On Saturday, nearly an estimated 5 million people gathered at 673 Women's Marches across the globe. And among the attendees at the march in Los Angeles were several celebrities marching in solidarity including Scarlett Johansson, Viola Davis and Natalie Portman — who took to the podium to share a horrifying story of being sexualized early on in her career as a teenager, explaining why we need #MeToo and Time's Up.

According to the Hollywood Reporter, Portman recounted receiving her first fan mail letter at the age of 13 after starring in The Professional — only to be completely terrified by it.

"I excitedly opened my first fan mail to read a rape fantasy that a man had written me. A countdown was started on my local radio show to my 18th birthday, euphemistically the date that I would be legal to sleep with," she continued. "Movie reviewers talked about my budding breasts in reviews. I understood very quickly, even as a 13-year-old, that if I were to express myself sexually, I would feel unsafe."

She went on to describe the way she adopted a specific public persona in order to defend herself against the way men sexualized her teenage body. 

"I emphasized how serious I was," she told the crowd. "I built a reputation for basically being prudish, conservative and nerdy in an attempt to feel that my body was safe and that my voice would be listened to."

Portman wasn't the only celeb who used her platform to speak out on behalf of women —Viola Davis also killed it on stage with a much-needed powerful speech about intersectional feminism (something last year's Women's Marches were criticized for lacking) and Scarlett Johansson even used the opportunity to call out James Franco for pretending to stand by women via that Time's Up pin at the Golden Globes while privately preying on women.

"I want my pin back, by the way," she told the crowd, which was later confirmed by her rep to be directed at James Franco. (SAVAGE.)

As Viola Davis put it, it's important that we remember that in order for the cycle of oppressive and predatory behavior to be broken, we need to be working towards gender and racial equality every day, not just on the one day of the year we're marching.

"My hope for the future, my hope, and I do hope that we never go back," Davis said. "That it's not just about clapping your hands and screaming and shouting every time someone says something that sounds good. It's about keeping it rolling once you go home."

Taylor Swift is known for her super sweet and personal gestures to some of her biggest fans — so what she did recently for two of her newly-married fans isn't necessarily surprising, but that doesn't make it any less adorable.

As People notes, high school sweethearts Lexi Gonzales and Brittany Lewis got married after dating for nine (!!!) years. The two are longtime T-Swift fans, and Tay's song "Love Story," which was released right around the time they started dating, was a huge part of the beginning of their relationship — so much so that when Brittany proposed to Lexi she used *that* iconic line to ask her girlfriend to marry her.

"As she got down on one knee she said, 'So I talked to your dad, now it’s time to pick out a white dress… will you marry me?'" Lexi writes on the couple's Knot.com wedding page.

Taylor Swift was clearly as touched by the story as we are (I'm not crying, you are), so she decided to make the couple's special day even more special by sending over flowers and a note on the big day.

"Lexi & Brittany, you have no idea how honored I am that ‘Love Story’ has been such a big part of your beautiful love story," Taylor wrote in the note, which Lexi shared on Twitter. "I’m absolutely thrilled that Lexi said YES! Have the most magical wedding day and hopefully I can meet you both soon! Love, Taylor."

Lexi captioned photos of the flowers and the note saying she was "in freaking shock" over the whole thing and yeah, that pretty much sums it up — because it's not every day that Taylor Swift sends you well-wishes and literally the nicest bouquet of flowers I've ever seen on your wedding day.

Press-on nails are making a comeback. [New Beauty]

The best Galentine's Day gifts for your squad. [Cosmopolitan]

The U.S. Women's Olympic hockey team is a team everyone can rally behind. [Elite Daily]

Here's why you need your personal space. [National Geographic]

How to make Greek yogurt parfait popsicles. [Spoon University]

Avocado toast isn't the only thing eating your cash. [The Los Angeles Times]

Camila Cabello sings "Havana" with toy instruments. [Rolling Stone]

The difference between emotional cheating and micro-cheating. [Bustle]

Dream rentals on Airbnb. [PureWow] 

The lowest-calorie fruits. [Women's Health]

The dating world is a confusing place. It begins all fun and happy with the mushy texts, Snapchats and late-night phone calls. Maybe you’ve met up to hang out a few times, or have even gone out on a couple of dates. Suddenly, you’re falling hard for your crush, wondering when you’ll finally be ready to DTR. While you’re lost in the feels, however, your crush isn’t giving off the same vibe. Don’t freak! We’ve rounded up a few collegiettes who want to share their experiences in the dating world, and how to deal with the c-word: commitment.

1. Be upfront

Being upfront in a relationship can be scary, but it can also pay off in the long run. Danielle*, a junior at Elmhurst College, says, “You should definitely be upfront and ask your crush questions such as ‘If we were to start a relationship, would you be committed?’”

There’s a saying that goes along the lines of “if you never ask, the answer is always no.” While relationships are rarely ever as simple as a yes or no answer, you’ll never truly know if your crush is looking for a committed relationship or just a hook-up if you never ask. If you’re looking for commitment, asking from the get-go could save you some heartbreak in the future if you and your crush aren’t on the same page.

Along with asking questions, it’s important to be vocal about your concerns within the relationship. If you’re concerned about the direction your relationship is headed and whether or not it’s just a fling, being open and honest about these feelings will help ensure that you both are on the same page. Tessa McKenna, a junior at Carthage College, values the importance of voicing concerns. “Bringing your concerns up to your significant other is okay! As long as it’s in a calm, healthy manner,” she says. Commitment can be a delicate subject, but approaching the issue in the right way can make all the difference.

2. Don’t force anything

At the same time, you want to make sure you’re not forcing anything. While it might be difficult to deal with the intense feelings and want for a relationship, it’s important to be sure that you’re not making the other person feel pressured into committing to something they don’t want or maybe aren’t ready for. “The best thing to do is to not force anything,” says Tessa. “Relationships are natural and develop over time.” Rather than trying your hardest to make the commitment happen, it may be better for both you and the person you’re interested in to relax and go with the flow of your relationship, and allow the nature of it to take its course.

