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22 Signs You're the Busiest Person in Your Friend Group

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College is already a never-ending to-do list, but when you throw in internships, part-time jobs, extracurriculars, sports, volunteering, Greek life, a significant other and oh yeah, a social life—well, let’s just say busy becomes an understatement. So much to do, so little time. Sound familiar? It’s probably cause you’re the busy bee of your friend group. So props to you for even having time to read this article. But then again, let me guess, you’re probably in transit or multi-tasking.

1. You make plans with your friends way in advance

2. You’re never available for spontaneous plans

3. You’re not the easiest person to reach

4. You suck at replying to texts

5. You’re a pro at multi-tasking

6. You don’t know where you’d be without your calendar or planner

You probably own that specific planner. 

7. You can't deal with slow walkers

8. You’ve mastered speed walking

9. You’re an ambitious gal

There's just so many things you want to achieve!

10. You’re not the most patient of people

11. Your time management skills are on point

12. You have yet to experience binge-watching a TV show

13. Procrastination is not a thing—ain’t got time for that

14. Your laptop and phone are your life

15. You don’t get FOMO because tbh, you’re too busy to scroll through Instagram or Snapchat

16. When people ask, “When are you free?”

Isn't that the million dollar question?

17. You have big dreams and you’re set on achieving them

18. You're a fast-paced person

19. You hate getting sick

20. Your SO has gotten used to your workload 

21. Free time is a foreign concept

22. But you still manage to squeeze in a social life and sleep because you’re an overachiever


Bella Hadid & The Weeknd Reunite on the H&M Runway

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When The Weeknd and Bella Hadid reunited on the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway this past year, I thought that would be the last we would see of the ex-couple. But alas, I was wrong. 

According to Cosmopolitan, Hadid and The Weeknd crossed paths once again on the H&M Studio spring/summer 2017 runway. And believe it or not, it didn't seem to be that awkward! 

 

That look you give your sister and she just knows @bellahadid @gigihadid @hm #pfw

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When Bella walked by her ex in the finale of the show, her sister Gigi was there to hold her hand, and it really couldn't have gone any better. I mean, she could have been wearing lingerie and wings, but hey, this is fine too. 

 

Dancing with supermodels and #TheWeekend. Things could be worse. #PFW #HM #Paris

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By the looks of it, there seem to be absolutely no hard feelings between the couple, and that, my friends, is what being an adult is all about. 

6 Signs Your Relationship Won't Last Long Term

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Not every relationship you experience leads to happily ever after. You can’t mold someone into your idea of prince, or princess, charming — sometimes two people just don’t work out. Whether you can sense the shakiness in the beginning of the relationship or years down the line, sometimes it’s best to trust your gut feeling. Here are six telltale signs that the relationship you’re in won’t last long term.

1. You mistake comfort for love

While it’s important to feel comfortable in your relationship, comfort is one of the key reasons why people stay in relationships that have long passed their expiration date. It can be nerve-wracking to put yourself in the dating pool again, and it’s even easier to hold on to a relationship because of the history you and your SO have. If you find yourself recounting the reasons of why you guys are together and the main reason is because “you’ve been with him for a long time,” you should realize that complacency does not lead to happiness.

Lauryn Higgins, a graduate student at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, knew that her long-term relationship wouldn’t last just because of the longevity.

“I was in a three-year relationship and when a friend said to me, ‘Would you want your daughter dating the guy you’re with?’ And my first thought was, ‘I would want more for her,’ I knew I had to start having a conversation with my SO,” she says.

Evaluate if just feeling okay within your relationship is where you want to be. Love should be the most gratifying feeling in the world and should never be confused with complacency.

2. You feel like a secret

On the contrary, there’s the classic “situationship,” which we’ve all been in or witnessed. Just like you can’t mold a person into your version of perfection, there is no way to force someone into a relationship they don’t want to be in.

Ashley Drayton, a Georgia State University graduate, knows that your relationship will remain at a standstill without a few key elements.

“If he’s content with having a situationship, staying in the house instead of going on dates, he seems to be hiding you or parts of his life, and he doesn’t put a lot of effort into things regarding you, it’s not going anywhere,” she says.

At this point in life, if someone wants you to be a part of their life, it will be clear to you. You shouldn’t be left guessing whether or not you might have a chance of working out.

3.  You give and give, and they take and take

Sacrifices and compromises are a part of any relationship. However, they should not be coming from only one end. It’s not a good sign if you give so much of yourself to someone with little investment in return.

You can easily burn out early on in a relationship if you are constantly giving. Megan Scavo, a sophomore at the University of Central Florida, knows from personal experience that selfishness can cause a relationship should go downhill quickly.

“If your SO expects you to plan your entire life around them, such as school, work and friends, it’s not going to last too long,” she says.

If you find that you are the only one sacrificing up your time, money and energy, recognize that that is not normal.

4. Your friends and family can tell it won’t last

Nobody is in your relationship but you and your SO, so sometimes it can hard for outsiders to judge your relationship. However, the saying “Mama knows best” may not be so cliché in this case. Love can blind you enough to the point that you don’t recognize warning signs.

“If your friends tell you they don’t see you with him forever or that he’s not the one, listen,” Megan says. “Your friends know you better than you know yourself sometimes.”

You may have that one friend who doubts every relationship you get into, but if the overwhelming majority of your friends and family do not see things working out for the best, you should at least listen to them as to why. They have a more objective view of the relationship. Plus, if they know you well enough, they can tell when things just click and when they don’t. 

Related: 5 Ways to Let Go of a Relationship That Ended Before it Started

5. You try to justify bad behavior

Your SO is not immune from making mistakes. It’s completely understandable to forgive small mistakes, but your SO should not get a free pass on everything.

Something that should be immediately addressed is any form of abuse. “If he says rude things or degrades you, even if it’s out of character when angry, that’s a definite red flag,” Megan says. “Way too many women put up with that too long.”

Rachel Petty, a senior at James Madison University, advises women to trust their gut feeling when it comes to a bad feeling about a relationship.

“If you find yourself making excuses for your SO and letting big things slide, that’s a sign you should probably end things,” she says. “If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.”

You can't shake off your intuition telling you something is wrong forever. In many cases, our feelings of uneasiness are justified. 

6. Your core values do not align

Opposites attract in many cases, but in some cases they cannot work long term. Having differences with others is what makes humans unique, but some differences may be too big to ignore.

Alyssa*, a junior at Kennesaw State University, could not look past a difference in religion between her and her SO.

“I am religious and my ex was not,” she says. “At first, I looked past this difference. But when he became comfortable enough, he would essentially make fun of me for believing in something. That’s where I had to evaluate if I could handle that intolerance for years to come.”

The important thing to remember is even though you and your SO have differences, there should be mutual respect for each other’s beliefs. You should never feel ashamed or scared to practice your beliefs because your SO believes the opposite.

Envision your future a few years down the road. If you cannot see your future with your SO and their current behavior, it is time to have a conversation with them. Whether or not you chose to end things or work on things is up to you, but know that you do not have to put up with behavior that doesn’t mesh with you. 

