Throughout the nine seasons of OTH, Tree Hill saw some pretty cute (& pretty crazy) couples. To keep things in line, we decided to give a definitive ranking of all the One Tree Hill duos.
Any of us already enrolled in a US university knows that college tuition costs are rising rapidly - but what you might not know is that they're rising a lot faster than you probably thought.
BuzzFeed reports that investment management company Vanguard conducted a study about the rising costs of tuition - and the numbers aren't pretty. According to Vanguard, tuition is rising, on average, at a rate of about 6% each year - meaning babies born this year could be looking at an average of $54,000 a year for public colleges, and $121,000 yearly for private colleges 18 years from now.
If you're basically having a sticker shock-induced heart attack, you're not alone (because, same). Basically, the sticker price for a degree from a private college could cost almost $500,000, and I'm not okay.
Incomes haven't kept up with rising tuition prices either, with median incomes rising by only 4.3% in 2015 and 3% in 2014 - a.k.a. parents that want to send their children to college will have to start setting aside larger and larger portions of their income just to do so.
As BuzzFeed notes, there's no one issue that's causing tuition to skyrocket, but likely several, including construction and rennovation at private colleges especially, rising salaries for school administration and less state funding for public schools. While around 70% of students receive some kind of grant or scholarship money, 60% also have student debt - meaning the scholarship money available is already currently not enough.
If this isn't a solid (and scary) enough reason for lawmakers to finally take action and work to make college costs more managable, we're not sure what is, TBH.
File under the best news we're heard in 2017: the Obama administration is getting its own workplace comedy movie - meaning our favorite Obama Biden memes are about to be brought to life before our very eyes.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal Pictures and Anonymous Content will be teaming up to create a movie version of a book proposal by former White House staffer Beck Dorey-Stein. The book, called From the Corner of the Oval, focuses on the relationships between the Obama administration staff. (Yes, including the dynamic duo Obama and Biden.) It's written from the perspective of a woman (likely largely based off of Dorey-Stein), who goes from being a cocktail waitress to working as a stenographer in the White House.
Producers working on the movie include Michael Sugar, who produced the Oscar-winning film Spotlight, so we have faith that the Obama administration will be given the treatment it deserves.
Although the book isn't due out until 2018 (and the movie will likely follow it), we're pretty positive getting to relive the our favorite bromance of all time will be worth the wait.
What did we do to deserve this? Is this our reward for making it through 2017? We have so many questions.
From Greek to Sydney White, and from Gossip Girl to Pitch Perfect, TV and movies had you believing that college would just be one big whirlwind romance. If all went according to plan, you were going to find the perfect SO, take adorable couple grad pics and, depending on where you go to school and your ideas on marriage, maybe even get engaged. Instead, you find yourself as a second-semester senior snuggling with Scream Queens and pinot on a Friday night, dwelling on what could have been. Chin up, collegiettes! Being single when you graduate could be the ~single~ best thing to happen to you—honest. And we’re not just saying that: here’s proof.
Simply put, you’re awesome
To reiterate, you’re in college and you’re graduating. You’ve put in so much work to get to where you are, and for that alone, you should be so proud—not to mention all the things you've achieved outside of the classroom and all the memories you’ve made.
“To any woman who is concerned about not being engaged, or in a committed relationship, for that matter, by the time she graduates I say: focus on what's in the present—YOU JUST GRADUATED!” says Erin Hopkins, a professional life coach. “That is no small feat! The world needs more educated women to contribute their unique voices and talents to the world. And the truth is, your relationship status doesn't define you any more than the major you chose freshman year in college.” Puh-reach.
As great as relationships are, you can’t put a price on having time for yourself—especially fresh out of college. “One of the best things about being single before graduation is that you get to figure out who you are and what you like,” Hopkins says. “This may sound rudimentary, but I think women especially are taught to focus on the other person in the relationship and what makes the other person happy. By taking the time to enjoy being single, you get to find out what your likes and dislikes are, which helps you establish your own identity independent of someone else.” Yup, your journey to self-discovery isn’t over just because you flipped that tassel to the left.
Again, this is not just something people tell you because they feel bad that you’re not in a relationship. In fact, being a single is a privilege that you should enjoy right now for all the opportunities to grow that it will bring you. “I broke up with my college boyfriend two months before my graduation,” says Sydnee, a recent graduate from Florida International University. “It was probably one of the most difficult periods of my college career, but being unattached inspired me to pursue a number of different, exciting internship, job and travel opportunities in the gap year I took immediately after. I made more friends that year than I had in my entire college career. And I saw more of the city that I was living in than I ever had.”
