Kate Koenig, a 19-year-old University of Pittsburgh student, was cut off by her family after they found out she identifies as pansexual. 

When Koenig's parents discovered her sexuality right before the start of her freshman year of college, they told her that they would no longer provide financial assistance. Koenig says that her family, including her extended family, is "extremely homophobic."

"They're praying, literally praying, that I turn off my sexuality and come back to the faith, come back to the church and ... come back to them,"she says. 

Due to the fact that she is unable to qualify for a loan without a cosigner, Koenig will be spending the fall semester at a local community college. In order to fulfill her dream of attending Pitt, Koenig decided to start a GoFundMe page to cover the cost of tuition for the rest of the school year.

In eight days, she raised over $12,000 of the $15,000 she needs to stay at Pitt. 

"Going to Pitt is a dream of mine and I couldn't bear the thought of not being able to stay there,"she wrote."I will be immensely grateful if your contributions allow me to stay at Pitt. I'm praying every day for a miracle to help make this possible."

Spoiler alert: the after (college) life does exist, and it’s called, drum roll… the real world.  After four years (give or take a few) of nonstop studying, partying, studying, and more partying, the time eventually comes to trade in the textbooks and light-up shot glasses for a serious dose of reality.  But before you check yourself in on campus as the new, perpetual Van Wilder, we recommend thinking again—the glory days aren’t officially kaput yet.  There’s always a silver lining (or 17). In the wise words of Alice Cooper, school’s out forever!

1. Bye-bye, textbooks. Remember how you spent about a gazillion dollars (but actually) on books that you wouldn’t crack open until that last week of the semester? Well, those days are over.  Lucky for you, the real world is an “experiences” kind of place, so you won’t necessarily be finding the answers to life in an overpriced book.

2. And hello, leisurely reading!  Got a stack of books that have been piling up since you graduated high school? Or, are you not really a bookworm but want to test the waters by skimming the book your favorite movie was based on (The Great Gatsby, anyone?)? Whatever the case may be, now you actually have time to read… for fun.  Reading boring, dry books isn’t something you have to do anymore. Instead, you can pick up a trashy beach read and not have to worry about writing a detailed analysis about the main characters’ love lives and what that means to the overall theme of the book.

3. Repeat after me: no more 30-page papers, no more 100-page reading assignments, no more lab quizzes, no more problem sets. No more homework. (Disclosure: you may have work to do for your job, but it’s completely different—and you’ll probably enjoy it a lot more than those general requirement courses you didn’t care about.)

4. If you think college guys are all that, just wait until you dive into the post-grad dating pool! Not only are there plenty more fish in the sea once you escape your college bubble, but they also just look hotter—we think it has something to do with the long working hours and professional attire. And although it’s not scientifically proven (yet), guys somehow mature (to an extent, of course) once they’re handed that coveted diploma.  They’re no longer talking about how many beers they can chug in less than a minute or why their frat is the best on campus.  Instead, these guys are tossing out words like “hedge fund” and “serious relationship.” We’ll take two, please!

5. You’re doing what you love.  News flash: you just spent all that time, energy, and caffeine focusing on this funny little thing called your major. Now that you’re a pro and have the official B.A., B.S., B.B.A., etc., etc., it’s time to jump into the action.  You no longer have to take two lab sciences just because.  Instead, you can spend all your time, energy, and caffeine solely on what you love.  And, on an even better note…

6. You’re getting paid to do it.  It’s probably not a lot, but you’ve got to start somewhere. 

7. No more dorms. Ahhhh. In comparison to what you’ve experienced for the last four years, you can finally live in peace. For starters, the chances of the elevators smelling like stale beer, Dominos delivery, and urine in your post-grad residence have decreased exponentially. On top of that, you won’t have to worry about stepping out into the hallway and into a pile of vomit (unless, of course, you’ve got neighbors who really can’t hold their alcohol). University police won’t be crashing your pregame looking for underage students, and bunk beds are a thing of the past.

8. You can sleep a little easier. Now that you’re out of the dorms (um, yes!) you’ll never have to encounter an inebriated freshman streaking through the hallways at 3 a.m. while screaming at the top of their lungs.  You no longer have to be on edge waiting for the next drunk lunatic to bang on your door in the middle of the night looking for the wrong room. And Monday night pregames aren’t going to be all that popular in your new building, so you don’t have to worry about loud music—instead, you can catch up on those much-needed Z’s you missed out on in college.