19 Drunk Texts All Girls Have Sent At One Point or Another

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Drunk texting…we’ve all done it one too many times. There’s just something about a magical phone that glows in the dark and the beautiful buzz of alcohol. There’s no time to think things through, you just need to text someone….now. Here are 19 drunk texts you’ve probably sent at one point or another:

1. The “I want you back” drunk text

2. The “I’m bitter and I want you to know it” drunk text

3. The “answer your phone” drunk text

4. The “I’m drunk” drunk text

5. The “what is the meaning of life” drunk text

6. The “way too honest” drunk text

7. The “I’m so lonely” drunk text

8. The “GUYS ARE FUCKBOYS” drunk text

9. The “yooooooo” drunk text

10.  The “I’m not even drunk” drunk text

11. The “I’m sorry” drunk text

12. The “emoji overload” drunk text

13. The “where am I I’m starting to panic” drunk text

14. The “I'm updating you even though you don't care" drunk text

15. The “jibberish” drunk text

autocorrect can’t even save you

16. The “remember when…” drunk text

17.  The “I honestly love you so much” drunk text

18.  The “u up?” drunk text

This is the one that we probably regret most of all.

19. The “whoops wrong person” drunk text

Sorry Mom…wrong person.

WHO SHOULD WE TEXT NEXT?

What You Need to Know About Attorney General Jeff Sessions & Russia

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Attorney General Jeff Sessions is the latest Trump Cabinet member to land in hot water over his communications with Russia. The controversy stems from two conversations he had with the Russian ambassador last July and September, during the presidential campaign, according to The Washington Post. But the meetings themselves aren’t even the biggest issue. Sessions was asked about talks with Russia at his confirmation hearing, and he denied ever speaking with them.

“I’m not aware of any of those activities. I have been called a surrogate at a time or two in that campaign and I did not have communications with the Russians,” Sessions said when asked how he would respond if he found out people in Trump’s campaign had talked to Russia. But he did. And lawmakers are not happy about it—especially because the federal attorney general is the one who would oversee an investigation into Russia’s attempts to interfere with the U.S. presidential election.

The first meeting was during the Republican National Convention in July, the Post reports. Sessions gave a speech to a group of 50 ambassadors, and some of them, including Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak, approached Sessions after the talk. The second meeting was a one-on-one between Sessions and Kislyak on Sept. 8. It’s not known what the two talked about at that meeting, and Sessions claims they only talked about matters related to his role on the Senate Armed Services Committee. But at the time, he was also closely advising the Trump campaign.

Now, The New York Times reports, members of Congress are calling for Sessions to recuse himself from that investigation. Others are calling for Sessions to resign altogether.

In the midst of all this, it’s important to remember that former national security adviser Michael Flynn recently lost his Cabinet position for misleading others about his talks with Russia.

Sessions told MSNBC Thursday morning that "I have not met with any Russians at any time to discuss any political campaign, and those remarks are unbelievable to me and are false." But he did say he would recuse himself from the investigation if it was “appropriate.”

Meet NERVO, the Female Force That’s Taking Over EDM

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EDM is filled with plenty of talented artists, like Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, Zedd and The Chainsmokers. In this seemingly male-dominated genre, NERVO, an Austrialian-based duo comprised of siblings Miriam and Olivia Nervo, are holding their own and winning music fans over with their infectious tracks and bold style. After just releasing their latest track, "In Your Arms," NERVO shared with us their thoughts on their single and their plans for 2017.

 

A post shared by NERVO (@nervomusic) on

NERVO initially got their start in the music industry as songwriters. Most notably, they penned the lyrics to David Guetta’s chart-topping and Grammy-winning track “When Love Takes Over.” Realizing that they could use their talents to propel their own music career, Mim and Liv started creating original music for themselves.

“We had so many songs of our own that we thought it would be such a waste to leave them on our hard drive,” they explain.

 

A post shared by NERVO (@nervomusic) on

Fast forward a few years and NERVO have now become some of the highest earning female DJs in the world—no big deal.

“It blows our mind that we are the highest ranking females because there are so many great female artists out there—Maya Jane Cole, Annie Mac, Sister Bliss, etc.,” NERVO admits. “It just goes to show that we have the most amazing, supportive fans who really get their vote on!”

 

A post shared by NERVO (@nervomusic) on

As leading female artists in the EDM scene, NERVO have managed to garner a global audience through their authenticity and support from fellow artists.

“We don’t feel pressure at all,” Mim and Liv say. “We started our careers writing music for a lot of the boys, so when it was our time to step out and be artists/DJs, we received a lot of support from a lot of super popular DJs.”

When creating new music, Mim and Liv explain that being siblings works to their advantage.

“It definitely helps bouncing ideas off each other while writing/producing,” they say. “Often if one of us gets stuck, then the other one will jump in. We work well together. We have the same work ethic; we want what’s best for each other and we’re super honest with each other, so it works. There are no hard feelings in the studio—if we don’t like each other’s ideas, we don’t get offended. We just keep trying until we get something we both vibe to.”

 

A post shared by NERVO (@nervomusic) on

In addition to their music, Mim and Liv are also making efforts to encourage women to achieve their goals.

“We recently did a campaign with our release 'People Grinnin,' where we teamed up with an Australian university to promote females in engineering,” NERVO says. “We did our music engineering course in London and we were the only girls in the class, so if we can inspire other girls to get more involved with music production or even just reaching their goals in any other male-dominated career, then happy days!”

NERVO kicked off 2017 by releasing “In Your Arms,” a breakup anthem that you’ll definitely want to add to your Spotify playlist ASAP.

“The lyrics are focused on that moment you realize you’re breaking up, but you still wish you had the comfort of being in their arms,” they share. “Sonically, we wanted to strip the verses down so it’s mainly just an intimate piano line and vocals, and then build into a drop that keeps the beat but doesn’t take away too much from the intimate vibe.”

In addition to playing “In Your Arms” at gigs like Tomorrowland, NERVO have plenty of other plans to keep them occupied this year. This includes global NERVOnation parties and residencies in both Ibiza and Vegas (just to name a few).

“We have some great collabs scheduled to come out this year with some amazing artists and also some DJ buddies like Quintino and DVBBS,” Mim and Liv say. “We launched our label, GOT ME BABY! Records, so we hope to sign a whole lot of great music in 2017.”

 

A post shared by NERVO (@nervomusic) on

With a packed agenda, NERVO are ready to further prove why they’re the EDM duo you absolutely need to familiarize yourself with.

“We love what we do. We love making music. We are living the dream—making music and traveling for a living.” 

6 Simple Ways to Save for Post-Grad Life Now

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Whether you’re saving up to buy a home, afford grad school, pay off student loans or just to have savings to keep you on your feet, it’s always nice to know you have some form of money to depend on once you’re out of school.

Unfortunately, with tuition and living expenses, sometimes saving money is a lot harder than it seems. Thankfully, with the right tools and frame of mind, you’ll be filling up your piggy bank in no time!

We spoke with Jean Chatzky, financial editor for NBC's Today Show, and Beverly Harzog, credit card expert and author of Confessions of a Credit Junkie: Everything You Need to Know to Avoid the Mistakes I Made, and found the best tips and tricks to help you save up for post-graduation!

1. Build credit as early as possible

While this one involves spending more than saving, it’s something to think about while you’re looking toward the future. By having a credit card, you can spend what you usually would spend out of your checking account or wallet, but build credit at the same time. By building credit early, you’re preparing yourself and your credit rating for the real world. That way, when it’s time to buy a car or even rent or buy your first house, you’ll get a better rate when it comes to deposits and insurance.

Harzog suggests that while having a credit card simply for building credit seems like a good idea, you want to make sure that you’re 100 percent ready for the responsibility of paying off your bills. If you don’t think you are ready to be completely on your own, talk to your parents about being an authorized user on their card so you can see what it’s like before getting one yourself.

Be careful, though—a credit card can be very easy to abuse. At first, try buying simple necessities such as your groceries or gas, and pay it off right away. This way you’re still getting the benefits of having a credit card without getting into trouble.

2. Practice budgeting for post-grad while still in school

This seems like an obvious solution, but sometimes budgeting is a lot harder than spending money!

