College students are masters of procrastination, especially when it comes to having difficult conversations. Most of us would rather pretend a problem doesn’t exist than confront a close friend or have “the talk” with our significant other. No, thank you!

However, some of the toughest conversations are the most important ones to have, and the sooner you acknowledge a problem, the sooner you can deal with it. If you’re avoiding one of these tough conversations, now is the time to take the plunge. Here’s how!

1. Defining the relationship

There’s a reason why the scariest four-word sentence in the English language is, “We need to talk.” Asking your guy to DTR or discussing your future together can be nerve-wracking, uncomfortable and awkward, which is why we often try to avoid it altogether.

“I'm graduating in May, but my boyfriend isn't. I'm completely avoiding the conversation about whether we're going to stay together,” says Rachel*, a senior at Skidmore College. “It's come up recently, and I basically told him I haven't ruled anything out, but that I don't want to make concrete plans either. I'm worried the conversation will either ruin what we have now (if we decide not to stay together) or put too much pressure on us to work perfectly (if we decide to stay together).”

How to approach it: Before initiating “the talk,” you should think about what you want out of the relationship. According to Susanne M. Alexander, relationship coach and author of Creating Excellent Relationships: The Power of Character Choices, it’s important to first consider your own values, needs and goals, and to ask yourself questions like:

• Am I willing to be sexually intimate with someone I date?
• Do I see living together with someone as an option?
• Do I want friendship to be a foundation for a relationship?
• Do I see a dating relationship as a step towards marriage?

“When you understand your own direction, it’s easier to have a conversation with a partner,” Alexander says. “You can say something like this: ‘What’s important to me is X, but I’m unsure about what you really want. I appreciate what we have together (be specific). However, it will be helpful if we can talk together about our direction. Are you willing?’”  

2. Telling a friend you’re concerned about him or her

You love your friends, and you’d do anything for them. But when it comes to confronting your close friend about a serious issue she’s having, like a drinking problem or an eating disorder, telling your bestie you’re concerned about her behavior isn’t so easy. You want to look out for your friends, but at the same time, you don’t want to come off as being too critical or intrusive.

How to approach it: If you see that a friend is engaging in self-destructive behavior, the most important thing to do is to let her know that you care about her, says Roy Stefanik, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Georgetown University School of Medicine.

“When addressing an issue like this with a friend, the first step is to make sure what you want to address comes out of concern and doesn't sound accusatory or put the friend on the defensive,” Sefanik says. “For instance, if a friend has a drinking problem, you can start with, ‘I know this has been a rough semester for you since your breakup with X, your struggle in classes, your fights with your parents, etc.’ It tells your friend you're aware of his or her problems, and it reflects an empathic stance.”

Keep in mind that you don’t want to come off as being overly confrontational. “Before you suggest he or she has a drinking problem or eating disorder, wait and let your friend have an opportunity to address it before he or she becomes angry and digs in his or her heels,” Stefanik says.

When you’re addressing the specific concerns, stick to the facts. For example, you could say something like, “Last night I (or your friends) heard (or saw) you vomiting before the party,” or “You hooked up with (person’s name) Friday night and you don't remember.”

The next step is to offer your friend a way to get help. According to Stefanik, “referring to counseling and psychological services departments or student health on a college campus can help in identifying students with serious problems and helping the individual get treatment.”

Finally, if your friend refuses to get help, the best thing you can do is let her know that you’re there for her. “Just because he or she won't get help this time doesn't mean the friend won't get treatment in the future,” Stefanik says. “It may take some time to help them change his or her mind.  All you can do is plant the seed.”

3. Talking to a friend about her relationship

Whether you don’t like your friend’s new guy or you think that she’s moving too fast in her relationship, voicing your opinion on someone else’s love life is a tricky business.

“I recently had the, ‘I don't think you're ready to move in with your boyfriend’ talk with one of my close friends, and it was definitely not fun,” says Taylor*, a junior from the University of Rochester. “I tried to give her rational and practical reasons: By next semester they'll be out of their ‘we just started dating and are so happy’ honeymoon period, if he started to become super clingy and she became uncomfortable she wouldn't be able to escape it, they might start getting into fights if they lived together, etc. I didn't want her to think I was attacking her relationship by asking what would happen if they broke up, so I focused on whether or not this decision would be the best thing to keep their relationship strong and to ensure her own personal happiness.”

How to approach it: Before getting involved in your friend’s relationship, ask yourself whether the situation warrants an intervention. “Intervening in a friend’s relationship requires sensitivity. If there is a safety issue, then you will step in,” Alexander says. “However, usually what to do or say arises when a friend asks you for relationship advice. It is wise to avoid acting like you know what is right for another person. A good technique is to ask questions that help your friend sort out her own thoughts, feelings and answers.”

Alexander suggests asking your friend:

• What is working well in your relationship?
• When do you your communications go off track? What would work better?
• What are you learning in the relationship?
• What can you do differently to improve the situation?

In many cases, it’s better to let your friend figure it out on her own. After all, do you really want to tell your friend to dump her BF only to have her resent you for it later?

However, if the relationship is physically or emotionally unhealthy for your friend, it’s time to intervene. Don’t focus so much on your opinion of the guy or the relationship in general; instead, state the facts and let her know that you don’t want to see her get hurt. 

“For example, if she tells you her boyfriend stood her up because he had to study, and you've just seen him out with some other girl (and they weren't studying), you can certainly tell her this,” says Carole Lieberman, psychiatrist and author of Bad Girls: Why Men Love Them & How Good Girls Can Learn Their Secrets. “You can be a sounding board for any concerns she brings up about her boyfriend, but you shouldn't direct her to dump him unless there is something dangerous about him, such as a violent temper or substance abuse.”

Be honest, but ultimately, let your friend make the decision herself. “If the friend solves the issues for herself, she can’t blame you for potentially bad advice!” Alexander says.

Taylor says she’s still hoping her friend will change her mind, “but she pretty much decided to room with him because he doesn't have other rooming plans for next semester and she doesn't want to ‘ditch him.’ Even though the conversation didn't go the way I hoped, I feel good that I expressed my concerns. If things do go sour with the boyfriend next year, I'm hoping she'll know she can come to me, because I ultimately want what's best for her.”

4. Ending a toxic friendship

Toxic friends are the worst. They undermine you, compete with you, constantly try to one-up you, zap your energy and try to bring you down, all the while pretending to be your bestie for life. If your friendship feels less like The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and more like Mean Girls, that’s a sign you need to end it ASAP.

Of course, this is easier said than done. “It's hard to get rid of a frenemy because there's no ‘script’ for breaking up with a ‘friend,’” says Jessica Rozler, coauthor of Friend or Frenemy? “So much energy is focused on giving advice for romantic relationships, but there isn't much out there for dealing with friendships—which play a huge role in all of our lives.”

How to approach it: Ending any relationship is hard, and it must be done carefully if you want to avoid a big, dramatic blowout. According to Rozler, it’s best to be direct. “Pick a time when it's just the two of you,” she says. “When you talk, stress that you're not attacking her. Try using, ‘I feel’ language rather than accusatory statements.

“For example, rather than saying, ‘You're always trying to one-up me, and good friends don't do that,’ try something like, ‘When you brushed off the fight I had at work the other day, it really hurt my feelings,’” Rozler says. “There's a chance that your friend isn't realizing the impact of her words or actions and that your friend could try to correct some of these behaviors.”

5. Talking to your parents about your career plans

It seems like every other phone call from your mom inevitably includes questions about your job or internship hunt. “A really big [conversation] I'm avoiding right now with my parents is, ‘How is your job search going?’” says Annie Pei, a senior from the University of Chicago.

The closer it gets to summer or (gulp) graduation, the harder it is to avoid those nagging conversations, but adding “finding a job” to your list of responsibilities is the last thing you want to think about.

How to approach it:  Before you roll your eyes and say “I know, Mom!” for the millionth time, consider whether you’re putting enough time into your job search as you should be. If not, set aside some time to crank out a few applications. But if you’ve been job-hunting like crazy and not seeing results, explain to your parents that you’ve been taking all the necessary steps and that you have a clear plan.

“I still try to prevent any awkward questions that might come up, though, by talking about the jobs I've sent applications to. That way, my parents know that I'm actively applying and initiating my own job hunt, so they're less worried,” Annie says. “They don't need to worry that their daughter isn't doing anything to plan out her future. They can rest assured that the process is going to take some time, but they know I'm on it.”

By responding logically and calmly and not just blowing them off, you can show your parents that yes, you care about your future just as much as they do, and that you’re on top of the situation (no nagging necessary).

Are you avoiding a difficult talk that you know you need to have, or do you have advice for tackling awkward conversations? Let us know in the comments below!