9.Two words: big bed.  Yes, that’s right, you no longer have to sleep in a twin XL—hallelujah! After a day at work, nothing is better than getting into a full, queen, or king bed and spreading your arms and legs out.  Go ahead—roll around.

10. You have your own space. Remember freshman year when your university squeezed you into a “quad” that was really only meant for two people against your wishes?  Or when you had to share a dorm room with that horrible girl who had zero manners or respect for your personal property?  Well, in the real world, it’s your turn to make the decisions.  You can choose who to live with, where to live, and how many of you will live in your place. 

11. Mmm, food. No matter how gourmet your college caf may have been, the real world opens up so many more doors for dining.  Of course, you can eat out as much as your heart (and wallet) desires, but even better—you have your own kitchen.  It’s finally time to embrace your inner Julia Child and experiment with cooking.  Once you become a pro, you can start hosting dinner parties—now that’s grown-up.

12. Weekends.  In college you still had weekends, but what exactly were you doing on your days off? Wasting time on homework assignments, obviously. And if you weren’t hovering over a book or a paper in the library, you sure were stressing about upcoming assignments—due dates were always, always in the back of your head, getting closer by the second.  But now your two days off are literally all about “you time.”  If you wanted to watch endless episodes of Orange is the New Black on Netflix, be our guest and do so, because no one is going to stop you.  And hey, why would they, anyway? It’s not like you’ve got a research paper to hand in any time soon.

13. You get to experience real nightlife.  College bars are, of course, a memorable, interesting, and all-around good time. But after a few years, and especially once you’re a few years past 21, the idea of partying in a place that slyly accepts fake IDs isn’t exactly the coolest.  In the post-grad life, we can embrace the places that are legitimately for those of us of age and meet people outside of our campus cliques.

14. People take you seriously.  In the eyes of adults, you’re no longer another wild college kid who pulls all-nighters and lives in a bubble, because, guess what: you kind of are an adult now.  “College graduate” even sounds more prestigious rolling off the tongue than “student.”

15. Every day can be your own fashion show if you want it to be. Going to class in a nice outfit—or at least looking slightly presentable—made you look like you were trying way to hard when everyone else was in their finest sweats and workout clothes.  But now, you’re free to dress up whenever you want.  You can experiment with your own sense of style, and that also leads to an excuse to go shopping.  Bonus: you’ll get to mingle with guys in suits at office happy hour.  And really, who doesn’t love a good suit and tie—right, JT?

16. Bon Voyage! Since you’re not moving back to school come the end of August, you’re free to travel, no longer bound by the tight schedule of each semester.  Of course, if you have a job, things may be a little different, but there are always vacation days (which you get paid for!). If you can, go backpacking through Europe, see the sights of the U.S., snorkel the Great Barrier Reef, or explore the Middle East. Your 20s are all about experiencing the world, so if you can do it, don’t let anything hold you back.

17. Most importantly, it’s the next stage of your life! We can’t hold on to college forever—it’s just not possible.  We said goodbye to high school and moved on to bigger and better things, and now, the time has come to do it again.  But this is only the beginning.  You think college is the best time of your life? Just wait until you’ve mastered your 20s.

We can all remember (with varying degrees of fondness) our middle-school days. A time when the boys had yet to catch up to the girls in regard to both height and maturity, middle school offered numerous opportunities for puppy love, pictures that are totally embarrassing now and, of course, the latest style trends. We may have begged our mothers for these trends in 2007, but they're a little dated now. But that doesn't mean they're not worth remembering! Like those pictures of you making a duck face to hide your braces, middle-school fashion provides many opportunities for fond memories (and maybe blackmail).

1. ANYTHING from Abercrombie & Fitch

What was it that we loved so much about Abercrombie & Fitch? With a pretty standard style and sleeves that could effectively cut off the circulation in your arms, it couldn't have been the actual clothes. Maybe, instead, it was the challenge of actually finding them in the store, a place that attacks all senses: enticed initally by the attractive college guy standing shirtless at the door, unsuspecting mothers and daughters plunge into the almost total darkness that is Abercrombie & Fitch. Mother and daughter are separated and are unable to hear each other's alert calls because of the music that shakes the entire shopping mall. Delirious from the smell of the cologne and perfume, the pair stumbles around, grabbing random items of clothing, only to be reunited blissfully at the checkout line, where the hot guy charmingly convinces them that yes, that $40 graphic tee will never go out of style, and yes, that puffy white coat will keep you warm when you go skiing. Really, all you wanted was the moose logo. Totally worth it.

