Days get longer, weather gets warmer, and there are no more classes to attend. Summertime means more freedom and more fun for collegiettes, but it also means hours in the blazing sun and tanning skin. It’s important to remember to take care of your skin with the changing season with a few simple steps. We consulted two dermatologists in the top of their field, Dr. Julie Karen, a board certified dermatologist and co-author of the Handbook of Dermatologic Surgery and Dr. Peggy Fuller, a board certified dermatologist and founder and director of Esthetics Center for Dermatology in Charlotte, North Carolina for the inside tips and tricks for updating your skin care routine in the summer so you’ll have fresh, glowing skin from Memorial to Labor Day.

The story on sunscreen

We’ve heard it from our doctors and parents for years, but sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin during the summer months. If you do nothing else, invest in multiple bottles of sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30, opting for even higher if you’re in a hotter climate or burn easily.

Which type?

Both Dr. Karen and Dr. Fuller recommend using broad spectrum (UVA and UVB protection) sunscreens. Dr. Fuller highly recommends mineral sunscreen containing Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Dr. Karen also says, “make sure if you will be at the beach or exerting yourself/expect to be sweating, that you opt for a waterproof formulation.” If your perfect day at the beach entails playing around in the ocean or gathering friends for a game of sand volleyball, make sure your sunscreen works as hard as you do and specifically has “waterproof” on the label.

Furthermore, Dr. Karen says, “If you are concerned about oily skin, for reapplication of sunscreen, consider Colorescience brush for reapplication rather than lotions.” The double-duty, easy-to-use brushes will make it even easier for you to retouch your makeup and add SPF in between meetings or out by the pool.

How often?

Dr. Karen and Dr. Fuller remind young women that all sunscreens need to be reapplied at least every two hours. Try keeping a bottle of sunscreen in your purse, beach bag and gym bag, so you never find yourself without it. Set a timer on your phone for every two hours, or re-apply every time you go to the bathroom to make sure you’re never leaving your skin vulnerable.

Embrace your skin tone

What is a tan exactly? “It's the body's way of saying, how can I thicken and darken so that I don't accumulate further injury”, explains Dr. Karen. Dr. Fuller encourages young women. “If your skin is pale, embrace it!,” she says. “Fair skin is in style and millions of women of mature age are wishing they could go back in time to do things differently. Sun protection for your skin is the simplest anti-aging action you can do now and will be thankful that you did years from now.” Remember, you don’t need a bronzy glow to look amazing this summer, and it’s always safer to show you had an incredible summer through pictures and stories, rather than by the color of your skin.

But if you’re still craving some color…. fake it ‘till you make it

There are safe alternatives to getting a summer glow if you want. “Products such as JERGENS Natural Glow can gradually add a sun-kissed glow within a few days, while moisturizing your skin,” says Dr. Fuller. She emphasizes that you’ll want to make sure you’re applying your self-tanner in the right way to make it look as natural as possible. “Be sure to exfoliate your body and moisturize frequently to provide an even application,” she says. “One trick would be to wear vinyl gloves when applying the lotion. This would ensure a smoother application of the product and not have it concentrated or absorbed on the palms of your hands.” If you are interested in getting a fake tan, skip the tanning beds at all costs and research places near you that do spray tans, or ask a friend with a similar natural skin tone as you what products they use. Reilly Tuccinard, the Her Campus National Beauty Editor, raves about the Loreal Paris Airbrush Self-Tanning Mist as another safer alternative to tanning. If you’re unsure about what color is right for you, always start on the lighter side and apply another coat if needed. In addition, bronzers can be used on the face to give yourself sun-kissed radiance that will make everyone think you just got back from a tropical getaway.

Protect your lips

Did you know your skin isn’t the only part of you that can get a sunburn? “Make sure your lips are protected as well”, says Dr. Fuller. “Wear lip balms or lipsticks with SPF 30 or higher.” Try brands like Kiss My Face, Tommy Bahama and Suntegrity Lipstick so you won’t be shying away from a kiss from your summer fling because of burnt lips!

Add extra vitamins

Sunscreen isn’t the only product your skin will need this summer. Dr. Karen suggests that, “in addition to a sunscreen, topical antioxidants should be layered beneath the sunscreen. These, which include Vit C and Vit E, are typically in serum form. When layered under sunscreen they help to neutralize or counteract the damage that occurs despite sunscreen.” If you are unsure about what products will be best for your individual skin type and lifestyle, make an appointment with a dermatologist to figure out what works best for you.

Related: 5 Overnight Beauty Tips to Wake Up Prettier

Moisturize only when necessary

Dr. Karen says, “Moisturizers are generally less important and can often be skipped during the warmer, more humid summer months.” If you’re prone to having dry skin, Dr. Fuller says, “Hydrating toners, face and body mists and masks can also be added to help your skin soften.” Instead of applying a heavy moisturizer daily all over your face, try only using it in your driest spots. Also, avoid regimens that include retinoid, as it will make your skin more prone to drying.

Drink up

“Hydration for your skin is important during the summer heat,” says Dr. Fuller, “Water, water, and more water should be consumed to hydrate inside and out. If your skin is still feeling a little dry, Dr. Fuller says, “use gentle moisturizing lotions or oils regularly. Hydrating toners, face and body mists and masks can also be added to help your skin to be soft.” Aim for consuming 12 to 15 glasses, or 2.7 liters, of fluids everyday. Make drinking not feel like a chore by infusing water with your favorite summer fruits, or buying a marked water bottle to keep you on track all day.

Let your skin breathe

For the girls who love getting dolled up, summer may be the time to step away from your makeup mirror more. Dr. Fuller suggests, “Allow your skin to breath by not wearing makeup. If you must wear makeup, apply mineral based makeup that is non-comedogenic, so it’s less likely to clog your pores.” If you are still looking for coverage, swap your heavy foundation for a CC cream, which is lightweight, hydrating and includes skin tone-evening ingredients.

Summer might mean having more free time to spend with your friends and family, but there are also specific dangers for your skin. Follow these steps so all you have to think about is sun, swim (and getting more sleep), and you’ll come back from summer break looking better than ever! 

In case you thought things couldn't possibly get any crazier with the Trump administration this week, prepare yourself, because you were wrong.

According to a report published by the New York Times on Friday, Trump apparently said some pretty shady things while meeting with Russian officials on May 10, the day after he fired FBI Director James Comey.

"I just fired the head of the FBI," POTUS reportedly told the Russian foreign minister and ambassador in the Oval Office. "He was crazy, a real nut job. I faced great pressure because of Russia. That’s taken off.” He later added, "I’m not under investigation."