Harzog suggests taking a look at how much money you have coming in each month, as well as what you spend your money on, and going from there. Set aside specific amounts of money for each situation, such as savings, rent and groceries, and stick to that amount. If you really feel like you’re going to need some “splurge money,” reserve a small amount for that, too.

You can budget your money electronically with a budgeting app or just in your mind, but if you really want to see where your money is physically going, Harzog suggests the simple yet effective envelope method.

Grab a few envelopes and label each one with your monthly expenses. Once you’ve decided how much money should go to each expense, put the physical amounts in each envelope so you can see how much you’re spending instead of just digitally seeing the number dwindling in your bank account.

If you’re spending money mainly through your credit card, don’t rely on your brain to work out your budget. There are so many apps out there for your phone that you can download to help do the work for you. Check out Pocket Expense or Monny to help balance your budget digitally.

3. Save a certain amount of the money you have coming in each month

We all look forward to payday so we can go out and spend our hard-earned cash, but that’s not exactly the smartest thing to do when you’re on a budget.

Instead of keeping all of that money in your checking account where you’re more apt to spend it, Chatzky suggests putting a certain amount of money from your paycheck into a savings account. You can have the bank set it up so that you have five to 10 percent of your paycheck go straight into your savings account, instead of doing it manually. This way you can still spend your money each month, but you also have a little bit saved away. If you’re finding that the percentage you’re putting in is too little and you want to save more, increase the amount by just one or two percent, and your savings will grow that much faster.

Related: The 8 Highly Effective Habits of Money-Saving Queens 

4. Open your own consignment shop

After four years of college you will probably find yourself with an overwhelming amount of…stuff. Whether it’s old textbooks from your first year biology class, clothes that are so freshman year, or some dorm décor you’ll never actually use, instead of throwing it out, Chatzky suggests trying to sell it!

There are so many ways you can go about doing this. From opening your own Etsy shop to selling to friends, there are practically endless options for you to get rid of your old stuff. If you’re moving on from college, check out the younger classes' Facebook pages. There are usually tons of students who want to buy things for cheaper prices, and this way you can meet them in a safe place on campus to sell your stuff.

By selling all your unwanted items, you’re both making room for your fresh start out of college and making money to contribute to your post-grad experiences.

5. Visualize your savings

“Saving for savings sake is hard,” says Chatzky, and we couldn’t agree with her more. Knowing you have money sitting around that you cannot touch but have no plans to spend? That’s just cruel.

So instead of just saving to save money, Chatzky suggests visualizing what you are aiming to afford and set a goal for what you’ll use the money for. Whether it’s a new car, your dream house or a vacation getaway for graduation, try finding a picture of it so you can see what the outcome of this money is going to be.

Make your own digital dream board—add this picture to your Pinterest board or phone lock screen so you can see it every day and have a positive reminder of just why exactly you’re saving your money instead of buying those adorable boots you saw the other day.

6. Make use of lump sums of money

You know that check you always get from your grandparents for your birthday? Or that government check you get from your taxes? Deposit it straight into your bank account! It’s unexpected money, so by putting it into your savings account straight away you aren’t losing out on anything to begin with. Plus, it’s a really easy way to save without even having to work for it.

This type of money could include gifts from family members for a special occasion, scholarship money or even a bonus from your job. It may seem like something that should be spent right away, but what is the harm in saving it? You didn’t expect to have this money, so put it away so you can’t touch it anymore!

While saving money can be hard, it’s definitely not impossible. Don’t focus on being broke or always being money conscious; just make sure you’re not going too crazy on the spending. Think of all the things you can do with your newly saved money—rent a new apartment, buy a new car (and not your family’s used SUV) or even leave college without any student debt. By saving just a dollar a day, you will end up with $365 by the end of the year! Start by thinking small and the number in your bank account will end up bigger.

Kaitlyn Bristowe Slams 'Bachelor' Boss for Not Giving Bachelorettes Equal Opportunities

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I can't be the only one whose eyes practically rolled out of her head after hearing Nick Viall will appear on the upcoming season of Dancing With the Stars. In fact, I know I'm not because former Bachelorette Kaitlyn Bristowe has thoughts, too.

After seeing the announcement, Chris Soules' ex-fiancé Whitney Bischoff tweeted, "Why does a bachelorette never get this gig @BachelorABC?!? I wanted to see @kaitlynbristowe shake her tail feather!"

In response, Kaitlyn shared that Bachelor creator Mike Fleiss wouldn't allow her to compete on DWTS because "he didn't want people wanting fame after his show." That's laughable.

The controversy of course blew up from there, leading Fleiss to tweet this (definitely faux) message of support to Kaitlyn.

To which she had the perfect snarky clapback.

Following the war of words on Twitter, Kaitlyn is speaking out about the franchise's double standard when it comes to Bachelors vs. Bachelorettes. "I believe men and women should be afforded the same opportunities," she told Entertainment Tonight. "That has not been the case with the Bachelorettes and the Bachelors. I had an offer to do Dancing With the Stars and was told by [Bachelor creator] Mike [Fleiss] I could not. I was told by Mike that it is bad for his brand, and that he is sick of people wanting fame from his show."

She continued, "I am a dancer and wanted to do it. [My fiancé] Shawn [Booth] wanted me to as well. He even wrote Mike emails. I told Mike it was my passion. I was told Shawn should be my only passion."

Then, Kaitlyn made her objective for slamming Fleiss abundantly clear. "My hope in speaking out is that future Bachelorettes are given the same opportunity as Bachelors. Whether it be a wedding, to dance, or another show. (Ben [Higgins] had the decision to do dancing or his own show.) Just to be treated the same, to choose whatever will make them happy."

Longtime fans of the franchise know that they've long treated Bachelors differently than Bachelorettes, though it often goes under the radar. (Des and Chris not getting a televised wedding, anyone?) I'm sure Fleiss hates to have his dirty little secrets exposed, so perhaps this will ruffle his feathers enough to make a change.


This Texas Senator Has Proposed Bills to Protect Sexual Assault Victims on Campus

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Texas State Sen. Kirk Watson recently filed Senate Bill 967, which aims to define consent and close loopholes that have stopped sexual assault victims from getting justice, according to USA Today College.

The bill breaks sexual assault down to its most basic definition: If the other person can't consent, it's sexual assault. And it explains that if a person is unconscious, physically unable to resist, incapable of assessing the act and/or unaware that the sexual assault is occurring, then they're not consenting, according to USA Today College.

Watson also filed SB 970, which requires "an affirmative consent standard across all institutions of higher education," according to a news release. That means that it's not enough if a person doesn't say "no" to a sexual encounter—they also have to say "yes."

Chris Kaisler, director of public policy for the Texas Association Against Texas Assault, hit that nail on the head when he said in the news release that this legislation “demands that we abandon outdated thinking about rape. Only when the law acknowledges survivors’ real experiences of trauma, coercion, and stigma can it truly support survivors in their healing and recovery.”

Hopefully, this legislation will make it easier for students in Texas to report sexual assault and know their cases will be taken seriously.

Oh, and we're definitely fans of Kirk Watson. Look at this guy's shirt.

A White Nationalist Group Put Posters Around UMass Boston's Campus

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On Wednesday, University of Massachusetts Boston university officials said that recruitment fliers for a white supremacist group called Identity Evropa had begun posting fliers across the campus, according to The Boston Globe. The posters have sayings like, “Let’s Become Great Again” and “Protect Your Heritage,” according to CBS Boston.

Identity Evropa is associated with the National Policy Institute, which is run by infamous white nationalist Richard Spencer (the Nazi who got punched in the face). According to its website, the believes white European culture is under attack.

