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HC Wake-Up Call: Facebook Asks for Nudes to Stop Revenge Porn, Puerto Rico Has Major Power Outage & the Invention of Queso Pong

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Good morning Her Campus! With a break-neck news cycle, there is no possible way for you to stay on top of every story that comes across your feeds—we’re all only human, after all.

But, life comes at you fast. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this quick and dirty guide to stories you might’ve been sleeping on (like, literally. It’s early.)

Facebook Seeks to End Revenge Porn

To combat revenge porn, Facebook has asked Australians users to send their nude photos through the site's Messenger app to themselves. According to CNN, the spreading of such intimate photos is an epidemic in Australia, and one in five girls Australians between the ages of 16 and 49 are affected. With users sending in their personal photos, Facebook hopes this will help develop a pilot program believed to put a stop to revenge porn. If someone feels that he or she is the victim of the act, they can notify the eSafety commission and then send their photos to themselves on Facebook Messenger. The site will then register and block the photos from being posted. Although Facebook runs the risk of receiving nudes from people who aren' not in danger, this is definitely a concept to keep an eye on.

Millions of Puerto Ricans Lost Power Again

BuzzFeed News reports that more than 80 percent of Puerto Ricans lost power again due to a major power line failure on Thursday morning. The line was originally restored by the Montana company Whitefish Energy, but it failed a second time due to a  general mechanical issue. San Juan was among the areas affected, but as of Thursday night, power is gradually restoring to the area. Only about 18 percent of Puerto Rico currently has power in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.

You'll Want to Introduce Queso Pong at Your Next Party

Following the long search for the next best pong game, Mexican fast food chain Del Taco has debuted possibly the greatest idea ever. The restaurant recently shared a photo of queso replacing beer in cups and tortilla chips serving as ping-pong balls. When it became clear that they had a winning idea on their hands, the staff even released a Queso Pong pack with a rule sheet, cups and plenty of queso and chips. If you happen to be a UCLA student, head down to Del Taco's Santa Monica Blvd. location tonight, Nov. 10, at 8 to snag this limited edition item. Worst case scenario: you make your own pack and make a great night of it. 

What to look out for...

Today's the day you've probably waited for with trepidation, whether or not you call yourself a Swiftie. Taylor Swift's album Reputation finally drops today, and it's safe to say that the verdict is still out on her new musical style and branding. Let's see how this one goes!

 


A Teacher Was Suspended After A Video Surfaced Of A Muslim Student's Hijab Being Pulled Off

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A SnapChat video of someone removing a student’s hijab and exposing her hair to the class while she tried to hide her face made the rounds on social media this week, reports News 4 in Tennessee. 

In the video, other students can be seen playing with the girl’s hair as she tries to cover herself again. The initial video was recorded in a classroom in the New Vision Academy Charter School in Nashville, and it was posted with the caption, “pretty hair.” A second video was also posted from the same classroom with the caption, “lol all that hair cover up.”

After seeing it on social media, reportedly posted from the teacher’s own SnapChat, a viewer sent the video to News 4. The viewer was reportedly concerned and upset that the girl had seemingly been told her hair was too pretty to be covered by a hijab.

News 4 then showed the video to Kasar Abdulla, the chief diversity, equality and inclusion officer for Valor Collegiate Academies. She offers Muslim sensitivity and diversity training in local schools and shook her head while watching the video. 

"As a female, and as a mother of three daughters, it should never be okay to rip off an article of clothing off of a female, period," Abdulla said.

Unfortunately, Muslim students being discriminated against and bullied in schools is not a new or uncommon thing and there are reportedly upticks in bullying incidents after any terrorist attacks in the world. In late 2015, following the Paris and San Bernardino attacks and during President Trump's campaign, the nonprofit group Crisis Text Line said that the number of students contacting their confidential help line feeling scared or upset because they were being bullied for identifying as Muslim increased 6.6 times the prior average.

Tuesday afternoon, News 4 met with the principal of the school, Dr. Tim Malone. After doing some investigating off-camera, he initially said the teacher flat-out denied making a video and said that exposing the girl’s hair was not intended to be disrespectful.

That statement didn’t sit well with the girl’s family, who got involved in the debate by Tuesday night. The video upset the student’s mother and sister, who told News 4, “This should never happen.”

As of Wednesday, the teacher has been suspended without pay and the school put out a statement apologizing for the incident and promising to “be better” in the future in regards to issues concerning cultural sensitivity.

Her Campus has reached out for comment from New Vision Academy Charter School.

University of Michigan Fraternity Events Are Suspended While They Address Sexual Assault & Hazing Allegations

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The student-run Intrafraternity Council at the University of Michigan has suspended all Greek Life social functions, reports the Detroit Free Press, as it begins dealing with multiple sexual assault allegations, wild parties and hazing incidents.The decision was made at a Thursday meeting of the IFC, which included several presidents of U-M fraternities.

Michigan Daily, the student newspaper, attended the meeting and was the first to report on the ban.

“The allegations include: claims of sexual misconduct cases involving fraternity brothers, six incidents of reported hazing, more than 30 hospital transports for students during the weekend of the football game against Michigan State as well as seven called during Halloween weekend, an unauthorized 'Champagne and Shackles' event — in which dates at a party are handcuffed to one another until the two people finish a full bottle of champagne — which transpired this past weekend, multiple allegations of drugging members in undisclosed fraternity chapters and three specific hazing allegations reported this week where fraternity members were put in alleged near-death situations,"the Daily reported.

IFC confirmed the move Thursday night and Executive Vice President Alec Mayhan said in a statement that social events are a privilege that the Greek community does not deserve at this time, and that they are working on a plan to start changing fraternity policies.

University of Michigan fraternities have been in hot water before. In 2015, after reports of wild fraternity parties surfaced, President Mark Schlissel asked Greek life to look at reforming itself. He acknowledged the benefit of Greek Life as a community, but asked them to “moderate” their risky behavior for the sake of the future of their community.

They are also not the only Greek Life community facing backlash this week. Earlier in the week, Florida State University’s president banned all fraternities and sororities from their campus after a student died at a house party last Friday. 