If your crush is intimidated by the thought of commitment and you want to prevent them from feeling pressured, the situation may call for a little space. Alice Higginbotham, a junior at Northern Illinois University, offers some insight on why space can be good. “Maybe they just need time to themselves to figure out who they are and what they want,” she says. “Give them the space they need, but if you know they’re afraid of commitment and you really have feelings for them, let them know it’s not a bad thing.” While giving them some time to themselves will allow them to figure out more about who they are and what they want, reminding them that commitment doesn’t have to be scary can help reassure them and calm any anxiety they might have.

Related: 4 Ways You’re Scaring Off Your Crush (& What to Do Instead)

3. Keep in mind that everyone is different

Understand that not everyone moves at the same pace. “It’s important to realize that everyone is created extremely different — we are all unique and go through things differently,” Tessa says. Maybe your crush was not treated well in the past, which led to trust issues and fear of committing. Maybe they want to take things slow, or just don’t want to get hurt. “Not everyone can have the same level of commitment as you due to their past or their personality.”

Ultimately, understanding why your crush is uncomfortable with commitment and respecting their feelings can help you both move forward at a speed you can agree on. “Keep the communication easy and flowing and respect that they might move differently than you,” Tessa adds. Communication is key!

4. Ask yourself the big questions

It’s not only important to ask your crush the right questions in regards to what they want in a relationship, but it’s also important to ask yourself what you want as well. “If you are trying to be with someone that’s afraid of commitment, then it is important to ask yourself if it’s worth it to you to put in the extra work,” Tessa says. “If the answer is yes, then it’s crucial to understand that everyone moves at their own pace.” Giving your crush the right amount of space and time to figure out what they want is not easy, but if the effort is worth it to you, you’ll make it work.

5. Remember that time is key

Just as communication is key, time is just as huge. “Time is key — there is always room for change and growth,” Tessa says. After being vocal about what you’re looking for and taking the time to understand your crush’s needs, only time will tell if the relationship is meant to be or if the commitment is just not there.

Commitment can cause a rollercoaster of emotions, and although they might leave you dizzy from the ride, taking the right approach and understanding what you and your crush need specifically will make the rest smooth sailing. At the end of the day, understanding and respecting each other is the most important, whether the commitment is ready to be made or not.

*Name has been changed

The newest sex scandal surrounding President Donald Trump gained a new detail earlier this week. Adult-film star Stormy Daniels allegedly had a sexual relationship with Trump in 2006 (shortly after Melania Trump had given birth to their son Barron). A recent report made by Mother Jones says Daniels once said Trump made her spank him with an issue of Forbes magazine. The issue is said to have had him on the cover.

The alleged encounter took place at a celebrity golf tournament in July 2006. One of Trump’s lawyers, Michael Cohen, allegedly paid Daniels $130,000 in October 2016 to keep her quiet about the affair in the last few weeks of the election season. It was also during this month that the infamously leaked Access Hollywood tape with Billy Bush surfaced. Slate magazine tried to report on the story in 2016 after receiving a detailed interview from Daniels, but were not able to publish it until Tuesday due to Daniels’ wishes following the alleged pay-off. Slate’s report states the alleged affair was not a one-time thing, but instead that it lasted a whole year.

The reports of the incident with a copy of Forbes came from a revealed email exchange from 2009 between two campaign consultants that had worked with Daniels when she was seriously considering a run for Senator of Louisiana. (Her slogan? “Stormy Daniels: Screwing people honestly.”) While running through a potential list of campaign contributors, one of the consultants, Andrea Dubé, was surprised to note that Donald Trump was listed as a possible contributor.

Mother Jones reveals the other consultant showed no such surprise, replying, “Yep. She says one time he made her sit with him for three hours watching “shark week.” Another time he had her spank him with a Forbes Magazine.”

Neither Daniels’ reps nor Trump’s lawyer, Michael Cohen, have offered comments on this new development on the scandal.

As it turns out, Trump was on the cover of a 2006 edition of Forbes, so that part of the story does check out. Also with him on the cover, however, were Donald Jr. and Ivanka.

All together, now: EW.

From coast to coast, thousands of women took to the streets on Saturday to participate in the 2018 Women’s March, ABC News reports. This year the march was titled “Power to the Polls,” and women across the nation marched to promise that they would turn out to the polls this midterm election to vote and to continue to fight against President Trump’s policies.

According to ABC News, the main event of the 2018 Women’s March will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on Sunday, where the march’s organizers have organized a voter registration initiative. Organizers chose Las Vegas since it “was rocked by the deadliest mass shooting in modern U.S. history, recent sexual assault allegations against elected officials and has become a battleground state that will shape the Senate in 2018,” according to the Women’s March website.

“In 2018, we must turn our work into action ahead of the midterms. This new initiative will address voter registration and voter suppression head on. We marched for justice in D.C., we created our plan in Detroit and now we’re bringing the power of the polls to Nevada,” Tamika Mallory, co-president of the Women’s March said in a statement.

In New York City, Ann Dee Allen, a participant of the march, said that “[felt] differently about it this year.”

“Last year, I just felt kind of angry and impassioned. This year, I feel like I’m in it for the long haul,” she added, The New York Times reports.

In Los Angeles, Women’s March participant Amanda Kowalski said, “I’m done with men feeling like they have some sort of power over women, and I’m definitely done with having a president who believes that he has the power to take things from them, to take things that are provided — like Planned Parenthood — from women, when they deserve the same sort of health care as anybody else.”

Claudia Grubbs, who participated in the Women’s March last year as well, told The Times, “Over the last year, every day when I read the news or watch the news, I’m horrified at the things that Trump and his administration are doing, and I feel like going to the march will help re-center me, refocus me and not make me feel like I don’t know what is happening to our country.”

“I feel like it’ll help me gain a sense of balance and a sense of purpose, and help me pursue things that I want to pursue,” Grubbs added.

In Washington D.C., where Congressmembers are staying put to continue working on the temporary spending bill, some lawmakers took to the stage to speak to the crowd. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, one of the Democratic lawmakers present at the march, told the crowd that they had “transformed the world,” The Washington Post reports.  