The group claims they'e not promoting hate speech. “The goal behind the campaign raise awareness of our organization and issues. Many White people are tired of anti-White rhetoric, Leftist violence, Black Lives Matter, multiculturalism, etc,” Director of Administration Reinhard Wolff told CBS Boston.

...Yeah, okay.

UMass Boston’s Chief Diversity Officer Georgianna Melendez told the Globe that there's been a recent uptick in campus community members coming to her, concerned about racist sentiments being posted around the school. There are probably a lot of college students around the country who can relate to that—Trump's election has emboldened some to express bigoted views more openly.

“Any group who represents anything that’s ethnocentric or racist or homophobic — that is not consistent with the ideals of the university,” Melendez told the Globe.

The university’s provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs sent out an email on Wednesday saying that the university stands in solidarity with those who were hurt by the posters.

The posters have been taken down, but Identity Evropa says they're not concerned and plan to put up more on campus, according to CBS Boston.

This Nonprofit Wants to Fund Your Internship in D.C.

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We've been seeing a lot of partisan division in America lately, but there's good news—something wonderfully bipartisan has entered the political sphere. A nonprofit called College to Congress (C2C) believes all students—regardless of their socioeconomic status—deserve the opportunity to intern in Congress. Starting this summer, their organization will send college students from both sides of the political aisle to make a difference by interning in Washington, D.C.

Students who have interned in the Capitol know exactly how expensive the city is to live in, preventing many students from lower income families from making those crucial connections they’ll need to work in D.C. after graduation.

When I first heard about C2C, I instantly connected with its mission. After getting in touch with CEO Audrey Henson, I began working as a social media engagement fellow to help students and members of Congress learn more about who we are and how we plan to create positive change.

My passion for this nonprofit was spurred by my own experience interning in D.C. with Florida House. For eight weeks I interned for the nonprofit while also holding an intern position in a Congressional office. Because that opportunity was afforded to me through a generous scholarship, I was able to make long-lasting connections and get a sense of where I wanted to work after graduation and beyond.

Every student deserves the same opportunity I had, and C2C is working to make that happen. To get the insider scoop on C2C, I decided to ask Founder and CEO Audrey Henson some questions about the new political nonprofit.

Photo courtesy Audrey Henson.

Abigail Megginson: Why did you found College to Congress?

Audrey Henson: I founded College to Congress to ensure that others would not have to endure the hardships I faced while starting a career in public service. When I first moved to D.C. in 2012, I couldn’t have been more excited to start my internship on Capitol Hill. I was thrilled to meet new people, learn about the legislative process and experience everything this awesome city has to offer. Part of that experience was also navigating how difficult it can be to live in one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. while working as an unpaid congressional intern. An internship on Capitol Hill is a right-of-passage whether you want to work on Capitol Hill, on political campaigns, or in almost any government affairs job you can think of. I knew if I wanted to work in politics, which I did, I had to figure out how to make this work financially. I worked at a restaurant across the street from the Senate during weekdays and took up shifts at J.Crew on the weekends. This experience built resilience and grit and forced me to appreciate every opportunity that came my way. After five years working in politics and mentoring students, I was shocked to see that these internships are still unpaid and are often given to students who can afford the opportunity to move here. That's when I knew something had to be done.

AM: What does C2C do for students and why is it so unique?

AH: You can think of C2C as a one-stop shop for students who are not in the traditional pool of applicants for congressional internships. We believe there are two major barriers preventing students who come from lower and middle class families to intern on Capitol Hill: Access to political operatives in an industry where “who you know” is just as important as what you know, and the financial means to afford the opportunity. So we’ve decided to take on both barriers.

We help our program applicants secure an internship in a Congressional office using the vast network of Hill offices who participate in our program. Once we have secured our participants a summer job, we pay for their flight to DC, summer housing on the Hill, give them a food allowance, and my personal favorite: we hook them up with a new professional wardrobe.

While the clothes, food and housing are a great rewards for our extremely bright students, one of the most valuable parts of our program is the mentorship aspect. We pair our students with mentors who are experienced Capitol Hill staffers, who want to share their expertise, experiences and networks with our students.

AM: What will the program be like for students who receive the scholarship?

AH: Our internship program is eight weeks long and takes place during the busy summer months before Congress heads into recess. This is often an exciting time since budgets and necessary bills must be passed before members of Congress head home for August recess. In addition to all the wonderful experiences a congressional internship provides, our students will network with fellow congressional interns from around the country who are also experiencing D.C. for the first time. Since our students will not have to work a summer job to cover expenses, they get to focus their attention on their work in their office as well as navigating the D.C. social scene.

AM: Are there any perks for C2C interns that a typical D.C. intern would not enjoy?

This is an all-inclusive internship. Our students get the job, housing, food allowance and clothing stipend. We will help them buy suits, dresses and shoes so they fit into the buttoned-up, professional environment of the Hill. In addition to these perks we also provide a weekly Leadership Series. These training sessions range between lessons in formal dining etiquette to personal budgeting and more traditional D.C. workshops on the various jobs as campaign managers, lobbyists, or what it’s like to be a Chief of Staff.

AM: What’s your background?

AH: While at the University of South Florida, I studied political science and theatre. During the summer of my junior year, I decided I had to narrow down which route I would pursue after I graduated, so what better way to do that then fully immersing myself into each option? I started with politics.

I moved to D.C. for a summer to intern for a congressman from my home state of Texas. It didn’t take long for me to realize D.C. is where I belonged. Everyone I met was incredibly intelligent, engaging and cared about our nation as much as I did.  After that summer, I returned home to complete by degree and simultaneously interned for Sen. Marco Rubio. Since graduation, I’ve been very fortunate to work in many aspects across the political spectrum, from working on the official side as an aid to a congressman, to the campaign side where among many accomplishments, I helped Rep. Elise Stefanik in her successful campaign to become the youngest woman ever elected to congress.

D.C. continues to remain my favorite place in the world because people are constantly experimenting with their lives and careers to ensure they are doing exactly what they were put on this earth to do. There is no place like it, and I can’t wait to introduce our C2C students to my city.

AM: Whom is C2C going to impact the most?

AH: The immediate impact will of course be our program attendees. They will experience a life-changing summer working on Capitol Hill in one of the most diverse cities in the world. In addition, though, my overarching goal is to see these students use their experience to work on policy that will affect their communities. Our students have seen how policy shaped in D.C. affects people throughout every community, so who better than them to fix it?

Audrey Henson meets with students from American University at the House Committee on Veterans Affairs.

AM: Where do you see the nonprofit in five years?

AH: Our 2017 goal is to send six students to Congress this summer. A very ambitious goal since the cost of each intern is around $10,000 a student, and we were formed less than one year ago. In the coming years, I have big dreams for College to Congress. Among them would include expanding our program to the fall and spring semesters, as well as sending as many students as our budget will allow. I’m also very much looking forward to the success of our future C2C alumni and having them stay involved in our mentorship program.

AM: Is C2C affiliated with a certain political party?

AH: Believe it or not, D.C. isn’t as partisan as the cable news shows will have you to believe. We work with everyone! Look no further than the makeup of our Board of Directors to see how much we value bipartisanship and working together. We take the same approach when pairing our students and make sure to pair our students in offices that align with their values and beliefs.

AM: How can students stay up to date on what C2C is doing?

AH: Follow us on our Instagram, Twitter and Facebook social media pages for any and all C2C updates.

AM: How can readers become a C2C intern?

