Meghan Markle and Prince Harry have made headlines over the past few days for their engagement announcement, which has had people collectively "awwing" and sighing in disappointment that they aren't the royal ginger's fiancée (maybe that's just me). Ever since the pair made their first official public outing as a couple at the Invictus Games, their love for one another has been quite obvious. Hand holding, affectionate touches and linked arms are all notable displays of physical intimacy that other royal couples typically don't engage in while out in public.

Prince William and Kate, for example, are rarely seen holding hands, but it's merely a matter of preference and the style of event they're attending, according to a royal etiquette expert PEOPLE consulted. Meghan and Harry are being recognized as a more "modern" example of the way royal couples conduct themselves, with their PDA being labeled as refreshing, as it is fairly atypical for the royal family. 

Meghan and Harry held hands Friday as the bride-to-be accompanied her fiancé on a royal workday, marking another first for the former actress. Their visit was meant to focus on "causes that HRH is particularly passionate about — raising the awareness of HIV/AIDS and preventing youth crime," according to the Kensington Palace Twitter.

The couple visited Nottingham, where they greeted a group of excited fans at the town center. Arriving outside of the National Justice Museum, Meghan and Prince Harry could be seen happily engaging with the crowd, responding to their questions and comments. Many who were present to see the royal couple noted how lovely they looked together. Meghan made a point of introducing herself to people in the crowd, charming adults and children alike. 

It's clear to see that Meghan made an impression on the attendees, proving what a natural she is in her role alongside Prince Harry.   

So, you waited until the last minute to start working on your college applications and now you're stressing hardcore. It's not the end of the world ––or the end of most deadlines, yet! Since your timeline is cut short, you'll have to prioritize and set some realistic goals. This means breaking out your planner and working with your guidance counselor to meet those deadlines. Here're five tips to get yourself and your college apps in order so you can leave high school behind. 

1. Gather what you need

It's better to hand in a few complete applications than a ton of incomplete applications. To do this promptly, you're going to need a few things, including a list of your achievements and extracurricular activities, SAT/ACT scores and your official high school transcript. Gather these materials to make filling out applications painless.

Keep in mind that it can take seven to ten days for scores from the College Board to reach your school, and your high school will probably need time to gather your transcript information, as well. Give yourself as much extra room as possible by crossing these off your to-do list first.

Caitlin Fitzpatrick, a guidance counselor at Preston High School, has seen students miss deadlines because they receive their test scores too late. She recommends that pre-collegiettes write everything down ––this will give you a visual of what to prioritize. 

Don't underestimate the power of planners, highlighters, and sticky notes. Invest in a planner so you can keep yourself on-track. "Deadlines are crucial in the college process, so having a list of all the schools and deadlines can help keep the student organized and hopefully on task," Fitzpatrick says. Don't underestimate the power of planners, highlighters, and sticky notes to keep yourself on track.

2. Prioritize your schools

You need to know where you're applying before you can actually make moves. Make a list of schools you have visited, spoken to at college fairs or plan to visit. Rank them from "most interested" to "least interested." The ones you feel most strongly about are the ones that you should prioritize in the application process.

With that being said, make sure you include safety, target and reach schools. Your guidance counselor can help you figure out which schools these are for you specifically but look at acceptance rates and what the schools usual SAT scores are for accepted students. 

We recommend you apply to about six or so schools in total since you are short on time. Six isn't a magic number, though. Some people recommend fifteen, but since you're behind in the application process, a smaller number will allow you to apply to at least two safety, match and reach schools. If you include too many of one type, you won’t give yourself enough options to pick from once acceptance letters come rolling in. 

3. Fill out the Common App

This application is kind of like a one-stop shop ––you create an account and pick the schools that you want to apply to. Remember that every school has different application requirements. One might ask for your grades from a specific class and another might ask you to answer a specific essay question. Make sure to read the fine print for each school so that you hand in everything it needs.

Kayla Graniero, a recent graduate of Pace University, submitted her college applications the day before the final deadline. She recommends filling out a little bit of the Common App each week. "Give yourself assignments to get your fees, letters of recommendation, and other paperwork together," Graniero says. Not all schools use this application, though. For those that don't, you'll have to head to their website to find their specific application.

4. Ask your parents to help you fill out your FAFSA

Now, let's get down to the money since this can be the biggest stressor during all stages of college life, pay extra attention here. You should fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in October (but the sooner you get this in, the better). Most schools have a FAFSA deadline in early February, but check your school specifically to know the date you have to work around. You'll be updating this bad boy for the next four years, so get used to the look and feel of the site.

Some of the information for the FAFSA will come from your parent's’ tax forms and other financial documents. Talk to them to see if they want to pass the information to you, or help you with the application itself.

Also, be sure to check your school's website for other scholarship opportunities. "Don't get scared about money," Graniero says. While the time to apply for federal aid is now, remember that you have the whole summer to save up for spending money before you leave for school. Right now, you should focus on being able to pay for tuition and other fees.

5. Nail your admissions essay

This is probably the most dreaded part of the application process. Schools may specify what questions your essay or personal statement should answer, but others are super lenient. Start with one general essay topic that could be used for multiple schools and then work on the specific ones later.

Over the years, Fitzpatrick has seen students put off their essay because they are frustrated with reaching the word count or coming up with ideas. She suggests eating the frog and prioritizing the essay, since it tends to be the biggest hold-up in the application process. Chat with your guidance counselor about this and ask your English teacher for assistance. 

Related: 5 Key Decisions You’ll Have to Make in High School

Applying to college sounds like a daunting task, but splitting up your to-do list and limiting the number of schools you apply to can help make the process less painful. By organizing yourself, writing down deadlines and giving other people time to get you what you need, you can apply to your schools just in time.The end product means you can look forward to enjoying the rest of senior year and watching those acceptance letters roll in.

Selena Gomez, Billboard's Woman of the Year, is a powerhouse of talent and poise. It's well-known that she's battled depression and anxiety as a result of her lupus diagnosis, and her strength in dealing with her health issues has been nothing but admirable. While tearfully accepting her award at Billboard’s Women in Music, Selena expressed her gratitude to her best friend who donated a kidney to her this summer.

Selena has struggled with side effects from her lupus treatments, including weight gain that many people on social media chose to point out and belittle her for. Her kidney transplant has been another obstacle to overcome, especially in terms of her self-image, but Selena said she’s come to terms with it.

When talking to Billboard, Selena got candid about her relationship with herself and how the surgery shifted her perspective on her body. Being in the limelight since she was very young, Selena said she’s never felt like her body was really “her own.” Her surgery has shaped how she looks at herself now. "[After the surgery] I had this sense of gratitude for myself. I don't think I've ever just stopped and been like, 'I'm actually grateful for who I am,'" Selena said. The singer also explained that it was really hard for her to accept her scar at first, but she does accept it now.

Selena expressed the peace she now has when looking at her body, no longer worrying about the flaws she used to “bitch about.” She went on to say that she has to be very careful about the opinions she actually listens to and she won't alter herself for the sake of others. "When I look at my body now, I just see life," she told the magazine.

Selena’s acceptance of who she is—inside and out—is nothing short of inspiring. Let's hope that this trend of powerful women embracing their true selves is something that continues. 