The Times reports that the account of the meeting came from a White House document that was based on notes taken during the meeting. The quote is pretty damning considering that before he was fired, Comey was leading the investigation into the Trump team's ties to Russia during the 2016 election. Not to mention that the meeting was already controversial, as Trump disclosed confidential information from top U.S. ally Israel during it.

White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer isn't exactly denying Trump's quote from the meeting either. In a statement, he said, "By grandstanding and politicizing the investigation into Russia’s actions, James Comey created unnecessary pressure on our ability to engage and negotiate with Russia," he said. "The investigation would have always continued, and obviously, the termination of Comey would not have ended it."

Meanwhile, it was later announced that Comey has agreed to testify publicly sometime after Memorial Day in front of a Senate panel about the Russia investigation, and consequently, whether his firing was potentially a result of the investigation. Hopefully, this means we'll soon have the answers to some very important questions about what's going on in the White House.

Anyone who has ever completed a senior thesis project knows that it's stressful and time-consuming AF - but if you want to graduate with honors or make yourself look super impressive to grad schools, it's a must at most universities. And one senior found an amazing way to make his totally not boring and still pull off that A.

Obasi Shaw, a Harvard University senior, submitted his senior thesis in the English Department as a rap album called "Liminal Minds," which the Washington Post reports he received a grade of A- on. Obviously, he will now have no problem graduating with honors.

The lyrics on the 10-track album discuss what it means to be black in America. According to Shaw, "Liminal Minds" looks at the way modern race relations are connected to the past and how we often "compartmentalize" our understanding of black history. Each song is written from a different character's point of view, an idea Shaw says he drew from The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer.

"Some people don’t consider rap a high art form,” Shaw told the Harvard Gazette. "But poetry and rap are very similar. Rhyming poems were very common in old English poetry."

The album covers everything from slavery, to the Black Lives Matter movement, to segregation, to Barack Obama. 

Shaw apparently got the idea from his mother, who suggested he record an album as a creative thesis after he'd already been writing and performing his own raps on campus. He then wrote and recorded the project in Harvard's on-campus recording studio in just over a year.

While Shaw already has plans to move to Seattle to work for Google (he clearly has the whole "doing it all" thing covered), he says he plans to offer the album up for free online, and it definitely sounds like he wouldn't necessarily hate it if it got him noticed by the music industry.

If there is one lesson to learn in college it should be to NEVER trust the person that you are when you're drunk. Drunk you has a completely different agenda and it is not in your favor. From the sticky situations to just plain humiliating yourself in public, drunk you always knows how to cause a scene. Drunk you is the person that you would hate if you were sober. Here are 15 things that we always think are good ideas when we're drunk but probably shouldn't.

 1.  Calling your ex

2. Ordering $20 worth of Windy City Weiners as if you can afford to do that

3.  Tearing apart your entire room trying to find your key when it's in plain sight

4.  Having a "little more" to drink

5.  Calling your parents to tell them how much you love and appreciate them at 3 a.m.

6.  Inhaling every scrap of food left in your apartment 

7.  Going home with the guy from the bar

8.  Going to sleep with a full face of makeup on

9.  Going to sleep with all of your going out clothes on

10.  Revealing your secret hatred for someone

11.  Putting up a Snapchat story of alcohol as if people care to see it

12.  Instagraming a candid picture with a basic caption

13.  Flirting with the bartender

14.  Whining your way out of situations

15.  Walking home (seriously don't do this)

While we got a peek at how most of our favorite celebs celebrated Mother's Day via Instagram last week, one very important mother was missing - the queen herself, Beyoncé. Considering Queen Bey seems to approach all celebrations with a go-big-or-go-home mentality, we were kind of on a need to know basis with her Mother's Day plans - and thankfully, we now have some answers.

According to photos she finally 'grammed Friday night, the mama-of-twins-to-be spent the day out at Los Angeles's Museum of Ice Cream with Jay-Z, Blue Ivy and her mother Tina Knowles Lawson. From the looks of it, the family spent the day rolling around in the sprinkle pit and posing with giant popsicles.

As usual, Bey and Blue managed to rock #twinning outfits for the day too. The mother daughter duo slayed in chiffon floral Dolce & Gabbana dresses, which People reports sell for a $5,395 price tag, you know, in case you were thinking about copying their look. (I wish.)

My heart. Need I say it? Mother's Day goals.

Follow Caroline on Instagram

Hearing your friends talk about their extravagant study abroad plans or dream internship escapades for the summer can be sort of a bummer if you’re going to be at home. But that doesn’t mean your summer can’t be as exciting as theirs—even if it’s from the comfort of your hometown! We talked to some collegiettes about how they made their summers at home worthwhile so you can too.

1. Get a summer job or internship

The easiest and most economically rewarding way to spend your summer is at a new job. Not only is it a great way to boost your resume, but having a little extra cash is never a bad thing!

“Every summer during high school, I worked at a local grocery store and picked up some valuable cash handling skills,” says Johanna Howard, a junior at Auburn University. “It was only natural that I carry on my summer tradition by working there during at least one of my summers in college as well. It was fun and I got to see a few of my old classmates every now and then!”

This is a great option for collegiettes who don’t have the time to maintain a job during a regular school semester! But if you don't want to get a local job, try seeking out work or an internship in your field of study.

2. Take up a new hobby

This doesn’t mean you have to go out and collect rocks (unless you want to!), but finding a new interest can be a fun way to pass the time.

“My mom is really into photography, so one day during a boring summer, I was sifting through her photos and found myself wanting to take images just as beautiful as hers,” says Nicole Ferguson, a sophomore at the University of North Carolina. “She let me use one of her older model cameras and eventually I took enough photos to start my own photo blog!”

Revisiting an old hobby or passion you developed before leaving for college is another great way to cater to your inner creativity.

Taylour Sanchez, a junior at the University of Delaware, says, “In high school, I was heavily into sewing. Everything from pillows to infant clothing, I could make it. It wasn’t until some unforeseen circumstances happened that prompted me to spend the summer at home that I realized how much I missed sewing.”

While in college, sometimes it's hard to set aside some leisure time for yourself to do things you truly enjoy doing. The summertime gives you the perfect opportunity to do just that. 

3. Become active in your community

Getting some community service experience under your belt isn’t a bad idea, especially in your college years. Not only will it give your stay at home a purpose, but you’ll also be helping someone who’s in need.

“Last summer, I volunteered at my hometown’s food bank about four times a week,” says Gabrielle Brown, a senior at Vanderbilt University. “The coordinator of the program told me that they’re extremely short-staffed during the summers because most people go on vacations, so the fact that I’d decided to come in to help meant the world to her.”