You might take a lot of the things you can do as a single gal for granted, but these experiences are invaluable. “I do like the independence I have being single,” says Jen Morgan, a senior at Messiah College. “I studied off campus for an entire year and didn't have to worry about missing a guy while I was away. I also cook all the foods I like, wear whatever I want, and have extra money and free time to spend with my friends instead of on an SO.” If you want a relationship, you will find one when the time is right, but for right now? Girl, you’re doing just fine.
You don’t need a relationship to be happy
Despite what Hollywood would have you think, a relationship won’t solve all your problems. The truth is, if you’re happy alone, you’ll be more likely to be happy with someone else, too. “It has been very difficult to accept that I'm still single,” Jen says. “Some days are harder than others, but overall it's just a general ‘ugh’ feeling. I finally feel like I'm in a place where I could be happy with a boyfriend while still taking care of myself, and it's frustrating when the guys around me are just not in a place where they want to commit.”
And for yet another reason why we need feminist empowerment, “women grow up with this notion that we can only be happy when we're making someone else happy,” Hopkins says. “But the good news is, you deserve to be happy ALL THE TIME regardless of whether you're single, married, dating, gay, straight, transgender, bi, asexual or just figuring stuff out without labels. And really, until you're happy with you, you're not going to find someone to make you happy.”
All this is great, but what if all your friends are in committed relationships and/or getting engaged? “Since I go to a Christian college, ‘ring by spring’ is a huge deal,” Jen says. “I know so many people who are engaged, and to think that I don't even have a boyfriend at this point makes me feel like I'm falling behind, which affects my confidence.”
Many collegiettes feel the same way as Jen, but you don’t have to let your singleness bring you down. In fact, you should embrace it—yes, really! “Yes, you probably have friends who are getting engaged or married, or even having kids, and the impulse to compare yourself to them is strong,” Hopkins says. “But the thing to measure yourself and other people on is not relationship status, it's on how genuinely happy someone is and how grateful someone is for what they have. If you find that you're not happy, start doing things that do make you happy, and go from there.”
If you do a little introspection, you’ll probably—ahem, definitely—find that what you’re missing isn’t an SO; it’s a hobby, more time with your friends or more time for yourself. And the even better news is: these are all things you can control.
Are your peers or relatives bugging you about the whole being single thing? Seriously, what gives them the right to make life decisions for you, anyway? “Even in this day and age, there are still going to be people who feel that a woman of a certain age should be following certain social trends, regardless of how outdated and sexist those trends may be,” Hopkins says. “The first step to dealing with these people, especially if they're loved ones, is to remember that they just learned how to live and think about relationships and marriage a certain way. The second step is to remember they're entitled to their opinions, but that's all they are: opinions.”
When faced with this type of criticism, it’s easy to get stuck for words. “The best way to respond is to respond genuinely,” Hopkins advises. “If you don't care that you're single, tell them that. If you're a little heartbroken, or need a break from relationships, explain that. If you feel you haven't found the right person, say so! You can't control other people's opinions, but you can control who you are being when responding to them, so just be you and say whatever is right for you.” Like with any difficult conversation, you can’t expect a certain outcome on the other person’s side, but you can express yourself unapologetically.
Let’s be real for a sec—you don’t need us to tell you how friggin’ fabulous you are. You know it just as well as we do. So why linger on the fact that you’re single? The world is quite literally your oyster (well no, not literally). You’re already killing life by yourself, so just imagine what you could do with someone else. Until then (or not, TBH), keep on being an inspiration, to us and to everyone around you. *bows down and exits*
It's no secret that Free People is the ideal place to hit for all your festival fashion needs - but the brand may have taken its role as a festival fashion go-to a little too far.
Cosmopolitan reports that Coachella is suing Urban Outfitters, Free People's parent company, for trademark infringement. Apparently, the brand created a few pieces like the "Coachella Mini Dress," the "Coachella Boot and a "Coachella Valley Tunic" - none of which sat well with the festival. The items in question have since been removed from Free People's website, but screengrabs from a few days ago show that the pieces were indeed for sale on Free People's website.
The suit says that Free People is, "trading on the goodwill and fame," of the festival, and that it competes with their legitimate partnerships, such as their collaboration with H&M.
As Mashable points out, Urban Outfitters is no stranger to controversy over the use of others' names and designs before - they were last hit by a lawsuit in 2012 by the Navajo Nation after creating products branded with the Navajo name.