*Names have been changed.

No matter what time of the year it is, college students can always find some excuse to party! And for those of us who are of age (or even for those who aren’t yet…) most parties come with plenty of delicious cocktail temptations. But with these low-calorie recipes, you can enjoy a few drinks and still keep your body fit and trim!

1. Watermelon Fizz (makes 1 serving, 100 calories per serving)

For a refreshing and guilt-free drink that’s sure to have you dreaming of summer, try out this cocktail that uses the natural sweetness of watermelon in place of a high-calorie sugar puree. 

What You’ll Need

• 1 ounce Tequila 

• 3 ounces watermelon 
• 
1/10 ounce simple syrup  

• 1/10 ounce soda water 

• 5 cilantro pieces 

• Squeeze of lime 

• 1 bamboo spike

How to Make It

1. Muddle (lightly crush) watermelon with cilantro leaves.
2. Add ice, simple syrup and tequila.
3. Shake vigorously and pour all contents into a rocks glass.
4. Garnish with a piece of watermelon and a bamboo spike

2. Strawberry-Coconut Daiquiri(makes 6 servings, 112 calories per serving)

This tasty tropical treat is sure to hit the spot during happy hour. Or omit the rum, add another 1/2 cup of strawberries and have it at any hour you want!

What You’ll Need

• 2-1/2 cups chopped fresh or frozen (not thawed) strawberries (about 12 ounces)
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 cups ice cubes
• 3/4 cup coconut-flavored rum, such as Malibu

How to Make It

1. Combine strawberries, sugar and lime juice together in a blender.
2. Blend until smooth.
3. Add ice cubes and rum and blend until frothy.
4. Transfer mixture to a pitcher and serve.

3. Bloody Mary with Shrimp (makes 2 servings, 78 calories per serving)

Need a hangover cure but worried about the calories from your 3 am drunk snacking the night before? Try this low-cal, vitamin-packed version of a Bloody Mary!

What You’ll Need

• 22 ounces reduced-sodium V8
• 1 teaspoon horseradish
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 3 ounces vodka
• Ice cubes
• 4 cooked shrimp

How to Make It

1. Shake V8, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, Tabasco, pepper and vodka in a large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Fill 2 tall glasses with ice and divide the Bloody Mary between the glasses.
3. Garnish each drink with 2 shrimp.

4. Skinny Beer-garitas(makes 4 servings, 231 calories per serving)

Beer and margaritas are not two words that you’d normally associate with the word skinny, but this recipe does a pretty good job of convincing us otherwise.

What You’ll Need

For the limeade:

• 1 cup fresh lime juice and 2 limes for zesting
• 1-1/2 cups of water
• 1/2 cup Splenda sugar blend

For the beer-garitas:

• 2 cups frozen limeade
• 2 bottles of light beer
• 1/2 cup tequila

How to Make It

To make the limeade:

1. Zest two limes.
2. In a large saucepan, combine water, Splenda and lime zest and heat until Splenda is completely dissolved.
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool at room temperature.
4. Stir in lime juice and freeze your limeade concentrate until ready to use.

To make the beer-garitas:

1. In a pitcher, combine frozen limeade, 2 beers and 1/2 cup of tequila.
2. Place pitcher in the freezer overnight until frozen through, then mix so that it is in slushy form and serve.

5. Skosmopolitan Cocktail(makes 1 serving, 75 calories per serving)

Want to drink like Carrie Bradshaw while still maintaining SJP’s rocking body? The skosmopolitan, or skinny cosmopolitan, is the cocktail for you!

What You’ll Need

• Crushed ice
• 1-1/2 ounces citron vodka
• 1 ounce diet or very light cranberry juice
• 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice
• 4 drops orange extract
• 2 teaspoons sweetener (equivalent to 3 teaspoons sugar)

How to Make It

1. Half fill a cocktail shaker (or a water bottle with a twisty top) with crushed ice, and pour over the ingredients.
2. Shake well.
3. Strain into glass and garnish.

6. Blushing Lady Cocktail(makes 1 serving, 162 calories per serving)

This cocktail not only turns out a pretty pink color, but it’ll also only set you back 162 calories.

What You’ll Need

• 1 ounce PAMA liqueur  

• 2 ounces vodka 
• 
1 ounce pink grapefruit juice

How to Make It

1. Add 1 ounce PAMA, 2 ounces vodka and 1 ounce pink grapefruit juice to a mixing glass with ice.
2. Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass.
3. You can rim the glass with sugar, or skip it and save on the calories.

7. Blueberry Ginger Bellini(makes 4 servings, 185 calories per serving)

This tasty cocktail has so many healthy ingredients that you won’t feel guilty at all about treating yourself to one.

What You’ll Need

• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 2 cups blueberry juice
• 1/2 cup sparkling wine, divided

How to Make It

1. Mash blueberries with ginger, sugar and lemon juice.
2. Add blueberry juice and let steep for at least 5 minutes.
3. Strain; divide among 4 champagne flutes.
4. Top each with 1/2 cup sparkling wine.

8. Salty Chihuahua(makes 4 servings, 188 calories per serving)

This interestingly named cocktail is a margarita substitute that is low-cal and delicious!

What You’ll Need

• Coarse salt, (optional)
• 4 ounces tequila, divided
• 2 ounces orange-flavored liqueur, such as Cointreau, divided
• 3 cups grapefruit juice, divided
• 4 grapefruit slices, for garnish

How to Make It

1. Wet the rims of 4 glasses and coat with coarse salt (if desired).
2. Fill the glasses with ice.
3. Pour 1 ounce tequila and 1/2 ounce liqueur into each.
4. Top each with 3/4 cup grapefruit juice and stir.
5. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

So stop worrying collegiettes! With these drinks, you can treat yourself to a fun Friday night without packing on the pounds. Let us know how your cocktails turn out with a comment below!

We all need a little guidance now and then, so whether you’re stressed over a fling gone wrong or a recently wrecked relationship, or you're wondering how to handle a stage-five clinger, Real Live College Guy Dale is here to help you navigate the college dating experience.

I’m funny, I’m smart and I have a great social life, but there is one area where it’s lacking: boys. The problem is, I fall for every cute boy in a 10-mile radius, and no matter how many dates I go on, I always end up without a second date. Help! I know guys are interested, but apparently not the ones I’m interested in. What am I doing wrong? -Don't Want to Be Desperate at Davidson

Davidson,

Well you’re certainly a humble one. Right off the bat, Davidson, I can tell you that your attitude might be the first problem.

As I’m sure you’ve heard, there is a fine line between confidence and arrogance. Confidence is sexy; arrogance is not. Arrogance is confidence mixed in with a little too much pride. Put it this way: confidence is walking the walk, arrogance is talking the talk. And as much as I hate to say it, you seem to have overstepped the line that separates the two.

You’re funny, you’re smart, you have a great social life—all of that is great and I’m stoked that you have that confidence in yourself, because too many women these days lack that. However, saying you know guys are interested (just not the ones you’re interested in!) takes away from that attractive confidence. How do you know guys are interested? And moreover, if they’re so interested in you, then why can you never land a second date?

My first piece of advice is to change your mindset. What is it about the many men who apparently like you that you dislike? Are they unmotivated? Stinky? Lazy? What exactly is it about these men in particular that turns you off?

Second, if you haven’t already, you need to figure out what it is you do actually like in men. Are these things realistic? We’ve all got dream partners, and while I’m not an advocate for settling, I do think that sometimes people need to reconsider what they’re looking for. In order to do this, you need to narrow down what it is about these guys that you disliked in the first place. I’m not saying write out a list, but were there legitimate reasons for their dismissal, or could you just not give them adequate attention?

If the latter option is the case, the issue might be the fact that you allegedly fall for every cute boy around you. If you’re falling for so many men, how can you possibly give one guy the attention he deserves on a date? On top of that, if you’re falling for every cute guy around you, why would any other man feel comfortable taking you out again? What security does he have that you’re even interested in a second date with him if you’re so easily swayed by the looks of another guy?

Look, it’s great that you’re confident in your humor, intelligence and social life. What isn’t great is the fact that you’re so certain that all these guys like you. I’m not saying you’re delusional, but I think you might be stretching reality a bit. Rein it in, come down from the clouds and give a guy a fighting chance.

Alex Warshauer, A&S,  is a freshman helping to save lives with Eagle EMS.  But what does he do while he’s not busy looking out for his fellow students?  Let’s find out!