“They marched, and now they have run for office, and some of them have already won their office,” she said. “We want women to know their power in so many respects — by showing up not only on the day of the march, but in airports, in town halls,” Pelosi said.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand told the crowds, “It’s women who are holding our democracy together in these dangerous times. To change the system, we need to change the players and have women at the table,” The Times reports.

The recent government shutdown also became a rallying cry for participants of the Women’s March.

Rep. Donald S. Beyer Jr. also addressed the crowd, according to The Post, and told them that “if Mitch McConnell, Paul Ryan and the president were women, we would not be in the middle of a government shutdown right now.” The crowd erupted in cheers as Breyer urged the crowd, “Please run! Run smart! Run hard!”

Trump also weighed in on the Women’s March on Saturday afternoon, according to The Post.

“Beautiful weather all over our great country, a perfect day for all Women to March,” he wrote. “Get out there now to celebrate the historic milestones and unprecedented economic success and wealth creation that has taken place over the last 12 months. Lowest female unemployment in 18 years!”

Wine, vino, drink of the gods—no matter what you call it, wine has a special place in our hearts and our bellies. Instead of letting that half empty bottle go to waste or sit in your fridge for a ridiculous amount of time, try repurposing it in one of these creative ways. 

1. Cook with it 

You only need to add a little bit of wine to pack a flavorful punch. Red wine pairs great with red sauces, and white with creamy sauces. If pasta isn't your thing, you can add wine to recipes for chicken, fish or even roasted veggies for an extra kick. This first recipe calls for red wine, but if you have leftover white, you can cook up a garlic sauce in a similar way. Don't worry if your wine is leftover from a few days ago. The more acidic the wine, the less you will need to use in your recipe. This first recipe only calls for 1/8 of a cup! Long hot cooking processes like a stew or soup will help reduce the wine to make it less vinegar-like. No matter what type of wine you have leftover, there's a way to cook with it. 

Fresh Tomato Sauce with Balsamic and Red Wine

Recipe courtesy of Florida Coastal Cooking 

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of ripe organic tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, pressed
• 1/8 cup red wine 
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon each of dried sea salt, oregano, thyme, and basil 
• 1 tsp coconut plam sugar 

Directions 

1. Boil a pot of water and prep an ice bath to dunk your tomatoes in after blanching. Slice a cross on top of the tomatoes. Peel and skin them.

2. Heat olive oil in the pot tomatoes were blanched in. Sauté onion and garlic before adding in the rest of the ingredients to cook for 40 minutes.

Chicken Thighs Braised in Garlic and White Wine

Recipe courtesy of Real Simple

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 8 chichen thighs 
• 3/4 cup of all-purpos flour 
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 
• 3 small yellow onions, quartered 
• 4 cloves garlic, sliced thin
• 3 jarred hot cherry peppers, plus 3 tablespoons of the brine 
• 1 cup dry white wine 
• 1 cup low sodium chicken broth 
• 1 cup of long grain white rice 

Directions 

1. In a bowl combine oregano and a pinch of salt and pepper
2. Pat the chicken dry and season with spice mixture and dredge in the flour. Heat a pan with the olive oil and brown the chicken over medium heat about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate. 
3. Add the onions to the pot and cook until browned. Add the garlic and cherry peppers. Cook for two minutes and then add the pepper brine, wine, and broth and bring to a boil. Put the chicken back in the pot and simmer for about 30 minutes. 
4. Cook the rice according to the package and spoon chicken and broth mixture over it. 

2. Bake with it 

If you prefer sweet to savory, then you should be using your leftover wine to make one of these simple desserts. Red wine and chocolate are a notorious power couple in the kitchen, and they are just as delicious in baked goods. If you have leftover red wine you should be using it to make rich chocolatey desserts like the brownie recipe below. White is typically baked with fruits like pears of peaches, but you can go fruitless with the cake recipe below. The same rule applies for baking as it does cooking -- don't bake with wine you wouldn't drink! 

Red Wine Brownies 

Recipe courtesy of A Cookie Named Desire 

• 3/4 cup of red wine 
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries 
• 1 cup all purpose flour 
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 
• 1 stick of butter, plus extra for greasing 
• 6 oz of dark or semi-sweet chocolate 
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups of sugar 
• 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder 
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 

Directions 

1. Soak the cranberries in the wine for 30 minutes until they look plump. Speed up the process by gently heating them up in the microwave or on a stovetop. 
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8x8 inch pan 
3. Mix flour and salt in a bowl. Set aside. 
4. In a mixing bowl over boiling water heat the butter and chocolate until melted together. You can do this in the microwave but the chocolate is more likely to burn that way. 
5. Remove the bowl from heat and beat in the eggs 
6. Add the sugar, cocoa powder, and flour to the mixture. Mix well. 
7. Mix in the red wine and cranberries. Fold in the walnuts. 
8. Bake for 50-55 minutes and then let cook for about 30 minutes. 

White Wine Cake

Recipe courtesy of Duncan Hines 

Cake

• 1 box of yellow cake mix 
• 1 smal box of instant vanilla pudding 
• 3/4 cup water
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil 
• 1/4 cup of white wine 
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup of light brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans 

Glaze

• 1 stick of margarine 
• 1 cup fo sugar
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1/4 cup of white wine 

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
2. Spray pan with non stick spray.
3. Prepare boxed cake mix leaving out pecans. 
4. Layer pecans at the bottom of the pan, then pour the cake mix over.
5. Bake for an hour and ten minutes.
6. For the glaze, bring all ingredients to a boil for 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove from heat and add in the wine.
8. Spoon the glaze onto the cake while it is still hot after removing from the oven. 

3. Make a face mask

Take things to the next level with this mix of ingredients. No, they aren’t for eating -- but for an awesome facemask that has been taking Pinterest by storm. The combination of anti-inflammatory ingredients plus the smell of honey and red wine make this mixture absolutely perfect. 

Wine Face Mask 

Recipe courtesy of Bustle and The Beauty Bean

• 1 teaspoon of Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon of red wine (Merlot) 
• 1 teaspoon honey 

Directions

1. Mix it all up and apply to a clean face with a cotton ball.
2. Leave it on for about 15 minutes then rinse off for smooth refreshed skin.