And as one Twitter user cleverly put it, considering many Coachella attendees' tendency to culturally appropriate when dressing for the festival, the whole notion of the festival suing Urban Outfitters for appropriating its name and brand is kind of weirdly ironic.
Honestly, is there a better celebrity friendship than Adele and Beyoncé? (If it wasn't obvious, the answer is no.) And in case you're in need of an update on the bond between musics two queens, it turns out that Adele can nail a fab impression of Queen Bey.
During her recent Melbourne concert, Adele channeled her inner Beyoncé, complete with a fan and a sassy hair toss. It was, dare we say, ***flawless. Luckily, one fan caught the whole thing and shared it on Instagram, so we can keep hitting the replay button.
A post shared by E M M A | G R I F F I N (@eg_griffin) on
She also just looked generally amazing in a sequined red gown that was so very *Adele* in the best way possible.
While, according to Cosmopolitan, she joked earlier in the evening that anyone that was there for a good time had made a mistake since her concerts are, "basically just two hours of crying and songs about my ex-boyfriend," the audience seemed to be loving Adele's goofball side too. (And seriously, we all know by now that a solid, Adele-soundtracked cry are sometimes exactly what we need.)
When you’re figuring out where you want to spend the next four years of your life, there are many factors that go into your decision process—academics, geography and size are just a few. However, there is no denying that a school’s name can have a major effect on the way we perceive and rank it (both positively and negatively). While it can be hard to avoid falling into this trap, we’ve talked to real collegiettes on why it’s better to put names and (some) reputations aside when deciding on a school.
When looking at the strength of different academic programs, it can be easy to get caught up in Ivy League and big name schools—after all, they have well-established programs and thousands of successful alumni to back up their claims. However, being a well-known school and being a quality school aren’t synonymous traits.
“In high school, I knew I wanted to go to school for fashion and only applied to schools with my major,” says Sarah Cahn, a senior at Kent State University. “I applied to Kent State with no intentions of attending the school. I had never heard of the school before and did not want to go somewhere no one knew of. However, when I visited, I saw the beautiful campus and realized it had everything I wanted––a big school with Greek life and study abroad options.”
Sarah’s experience is proof that not every school is as it seems. Most schools, even if they’re small, have more to offer than you think.
“I am now a senior fashion merchandising major who is in a sorority and I was able to study abroad in Florence, Italy,” says Sarah. “This school has given me so many opportunities and I wouldn't want it any other way!”
If there is a school on your list that you’re not sure of or feel like you don’t know enough about, be willing to step out of your comfort zone and try a visit. You never know which school could end up being the one!
2. Big names and great reputations don’t guarantee happiness
Just because a school has a great reputation doesn’t mean it’s perfect for you. If you’re facing pressure from parents, counselors, or friends about your college decision, remember that in the end it’s your happiness that counts—not theirs.
“When I decided to go to The University of Alabama, everyone was shocked and disapproving, since I grew up in a suburb near Stanford University where the academic atmosphere since kindergarten was always highly competitive,” says Helmi Henkin, a current sophomore. “Where I'm from, rankings are often the only reason students apply to schools, and several of my classmates chose a higher ranked school over a school where they might have been happier because of the pressure they faced to impress the members of our community. However, I believe if you are happier at a school, you will excel there much more easily than if you go to a school just because of its name or reputation.”
While it can be difficult to overcome the reputations and stigmas that surround certain schools, it is important to consider every school you’re looking at equally. Rankings are just numbers, and you won’t know what a school is truly like until you take the time to visit and experience it.
If you look at articles about “successful” and “highly-ranked” schools online, it’s no surprise that you will see the same names appearing again and again. It is easy for big schools to make headlines since they already get so much attention and funding elsewhere. However, there are many schools that are just as successful, but because of their size, don’t receive the publicity that more “popular” schools do.
“I think smaller and lesser known schools don't get enough credit,” says Alaina Leary, a first year graduate student at Emerson College. “I finished my undergrad at a small, unknown state school last year and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had: hands-on learning, small class sizes, easy opportunity for independent study and thesis projects, tons of co-ops and internships available.”
While many people assume smaller schools have less opportunities, Alaina’s experience proves it’s actually the opposite—a smaller student body can make it even easier to find internships, jobs, and other ways to get involved on campus.
“I now go to a slightly larger school with a really good rep for media and creative fields, and while people who find out are certainly more impressed at first mention of my in-progress master’s degree at a well known school, I think my undergrad prepared me in a way that people don't necessarily understand just because they've never heard of the school,” says Alaina.
Although rankings can clue you in on experiences and programs that are important to you, they should never be a make-or-break factor in your college decision process. After all, numbers are just numbers.