If there aren’t any active service opportunities in your area, starting your own community service program shows you’re willing to go above and beyond to serve!

“I told myself before the summer started that I wasn’t going to waste it on my parents’ couch,” says Jacqueline Harris, a freshman at the University of South Carolina. “In high school, I’d put in a lot of service hours volunteering at my local library. It was a small facility so there weren’t a ton of books or events available for children, and I wanted to change that. By the middle of the summer, I’d done numerous fundraisers to raise enough funds to purchase over 200 books for the kids in my community.”

Related: 5 Nonprofit Organizations You Should Volunteer With This Summer

4. Learn a new skill

Whether it’s rock climbing or playing the piano, you’re never too old to learn something new!

“Over the years I’ve accumulated so many recipe pins on Pinterest, I figured a summer at home would be the perfect time to actually try making some of them,” says Alexis Hayfield, a student at the University of West Georgia. “My diet during the school year consists of ramen noodles and dining hall food, so learning how to make something that’s actually tasty was something I was definitely open to doing.”

While whipping up some yummy treats is right up our alley, another collegiette found a different approach to acquiring a new skill.

“I’m 20 and before last summer I had no idea how to swim!” says Felicity Tilman, a sophomore at the University of Florida. “It was so boring having to sit poolside instead of actually being in the pool with my friends at pool parties, so I took swimming lessons at my hometown’s YMCA. Not only am I no longer a sitting duck at pool parties, but I was able to score a sweet job as a lifeguard on campus!”

Who knows? Maybe your newly learned skill will open up some cool job opportunities for you, too!

5. Take a summer class at a local community college

Just because you’re at home doesn’t necessarily mean you have to spend the summer doing leisure activities. Get ahead by taking one or two courses at your local community college.

“I chose to go back home one summer and take two of the prerequisites for my major at a community college,” says Janice Knight, a junior at Auburn University. “Because one of them was a math course and I’d heard the horror stories of students who’d taken the class on campus, I decided to save myself and my GPA from the torture.”

Not only will it save you a lot of money, but some colleges even offer online classes so you don’t even have to leave the comfort of your room. You could literally go to class in your pajamas and no one would know.

6. Go on a staycation

Similar to a vacation, a staycation can be done without having to leave your state, or even city. The best part about it is that you can literally make up your own schedule in deciding what you want to do. Lauren Dennis, a third year student at Georgia State University, recalls her staycation experience as a remarkable one.

"Living in Atlanta has its perks, and one of those perks is the abundance of local concerts offered throughout the summer. It's pretty easy to find some cheap—or free—tickets, and it's a great way to meet new people," says Lauren. 

If your town doesn't have a huge music scene, exploring different parts of your area that you've never been to before can be just as exciting. 

"Being from a tiny town in Oregon may not seem very exciting at first but I've found a lot of hidden gems just by doing a little research online," says Karlette Vincent, a student at the University of California at San Diego. "A couple of my friends were home for the summer as well, and we went out and discovered a couple of the lakes here. One of them even had a creepy abandoned house in the middle of it, so exploring that definitely made it a summer to remember!"

While the thought of going home for the summer can seem a little less than exciting, these tips from collegiettes who have been in your shoes can make your time away from campus much more bearable!

Planned Parenthood has announced that it will be forced to close four of its 12 clinics in the state of Iowa after the state's Republican governor Terry Branstad signed legislation to defund Planned Parenthood within the state.

Reuters reports that Iowa's new budget changes replace federal Medicaid funding for family planning programs with a state-run program that will not fund organizations that perform abortions. (Despite the fact that, quick reminder, abortion is only 3% of Planned Parenthood's services.)

"What is happening in Iowa is what we could see across the country if Congress passes this dangerous law to defund Planned Parenthood,” Raegan McDonald-Mosley, M.D., chief medical officer at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, in a statement to Glamour. "This is hardest on people who already face barriers to accessing health care - especially people of color, young people, people with low to moderate incomes, and people who live in rural areas."

An estimated 14,600 patients throughout the state used the four clinics (which will be closed on June 30) within the last three years, and many of these patients include rural, poor women. When these clinics close, these patients could lose access to safe, affordable reproductive health care, including pap smears, STI testing and breast exams.

Unfortunately, Iowa could only be an example of what may be to come if the American Health Care Act is signed into law and replaces the Affordable Care Act. The bill includes similar legislation that would defund Planned Parenthood and other clinics that provide abortion at the federal level.

To save us from the havoc being currently wrecked on our brains by all the Trump administration drama, one of Hillary Clinton's former campaign aides recently took to Twitter to share an absolute #TBT gem that *almost* makes us forget about what's currently in the news.

While on the campaign trail last year, Clinton and her team apparently even practiced how she would eventually greet Donald Trump onstage during the debates - and this included how to dodge a hug from the now-president. Luckily for us, Philippe Reines, Clinton's former campaign aide, has video evidence of one of these practice sessions, in which he pretends to be Trump going in for a hug - and what happens is hilarious.

While the footage is shaky and taken from far away, prompting many to think that another staffer was standing in for Clinton, Reines confirmed with a follow-up tweet that it was really her, making the whole thing even funnier.

Reines's tweet is especially relevant considering Clinton isn't the only one who apparently isn't a fan of Trump's hugs as reports are currently surfacing that Trump tried to go in for a hug with former FBI Director James Comey, who was having absolutely not here for it. Meanwhile, I'll just be over here cracking up and watching this video over and over.

Follow Caroline on Instagram

In the age of social media, it is no secret that we are more connected than ever before. All millennials are used to being warned about keeping their social media pages “clean,” but just how should you go about doing so? Luckily, the challenge is not too difficult and we’ve consulted with Jade McDermott, a social media specialist at Bearly Marketing to find out how to clean up all of your social media pages before college:

1. Make sure your pictures say something positive

Believe us, ladies––we know how tempting it can be to post anything and everything on social media. But, a good piece of advice is to make sure every image you post represents something good about you!

Jade believes millennials should shy away from posting anything related to partying, drinking and drug usage, nudity, profanity and excess negativity. "Posting this type of content can create a negative reflection of you and can harm your chances of getting into certain colleges, internships and jobs," she says.

A good rule to live by is that if you have to contemplate posting it, you probably shouldn’t. While we have all done (and taken pictures of) some questionable things in life, posting such things on your Facebook or Instagram is potentially harmful to your future. 