In honor of World AIDS Day, Sia and MAC have just announced their new collab. The product being sold is stunning red lipstick, and 100 percent of the proceeds go to the M·A·C AIDS Fund benefiting those with HIV/AIDS. Not only is the VIVA GLAM lipstick outstandingly beautiful, but you can be assured that your purchase will directly have an impact on someone's life.

Rihanna has been killing the diversity game since she launched Fenty Beauty, and now she's added a liquid lipstick that fits on all skin tones. Fenty has become a household name, with 40 foundation shades at $32 each. Now, it's apparent that her community feels comfortable enough around her to voice what they want to see out of the brand.

Twitter user, @lbertootero suggested over DM that the next time the singer had a casting call for her beauty line, she invite trans women as well. Rihanna responded to the request, saying: 

Rihanna’s message is an important one: while it's important to celebrate diversity, she's not looking to fill quotas or manufacture diversity. Rather, she’s going to have open casting calls for all women so that diversity occurs naturally. 

Rihanna continued to DM the fan, soothing their concerns about coming across as critical by saying, "You absolutely didn't babe! Just didn't want you to think I intentionally leave anyone out!” The fan, thrilled by her response (and probably the fact that a world-famous celebrity was DMing them), shared her responses on Twitter. 

The rest of Rihanna’s fans aren’t staying quiet about her message either, and many are even calling for the singer turned mogul to be president. To be honest, I would vote for her too!

Meghan Markle may have beat all of us to Prince Harry's heart, but there's no reason we can't find our own bit of magic from the recent engagement. Since the news broke, one hot topic has been Markle's engagement ring which was the prince designed himself. Not only is the ring loaded with significance, but the setting contains diamonds that were a part of Princess Diana’s own collection. Obviously, a design like this doesn't come cheap (over $60,000 to be exact), but thanks to some sleuthing from Hello Giggles, living the Meghan Markle life just got so much more affordable.  

Praised be this day, because Jewel Candy has a novel option of the royal ring. Dubbed the “Princess Meghan Ring,” you can shop an identical replica which ringsin at just $40. 

Who wouldn’t want to slip this on and pretend that they’re the one entering the royal family? Don’t worry—if your bae seems concerned that you’ve caught wedding fever, you can be quick to tell them that you’re only fantasizing about marrying a certain red-headed, taken, royal at the moment. 

If you’re a glitter enthusiast, you might want to sit down to read this. I always hate to be the bearer of bad news (and if you didn’t think 2017 could get any worse I am SO sorry) but glitter is actually terrible for the environment and scientists officially want to ban the product of so many elementary school art projects, reports Valley News live.

The reasoning for this ban is because glitter is a microplastic, a plastic that is less than five millimeters long. Just like when CNN told us to say peace out to our microbead filled shower gels, this is the same situation. It’s so severe that, according to The Telegraph, UK nurseries have already banned glitter because of it’s harm to the environment, specifically the oceans.

Microplastics can be found in a third of all firsh caught in Great Britain. It's also really bad for other animals because they easily ingest the small, but very dangerous to their health, objects found in glitter.

I mean, just look at this poor cat (as seen on Buzzfeed). He’s not a fan of this glittery bath bomb!

While we all love our sparkles, it might be time to prioritize the planet instead. 

U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is headed to Europe next week with more than just physical baggage amidst reports and whispers that the White House is planning to remove him from his position, reports Bloomberg.

On Thursday, Trump administration officials privately said the president is looking to replace Tillerson with current CIA Director Mike Pompeo. The New York Times also reports the plan includes replacing Pompeo at the CIA with Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton. When asked about it publicly, officials gave a defense of the secretary of state that was halfhearted at best. President Donald Trump, notably,  didn’t answer at all and instead completely sidestepped the question.

All of that combined doesn’t look good for Tillerson, according to Thomas Wright, director of the United States and Europe at the Brookings Institution, who called it a “death blow” on Thursday. It’s especially bad considering his upcoming diplomatic trip to Brussels, Vienna and Paris because “the secretary of state is only powerful in the sense that he’s a voice for the president or the administration,” and it’s clear this president and his administration do not like or trust Tillerson that much these days.

Now Tillerson will have to deal with facing foreign leaders who are wondering about his ability and credibility.

Being undermined and discredited on key issues relating to his job isn’t new to Tillerson over the course of his ten months in office. In October, he told reporters in China that the U.S. was talking to North Korean officials through diplomatic back channels. Trump then promptly tweeted that his “wonderful” secretary of state was “wasting his time trying to negotiate with Little Rocket Man,” in reference to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. But reports that he’s not only on his way out, but that there’s also a replacement lined up already, are the most damaging hits to his credibility yet.

The relationship between White House staff and those who work closely with Tillerson took a notable turn for the sour during the summer. Trump made widely-criticized remarks about the racial protests that turned violent and then deadly in Charlottesville, Virginia and then made a politically-charged speech to the Boy Scouts of America, which is an organization Tillerson once led. In October, things got even worse when it came to light that Tillerson had called the president a “moron.”

White House officials have also said Trump dislikes Tillerson’s reserved nature and his “establishment” way of thinking. The two rarely agree on policy from the Paris Accords to issues between Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Still, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert says Tillerson is continuing with a “robust” agenda and doing all his work as scheduled. If it’s true that Tillerson will be out of a job before the year is out, it will be one of the shortest tenures as secretary of state in modern times.

Walmart pulled a highly controversial T-shirt from their website that read “Rope. Tree. Journalist. SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED” after the Radio Television Digital News Association called them out on the big problem with the shirt’s message, reports NPR.

Walmart was selling the shirt with a company called Teespring that acted as a third-party seller, according to the RTDNA. Within the day of being notified, the shirt was gone. A Walmart spokesperson said the shirt “clearly violates our policy,” and that the company is taking a good, hard look at all the other products it sells from Teespring.

The shirt’s appearance on Walmart’s website prompted a swift reaction from the RTDNA, who sent a letter to inform the retail giant of the potential damage the shirt’s message could promote. RTDNA Executive Director Dan Shelley wrote that “nearly three dozen journalists have been physically assaulted so far this year across the country merely for performing their Constitutionally-guaranteed duty to seek and report the truth. . . T-shirts or any other items bearing such words inflame the passions of those who either don’t like, or don’t understand, the news media. At worst, they openly encourage violence targeting journalists.”

While the RTDNA did acknowledge Walmart is technically within their legal rights to continue selling the shirt, it “doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do.”

The shirt has been around for awhile, unfortunately. It first gained attention and notoriety last November when a Reuters photographer snapped a picture of a man wearing the shirt at a meeting of Trump supporters two days before the presidential election.

The photo gained quite a bit of attention because it followed numerous reports of journalists being assaulted or harassed while reporting on the campaign trail in 2016. Months later, President Trump would escalate his ongoing scuffle with media outlets like The New York Times by calling them “the enemy of the American people"on Twitter.

Shortly after the photo gained infamy last November, The Daily Beast reported the shirt had been taken down from Teespring’s site. It came back around a week ago, selling for $22.95 with the promise that it would arrive by Christmas time. The shirt has also been removed from the Teespring site. In its place sits a message that says the shirt is “no longer available due to content issues.”

It’s not the first item to be taken down from Teespring’s website. A large number of other shirts were removed earlier in August for bearing designs including “a swastika.” The site says it “does not support or allow hate speech on our platform,” which is included in their terms of service.