While going with your gut is not the most strategic part of the decision-making process, sometimes, you just know what is best for you. If there is a school on your list that you can’t help but keep coming back to, you shouldn’t ignore that—regardless of its name or reputation.
“I think you're meant to be where you're meant to be,” says Kayla Lewkowicz, a graduate of Colby College. “As a high school student, I had trouble understanding that––particularly after the wait lists and rejections rolled in. But, I wouldn't have traded my experience for anything! Not going to an Ivy League school was the best thing for me. I would have been unhappy anywhere else!”
Even though money, location and size are all important factors in the decision-making process, sometimes, a school just wins your heart over. If you go on a visit and totally fall in love, a school’s name or reputation shouldn’t have any effect on that.
Although it can be difficult to overcome outside factors and opinions, remember that choosing a college is your decision and your decision only. Own this decision and avoid getting caught up in the rankings and numbers that surround a school. After all, only you can know what is best for you!
A best friend is great for a lot of things – relationship advice, a shoulder to cry on, wine nights, etc. But having someone there at all times who you can actually rely on to respond to your obsessive texting may be the best benefit of all. Here are 19 texts we’re all guilty of sending our besties on a daily basis.
The month of love is over but that doesn’t mean you can’t still show your love and appreciation for your significant other! Whether it’s by surprising them with a romantic date or showering them with words of gratitude, nothing is too big or too small. If you're undecided as to how to show some affection, we’ve come up with a list of ways to let your sweetheart know they’re loved on every day of the year.
1. Be direct!
According to clinical psychologist Dr. Mark Sharp of the Aiki Relationship Institute, the best way to show your significant other that you love them is to literally tell them. However, the problem of feeling too vulnerable is often what keeps people from doing so. “Loving someone and expressing it is always making yourself vulnerable to some degree. Part of the process of becoming mature enough yourself to be in a relationship is becoming secure enough to handle the relationship,” he says. Another thing that turns people off from verbally professing their love is their fear of scaring away the other person. But the answer to that dilemma is within the problem itself according to Dr. Sharp. “As far as freaking your significant other out, if that is the outcome it means one of a couple of things—either they aren’t at the same place in the relationship or they have some maturing do before they are really ready to be in a relationship,” he says. So in short, his consensus? Take the risk! If your partner doesn’t respond the way you want them to, it’s better to know where you stand with them sooner than later.
2. Carry them with you
Not literally of course, but in the sense of carrying their presence with you. “When we love or deeply care about someone, we carry a sense of their presence with us and think about them often, even when they are not with us,” says Dr. Sharp. He states that even though our partners aren’t physically with us sometimes, it’s important to make them feel like they are. “When something happens that reminds you of your significant other, let them know; send them a text with a quick note about what happened or a picture of what you saw that reminded you of them,” he suggests. Letting your partner know that you’re thinking of them when they’re not around goes a long way in making the relationship last.
3. Understand that they may love differently than you do
If you’re familiar with The 5 Love Languages, then this tip should be a breeze for you. Not everyone experiences or expresses love in the same way. For instance, you may think that showering your loved one with gifts is the perfect way to show you love them while they are more comfortable with giving you random compliments throughout the day instead. “It is good to keep in mind that if your significant other seems to be totally unaffected by what you think are clear demonstrations of love, they might just experience it differently,” Dr. Sharp notes. Have some knowledge of how your partner likes to be loved so that way there isn’t any confusion down the road
4. Put them first
“A lot of relationships tend to be me-centered but if we really want to have a good relationship then we should always be thinking about how we can help our SO instead of making it all about us,” says Abigail Megginson, a junior at the University of West Florida. And she’s right. Although it is important to look out for yourself in a relationship, rejecting your partner’s needs isn’t fair to do. Abigail adds that a few things you could do to show your significant other how important they are to you includes buying them books or songs that they’ve been wanting or calling them randomly just to talk to them.
5. Show your partner that you trust them
The level of trust between you and your significant other can definitely impact how healthy your relationship is. Dr. Barton Goldsmith, nationally syndicated columnist and author of Emotional Fitness for Couples: 10 Minutes a Day to a Better Relationship stresses the importance of strong trust in a relationship. “Love can’t flourish in a world of distrust,” he says. Instilling trust in your partner can often be easier said than done, especially if you've been hurt in previous relationships. However, bringing those same trust issues into a new relationship will do more harm than good. For instance, if your significant other says they are going out with some friends that you haven't met before, don't immediately jump to conclusions. Get the full story before creating assumptions in your head that probably aren't even true!