2. Watch your language

This one goes without saying, but it is definitely worth repeating. You never know who’s scrolling through your social media pages these days, so shy away from foul language. Profanity––from racism, to sexism, to homophobia, to explicit language––that you may think is a joke can cause viewers to reconsider the great person you probably are!

Jade warns pre-collegiettes that this kind of language can harm your reputation even if you are a great individual. "You may be an honor student with a good heart, but for those who don't know you personally, all they are gathering as an impression for you is what they see online," she says. "By using profanity, you can appear immature, unpolished and unprofessional." We could not agree more!

3. Balance personal and professional

Social media background checks have gained extreme prominence in the past decade. Seriously, over 45 percent of employers admit checking out their candidates on social media. The way you behave online plays a big factor in how people judge your potential in the classroom (and eventually, the workplace).

But wait, you're safe if you set your profile to private, right? According to Jade, not so much. "Keep in mind that anyone can look at your social media profiles, even if they are set to private," she says. "Many corporations (even small businesses) have access to tools and programs that can easily get around privacy settings." This is definitely beneficial to know.

By keeping your online content and messaging clean and positive, you can share aspects of your personal life without worry.  Jade says, "As long as you refrain from using profanity and posting anything vulgar or too negative, you can easily maintain a professional and personal presence."

Although it may feel otherwise, you really do not need to post all the details of your personal life on the Internet. Trust us––a few years down the road, you will cringe at some of the things you posted! Post the highlights of your life, but leave some of the details to the imagination.

Related: 11 Social Media Updates You Need to Make While Job Hunting

4. Share content that is relevant to your area of study

You may still be undecided about what you want to do in life, but honing in on and exploring your interests is a great way to utilize the Web. It goes without saying, but social media sites like Twitter and LinkedIn are great sources for networking (at any age)! It is never too early to get started on making a name for yourself––especially in fields like communications or business.

Jade is a big supporter of this. "By posting and interacting with content that is relevant to your field of study or work, you are exuding passion, interest and knowledge in that subject," she says. "It is a great way to showcase your professionalism and is great for increasing your online network within your field." Networking is an essential part of making a name for yourself in any industry, and social media is a great tool for doing it!

5. Don’t post about alcohol or drug use

Just don’t do it. Literally. Ever. In no way is this ever a good idea. Obviously, the college lifestyle comes with a lot of temptation (especially in your younger years). However, no matter how tempting it may seem to post a “funny” picture now, the repercussions will absolutely not be worth it later.

In the digital age, you are your own brand. "When you post alcohol and drug usage online, you are essentially harming your image and your brand," Jade says. "By posting photos of you wasted, you are creating a negative image of yourself and the damage is much worse if you are underage." You will probably regret it later, anyway.

Some high schoolers may not think their online image is something to be too worried about, but according to Jade, they should rethink this. "I would explain [to these people] that they are creating a negative image of themselves and although they may not see it as a big deal, employers and colleges DO," she says. "Posting such content can (and often does) prevent you from getting into your dream college and/or your dream job." It is truly not worth the risk.

6. Cut down your “Friends” list

In high school, it was probably cool to be friends with as many people as possible on your social media profiles. However, this will have little benefit in your collegiette life. In fact, it will probably become more of an annoyance than anything else.

Isabel Calkins, a sophomore at New York University, wanted to make sure her online friends were her actual friends. “Before college, I unfriended literally every single person I did not know,” she says. “Then, once that was done I did the same with people I knew but had never talked to, like people in older grades or friends of siblings, etc. It’s not that I was posting inappropriate things but I just wanted a fresh start.”

Jade reminds pre-collegiettes that social media is a powerful tool when it comes to both school and work, so you should monitor who you are connecting with. "By maintaining relationships and connections, you can open doors and create opportunities for yourself and others," she says. "When you have too many friends, your network may be oversaturated and creating these networking opportunities can be more difficult."

20150218202815-computer-girl-home-laptop-macbook-typing-shopping-online.jpeg

What is Jade's biggest piece of advice for social media usage? Remember the two Ps: professionalism and positivity. "Employers and colleges are very particular about who they recruit and associate with them," she says. "At the end of the day, it is simply not worth tainting your image on social media."

We are the digital generation, so our knowledge and use of social media is ever-changing. However, there are definitely steps to shape your online profiles in a way that will benefit you. Before college, clean up those pages––it is never too early to plan for your future!

College is the best. Like, actually the best, and graduating is actually the worst. What was that Dr. Seuss quote again, the one about not crying because it's over? LOL, not for us, thank you very much. We're crying most days, thanks to these thoughts creeping up in our senior heads:

"I can't believe this is my last..."

Last class. Last time at the campus gym. Last dollar slice pizza. Every single thing you do is a last, and it is so sad.

"I'm going to miss all my friends so. MUCH."

You keep hugging everyone to the point of near-suffocation.

"These freshmen don't know how lucky they are!"

So ungrateful.

"These really were the best four years of my life."

"What if it doesn't get any better than this?!"

It's all downhill from here. Probably not, though. Right?

"How will I ever repay my parents?"

The classic "Thanks Mom & Dad" on your grad cap is a good place to start.

"Damn I love this school."

You might also settle for getting married on campus. Or, you know, just visiting from time to time—as a last resort, of course.

"This is my home, ya know?"

Your owl never came, so you had to settle for U of Wherever You Went to School. And now you never want to leave.

"GO TEAM GO"

Every tailgate, you'll be there. Is there a prize for most dedicated alum?

"Is it just me, or is the quad/student union/library just breathtakingly beautiful?"

"MUST TAKE IT ALL IN BEFORE I LEAVE FOREVER"

"I wonder what my single best college memory is."

Girl, don't even go there.

"I can't graduate without completing my bucket list!!"

Going on a real college spring break? Check. That one weird school tradition? Not check! Maybe you should just stay an extra term.

"When I leave, won't it be like I was never even here?"

Haha, who are you kidding? Everyone will just be really sad and miserable all the time without you.

"College was just like I imagined it, but better."

Also like school and meeting people and stuff. That was chill too.

"My days are counted right now."

You since September ^

"My kids are so going to the same school as me."

4a_u_fanzone_tailgate.jpg

Your future fam ^

"I'm not ready to be a grown-up! I need my mommy!!"

This is a legitimate concern, okay?!

"THIS IS SO UNFAIR"

Seriously, what did you do to deserve the impending doom of graduation? You know, apart from study really hard.

"Literally, I am so blessed."

"So like, wasn't freshman orientation, like, 2 weeks ago?"

"But can they really make me leave, though?"

"My life is over."

Everything will work out—pinky promise! And maybe you should listen to Dr. Seuss after all.