Meghan Markle has been an outspoken advocate for women since she emerged in the spotlight, but her activism actually started when she was just 11 years old! Now that she's engaged to Prince Harry, a video of Meghan in grade school has resurfaced, and as it turns out, she was the feminist activist we all aspire to be.

At school, Meghan saw a Procter & Gamble commercial that claimed, "Women everywhere are fighting greasy pots and pans," which she didn't like at all. She spoke out against the sexist nature of the commercial and wrote letters to Procter & Gamble, then-First Lady Hillary Clinton, and Nick News host Linda Ellerbee. 

Ellerbee asked Meghan to come on her show and talk about her letter-writing campaign. In footage obtained by Inside Edition, Markle explains that it's wrong to think only women should be doing household chores. "I don’t think it is right for kids to grow up thinking these things, that just mom does everything…It's always 'Mom does this' and 'Mom does that'” she said.

Meghan may be known for acting on Suits, but she has a passion for humanitarian work and was a United Nations advocate before she started dating Prince Harry. She has always advocated for women, and now we know where that comes from.

Procter & Gamble actually did change their commercial to say, "People are fighting greasy pots and pans." While the company never said it was because of Meghan's letters, it's pretty safe to say she had an impact on the advertising industry at a young age.

Now that Meghan has officially retired from acting to start her royal duties, she has a new platform to make even more change, 25 years after her Nick News appearance. 

It seems like with every day that passes, there’s another major food group we’re supposed to cut out of our diets. We’ve seen the rollercoaster-like rise and fall of cutting out carbs, and fats that were once avoided like the plague are now considered a key part of a balanced diet. Now, another food group is at risk for becoming a fit girl wannabe’s public enemy #1: dairy.

Health-conscious celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, Megan Fox and Beyonce have all gone dairy-free, according to E! News. But does that mean a collegiette like you should too? If you aren’t lactose intolerant, is there a point to cutting out Greek yogurt, cream in your coffee or, if you’re like Corinne from The Bachelor, your cheese pasta?

Well, it depends! Just because you aren’t lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy, doesn’t mean you might not have a sensitivity to dairy. According to registered dietician Jenny Dang, an allergy involves your immune system, while a sensitivity means your body has trouble digesting certain foods.

“A food allergy occurs when your body's immune system reacts to a food protein,” explains Dang. “Common signs and symptoms are tingling in the mouth, itching, swelling of the lips, face, tongue, and throat, and can be life-threatening.”

A sensitivity is not life threatening, although it can cause varying levels of discomfort while your body tries to break down certain foods.

According to Dr. Scott Schreiber, a certified nutrition specialist and dietician, one factor in the prominence of dairy sensitivity is the varying levels of the protein casein from human milk to cow’s milk.

“From a physiological standpoint, the purpose of milk is for build up immunity and provide nutrition for  young calves,” says Dr. Schreiber. “Due to the cross-species consumption of milk, the human body is not equipped or prepared to digest another species milk. In fact, human milk and cow milk has a very different chemical make up. Cow milk has a lot more casein, which can cause irritation to the digestive tract.”

In addition, dairy sensitivity can be the underlying cause of many diseases, like leaky gut syndrome, small intestine bacterial growth or irritable bowel syndrome.

“It may not be an overt pathology, but can be a hidden cause of many diseases,” explains Dr. Schreiber.

According to ​Melanie Jatsek, registered dietitian and creator of The Healthy You program, symptoms of a dairy sensitivity include gas or bloating after consumption, headaches, asthma, acne or even ear infections.

It’s not exactly easy to tell if dairy is the sole culprit behind these, though.

For people with a gluten sensitivity, dairy can also have a negative effect because milk proteins can cross-react with gluten, according to Jatsek. Cross-reacting means your body could confuse proteins in dairy with those in gluten, since they are similar in structure.

So, how do you know if dairy is the culprit behind any suspicious bodily reactions?

“​To see if you have a dairy sensitivity, the best test is elimination of all dairy products for three weeks to see how you feel,” advises Jatsek. “If your symptoms improve then you are probably sensitive to dairy.”

If you find after eliminating dairy that you generally feel better, there are many ways to substitute dairy products.

“There are countless dairy-free, plant-based options you can use to replace milk, yogurt and cheese,” says Jatsek. “Nut milks such as unsweetened almond or coconut milk are good choices, just make sure there is no sugar in the ingredient list, as well as unsweetened coconut yogurt and cashew-based cheeses.” 

Related: 11 Best Dairy-Free Snacks

Additionally, if you opt to cut out dairy, there are other ways to maintain necessary calcium consumption. Foods like leafy greens, fish with bones and almonds get you your calcium fix.

“Protein and calcium are in every food,” says Dr. Schreiber. “High sources of protein include beans, lentils, quinoa, leafy and greens. Sources of calcium include spinach, kale, and broccoli.  In addition, calcium is not as important for bone health as once thought. Science shows that vitamin D is much more important.”

There are also options like Lactaid, which is 100% real cow’s milk but with an added enzyme called lactase which helps break down the lactose in dairy products (aka if you are lactose intolerant, your body can’t break it down on its own so it needs this lactase enzyme).

If you find that you aren’t sensitive to dairy, should you still give it up? As it turns out, many dieticians are split on the issue. There are numerous health benefits associated with consuming dairy, but also some drawbacks.

Jatsek and Dang don’t see a reason to cut out this entire food group if you don’t have a sensitivity, intolerance, or allergy.

“Assuming an individual is not sensitive, there ​are some studies showing people who consume full-fat dairy have lower risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, smaller waist circumference, lower triglycerides, higher HDL cholesterol and lower C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation,” says Jatsek.

One of the biggest risks associated with giving up dairy is missing out on all the nutrients dairy can provide. Dairy is an excellent source of calcium, vitamin D, and protein, which all support healthy growth.

“If you are not medically diagnosed with an allergy or food intolerance and are following a dairy-free diet, your body could be missing out these essential nutrients, especially if you are not getting them from other food sources,” says Dang. “For individuals without any food intolerances or allergies, dairy foods are safe to eat and can be included as part of a healthy eating pattern.”

However, there are advocates for completely eliminating dairy, regardless of sensitivity levels, including Schreiber and certified nutritional chef Melissa Eboli.

“Dairy products do much more harm than good,” says Dr. Schreiber. “They have been implicated as a cause of weight gain, obesity, diabetes, heart disease, digestive disease, and cancer.”

Eboli agrees that dairy offers health benefits like calcium and vitamin D, but there may be more negatives than positives in the long run.

“In my professional opinion there are more negatives to consuming dairy than positives,” she says. “As a disadvantage, dairy is both an acidic and inflammatory substance. Also, many forms of dairy contain RBGH (reproductive bovine growth hormones) which has a direct correlation to breast cancer.”

Dr. Schreiber also thinks eliminating dairy completely could be beneficial, and explains that research around dairy consumption has suggested correlations to several medical conditions, from obesity to prostate cancer to acne.

“Studies have shown that milk consumption increases levels of insulin-like growth factor, a known substance to cause cancer,” says Dr. Schreiber. “In fact, research shows that increasing calcium and dairy products raising risk of prostate cancer by 30-50 percent.”