AH: As I mentioned, we are sending our first round of students this summer. The application process began on Feb. 15 and ends March 31. We would love to have students who are reading this apply. All they have to do is visit our application page and submit their application to be considered as a potential C2C intern.

AM: Anything else you want to share about C2C?

AH: Figuring out what you want to do with your life is a pretty daunting task—but I think it’s important to realize that you don’t have to have all the answers right now. I meet people all the time who have had successful tenures in one industry and then decide to try something completely different. Look no further than Megyn Kelly as proof that these professional experiments can often end in massive success and happiness.

I’ve always believed it is just as important to know what you don’t want to do, as it is to know what you do want and the only way to figure that out is through new experiences. Interested in journalism? Go intern for The New York Times. Interested in fashion? Look into Vogue. Interested in politics? Apply to College to Congress.

5 DIY Accessories to Make, Not Buy

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Let’s be honest: chasing trends can get expensive. Whether it’s fawning over the booties you saw Kendall Jenner wearing in her Snap story or raiding Forever 21’s jewelry racks, you have probably wished that you didn’t have to shell out your hard-earned dollars on things that may not be in style in a month. That’s when it’s best to do it yourself! Don’t be afraid of DIYs; think of them as an adventure that will turn into a proud accomplishment.

1. Lace chokers

Leave the tough leather chokers in the winter and try out a lighter, girly version of the choker trend. Lace will match spring’s carefree vibes and you can probably find an old shirt with lace on it to make your own choker. JeanBeautique [any time you credit a DIY, make sure to link to the website/blog/page where it came from!] has a great, easy tutorial for five different types of chokers, so even if lace isn’t your thing you can still keep embracing the choker trend.

 

2. DIY pins

 

Pins are a great way to spice up jean jackets, backpacks and blazers. You may have seen the bright, fun pins circulating the web with catchy phrases and quirky drawings on them. Sometimes, those can go for more than $20! [TRUE!] Save your cash and make your own pins at home and customize them with your favorite phrases, cartoon characters or images.

 

3. iPhone cases

 

Tired of seeing everyone with the same phone cases from Amazon? Stand out amongst the tech crowd and design your own phone case! Your phone is that one accessory that is always with you, so why not make it a statement piece? Spicing up your phone case will make accessorizing effortless.

 

4. No-sew wristlets

Keeping up with the latest trends can be expensive, but handbags are definitely one of the pricier accessories. Spend your hard-earned cash on a practical bag and make your going out bags at home. Wristlets are the ultimate functional accessories because they hold your necessities and are always close at hand. Experiment with different fabrics so you can match all of your outfits.

 

5. Painted shoes

Maybe you have a pair of dirty white Converse laying around or maybe you just picked up some cute and cheap sneakers that are missing something — but what you actually have is a blank canvas to create shoes that no one else has. Let your friends buy the latest printed Vans and Doc Martens while you go full Picasso on your old sneakers.

The best way to refresh your wardrobe for a new season is to work with what you have and do it yourself! Getting crafty, trying out projects from Pinterest and taking scissors to your old pieces can save you money and give you the unique look you really want. Stand apart from the crowd and brag about you made the cutest accessories yourself! 

10 Inspiring Transgender Women Who Are Redefining Fashion & Beauty Standards

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Trump recently took away federal protections for transgender students; Obama’s administration made notable progress and to revert back is to mistakenly override necessary progress for the trans and LGBTQ+ communities. This isn’t just an issue of gender rights, but of human rights and equality. Everyone should feel safe in his or her identified gender, and Trump's order is making it harder for trans students to feel comfortable at their schools. It makes no sense to move backwards when we could be taking steps forward to a better and more inclusive future.

These trans women (listed in no particular order) are not only integral to the fashion and beauty landscape, but have helped to redefine and shape beauty standards and body diversity. These trailblazers are an inspiration to all and have used their platforms to speak up on transgender rights and issues. This is important, because the fashion and beauty world has the power to break down beauty and body norms and standards. Although there is definitely still (a lot of) room for improvement and inclusion, the fashion and beauty industry has been taking steps forward in including and embracing the trans community, and it’s time for politics to do the same.

1. Geena Rocero

Geena is a Filipino American supermodel who spent 12 years modeling internationally before she came out as transgender in a TED Talk in 2014. Alongside Tracey Norman (see #2), she was one of the first ever transgender models to appear on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar. She’s been taking action for transgender people beyond the bounds of the fashion industry. In 2014, on Transgender Day of Visibility, Rocero launched Gender Proud, an advocacy ground and production company that aims to increase trans visibility and stands up for transgender issues. She uses her voice and platform to speak up for the trans community and has spoken at the White House and the UN.

2. Tracey 'Africa' Norman

Norman was the first trans woman of color to ever model for a mainstream market. In the '70s, her career was taking off, but her transgender identity was kept a secret. But shortly after being outed in 1980, her modeling career came to an end. After a 30-year hiatus, she made her return to the fashion and beauty world. Tracey, now 64, modeled for Clairol's "Color As Real As You Are" campaign in January 2017, 40 years after her first campaign with the brand. In 2016, she was one of the first two transgender models to appear on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar, alongside Geena Rocero.

3. Hari Nef

A model, actress and activist, Hari Nef has been taking the fashion world by storm. She was the first trans woman to ever be signed by IMG Worldwide. She walks the runways at fashion weeks all across the world and has been featured on magazine covers like Elle. Nef is also killing it in the beauty scene—she is the first transgender model to be a spokesperson for a L'Oréal Paris ad campaign in the U.S. But aside from being an amazing model, Nef is a vocal advocate for trans visibility and rights, with a sharp, no-bullshit sense of humor.

4. Laverne Cox

Although she isn’t directly involved in the beauty and fashion industry, you can’t deny that Laverne Cox has seriously awesome style. Laverne is an actress and advocate who has been speaking out for those who don't have a voice. She was the first openly transgender women to ever be nominated for an Emmy and the first openly transgender person to ever appear on the cover of TIME. She continues to be a leader for the trans movement and stands up for the LGBTQ+ community and transgender rights through various avenues. She was also the producer for the documentariesThe T Word and Free CeCe.

5. Lea T

Brazilian-born and Italian-raised transgender model Lea T has been taking the fashion industry by storm ever since her big break in 2010, when she was cast in a Givenchy ad campaign. She's been featured in magazines like Vogue Paris and Love Magazine, in which she was kissing Kate Moss on the cover. In 2014, she became one of the first ever transgender models to be the face of a global beauty brand, Redken. She is also a transgender advocate and activist.

6. Andreja Pejic

 

If at the beginning of my career in the modelling industry or half way through it or even this time last year you told me that I would end up having a 4 page feature in AMERICAN VOGUE I would have probably told you 'oh I dunno about that! That might be a bit difficult to achieve in the near future.' In fact I was told by various people many times over that the chances of me ending up on these pages were slim to none. So you can only imagine what I'm feeling right now! Thank you #AnnaWintour, #TonneGoodman, #PatrickDemarchelier and #HelenaSuric for making history and having me be part of it but even more importantly for representing a whole social minority and an often forgotten community of women in such an important publication and opening doors for the rest of the fashion industry to do so! Thank you to my agency @thesocietynyc for being the most supportive agency in the world and pulling off the amazing come back! Hair by @shayashual Makeup by #Yadim @Voguemagazine Link in my bio! #historicalmoment #blessed #freedom #everybodycomeout #bestrong #befierce #beyou

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Andreja Pejic was the first trans woman to ever grace the cover of American Vogue. She was also the first transgender female model to be the face of a major makeup campaign, Make Up For Ever. She has walked the runways for Marc Jacobs and Jean-Paul Gaultier, among many other designers. Before her transition in 2014, she was known as the first completely androgynous supermodel. She is working a documentary on her transition process called Andrej(A), which is expected to be released in 2017/2018.