President Donald Trump may be less than halfway through his first year in office, but it’s safe to say that many Americans would probably like a reason to start thinking about the 2020 presidential election already. Former Vice President Joe Biden teased his potential presidential run at the end of last year, but now he may have some competition. After discussing the possibility of him running for president in 2020 on The Tonight Show earlier this week, Dwayne Johnson used his Saturday Night Live monologue to fuel the rumor mill even more, Entertainment Weekly reports.

Kicking off his fifth time hosting the show, Johnson said of the presidential speculation, “It’s very flattering, but tonight I want to put this to rest and just say once and for all, I’m in! Starting tonight, I am running for the President of the United States.”

Like with any SNL joke, I was totally willing to go along with this for the remainder of the monologue, but it suddenly became a little tricky to tell whether or not Johnson was joking. When he surprised the audience by announcing Tom Hanks as his running mate and Hanks popped up onstage, I don’t think any of us were certain if this was fantasy or reality.

“When it comes to politics, we need more poise and less noise,” Johnson said. “Americans deserve strong capable leaders, leaders who care about this country and care about its people.” 

Hanks was also quick to cite the two’s credibility, starting with Hanks’ filmography, of course. “I have been in two movies where a plane crashes, and people are still excited to see me on their flight,” he pointed out.

Johnson and Hanks may very well be joking, but tbh, this presidential pairing doesn’t sound too bad. 

We’re still coping with the news that Scandal will end after Season 7 next year, but now we have some answers to why it’s time for Olivia Pope’s story to finish. Show creator and overall TV goddess Shonda Rhimes released a newsletter explaining the decision to end the show, Refinery 29 reports.

“It had begun to occur to us that—warning, warning: swagger alert—shows written by me don’t seem to…end,” Rhimes wrote. “Every show I’ve created has gone more than 100 episodes. People keep watching. The network is happy. And that’s awesome. But what happens if we let all the shows go on and on without end? What if we just hang on so long that people don’t say WHY are you ending, but WHEN? What if we don’t let anyone say WHEN?”

Rhimes assured fans that she’s as loyal to her characters as they are, remarking that the decision to end Scandal meant deciding to challenge herself. Showing just how scary it can be to face these kind of decisions, she also explained her feelings about not being present with her cast when the show’s end was announced at a press event.

“I didn’t have to actually face it…The decision to end a thing I love,” she said according to People. “I was glad I didn’t have to make it real by being there on that stage with my cast…This is a big huge roaring deal in my world. It’s scary to make a change.”

If you aren’t crying yet, hold tight—Rhimes’ newsletter was the first of her letters to promote her new Shondaland.com website, so addressing the community Shonda fans have formed over the years was a must. “Shondaland is not about the shows,” she wrote. “It’s about the community of people who watch the shows. It’s a place to be—more than just on Thursday night. So maybe you will come here on a really bad day and you will discover the most important thing: that you are not alone. Not in Shondaland.”

Scandal may be ending soon, but if there’s anything else this newsletter taught us, it’s that Shonda Rhimes will never abandon her tribe of fans very easily. 

The real world is scary—you don’t need us to remind you. So if you get a job offer, accepting it right off the bat might feel like the only solution. Well, collegiettes, it’s not! There are some situations where you absolutely should not take the first job offer that comes your way. We talked to an expert about the times when it’s better to politely decline.

first-job.jpg

Signs you shouldn’t take the job

1. The employer is rude, sexist or inappropriate

The money might be great, the work might be good enough and the company might be reputed, but if your interviewer or anyone else you interacted with made you feel uncomfortable, taking the job is a bad idea. “If the employer is rude, sexist or inappropriate during an interview, imagine what they’ll be like when you’re a full-time employee!” says Vicki Salemi, a career expert for Monster. “Job seekers may not realize this, so I’m saying it now: You do not have to settle. You deserve better—a world-class employer that does not demonstrate these horrid traits.”

Alaina Leary, a first-year graduate student at Emerson College, didn’t fall into the trap: “I turned down an offer because the interviewers were sexist and demeaning during my interview process,” Alaina says. “The two people interviewing me actually snickered and laughed at some of my answers, assuming I didn't understand the business and technology aspects of the job. I felt I wasn't treated with respect during the entire interview process, and I assumed I wouldn't be treated with respect on the job, so I politely declined.”

Declining a job offer like Alaina did is anything but easy, but it is necessary if the environment you’ll be working in will keep you from thriving.

Related: I Turned Down a Job Offer After a Sexist Interview

2. The company doesn’t align with your values

Even if your interviewer was perfectly nice, the company still might not be the right fit for you. “Explore your potential employer’s values during the interview process so you find out what they stand for sooner rather than later,” Salemi says. “Examine their social media feeds and peruse their website to get a sense of their values as compared to yours. It’s perfectly reasonable to not accept a job offer if the company’s values are not in sync with your own.”

For instance, feminism and social justice play a growing role in many collegiettes’ lives. If the company doesn’t seem like it offers equal opportunities to all employees regardless of gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation, this is a big red flag. But beyond big-picture values like these, there are a lot of other signs that a workplace isn’t right for you. Ask yourself how important the work-life balance is to you, and how important it is in the office, for one thing. Take the time to figure out what you don’t want in an office culture, and avoid that as much as humanly possible.

3. The offer is only attractive because of the money

Of course, your primary concern when looking for a job is to be able to pay for things like food and rent. Otherwise, chances are you would veg out in bed watching Netflix and eating Cheetos from 9 to 5 every day instead. (JK of course, but you get the point.) But if you accept a job solely because of the paycheck, it will be really difficult for you to stay happy and healthy. “Yes, it’s exciting to get a job offer that’s lucrative, but the money won’t be enough to keep up your motivation and morale when you’re working past midnight on a regular basis, you feel like you’re overworked and are getting sick,” Salemi says.

That said, if you need the money right now, there are a few things for you to keep in mind. “Everyone’s financial situation is different, so if you do accept a job offer because of the money, realize that that motivating factor may fade fast,” Salemi adds. “If you have copious student loans to pay off, a high salary may indeed be an attractive reason for you to accept. Sometimes as women we don’t emphasize money enough! The offer itself should be attractive because it has more to offer than just the money, so don’t overlook other factors.” You should also be looking at how bad the commute is, company policies, etc.—this goes for any job offer!