In the end, cutting out dairy will affect every person in a slightly different way, and it’s not necessarily the secret or easy key to losing weight that we’ve all been waiting for. If you don’t feel great after a bowl of ice cream, a grilled cheese, or yogurt, consider dropping dairy temporarily and evaluate how it makes you feel. At the end of the day, it’s a personal decision that should be made after consulting with your doctor.

“For anyone who is trying to see if dairy is the culprit of their health issues, I urge you to try a dairy elimination for two weeks to see if you notice a difference,” advises Eboli. “After two weeks ask yourself: Did you skin clear up? did your nausea and bloating go away? Is your asthma more at bay? or has your joint pains decreased? Then, work it back into your diet after those two weeks and see if any of the issues that may have gone away come back for additional affirmation.”

Consuming dairy will affect everyone in a different way, and depending on your body, eliminating it might have a major impact, or you might not notice a difference. It is a personal decision with unique repercussions for everyone. If you decide to try going dairy free, make sure you consult a doctor first and maintain a balanced diet to get necessary nutrients from other sources.

Content warning: Descriptions of sexual assault

Two years ago, I called it a hookup. Six months later, it was a “non-consensual encounter.” Now, finally, I know to call it sexual assault. 

I was 18 years old when I told my mother that I planned to attend CU Boulder. She told me not to. She read online that sexual assault was an epidemic on large college campuses. I told her she was paranoid.

Then a man from my dorm forced himself down my throat, willfully ignoring my tears. I refused to let myself feel vulnerable. I became angry at him and ashamed of my own choices that led me to that night. I told my friends he was a loser, but I couldn’t bring myself to tell them why. 

He was part of the dorm staff. With his bright orange hair and easy charisma, he was a permanent fixture at the front desk. I began memorizing his work schedule to avoid confronting him by any means necessary. I pretended that I enjoyed getting to class an hour early on Thursdays because I needed to be out the door before he arrived for his morning shift.

My friends teased me over and over for what they assumed was simply an awkward sexual experience. Finally, I could no longer let them keep rehashing it. With a shaky breath, I told the friend teasing me that I had not consented. She immediately softened.

“I’ve been there. Let me know if you ever need to talk about it. I’m sorry,” she said.

Even then, I couldn’t let myself be seen as a victim. I was fine. I was an adult. Worse things have happened, I told myself. I could move on from this just like any other bad experience. I certainly didn’t want to come forward. Why should I ruin his life over this? This was my own problem. I preferred this silent agony to the possibility that I would become “the girl who cried rape.”

A month later, my dorm had a mandatory screening of The Hunting Ground. I began to shake. I couldn’t look at the screen while the movie played. I stared at the ground, ashamed. In class, my professors spoke about definitions of consent and rape. Still, I couldn’t bring myself to come forward.  

I continued to live like this for the next two years. I ignored the way that my body trembled when people around me discussed rape. I worshipped the lovers that asked me if I consented, and then when they inevitably discarded me I was freshly wrecked by the humiliation. I decided I would only ever be good enough for one night of “fun” before things would fall through.

I plunged into a depression that I thought I would never see the end of. I allowed myself to become an empty shell as I continued to ignore my trauma. 

Slowly, inexplicably, things began to change. I left the man I was dating because he tactlessly cheated on me. I threw myself back into my schoolwork. I started emerging from my empty shell that wasn’t so empty after all. 

One and a half years later, my social media illuminated with the words “Me Too.”

Women of all professions and statures spoke up about their experiences with sexual assault and harassment. The magnitude of posts was staggering. 

Better yet, I saw the men accused of these heinous acts facing real consequences. These men were all powerful and charismatic, seemingly beyond reproach. They all acted with the assumption that they would never be caught. They all believed that they deserved to act in this manner. 

Suddenly, I could see cracks appearing in their world of safe untouchability. The parallels between their victims’ stories and my own were undeniable. For the first time since that night two Octobers ago, I had hope that he might not win after all.

It seems like almost everyone has an Amazon Prime account by now, or if not, you probably know at least three other people who do. Amazon Prime is a go-to resource for its affordable prices and guaranteed free two-day shipping, which makes it the key outlet for everything from party necessities and groceries to textbooks and school supplies. But did you know that there are tons of hacks to get even more out of your Prime membership? Read on to find out how to get all the benefits of Prime.

1. If the delivery is late you can qualify for a free month of Prime

If your order takes more than two days to reach you, then you might be qualified to get your next month of Prime for free. Their Guaranteed Accelerated Delivery policy promises that your item will get to you by the set date. So if it doesn’t, you can get a Prime Extension up to 12 times per year (this excludes student memberships).

File a claim by going to Your Orders > File/View Claim > Report Problem.

2. You can earn Prime Pantry credit by choosing “FREE No-Rush Shipping”

Yes, you’ll have to wait a little bit longer, but this will keep you from paying the $6 delivery fee. You can only use $6 of credit per pantry order, and it does have an expiration date, but any student will tell you that saving even a little money is worth it. Prime Pantry is great way to buy groceries online, without trekking to the grocery store. They have everything from snacks, to toiletries, to pet products.

3. Prime members get lots of Kindle First books for only $1.99

This is perfect for all the book lovers out there who can’t seem to get enough to read. With your Prime membership you’re actually able to download one book a month, and you don’t even need a Kindle. All you need is the app and you’ll be good to go. Each month you’ll be able to choose a book from their list of featured titles, which are usually new releases that Prime members get before anyone else. Plus, your Prime membership also allows you to download one book per month for free from a list of featured titles.

4. You can borrow tons of books from the Kindle library for free

If you’re someone who’s constantly going through books, then this is a great hack to know about. The Kindle Owners’ Lending Library isn’t like your typical library though, because there are not due dates, so whether you’re a fast or slow reader, you’ll never have a problem. So instead of buying ten different books for your English Lit class, you’ll be able to rent them one at a time and refrain from lugging them around, or having to buy them. To see the books you can choose from, open the Kindle store, go to All Categories or Menu and then click, Kindle Owners’ Lending Library.

5. Amazon Prime members get a FREE six-month complimentary digital subscription to the Washington Post, plus a 60% discount after that

It’s super important to stay up-to-date with current events, but spending money on a newspaper subscription isn’t always on the top of the budget list. No worries though, you can get this free subscription by logging into your Prime account.

6. You can use PrimeNow to get free food delivery

This one is particularly interesting because it involves, well, food. But instead of your typical delivery service, it has all the listed places available in one spot. All you do is input your zip code and they’ll tell you all your delivery options. If you live in the participating locations, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Manhattan, Minneapolis, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area and Seattle, then this is a great option for you. That way, when you’re four hours into studying and need reinforcements, all you have to do is log into your Prime account.

7. Amazon Prime has unlimited storage for your pictures

There’s nothing worse then trying to take a picture on your iPhone and having the “not enough storage” message pop up. So instead, use Prime. You can save an entire collection of photos for free by using Amazon Cloud Drive. Plus, there are zero limits on the amount of pictures you use, so you can free up as much space as you need, whether you’re a professional photographer or professional snapchatter. Plus, Prime members get an extra 5GB of space for videos or any other files on the cloud.

Related: 36 Stores With Student Discounts

8. You can stream music from Prime

With over one million songs to choose from, you’ll be bound to have plenty to keep you occupied. The one catch is that you can only use one device at a time. Other than that, Prime Music is a great way to listen to music for free, unlike Spotify Premium, which might have more songs, but also costs additional money. You’re already paying for your Prime account, so why not make use of the tons of music readily available?