The Basics:
School: Boston College
Hometown:  Warren, New Jersey
Major/Minor:  Bio-Chemistry, Pre-Med
Interests:  Music, hiking, skiing, saving lives (EMT)
Campus Activities:  BC Marching Band, Pep Band, Eagle EMS
 
The Favorites:
TV Show:  Burn Notice
Food:  A toss up between sushi and cheese steaks.
Movie:  The Boondock Saints
Guilty pleasure:  Disney Music
Way to spend a Saturday afternoon:  Hiking
Place you have traveled to:  Spain.  It was an eye-opening experience and the people were really nice. 
Late Night Snack:  Extra butter popcorn.
Sports team:  Philadelphia Eagles
Thing about BC:  The location and the fact that we have good sports teams.
Restaurant in Boston:  The Meritage
Place to Eat at BC:  The Rat because Dorita is the nicest cashier ever. 
BC Sport:  Hockey
Snack:  Trail mix
Drink:  Grape Koolaid
Girl Scout Cookies:  Thin Mints
 
This or That:
Coffee or Tea?  Tea, hands down
Cake or Brownies?  Definitely a brownie person
Muffin or Bagel?  A Jersey Bagel
Ice Cream or Fro-yo?  Ben and Jerry’s Phish Food
Friday or Saturday?  Friday night
 
Miscellaneous: 
Fondest childhood memory:  I used to ride my cat around
Craziest thing you’ve ever done:  Climbing up Mount Washington barefoot
Biggest pet peeve:  When people don’t answer their phones
Celebrity crush:  Kiera Knightly

What’s your favorite part about being an EMT?
The ability to help people, there is no more tangible way to see the effect you have on people.  Also, the blue lights in my car are pretty cool. 
 
What made you join the marching band? 
The camaraderie, the group is awesome and I love getting to know them.

Full Name: Myles Harris Alderman III  (if you must know)
School: Kenyon
Age: 21
Year: Senior
Major: Biology
Hometown: West Hartford, Connecticut
Relationship Status: Single
Campus Activities: The College Township Fire Department, The Ransom Notes, ΦΚΣ, Greek Council

HCK: Why did you choose to become part of the fire department?
MA: Since I was a child I have always had a passion for medicine. I knew in middle school I wanted to be an EMT at some point, but never got around to getting certified in Connecticut. I heard about the College Township Fire Department (CTFD) my freshman year and knew it was a way I could give back to the community and college while accomplishing my desire to be an EMT.   

What was your firefighter training like?
Training was and is still the most intense experience of my life. We train 8 hours every week, and my freshman spring I went to EMT-B school, which met three nights a week for the whole semester. Sophomore fall I went to fire school for 7 days. It is amazing the amount of knowledge the upperclassmen were able to convey, and I think it speaks a lot about our program at CTFD that we can turn a first-year student into a Firefighter and EMT in a year or so. We never stop training, and to this day we train 8 hours a week to ensure our skills are fresh and we can provide the best service to the community.

Is it difficult to balance schoolwork and all that you do as a firefighter?
Sometimes it is. I learned very quickly not to leave homework assignments until the night they are due, because I may have to spend all night at a fire or treating and transporting patients. I like to say I am a Student-Firefighter, to me being a student comes first, and I have never had to miss a class due to firefighting. That being said, it can be difficult to walk into Peirce and hold a normal conversation with friends after helping a patient with cardiac arrest, or to go to class the next day after watching someone lose their home in a fire. I think these shared experiences are one of the reasons the students on the fire department are so close knit.

How does it feel to give back to the Kenyon and Gambier communities in such a prominent way?
It is truly a privilege to be able to give back to the community in any way that I can. There is no feeling that can compare to being able to help someone who is experiencing one of the worst moments of their life; it is incredibly humbling. I consider myself lucky to be able to give back to the community and to work with a group of such dedicated individuals that is the CTFD.

Now onto some lighter questions: Who is your celebrity crush?
Natalie Portman

What’s your favorite place on campus?
Brandi Hall. I love singing with the Ransom Notes and I have a ton of good memories there.

What is your dream job?
I want to be a Trauma Surgeon

Do you have any hidden talents?
I race 30-40 foot spinnaker class sailboats in the summer, and I’m also a PADI certified Deep & Rescue Diver.

Do you have any guilty pleasures?
I watch more TV than I should. I blame it on Netflix.

This or That... Deli or VI?
VI, there is no question here!

Library or Gund Commons?
The library, it’s where my friends are! I don’t think I have been to Gund Commons since my McBride days…

Chipotle or Buffalo Wild Wings?
Chipotle, I have never been a big wing guy.

Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter?
Lord of the Rings Movies and Harry Potter Books. But, if I had to choose one it would be Harry Potter.

Tom arrived wearing ¼ button up maroon and navy stripe sweater from Brooks Brothers and dark wash slightly distressed Gap jeans with Bean Boots.  “Awkward I’m not even wearing nice socks!” He commented after we analyzed his outfit.

Name: Tom Rosenblatt

School: Bowdoin

Hometown: Edgemont, NY

Relationship Status: Single

And ready to mingle? Not sure I’m ready to say that

Year: 2016

Favorite Color: Volcanic Red

Favorite Food: I like Thai and French food.

Favorite TV Show: I’m between Modern Family, 30 Rock (which unfortunately just ended) and maybe Game of Thrones.

Celebrity Crush:  I like James Marsden

Favorite Campus Study Spot: Do I want to give this away? Kanbar 3^rd floor – It has amazing natural light. Don’t need to worry about vitamin D deficiency.

Fun fact: I am certified to deliver a baby.

Why did you choose to come to Bowdoin?

I had one of those cliché moments that when I came to Bowdoin, I fell in love.

Tell us about your gap year….what were the highlights? Where did you go?

I went to art school for a little bit, I went to culinary school, I did a knolls program and got my wilderness EMT, I did an art history kind of European culture program, I interned a little bit (at a bakery), and I worked as a wilderness trip leader at my old camp.

Most Embarrassing Moment?

Well recently I had an embarrassing moment. Over winter break I was flying to India and I had a layover in London. I was visiting friends from my gap year course. They were planning on having a party for me (very nicely of them), on Friday night because that was the day I was arriving. By accident I read my departure as my arrival on the plane ticket, so I got there Saturday morning when everyone was hung-over! I missed my own surprise party.

Top played iTunes song?

Wavin’ Flag by K’naan

Best traits in a significant other?

I’m looking for someone who’s not afraid to do something spontaneous and fun but also ready to have an intellectual conversation.

Ideal Brunswick Date?

I’m not sure on the first date, but eventually 16^th floor of the tower waking up to the sunrise.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Oh God what am I even supposed to respond to that question. I’m not sure. 

 Name: Connor Lester
 School: SCU
 Hometown: Denver, CO
 Graduation year: 2015
 Birthday: September 7, 1992
 Major: Business with an interest in Pre-Med
 Relationship Status: Taken
 What activities are you involved in on campus? 
 I’m an EMT and a member of Sig Chi fraternity.

 What is your idea of a perfect first date? 
 Something outside of the classic dinner and a movie. I prefer something  spontaneous and fun.

 What are your favorite T.V. shows? 
 Parks and Recreation. Ron Swanson is my hero. Also, Scrubs and the Simpsons.

The first thing you notice in a girl: Personality. And their laugh.

What are your pet peeves?
Teaching my parents how to use Facebook.

Favorite quote: “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” -Dr. Seuss

Favorite SCU memory: Bay to Breakers.

Some people think this sophomore Cutie looks like Nev, the host of CatFish. In fact, Abdul is a student here at TCNJ who enjoys chatting with friends in the library and visiting Eickhoff multiple times a day. You might have seen him at a meeting for the Muslim Student Association or in the Bio Lab studying to achieve his dream of becoming a doctor. Here are some more facts about this Cutie:

Name: Abdul Waris Kazi

School: TCNJ

Age: 19 on the outside, 40 on the inside

Major: Biology

Career Goal: Pediatrician

Hobbies/Campus Involvement: MSA, Biology Research Lab, Certified EMT

Birthday: July 6

Relationship Status: Single

Celeb Look-alike: Nev Schulman

Favorite Food: I’ll eat anything

Quirks: I only shave on Sundays

Celeb Crush: Selena Gomez

Worst Characteristic in a Girl: Materialism or narcissism

Best Characteristic in a Girl: Intelligence and spontaneity, but not spontaneous intelligence

Ideal First Date: Canoeing or maybe ice skating; something outdoors, but it really depends on the girl

Pet Peeve: Getting my photograph taken

James Stanell is your modern-day prince charming: he’s handsome, he’s romantic, and most importantly, he knows how treat a woman right. Just ask his girlfriend, the beautiful and lovely Marla Marquez. This DU brother proves that chivalry is not dead with his genuine personality and overall charm. When he’s not tearing it up on the football field, he’s usually saving lives as a campus EMT and jamming to Taylor Swift. Let’s meet this week’s Campus Cutie, James Stanell.