4. Get rid of wine stains 

No, you shouldn't fight fire with fire -- but you can fight wine stains with wine stains. Elizabeth Reeve, a senior at Wells College, learned this trick the hard way. "I was with some friends and spilled a little wine on my shirt. The next thing I know my friend was cleaning it with white wine," she says. "It didn't completely go away, but I was able to salvage my shirt." For this trick, you have to work quickly. White wine can be used to clean up red wine stains, but only when the stain is still damp. Unfortunately, it doesn't work the other way around. 

Clean up red wine 

Recipe courtesy of Cleanipedia

• salt
• white wine
• baking soda

Directions

1. Dab any excess liquid. 
2. Apply the salt. 
3. Then apply the white wine. 
4. Mix baking soda with water and apply to the stain.
5. Wash off and then wash as per usual. 

5. Freeze it 

Freezing wine is an easy way to save that leftover bottle. The easiest and most efficient way to do this is to use an ice cube tray. Frozen wine is best for cooking but can be used to create a slushie-like sangria or boozy ice pops. Time-wise, you should use up or freeze wine within a day if it's been left out, or a week if it's been closed and kept in the fridge. 

Wine cubes 

How-to courtesy of The Balance

Directions

1. Fill an empty ice cube tray with wine.
2. Keep in the freeer. (Typically freezes quicker than water due to the alcohol content.)
3. Remove from tray and keep in a freezer safe back for easy access. 

6. Sanitize with it 

Wine is typically associated with stains, but it can actually be used to sanitize. Sanitizing, or removing bacteria, isn't the same thing as cleaning (so be sure to still wash your fruits and veggies!). Get rid of any bacteria hiding in your produce or on your countertop with white wine. The alcohol is what gets the job done. Add some to a spray bottle and spray it on your veggies or table. For your countertop, stick to dry white wines so you won't have to deal with any sticky residue. 

Related: 13 Reasons Why Wine is Like Your Best Friend 

When it comes to leftover wine, there are many ways to use up even the last tablespoon. This could mean spicing up your dinner menu, adding a surprise ingredient to your weekly face mask or adding a savory element to dessert. No matter how you choose to use up your leftover wine it’s great to know that not a drop is going to waste!

Name: Danielle Bainbridge
Age: 27
Job Title and Description: Host and Writer of the web series Origin of Everything with PBS Digital Studios
College Major: BA University of Pennsylvania English and Theater Arts. MA and MPhil from Yale in American Studies and African American Studies. Ph.D. candidate in African American Studies and American Studies at Yale University.
Website: You can find Origin of Everything on Facebook and YouTube
Instagram Handle: @pbsoriginofeverything

What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day? 

DB: My current job with PBS entails researching, writing and hosting the episodes of the weekly web series Origin of Everything. I can’t say there’s really such a thing as a typical day since every episode is a little different. Usually, for each episode I work with my producers at Kornhaber Brown to brainstorm ideas and pitch topics. We’ll usually agree on a few ideas or general questions and then I start my preliminary research. If I find something that’s interesting or makes me want to dig deeper then I start diving into the topic. This is probably the best and most frustrating part of the job since I never know what I’m going to get in that initial search. I’m often confused or surprised by the things I uncover. Sometimes my research changes what I thought I was looking for and I end up shifting directions or subtly reworking my original claims. Then I write the script and share it with my producers and the team at PBS Digital Studios for a final review. People get a chance to ask me questions, offer critique, or point out places for greater clarity. Depending on what happens at that point I go back to the script and do even more writing and digging until I have a final draft. Then I go in to shoot the episodes and the production team works on putting together the video, including Noelle Smith who does all of our awesome graphics. 

What is the best part of your job? 

DB: Talking to people, is hands down the best part of my job. I was a pretty reserved kid but as I’ve gotten older I’ve become a real chatterbox, especially if I’m passionate about a subject. I love talking to our audience members on Instagram, Youtube, and Facebook because I’m really passionate about providing fun, entertaining, and educational content to everyone who tunes in every week. I get a lot of great messages from teachers who use our episodes in classrooms across the country and that always makes me happy. I also know that critical thinking is a vital part of deepening our understanding of the world around us. History isn’t just a boring set of dates and facts. It’s an ongoing argument and I think it’s awesome that our audience members are really active on our social media pages. I also moderate the pages and try to answer as many of the questions as I can personally. 

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

DB: I think the first 40 hour a week job I ever had was as an intern for Morgan Stanley when I was 18 years old. A friend of mine was working there and recommended me for that job. I learned a lot from having to be in a professional environment every day. I ultimately didn’t end up pursuing that field after the internship, but it was valuable in a lot of ways. But in academia, my first teaching job was working as a teaching fellow for an art history course at Yale. The professor teaching the class asked if I would be interested in working for her course and since I needed a teaching assignment that semester, I agreed. At the time I was 24 and some of the students in the class were older than me so I remember sitting down at the front of my first lecture with my hands shaking. My voice cracked twice while introducing myself since I didn’t really see myself as an authoritative person. But I powered through and the rest is history (pun intended). 

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable? 

DB: I usually think of three key things when I’m working or whenever I start new jobs:

1. Just because someone has power doesn’t mean he or she has absolute power over you. Especially when you’re first starting a career it’s easy to think that people who are more senior than you have all of the power and you’re just dependent on their kindness to get ahead. But that’s not true. No matter what stage of [the] career you’re in you have to think of yourself as someone with value, intelligence and agency. Even if someone is in a powerful position, you still have the potential to go a different route without him or her. They don’t own your talent or your time. Those gifts belong to you so it’s important to command respect instead of waiting for outside affirmation all of the time.
2. It gets harder, but you’ll get better. Usually, each new phase of a career is incrementally harder than the one before. I used to hear ‘the reward for doing good work is more work’ and that’s usually true. But it’s like training for a marathon. Even though the amount of running you do each week is getting longer and longer, your body is also in better shape as time goes on so you’re able to tackle bigger challenges. Your mind and your talents are like big muscles. They need a lot of exercise to get in shape. So your circumstances may be getting more challenging, but you are becoming better every day.
3. Develop an instinct for your own work. That usually means a lot of trial and error (with a heavy emphasis on the error side of things), but your instincts will become your best tool for the rest of your life. Take advice from reliable sources and loved ones, but remember that ultimately you’re in control of your choices. Advice is usually anecdotal and prescriptive because it’s essentially someone telling you “this is exactly what worked for me so you have to do things my way.” But what worked for someone else might not work for you. Figure out the things you need to get things done. Define for yourself what being successful should look like. Try lots of things and screw up a bunch of them. Take notes and learn. Listen to your instincts once you figure out what they’re trying to say and how they communicate with you. 