6. Surprise them with gifts
Giving your significant other a token of appreciation from time to time can go a long way when trying to express how much you love them. Alaina Leary, a first year graduate student at Emerson College, says that whenever she has some extra cash to spend, she loves to buy her partner gifts just because. “I try to buy them unique things, to show them I really know them, like a bracelet with a custom quote on it,” she says. Buying or making your significant other something that has a significant meaning behind it can not only strengthen your connection with them, but it will also show them that you were thinking of them.
Hate to break it to you, world, but celebrity cutie/Olympic champion Simone Biles is officially tatted. And thanks to her best friend and neighbor, Jake Miller, the whole process was documented on Instagram.
According to Teen Vogue, this past weekend Miller, a singer and songwriter, took Biles to get her first ever tattoo and guess what! It is none other than the Olympic rings in black ink. In his Instagram story, Miller posted a photo of Biles in the car ~en route~ to the studio looking a bit nervous as well as the entire process, including the drawing and actual inking, and as you can guess, Biles was just as adorable as ever.
Now she will truly never forget how amazing she is.
Ever since Vanessa Hudgens came into the public eye with High School Musical, she has been a style icon. Whether it is what the star is wearing to Coachella or to the gym, she always manages to look fierce AF. And typically, it has to do with her gorgeous hair.
Her hair now, which was once short and blonde (can you even believe it?) is the definition of mermaid-hair goals. According to Allure, this past weekend Hudgens went to Nine Zero Salon in West Hollywood, California, and walked out with stunning waist-length hair. In a series of Instagram posts, Hudgens debuted her new locks and they are honestly to die for.
A post shared by Vanessa Hudgens (@vanessahudgens) on
What's the occasion, you might ask? Well, apparently Hudgens made the move for an upcoming project she is working on, as hinted in her Instagram caption. Although we have no idea what it could be, I am desperately hoping it involves a seashell bra and possibly even a tail.
It was only in October when Kim Kardashian was robbed at gunpoint in her hotel room in Paris. Now, after months of silence, Kim is ready to talk about it.
Tonight on Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Kim will openly discuss what happened that night and I can already tell it is going to be extremely emotional. And it's not just me. In a series of tweets, Kim thanked her fans for their support and let them know that tonight's episode will not be an easy one to watch. She also took the time to thank the French police for their work on solving the case.
Tonight's episode is going to be very tough for me.
You know, the internet can be a truly magical place sometimes. With a new meme and trend every single day, the people of the interwebs, particularly Twitter, always keep me on my feet. And today is no exception.
Throughout the last 24 hours, give or take, the people of Twitter have discovered an image of Meryl Streep at the SAG Awards in 2015 and they are having a field day with it. More specifically, people can't help but caption the photo with famous pop songs. And believe it or not, it is absolutely hilarious.
Wheatus: and she doesn't give a damn about me.......
Ugh, meetings. They’re the bane of your existence. People drone on and on and you don’t know whether you should put your head on your desk and go to sleep or refresh Facebook for the millionth time.
Done right, meetings can actually be the most productive part of your day. It’s where you build face-to-face connections that can make or break your projects. It’s where you brainstorm the next great idea for the company or work through the issues keeping you from greatness.
Most of all, it’s where you make your pitch to peers, bosses, and maybe even executives that your idea is the best idea. If your meetings are going less than great, it means there’s a lot you can do to turn them around. Read on to learn our top 7 tips for standing out at your next meeting.
Know your stuff. Chances are you’re bored because you can’t connect the discussion to something relevant to your day-to-day.
Just like you would have done the reading before class, you need to do your homework in the real world. If you’re running the meeting, you should absolutely send out an agenda ahead of time to make sure everyone is on the same page. Know what key points you want to make before you head into the meeting, or, if you’re not talking, know what the meeting is about. If you’re surprised at the content, you won’t be able to make the best contributions. This is when the small things add up to be really important.
Sometimes big meetings, like pitching to executives, require more than your basic agenda check. “Meet with stakeholders and experts [ahead of time] so that you are knowledgeable and confident about what you are discussing,” says Cayla Yang, a 20-something Northeastern graduate. “It’s helpful to meet with individuals that executives respect… it helps with building rapport and reputation.”
That way, when you enter through those big double doors ready to pitch, the powers-that-be already know you’re committed. You’ve made an effort to speak with others, vet your ideas, and be prepared.
2. Stay present
We can’t stress this enough. Put. Your. Phone. Down. Even if you’re checking work emails, the vibe you give off is disinterested, lazy and stereotypically millennial. Just as you would never use your phone while driving (you definitely shouldn't!), you also should never take your phone out at a meeting, as tempting as it may be. Lean in to the conversation and listen to what’s going on around you.