10 Easter Eggs From Grey's Anatomy's 300th Episode

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This week’s episode of Grey’s Anatomy, "Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story," marks 300 episodes of the beloved, long-running series. Some days it feels like there was never a day when Grey’s didn’t exist, and others it feels like we’re still right there in the beginning of it all. This week’s milestone episode, packed with Easter eggs, brought us back to the Grey’s of yore, and it's never felt more like Season 1 since, well, Season 1. So, I present to you, the 10 Easter eggs that I picked up on. If I missed something, please let me know because I NEED to KNOW. Until then, please enjoy this transportation back to yesteryears.

1. The long forgotten back hallway

The new interns were slumped on the hospital beds and gurneys kept in the basement hallway that our magic five used to spend endless amounts of time at (and the hallway that we haven’t seen in so long I was afraid they may have destroyed the set!). The newbies were complaining of exhaustion, how they want to die, and how it’d been two weeks and they still didn’t know their way around. When they were called to an incoming trauma, one was left behind, fast asleep. I might be wrong, but I’m like 90 percent sure that happened to Alex once upon a time.

2. The missing members of MAGIC

Three of the main patients of the episode greatly resembled George, Cristina and Izzie. And if their looks weren’t enough, their names were Greg, Cleo and Liza. Are you kidding me?!?! And if THAT wasn’t enough, they were second-year residents at Seattle Pres, and Cleo lost her damn mind when she realized who Meredith, Jackson and Catherine were.

3. "Cosy in the Rocket"

Those nostalgic slaps in the face also came within the opening scenes of the show because then, with an even bigger slap across the face, they played a snippet of the original theme song that ceased to play after the early seasons as well as a clip from the original opening credits.

4. "They"

Next came the first #tbt song that I caught: Jem’s "They," which first played in the pilot episode, when Meredith was lost with Katie Bryce and Izzie was stuck doing rectal exams. This time around, Meredith was a little lost in the decision of going to the Harper Averys or staying to treat their trauma patients. Seeing as she is afraid of flying, and first and foremost a surgeon, I don’t think there was much of a question as to whether she was going to stay or not.

5. Derek's untimely, avoidable demise

The other starring patient of the episode was a man that had been injured while shielding children from the loose rollercoaster car that caused the episode’s chaos in the first place. He was unable to speak, despite clearly understanding what the doctors were saying, and Amelia was insistent that he needed a head CT. Owen took him directly to surgery to repair other traumatic injuries. Um, Owen, did you forget that that's HOW DEREK DIED??? Amelia sure didn’t, as she brought in a portable CT and found an expanding brain bleed.

6. Illicit hookups

It’s been a while since somebody had sex where they weren’t supposed to—we’re pretty far past the days of on-call hookups. This time? The skills lab—with no lock on the door! Damn it, DeLuca.  

7. "Keep Breathing"

The other #tbt song I caught was a cover of "Keep Breathing"by Ingrid Michaelson, the original of which played in the Season 3 finale when Cristina realized that Burke was gone for good. This time? Zola was talking to Maggie about how much she missed Derek, and Maggie let her know how much she missed her mother. You’d think Derek would be the thing that really got me, but then Liza (fake Izzie) got to hold her baby for the first time, and Alex of all people started crying. Don’t forget he fertilized Izzie’s eggs when she had to get them harvested. My poor bby.

8. All the friends we lost along the way

Meredith won the Harper Avery, and Jackson, accepting on her behalf, listed off everyone that she’s lost as a testament to her strength. Her little sister Lexie, Derek—who he said knew that Meredith would be there winning that award someday—and her mother Ellis, who had won the award twice on her own. Meredith was watching this live from the room where she had just finished surgery, and all of her colleagues were there clapping for her. When she looked up at the observation booth, Ellis was standing behind Maggie and Zola, clapping for Meredith with the proudest look on her face.

Thanks, Satan.  

9. An unconventional but cute AF family

Sofia came home to live with Arizona, but was missing Callie. After Arizona comforted her, the camera zoomed in on a framed picture of Mark, Arizona and Callie holding a tiny baby Sofia. Earlier in the ep, Arizona did a pretty fantastic impression of Mark. I didn’t think it would get sadder, but I should have known.

Can you not? I can’t handle any more of this.

10. The long forgotten back hallway, again

Back in the basement hallway, where the interns were going through all of the bad things they “almost” did, Meredith and Alex arrived to kick them out and reclaim their space. They celebrated Meredith’s win, with Cristina dialing in.  

And so, for one episode, MAGIC was back together, even though it was largely through our memories, and things felt right in the Grey's'verse.

After Tragic Shooting, The Church In Sutherland Springs Will Be Demolished

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Following the mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, that left more than 20 dead when Air Force serviceman opened fire during a Sunday service, the church where the tragic event took place will be demolished, Pastor Frank Pomeroy told CBS News.

Roger Oldham, a spokesperson for Pomeroy told CBS that the community is considering creating a memorial garden to replace the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs and that they would rebuild the church. Particularly as Pomeroy's 14-year-old daughter was among the victims, Oldham said that the old building is still "too stark of a reminder" of the tragedy. 

Oldham told USA Today that First Baptist had about 100 members before the attack that killed 26 and left 20 injured.

A fellow church goer, Charlene Uhl, whose 16-year-old daughter was also a victim, also told CBS that she agrees with the pastor and said "there should still be church but not here."

Demolishing past painful sites of mass shooting is not uncommon. Sandy Hook Elementary School, the school where over 20 children and six adults were killed in 2012 by a mass shooter, was also torn down in January of 2014, as MSNBC notes.

While the motive for the shooting is still unclear, CBS reports that gunman Devin Kelley is speculated to have chosen the church because he knew his wife's family attended service there. 

For those still looking to donate to the victims of the shooting, the church is reportedly still accepting financial donations through their website

Nutella Fans Are Raging Over A Recipe Change & I'm Not Mad, I'm Just Disappointed

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Nutella fans, you're not going to like this, but I'll just go ahead and say it anyway— the brand is changing its recipe. (And no one is happy about it.)

CNN Money reports that Nutella took to its German Facebook page on Tuesday to say that the brand was "fine-tuning" its recipe, or basically a euphemistic way to say that more powdered milk has been added, increasing the spread's total sugar content. The receipts can also be found on Nutella's U.S. Twitter page, and as you can probably imagine, Twitter fans had something to say about it. 