9. College students get six months free

All you need is an email with ‘.edu’ on the end, and you’ll get six months of Prime for free. Plus, students also get half off once the trial period is over. This cheaper alternative is called Prime Student, and it’s a great way to get tons of the benefits from Prime without spending the full amount. You can also earn a $10 credit for each referral you get from other students. Just another reason to spread the word!

10. Use the Amazon Outlet Store or Warehouse Deals section for even cheaper prices

One of the great things about Amazon are the deals you can find, but did you know that using these sites can get you items for even less? The Outlet Store sells everything from electronics to everyday household products, and the Warehouse Section has items with open packaging that are sold at a cheaper price. With a college budget, this is an option worth mentioning. However, there’s a slight risk that the item won’t be mint condition, so proceed with caution.

11. Use AmazonSmile to give back .05 percent of certain purchases to charity

By signing up for AmazonSmile—which is free by the way—you can give back to charity just by shopping. By purchasing certain products, you can give back .05 percent of sales to the charity of your choice, which is even more incentive to shop.

If you aren’t already an Amazon Prime member, jump on board! Not only does it have great prices and awesome shipping, but there are also some pretty cool perks that you don’t want to miss out on.

On Friday, November 10, the second-ever Girl Boss Rally kicked off in New York City. Created by Nasty Gal Vintage founder Sophia Amoruso, the event brings together up-and-coming female entrepreneurs and influencers to jump-start conversations on everything from how to build a brand, to how to deal with success and failure. 

This year Ashley Graham, Leandra Medine and Gabby Bernstein, among several others were featured as panelists, and Her Campus got the chance to speak with some of these amazing women about their experiences, the things that motivate them and how they strive to be "girl bosses" every day. 

Here's just a few of the many inspirational moments from the event: 

1. Be inspired & not intimidated by rejection.
Sophia Amoruso, Founder & CEO, Girlboss 

2. What success really means. 
Gabby Bernstein, Motivational Speaker, Life Coach & Author

3. Girl Bosses should always be making moves. 
Whitney Wolfe, Founder & CEO, Bumble

4. It's a revolutionary act to love your womanhood.
Amani Al-Khatahtbeh, Founder, MuslimGirl 

5.  Nothing wrong with staying in your lane — especially if you're elevating the voices of others. 
Jerico Mandybur, Editorial Director, Girlboss

6. Inaction & apathy aren't an option. 
Nancy Lublin, CEO, Crisis Text Line

7. Talk about #MorningAffirmations 
Ashley Graham, Model, Designer & Author

*Graphics by Erica Maybaum

Welp. Despite the fact that we've been in denial since they announced their heartbreaking separation in August, we all knew it was coming. On Friday, Chris Pratt officially filed for divorce from his wife of eight years, Anna Faris. 

According to People, Pratt cited "irreconcilable differences" in the legal documents making the end of their marriage official. He also requested joint custody for he and Faris's 5-year-old son Jack. In her response, Faris also asked for joint custody of Jack, as well as the ability to receive child support. Their separation date is reportedly listed as July 13, a full month before the public announcement of their separation wrecked our hearts.

The two met in 2007 on the set of Take Me Home Tonight, and were married two years later in 2009. Despite their separation, the couple are reportedly on very good terms. Faris's newly-released memoir features a forward written by her ex-husband, and even since the split, they've only had the sweetest things to say about each other.

"We'll always have each other and be incredible friends," Faris told Peoplein October. "There is still so much laughter in our lives together, and he is so proud of me still. We watched each other grow up, and he still cracks me up all the time. And I think I crack him up—unless he's a really good actor and great at faking laughter." 

*Sigh* As long as they're happy, that's all that matters.

Remember the days when we had to use a different gadget for every single thing we did? A dashboard GPS, a GameBoy, an Excel spreadsheet to budget. How great is it to have a tiny computer that does all of that and more, right in our back pockets? Phones aren’t just for phone calls anymore, despite what your elders may grumble about.

In a world full of Baby Boomers accusing our generation of forever and always having our noses stuck in our phones, here’s a list of applications to download to prove to them that technology isn’t always so bad. These will all help you to save time, save money and improve your post-graduate days in the real world, and show Grandpa what that technology can really do.

1. GasBuddy

With the near constant, often unpredictable fluctuation of gas prices, Gas Buddy is a life-saver. Especially when you’re in unfamiliar territory and in need of a fill-up. This app uses your location to tell you how far each gas station is from you, tells you what amenities it has (like restrooms, ATMs, and air), gives you options for directions and gives the last-reported price (and the report’s time) for each one. If you arrive and the price is different, you can report the changes so that everybody knows the correct cost!

Get it here, for iOS and Android, for free!

2. Waze

Unlike your built-in map apps, Waze is interactive and informative thanks to other users in your area. Reports of speed traps, spotted cop cars, potholes in the road, traffic jams, cars in the shoulder and more let you know what your commute is going to look like at any given time. You can set your home and work addresses as defaults, and when using the navigation feature, it will let you know when any of the above issues are coming up. That way, if traffic is going to get in your way, you can recalculate! It also shows restaurants, stores and gas station prices.

Get it here for iOS and Android, for free! 

3. SpotHero or Parkmobile

SpotHero negotiates deals with other parking facilitators, and can save you up to 50 percent on regular parking costs! You can look at their maps to see which garages and lots are available to you, and you can book in advance to make it easy to get in and out when you’re in a rush!

Colie Lumbreras, a graduate of the University of Iowa and a Web Content Administrator at NorthShore University HealthSystem, uses SpotHero all the time. “I live in a Chicago suburb and when I go to the city I need SpotHero to park,” she says. “It saves me so much money when parking. It's magical!”

Get it here for iOS and Android, for free!

Parkmobile has their own spaces, and has placed signs in their parking spots to make it easy to identify and rent them! Once you’ve started your parking session, you can easily check back in with the app to see how much longer you have and, in many cases, stop or extend your session. They’ll even send you a notification when you’re down to 15 minutes left. It can also remind you where you parked, just in case you forget.

Caitlin Carey, a graduate of Emory University and an Operations Specialist at CEB, uses Parkmobile. “I can pay for parking right from my phone,” she says, and that makes the process a lot less stressful.

Get it here for iOS and Android, for free!

4. Public Transit Apps

Even with the previous apps, morning commutes, filling your tank and parking your car may not be something you want to fight with on your way to work. Maybe you don’t even have a car! If that’s the case, it’s time to look into an app that can help you plot out your travels for the day. Now we can’t tell you which specific app to download here without knowing where you live, as there are tons out there specific to different cities, but if you’ve never thought to look into an app to help track your bus schedule or train’s arrival, the research for your area will be worth your time.

For example, Katherine Mirani, News Editor for Her Campus, uses Greenline and OkCommuter in the Boston area! “The Greenline app tells me how long I'll have to wait until the train comes based on my stop, and OkCommuter is a bus tracker that's fairly accurate, which is so rare,” she says. “It really helps with not having to stand outside for long periods of time.”

You can get Greenline and OkCommuter here and here, respectively, for iOS, for free. To find similar apps for your area, try searching for trackers for the company that manages your public transit (for example, CDTA in Albany, MARTA in Atlanta, etc).