2. Rubber bracelets

It started with the Livestrong bands and it all went downhill from there. We had the imitation Livestrong bracelets that said Love, Courage or Strength. We had an entire menagerie of zoo animal bracelets living on our left arm. We reorganized them during class and traded them in an intense black-market setting during recess. Why did we have a bizarre obsession with wearing our entire collection of bracelets on our arms? Whether they were animal bracelets or imitation Livestrong bands, we had to have them all and wear them all simultaneously. Maybe we thought that more rubber = more lunchroom prestige, or maybe we genuinely thought they looked good. Either way, it's probably a good thing for everyone that this trend eventually bit the dust. With eighth-grade graduation, our jewelry moved on to real metal bracelets.

3. Juicy Couture tracksuits

Okay, these HAD to be cool - celebrities wore them. But there was one key difference. Celebrities wore these on their off days, fleeing from the paparazzi, whereas we wore them proudly to the largest social event of our lives: the school day. There's no way that something that looks this good could ever go out of style. Perhaps the one time it was acceptable to wear a full sweatsuit to school (minus the groutfit trend of high school and the unintentional groutfit trend that is college), the era - no, the dynasty - of Juicy Couture tracksuits prevailed in middle schools long after we left. Whoever had parents deranged enough to spend $300 on a single outfit of loungewear was probably also deranged enough to think that wearing one of these made you cool. Oh, wait - it totally did make you cool. Just the zip-up sweatshirt alone gave you a little street cred with the lip-gloss-plastered popular crowd, but nothing really put you higher up on the social ladder than the full ensemble.

4. The North Face fleece/UGGs combination

In middle school, winters hit hard: your lips were chapped, kickball on the baseball diamond was replaced with harsh dodgeball in the smelly gym and it became too cold to wear your pink, short-sleeved Abercrombie & Fitch polo. The bright side? It was easy to look cool during the harsh middle-school winters with this simple trick: the North Face fleece/UGG boot combination. Really, what you wore between these two items was trivial as long as you wore them both. Bonus points were available if you could pull off rolling your UGGs down (as shown in the picture) and if you had any of the following items in the pocket of your North Face fleece: Lip Smacker lip gloss, a pink Motorola Razr (against school rules, of course) and/or a receipt for an Auntie Anne's pretzel and lemonade at the mall. 

5. Denim Skirts

It remains unclear as to how we actually walked in a normal way when we were wearing these skirts. Whereas now collegiettes are rocking midis, maxis and flouncy miniskirts, in middle school, "wearing a skirt" translated to one of these restrictive, short denim pieces. They were even cooler if you could see the pockets actually peeking out from the bottom. Though one might consider denim skirts a trend just for warm weather, as they exposed probably 85 percent of your legs, we kept this trend going all year long when, in the winter, we paired them with black leggings (tights are for old people) and, of course, UGGs. Extra cool points if you wore them with a lace-trimmed tank top and a brand-name polo shirt (Abercrombie & Fitch or Hollister Co., preferably). 

6. Ponchos and gaucho pants

Don't worry: we'll forgive you eventually if you wore these two trends together. Poor gaucho pants - the precursor to yoga pants, they almost had it right. After we figured out that the capri length wasn't flattering on anybody and that anything flared deserves to be banished, it's safe to say that every group of eight-grade girls had a bonfire to banish this trend. And as for ponchos - the precursor to the big, comfy, knitted sweaters we love now - they almost had it right. Unfortunately, the fringe trend didn't last for long. It feels like as soon as we started experimenting with these flared items, they immediately went out of style. 

7. Butt branding

Whether it was Solow, Hard Tail, Victoria's Secret PINK or Juicy Couture, our middle-school selves LOVED to tell other people where we shopped... if they wanted to look at our butts. The real trick here was finding shirts that wouldn't cover our labels but still were cute enough to wear. If we could fold over the waistband of the sweatpants or the yoga pants, it was all the better. Let's just take a moment to remember that, as 12-year-olds, we definitely wanted people looking at our butts. At this point, we have to feel bad for our poor mothers, who probably had a total loss of faith in humanity. Thank goodness we've moved beyond this brand obsession with our loungewear (just kidding - currently writing this in lululemon yoga pants).