One Twitter user replied to an article posted on Twitter from Extra Crispy, informing readers of the change. The user wrote, "BOOOOOO how can quality not be compromised when ur increasing powder milk and sugar content. @NutellaUSA #disappointed Kroger’s version has less sugar!" to which Nutella responded, "our recipe underwent a fine-tuning and continues to deliver the Nutella fans know and love with high quality ingredients." 

"#Nutella is sweet enough. Why on earth change something that no one has a problem with?" wrote another Twitter user

While many took to Twitter to express their complaints on the recipe change, some users completely dragged the brand and questioned their motives behind the change. 

Well, the fans have spoken, Nutella, and I'm not mad; I'm just disappointed. I was rooting for you, Nutella. WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU. 

More Than 600,000 People Signed Up For Obamacare Last Week, Despite Trump's Claims It Was 'Imploding'

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Although President Donald Trump's feelings about Obamacare are painfully clear, the numbers just don't lie. The New York Times reports that last week, in the first week of open enrollment for the Affordable Care Act, more than 600,000 people signed up for health care under the Act—absolutely trumping the numbers from previous years. 

"Obamacare is finished," said Trump at a cabinet meeting last month, according to the Times. "It's dead. It's gone. It's no longer—you shouldn't even mention. It's gone. There is no such thing as Obamacare anymore." 

Despite Trump's strong assertions about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and his repeated attempts to undermine Obamacare over the past month, a report on the first four days of open enrollment shows that 601,462 people chose health plans in the federal marketplace HealthCare.gov on Thursday, according to the Trump administration. Sign-ups averaged at more than 150,000 a day last week, more than doubling the first week of average sign-ups in previous years. In the first week of open enrollment in November 2014, sign-ups averaged at only 66,000 a day, while the average raised to 77,600 sign-ups a day in the first week of November 2015, according to the Times. Last fall, the Obama administration reported data every other week, and the first report showed an average of 84,000 sign-ups a day. 

It's almost as if Trump's persistence in undermining Obamacare put the nail in his own coffin, not Obamacare's.

"There's a strong need among families in Utah for health insurance," Matthew Slonaker, the executive director of the Utah Health Policy Project, said. "There's been a threat to take away that option. People respond to threats. Perhaps there's no such thing as bad publicity. All the talk about health care in the year since the election has been good advertising for the Affordable Care Act." 

Another huge component that has been closely monitored is the number of new customers signing up for health insurance, as it's used as an indicator of public interest in the marketplace, according to the Times. The number of new customers selecting health plans averaged 34,300 sign-ups a day last week, compared to 26,400 in the first week in 2015 and 20,500 last fall. Overall, 137,322 of the 601,462 consumers who signed up last week were new to the marketplace. 

Sorry (not sorry), Trump, but actions speak volumes, and the number of people signing up for Obamacare this year is absolutely deafening. 

The Church In Sutherland Springs Will Be Demolished After Tragic Shooting

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Following the mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, that left more than 20 dead when Air Force serviceman opened fire during a Sunday service, the church where the tragic event took place will be demolished, Pastor Frank Pomeroy told CBS News.

Roger Oldham, a spokesperson for Pomeroy told CBS that the community is considering creating a memorial garden to replace the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs and that they would rebuild the church. Particularly as Pomeroy's 14-year-old daughter was among the victims, Oldham said that the old building is still "too stark of a reminder" of the tragedy. 

Oldham told USA Today that First Baptist had about 100 members before the attack that killed 26 and left 20 injured.

A fellow church goer, Charlene Uhl, whose 16-year-old daughter was also a victim, also told CBS that she agrees with the pastor and said "there should still be church but not here."

Demolishing past painful sites of mass shooting is not uncommon. Sandy Hook Elementary School, the school where over 20 children and six adults were killed in 2012 by a mass shooter, was also torn down in January of 2014, as MSNBC notes.

While the motive for the shooting is still unclear, CBS reports that gunman Devin Kelley is speculated to have chosen the church because he knew his wife's family attended service there. 

For those still looking to donate to the victims of the shooting, the church is reportedly still accepting financial donations through their website


7 Revelations From Taylor Swift's New Album 'Reputation'

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Reputation just came out, and HOLY MOLY, Taylor Swift is dishing about everything. Like, everything. Old love, new love. Old drama, new drama. Old Taylor, new Taylor. Here's what we've learned.

1. Kanye doesn't get the last laugh

It doesn't look like forgiving and forgetting is on Taylor's agenda this year, because lord almighty, she seems to be throwing shade left and right at Kanye West (and Kim, too) on this album. A cursory listen to "Look What You Made Me Do" will have you believing it's an attack on the Kimye "Famous" drama from 2016, but throughout the album Tay seems to continue bringing it up. 

In "I Did Something Bad," she sings, "I never trust a narcissist, but they love me / So I play 'em like a violin, and I make it look oh so easy / ’Cause for every lie I tell them, they tell me three / This is how the world works / Now all he thinks about is me."

Who is potentially the biggest narcissist in the biz? Kanye. She also sings, "If a man talks shit, then I owe him nothing / I don't regret it one bit, 'cause he had it coming." Obviously she doesn't feel that bad about how she's dealt with the Kanye situation. And Taylor Swift cussing? Wow, I love the new Taylor. 

2. She and Joe Alwyn are serious…

In the already dropped singles "...Ready for It?," "Gorgeous" and "Call it What You Want," Taylor gushed about her low-profile boyfriend Joe Alwyn, and the rest of the album continues to reveal just how serious their relationship is. In "End Game," Swift talks about looking past someone's reputation. "Ah and you heard about me, oh I got some big enemies / Big reputation, big reputation, oh you and me would be a big conversation / Ah and I heard about you, oh you like the bad ones too." She then sings, "I wanna be your end game."

In "Delicate," she sings, “My reputation’s never been worse, so you must like me for me,” showing that Joe was there for her even with all of the BS surrounding her life. Sounds like this relationship could be the real deal for Taylor. And the list goes on: "King Of My Heart," "Don't Blame Me," "So it Goes," etc. all go on and on about her current blissful relationship. In fact, nearly every song mentions Joe at some point, imo. It's all very sweet, and if Taylor's happy, I'm happy for her. 