Name: James Stanell 
School: Hamilton
Hometown: Coopersburg, Pennsylvania
Year: Junior
Major: Economics
Relationship status: Taken
On-Campus Activities: I'm the running back on the football team, a campus EMT, and a brother of Delta Upsilon

Favorite Movies: Miracle, 50 First Dates, Step Brothers (in no particular order)

When did you start playing football?

I started playing in second grade, which was actually late compared to all of my friends at the time.

What's your favorite thing about the sport?

My favorite part about playing is my teammates and the bonds we share on and off the field.

What is your favorite Taylor Swift song?

While I am still huge a fan of her older songs (and constantly find myself shamelessly singing them), my current favorite song is, without a doubt, "I Knew You Were Trouble"

If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?

The ability to stop time, think about all the napping possibilities...

What is your idea of the perfect first date? 

The place really depends on the girl, however a perfect first date for me definitely must include lunch (dinner is for couples and old people) and a fun activity (doesn't matter what, as long as, #1 its fun, and #2 its not boring). I hate how people think first dates should be so formal and stereotypical (dinner and a movie), it makes the date a lot less personal than it should be!

What is your biggest turn-on in a girl?

A great smile.

What are some of your turn offs? 

A big ego (there is a lot to be said for shy girls) and too much make-up.

First thing you notice about a girl? 

Her eyes.

Meet Milan this week's Campus Cutie who is a Biology and Computer Science double major. This Cutie hails from St. Augustine, FL and is looking for a lady who enjoys the simple things in life. He is also an EMT. Interested? Read on to find out more... 

Name:Milan

School: Emory

Hometown: St. Augustine, FL

Year: Sophomore

Major: Biology/Computer Science

Extracurriculars: Library, Emory EMS, Hangin’ with the Bros.

Frat: PIKE 

Her Campus Emory (HCE): Whats your relationship status?

Milan (M): Single!

HCE: What’s something you would want to do in your wildest dreams?

M: Spacewalk on the International Space Station.

HCE: Describe your ideal woman.

M: My ideal woman is someone who knows how to have fun and knows how to appreciate the little things in life.

HCE: What’s something not many people know about you? 

M: I have no idea how to whistle.

HCE: How do you pick up girls?

M:  I just be myself!

HCE: Three things you want to cross off your bucket list?

M: Be an extra on The Walking Dead, see the Northern Lights, learn to cook like Gordon Ramsey.

HCE: If you could travel to anywhere in the world where would it be and why?

M: Definitely Switzerland.  I’ve always wanted to visit the Large Hadron Collider and fly over the Swiss Alps in a wingsuit.

HCE: Describe yourself in three words.

M: Bringin’ Sexy Back.

So you had a fantastic craic on the Emerald Isle and now you’re back, able to withstand any weather conditions and drink all the lads you know under the table. Though you’re grateful to be back to the land of iced coffee and bagels, you probably took back more from the homeland than you even realized. For those of you who spent a semester in Ireland, here are a few new quirks you may have developed:

1. You still refer to “bars” as “pubs.”

2. And whenever a pub—er, bar—has a live band, you always ask them if they know “Galway Girl."

3. If you get a Magners, you tell everyone who will listen how it doesn’t even compare to the sweet, sweet nectar that is Bulmers cider. 

4. You can also down a pint of dark beer like water.

5. You own at least one of these.

6. You also own this.

7. Rain (or any natural elements, for that matter) doesn’t even faze you anymore.

8. You still expect everyone you encounter on the street to be super friendly…

9. ...and all your cab drivers to be talkative, even though in America they’re more like this:

10. Instead of pancakes and bacon, this is now your breakfast of choice:

11. And coffee doesn’t even taste right anymore without some Baileys.

12. You’ve also experienced a weird desire for Guinness Stew…

13. …and whenever you order soup, you always hope for a couple pieces of that delicious Irish brown bread.

14. You still refer to everything as "grand"…

15. …and tell people “Thanks a million!” when they help you out.

16. Even though it’s good to be back, you’ll always miss those rolling green hills.

Sláinte, Ireland!

Hey, collegiettes, how does 100% free online shopping sound? Almost too good to be true, right? Well, luckily for all of us, it's not!

Welcome to eDivv, an online beauty swapping website that gets you new beauty products delivered to your door without ever needing your credit card info, by trading unused or unwanted beauty products with other users.

Wondering how it works? Users post pictures and short descriptions of the products they want to trade along with a list of products they would like to receive or products they aren’t interested in, a process known as “Divvying”. Once you and another user have agreed on a trade, you just ship your items to one another. It’s completely free to register and the only fee you pay is shipping. Once you’ve completed your trade, you have the opportunity to rate your trading partner so other users are aware of how prompt the trade was, what the quality of the product was like, and so on.

It’s a great way to get rid of products like unwanted samples from Birchbox, Curlbox or Sephora, a fragrance that doesn’t suit you or a duplicate palette that you already own. The site is conveniently divided into categories like makeup, skincare, fragrance, and users are posting some pretty sweet offers, including the new Smashbox Full Exposure Palette, Clarisonic brush heads, travel-sized perfumes and so much more.

Adding to our beauty collection while clearing out clutter, all for free? Sign us up.

Be sure to check out eDivv online and happy shopping!

This week, a huge earthquake striked north Chile, registering at an 8.2 on the magnitude scale. A shooting in Fort Hood leaves four dead, including the gunman whose family was beyond devastated at his actions. Finally, the Obama administration has extended the health care enrollment deadline to April 15 for those who began signing up for coverage on the original March 31 cutoff date, but who could not complete their health care plan purchases due to site glitches.

Welcome back to NEWSFLASH, giving you the week's biggest stories!

Chile Struck By Massive 8.2 Magnitude Earthquake

An 8.2 magnitude earthquake rocked the region around the north port city of Iquique late Tuesday, forcing hundreds of thousands to evacuate.

Six people died in Tuesday’s quake, though strict building codes ensured that no other lives were lost. More than 2,500 homes sustained structural damages while 928,000 people were evacuated from the area.

The quake triggered a small tsunami off the coast of Iquique as well, with seven-foot waves hitting the shores hours following the event.

The region continues to experience aftershocks, including a second earthquake that was measured at 7.8 on Wednesday.

Both earthquakes came just weeks after two similar, albeit less powerful tremors, shook the region near Iquique. The recent frequency of earthquakes in the area has put residents and officials on guard.

Shooting Rampage at Fort Hood Leaves 4 Dead

A shooting at the Fort Hood military base in Texas left 16 injured and four dead, including the gunman who took his own life as police closed in on him.

Ivan Lopez, 34, was an Iraq war veteran who lived in the Fort Hood area with his family. Lopez opened fire in the late afternoon, taking three other lives before a confrontation with a female police officer.

The soldier put his hands up when he faced the officer, but then reached for a weapon and shot himself in the head.

Lopez was being evaluated for PTSD, anxiety and depression treatment at Fort Hood.

This was the second shooting to take place at Fort Hood within the past five years. In 2009, Major Nidal Malik Hasan killed 13 people and injured 30 others. The Army psychiatrist was set to be deployed to Afghanistan.

Initial Obamacare Deadline Extended Until April 15

While the official Obamacare deadline for Americans to enroll in a health insurance plan was March 31, the government announced that April 15 would be the final cutoff for insurance packages that start in 2014.

The deadline was extended after site issues prevented many Americans from buying a health insurance plan by the end of the day on March 31. The extension will be for anyone who began signing up on the original deadline, but were unable to complete the purchase due to site glitches.

HealthCare.gov crashed twice on March 31 as Americans rushed to purchase coverage to meet the deadline.

The government has not been clear on how they will determine if an individual truly began signing up for a health care plan on March 31 and not later.

If citizens do not meet the April 15 extended deadline, they face tax penalties for not having health insurance.

However, the government has also announced that another signup period will be opened in November for plans beginning in 2015.

Ahh, Paris: La Ville-Lumière. Whether you studied abroad there years ago or you just returned from your Parisian adventure, chances are you’ve had a hard time letting go of your wonderful, life-changing experience. Everyone brings back something from her time abroad, but the collegiettes who study in Paris come back with a certain je ne sais quoi. Your friends, professors and random people on the street can instantly tell that you have lived la vie Parisienne, especially because of these things:

1. Your outfit is never complete without a little red lipstick.

2. You eat entire baguettes and consider it a balanced meal.

3. Croissants in America just aren’t as good as they were in France, so you don’t eat them anymore.

4. After taking the Métro every day, American public transportation seems inefficient and outdated.

5. You can’t stomach shots anymore, and you usually prefer red wine to any other drink.

6. Speaking of wine, the cost of wine in the United States disgusts you.

7. You have an affinity for fine cheese, and can tell Camembert from Brie by smell alone.  

8. Upon returning home, your closet started to look like this:

9. But it’s okay, because black is really the only color worth wearing.

10. You are relieved when you use a public restroom and you don’t have to pay for it.

11. You can’t bring yourself to take your coffee "to go" anymore; instead, you like to sit and people watch while you sip your café au lait.