7. Valentina Sampaio

This year, 20-year-old Brazilian native Valentina Sampaio became the the first ever transgender model to grace the cover of Vogue Paris—and the model's relatively new career has been taking off. She officially came out as a transgender woman in March 2016 in a video for L’Oréal Paris for International Women’s Day, and is also an ambassador for the beauty brand. She has been on the cover of Elle Brazil as well.

8. Gigi Gorgeous

Gigi Gorgeous is a transgender model and YouTuber with over 2.5 million subscribers. She came out as transgender in 2013 on YouTube. A documentary called Gigi Gorgeous: This Is Everything was recently released and tells the story of her transition process. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2017 and is available on Youtube Red.

9. Valentijn de Hingh

 

Shedding a tear in this month's @glamournl 

A post shared by Valentijn De Hingh (@valentijndehingh) on

An Amsterdam native and transgender model, 21-year-old Valentijn De Hingh rose to fame after being the subject of a documentary, Valentijn, that documented her experience from age eight to 17 as a transgender child and teenager. She has been photographed by Patrick Demarchelier and has walked runways in the high-fashion scene.  She was the first transgender person to be signed to IMG Models, not to be confused with IMG Worldwide, which is the worldwide distribution of the company. Valentijn also spoke at TED x Amsterdam.

10. Anjali Lama

 

@lakmefashionwk flaunting @karn_malhotra Show director @vahbizmehta #lakmefashionweek2017 #5DaysOfFashion #fashion

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Anjali Lama is a 32-year-old Nepali transgender model. She recently made history by becoming the first transgender model ever to grace the runway at Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai last month. Aside from killing it on the catwalk, Lama was on the cover of ElleIndia this year as well.

Rebel Wilson's 11 Best Fashion Moments

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Happy 37th birthday to the always hilarious Rebel Wilson! The actress kills it in the comedy department, but we need to talk about her fabulous fashion sense. Rebel has her own unique style that she is never afraid to rock. Angel Wings? Cat tees? Plaid leggings? Count her in. She’s not breaking any style rules; she’s just creating her own… one unique outfit as a time.

1. A Vision in Red

The unexpected pink stripes makes this simple red dress a lot more fun.

2. Dark Angel

Yassss.

3. The Cat’s Meow

In a time when anything goes in the fashion world, Wilson shows that all it takes is confidence to pull off a daring look. 

4. Little Wrap Dress

A wrap dress is perfect for any occasion. It's the perfect piece to style down during the day with flats and a ponytail, and style up at night with heels and statement jewelry.

5. Bright & Sunny

The easiest way to liven up an outfit without going too over-the-top? A fun clutch like the Clare V. tennis ball one Wilson is carrying ($199 at SHOPBOP).

6. Party-Ready

If Rebel is going to outfit-repeat any look on her birthday, it should be this streamer-inspired dress (because doesn’t it just scream "its my birthday?"). 

7. Out of This World 

The birthday girl wows in this outfit! By matching the finish of her clutch, dress and shoes, Rebel is able to pull off wearing the three statement pieces together, without looking overdone. 

8. How to Be a Mermaid 

Its obvious where Rebel got her inspiration for this look. However, her beach waves, and the style and color of the dress—while mermaid-esque—are subtle enough to avoid looking costume-y. 

9. A Perfect Illusion 

The color-blocking and stark contrast between the cobalt and jet black make this dress the perfect statement.

10. Pretty in Pink

I love the asymmetrical aspect to this otherwise classic dress. While playing with funky cuts and cutouts, opt for a single color, instead of a print or a pattern, to avoid having too much going on. 

11. Another [Cat] One 

 Its no surprise that Rebel loves cats… especially those on t-shirts! She’s so confident in her own personal style and self that I thought I would include her affinity for these novelty tees twice. #worthit

20 Reasons Why Winston from 'New Girl' Is So You It Hurts

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It's no secret that we're all in love with America's quirkiest schoolteacher, but we seem to have an even bigger crush on the rather underrated character Winston Bishop. Here are 20 reasons you're Winston from New Girl, because tbh, he's the most relatable. This is so good it hurts! 

1. You are the weirdest person you know

2. There’s nothing you love more than cats

3. You know what you want and will say it

4. You are perpetually single

5. Your pranks either go too high or too low, and people hate it when you do them

6. Swag is your middle name

7. You always belt it out to your favorite song

8. You are a supportive friend and great gift giver 

9. You're always straight up with your friends

10. You know how to stay positive even in the worst situations

11. You tend to be a little overdramatic

12. You have an impeccable work ethic

13. The only thing you want in life is sleep

14. You laugh at your own jokes

15. You’re often in the background but totally shouldn't be because you’re way too good-looking

16. You’re not afraid to dream big

17. Or to occasionally let it all out

18. Fruity drinks are your BFF

19. You have a lot of feelings

20. And you are by far the most impressive person you know


7 Classy AF Dates That Won’t Break the Bank

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Do you ever have those moments when you are watching your favorite rom-com or soapie and wish you could be wined and dined like Carrie Bradshaw? No? Just us? Anyways, the struggle has never been more real than in the dating world as a broke girl. To make things easier for you, we’ve made a list of all of the best, and fanciest, date ideas that will make you feel like the luckiest girl in the room, but without putting you in debt.

1. Bring the date to your place

There is one major and obvious way to save money—staying in with your date. But just because you don’t leave the house doesn’t mean you have to settle for Netflix & chill. To shake things up and keep it classy and cheap, invite your partner over for a night in. Clean up your kitchen and make it look fancy—set the table, put out some clean dishes and throw on some heels. When you’re done, it won’t even look like you stayed home to cook. You can have an amazing time together by wearing your best and cooking a romantic dinner together. To make it even better, light some candles and make some DIY cocktails.

2. Go to a museum and dessert 

In the world we live in, there are very few things that are free. One of the best is art museums, especially if you are student. Whip out your ID card and spend a night with Van Gogh. A perfect date night includes your best outfit, a date and a cozy night in a museum. You save money and you don’t actually have to talk much, which he may say he hates, but we know he secretly loves it... well, maybe. Just remember that there are other museums besides ones that involve staring at a painting for two hours. Make sure to look into history museums, science museums and other interactive exhibits. It's important to find something that both of you enjoy. As well, to make things even better, you can head out for wine and dessert and discuss what inspired you, whether it was a Monet or a monkey. You save money by getting in for free so you can spend more on ~ChOcOlAtE~.

Related: 5 Dates Your Guy Hates (But Won't Admit It)

3. Make Groupon your best friend

You may have scowled at your mother when she suggested you do this five years ago, but now you'll thank her. Groupon is a website that has the best coupons and deals for everything that you could possibly imagine. From a three-course meal to couples massages, you can get the fanciest stuff for way less than retail price. Interested in salsa dancing? Done. Feeling like going to a wine tasing? Done. Groupon has anything and everything that you could possibly imagine that leave you feeling like you own the world (without spending the world). Jennifer, a junior at Columbia University, says, "For my two year anniversary with my boyfriend, we decided to try something new and get a Groupon for two at a super fancy steak house. We got three courses and wine all for $25 a person and it was absolultely perfect. For what we got it should have been at least $40 each but because of the deal, it was perfect. I would do it again in a heartbeat." Much like Jennifer, other students say that using groupon is a "cheap" and "fabulous" way to save money and stay classy. 