8. Sequined purses

Maybe this trend is a little more sixth grade than eighth grade, but we all know that none of us will openly admit to having one of these stowed away with the "Halloween costumes." You could find them in baby blue or black, but this light pink is certainly the most frequent offender. Forget today's chic sequin trend - these were the big, chunky, garish sequins that fell off at any given moment. What would a middle schooler even put in a purse, anyway? Perhaps a mini Coach wallet, a mentha lip gloss from Bath & Body Works and, of course, her LG Chocolate cell phone. While these may have been cute at the time, we're glad that sequins have evolved into a much more palatable trend today. Don't hold off throwing these out, ladies - they're not coming back.

9. Chokers

Last but not least is the choker necklace, a name which should be horrifying to pretty much any person who's not a middle-school girl completely obsessed with them for their "cool factor." Were these a trend because they looked vaguely like tattoos, or because, like everything that was cool in middle school, they were probably a little too tight? Though black was the most popular color because it matched most of our outfits, we could also find these in ever-stylish neons. Bonus points if you have the matching bracelet. Pair with some hoop earrings from Claire's for the full effect.

Most of us are counting our lucky stars right now that middle school is over and that we've made enormous strides in developing our own personal styles. But there's nothing wrong with a little guilty-pleasure throwback, collegiettes: grab your brand-name yoga pants and Juicy zip-up and head to the grocery store. Or, stay in the house where no one will be able to see you. 

We all need a little guidance now and then, so whether you’re stressed about a fling gone wrong, a recently wrecked relationship or how to handle a stage-five clinger, Real Live College Guy Dale is here to help you navigate the college dating scene.

I recently met a guy. We talked every day and went out on our first date a week after meeting. After the date, we continued to talk, as the feelings were mutual. I mentioned him to a friend and she "stalked" him on Facebook, where we found an old picture of him and his ex-girlfriend, whom he has been broken up with for over eight months. After we did further "research," we saw that she and I had a lot of similarities. We both like the same music, like reading, like museums (where he took me on our first date), etc. I'm now worried that he is just looking for his ex-girlfriend in a new girl. Does it seem like he's not into me as a person, I just remind him of his ex?–Similar at Simmons

Simmons,

I think that while it’s certainly possible that he might be into you because you remind him of his ex, you may be looking too far into this situation. We all look for certain things in prospective partners, and while we might be told that everyone is unique, the truth of the matter is that millions of people have similar interests. A lot of people enjoy the same music, reading and museums. I mean, hey, I took my ex to a museum for our first date!

I don’t want to say you’re being paranoid, but to me, it seems like you’re taking small similarities and making mountains out of molehills. If the two of you had bigger similarities (hair, style, job, etc.), then maybe I’d tell you to be concerned.

Until then, I’ll say this: cyber-stalking someone you like rarely helps because it doesn’t give you the full story. You’re seeing pictures of a past relationship, but you’re not hearing the history behind it. You’re filling in the gaps with your own imagination, and that’s sabotaging this relationship by showing you possibilities instead of realities.

According to you, the two of them were apart for over eight months before he and you started going out. Give him the benefit of the doubt. Just because you and his ex share minor similarities doesn’t automatically mean he’s seeking a carbon copy of her and that you happen to be the rebound. 

From our favorite games and television shows to the worst (but secretly the best) fashion choices, there are a million (or just 90) things that pull at the heartstrings of any true ‘90s kid. Though our golden days of reading the very first Harry Potter book and jamming out with boomboxes are behind us, we can still reminisce about everything that made our childhood so “da bomb!” We’ve compiled a list of our 90 favorite ‘90s trends, toys, and totally hip things that rocked our scrunchies off and had us saying “boo ya!” and “as if.”

Fashion (Faux Pas?)

1. Butterfly Clips: We had them in every color, so therefore we felt the need to wear them… all at once.

2. Scrunchies:“I cringe every time I see someone wearing them now. They were possibly the worst fashion idea ever.” - Hillary, Ohio University

3.Best Friend Necklaces: Friendship circles changed by the lunch hour, so best friend necklaces flew off the shelves at Claire’s… because you’re not true friends if you can’t declare it on a necklace.