12. In your mind, macarons are basically their own food group.

13. You compare every piece of art you see in the States to something you saw in the Louvre.

14. You're convinced that the Marais is the best neighborhood in the entire world. 

15. Even though none of your friends speak French, you randomly break out en français every now and then.

16. The things you’d do for a Nutella crèpe…

17. You get embarrassed when American tourists try to speak French. 

18. You’re pretty convinced you’re going to move back to Paris someday. 

It's the greatest city in the world for a reason! Don't be afraid to let everyone know just how fabulous your time in Paris was. 

It’s that time of year again. All of your friends are hearing back about their internship applications, but somehow you missed the memo and haven’t sent out a single application yet. With all your schoolwork and your busy social life, you may not have realized that summer is approaching—and fast. It happens; sometimes a busy collegiette gets so caught up with other things that her career plans can fall to the bottom of her priority list. But don’t worry; it’s not too late to snag an amazing internship! We talked to the experts about how to find an internship at the last second.

Start with recently posted positions

While many companies like to get a head start on hiring summer interns, this isn’t always the case. Start out your search by combing through job-posting sites. Tom Dezell, author of Networking for the Novice, Nervous, or Naïve Job Seeker, says you can try larger websites like Internships.com, but that “with any of the large career and job sites, you face the stiffest competition.” He recommends CollegeRecruiter.com or aggregator sites like Indeed and Simply Hired. Aggregator websites pull job postings from all over the web and put them in one place. They’re basically Google for your job search!

When searching for internships at the last minute, be sure to keep an eye on the date of postings. If you’re looking at a position now that was posted two months ago, it’s probably already been filled. Most of these websites will let you sort postings by date; start by applying for recent posts first so you can be one of the first applicants in. By focusing on these recent posts, you’ll seriously increase your chances of getting a position late in the game!

Reach out to alumni from your school

One of the most valuable resources you have as a student is the people who used to be exactly in your place. Usually, alumni love to help students from their alma mater. If you’re struggling to find an internship, Dezell says to seek alumni out during your job hunt. “Check with both the career center and alumni offices for possible contacts and introductions to alumni in fields you hope to pursue,” he says.

Career center associates usually keep track of prominent alumni in different industries, particularly those who would like to stay in touch with the school and its students. Make an appointment with an associate in your career development office and ask if there are any alumni he or she thinks you should be talking to! Ask for the alums’ contact information so you can email them.

You can seek out alumni online, too. “If you have started using LinkedIn, you could look up alumni at target companies and reach out to them directly,” Dezell says.

LinkedIn is an important career resource, so if you’re not already on it, make a profile ASAP! You can use the alumni search function to look for alums in your field, or you can try searching the whole site for the name of your school and of companies you’re interested in.

When you’ve found an alum whom you want to get in touch with, send him or her an email or personalized LinkedIn request explaining who you are and what your professional interests are. Tell the alum how you found his or her information, and ask if you can get together to talk about the industry. Don’t ask for an internship directly; mention that you’re looking for one, but focus on wanting to learn about the alum and his or her job.

Once you’ve started a conversation with an alum, tell him or her about what you’re interested in. Emily Miethner, founder of FindSpark, a community for young, creative professionals, says to “be specific about what type of role you want at one type of company. Otherwise, it’s hard for people to help you.”

If you tell an alum exactly what kind of opportunities you’re interested in, she’ll know to reach out to you if that kind of position opens up at her company or another one she’s connected to. Tell her exactly what you’re passionate about and how hard you’re willing to work for it, and you could be at the top of her list!

Find companies on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is useful for more than just finding alumni. Think about your industry and make a list of companies you would be interested in working for. If you don’t know any alumni who work there, search for the companies on LinkedIn. Most companies have LinkedIn pages where you can view its employees’ profiles.

“By looking up companies on [LinkedIn] that you might hope to intern with, you may discover you have connections to someone within the company that might be able to introduce you as an internship candidate,” Dezell says. Send a message through LinkedIn or send an email if the person’s address is listed, and tell her how interested you are in her company or job. By explaining your love of the industry and making the effort to contact her, you’ll stand out among potential interns.

If internship positions have already been filled, request an informational interview; people sometimes pull out of internships at the last minute, and you’ll be the first person the employer will think of when she needs a replacement. Even if the company isn’t hiring right now, you’ll stand out for future internships by expressing interest in the company. “Don’t be shy; associations will likely welcome the opportunity,” Dezell says. “They love to assist and know it’s a great opportunity to recruit future members.”

To ask for an informational interview, reach out and introduce yourself. Explain your interests and how you’re seeking an internship in the field and want to learn more about the industry. Ask for just 15 minutes to meet for coffee or chat on the phone; it’s not long, but it’s enough to get yourself noticed and have your questions answered.

According to Miethner, “It’s also okay to tell different people different goals based on what they’d be likely to help you with, if you’re open to a variety of opportunities.” For example, if you’re interested in publishing and public relations, reach out to people in both areas. Tell those in publishing how you’re dying to be an editorial intern, and talk to PR professionals about your passion for public relations. It’s okay to be open to different possibilities that you’re interested in, especially when you’re looking for an internship at the last minute. Cast a wide net and you’re sure to snag a great internship!

Get introduced

One of the most important things to remember while you search for an internship is that your network extends beyond professional contacts. Everyone you know – friends, family, professors – has the potential to help further your career. Ask your parents to think of friends they have in your industry. See if your older siblings know anyone, or ask your professors about their contacts. “Anybody you know that may have contacts in a field you’re looking at can [possibly] help,” Dezell says. “Don’t hesitate to ask anyone, since most people know people from many different backgrounds and can make referrals.”

If you’ve searched for companies on LinkedIn but don’t have any first connections there, see if you would be comfortable asking for introductions to second connections. You never know—your old roommate’s brother may have your dream job, and he may be looking for an intern! Send a message to your first connection explaining that you saw that he or she is connected to someone whose company interests you, and that you would love to be introduced to that person if that’s something he or she is comfortable with. Don’t push too hard; if your connection has only met that person once, he or she may not feel that an introduction is appropriate.

If your mutual friend can make an intro, Miethner says to “tell [your friend] exactly what you’d like them to say [to the person you’d like to connect with]. It isn’t pushy; it’s helpful.” That way, when you’re introduced, this new connection can know right off the bat what you’re interested in and that you’re seeking an internship. You should mention that you’re looking for an internship, but you shouldn’t be making any demands. Start out with your interest in the field and ask to meet for lunch or speak over the phone so you can prove yourself to be a valuable intern candidate.

Never be afraid to reach out to people; after all, the worst that can happen is that they say no. If that’s the case, just move on to the next contact. Reach out to everyone you can; you’ll never know whom you could meet if you don’t ask! Getting yourself out there is a great route to take when there aren’t many internship positions open. Making people aware of the fact that you’re looking for an internship will make them think of you when an opportunity arises. If you make connections now and stay in touch over the next few months, they’ll keep you in mind!

Make cold calls and create your own opportunities

This method can seem pretty intimidating to many collegiettes, but it’s totally worth it. If the companies you’re interested in don’t seem to be hiring interns, find a phone number for an HR representative or intern coordinator at the company and give him or her a call anyway. You can also try this over email since company phone numbers aren’t always available.

If you’re calling, give your quick elevator pitch and ask if the company is looking for interns. If the representative says the company has already filled its summer internship positions, ask if there’s any way you can volunteer to work with the company or shadow an employee for a few days. The company may not have the budget to pay another intern (if they’re paying interns at all), but if you’re qualified, they may accept the free help. Tell the representative you want to get involved in any way possible.

If the company you call doesn’t have an internship program at all, this is your chance to really sell yourself as a valuable addition to their team. When you’re struggling to find an internship, you need to get creative. Dezell says you sometimes have to “propose and create your own internship opportunities.” Give a brief description of your experience and how it relates to what the company does, and do your best to convince the representative to create a position for you. Dazzle her with your passion, dedication and fabulous personality, and she’s sure to want you on the team!

Go virtual

If there aren’t a lot of internships in your area and you’re concerned about getting summer housing in a major city at the last minute, consider seeking a remote internship. There are plenty of companies that hire interns to work from home. When searching for positions, try adding the term “remote” or “virtual” to your search.