3. …and steamy

On several tracks Taylor shows her sexy side, which on past albums has been a little less prominent. It seems like her relationship with Joe is going well in multiple departments. In "Dress," she literally says, "I don't want you like a best friend / Only bought this dress so you could take it off, take it off." Granted, this could be about past casual flings, but the bridge lyrics—"Even in my worst lies, you saw the truth in me"—suggest these steamy moments are happening with someone special.

In "Delicate," Taylor continues sharing intimate details: "Do the girls back home touch you like I do? / Long night, with your hands up in my hair." Sounds like her love life is solid on all fronts. 

4. Tom Hiddleston might've just been a rebound

"Getaway Car" talks about a whirlwind romance that fizzled out, which everyone thinks must be about Tom Hiddleston. The whole song is basically about how she was just using someone, probably Tom, as a way to break up with someone else, probably Calvin Harris. "I wanted to leave him / I needed a reason." Seems pretty clear. "He was the great escape, the prison break." Also pretty clear. Apparently Taylor knew what she was doing because she sings, "No, nothing good starts in a getaway car." Poor Tom, but honestly this adds some much needed context to Hiddleswift. 

5. Taylor isn't letting Calvin Harris off the hook quite yet

While Calvin doesn't seem to take up very much time on the album, a couple subtle digs did make their way onto some tracks. In "I Did Something Bad", she sings, "I can feel the flames on my skin / He says, 'Don't throw away a good thing' / But if he drops my name, then I owe him nothin' / And if he spends my change, then he had it comin." Fans think this references when Calvin hid Taylor's involvement on "This Is What You Came For," which she wrote under the pseudonym Nils Sjoberg. Looks like Taylor's a little peeved that Calvin took credit ("he drops my name") and the earnings he made from her song ("he spends my change").

In "King of My Heart," she also disses her ex when she sings, "All the boys in their expensive cars with their Range Rovers and their Jaguars / Never took me quite where you do." Calvin drove a Range Rover (and Tom drove a Jaguar). Coincidence? No way. 

6. Taylor's cleaning out her social circle

"This Is Why We Can't Have Nice Things" spills the tea on why Taylor's taken a social hiatus this past year. At the height of her popularity after 1989, Taylor was famous for her "squad" and known to throw incredible parties and go on fantastic trips with them, which she sings about: "It was so nice throwing big parties / Jumping in the pool from the balcony / Everyone swimming in a champagne sea / And there are no rules when you show up here / Bass beat rattling the chandelier / Feeling so Gatsby for that whole year." 

But then Taylor shares why she's took a break from that life and points a finger at someone specific, or maybe multiple people, who she's dropped from her life. Some speculate it could be Kanye, since they were pretty friendly for a while there and the lyrics "And there in lies the issue / Friends don’t try to trick you, get you on the phone and mind-twist you" probably refer to that now-infamous recorded phone convo about "Famous." It could also be about the general thinning out of her inner circle over the past year because she seems to be talking about people who she trusted who turned their backs on her. Some say Karlie Kloss, since she didn't make the cut on Taylor's "LWYMMD" video T-shirt, but who knows. 

Whoever it's about Taylor's not one for forgiving right now. After the lyric "Here's to forgiveness," she lets out a hilarious cackle and says, "I can't even say it with a straight face." Petty af, but I kind of love it. 

7. She's ready for this new chapter…with Joe, of course

In the slow and sweet "New Year's Day," Taylor talks about what happens when the party's over, which a lot of fans think is Taylor talking about her calmer life now after the whirlwind of 1989, public relationship with Calvin Harris, Kanye drama, etc. "There's glitter on the floor after the party" probably references the aftermath of those hectic years of popularity. But when she sings, "Hold on to the memories, they will hold on to you," she recognizes her past as a part of her—a part she's ready to move on from.

She also seems to again be talking about Joe and their low-key life together. The chorus lyrics, "But I'll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year's Day," could be about their fresh start together and how he's been the one there for her even after her life slowed down this past year. I'm not crying, you're crying. 

And with that, I'll be in a Reputation rabbit hole for the next week. 

7 Reasons You Should Snag That Startup Job

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

1. Opportunities for experience

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

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

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

2. More meaningful responsibilities

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

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

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

3. Passionate people

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

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

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

4. Thrifty Thinking

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

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

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

5. Jack of all trades

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

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

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

6. Your opinions matter

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

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

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

7. Sharing in the success

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

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

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

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

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

*Name has been changed. 

3 Reasons Women Should Be in Your Thoughts This Veteran's Day

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Veteran’s Day is a public holiday celebrated each years to honor all those who served in the United States Armed Forces. It’s a time to show your respect and recognize all the people that served for our country. In honor of that, here are three reasons why you should keep women veterans in your thoughts today.

1. Women have fought for this country as long as men. 

Yes, women were barred from combat until recently, but that doesn't mean  women didn't find other ways to serve.

There are anecdotes of women so passionate for this country that they dressed as men just to enlist. The establishment of the Army Nurse Corps in the early 1900s also gave women an active, front line role in all military actions. 

2. Women and men are equally fit to serve. 

It has long been said that biologically women aren’t as capable as men in strength or stamina. This excuse was used for decades to turn women away from fighting. However, the 1994 Defense Women’s Health Research Program proved this wrong. The study found that women’s survival in extreme heat or cold, their response to stress, and their ability to tolerate different gravity forces all equaled men’s. More recently in 2015, an Army study decided that there was no reason to exclude women from any military position as long as they met the physical requirements.

3. Homelessness affects women veterans too. 

The stereotype of a white, male veteran experiencing homelessness has long perpetrated the media and clouded our perceptions.

In fact, a nationwide survey found that 40 percent of women veterans have experienced homelessness. There was even a report from the Disabled American Veterans charity group that found that female veterans are the fastest growing section of homeless veterans. 

On this Veteran’s Day, be sure to thank all the veterans in your life and give a special nod to women.

(Photo Credits: Cover)

A Woman Plead Guilty To Incest After Marrying Her Own Mother (Years After the Mother Divorced Her Biological Son)

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Misty Spann, an Oklahoma woman, pleaded guilty to committing incest after marrying her biological mom, the New York Post reports.