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

DB: I make lots of lists of goals, future plans and tasks to accomplish. But I found over time that sometimes the lists would make me depressed rather than motivate me to work harder. That was because in many cases I was setting these really hard to reach artificial deadlines and then feeling bad when I didn’t finish them exactly on time. Now I still make the lists of goals, future plans, and things to do, but I’ve also added another category called a “reverse to-do list”. I’ll take time to look back over my day and say “OK, I didn’t finish these six things I set out to do, but I did complete four of those tasks and also unexpectedly finished these three other things that weren’t on the list.” I do the same with my long-term goal lists by looking back over the past several months or year and listing everything I achieved. It helps me to measure my progress in a way that focuses on all of the things I have done, rather than the things I didn’t. Staying positive is a great motivator. 

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

DB: Getting a call from my producers on my 27 birthday saying that they wanted to hire me for PBS Digital Studios. I’m a slightly superstitious person, so it felt like a great omen! 

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

DB: Find a way to tell yourself that you’re capable at least once a day. Being confident can make a huge difference since you’re going to get a lot of rejection before you reach where you want to be in your career. Also, teach yourself the difference between a genuine opportunity and someone who’s just looking to waste your time or not pay for your labor. Everything I do centers on my writing. I write plays, published creative nonfiction & fiction, and do academic writing both for the show and in my role as an academic. I think when I first left college I had the mentality that every opportunity was better than nothing. I learned the hard way that this definitely isn’t true. You will definitely have to do projects you don’t love at the beginning of your career because you’re trying to build your resume. But later on, you will also have to become more discerning about the kinds of work you accept. The things you make have value because your labor is valuable. Make sure you get paid fairly and only work with people who treat your work with respect. 

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

DB: I don’t have to hire people in my job, but I used to write resumes for clients at a nonprofit in West Philadelphia and the Bronx. After writing hundreds of resumes I have to say that a nice clean format is still the first thing I notice. I want it to be simply formatted and clearly legible at first glance, which is much harder than most people think. If I can’t read it, I can’t figure out what’s important. Picking the simplest and clearest format is usually the way to go. It may not be the most exciting, but it actually helps highlight all of the great things you’ve done. Also: arrange the sections by order of importance based on the type of job your applying for. If you want a writing job then make sure the section listing all of your publication credits is right at the top. If you’re looking for a teaching position, move your section on educational credentials and teaching experience right to the top. Don’t bury the lede!

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.)

New Trump Immigration Ad Calls Democrats 'Complicit' in Murder

On Saturday, the Trump campaign released an ad calling Democrats "complicit" in murders by illegal immigrants in the U.S. and...no, just no. The ad, which was likely in response to Democrats' refusal to give in to Trump's now-infamous "border wall" in exchange for the Republican party to agree to reinstate DACA, is titled "Complicit," and features a voiceover that reads, "President Trump is right — build the wall, deport criminals, stop illegal immigration now. Democrats who stand in our way will be complicit in every murder committed by illegal immigrants." 

Meanwhile, the White House has offered mixed messages on the ad, denying involved in it's creation — while also still defending it. In any case, the backlash on Twitter has been swift:

Rep. Patrick Meehan Kicked Out of Ethics Committee After Sexual Misconduct Allegations

Representative Patrick Meehan, a Republican from Pennsylvania (and a House member who had played a role in investigating sexual harassment in Congress), has been removed from the House Ethics Committee after a New York Times story detailing the way in which he used taxpayer money to settle his own sexual harassment case was released Saturday. According to the report in the Times, Meehan made romantic advances toward an aide last year, becoming hostile when she did not reciprocate — prompting the aide to file a complaint and eventually quit her job altogether after his advances made her feel intimidated.

Despite the fact that the report used accounts from multiple people who witnessed the situation in Meehan's office, the representative has denied the allegations. Quick suggestion: can we please leave men pretending to support women and equality while doing the exact opposite in private behind in 2018?

Utah State University Student Hospitalized After Eating a Tide Pod

In case it hasn't already been made abundantly clear that the only thing you should be doing with Tide Pods is putting them in your washing machine, you might want to take note of the fact that a Utah State University student was hospitalized over the weekend after swallowing one, the Huffington Post reports. The local hospital where the student was admitted has not yet released his or her condition, and the school said in a statement that it did not know why the student ingested the Tide Pod. So please, let's limit our Tide Pod consumption to memes and, if the temptation is just too strong, the recipe for this edible version.

What to look out for...

2018 Oscar nominations are released tomorrow! Here's hoping Academy members got the message at the Golden Globes and we will no longer have to make use of the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag or pretend to be shocked when our favorite female directors and actresses are snubbed.

By Zoey Hickman

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

I’m from a small town in Louisiana, where Southern Baptist churches litter every street corner in place of non-existent liquor stores. I can’t remember a time before I started sitting in the pews every Sunday and Wednesday learning about God. As you cou can assume, I strongly believed that abortion was murder. Up until I was about sixteen years old, in fact, my favorite argument to make against abortion was, “If you’re not ready to have children you shouldn't be having sex.”

This view, of course, didn’t last. The older I got, the more I was willing to be sexually active and the more I had to come face-to-face with reality: If I were to enjoy sex, I would (by my own beliefs) be giving up my right to my own body. I also, within this span of time, realized something very important about myself: I had Tokophobia. 