Body language makes a big difference, and being on your phone signals to everyone in the room that you couldn’t care less about the conversation. Whether or not that’s true, it will most certainly hurt your career to make that a habit. One way to beat it? Take notes and action items and draw out the connections that make it relevant to you or your department. Your executives and bosses are like your professors; you have a lot to learn from them.
If you’re remote, it’s even more tempting to check Facebook or scroll Instagram because no one can see you. But once you mentally leave that conversation, it’s difficult to re-enter. Newsflash: everyone can tell you’re multitasking when someone says your name and you say, “Can you repeat the question?”
3. Ask questions
Part of staying present is engaging in the conversation. As new members of the workforce, it may seem like asking questions makes us look stupid, but in fact, the opposite is true. Brianna Susnak, a sophomore at Indiana University, says, “Asking questions and offering help to others when they need it makes a positive impression at work.”
If you’re not paying attention, you can’t jump in and get going on a new project, or know how the conversation affects what you’re doing. You want your colleagues to see your best self, the curious, passionate individual ready to take on the world. Meetings are your opportunity to do just that.
Adds Cayla, “Find ways to channel your enthusiasm for your idea or find something about [the topic] you can speak emphatically about.” Probing at an idea, picking apart its nuances, and making sure you (and the room) truly understands the decisions being made is a huge contribution you can make right away, even if you’re just starting.
Practicing asking questions and listening takes time. Start with more low-key conversations with friends and asking follow ups, such as, "Can you tell me more about [aspect of topic]?" You don't have to be an expert. Frame a higher-pressure conversation as if you were inquiring about a new movie, makeup trend, or anything else you're passionate about. Let your curiosity fly.
4. Take risks
You’re constantly worried about failure, especially when talking to the big-wigs at work. We get it. But if you don’t put yourself out there, you’re not doing yourself (or your career) any favors. “Staying in your comfort zone is almost as bad as doing nothing at all,” says Cayla. “Just do it. The worst thing that could happen is that they say no.”
A “no” isn’t the end of the world. It’s just the beginning. When we can’t embrace failure, we can’t contribute at the highest level. When you have an idea, you have to believe in it. Part of making your company great is sharing ideas that might scare you and embracing the idea that someone could say “no.” But what if they say "yes?"
If you’re caught off guard or don’t know the answer, that’s not the end of the world either. “When asked for more details or further information, if you don't have the facts or knowledge needed, don't be afraid to reply with something like, 'I'm so glad you're interested in diving deeper into this, I am too. I don't have more details right now, but I'd love to do more research and send you more information after the meeting,'” says Emily Miethner, CEO of Findspark.com, a career resource website for young professionals.
5. Say what you think
Says Miethner, “Be confident enough to offer dissenting opinions or ideas when they are backed up by prep, facts, and real experiences.” All that homework you prepared for really pays off in a meeting.
Cayla echoes similar sentiments, saying, “Don’t apologize for who you are. Be yourself. If you are scared to contradict someone, no matter who they are, you are doing yourself a disservice. If you believe something is right or should be done a certain way, the best way to get there is to say it outright.”
This starts the conversation and gets the ball rolling where you want it to go. Even if the group or executive doesn’t choose that option, you won’t regret putting your idea out there. Say what you think. That doesn’t mean you go up to your boss tomorrow and say, “You’re a jerk and I hate you.” What it does mean is that if you have something to say, and you’re prepared, then say it. Ideas don’t die from other people shooting them down; they die from doubting yourself and never bringing them to the table.
If there’s a disagreement, embrace it. Healthy debate makes your idea—and your opponents—better. Says Cayla, “By talking through both points of view you have a better chance of understanding both sides and coming to an agreement that helps [everyone].”
6. Fake it till you make it
Taking risks and saying what you think is easier said than done. If it makes you weak-kneed to even contemplate speaking up, try smaller steps, and take courage in the knowledge that we’re all faking it to some extent. Says Cayla, “Good leaders will respect that you have the tenacity and commitment to pitch your idea.” They’re people too, and they know it takes determination and heart to speak up as a newbie.
It’s ok to not feel like you know what you’re doing or that you will succeed. But the more you can speak up, take risks, and get your voice heard, the more practice you’ll have faking confidence—until one day, you’ll realize that hey, you are super knowledgeable and awesome.