The pair reconnected after the mother, Patricia Ann Spann, lost custody of her children.

The marriage license shows that Misty and Patricia Ann's wedding was in March 2016, though they thought it wouldn't count since Patricia Ann was no longer listed as Misty’s mother on her birth certificate. This was brought to the attention of authorities during a child welfare check, according to the Associated Press

As if one incestuous marriage wasn’t enough, this union came nine years after Patricia Ann’s 2008 marriage to her biological son. The marriage to her son was soon annulled in 2010 because the son said also plead guilty to committing incest. 

Misty was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Patricia Ann was also charged, but isn’t scheduled to appear in court until January.

Olympic Gold Medalist Aly Raisman Said She Was Sexually Abused By Her Doctor & That U.S. Gymnastics Didn't Do Enough To Protect Young Athletes

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Aly Raisman, a six-time Olympic medalist and former member of the U.S. Gymnastics team, said that Dr. Larry Nassar,sexually abused her. According to ESPN News, Dr. Nassar worked as a trainer and doctor for nearly 30 years with the U.S.A. gymnastics team, and he treated Raisman at four different Olympics games.

In a 60 Minutes interview, Aly Raisman told CBS News that Dr. Nassar had first treated her when she was fifteen years old. More than one hundred and thirty women have come forward with similar sexual harassment allegations in the past month.

McKayla Maroney, another member of the USA Gymnastics team, publicly disclosed that Dr.  Nassar began sexually harassing her at age thirteen. Jamie Dantzer, another famous gymnast, has come forward with similar sexual misconduct claims.

Since so many females athletes are afraid to speak up against Nassar, Raisman is calling for major changes in the USA Olympics. She called him a “monster” and blamed the USA Gymnastics for not stopping him.

USA Gymnastics has released a statement saying it will implement major changes to its sexual misconduct policy. These policy changes include mandatory reporting, expanded definitions for sexual misconduct, and harsher standards for inappropriate behavior.

"USA Gymnastics is very sorry that any athlete has been harmed…" the statement reads, "…we want to work with Aly and all interested athletes to keep athletes safe."

Dr. Nassar is currently serving jail time in Michigan, and is facing 22 counts of first degree sexual misconduct. He has been found guilty of possessing child pornography, and has pled innocence to all of the sexual assault charges. Matt Newburg, his lawyer, has not released any public comments about the case.

Luckily, the USA Olympics is changing its policies because of all the sexual harassment claims. The organization has acknowledged an important truth: No young female athlete should feel unsafe in competitive sports. 

I Tried Rinsing My Hair With Coca-Cola & Hmm

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As a follower of (read: slave to) beauty bloggers and everyday hacks, I have been attempting to perfect the beachy wave look for longer than I would like to admit. After trying many products like Bumble and Bumble’s Surf Spray and TRESemmé's Perfectly (Un)Done collection, I was just about ready to pick up my flatiron and give up on my perfectly-tousled dreams…that is, until I got wind of model/actress Suki Waterhouse’s go-to tip.

Waterhouse, known for her perfect blonde tresses and enviable ex-boyfriend—she recently split from Bradley Cooper, for those of you who are new here—spilled in an interview that her beachy waves don’t come naturally. The model said she swaps shampoo for Coca-Cola and swears it gives her the perfect amount of volume and texture…think: the morning after. 

Being that the Coca-Cola rinse is a new trendy beauty hack, I just had to try for myself, no matter how strange it may have seemed. When I told my friends of my plans by asking them to help me pour bottles of Coca-Cola onto my hair, to say they were confused would be an understatement. Some were concerned about the natural oils in my hair, asking things like, “Have you seen what soda does to your teeth?” and “Why would you put it in your hair? It can strip rust off of metal surfaces!” Others were as intrigued as I was, wondering if it really could be possible to achieve Suki Waterhouse status hair with just a few bottles of soda. Eventually, though, once my friends all saw that hoards of other bloggers have experimented with this hack without having their hair fall out, everyone was excited to see what would happen. 

Disclaimer: My natural hair is relatively flat and straight, depending on the day. This is my hair after showering at night and going to bed with it wet. 

To really test the effectiveness of the Coca-Cola rinse, I did it on two different occasions. The first time I did it, I stood in the shower and had my roommate soak my hair with the soda. I let it dry for five to ten minutes, then got back in the shower and rinsed it all out (then scrubbed all of the soda off of my body). It was a pretty messy experience, but once it was rinsed out, the smell of the soda was gone. I let my hair air-dry and slept on it overnight. When I woke up, it felt much more voluminous, from root to tip. It was surprisingly soft and required no other product. 

I felt good about the way the rinse worked but thought that I might have rinsed it out too soon. My hair wasn’t dramatically different looking, so the second time around I changed a few things up. I took two 16oz. bottles of Coca-Cola and put my head in the sink. I carefully poured the soda into my hair, making sure it wasn’t just running over my hair and straight down the drain. Once every strand was soaked, I put it in a bun and let it sit for thirty minutes. 

It was decently sticky, but I knew this time it would work much better. It was already looking bigger and curlier, so I had high hopes. I rinsed it in the sink, then took a shower without getting it wet. I went to bed with it only partially dry and woke up pleasantly surprised. My hair was much more tousled than the first time I did the rinse and had a lot more texture to work with. It was not as soft as it was the first time, but I think the grit of it is what holds in the texture so well. 

Overall, I was much happier with the rinse the second time around. It definitely was much wavier than the first time, and really felt like it had texture. I would absolutely do the rinse again to get tousled hair this way instead of wasting any more money on expensive products. Suki Waterhouse may have a whole hair and makeup team working for her, but this trick is easy enough for anyone to add to their own beauty regimen. Maybe I'll even get a call from Bradley Cooper next time I do it...*sigh* a girl can dream. 

Louis C.K. Has Admitted to Allegations of Sexual Misconduct Against 5 Women

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Following allegations brought forward by five different women in a New York Times article that said that Louis C.K. masturbated in front of them or during phone conversations, C.K. has released a statement admitting that the allegations are true.