Don’t worry if you’ve never heard of it, I hadn’t either. It’s not a very common phobia to learn about but it’s one that affects more women than you’d think. Tokophobia is the intense fear of pregnancy or childbirth, a fear so strong that I had made up my mind by the time that I was ten years old that I never wanted to give birth to children. In my mind, though, I didn’t expect myself to become sexually active until I was married and then by that time I could get my tubes tied (yes, my logic was flawed, but I genuinely believed it).

So, my beliefs did a 180 degree turn from “ABORTION IS MURDER” to “MY BODY, MY CHOICE” within the span of a year. Having to explain that I would get an abortion without question to my parents was difficult, but having to explain that to complete strangers is just taxing.

I started realizing how narrow my view was as a child and how sickening the world was for giving that view to me. Why do I need an explanation for not wanting children other than “I don’t want children?”

Why should women have to beg society to let us be the rulers of our own bodies? And why should we give up one of life’s natural pleasures as a defense against pregnancy? All of these questions scared me and angered me, as they still do to this day.

That is why I’m no longer Pro-Life. Because it’s not “Pro-Life,” to work to ban access to safe, affordable reproductive healthcare — it’s “Anti-Choice”. It’s “Anti-Women." There are women who need abortions for different reasons than me: medical reasons, situational reasons, financial reasons, etc. — and all of them are valid.

So, on this 45th Anniversary of Roe v. Wade, I’m going to be thinking about all of the amazing women who helped fight to give me my right to own my body and helped set the precedent for countless women to understand that pregnancy is not a punishment to women for having sex.

In honor of the 45th Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade SCOTUS ruling, Her Campus contributors shared their reflections about abortion access, challenging stigma and reproductive choice. You can read more about what college women really think about abortion and reproductive health via Our Bodies, Our Rules.

Ed Sheeran is engaged!

Well, he ~technically~ has been engaged for a little under a month now. The singer made the announcement in an Instagram post on Saturday, stating that Cherry Seaborn went from being his girlfriend to his fiance just before the new year.

Sheeran and Seaborn, a hockey player from the UK, met in high school and had been dating for three years.

I selfishly cannot contain my excitement for Sheeran's next album, because you know it's going to be romantic AF.

By Cleo-Symone Scott

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

It's 2018 and Uterus-owning people are still dealing with politicians attempting to restrict their access to safe, affordable reproductie healthcare 45 years after the landmark Roe v. Wade case that gave women the constitutional right to privacy when it comes to her personal medical decisions — including abortions.

Planned Parenthood states that abortion is now one of the safest medical procedures in America. There is now a safety record of over 99 percent for the procedure, which is drastically different from the 60’s when illegal abortions made up one-sixth of all pregnancy and childbirth-related deaths.

And, yet, in 2018 it still needs to be said that women have an absolute right to safe and legal abortions, that abortion is not murder, that an abortion happens before the fetus develops into a human,  that Personhood begins at birth, not at conception and that there are multiple studies (yes, legitimate peer-reviewed science) showing that at the time of abortion, fetuses are incapable of feeling pain.

Additionally, it still needs to be said that many women have abortions because they don’t want to have children. Some women do not have the financial, mental, physical security they would need iin order to take care of a child. Some women already have children and know that their family wouldn't thrive with another child. Why force a woman to go through unnecessary hardships by restricting her access to abortions? Forcing a person to remain pregnant and to give birth for any reason is unethical —and it is ridiculous that we are still having to say this. 

Abortions should also not be restricted to victims of rape or incest (though they should most definitely have access to this care without question.) Just because a woman consents to having sex doesn't mean her right to an abortion should be taken away. Consenting women should be able to choose whether or not they want to have a child themselves. No one other than me has the right to tell me what to do with what is going on inside of my body. Full stop.

Pregnancies often happen due to a mistake, such as unprotected sex or missed birth control; people make mistakes. We now live in a day and age where women can safely and legally rectify these mistakes. Do not take this ability away from them. Making abortions illegal will only increase the rate of unsafe abortions. This will take us back to the days before Roe v. Wade where women were dying every day from unsafe, back-alley abortions (and couldn't seek proper care in the aftermath of those procedures for fear of legal repercussions.)

Obviously, I know there are many that will disagree with me, and that’s okay. Abortion is a complicated and emotional procedure, for those that have them and also for those that don’t. It’s similar to the gay marriage debate: if you don’t believe in gay marriage, don’t get gay married! If you don’t agree with abortions, simply don’t have one. But don’t try to take away someone else’s fundamental and constitutional right to do what they want with their body.

In honor of the 45th Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade SCOTUS ruling, Her Campus contributors shared their reflections about abortion access, challenging stigma and reproductive choice. You can read more about what college women really think about abortion and reproductive health via Our Bodies, Our Rules.

Less than two weeks ago, five women accused James Franco of "inappropriate or sexually exploitative behavior," according to the Los Angeles Times. Despite Franco attending last night's Screen Actors Guild Awards himself, it was his sister-in-law Alison Brie who was left to answer for Franco. 

Brie, who's married to Dave Franco, was asked about the allegations by E!'s Giuliana Rancic.

"I think that above all, what we've always said is it remains vital that anyone that feels victimized should and does have the right to speak out and come forward. I obviously support my family," Brie said.

She continued, "Not everything that has been reported is fully accurate, so I think we're waiting to get all the information. But of course now is the time for listening and that's what we're all trying to do."

James Franco's attorney has denied the claims.

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

Advocacy is integral to my identity. It is incredibly important to me to fight for causes I care about and stand up for what is right, and I take every opportunity to pursue those objectives. Reproductive justice matters to me because everyone deserves the right to bodily autonomy. There are multiple intersectional systems at work preventing people from accessing the healthcare they need and the quality of life they deserve. I have had the chance to participate in reproductive justice-related activism in multiple ways, and while I have given my time and energy to advocating for reproductive justice through activism, my work has also enriched my life in ways I never could have imagined. 