5. Mint or Digit

Mint allows you to connect your accounts all in one place, where it tracks your spending and allows you to create budgets to help you better manage your money. Mint will even send you messages when it notices unusual account changes, creates custom tips to help you reduce your spending and save your money, and can generate a free credit score.

Lindsey Thompson, a senior at Drexel, loves Mint. “You set separate budgets for categories like ‘taxis’ or ‘alcohol and bars’ and it categorizes each purchase,” she says. “It really helped me cut down on eating out and shopping once I saw how much I was actually spending in those categories!”

Caitlin uses Mint all the time, too. “Depending on your notification settings, it'll also send you a weekly email showing you how you spent your money that week, and how well you stayed within your budgets,” she says.

Get it here for iOS and Android, for free!

Digit, on the other hand, actively works to save you money. After you link your checking account, it will analyze your income and expenditures to see what you can afford to set aside. Every few days it will transfer a small amount (only if you can afford it) to your Digit savings account and, when you’re ready to spend those savings, a simple text transfers it right back to your checking account! There are no associated fees, it offers overdraft protection, and is FDIC insured!

Get it here for iOS and Android, for free!

Related: Post-College Expenses: What to Expect

6. Honey

This one is a little bit of a cheat. Honey isn’t actually an app; it’s a browser extension for Chrome and Firefox, but it’s worth the installation. When you’re ready to checkout on any site, Honey will automatically pop up on the side of the window. You hit search, and it’ll automatically rifle through the web to find you coupon codes to help save money!

Get it here for Firefox and here for Chrome, for free!

7. Venmo

Venmo allows you to transfer money to or request money from just about anybody, as easily as snapping your fingers. By using the money others have paid you, or by linking you bank account, you can pay back your mother in Ohio for the money you borrowed for your late car payment or your roommate for the groceries. You can request your little brother pay you back for the charge he made to your credit card, and store those funds within the app, or transfer them back to your bank account. You can also use it to make payments in mobile apps if you’re weary of linking your card to them.

“Living in the digital age, Venmo is essentially an electronic wallet and a quick and easy way to split bills among your friends, pay people back, or ensure that you get paid back,” Juliane, a senior at George Mason University, says.

Get it here for iOS and Android, for free!

8. Mercari (or other resale apps)

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could pull Plato’s Closet out of your pocket? Well, you kind of can, and it’s actually even better than Plato’s! There are many resale apps out there, like Poshmark, Vinted, and Depop, but Mercari is our favorite because, through November 29, their 10% seller’s fee is waived. You can buy and sell shoes, clothes, records, makeup, perfumes and more, all from the comfort of your own home! The seller’s fee is only 10 percent, and you decide the shipping costs. As a buyer, if you purchase more than one item from the same seller, they will usually discount the items, and it will save you on shipping.

Get it here for iOS and Android, for free!

If you sign up with this code, KWVYND, you’ll get $2 to apply to your first purchase!

9. Nike+ Training Club

This fitness app comes fully equipped with tons of ready-made workouts for any person or occasion. Touted as “your ultimate personal trainer,” the app comes with audio and visual instructions from experts for every move necessary and has plans to help you reach the level of fitness you desire, even if you don’t know what level that is just yet.

Michaela Bonner loves the Nike+ app! “It literally changed my health and my life for the better! There are over 100 workouts to choose from based on time, difficulty and available equipment,” she says, and the workouts are gender-neutral and non-shaming. “I like how the workouts are named things like 'The Accelerator' or 'Empty the Tank,' rather than less body-positive ones that focus more on burning all that fat!"

You can even enter in other exercises, like riding your bike or playing basketball, which will help the app to tailor your personalized fitness plan.

Get it here for iOS and Android, for free!

10. Pocket

Are you one of those people that have maxed out your mobile tabs due to all of the articles you’ve left pulled up to read later? Is your desktop browser running super slow because of all of the things you want to come back and look at when you have the time? Pocket is an app you’re definitely going to need! It’s compatible with your web browser, email, and tons of other apps, and allows you to store all of those web pages, like articles, recipes and videos, that you want to check later in one place, without them clogging up your browser’s space or speed! You can follow friends and celebs to see recommended pages and, with your account, you can access your Pocket on any device.

Get it here for iOS and Android, and your desktop browser, for free!

From finding the best place to fill up your tank to avoiding traffic on the daily commute to getting great deals on new clothes to creating a virtual library to store any web page you want to see to upping your fitness game, each of these apps can help you to save time and money now that you’re out here in the real world. Tell Grandpa we said, “You’re welcome!”

On Friday, doctors at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas announced that late last month, they had delivered the first United States-born baby born to a woman who'd had a uterus transplant, BuzzFeed News reports.

The baby boy's mother, who has chosen to remain anonymous, was part of a clinical trial at Baylor that began last year in which a team of Dallas doctors became the first-ever doctors in the U.S. to successfully complete uterine transplant surgeries — which had previously been successful only in Sweden. The baby was reportedly delivered late last month via a scheduled C-Section, and was born healthy.

So far, doctors at Baylor have completed eight transplants from both living and deceased donors, three of which have failed. Women who participated in the trial and received the uterus transplants had a condition called absolute uterine factor infertility, meaning they were previously incapable of carrying a child, or did not have uteruses altogether. Many lived their entire lives thinking they would never be able to carry children. Baylor has confirmed that there is another woman in the trial who is currently pregnant.

“We’ve been preparing for this moment for a very long time," Dr. Liza Johannesson, an ob-gyn and uterus transplant surgeon at Baylor, told Time. "I think everyone had tears in their eyes when the baby came out. I did for sure."

The living donor of the uterus was Taylor Siler, a 36-year-old Dallas-area registered nurse who had already had two boys of her own, and had decided with her husband that they were finished having children.

"I have family members who struggled to have babies, and it’s not fair," Siler told Time. “I just think that if we can give more people that option, that’s an awesome thing."

Baylor has clarified that uterus transplants are not necessarily a replacement for adoption or surrogacy, but another option for women dealing with infertility — and if they prove to be successful in the future, they could offer hope to thousands of women who could otherwise never get pregnant.

If there’s one thing we learned from The Devil Wears Prada, it’s that sometimes quitting your job is absolutely necessary. Whether you’ve decided to pursue another avenue of success or you recognize that you’ve been mistreated at your current job, quitting your job is no easy task. We talked to career experts about what to do once you’ve decided to quit your job, how to approach the topic with your boss and what to expect throughout the experience.

When you are prepared to give two weeks notice

It’s important to let your boss know well ahead of time when you plan to resign from your position. Valerie Streif, senior advisor at thementat.com—an organization with decades of experience hiring, managing and mentoring hundreds of prospective job candidates—says, “Generally, at most jobs, I have given two weeks’ notice by setting aside a time to talk with my boss privately." Two weeks' notice is usually standard procedure; it's a good estimate because it allows your boss to prepare for your departure and you to tie up any loose ends.

Streif explains that this simple act of courtesy can go a long way, proving to your employers that you care about the work you’ve done at the company and that you value your professional relationships and reputation. The most important thing you can accomplish by giving your boss sufficient notice is ensuring that they don’t find out about your departure from someone else! Often, this can be interpreted as disrespectful, inconsiderate and unprofessional, and your former boss may be hesitant to recommend you to future employers. It’s never a good idea to burn your bridges, as the saying goes.