"These stories are true," C.K.'s statement begins. "At the time, I said to myself that what I did was okay because I never showed a woman my dick without asking first, which is also true. But what I learned later in life, too late, is that when you have power over another person, asking them to look at your dick isn’t a question. It’s a predicament for them. The power I had over these women is that they admired me. And I wielded that power irresponsibly."

C.K. goes on to admit that he took advantage of the fact that the women looked up to and admired him, which prevented them from sharing their stories with the comedy community "because people who look up to me didn't want to hear it."

"There is nothing about this that I forgive myself for," C.K. says. "And I have to reconcile it with who I am.  Which is nothing compared to the task I left them with."

C.K. closes the statement by apologizing to his family, as well as those who have been forced to defend him and his actions.

The comedian is one of several powerful men in Hollywood — including Harvey Weinstein, Ed Westwick and Kevin Spacey — that have had sexual harassment or assault allegations brought against them in recent weeks. As in many other cases, the (rightful) damage to his career has happened quickly. According toVariety, Netflix has already announced that it nixed plans for a comedy special with C.K. and HBO has said it will be removing all of C.K.'s content from its streaming platform. 


6 Dating Tips for Shy Girls

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Hollywood makes it seem so effortless for people to find love. But, reality check: Dating isn’t always easy, especially for quiet women. Shy people can’t always walk up to someone and strike up a conversation. Oftentimes, our shyness gives off the vibe that we’re stuck up or full of ourselves. Many of us have to muddle our way through the ordeal of dates with overwhelming people that don’t give us time to open up, until we finally, *sigh*, just give up on love. But no longer! Shy women of the world, unite! Here are six dating tips that might just change the game.

1. Watch TV and movies together

A recent study showed that watching Netflix with bae is actually good for your relationship. The study concluded that when you watch TV and movies or read books, you think about what's going on in the story and form opinions, which allows you to have a great conversation (or maybe argument!) with whoever you’re with. These shared discussions help bring you closer. “When you like the same stories, shows and characters, you have a lot to talk about! It feels like an immediate connection,” says Nathalie, a senior at SUNY Old Westbury, “Plus if it's something both you and your crush love, the conversation could go on forever!” There’s no better way to show your crush the "real you" than by wearing sweats, getting heated about TV show conspiracy theories and ugly-crying during sappy romance movies.

2. Just be yourself and emphasize your strengths

It’s very hard for introverts to open up about themselves, but if you’re really into the person you’re going out with, then try to get out of your comfort zone a little bit. It’s easier said than done, but ultimately, if your crush is going to become your long-time SO, then both of you need to break out of your shells. “I’ve struggled a little bit with being open on dates, but I would say that it's helpful to just be yourself and play to your strengths,” says Rachel, a junior at Roosevelt University. “Shy girls are often great listeners and are good at empathizing, so it's easier to keep a conversation going.” People often see the weaknesses of women with quiet demeanors, but we encourage you to really play up your strengths, like your listening skills. Your date will see that and be grateful. Besides, if you both loved to talk, you would constantly be in competition to get a word in the conversation. Shy people are so necessary to society.

3. Pick a first date that involves an activity

Nothing is more nerve-wracking for shy women than a quiet dinner for two as a first date. Ditch the typical dates and suggest doing something that involves an activity. Fall is the perfect season for pumpkin and apple picking and going to haunted houses and other spooky things. Consider indoor rock climbing, cooking a meal together, volunteering together or visiting the local animal shelter. “Getting drinks or doing dinner and a movie prevent a lot of natural conversation,” says Jessica, a graduate of Rowan University. “If you go on more of an active date, there is a greater need for communication. Those activities require conversation to progress the date.” Once you start talking, you may begin to feel more comfortable around the other person. Plus, you’ll be able to see the kind of activities they enjoy doing, which can help find similarities and differences between the two of you.

Related: 8 Date Ideas for Every Type of Campus Couple

4. Talk about the weather (...seriously)

Don’t knock small talk! Talking about trivial things in the beginning stages of a relationship is a building block in creating a strong foundation. “I would say that you can't go wrong with talking about the weather. It's weird, but it's true!” says Rachel. “Everyone likes talking about the weather because it's relatable.” Talk about your favorite part of the season or how frizzy rain makes your hair. Obviously, small talk is not limited to the weather. Though it can be tedious, asking your crush things like where they go to school, what their major is, if they play/watch sports and what their favorite kind of music is, is actually important. Finding out that your date is obsessed with hardcore rock when you’re a devout indie girl is more of a factor than you might think.

5. Ask each other deep questions

This can be the hardest thing to do, but after you’ve been dating someone for a bit, getting into deep conversations will keep you much more interested in the relationship than just having small talk all the time. Shailagh, a junior at Gustavus Adolphus College says, “Find a list of deep, insightful questions meant for couples and try it out sometime. I've done this before for fun and, as crazy as it sounds, my crush and I actually did fall in love. Even if you don't fall in love afterward, you'll learn enough about that person to see if you're compatible.” Getting to know your partner on a deeper level creates trust, accountability and love. Knowing complicated and sometimes not-so-pretty parts of your SO is integral in a relationship, sooner or later.

6. Make observations about your surroundings

If you’re at a place that’s buzzing with activity, pay attention to everything!

Emily, a senior at Pace University says, “Start with what's around you, like things you can both comment on. For example, comment on the food you ordered if you’re at a restaurant, or maybe make a comment about a billboard you pass by for a movie.” Little comments like these create avenues for topics of conversation. Saying that your chicken is underdone may spark your date to talk about a time that he had a horrible food experience. Noticing a movie advertisement can start a conversation about the kinds of movies you both like. Just remember that while being observant is important, you do still have to pay attention to your date.

Sometimes being shy is a struggle, but that’s who we are and we should embrace it. We’re not stuck-up, we’re just timid. And now, we can be ourselves and still make it in the dating world.

The Lyrics in This 'Reputation' Song Apparently Made Taylor Swift's Parents Leave the Room During a Listening Party

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Taylor Swift is all grown up from the 16-year-old who blessed us with songs like Fearless and Fifteen — so it makes sense that the singer would want to venture into some more mature territory on her latest album Reputation. But one song has such steamy lyrics that it apparently made her parents leave the room during a secret listening session Swift held with fans.