Remote internships are great because they give you a lot of flexibility. They also save you the trouble of spending money on a commute or summer housing. This is especially helpful for unpaid positions; most unpaid interns lose money with the expenses required just to get to work.

If you’re interested in writing, social media or computer science, landing a remote internship is especially easy, since these industries require a lot of time on the computer and less face-to-face time. But no matter what industry you’re in, a remote internship could be possible. Virtual internships can be easier to get at the last minute because they require less planning in advance; if a company’s interns don’t have to find housing in the area, they can usually start work pretty much right away.

If your friends are accepting internships left and right, don’t sweat it, collegiettes! You have the resources you need to find an internship, even at the last minute. Take a deep breath and don’t stress. There are still plenty of opportunities out there!

Using makeup designed for your skin’s needs is essential. Do you know if you’re using the right products for your skin type? If you’re using the wrong cosmetics, it can affect the finished look of your makeup and the way your skin feels after you apply it.

We’re here to help you to decode these skin-care mysteries while giving you product choices perfect for your collegiette budget!

Dry Skin

This skin type often makes your face feel tight after cleansing. Add in weather that’s either too hot or too cold, and your skin can dry out easily. If you have dry skin, you need to be cautious and make sure you’re using enough moisturizer to keep your skin from being irritated.

A good foundation choice would be a pick from the Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse Ultra Hydrating Cream Whipped Foundation ($8.45) line. It’s super moisturizing and long-lasting, and it provides a medium to full coverage. It won’t irritate your skin, and it will provide just the right amount of moisture that your skin needs.

For a more simple option, try Maybelline’s Dream Fresh BB Cream ($7.68), which is full of skin-loving benefits and has a lightweight finish that will leave your skin feeling moisturized and smooth.

The Supermoisture Makeup line from Clinique ($26) is another awesome pick for dry skin. Just like the name implies, it gives your skin plenty of moisture to keep it feeling fresh.

Normal/Combination Skin

If you have normal to combination skin, your T-zone (nose, forehead and chin) is often slightly oily, while your cheeks are a bit dry, with additional dry patches of skin on different areas of your face.

The tricky part about this type of skin is that you need to take care of different areas of your skin in different ways. For example, if you tend to have an oily T-zone, you’ll want to use astringent only on those parts of your skin to absorb oil, and you’ll want to do so right after you wash your face.

Luckily, the Revlon ColorStay Foundation line ($12.99) makes a foundation designed specifically for combination to oily skin, and it lasts all day long. If you’re used to your foundation sweating off by the end of the day, have no worries when it comes to this foundation! The coverage is on point, so blemishes or dark marks will stay covered.

Another pick is the Mary Kay Mineral Powder Foundation ($18), which will allow you to adjust your application technique based on the areas of your skin that may need more oil-absorbing benefits. You’ll also have more power over how much coverage and color you’ll want or need based on your skin-care concerns.

For combination skin that tends to be a bit oilier, Clinique’s Perfectly Real foundation ($26) helps to control shine in your most oily areas.

Oily Skin

Collegiettes with oily skin tend to be shiny all over, especially in their T-zones. Since oily skin is the result of overactive sebaceous glands, you might be more prone to blackheads and acne.

When it comes to blush and bronzer, opt for a powder version, since it will help to absorb some of the excess oil and will leave your skin looking less shiny. A good blush option is the Cheekers Blush from CoverGirl ($3.58), which comes in a cute and compact container that is easy to take with you on the go. You can find a good match for your skin with the 14 different shade options. It comes with a small brush, but using your own big, fluffy blush brush such as the Large Angled Blush Brush from Coastal Scents ($2.95) will give you a more natural-looking finish.

A good pick for bronzer is the Multi-Colored Face Powder from Physicians Formula ($11.99). Since it’s not just one solid shade, the combination of various shades will keep your finished look natural and illuminated.

For a shine-free finish, make sure your tinted moisturizers and foundations say “oil-free.” A good foundation option is Neutrogena’s SkinClearing Makeup ($12.77) since it balances oil while also treating and preventing blemishes. Because those problems often come hand in hand if you have oily skin, your skin will have a flawless finish with this foundation that will work to clear up all of your skin concerns.

Another smart pick is Rimmel’s Clean Finish Matte Foundation ($3.97). It has oil-absorbing minerals that allow your makeup to last for up to 12 hours. The matte finish will also make sure your skin doesn’t wind up looking shinier than when you started.

Finally, the Acne Solutions Liquid Makeup ($27) from Clinique helps to treat acne and control oil for a smooth finish.

Sensitive Skin

When you have sensitive skin, certain products might make your skin react negatively and become red or irritated. Your skin is thinner and more delicate than others and you have finer pores, so you’ll want to be super cautious when it comes to choosing your makeup.

According to Boston-based aesthetician Lisa Flanagan, “Any skin type can be sensitive,” so you can have sensitive skin even if your skin falls into one of the above categories. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll want to keep an eye out for products that are mild and unscented. This will prevent allergy or irritation from harsh product scents that might make your skin fussy.

The True Match Foundation Line from L’Oreal Paris ($10.95) won’t irritate your face but will cover up any skin concerns.

Likewise, the Fit Me Foundation line from Maybelline ($7.09) is another long-lasting formula that gives mild coverage and a fresh, natural look. The dewy finish and even tone of this foundation will help to make your skin look refreshed and smooth.

For blush and bronzer, check out theSmart Shade line from Almay for choices that are proven to not irritate your sensitive skin. Both formulas are hypoallergenic and dermatologist tested. They’ll be able to provide you with a brighter, healthier-looking complexion with a smooth application.

When you pick the right makeup for your skin type, you’ll ensure your skin looks fresh and flawless every time you put on your makeup!

College is a great time to explore who you are from your career interests to your personal identity, including what you want in a relationship. But not everyone comes into college knowing exactly what they’re looking for, especially when it comes to sexual orientation. Gay, bisexual, straight, asexual—you name it: there’s an entire spectrum of sexual orientations out there and it can be frustrating to sort out if you’re questioning. We talked to students and Rosemary Nicolosi, staff counselor and coordinator of services for LGBT students at the Johns Hopkins University Counseling Center for advice on opening up about your sexuality.

What does “questioning my sexuality” even mean?

Just ask any gender studies major: sexual orientation is a tricky thing. It’s a term used to talk about whom you’re sexually attracted to (or not attracted to). Females who primarily like males are heterosexual (straight) and females who primarily like other females are homosexual (gay/lesbian). But there’s also a lot in between!

Sexual identities

• Heterosexual (straight): People who are interested in the opposite sex as them.
• Homosexual (gay, lesbian): People who are interested in the same sex as them.
• Bisexual: People who are interested in both males and females.
• Asexual: People who are not sexually attracted to others.
• Transsexual: People who identify with a gender that is inconsistent with their biological sex.
• Transgender: People who self-identify their gender as the opposite of what their biological sex is.
• Queer: A blanket term that applies to everyone who is not heterosexual.
• Pansexual: People who are sexually attracted to all biological sexes and all genders.

But if you are starting to question that assumption about yourself, you’re questioning your sexuality. It may take years to truly discover who you are. Virginia, a collegiette at University of Notre Dame, had questioned her sexuality for years before she finally came out to a few close friends and family her junior year of high school. “Growing up, I had always crushed on people of the opposite sex, so I assumed I was straight,” she says. “But then I realized I'm also attracted to people of the same sex.  It was confusing because, while I knew bisexuals exist, I thought I was ‘becoming’ gay because everyone only ever talks about gay or straight. No one ever mentions ‘bisexual’ as a valid sexuality.”

How do I know what my sexual orientation is?

Unfortunately, there’s no test for sexual orientation. Some people know just intuitively, and for others, it takes a few relationships before they realize whom they like.

For Eva, a bisexual student at Colby College, her sexuality became clear after a physical relationship with a girl. “You know how girls find girls attractive and will remark on it to one another in a friendly, non-sexual way? I thought that most of my attractions to girls was that until I actually had physical contact with one.” 

Alice, a bisexual student at Johns Hopkins, had a similar experience. “I first figured [out I was bi] when I kissed my best friend. It scared me a lot at first, because it was so weird to me and it would be an entirely different lifestyle,” she says.

For others like Virginia, who has never had romantic physical contact with another girl, sexual orientation is just something you know intuitively.

According to Nicolosi, college tends to be a prime time for questioning because of the new environment and the exposure to all sorts of people. “Students may arrive at college with knowledge or inclinations that they are or maybe LGBT. Prior to arriving on campus, they may not have acted on these feelings due to family, peer and societal pressures,” she says. “Often in their home environments, LGBT people are not [seen] as role models. Once liberated at college, many of these students are able to explore their sexuality.”