“If talking at a meeting is a scary thought to you, don't worry, you're not alone,” says Miethner. “Practice speaking up in pressure-free and less intimidating environments. This could be anything from class projects, study groups, family meals, or outings with friends.” The more you practice, the faster you go from faking it to making it.
Public speaking can be really nerve-wracking, but it doesn't have to be. Luckily, you've got us! Check out these tips to become a better public speaker, one step at a time.
7. Always follow up
This is the secret ingredient to a successful meeting because it’s so often forgotten. Just as you should send out an agenda, you should also send out notes, action items, and follow up questions shortly after the meeting. At the very least, make sure to thank the other person for their time. You’re probably not the only meeting they’ll ever have on the calendar, and that small gesture alone can make the other person want to work with you again.
Meetings are your chance to shine. If you have ideas, share them. Pounding away in your cubicle or alone on your computer may generate great work, but it won’t help your career in the same way. Building face-to-face relationships and getting your ideas in front of others helps you stand out in the best way.
Ever since Vanessa Hudgens came into the public eye with High School Musical, she has been a style icon. Whether it is what the star is wearing to Coachella or to the gym, she always manages to look fierce AF. And typically, it has to do with her gorgeous hair.
Her hair now, which was once short and blonde (can you even believe it?) is the definition of mermaid-hair goals. According to Allure, this past weekend Hudgens went to Nine Zero Salon in West Hollywood, California, and walked out with stunning waist-length hair. In a series of Instagram posts, Hudgens debuted her new locks and they are honestly to die for.
A post shared by Vanessa Hudgens (@vanessahudgens) on
What's the occasion, you might ask? Well, apparently Hudgens made the move for an upcoming project she is working on, as hinted in her Instagram caption. Although we have no idea what it could be, I am desperately hoping it involves a seashell bra and possibly even a tail-fin.
As you grow older, you don't just become physically more mature, but mentally too. Some of us are like the exact replicas of our mothers; however, the rest of us discover that we're just like our wise old fathers. The truth is, dads can be pretty cool, no matter how cheesy their jokes may be. Whether it be through looks, mannerisms or overall personality, you really are your father's child.
1. You've taken a sudden interest in grilling
You've already mastered the art of baking. Why not add grilling to your list of special skills?
2. You've gotten into the habit of reading the newspaper during breakfast
And not just the captions—the actual articles themselves. You've gotta have something to look at while you sip your coffee in the morning.
3. You've become the go-to person when your friends need answers
Your advice is actually pretty good, too. You radiate wisdom and knowledge beyond your years.
4. You like your coffee simple, without all the frills of overpriced, fancy lattes
The names of those drinks are too hard to pronounce anyway.
5. "You're wasting electricity" is a phrase you find yourself using far too often
Finally, you understand why your father complained for all those years about you leaving lights on.
6. Rappers may as well be speaking a foreign language because you can't understand a word they're saying
Dads don't get rap, and neither do you.
7. This generation's pop singers frustrate you to no end
Whatever happened to the good ole days, when music had decent lyrics and none of those strange, techno beats.
8. Debating religion, sports or politics from the comfort of your living room couch has become your new favorite pastime
There's no doubt you're officially your father.
9. Practical gifts are the best kind of gifts
That blender you received is going to make SO many smoothies. What could be better?
10. You refuse to ask for directions when you're lost
Just like your stubborn, old man, you reason you can figure it out on your own.
11. You can no longer sleep the weekend away
Sleeping in past 8:30 a.m. is unheard of. How can you waste that precious time when there's so many productive things you could be going?
12. You get tired much earlier at night
The sofa and the television are your happy place.
13. You recognize the importance of a day with some honest, hard work
You can't get anywhere without hard work.
14. A shopping spree with friends is one, long nap session
They can shop to their hearts' content as long as there's a nice, comfy lounge chair or couch you can collapse into.
15. People come to you when their stuff is broken
You're Ms. Fixer Upper. All those trips to the Home Depot and hardware store have finally paid off.
16. You are the queen of corny jokes and bad puns
You've embraced your dad's humor and have zero shame about it.
Moving in with your BFFs was definitely something you dreamed about in high school, so getting the keys to your first apartment together was probably one of the highlights of your life. But, is living with your besties really all that it is cracked up to be? F*ck yeah, it is! Living with your best friends is more than you ever expected, but you wouldn't want it any other way. Read below for 21 things that only people who live with their best friends will understand:
Name: Vanessa Schenck Job Title & Description: Founder of the Tia Girl Club Website: tiagirlclub.com Twitter Handle: @TIAgirlclub Instagram Handle: @tiagirlclub
What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?