As Hello Giggles reports, Swifties were freaking out after listening to "Dress" at a Reputation listening party because Scott and Andrea Swift, a.k.a. Tay's mom and dad, were blushing, covering their ears and eventually had to leave the room when Taylor played what we now know after yesterday's release, is a super intimate song.

Of course, with such a sexy song comes speculation about who it might be about. While the obvious answer seems like Joe Alwyn, some fans have speculated it could have been written about Ed Sheeran considering the lyrics include, "There is an indentation of the shape of you," which some think could be a reference to Sheeran's hit song, and the line, "I don't want you like a best friend," hinting at Swift and Sheeran's longtime friendship. Possible? Sure. Unlikely? Yes, considering Tay seems to be pretty head-over-heels for Alwyn, as tons of other tracks on the album would indicate.

At the very least, Taylor has given us all one more song to add to our hookup playlists.

6 Things To Do If You're SO Over High School

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Senior year can be hard, especially if your senioritis has set in. It's difficult to focus in class, homework seems so unimportant, and all you want to do is spend time with friends. Plus, college is so close that you just want to pack up the car and get there already. But, your final year of high school is important, so it’s essential to stay focused and involved. Here are some tips to finish strong, even if you’re ~so~ over high school. 

 

1. Keep up the hard work that got you here

You’ve worked too hard for over three years to let things go now. Keep your head up and your planner updated! Stay on top of assignments and tests to keep your grades up ––remember: your future college can still revoke your admission if you let your grades go too much.

Jessica Albano*, a collegiette who graduated from high school in 2011, says she and her classmates suffered from serious senioritis. "I was an AP/honor student in high school, which basically means I had the same 30 kids in all of my classes," Jessica says. "Collectively, we developed senioritis and caused a bit of havoc. We switched dates of exams and papers to extend our procrastination time because if 30 kids said the date was different than the one the teacher said, how could she/he possibly think we all made a mistake? We also would decide on food party days and just have potlucks and bring in movies to class and surprise the teacher."

Some of Jessica's friends even stopped doing homework and taking exams. "One of my friends told me that her physics class always curved all their exams," she says. "For the final exam, the seniors showed up, wrote their names on the papers and handed them in blank knowing they'd still pass." This is the epitome of senioritis. 

2. Make the most of your time with your family

Sure, you’ve been waiting 18 years to get out of your town, your house and away from your family. However, once you move away next fall, you’re going to miss having your family right there at all times. You’ll miss having your mom do your laundry or your dad killing spiders or your siblings bugging you to no end. Plan a family movie or game night every couple of weeks and make the most of the time you have left with your family under the same roof. 

Shannon Nolan, a 2014 graduate of Tinley Park High School, missed her mom while at school and wishes she had spent more time with her when she lived at home. Now, she visits home whenever she can just to get some mother-daughter time in. "I ditched a home game one weekend to have dinner and a wine night with my mom," she says. "As much as I'll miss football games, I'll miss nights in my jammies with her even more." Sometimes, family has to come first!

3. Knock things off of your high school bucket list

Is there a club you’ve always wanted to join at your high school? Is there a store in your hometown that you’ve been dying to shop in? Is there a fancy restaurant downtown that’s gotten amazing reviews? Join the club! Go shopping at the store with your sister! Hit up the restaurant with your besties! These places won’t be within reach once you leave for school, so take advantage of the opportunities you have to try new things right now.

Shannon's hometown is home to a major concert venue, and she never took advantage of it. "I've lived next to a concert venue for 21 years and have never snuck into a show," Shannon says. "Rascal Flatts, I'm coming for you!" Now, she has plans to take control.

4. Take advantage of your comfortable bed – and time to sleep!

Dorm beds aren’t the comfiest (to say the least), and college schedules don’t always allow a lot of time for sleep. While you can, take advantage of your bed at home and sleep as much as you can ––all-nighters and lumpy dorm mattresses aren’t that far off.

Audrey Wood, a 2014 graduate of Waukee High School, remembers getting very sentimental during her last couple of weeks at home before her freshman year of college. "I just kept thinking, 'What if this is the last time to go to THIS McDonald's? What if this is the last time I drive my car?'" she says. "I knew I was going to miss those things when I left." Taking advantage of homely comforts goes beyond your boxspring. While at school you'll miss your mom's home cooking, watching sports with your dad on the weekend and sharing clothes with your sister. 

RELATED: 15 Signs You're Infected with Senioritis

5. Spend plenty of time with your friends

Chances are, you aren’t going to the same school as all of your friends. Spend as much time with your friends as you can. You’ll miss grabbing coffee or lunch with them on weekends or breaks. In college, you’ll have to get used to relying on texting or FaceTime dates to communicate with them. Soak up all of them that you can!

Though you'll meet new friends in college, it's important to maintain the high school and home friendships you value. You can keep these friendships alive with effort, so be sure to talk about these things with your friends during your senior year. Whether you plan trips to visit one another, FaceTime dates or "open when" letters, enjoy your bestie time and make the most of it that you can!

6. Plan for your freshman year of college!

While it may be hard to get through the rest of high school, it only means that you’re excited for what comes next! Keep pinning to your “College Life” Pinterest board and chat with your roommate if you can. Freshman year is crazy and emotional and something totally new, but it’s also an exciting time. So, keep looking forward to it and planning it!

If you can, try reaching out to your roommate or other future classmates. Your college probably has a designated Facebook page for incoming freshman for students to use to mingle. It will be fun to talk with other high school seniors who will be attending the same college as you about your excitement and worries about the upcoming year. More than likely they share your same feelings. Plus, it will be fun to get to know other students before you actually move to campus!

You may be so totally over high school, but don’t be too quick to move on. Eighteen years of your life were spent with your family and friends by your side ––you have a lot to owe to these places and people. While college is exciting and something to definitely look forward to, don’t forget where you’re coming from and what you have right now. 

*Names have been changed.

5 Things You Should Know About Going to College in a Big City

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Going to school in a big city will hugely impact your college experience. From the food to the activities off campus to your job prospects after college, urban schools have a million things to offer. This kind of environment isn’t for everyone, though, so you’ll want to know what to expect if you’re thinking about going to college in a big city.