Akriti, a student at Johns Hopkins University, found college was key to truly discovering her sexual identity. “I think college is a much more chill atmosphere. College kids are liberal. I started college off not hiding my sexuality like I had throughout most of high school. It's also easier to date because I don't have to worry about parents watching what I'm doing or anything like that – takes a lot of the pressure off,” she says.

How should I tell my friends and family?

Coming out seems daunting and scary, but it doesn’t have to be. For Virginia, coming out was nerve-wracking but worth it. “The first two people I told were my closest friends.  I told them I thought I was becoming gay.  It was terrifying telling them.  I was so afraid they would see me differently, like all of a sudden I wouldn't be ME, but some stranger, which is ridiculous because sexuality is only one facet of a person's identity,” she says.

Now, telling people is no big deal for her.

Nicolosi agrees: coming out can be tricky but often worth the peace of mind. Here are her tips for talking to friends and family:

Talk to someone who’s been there

“Speaking with LGBT friends about their experiences is a good start,” Nicolosi says. Ask them what their experiences were like and how they approached coming out: what strategies worked and what do they wish they could have done differently when talking to friends and family? If you don’t have close friends who are in the LGBT community, most colleges have a gay-straight alliance or LGBT student club that can often point you in the right direction.

“Coming in ready contact with LGBT people provides [questioning students] an opportunity to speak with or observe out and proud LGBT folks,” she says.

Make a strategy

Coming out is major, so don’t just blurt it out. And you don’t have to tell everyone, as many of the girls in this article do not. “Anticipate what might happen. Evaluate the pros and cons,” Nicolosi says.

Alice tested the waters by telling a few people before she told her sorority sisters. “If people ask, I always admit it, but I don't bring it up otherwise,” she says.

For Eva, her sexual identity is not her defining trait, but she will bring up the topic to mostly anyone because of the welcoming atmosphere at Colby.

“I tell people I'm close with willingly, then otherwise it usually gets introduced in conversation when my close friends mention it. Otherwise if people ask me directly I'll tell them,” she says.

Start small

Coming out on Facebook probably isn’t the best way to tell people the news. Nicolosi advises starting with just a trustworthy friend. “When you share your feelings with a friend ask them to listen only,” she says. All of the student sources for this article reported having very positive reactions from friends they’ve told.

“It's been scary telling people, but I’ve found [the community] so much more accepting than expected,” Alice says. “I’ve never had a bad reaction here.”

Parents can be more difficult to talk to. Nicolosi advises putting yourself in your parents’ shoes. “As you have gone through an often long and difficult process to identify your sexuality, it most likely [will] be a similar process for family members. Give them time,” she says.

Your parents may not be OK with it at first, but giving them time to adjust will help. Their reactions may surprise you. Virginia is out to her parents, and received a warm reaction. But for Akriti, Eva and Alice – they have not told their parents because they do not believe their parents would be OK with it.

If you think certain people will not be open minded about the subject, Alice advises waiting or just not telling them. Telling just one other person, though, is an important first step.

“If people truly know and love you, they won't care if you're straight, gay, bi, asexual, whatever,” Virginia says. “They'll support and love you no matter what. But don't be afraid to talk through what's going on, even if it's with one other person.”

Seek counseling

Not comfortable talking to friends and family yet? Seeking professional support can really help. “Seeking outside counseling may be useful. Remember that counseling does not suggest that you have a mental health problem. Counseling is a nonjudgmental, safe, and confidential space for you to continue to explore and gain support,” Nicolosi says. You can also seek support from online communities like Go Ask Alice and Scarleteen.

Dating when you’ve come out

Coming out is daunting enough, but it can sometimes be harder to meet and create relationships with people. For Eva, meeting lesbian or bi girls is no harder than meeting guys. LGBT students in college have similar romantic struggles as heterosexual students. “I'm genuinely tired of the hook-up culture here. I want to be genuine friends with someone and be able to talk to them during the week without it being awkward. And I want a connection,” she says.

Akriti is in her first serious relationship with a girl. “You have to be patient and you have to not be afraid of putting yourself out there. It took me a year and a half of many failed attempts and frustration and ridiculous stories until it finally worked out. And when it did it was really simple and wonderful and totally worth it,” she says. Akriti says coming out was scary, but once you finally open up and try a relationship, it can be a really wonderful thing.

Regardless of your sexual orientation, college is difficult – but with the right support of a few close friends and family members, coming out can be completely worth it. 

The life of a curly haired-girl is far from easy! Here are 15 problems that our straight-haired friends will never understand.

1. Accidentally cutting your hair too short and looking like a Chia pet.

2. And having bangs? Forget it.

3. Humidity.

4. As soon as you walk out the door on a hot summer day, your hair goes from this...

...to this.

5. Those days when you wake up looking like a crazed animal.

6. Trying every anti-frizz product known to man, to no avail.

7. Waiting all day for your hair to dry.

8. When people compliment your straightened hair and you don't know whether to be flattered or insulted. 

9. The horror of "crunchy" curls.

10. Good hair days are far and few between. 

11. You expect your curls to look like this...

12. ...but they really look like this.

13. Getting your hair cut by someone who doesn't understand your hair type.

14. Listening to your friend complain that her hair is too straight.

15. People telling you they wish they had your curls.

Got work? Undone laundry? A daunting to-do list? We certainly don’t blame you for feeling a bit beaten down by it all. There are plenty of times in college when you just really need a mood booster. But don’t worry—help is on the way. Here are six super-easy tricks to help you perk up in just 10 minutes or fewer (because we know you don’t have 11 to spare!).

1. Have a solo dance party

You know that feeling you get when an upbeat, feel-good song comes on? Maybe it’s Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” or The Jackson 5’s “ABC.” You hear the beat, and though you might be convinced that you “can’t dance,” you suddenly have the pressing urge to bust a move.  

Well, have no shame. Not only is your impulse totally natural, it might also be the key to a better mood. Researchers at the Kyungpook National University conducted an experiment involving 277 Korean high school and undergraduate students to determine how different types of exercise affected their moods. And guess what? The study showed that aerobics and hip-hop dancing resulted in the highest “positive well-being.”

So download Beyoncé’s new album and let loose! Your mind will thank you. And, as a bonus, your glutes will, too.

2. Meditate

Sitting still in a dark room with your eyes closed might not sound like “your thing,” but it turns out that meditation really can boost your mood, especially when practiced on a regular basis.

In a 2007 study published by Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, researchers taught participants a simple meditation exercise and then tested the participants’ perceived stress levels and mood states before and after meditating. Results showed that the simple meditation technique improved both negative mood and perceived stress in a significant portion of the individuals.

Not sure how to start? Check out this easy step-by-step tutorial to meditation. If  you feel like you need more instruction, try Headspace or Insight Timer --both offer free guided meditation sessions and are available online or as iPhone and Android apps.

3. Sniff an orange

A study published in the journal Neuroimmunomodulation found that when the fragrance of citrus was applied to depressed participants, their need for antidepressants decreased.

Pamela Heyen, a certified holistic health practitioner, suggests using therapeutic grade essential oils to get your dose of that citrus scent. These oils are unadulterated—in other words, chemical-free—and can be applied topically, dropped on your pillow before bedtime or even dissolved in a glass of water and ingested.

4. Download Happier

The mission of the new application Happier, according to CEO and founder Nataly Kogan, is “to help you be happier in your everyday life.” The site, which is available as an app for the iPhone (and is coming soon for Android), provides a space for you to record the things that make you happy.

Whether you write about a frothy cappuccino made just right or a morning snuggle session with your dog, Happier reminds you to celebrate the little things in life. Plus, you can browse the “happy moments” posted by people nearby and around the country.

With the click of a smiley-face icon, you can even “smile” at a post, at which point Happier will notify the user that they’ve made somebody somewhere smile. In essence, it’s a cycle of happiness at the click of a button.

The next time life has you down, try one of these mood boosters! Trust us, your happiness is worth it. 

Hasbro picks ‘5 House Rules’ for their new Monopoly set. [ABC]

4 things you need to know about networking. [I Want Her Job]

Can free college save American cities? [Politico]

The 5 stages of your last few weeks of college. [Betches Love This]

The English language makes no sense. [The Huffington Post]

Feel the love with these cute festival couples. [Tres Sugar]

How friends with benefits can be, well, beneficial. [YourTango]

The most disgusting fast food items in the world. [Jezebel]

Olivia Pope quotes to live by. [BuzzFeed]

10 websites only 90s kids remember. [Thought Catalog]

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

Last night, my housemates and I hosted a dinner party with a few of our friends. I was in charge of the meal-planning and cooking, which turned out to be a bigger production than I expected. It's hard enough to cook for eight people, let alone do it in a dollhouse-sized kitchen with minimal serving utensils. Now I have a better idea of how my mom must've felt every time she hosted people or made big holiday meals for the family. I pretty much wanted everyone to bow down to me after finishing the meal, so now I know why my mom got pissed whenever my brother and I didn't thank her for dinner. 