4. Enjoy a picnic in the park

You may have seen it in all the movies and thought that it was so cheesy, but there really is nothing better, or cheaper, than a picnic. Pack a bag with all of your favorite foods, grab your date and find a nice cozy spot in a park to sit and chat. Bonus points if you pretend like you’re in the 1960s and wear an era themed dress--just don’t forget the wine opener! You save money by not going out and most times you already have all the food you need in your house. You would be surprised at how upscale mac and cheese feels when you eat it on a pretty plate outdoors! Plus you get to feel like you are in your favorite romantic comedy and what really could be better? Nothing.

5. Drink champagne under the stars

There is one thing that happens every night (most times) that does not cost any money to look at: the stars. Grab a blanket and a bottle of champagne (cheapest if you get the $5 stuff from Trader Joe’s) and hit the road with your date. Find a nice overlook on a clear night and relax and enjoy the moment. There is nothing more romantic than a night sky and someone you care about. It makes you feel like you're worth a million bucks, but without actually spending that much. Ushaia, a sophomore at New York University, says, "I surprised my girlfriend and took her to a local park to star gaze after a night of cooking in. She was so happy that we got to spend time together outside of our apartment but also super excited that I went the extra mile and brought a bottle of sparkling wine. I never thought I would be the kind of guy to like this sort of stuff but I got to admit, it was truly romantic and the only thing that cost money was the wine. My girlfriend loved it so much she told all of her girl friends to do the same with their dates." Sounds good to us!

6. Check out the student center

If you're still in school, chances are you have a student center that offers many discounts to local attractions and shows. If this is the case, there are so many ways that you can get tickets to Broadway shows and operas at a very cheap price. You still get to enjoy the classiness of a night out but without spending full price. For example, at New York University they have a full student central ticket box office. They offer discounted movie tickets, theatre productions, ballets and excursions that the students can use for themselves and for guests. One student, Liz, says, "I never took advantage of the student offers my senior year and I wish I had known about it sooner. So far this year I have saved so much money on dates because of the student discounts and it's not like it's stuff nobody wants to see, it's the big hits such as Aladdin and Spring Awakening. They even offered a program for students to apply in bulk for the Hamilton lottery, which is so cool." Although the student discounts differ from school to school, it is important to check it out sooner rather than later. It's known that the good stuff usually tends to go fast because of high demand. 

7. Indulge in a spa night

We know you love giving yourself a face mask every now and then, but what about your date? Bring out the candles and scented bath salts and turn your ordinary bathroom into a bubbly heaven. You can use materials you already have at home such as oatmeal and honey to create a body scrub that both of you will love. As well, the act of creating some DIY products will definitly be a bonding experience for both of you. Once again, buy some cheap-but-delicious wine, pour yourselves a big glass and enjoy. At the end of the night, you both will feel like you went to a five-star spa, but without the debt. Bonus points if you take turns giving each other massages. But make sure that your date gives you one first because you deserve it!

Overall, there are so many cheap and incredible ways to save money while still giving yourself a date that you're happy with. But let's be real, one of the most important things to remember is that it doesn't matter how much money you spend or don't spend as long as your date makes you feel like you're Queen of the World.

5 Safe Sex Tips for Spring Break

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Spring break is pretty much the highlight of the spring semester—and, let’s be real, probably the entire school year. You might not be running around with James Franco all week à la Spring Breakers, but you’re definitely expecting to have a good time. During your week of partying (hey, we don’t judge) and mingling with a whole new pool of cuties, it’s pretty likely you could find yourself hooking up with someone.

While we all wish we could make ourselves believe that we’ll be regret-free by the time we’re road-tripping home, hookups can easily lead to a lot of regret, especially if you’re not careful. Follow our tips for staying sexually safe over the break and you’ll be less likely to come home from your break with, uh, an itch.

1. Have a plan with your friends

Remember how, in grade school, you had designated meeting spots to go to in case of a fire or other emergency? Good news, ladies: It’s finally time to put those skills to good use.

In a crazy beach town or all-inclusive resort, there’s a ton of things to do and lots of people to do them with. Since you’ll be meeting new people (particularly potential hook-ups), you probably won’t end up staying with your group of friends the entire time. It happens. What’s important is that you guys have some kind of plan for making sure that, at the end of the day, everyone is together and in one piece.

Dr. Ramani Durvasula, PhD, a psychology professor and licensed clinical psychologist, says staying connected with your friends could prevent you from making a dumb, drunk decision. “Keep checking in with friends so you’re not hooking up while too intoxicated,” she says. “That’s when bad decisions are often made.”

Plan to meet up at a spot for lunch and make everyone chug a bottle of water. Plan on seeing your friends back at the condo at the end of the night, unless someone has (soberly) specified otherwise. No matter your plan, make sure you stick to it. Not only is it more fun to keep up with your friends (Hello, you each have to have a different cute picture of all of you to Instagram!), it’s also way safer.

2. Remember contraceptives

Maybe you’re anticipating hooking up during your trip, or maybe you’re not. Either way, bring condoms. According to Dr. Durvasula, you should definitely not rely on the guy to have them. “Condoms are essential and women should be the ones holding them,” she says. “Ideally, the man has them with him, too—but don't let his convenient oversight put you in a bad position.”

Iris, a junior at UCLA, says she’s bringing condoms to her spring break trip to Cabo San Lucas even though she doesn’t plan on hooking up with anyone. “I always carry condoms, because it’s better to err on the safe side,” she says. “You really have nothing to lose—especially since you can get them for free everywhere on college campuses.”

Condoms are an important part of safe sex at all times, but they’re especially important if you’re not in a committed relationship. Spring break hookups, while spontaneous and fun, are usually random and unexpected. You probably won’t know how many people your hookup has been with, or even if he or she has an STD.

In addition to having condoms, you should also be diligent about taking your birth control, if you use it. Obviously, it’s a lot harder to remember to take it when you’re so hungover you can barely move from wherever it is that you fell asleep the night before. If you regularly take birth control to prevent pregnancy, though, it’s crucial that you remember to keep consistent throughout the week.

If you find yourself hooking up with someone (or multiple someones) during your break—even if you’re using condoms—keeping up with your birth control is the best way to protect yourself from an unwanted pregnancy. “Ideally the combination of condoms and another consistent method of contraception is optimal,” Dr. Durvasula says. You heard the woman: Get your butt out of bed (or off the beach) and take it, if you’re on it. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did.

3. Watch how much you drink

When you’re out in the sun all day, losing track of everything from the time to your cell phone, it’s a good idea to monitor your alcohol intake, as un-fun as that may sound. Susan Kirtz, health promotion coordinator at the University of Texas, says she knows that spring break “includes heavier drinking and increased sexual activity compared to everyday campus life.” That’s why you need to pay attention.

According to Kirtz, watching your alcohol intake during the week doesn’t just have to be counting your drinks; she offers several ways to make sure you’re not getting too drunk. “Stay with the same group of friends [when you’re drinking], eat before and while drinking and alternate alcoholic with non-alcoholic beverages, like water,” she suggests.

Kirtz also mentions the ugly truth we all know: Increased drinking means an increased chance of unprotected sex. The more careful you are about making sure you’re sober enough to make smart decisions about sex, the less likely you are to wind up forgetting to use a condom.

4. Get a STI test

By the time you finish a middle school health class, you probably know something about (or have seen pictures of) the terrible signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases. STDs are scary—but they’re also largely talked about and preventable. STIs—sexually transmitted infections—are generally less talked about, but still just as pesky. STIs can range from a yeast infection to chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Dr. Durvasula recommends that all sexually active college students get tested after every new partner for STIs—and especially after a spring break trip, when there’s a pretty good chance you have no idea what your partner’s sexual history is. “With STIs, early detection and treatment are important,” she says. “HIV can take six months to show up on testing, and some STIs such as HSV (Herpes) require blood work that often needs to be [separately] requested.”