With that in mind, we reached out to some in-the-know collegiettes for their take on urban schools. Read on for our top five tips for life as a college student in a big city! Don’t worry, you’ll be Carrie Bradshaw-ing it in no time.

1. You might not have a campus, so explore!

Depending on which city schools you’re looking at, you might not have the typical campus layout. Your dorm, dining hall and class buildings could be scattered across several blocks in a given city. While this may be a weird adjustment and make you feel like there isn’t really a campus at all, it just means you should do that much more off-campus exploration!

Any city school will be equipped with a local public transportation system, which is a much better, wallet-friendly alternative to having your own car (which probably isn’t permitted by your school and would be very expensive anyway).

Alaina Leary, a second-year graduate student at Emerson College in Boston, says, “One thing I really recommend is to get to know the public transportation.” Getting acclimated to the city via the subway or bus system is a really effective way to explore--getting lost on it one day might result in you finding your new favorite café!

It’s also really easy to get stuck in your campus bubble—even if you don’t have much of a campus to speak of! One of the great features of going to school in a city is that you only have to walk a couple of blocks before you’re off campus! “My best advice for anyone who is going to school in a big city is to get out into the city and experience life,” says Taylor Carson, a senior at Temple University in Philadelphia.  

If you end up at a city school, it means you’re lucky enough to have a guaranteed four years of endless exploration (don’t forget about, you know, college, though). “It can definitely be intimidating but it is so worth it,” Taylor adds.

2. Everything is more expensive

The rumours are true—the cost of an average cup of coffee in a city could buy you several cups of coffee anywhere else. Don’t let the expensive nature of city living get you down, though. There are plenty of ways around it! Look for student discounts, be willing to travel a little further for cheaper options and get really into consignment shopping!

Particularly at stores and restaurants around campus, you’ll be able to find plenty of deals for students. “I recommend students check out what perks and discounts their student ID gets them,” Alaina says. Most museums will be cheaper or free, movie tickets will be a bargain and there are tons of rewards programs for students at places like coffee shops and fast food restaurants.

Getting to know the neighborhoods in your city will really make it feel like home. “Take advantage of as many restaurants/food joints as possible,” says Megan Sawey, a senior at Temple University. “Sampling some of Philly’s most iconic locations has helped me to feel as though I’m not just a student who’s invading the city temporarily.”

Finding events on and around campus is really easy to do. Click through your suggested events on Facebook, sign up for clubs on campus (and be bombarded with events emails) or even try out random listservs in your city. Organizations like Nonsense NYC and DCist are great resources for finding random events in your city.

You can even get an idea of these features before you commit to a specific city or school. "When you visit, instead of just seeing all the famous museums and sites, try to find some smaller places," says Marisa Brown, a senior at Barnard College in New York City. "They can help give you an idea of what it's like to be a local."

3. It’s loud, busy and dirty—and you’ll end up loving it!

City living means adjusting to constant noise, weird smells and dirtiness. No fear, though, there are plenty of budget-friendly, time-saving life hacks that will hugely help you out with the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Make your dorm or apartment your sanctuary, a place you can always come back to escape the crowded, not-so-fun parts about the city. “Once you learn to find silence in the city, you’re essentially set for success,” says Catherine Abes, a first-year journalism student at Ryerson University in Toronto. “If my limited experience has taught me anything, it’s that city living is very, very loud. My tip for anyone coming from a quieter city like me: bring earbuds.”

Eventually, you’ll find that all of the seemingly unappealing characteristics of urban life are actually what give it its charm. Strangers yelling on the streets at all hours of the night will be like your own reality TV show, and the stories you hear from cab drivers and food cart workers will be some of your favorite memories.

Related: The Pros and Cons of City Schools & What It’s Like to Go to One

4. All the opportunities can feel very overwhelming

The plethora of things going on in big cities can sometimes give you so many options that you feel completely paralyzed. This is totally understandable—when you have all of these options to choose from, it’s hard to decide what you’ll enjoy the most and find the most rewarding! Once you get over the amount of possibilities, you’ll realize that there are tons of things you want to do, and not enough hours in the day.

City life is a constant hustle. Though it may seem like it’s impossible to get anywhere in the urban job market, you just need the right amount of motivation and willingness to take initiative. “The opportunities are endless here and being surrounded by successful people is great motivation,” says Autumn Dube, a senior at Emmanuel College in Boston.

“It’s much easier to find opportunities near you, especially with big companies, when you’re in a big city versus a more rural area,” says Mara Hyman, a recent graduate from the University of Southern California. You have the advantage of all of these openings, so get in there and get to experiencing life!

Ultimately, the endless career options offered by a city are something you can't get anywhere else. They make city schools that much more exciting and alluring! "It's a good idea to choose a city you could see youreslf living and working in after school," says Marisa.

5. You might feel really isolated, but you’re not alone!

To quote the renowned Mila Kunis in the cinematic masterpiece that is Friends with Benefits, “Every place can be lonely sometimes.” College is a weird, transitional period during your life, and it’s really easy to get stuck in a routine that will become really suffocating and lonely.

Try to get ahead of these moments and take advantage of all that your city has to offer. “Urban universities are so unique to the college experience, and looking back on my college career I wouldn’t change a thing!” Taylor says.

Your experience at college in a big city isn’t going to be like the one you see in a romantic comedy. Your living situation is going to be less than ideal, you will constantly be on the brink of a financial crisis and sometimes you’re going to feel really lonely.

These might all seem like reasons not to go to an urban school, but don’t forget that college is what you make of it! Going to school in a big city means you’ll meet tons of interesting people with amazing life stories, you’ll eat the best food and every now and then, the sunset peeking between the skyscrapers will take your breath away
 

Links We Love 11.12.17

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What if women were physically stronger than men? [BBC]

This 21-year-old created a beauty company for women of every color. [Forbes]

The dictionary of Trump. [Jezebel]

Gifts for people who want to get fit. [Cosmopolitan]

Lisa Frank makeup is now a thing. [Elite Daily]

Why I'm happy I haven't met "the one.[refinery29]

How all forms of birth control affect your period. [Women's Health]

Gross things that happen to girls during winter. [BuzzFeed]

Tampax wants Chinese women to switch to using tampons. [USA Today]

Foods that make you feel full. [PopSugar]

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