There were a few things I think I did right last night, and a few I should have done differently, so I compiled a list of five tips for hosting a dinner party below. But, first, let's talk about the food. 

Appetizers

• Grilled French bread
• Mixed olives
• Kale chips
• Baked goat cheese
• Brie cheese 

I love the combination of bread, cheese and olives. Who doesn't? Putting these appetizers out to start was a good move because it made our home feel like a fancy restaurant and it gave me time to finish up the main courses while everyone shmoozed. By now I'm sure if you've already heard of kale chips, but if you haven't made them yourself yet, then I definitely recommend it, because they are so simple and addicting. But the real star here is the baked goat cheese. Unbelievable. My mom used to make goat cheese like this, and I've made it once before, but I totally forgot about it until now. It takes 10 to 15 minutes total to make your own delicious bread crumbs and bake the goat cheese to warm, melty, creamy perfection. You can spread it on bread, dip crackers to it, or even top a salad or grain dish with a few globs of it. You will never want cold cheese again (except on cold leftover pizza, yum). To grill the bread, I lightly buttered both sides and put each slice on a Foreman grill for about a minute or two. Grilling the bread not only makes it warm and toasty, but also sturdier, which means it can handle more toppings without flopping. I ate a slice with goat cheese spread on it and topped it with kale chips and olives and folded it over into a little sandwich. 

Kale chips

1. Remove stems and tear kale leaves into large pieces.
2. Wash and dry leaves.
3. Drizzle olive oil (about a half tablespoon per baking sheet) over leaves and massage until evenly coated.
4. Season as desired.
5. Bake at 300 degrees for 15-20 minutes until crispy, tossing halfway through.

Baked goat cheese

1. Blend two pieces of bread (I used Ezekiel sprouted grain bread) in blender or food processor until crumbs form.
2. Spread crumbs on baking sheet and sprinkle with seasonings of choice (I used salt, pepper and Italian seasoning).
3. Bake at 300 degrees for 5-10 minutes, until crumbs are toasted and beginning to brown.
4. Roll a log of goat cheese in olive oil and then coat with breadcrumbs.
5. Bake at 300 degrees for 5 minutes, until warmed through and soft.

Main Course

• Green herb shrimp with zucchini couscous
• Roasted carrots 

For the main meal, I made a shrimp and couscous dish from the cookbook The Sprouted Kitchen: A Tastier Take on Whole Foods, which my mom got me when I moved into my off-campus house. I made the dish once before, so I knew that it was delicious and manageable to make in bulk. The herb sauce on it is absolutely amazing, so I made an extra batch of it for additional dipping and to save in the fridge for meals throughout the week. It's really flavorful and garlic-y, so you need gum or a toothbrush after you eat it if you're going out, but it's worth it. As a side dish, I made roasted carrots, which went well with the couscous. I've reposted the recipe for the couscous below, and you can read my post on the best alternative to french fries to learn how to roast carrots. I didn't bake them for as long last night as I did for the fries post, so they came out more soft than crispy, but I actually like them just as much both ways. 

Ingredients

Herb sauce: 

• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 4 green onions (white and light green parts), chopped
• 2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup coarsely chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley 
• 2 cloves garlic
• Juice of 2 limes

Dish: 

• 1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 1/2 tablespooon extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 cups diced zucchini (about 4 medium zucchinis)
• 1 1/2 cups whole wheat couscous
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/3 cup diced feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• Sea salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. In a food processor or blender, combine all of sauce ingredients and blend until fairly smooth with a few herb flecks. Put half of sauce in a bowl along with the shrimp and set aside to marinate for 1 hour, reserving the other half of the sauce.
2. Heat 1/2 tablespoon of oil in a cast-iron pan or large skillet over medium heat. Add the zucchini and sauté until edges are browned, 8 to 10 minutes. 
3. Cook the couscous according to package instructions. Transfer the couscous to a large mixing bowl and add the zucchini, the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, the basil, red pepper flakes, feta and vinegar. Toss to coat. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat. Cook the shrimp until they turn just pink, about 2 minutes maximum on each side; be careful to avoid overcooking them. Toss the cooked shrimp in the remaining herb sauce and serve with the zucchini couscous. 

Desserts

• Almond butter fudge
• No-bake oreos 

Looking at healthy dessert recipes on blogs and Instagram is one of my obsessions. Everything always looks so tempting, and then when you see the ingredient lists they're even more tempting, because it's all healthy stuff! I tested out two new recipes I've been wanting to try - almond butter fudge and raw, no-bake oreos - the night before. When I tasted them in the morning, I was blown away by how rich and delicious they were. Both were extremely simple to make and can be prepared in advance and stored in the freezer, which makes them perfect options for having guests over. I found the almond butter recipe on The Detoxinista and the oreo one on Chocolate-Covered Katie, so check those out to learn how to make these amazingly decadent treats. 

If you're hosting a dinner party or cooking for other people any time soon (do it!), below are some suggestions that I learned from my experience last night.   

Tips for hosting a dinner party 

1. Make dishes you've made at least once before

You don't want to be testing a recipe, especially a complicated one, for the first time when you're serving it to other people. You never know exactly how it will come out, or if there are adjustments you should have made, so you increase your risk of messing something up, which just adds more stress onto you. Instead, stick with something that you're comfortable with. Choose a family favorite, or something with ingredients and directions that you know how to work with. Or, if there is a fancy new recipe you want to serve, give it a test run the weekend before to make sure you know how to make it well. 

2. Prepare in advance

Once you've chosen your dishes, prepare as much of them as you can in advance so that you're not left struggling to throw everything together as guests are arriving. I prepared the desserts the night before and stored them in the freezer, and then took them out about a half hour to an hour before they were ready to be served. The morning of, I chopped up the carrots and zucchinis so I wouldn't have to do that later, and I prepared the herb sauce so it was ready to go and I had plenty of time to marinate the shrimp. Try to go grocery shopping at least a day in advance, rather than the day of, to save time and in case you realize you forgot something or need additional ingredients. 

3. Clean as you go

This is good advice for whenever you cook, not just when you have people over - and it's advice that I really need to start following. I always let the dirty dishes, cutting boards, pots and silverware pile up as I'm cooking, but I realized that this wouldn't fly when I was cooking multiple dishes at once in my tiny kitchen. As you're preparing the food, take breaks to clean up so that you have room and aren't left with a massive amount to clean at the end. This will also help avoid the need to aggressively scub your dishes, which is often necessary when you leave them dirty for too long. I learned that the hard way. 

4. Time it right

When you're making multiple dishes at once, you have to time what goes in the oven or on the stove when so that everything is ready at the right time and warm when it's served. This is a very difficult art, and I have not mastered it whatsoever. I was really scrambling to simultaneously sauté the zucchini and shrimp while checking on the carrots in the oven. Prepping ingredients in advance will help you time everything better, but I also advise reading over all the instructions of the recipes you are going to make and making a timeline in advance. Write out the times that you will do each step so that you can stay on track. This way, you'll know what to do when and can have a list to reference to ensure that you're not forgetting about something in the oven or on the stove, preventing overcooking or burning. 

5. Double check the oven, stove and outlets when you're done

When you're so focused on making the food, and then focused on enjoying it with your friends, you may totally forget the basics, like turning off the oven and stove and unplugging appliances. I remember deliberately checking the oven and stove because I was afraid of making that very mistake. Only until we finished eating all three courses did I realize that I had left the Foreman grill plugged in the entire time, right near paper products. It was about a million degrees, so I am extremely lucky that I didn't burn my entire house down. No dinner party should end with a fire alarm going off, so seriously make sure to check - and then double-check - that you've turned absolutely everything off when you're done using it. 

From figuring out what to make and trekking to the grocery store to actually cooking it and serving it, hosting a dinner party can be a big to-do. But it's a should-do, in my opinion, because it's a really fun way to get your friends together either before a night out or as a girls' night in. What could be bad about catching up over a home-cooked meal and wine? The fuss pays off, I promise! 

Jersey girls totally loved 22 Signs You’re From New Jersey.

90 Monumental Moments for Girls Born in the '90s covered everything from SmarterChild to crimping your hair.

We all know The 8 Types of Snapchatters. Which one are you?

Listen up seniors, we’ve got answers for those annoying questions with 33 Responses to ‘What Are You Doing After Graduation?’.

Without a S.O.? Then you could totally relate to What it’s Like to Be the Single Friend.