Vanessa Schenck: As a fast growing start-up, I never know exactly how my day is going to play out, and I love that. It can be any number of things. I’m talking to future Tia Trailblazers, working on marketing or advertising, fulfilling orders or responding to our customers. I also communicate with our Tia Girls through social media. They’ve come to trust us, and reach out when they need help.
What is the best part of your job?
VS: Being able to inspire a Tia Girl and help parents raise confident girls! I’ve had Tia Girls tell me everything from “since becoming a Tia Girl, my self-esteem is now off the charts,” to “Tia Girl Club really makes me feel confident and better about myself.” And from the parents, they’ve told me, “Tia Girl Club is an important tool in helping me share a message with my daughter that girls can be anyone or anything they set their mind to.” There’s really nothing better than knowing you’re making a positive impact on another life.
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
VS: I worked for an advertising and public relations firm in Seattle called Elgin Syferd. I started as the receptionist (answering phones for more than 100 employees with no voicemail!) and working in the mailroom to quickly becoming an assistant public relations manager for a variety of clients (including McDonald’s!). I loved it. I got the job interview through a family friend.
What words of wisdom (well-known quotes, an anecdote from your boss) do you find most valuable?
VS: If I have to pick one, it’s a quote from Oprah Winfrey. She tweeted out, “What you say about yourself becomes your reality. You speak life into being.” And it’s true. Our words have creative power. Not only do we believe what we tell ourselves, we create what we speak. It’s the foundation for Tia Girl Club - we teach girls to first SAY what they want to SEE in their lives with the “Today I Am” statement.
What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
VS: Not using my voice. So many times I had a voice screaming inside my head with things I wanted to say, but I never said any of it because I didn’t have the courage. I was too afraid of being rejected or upsetting those around me. Now I know to use my voice. That what I have to say matters. Hiding your authentic self is never a good idea. You end up living a life not meant to be yours. When you become fearless, say what you want to say and follow your dreams, life becomes what it’s supposed to be: beautifully yours.
What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?
VS: Sitting on set with Tia Trailblazer Gretchen Carlson when she interviewed me on her show on Fox with two of our other Tia Trailblazers, race car driver Collete Davis and dancer Ashley Bouder. We were on live TV, talking all things Tia. Live TV is something else. You have to be ready for anything. That, and having a conversation with Derek Hough about Tia Girl Club and having him say, “Anything I can do to help.”
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
VS: Authenticity and passion. If someone is being true to who they are and doing what they love, forget it. You’ll never find anyone who will work harder to build the dream with you. Oh, and a sense of humor. Start-ups are a breed unto themselves. Things happen. You have to be able to laugh.
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
VS: Follow your passion. Do what you love. Never give up and know that you have no chance but to succeed if you are truly following your dreams.
What's the one thing that's stood out to you the most in a resume?
VS: Spelling errors. As an English major, I cannot help it. Use spell-check!
This article has been syndicated to Her Campus fromGirl In Betsey, an InfluenceHer Collective member. Read the full post here.
Yes, it’s nice to travel with someone and share new experiences together, it can also be refreshing to travel by yourself. You get time to do all the things you want to do and reflect on what’s most important to you. I’m actually going on my first solo experience with Fathom to the Dominican Republic and Cuba. I am so excited as I’ve never traveled on a small ship for an impact experience before. I can’t wait to immerse myself in the local culture and meet new people. The fact that I’ve also never been to the Dominican Republic or Cuba before is the cherry on top. The Dominican Republic and Cuba boasts turquoise waters, golden beaches calling my name, stunning mountains and surrounding beauty around every corner. If you’re on the fence trying to decide if you should take the plunge and travel solo, I’m sharing 5 reasons why you should. Keep on reading below for my tips.
1. Schedule Conflicts
I know from personal experience that it can be quite challenging trying to figure out when to take that trip while having to keep others schedules in mind. The nice thing about not having a travel buddy is you don’t have to stress about booking your flights, you can check your schedule and the next flight out if you want to.
2. Activity Compromise
Is there something you have to try on that tropical trip but your buddy is not at all interested? Maybe you have different personalities where you’re on the adventurous side and your friend is more into sunbathing on the beach. When you’re on your own, you don’t have to compromise on activities, just get out there and make those memories.
3. Spend Time Alone
You may not realize it, but spending time by yourself is a luxury. You don’t have anyone’s voice in your head telling you what you should be doing and you can truly reflect. It can be quite invigorating to go out for dinner by yourself, so imagine taking in the beautiful sunset without having to fill the quiet moments.
Now she will truly never forget how amazing she is. 