As president of my university chapter of Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity (UGRE), I plan and participate in events that promote education and awareness about reproductive justice on campus, and I advocate for RJ-related policies including comprehensive sexual education in Alabama and access to free condoms and free or reduced cost STI testing for students. As Chair of the clinic escorting group at my local abortion clinic, I create schedules and make sure shifts are filled, facilitate trainings for new defenders and escort at the clinic four hours a day, five days a week to protect patients and their companions from harassment by anti-choice protestors. I also am the Treasurer for the Yellowhammer Fund, an abortion fund serving all abortion-seekers in Alabama, and I manage the fund's finances to ensure we are best able to combat the various barriers that abortion-seekers in Alabama face. I have made a difference in my community through my reproductive justice-related activism since moving to Alabama for college and I feel grateful to be able to make an impact with one of my favorite causes. While it often feels like an uphill battle in my deeply red state, my work is still incredibly rewarding.

As an activist, it is vital to be able to look on the bright side and find joy in the little things, rather than get bogged down when it seems like our voices are being ignored. Though every day presents a unique set of challenges, the number of rewarding moments is much greater than the number of disappointments. I love learning first-hand about why the work I am doing matters, like when I listen to the testimony of a patient at the abortion clinic while I escort.

After weeks or months of calling and writing, it is a wonderful relief when representatives change their vote or when a court strikes down a harmful policy. Even in my daily life I am encouraged by friends thanking me for my efforts or asking me how they can get involved in the activism I do. While I participate in activism for personal reasons, getting recognition is an added boost of motivation that reminds all of us why we should keep going.

The friends I have made through my activism are some of the best people I have ever met. It is endlessly inspiring to spend time with people who share my worldviews and ambitions for the future. If it is true that you become the people you surround yourself with, then I am lucky to be able to surround myself with people who share my passion for justice, my tireless work ethic, and my resilient optimism for the future even when the world seems to be crashing down around us. My advocacy work has had a tremendous effect on my personal development as well.

Aside from the professional skills I have developed, such as practice with various programs and becoming a more effective communicator, I have watched myself become a more confident person, which has changed my life in every single way for the better. I have discovered an inner courage and strength that I did not realize I possessed, and I try to use my newfound fearlessness whenever possible to stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.

If you want to get more involved with activism but do not know where to start, I assure you that there is plenty that you can do to help whatever causes you are most passionate about. Look into local organizations already working toward progress and find out how you can help them, whether that be through volunteering or advocacy. Check out national organizations related to your favorite causes and sign up for their newsletters to stay in the loop about actions that you can take to promote positive change.

I believe in everyone's ability to make a difference in the world and I believe participating in activism is an essential way to make the greatest impact possible in your community. 

In honor of the 45th Anniversary of the Roe v. Wade SCOTUS ruling, Her Campus contributors shared their reflections about abortion access, challenging stigma and reproductive choice. You can read more about what college women really think about abortion and reproductive health via Our Bodies, Our Rules.

Melania Trump has continuously condemned bullying on social media, once calling it "absolutely unacceptable." The first lady has even championed an anti-cyberbullying campaign — which doesn't appear to apply to the President's controversial tweets. 

Last night, as the first-ever host of the Screen Actors Guild Awards, Kristen Bell declared herself the unofficial first lady of the show.

Her first initiative? Yep, you guessed it — cyberbullying.

“I think my first initiative as first lady will be cyberbullying,” Bell said. “Because I have yet to see any progress made on that problem quite yet.”  

Shaaade!

The Screen Actors Guild Awards aren't as big as the Emmys or Oscars, but they still bring together and honor the best in both TV and film. For actors, the awards are particularly special because they're chosen by their own peers. 

This year's SAG Awards were jam-packed with celebrities, jokes, fashion, reflections on the #MeToo and Time's Up movements, and of course, awards! Check out the show's highlights below.

The Red Carpet

I, Tonya's Allison Janney Always Dreamt of Being... An Ice Skater?!

Janney revealed in a red carpet interview that she grew up wanting to be a professional figure skater rather than an actor, which is particularly funny considering the subject matter of I, Tonya.

“That was my first dream, to be a figure skater. I wasn’t very good,” Janney said. “I was actually very graceful but it’s really an acrobatic sport. I’m 6 feet tall. I maybe could’ve been an ice dancer, but I could maybe do two double jumps, but that’s it. You have to be compact and small and a gymnast almost. It just wasn’t my thing. That’s the short answer.”

Millie Bobby Brown Rocks Converse with Pink Dress

Nominated for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series, Brown opted for sneakers over heels. "You got to go for Converse. You gotta dance the night away, win or lose!” Brown told PEOPLE.

Allison Williams Discussed the Entertainment Industry's Impact on the Election and Time's Up

The Get Out star talked about how actresses are making positive changes despite being told their voices didn't help in the 2016 presidential election.

"I've learned a lot. One of the biggest lessons from this movement is that in many ways, what we do and the power it gives us, the platform it gives us [has] always been kind of confusing to us," Williams said. "For actresses, one of the messages from the last election was that their presence didn't help with the race and everything like that, and so that's, among all other reasons, that's I think why it's so powerful to have a legal defense fund set up by actresses but that benefits men and women all across the country in their workplaces, no matter what the industry is."

Williams continued, "That, to me, is the most incredible wielding of power, to be able to take our platform and the microphones that we have and use it to raise money for people who do other jobs and everywhere ... and so that's been fascinating to watch. That that's possible is really amazing." 

Sequins Were Everywhere

You seriously couldn't go five seconds without seeing some form of sequins on last night's red carpet.

After Kim Kardashian put to rest the wild rumors about Kylie Jenner’s potential involvement in her surrogacy, fans are in a frenzy again with the recent release of the Our Family Calvin Klein campaign. The new slew of flattering photos features all five sisters in classic neutral-colored lingerie in various poses.

While her sisters show off their perfectly sculpted legs and flat chiseled abs in the majority of the photos, Kylie happens to be covered in every single shot. The comfy red-and-white quilt seems to be the twenty-year-old model’s new best friend, as she’s seen holding it or wrapping it around her body in the photos she appears in. Even when she’s in a black jumpsuit emulating Kim in a matching denim one, Kylie still shields her stomach with the blanket.

Coincidence? Many fans think not.