How to tell your boss

Speak with your boss to schedule a time to meet. Indicate that you would like to discuss something important and ask him or her to suggest a day and time that works best with their schedule. Although this initial request can be made via email, you definitely want to give your two weeks’ notice in person!

When meeting with your boss, keep things positive. Brandi Britton, district president of OfficeTeam, recommends highlighting all the things you’ve enjoyed about working for the company. Emphasize that you are grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of the team and for the valuable professional experience you have gained. Next, take this opportunity to tell your boss that you will be leaving and explain why. You may be going back to school to further your education, moving on to another position or simply taking some time off. You are not obligated to provide a reason so it’s up to you to decide how much or how little detail you provide; a respectful boss will appreciate you taking the time to let them know. By the end of the meeting, you should both come to a mutual agreement on an end date.

The aftermath

After you’ve had this conversation with your boss, don’t forget to provide written notice of your resignation, both to him or her and to the appropriate HR personnel. Should anything go wrong (for example, if your boss tries to extend your time or, worse, tries to have you fired instead), you’ll be able to prove that you did your part!

When you are prepared to give more than two weeks notice

Of course, if you hold a more senior position or you have been with the company for a significant length of time, you may consider extending this time period accordingly. For Streif, if it was a job she enjoyed at a place she felt respected, she would always try to give further notice, especially if it was a very busy company and they would need to fill her position in order to meet customer demands. More than likely in this situation, you are not leaving as a result of any negative circumstances; perhaps, you have secured a more profitable or otherwise personally beneficial opportunity. Although sad to see a promising employee leave, your boss will most likely be happy for you.

How to tell your boss

Much like giving the standard two weeks’ notice, this should be done in person. Share your good news with your boss, emphasize why your new opportunity is the right move for you and explain how it will impact your future at the company. They will appreciate your honesty and willingness to leave on good terms.

For example, Streif had begun working part-time as an editor when she wasn’t at her day job. She explains, “When I had my annual performance review two months later, I told my boss I was taking a new job but I’d stay on as long as she needed me, within reason. We agreed I would finish up a few projects, and I worked there for another month.” A dedicated worker, Streif was again able to find a more lucrative opportunity in building her personal brand when she wasn’t busy editing. Over the course of a few months, she worked with her manager to gradually reduce her weekly hours until she was able to make the seamless transition to full-time entrepreneur.

Alternatively, you may be prepared to give more than two weeks’ notice as a compromise for breaking a previous agreement. In an earlier instance, Streif says that eight months into a 12-month contract, she acquired a new position. “I told the Director of Operations I couldn’t make it all 12 months because I’d accepted another job, but I was happy to work for another month and a half. She felt like that was a good compromise, and we left on great terms.” In the end, Streif's willingness to work with her boss to find an agreeable solution was a testament to her work ethic and good character.

The aftermath

Sometimes, a slow and deliberate transition out of one job to another is more practical and respectful than an abrupt resignation.  You may feel more at peace with yourself for having done your part to help out. But, of course, you are not required to give more than two weeks’ notice (or even two weeks’ notice, but more on that later) even if your new job allows you to do so. You may decide you need the extra time to get ready for your new position or to take a much-needed vacation, and that’s perfectly acceptable as well. Your ultimate goal should be to leave on the best possible terms with your boss and your coworkers. Caroline Beaton, millennial career expert at kununu, recommends trying to complete as many ongoing projects as possible while organizing any materials you’ll be leaving behind for someone else to work on in the weeks prior to your departure. This way, your colleagues will remember you and your contributions more positively and you will have a more seamless transition.

When you give no notice (walking out and/or never showing up again)

Although not advisable, there are extreme circumstances in which you may decide to resign, effective immediately. Indeed, some work environments are truly toxic (emotionally, mentally and even physically) and sometimes the safest thing to do is remove yourself from a potentially harmful situation. Extreme circumstances that may warrant such a strong response include excessive verbal abuse, unreasonable demands to perform unethical or immoral tasks or prolonged, repeated or otherwise unregulated discrimination, which may include racism, sexism, ageism or ableism. Remember that, as long as you are an at-will employee, you can legally quit a job at any time. In all states except Montana, you are considered to be an at-will employee unless you have signed an employment agreement stating otherwise. Although strongly recommended in most situations, giving notice is simply a professional courtesy. 

How to tell your boss

If possible, compose an official letter of resignation and deliver it to your boss either on your way out or, if you leave in a hurry, via email. Your letter can be short and to the point. Simply state that your resignation will take effect immediately and that you appreciate the opportunity to have worked there (even if the last part isn’t true). If you foresee your employers or yourself taking legal action in the future, include your reason for leaving in the letter. Although it won’t change what happened, you will at least have documented the unfortunate ordeal. Remember that failure to inform your employers about your resignation can result in your termination, which is much worse for your professional reputation.  

In this situation, Britton also strongly suggests participating in an exit interview if there is an opportunity to do so. You may personally contact your HR department to find out if this is a requirement and, if not, to request that one is conducted. An exit interview usually takes place independently of your immediate manager, providing you with a safe space to air any grievances. Britton says, “Be honest with your feedback but keep it constructive. The comments you provide could incite changes at the company.” Even though it didn’t work out well for you, maybe there’s hope for reformation so that future employees are better off. Also, like written proof of your resignation, an exit interview will protect you from false accusations made against you by your employer. This is your opportunity to explain exactly what went wrong and why you thought it was best to leave the company. If future employers inquire formally about this experience, official documentation of the incidents that occurred can be shared with them, further absolving you of any unfair judgments. 

The aftermath

Jodi Adler, author of “How Dare You? Helpful Hints for Staying Sane in an Insane World,” has quit quite a few jobs in the past, but never without a backup plan. “Even if that backup plan was hastily put together as I drove away from a job from hell,” she says. Adler recalls, “I did walk out on a job once—a crazy radio station where some misdirected anger was continuously sent my way. On my way out that last night, I said my goodbyes to the people I liked, and since my boss wasn’t in, I left a letter of resignation and never returned. It was one of the best moments of my life. I knew I would find something better.” Like Adler, you should know that your job neither defines you nor determines your self-worth. Strive to be secure enough in your abilities to recognize when you are being severely mistreated or disrespected.

As someone who has had to walk out on jobs in the past, Adler emphasizes the importance of what she calls “rainy day” funds. “I always make sure I have enough money saved to live on, just in case,” she explains. It’s always a good idea (even if you don’t plan on quitting your job anytime soon) to have about two to three months’ worth of living expenses (rent, utilities, food) saved in case of emergencies. If you recognize early on that your employment situation is potentially short-term, start increasing your monthly contributions to your savings while simultaneously looking for new employment opportunities. The current job market is especially volatile, and you may spend several weeks searching for an alternative source of income.

Related:6 Signs Your Workplace is Toxic (& How To Deal)

No one ever said the working world would be easy. And although we would all love to avoid the awkwardness of quitting a job, think of how awful the alternative—getting fired—could be. If you’ve decided that quitting is the right choice for you and that the timing is convenient, remember to remain professional. Review your company’s resignation policies and, as best as possible, follow them accordingly. Britton warns, “How you leave a job can be just as important, if not more important, as what you did while you were there.” In fact, she reveals that nine out ten HR managers say the way an employee quits their job will affect their future career opportunities. “As tempting as it may be to leave in a blaze of glory, you don’t want the last impression people have of you to be a negative one,” she says. Think carefully about your decision and the likely outcomes. 