4. You could make more money somewhere else

It’s been drilled into our heads that there are no jobs for millennials (which is not true), so your first instinct when you score a job offer might be to accept blindly. Remember: you do not need to settle! “When you interview with a potential employer, you must remember that they’re not the only company in the world,” Salemi says. “You have a lot to offer an employer and many of them—not just one—would likely be pleased to interview you, let alone work together! And yes, as you begin to interview more, you’ll realize that other employers may offer higher salaries.”

Kaitlin*, a recent graduate of the University of Southern California, was thrilled when she received an offer after months of job searching, but “something didn't feel right; there were a bunch of red flags,” she says. “The offered salary was much less than I was making at my current job. It was also entry-level, but I was already in an entry-level job, so I wanted to move up!”

Basically, you need to find the right balance between making enough money to live relatively comfortably and taking a job you will enjoy. But salary isn’t the only thing you should be looking at: make sure to consider the entire benefit package before accepting any job offer.

5. The job has nothing to do with what you want to pursue

In this case too, you might feel like you should just take any offer that comes your way, but Salemi warns against it. “When it’s in a completely different field than what you’re interested in pursuing, just say ‘no,’” Salemi says. “I’ve seen job seekers accept a job that has nothing to do with what they want to pursue because they were tired of job seeking and just wanted a job already. Years later they wondered how they ended up on their career path and had to take significant steps to redirect themselves from that long detour.” Unless you have a plan for what your next career step might be, just don’t take the job.

Leanne*, a recent graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles, almost accepted a job for a unique reason, which she later realized wasn’t enough to justify taking the offer. “I think it didn't feel right because I got offered the job in this beautiful location,” Leanne says. “I was going solely for the fact that it was an exotic location, even though it wasn't the particular job I wanted and that I would've been accepting it out of fear of not finding anything else right when I got out of college.” Leanne denied the offer and now has the job of her dreams! It really comes down to believing you can accomplish anything—cheesy, but true.

6. Employees seem unhappy

If you accept this offer, you’ll be spending most of your time in that office with the same people every day. So, what if these people look unhappy? “Look around—if the office is still filled with everyone busy at their desks [at 7 p.m.], there’s a definite lack of work-life balance,” Salemi says. “Next, look at their faces—do they look miserable or happy? Probably the former.”

Alaina has had her fair share of doomed interview experiences. “I also interviewed in a place where people seemed unhappy, and I really think people need to look out for that,” she says. “The employees were VERY quiet—the office was dead silent at all times, throughout a large space, and everyone seemed stressed and hyper-focused, as if they had no choice.” Alaina took a temp job at the company, which only confirmed her suspicions. The moral of the story? Trust your instincts!

If employees look stressed, overworked and unhappy, there’s a good chance that they are not being treated fairly and/or don’t enjoy their work. This is not an environment you want to spend most of your time in for the next months, or even years.

When you should take the job

For Salemi, deciding whether or not to accept the offer comes down to instinct. “You’ll know when a job is right for you because it feels like a fit,” she says. “Before interviewing, I suggest writing down your priorities in order of importance. Define what’s most important to you and rank items in terms based on that. Is it salary? Room for growth? Corporate values? Ability to get along with co-workers? The commute? Jot down everything that comes to mind—even if you value getting free lunch every day.”

Once you’ve established what you’re looking for in a company, you’ll have a strong foundation down. “As you’re interviewing and assessing the employer, figure out how they match up to your list of priorities,” Salemi says.

But what if your instinct was wrong? “If you do end up accepting a job offer that you later regret, just know that nothing is permanent,” the expert reminds us. “Revise your resume with your new experiences and start interviewing again. Remember, the right job is out there waiting for you!”

The bottom line? You should (almost) never take a job out of fear that nothing else will come along, because something will! And you deserve only the best, in your career and in life.

*Names have been changed.

Over 100 members of the senior class at the University of Notre Dame chose to walk out of graduation as a stance against commencement speaker Vice President Mike Pence, The Washington Post reports. When Vice President Pence was introduced before his speech, the protesting students rose from their seats and exited Notre Dame Stadium, knowing that they would not be allowed to come back afterwards.

According to USA Today, student activist group WeStaNDFor organized the protest weeks before graduation, even consulting with a Notre Dame police chief on how to leave the stadium in the most respectful way. The group cited its reasons for protesting as Pence’s negative views of gay rights and his opposition to immigration, among other factors. Given the school’s history with protests against government leaders, Notre Dame officials also announced that they would not stop the students unless they were disrupting the commencement. On WeStaNDFor’s website, directions explaining the walkout read, “Walk away from Pence quietly, in confidence, with your head up high, taking your time. Embrace the moment, maybe even hold hands / lock arms with those joining you.”

Pence coming to Notre Dame for graduation marks his return to Indiana, where he was serving as governor before accepting Donald Trump’s offer to be his running mate. In response to his presence, other human rights groups held protests near the Notre Dame campus, chanting, “Love, not hate, makes America great.”

“We are not protesting their choice of a commencement speaker,” protest organizer April Lidinsky told USA Today. “We are unwelcoming Mike Pence back to Indiana with the idea that nobody knows Pence’s record as well as Hoosiers do.”

Regardless of political beliefs, here's hoping that the rest of Notre Dame's graduation weekend finishes peacefully. 

Turns out avocado toast is NOT actually keeping you from owning a home. [MTV]

Getting up before 8 a.m. to stay fit. [Women's Health]

Why we have trouble sleeping in hotel rooms. [Conde Nast Traveler]

How to make friends at work. [Business Insider]

Hairstyles that go from the beach to the bar. [Cosmopolitan]

Notre Dame students walk out of graduation. [BuzzFeed]

Pregnant teen punished by her Christian school for keeping her baby. [The New York Times]

Bachelorette contestants to watch for. [Bustle]

Clothes that photograph best. [Elite Daily]

How Trump loyalists see the chaos. [New York Magazine]

It’s commonly said that in order to get ahead in the workforce, you have to pay your dues and do grunt work to move up the corporate ladder. Is this purely a myth, or is there some truth to this sentiment?

tumblr_l082f8uEYz1qabe2lo1_500.jpg

For recent and soon-to-be college grads looking to take the first job they can find amidst a tumultuous job market, it can feel as though you shouldn’t complain when your entry level job is grueling and consuming of all energy. It might seem like you don’t have the authority to speak up, or that you’re simply in a “rite of passage” phase.

Nevertheless, it’s vital to recognize when your hard work is paying off and when it’s costing you your sanity. 

1. Your health is negatively impacted

It’s 8 p.m. and you’re still at the office. Your eyes are twitching from constant contact with a computer screen, your energy level is plummeting, and your mind is traveling at a million miles a minute. Don’t let this happen!