4. Slap Bracelets: These were the most dangerous of accessories—I’m hoping these went out of style due to government banning.

5. Tattoo Chokers: It’s still up for debate whether these were fashion forward do’s or fashion police-worthy don’ts, but I must admit, I can be seen rocking this look in a majority of my elementary school class photos (and I’m sure it’s true for the rest of you, too).

6. Jellies:“Although I thought jellies were super cute when I was younger, they weren't exactly the most comfortable shoes... so maybe it's a good thing they were left in the past!” - Michelle, UNC-Chapel Hill

7. Light Up Sneakers: As ‘90s pre-collegiettes, we needed to be entertained from head to toe… emphasis on the toe.

8. Stick-on Earrings: If you could go five minutes without losing a stick-on earring to your mane of hair, I crown you Queen of the ‘90s.

9. Frosted Tips: Seeing as Justin Timberlake sported frosted tips for the greater part of his *NSYNC career, there was no stopping that horrific trend.

10. Lip Smackers: From watermelon, kiwi, and mango to cotton candy and Dr. Pepper, it took true determination to keep from eating these lip balms during snack time.

11.Mood Rings: Without a mood ring on, it was completely unclear how you were feeling on a given day. It was a known fact that if you left the house without it, you’d be stuck in emotional limbo for the rest of the day.

“I'm just happy that ‘90s fashion is over—most decades have at least a few redeeming trends, but the ‘90s were a couture wasteland!”- Danai, Harvard University

Television and Movies

12. The Secret World of Alex Mack: If you could have any superpower, it would definitely be the ability to transform into a radioactive puddle, right?

13. The Mickey Mouse Club: Who could resist the adorableness that was a pre-pubescent Ryan Gosling?

14.The Adventures of Mary-Kate & Ashley: Solving every crime, by dinnertime—they were more efficient than any high-tech, 21st century detective.

15. Bill Nye the Science Guy: To a ‘90s kid, he was the smartest man to walk the planet; everything and anything could be learned from his TV show. And on the plus side, watching an episode of Bill Nye usually meant there was a substitute teacher that day.

16. The Magic School Bus: If you didn’t learn it from Bill Nye, then it had to come from Ms. Frizzle and her wacky field trips into the digestive system, to outer space, or even to the Arctic.

17. Nickelodeon Game Shows: Wild & Crazy Kids, GUTS and Global GUTS, and Legends of the Hidden Temple—not only did these shows incorporate a sense of worldly competition and teamwork, but they also had us all desperately wanting a piece of the glowing Aggro Crag.

18. Beverly Hills, 90210: It was the show that went beyond the boundaries of television to portray high school students in their unique environment. Not to mention, “Donna Martin Graduates!” will forever be the best protest this world will see.

19. Clueless: As if.

20. The Amanda Show: Judge Trudy, the Girls’ Room, the dancing lobsters, and stalker Penelope had us lol’ing (which was totally ‘90s AOL instant messenger terminology).

21.Doug: Going into the imagination of a teenage boy, we all got to experience the wonder that was Quail Man—to this day, no superhero even comes close to his excellence.

22. Saturday Morning Cartoons: It was a time when we all enjoyed waking up just as the sun began to rise. With a bowl of Cap’n Crunch cereal and a carton of milk, the only logical thing to do was pop in front of the TV for cartoons… on cartoons on cartoons.

23. Recess:Recess invoked a sense of mischief and adventure in all of us, not to mention had us all on the lookout for a group of kids like T.J., Spinelli, Vince, Gus, Gretchen, and Mikey to befriend.

24. Sabrina, the Teenage Witch: I won’t lie, on my 16th birthday, I anxiously waited for my parents to tell me I was a half witch and I had to go live with my two quirky aunts to learn about “the other realm.”

25. Boy Meets World: If you didn’t learn it from Bill Nye or Ms. Frizzle, you certainly learned it from the world’s greatest teacher, Mr. Feeny. And if you wanted to learn about romance, Cory and Topanga were the obvious couple to turn to for relationship advice.

26. The Face of Nick Jr.:“I definitely miss Nick Jr. when [the] face used to tell you what show was coming on next.” - Mariah, Virginia State University

27. SNICK: Before Saturday nights consisted of parties and hanging out with friends, it meant a night curled up on the sofa watching Nickelodeon and envying the SNICK orange couch.