If you are considering applying to an honors program, know that there are many advantages (and some disadvantages). If you think you may want to be a part of one of these programs but are wondering whether or not it’s right for you, don’t worry! We’ve talked to collegiettes from a number of different schools and they’re breaking down the honors college basics just for you. Here are six things you need to know about college honors programs before you apply.

1. Honors courses differ from regular courses

Courses for honors students are often more hands-on than larger, lecture hall classes. They are discussion-based and project-based, and there often isn’t a lot of busy work or multiple choice testing.

“In many cases, honors classes feel easier than your normal ones,” says Sammi Burke, a recent graduate of the honors program at Siena College. “They're smaller class sizes and are often very heavily discussion-based, with an essay or two throughout the semester, but nothing like the workload of other courses.” Be prepared to be more involved in the classroom.

While some students find honors classes easier, others find them to be more time-consuming. According to Juliane Veloso, a senior in the honors college at George Mason University, one challenge of an honors program is that it is typically more reading and writing intensive. This means that honors programs tend to take up more time than other classes.

The amount of work varies from school to school, but most honors students feel that their classes are more rewarding in general. “Honors classes tend to have students who are really driven and excited to learn, making classes generally more entertaining and successful,” says Suzanne Sterns, a junior at the University of Missouri Columbia. If you love school and are passionate about learning, an honors program may be the right place for you.

2. Honors programs provide helpful resources in and out of the classroom

Because of the smaller class sizes in an honors program, you will have the opportunity to network with your peers and build relationships with your professors one-on-one. The more opportunities you have to impress a teacher with your work ethic, the more willing they will be to write you a recommendation should you need one in the future.

It is also likely that you will have an honors advisor who can help steer you in the right direction both within and outside of the honors college. There may be other honors faculty who can help you out as well. Sara Capucilli, a junior in the honors program at Marymount Manhattan College, enjoys the benefits of attending a small liberal arts school. “The faculty involved in the honors program really cater to us and what we want to learn,” she says. “We even had a Harry Potter class designed for us.”

Honors colleges provide the opportunity to make a large campus feel smaller by connecting you with other honors students, faculty and staff in a more intimate setting. “I can always find two or more friends who I can study with,” says Caitlin Barkley, a sophomore at Clemson University. “Especially during my freshman year, the honors college was a community I could be a part of while still getting involved in other organizations on campus.” The communal feel of an honors college can help ease the transition from high school to college. Plus, you never know how the connections you make through the honors program will benefit you in the future.

3. There are advantages when it comes to registering for classes (and beyond!)

All college students know that registering for classes is comparable to the Hunger Games. This problem is especially real as a first-year student because freshmen usually register for classes after sophomores, juniors and seniors have already chosen their courses. However, there is often an advantage for honors students when it comes to class registration.

“The entire honors program got to pick our classes a few weeks [before] other students,” says Alaina Leary, a graduate of the honors program at Westfield State. “I went to a medium sized school, so this was a huge help in securing the classes I needed and wanted, especially for core classes that everyone needs to take. I had the first pick at good professors and preferable class times as well, and never once did I struggle to get into a class I wanted to take.”

If you plan on applying for scholarships or to grad school like Alaina, being in the honors program can only strengthen your resume. “It was a fantastic experience and I definitely think it awarded me opportunities both in undergrad and beyond,” Alaina adds.

4. Expectations of honors students are usually higher

If you enroll in an honors program, teachers usually expect more out of you. They may put more pressure on you to produce high-quality work because they know you are capable of it. Classes are also likely to be highly participation-based, which can be challenging if you are not comfortable speaking in class.  

Then, of course, there is almost always an honors thesis that you must complete before you can graduate. “The most difficult thing about the whole process was working on my thesis,” Sammi says. “Towards the end of my first semester of senior year, I started feeling like I'd wasted my time because I was under so much stress and I didn't think I would get it done. I did, though, and it was all totally worth it.” If you are easily stressed out and don’t want a ton of extra work, you may choose not to enroll in an honors program.

However difficult and time-consuming your thesis may be, it will also be worth it. “[My thesis] was a huge benefit to me because I was able to work one-on-one with a professor for an entire year and I received a lot of excellent editorial feedback,” says Alaina. “Working on the project shaped the way I write and edit to this day.” You shouldn’t be discouraged from applying to an honors program just because it requires a thesis.

5. Honors students may have additional housing options

Honors students may have the opportunity to live in separate housing, depending on the college. An honors-only living environment can foster learning and provide a space where you can focus on your schoolwork. It can also lead to stronger friendships and better living situations down the road.

“Most of the students who lived in honors housing ended up staying friends and living together in apartments in the later years,” says Alaina. If you choose to pursue an honors program, you could make some of your best college friends in your living area.

Related:6 Things No One Tells You About Going to a Small College

6. You will form close friendships within the honors college

Most honors programs are tight-knit communities, which can be rewarding as well as challenging. There may be more opportunities to form close friendships, but you may also end up knowing everyone’s business.

Macy Conant is a sophomore at Gonzaga University and the student president of the school’s honors program. “The biggest draw for people and why they stay in the program is the community built within each grade level,” says Macy. “Each semester we take three courses together, as a class, which helps build that community. We also have a house on campus that is a place for honors kids to study, hang out and be together. We have class dinners every semester, and try to be as close-knit as possible. Most honors kids end up living with at least one other person from honors after their freshmen year.”

Macy says that it’s nice to have other people who understand your stress level and how busy you are. “Because we spend so much time together, it feels like a family and it's a built-in social experience,” says Macy. “Most of the people who know me the best are in honors, but it can definitely become its own toxic bubble. Everyone knows almost everything about each other, which can be hard.” Like every close relationship, there are bound to be difficult moments. However, the friendships you will build are bound to be special and long lasting!

Honors programs can be excellent resources and a rewarding experience for college students. Whether or not you choose to apply and join an honors college is completely up to you. No matter what you decide, you’re going to have a great four years!

The success of Riverdale brought the Archie comic series to life in a dark yet totally addictive way, and now the production team will bring another classic comic series (and beloved '90s TV show!) to the twenty-first century. Cosmopolitan reports that Netflix will create a Riverdale spin-off based on Sabrina the Teenage Witch, and I am so ready for it.

After Deadline announced that the new series has been picked up for two seasons and will air on Netflix rather than The CW, Riverdale creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa hinted at the return of Sabrina on Instagram. 

Posting a seriously vintage picture from Sabrina the Teenage Witch's original comic strip, Aguirre-Sacasa wrote, "Things are about to get a lot more chilling."

His emphasis on "chilling" plays around with the show's original alleged title, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Given that the new project began its development at The CW and will continue at Netflix, Deadline says that the show is now untitled. I have my fingers crossed for that epic title to survive the network switch!

While producers have been searching for a new Sabrina since September, fans of the classic series starring Melissa Joan Hart may not find what they're hoping for in the spin-off, as the material will come more from the comic strips. According to Deadline, the show will explore the teenage witch's "dark coming-of-age story" and how she learns to deal with her magical identity while "standing against the evil forces that threaten her." So basically, if you've ever seen Riverdale, you have a sense of the project's tone. 

The shows being on different networks may prevent a crossover from happening, but here's hoping that Sabrina visits with the gang in Riverdale someday!