color I had hoped for. Thus, I thought long and hard what I should do with this little experiment. Then it hit me. It's Halloween time! All is not lost, my friends! Here's how to make your own Halloween mug cakes:

Ingredients: (serves 1)

• 2 Tbsp Buckwheat Flour
• 2 Tbsp Oat Flour
• 2 Tbsp Mashed Purple Sweet Potato
• 1/2 Tsp Baking Soda
• 1/4 Tsp Baking Powder
• 1/4 Tsp Pure Bourbon Vanilla Extract
• 7 Drops Vanilla Stevia
• 1/4 Cup Water

Vanilla Frosting:

• 1 TB Vanilla Protein Powder
• 2 TB Water

Read the full post here.