28. Are You Afraid of the Dark?: Hands down, still one of the scariest shows to ever grace our television screens.

29. Full House: Besides being the Olsen twins’ starting point into their celebrity empire, Full House had us all wishing we lived with a straight-laced dad, cool Elvis-wannabe Uncle Jesse and his kooky friend Joey. On top of all that, Kimmy Gibbler definitely gave us a lot to laugh about.

30. All That: The less funny, more kid-friendly version of SNL featured stars such as Kenan Thompson, Kel Mitchell (who loves orange soda?), Lori Beth Denberg, and Amanda Bynes.

31. Saved by the Bell: Zack Morris and Kelly Kapowski were that ‘it’ couple everyone was rooting for, and in the end, we all got to see our wishes come true in their series finale wedding.

32. Jonathan Taylor Thomas: The star of Home Improvement and Man of the House had a seemingly bright future in show biz. But without anyone realizing it, he fell off the map. Even Perez Hilton is asking, “JTT, where are you??????”

33. Power Rangers: Did any girl not dress up as the pink power ranger for Halloween as a child?

34. Sister, Sister: A series based on identical twins separated by adoption who eventually randomly meet each in a mall and then have their families move in together most definitely makes for quality television.

35.The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air: Don't even pretend that you don't have the entire theme song memorized.

36. Hey Arnold!:“Nothing screams childhood like the good ‘ole Nickelodeon shows. No matter how mature I become, I will always love a good episode of Hey Arnold!.” - Kelsey, Boston University

37.The Powerpuff Girls: Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup defined girl power (outside of the Spice Girls, of course). Saving the world in kindergarten—piece of cake.

38.Rocket Power: It’s completely unfair that a group of kids can be so athletically talented at every sport ever. I mean, seriously, is there anything they can’t do? Look for Team Rocket at the Rio Olympics competing in… well, everything.

39.Salute Your Shorts: A true testament to sleepaway camp… and all the antics that go hand in hand with being a camper.

Games

40.Skip-It:“I loved playing that game in the summer!” - Erica, University of Michigan

41. Super Soakers: If it was summer, it was time to whip out the super soaker—no other water gun stood a chance in comparison.

42. Koosh Balls: Has anyone yet to determine the purpose of koosh balls, besides looking awesome on top of pens?

43. Silly Putty: It bounces. It flows like liquid. It can break apart. Silly Putty’s strange dynamics had every ‘90s kid mesmerized for hours on end.

44. Moon Shoes: When you were bouncing down the block, moon shoes not only gave you a few extra jumps to your step, but they also added on a few inches, making every kid feel like a giant.

45. Paper Fortune Tellers: There was no better feeling than hearing that your future held a marriage between you and Leonardo DiCaprio.

46.Milky Way Pens: When drawing all over yourself during Social Studies was socially acceptable, Milky Ways were the only way to go.

47. Stickopotamus: Sticker collecting (especially those scratch-and-sniffs) was made easy with the sticker binder that held them while keeping your fuzzy stickers perfectly organized.

48.Pokemon: Gotta catch ‘em all.

49.Tamagotchi: Keeping one of those alien babies alive in the 3rd grade was harder than doing 4th grade long division.

50. Pretty Pretty Princess: The game that taught every little girl that an outfit is never complete without accessories… or a tiara.

51.Mr. Sketch Scented Markers: Now, here comes the age old question—do you let your friend hold the marker up to your nose to smell, or do you think they’ll draw all over your face with the smelly black licorice one?

52.Easy-Bake Oven: Unfortunately, my cooking skills haven’t made it past my days of portable ovens and powder ingredients.

53.Mall Madness: Teaching children the value of a credit card since 1996 (…and originally in 1988).

54. Furby: Was it an owl? Was it a hamster? Was it an owlster? The talking alien creature was one of the creepier toys that came out of the decade…

55. Pogs: No one is really 100% sure about what they were or how you were supposed to play with them, but collecting tons of Pogs was all the rage circa the early ‘90s.

56. Operation: For every surgeon-to-be, there was no better way to practice your steady hand skills than carefully pulling Charlie horses and funny bones out of a naked man.

57. Dream Phone: (ring, ring) It’s for you!

58.Boomboxes: Remember the time before iPods existed and we had to lug around boomboxes and listen to scratched CDs that would skip? …Thank you Steve Jobs for making listening to music significantly easier.