Sure, you might have a big presentation the next day or be at the end of a sales quarter and you need to stay late every once in a while, but that shouldn’t be a regular occurrence. 

Michaela*, a 2015 graduate working for a performing arts center, reflects on her job affecting her mood, as she says, “It’s so easy to just go into autopilot and work work work without getting the time back, but then as a result you can get extremely overtired. I found on one particular week that I was overly stressed out, very punchy, and got frustrated easily. As a result, my work began to suffer because I was so frustrated and angry.”

She adds, “Honestly, your work will suffer if you continue to work long hours and don’t give yourself proper rest.”

Related: 9 Ways to Stay Healthy at a Desk Job

2. Your work never feels complete

Ever feel like you have too much to do, but not enough hours in the day to do it? This may result from perfectionist tendencies, but you could also have a demanding boss and team who constantly send you requests and make it seem as though each of their projects are the most urgent. This can feel frustrating, and also make it difficult to stay organized.

Alyssa*, a 2014 graduate working in financial services, says, “I think the difference between working hard and being overworked lies in time management and the ability to say no. I work with several advisors, and everyone thinks their own projects should be my highest priority. I do my best to work on what’s most urgent first, but once in a while, I need to let an advisor know that I just don’t have the capacity to finish his or her project by the deadline they need.” 

3. You’re doing it to yourself

Sometimes when people are overworked, the pressure is not coming solely from their bosses, but primarily from the stress they put on themselves.

Perhaps you struggle to accept feedback from your peers when all that you see are flaws in your work. As a result, you might put too much pressure on yourself to succeed and end up creating a work environment that is more toxic than productive. 

Despite this, the act of putting more hours in by your accord is not always a bad thing if it can lead to your growth in a company. Miranda, who graduated in 2015 and works for a marketing firm, says, “[In my first job] I was putting in close to 70 hours a week when I should have been at 40, but I wanted to do good work because I love my career path. I continued to work hard, create excellent work for my clients, didn’t complain, and I ended up getting a salary increase the day I hit six months.”

Regarding any advice she would impart, she suggests to “continue working hard, even if you feel overworked, because once your hard work is noticed, you’ll be rewarded for it.” Keep in mind that it's important to know your own limits; just because a peer is capable of working 70 hours a week without consequences to his or her health doesn't mean that you're able to accomplish the same thing! You shouldn't feel pressured to do something just because someone else is.

4. You’re afraid to delegate

Were you that person in group projects in college who was hesitant to give up control? Perhaps you feel the same way at work.

Typically, managers want to see that their employees are able to work well as a team. While you may think that taking on tasks on your own displays leadership and independence, it’s really doing you more harm than good in the eyes of your superiors.

Just as importantly, you’ll find that you’re spending too much time on one project, when you could be using your time more effectively by dividing responsibilities and allowing yourself to balance other tasks.

5. You’re doing remedial tasks outside of your job description

Is your day mirroring the tasks of the interns who get coffee and work the copy machine, on top of managing your pre-existing responsibilities?

This one is tricky because, as mentioned before, you might find yourself too far down the totem pole to be able to speak out lest you come across as complaining about your role. However, the longer you’re in a job and the more comfortable your boss is with you, the more you may find your original job description becoming longer and longer.

In some ways this can be a good thing, as it might reveal that your boss trusts you and finds you able to take on more responsibilities, which could mean a promotion in the future. Still, you want to make sure that you have enough time to focus on the assignments directly linked to your role.

No employer likes a team member who dislikes taking on tasks outside of their job description and nobody wants to hear, "it's not my job." But if you find yourself doing tasks that should really fall to someone else on your team, that's something that you should bring up to your boss. Try painting it in a more positive light and show your boss that your skills are better used elsewhere.

Every employer wants their employees to be putting out their best work, and work that's beneficial to the company. So if menial tasks are taking away your ability to do what you were hired for, it's important to speak up. 

6. Your personal relationships are suffering

It can be difficult to make your social life a priority when it feels as though your job is your life. When your work impacts your ability to take a break and connect with those close to you, that may signal a problem. It can be frustrating when trying to make plans with friends, only to find that your time is extremely limited and regimented.

Not only can a busy work schedule affect your friendships, but it also limits the free time you have to network and build your list of professional contacts. Christy, a 2014 graduate working in the tech industry, says, “When I first started working, I found myself hyper focused and working so hard that I was neglecting the most important thing of all—socializing.”

She continues, “Looking back on everything, I wouldn’t be where I am right now without the help of these developed relationships. Hard work is a prerequisite to success—however, working too hard can make you lose focus on more important aspects of your career long-term, like networking.”

So how do you limit, or at least monitor, exhaustion from being overworked? Here's our advice:

• Survey the culture at your office. Are your coworkers leaving at six, while you stay later? Are they busier during certain hours of the day, or certain days of the week? While there’s something to be said for arriving earlier and staying later than your peers, forcing yourself to have a work schedule more in line with everyone else will give you a better routine. Keep in mind that certain industries, such as advertising and consulting, are prone to longer hours, but the act of mirroring your coworkers can help you to prioritize assignments during the day. Note that even if your coworkers are staying late, you shouldn't feel pressured to do the same.
• Ask for timelines. Make sure to prioritize assignments based on the authority of the person asking for their completion and the urgency of the project. It’s also okay to respond with, “Can you give me a rough deadline of when you need this by?” or, “Sure, can I get this back to you first thing tomorrow morning?” It's okay to ask for an extension; it's better to be realistic about what is feasible than to have to cram in a project and not submit your best work because you have too much to do. When you have too much on your plate but you're first starting out in your career, it can be hard to say no, so it's important to speak to your manager and make sure that your skills are being used effectively.
• Strive for balance. Even when it seems impossible, it’s important to aim for work-life balance, especially when the stress from work is self-induced. Make sleep more of a priority, so that you feel rejuvenated and less tired at work. Make hobbies and social outings part of your weekly schedule to balance your emotions and have things to look forward to. Something as simple as taking 20 minutes to grab coffee and chat with a friend on the weekend can put you in a more relaxed state and takes your mind off your job. If you actually block off parts of your schedule week to week for "me" time (whether it's going to the gym or hanging out with friends), you will be more prone to doing those activities. If need be, you can even schedule things into your calendar the way you would a deadline or a meeting!

When you’re first starting out in your career, it can feel as though the best way to get ahead is to put in a lot of hard work in order to prove your worth. In some ways, that’s a good thing! Yet when you compromise your health, your enthusiasm for the job and your social life in the process, perhaps it’s time to think about what’s causing your work schedule to be so daunting and take the necessary steps to make your job one that you look forward to each day.