After Kim Kardashian put to rest the wild rumors about Kylie Jenner’s potential involvement in her surrogacy, fans are in a frenzy again with the recent release of the Our Family Calvin Klein campaign. The new slew of flattering photos features all five sisters in classic neutral-colored lingerie in various poses.

While her sisters show off their perfectly sculpted legs and flat chiseled abs in the majority of the photos, Kylie happens to be covered in every single shot. The comfy red-and-white quilt seems to be the twenty-year-old model’s new best friend, as she’s seen holding it or wrapping it around her body in the photos she appears in. Even when she’s in a black jumpsuit emulating Kim in a matching denim one, Kylie still shields her stomach with the blanket.

Coincidence? Many fans think not.

So, you’ve started your first month of birth control pills — what’s next? Unfortunately, many hormone-based birth control pills have some negative side effects that just seem to be unavoidable for even the strongest collegiette. But, you can rest assured knowing most go away after a few months.

If you’re looking for answers on what to expect that first month on birth control, look no further. We’ve consulted Dawn Stacey, PhD, LMHC, a birth control expert, to give us all the details on how to deal.

1. The side effects will be difficult

Birth control comes with a range of side effects. Therefore, it is probably obvious (but important to note) that your first month on the pill is not going to be easy. If you have a rough day during that first month where you really don’t feel well, keep in mind that your body is being filled with hormones outside its normal cycle.

According to Dr. Stacey, there isn't a one-size-fits all experience with birth control pill side effects. "The most commonly reported side effects when a woman first uses the pill are: bleeding irregularities/spotting, nausea and/or vomiting, headaches and breast tenderness," she says. "Less commonly reported sides affects are mood changes, bloating, and less sexual desire. For most women, side effects usually go away after three months of continued use."

Dr. Stacey says collegiettes should really try and stick through the first three months of a new pill, no matter how challenging. "If, after 3 months, side effects are still present, she should talk to her doctor about what she is experiencing and ask her doctor to switch her to a different brand (one that may be less likely to cause her specific side effects)," she says. "The different combination and dosage levels of estrogen to progestin are more likely to cause certain side effects." If you start a new pill, give that one three months, as well. 

Always remember that the decision to be on the pill is totally up to you. If you truly can’t handle it or simply don’t like the way it makes you feel or act, don’t be afraid to get off of it. Consult with your doctor about other methods of contraception or other formulas of the pill.

2. You may feel extremely emotional

This one comes straight from the change in hormone levels and is pretty common the first month. Although, the only way for sure to know if it’s the birth control itself that’s responsible for your moodiness is to stop taking it altogether.

For Sarah Madaus, a freshman at Temple University, starting birth control caused her emotions to run wild. “PMS is normal but mine was extreme,” she says. “It’s leveled out a little bit since the first month, but is definitely more noticeable than others.” 

Dr. Stacey recommends that you closely monitor your mood changes once starting the pill. "A journal or log book can help with this," she says. "If this symptom gets worse (develops into depression) or does not go away after 3 months, a woman should discuss this with her doctor." An awareness of the hormonal changes happening in your body is crucial.

3. Nausea is common

If you are feeling overwhelmingly sick for a few consecutive days — don’t fear! This is normal and there are ways to fight it.

Dr. Stacey recommends taking your pill before bed. "A good way to combat nausea is to take the pill before going to sleep," she says. "This way, most of the nausea will be gone by the morning. If you do vomit after taking a pill, it is important to check with a doctor or pharmacist about whether or not to take an additional one." You might not be on the pill that's best for you personally.

If nausea continues or is extreme, reschedule an appointment with your gynecologist and get switched ASAP.

4. You could spot (but you might not)

Irregular bleeding is an extremely common side effect of birth control pills, especially during those first few months. If you find a little bit of blood on a random day you take one of your pills, you most likely have nothing to worry about.

It's important to be informed about potential spotting before going on the pill. "There is really nothing that women can do to stop or prevent spotting of bleeding between periods," Dr. Stacey says. "The best thing is that she is educated before hand that this may be a potential side effect, so she is not caught off guard if this happens."

Keep in mind, though, that if bleeding is excessive or seems abnormal to you, you can always ease your mind by checking in with your doctor to make sure everything is okay. It will usually level off in a few months.

Related: A Beginner’s Guide to The Pill: Everything You Need to Know

5. Your period doesn’t always come the first day of the sugar pill

When your first day of the sugar pill comes, especially if you are sexually active, you’re probably eager to get your period. However, if it doesn’t come right on that first day, don’t rush to the pharmacy for a pregnancy test (not yet, at least).

When you’re on the first month of the pill, your body is trying to adjust your normal cycle to the additional hormones entering your system. Accordingly, your period could come as early as the first day of the sugar pill or as late as one of the last days. Every woman is different, so don’t fear! Chances are, your period will come. Your body will settle into a patterned cycle by the third or fourth pack of birth control.

6. You’re not protected from pregnancy yet

This one is especially important for sexually active collegiettes: don’t stop using protection your first month on birth control because you could still get pregnant. Opting for back-up protection (shout out to condoms) is your best — and safest — bet.

According to Go Ask Alice!, during your first month, there is still a chance that you ovulated before starting the first pill, so there could still be an egg ready for fertilization. After your first month, the hormones in the active pills should prevent you from ovulating altogether.

7. There are several health benefits of starting the pill

While you are definitely going to experience some side effects on the pill, you can ease your mind by knowing you will also experience some health benefits. "There are many health benefits of the pill — ranging from reducing your chances of ovarian, endometrial, and colon cancer to regulating cycles, reducing unwanted hair growth and acne," Dr. Stacey says. She adds that the pill is a very safe birth control option, and no other prescription drug has been more studied or researched. 

Birth control pills almost always come with inescapable side effects, collegiettes — especially that first month. The only way to learn what you can tolerate is to try out several different options until you find a pill that works for you. It might be difficult at the time, but the end result is far worth it.

After snagging the win for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor at this year's SAG Awards, Big Little Lies star Nicole Kidman wowed the audience with her words on an issue close to her heart. Along with extending thanks to other actresses in the same category, a tearful Kidman called attention to ageism in Hollywood during her moving acceptance speech, Mashable reports.