Don’t be fooled by thinking that sex is the only way to get an STD—there are several other sneaky culprits that can leave you with an itch (or worse). While there’s almost no way to completely prevent yourself from ever getting a disease or infection, you can decrease the risk by using condoms and getting tested just to be sure. You never know who else that blonde from California (or was it Colorado?) you met on the beach has been with.

5. Know your limits

With all of the hype surrounding spring break, it’s easy to get super excited and set high expectations for what your week will be like. Once you’re in the middle of it and everyone around you is partying like there’s no tomorrow, you might feel the need (and desire!) to keep up and find a hottie to have some fun of your own with. There’s no harm in that—but Dr. Durvasula warns not to do anything you’re not comfortable with, as research shows that hookups aren’t exactly great for women’s self esteem.

“One-night stands are risky, not just medically but also psychologically,” she says. “Sex is great, but if it feels like it was while you were intoxicated or you weren't in your clearest state of mind, it can leave you wondering.”

Hooking up doesn’t always mean sex, but you should feel free to draw your own lines of what you’re okay with regardless of what your friends are doing. “Communicate with your partner,” Kirtz advises. “Before things heat up, talk about your sexual boundaries. The conversation may be uncomfortable, but you’ll be glad you took control of your own sexual health.”

Know what you’re okay with doing, and don’t feel pressure to push the limits over break. As Dr. Durvasula reminds us, “having sex is not a competitive sport, and she who has the most partners does not win.” She explains, “It's ok to say no—and even to go home not having kissed a boy with just a healthy, sunny glow.”

Make a plan to stay safe—and have your friends keep you accountable. If you’re prepared, you’re less likely to encounter any bad situations—and more likely to have the time of your life over break!

Why Did It Take Disney So Long to Feature a Gay Couple?

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By Madison Gordon

The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.

When I was younger, I did all of the things expected of a little girl: I played with dolls, I liked to dress up, and I loved Disney. To be more specific, I loved Disney Princesses. Ariel was my favorite. I used to tell my parents, “I want to be a princess when I grow up.” I would imagine my life when I got older, a life where my handsome prince would come and rescue me. Now I realize that I was never really exposed to any type of relationship other than one with a man and a woman. Whenever I played with my dolls, I would always have Barbie and Ken together. Never Barbie and another girl. That just wasn’t what I was taught. When I was growing up, mainstream media only exposed kids to heterosexual couples.

I came out when I was sixteen. I had know I was a lesbian for quite a while; I realized it sometime when I was in middle school. I never had any feelings for guys. My friends would make comments about how cute guys were, and I always felt excluded and left out because I never understood what any of them were talking about. I felt abnormal, like I wasn’t supposed to feel the things I was feeling. I watched all of my friends go on dates with boys, while I sat quietly on the sidelines waiting and feeling like I was doing something wrong.

 

Gaston... an intimidating specimen. #BeautyAndTheBeast #GastonAndLeFou #BeOurGuest

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Ariel had Eric. Jasmine had Aladdin. Cinderella had Prince Charming. None of these princesses (or princes for that matter) showed any sign of being gay. Personally, if there had been a lesbian princess or a gay prince, or even a character or plotline in any of these films that represented the LGBTQ+ community, maybe my coming out would have been easier. I hated myself for the longest time. I didn’t know or see anyone like me being represented, I didn’t think I was “normal." My parents supported me, and they still do, but I was worried that I wouldn’t be accepted by my peers and the rest of society. If Disney had represented a gay relationship a bit earlier, maybe I wouldn’t have struggled as much.

I honestly cannot believe it took Disney this long to feature a gay relationship. Disney is one of the largest companies to openly support LGBTQ+ rights. So many young children look up to the characters they see in films and media, and if they only see couples in heterosexual relationships, what kind of message does that send? Think about the kids who have two moms or two dads. How do they feel when they only see heterosexual relationships in Disney movies? They feel left out too.

When I saw the news that there would be a gay relationship portrayed in the new Beauty and the Beast movie, I was overjoyed. Even though we still have a long road ahead to fight for equal representation, so many parents are going to take their kids to see this movie. So many kids are going to be exposed to this relationship, even if it is only briefly. A second is all it takes to open up someone’s mind. By letting kids see that it’s perfectly fine if people of the same gender are in a relationship with one another, it might give a child the boost of confidence they need. I know I would’ve loved to see Gaston and Lefou together. It would’ve shown me that being attracted to someone who is the same gender as me is normal. I am so happy that Disney is finally stepping up to the plate and representing part of my community.

Jeff Sessions Recuses Himself From Investigations On Russia's Involvement In The Election

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President Donald Trump’s newly appointed Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself from any investigation into Russia’s involvement in the 2016 presidential campaign. Sessions announced his hasty decision on Thursday during a press conference at the Justice Department.

“I have now decided to recuse myself from any existing or future investigations of any matter relating in any way to the campaigns for president of the United States,” Sessions said briefly. “I feel I should not be involved in investigating a campaign I had a role in.”

His recusal means that Sessions will fully give up his power to head the investigation, not receiving any briefings on Russian interference in the U.S. election.

Sessions’ announcement followed revelations over his contact with the Russian ambassador, which rapidly developed over the past few days. The Washington Post broke the news Wednesday that Sessions spoke with Ambassador Sergey Kislyak in July and September. Throughout these meetings, Sessions was also a top foreign policy advisor to then-GOP nominee Trump.

Considering the evidence that the Kremlin state hugely interfered in the U.S. presidential election, these meetings are, well, troublesome. To top it off, Sessions said in a presumable lie under oath that he never talked to Russian officials. Former national security adviser Michael Flynn resigned in February over similar contacts with Russia, less than one month into his new job.  

This revelation triggered a call for Sessions to recuse himself from the Justice Department investigation into the 2016 election. The outcry for Sessions to step back, if not resign, even had bipartisan support—something that’s becoming increasingly rare in our current Congress.

“In retrospect, I should have slowed down and said, ‘But I did meet one Russian official a couple of times, and that would be the ambassador,’” Sessions said, according to The New York Times.

The White House declared its full support for Sessions. “He could have stated his response more accurately, but it was clearly not intentional,” President Trump said in a Facebook statement. Trump characteristically blamed the entire scandal on Democrats being sore losers. “The Democrats are overplaying their hand," Trump continued. "They lost the election and now, they have lost their grip on reality. The real story is all of the illegal leaks of classified and other information. It is a total witch hunt!"

Sessions continued to deny that the meetings had anything to do with the Trump campaign. He said “never met with any Russian officials to discuss issues of the campaign,” adding that all accusations claiming otherwise were false.

A 'Friends' Guest Star Once Told Lisa Kudrow She Was 'Fuckable' Only After Putting Makeup On

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In a recent interview on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, former Friends star Lisa Kudrow admitted the worst behavior she ever witnessed from a guest star while filming the hit series. After receiving the question from a fan, Lisa told the audience about a guest actor who commented on her looks in a totally inappropriate way. 

“I rehearsed without makeup most of the week," Lisa said. "And then on show night, I’m in hair and makeup, and I was told, ‘Oh wow, now you’re fuckable.’ That’s bad behavior, I’d say.”

She told costar Matt LeBlanc about the incident at the time because he's "like a big brother" but left it at that. 

While it's really hard to hear stories like this, speaking out makes all the difference. And like the queen she is, Lisa keeps on doing her thing, no matter what the haters says.

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