59.Lite Brite

60. Spin Art: The messiest fun a kid could have! There was no better way to test out your artistic abilities than by squeezing paint onto a moving piece of paper.

61. Beanie Babies: The world went crazy when it came to collecting TY Beanie Babies. From the Princess Diana bear, to “The End” (released right before the millennium), these tiny toys have become a collector’s item that people now talk about with nostalgia… and pride.

62.Shaving Fun Ken Doll: I have no further comment.

63.Ouija Boards: Without them, how else could you find out which spirits of dead presidents were lurking in your house?

Music

64. LFO:“New Kids on the Block had a bunch of hits, Chinese food makes me sick. And I think it’s fly when girls stop by for the summer, for the summer. I like girls that wear Abercrombie and Fitch…”

65.*NSYNC: Even though it’s 2014, we refuse to say “Bye, Bye, Bye” to boy bands.

66. Backstreet Boys: You were either an *NSYNC fan or a Backstreet Boys fan, but you couldn’t be both. So what was it: were you a “Tearing Up my Heart” extremist, or a “Shape of my Heart” fanatic?

67.98 Degrees: Just think, this is where we got Nick Lachey from.

68.Spice Girls: Girl Power! And the best group Halloween costume ever. 

69.Britney Spears: Before the breakdowns, the Vegas wedding, and the children, we had the seemingly innocent Britney Spears. From “Baby One More Time” to her movie Crossroads, Britney paved the way for future pop (wannabe) sensations.

70.The Macarena: Why did this dance disappear, but “Cha Cha Slide” is still around?

71. Aqua: “I’m a Barbie Girl, in the Barbie World…”

72. Mandy Moore: “I’m missing [the ‘90s] like caaaaandaaay!”

73.Christina Aguilera: It always seemed like it was Britney vs. Christina. In the ‘90s, it looked like Christina was the hot mess, but now, look how the tables have turned.

74. “Graduation” by Vitamin C: Even today, this song gives us chills. Back then, graduating high school seemed like something that would never happen. Where has the time gone?

75.“The Thong Song”: This was easily the most inappropriate song that a ‘90s kid could sing, yet we still knew every last word to it… without knowing its actual meaning.

…And Everything Else

76. The Baby-sitters Club: These books had a lot of us desperate to grow up and start our own babysitting franchise. Enough of being looked after; we wanted to be the ones watching over our neighbors’ kids.

77. Inflatable Furniture: I don’t know about you guys, but I still plan on decorating the entirety of my apartment with inflatable sofas from Limited Too (preferably the ones with purple glitter).

78. Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys: Before we were old enough for Agatha Christie, we turned to Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys to hone our detective skills.

79. Lisa Frank: “I miss Lisa Frank school supplies. They were cheap and overly colorful and somehow all the rage.” - Taylor, Wellesley College 

80. Judy Blume: Every pre-teen or teenage struggle can be related to a Judy Blume book (or, shall I say, classic). From Deenie’s back brace to the love story in Forever…, Blume touched on almost every obstacle we may have come by growing up.

81. Tara Lipinski: In 1998, Lipinski won the gold medal at the winter Olympics in women’s figure skating. She instantly became every pre-teen girl’s obsession.

82. Lunchables: I’m going to go out on a limb and say that these “lunches” do not meet a single criterion of the food pyramid.

83. War Heads: There was nothing like a competition to see who could withstand the overpowering sourness of a War Head the longest.

84. Goosebumps: If you weren’t sufficiently freaked by Are You Afraid of the Dark?, these books were sure to make you check under the bed before going to sleep.

85. Carmen Sandiego: It’s the 21st century, have we found her yet?

86. Oversized Cell Phones: Even though Zack Morris was the envy of all guys and the desire of all girls, his humongous cell phone is definitely considered a turnoff in this day and age.

87. Trapper Keepers: There was no way a new school year could start without a fresh trapper keeping all of our loose-leaf papers in check, and a ‘90s kid went all out with Barbie, Lisa Frank, or action heroes all over his or hers.

88. Caboodle: If you were storing your Barbie pastel eye shadow, the only proper place to keep it was alongside your butterfly clips and Lip Smackers lip balm… all inside your caboodle!

89. Gushers: I’ll be honest here; there was a split second in time where I was scared to eat a Gusher because I thought my head would suddenly transform into a watermelon.