*Names have been changed.

Graduation brings about a variety of different feelings. Some good, some bad—some being straight up grateful. Seriously, graduation can't come soon enough. 

1. You're tired of being broke af.

2. You start to lose the motivation to complete assignments.

3. And you procrastinate for even longer periods of time.

4. To the point at which you start turning things in past the deadline.

5. And even making some of your assignments optional.

6. You're SO over the crazy fees your school always seems to find a way to charge you.

7. Like for books.

8. And the raise in tuition every year.

9. And to breathe.

10. You realize you'll never have to write a paper again.

11. Or pull an all-nighter.

12. Drinking is no longer fun for you.

13. It's actually a necessity in some cases.

14. But your body is somehow becoming less tolerant of your drinking habits.

15. You roll your eyes every time you see a group of prospective freshmen being given a campus tour.

16. The mere thought of graduation has you feeling like.

17. And you're finally ready to use all four (or more) years worth of your education in the real world.

After pushing through finals and saying goodbye to the end of another academic year, summer break is what everyone is looking forward to. It's not just because it's almost three months long and you have the opportunity to sleep all week while still having time to spend the next three weeks or so in Ibiza. No, summer break also means relinquishing any concept of stress or worry that haunted you all year, like these 16 awful responsibilities.

1. DEADLINES 

Forget papers, assignments and applications. They don’t exist anymore!

2. Calculating when to go to bed so you don't die the next day

Why does getting four hours of sleep seem like the norm?

3. Actually having to get dressed

4. Prioritizing anything over your Netflix time

Binge time is sacred. 

5. Trying to make it to class on time

6. Putting at least a little makeup on so it doesn't look like you were rushing to class

7. Managing your weekly coffee budget

Give me all the Starbucks!

8. Responsibly shopping only for what you need online

Say hello to hours treating yourself at the mall.

9. Not lying to your professor about why your homework is late

There's no professor to lie to during ~summer~.

10. Budgeting your grocery money

Who needs a budget when my mom will buy everything for me?

11. Having to settle for dining hall food

Your heart really wanted takeout.

12. Paying for your own Netflix and Hulu

Bless parents that have cable. 

13. Interacting with people on the phone

"Mom, could you call and make my doctor's appointment for me?"

14. Waking up early

15. Doing your laundry

It is a pretty hard job.

16. Exercising

The stairs in your house totally count during summer!

Name: Jamie Chandlee
Job Title: CEO of Rank & Style
College Name/Major: University of Texas at Austin/Public Relations
Website: www.rankandstyle.com
Instagram Handle: @jamiechandlee | @rankandstyle 

What does your current job entail?

Jamie Chandlee: Continuing to scale the business is my #1 priority especially with developing and growing relationships with strategic partners. I really have to get my hands dirty and wear a lot of hats in order to make that objective a reality. Be on the lookout for a redesign and new verticals launching this spring! Exciting times at Rank & Style!

What is the best part about your job?

JC: I love seeing our team work together to challenge and inspire one another on a daily basis. We sometimes have to step outside our comfort zone as we strive to reach new goals. It has been so rewarding to see the company’s growth and watch our ideas coming to life.

What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

JC: My first job out of college was with the Dallas Cowboys in the sales and marketing office. I was persistent and made sure to build strong connections with people in order to get my resume in the hands of decision makers in order to land the job. My passion for working for this organization came across in my cover letter and interviews as well.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

JC: When I worked at Facebook, there was a poster that read, ”What would you do if you weren't afraid?” Those words continue to stick with me. It constantly reminds me to continue to be bold and take risks. With great risk comes great reward, and I try to apply that to both my personal and business decisions everyday.

What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?

JC: When I reflect back on my career thus far, I always ask myself why I didn't become an entrepreneur earlier. It took me a while to realize that I had that bug in me and to believe in myself enough to take the leap of faith into entrepreneurship.

What has been the most surreal moment of your career this far?

JC: Leaving Facebook was really tough for me. My job there had become a part of my identity and to walk away from that was pretty scary. It was something I never thought I would do, but I am forever grateful that it led me to where I am now.

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

JC: Authenticity. Someone who displays his or her true self. This quality always stands out to me when interviewing. I also want to know that they are results-oriented and able to jump right in and start making an impact. Since we operate as a startup, I need people who are extremely flexible and want to have their hands in lots of different parts of the business.

What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

• The more authenticity, the better.
• Be transparent and go for what you desire most.
• Be results oriented.
• Spend time building strong relationships with the people around you, whether you know you’ll be somewhere for a short period of time or a lifetime.

What’s the one thing that’s stood out to you the most in a resume?

JC: A brief description of the applicant and his or her skills such as, “passionate brand storyteller” or “creative social media manager.” That opening helps me identify the theme of your skills and experience and lets the me know who you are as a person. A resume that has specific data points is also always going to be more impactful to the reader because I can see how your work drove results.

I almost jumped. I could’ve. I felt my weight shift in my legs, felt them preparing to spring my body forward. I felt myself hang suspended in the air as if I were weightless, and in just seconds I was falling. And then I was swimming. And I could’ve jumped. I almost did. But my feet were frozen in place, and every muscle in my body refused to move, and I didn’t jump. I climbed down instead.

I almost canceled. I almost lied and said I was sick. It would’ve been so easy—just a simple text, and I could’ve spent my night binging on Vampire Diaries instead of pretending I liked whatever movie was playing at the theatre that week. Just a simple text, and I wouldn’t have had to ignore your strategically placed hand next to mine. I almost cancelled. But I already bailed once, and you were sweet and funny, and I didn’t cancel. I fell in love with you instead.

It’s a double-edged sword, really. Because why do we almost do or not do something? Because what if I get hurt? What if the water is too cold? What if I land the wrong way? What if there are rocks hidden below the surface? But what if it’s my new favorite movie? What if I let him kiss me? What if I’m the one with the strategically placed hand? What if we fall in love?

There’s no promise that everything is going to work out. But there’s no guarantee that it won’t either. Because what if I jump and it feels like I’m flying? What if I cancel and miss my shot at love? Life isn’t about the in-betweens, the almost dids, the almost didn’ts. People don’t reminisce about the time they almost did an exchange to Switzerland in high school. Lives aren’t changed because someone almost asked the pretty girl to dance but was too shy.

It’s a never-ending battle. I can’t reasonably believe that I’m going to say yes to every opportunity I am presented with. But what if I say no to the one that could change everything? What if I cancel on the love of my life? What if I miss the chance at my dream life because of “what ifs” and “almosts”?