90. Dunkaroos: WHY did they stop making these? There was nothing worse, though, than when you ran out of icing but still had cookies left.

So collegiettes, did you go back in time and relive your childhood, or did we miss the best part of your ‘90s experience? Let us know in the comment box below!

Are you a victim of the couch-inertia epidemic running rampant in collegiette summers? Are you and your friends glued to the couch like zombies, ordering the same Domino’s pizza and watching the same Netflix shows every weekend? Break the cycle! Let Her Campus help you concoct some easy yet memorable summer adventures that you’ll never have time for during the school year and that you’d never think of while watching the last episode of Friends for the 10th time.

1. Try all the new food trucks in your area

Best to do with: the friend who always complains that you’re always eating at the same places

If you’re tired of the same old restaurants in your town or you don’t have the money to pay for an expensive fine-dining experience, switch up your usual pizza-and-Netflix routine to go chase down some delicious food trucks! Eat outside and sample a bunch of food. Food trucks are awesome because they’re usually not quite as expensive as a restaurant would be, and they’re fun to visit because the people who run them tend to be super friendly. The Great Food Truck Race, anyone?

If you live somewhere like Boston or San Francisco, there may be food truck schedules for you to peruse before you head into the city. Before you go, be sure to see where the trucks are, which ones you want to go to and how much they cost. Try taking public transportation instead of a car so you don’t have trouble parking in the city.

2. Visit the farmer’s market and have a picnic

Best to do with: the friend who always asks if the apples are organic

Check out a farmer’s market and tailor your Sunday brunch to exactly what you and your friends want! Look online to find a farmer’s market near you—you can use websites like LocalHarvest to find one. If it’s in a remote place, it may even be worth a longer drive! You can bring a blanket and disposable plates and silverware, find a sunny spot to sit at and have an Instagram-worthy picnic. Definitely get a baguette, fresh cheese, lots of berries and some fresh veggies.

Sophie Dodd, a senior at Middlebury College, had a great experience going to a farmer’s market. “We picked up some amazing fresh avocados and [I made] homemade guacamole, which we enjoyed with chips on my deck,” she says. “It was so nice to catch up with an old friend and try out my skills in the kitchen, and there's something about getting your produce from a farmer's market that makes it even better!”

Farmer’s markets are a great place to meet local vendors, support sustainable farming and enjoy the undeniably fresh environment. Don’t forget to ask for free samples and bring back some fresh flowers for your room!

3. Take a roundabout road trip

Best to do with: the group of friends who never has enough time to catch up

Now that you have the guide to the perfect road trip and these road-trip apps you won’t want to leave home without, spice up your traditional there-and-back road trip with this idea: pick four destinations in a doable distance from your home—one to the north, south, east and west. Next, hop in the car, pick the perfect Songza playlist and have a circular road trip that’s more interesting than just a there-and-back ordeal. Use Urbanspoon to find some new, interesting places to eat and check out if there are any beaches or bodies of water nearby to swim or tan. Don’t be afraid to go a little farther than usual or to get lost—the point is not the destination!

4. Go on a hike and pack your own trail mix

Best to do with: the active friend who feels trapped at her desk job this summer

Hiking doesn’t have to be as hard as a 10-day trek through the wilderness or as commonplace as a walk around the reservoir; make it short, intense and not without pictures of you and your friends overlooking the gorgeous view at the top of the hill. Pile your friends in the car early in the morning and use the day to its full potential.

“Early on in the summer, my sister and I decided to go for a hike/jog on the local trails by my house,” says Kasia Jaworski, a senior at Villanova University. “It was really fun to explore some of the trails that I hadn't been before. We took fun pictures of us doing yoga poses in nature (Instagram-worthy of course... I did ‘tree pose’ on a fallen tree trunk). It was really fun to just catch up with my sister, put away our phones and enjoy the nice weather!”

You can find trails (and reviews of trails) on websites like AllTrails. Try looking for a trail with a waterfall, a gorgeous overlook or a beach at the end. Make sure you wear hiking boots or sturdy sneakers, and get plenty of sleep the night before—a day hike can be exhausting!

Before you set off on this adventure, pack up some homemade trail mix: Try a mixture with nuts, sunflower seeds, dried fruit and, of course, a few M&M’s for sweetness! Before you leave, be sure to eat well with snacks like these. A hike is the perfect way to get that glute workout you’ve been wanting during bikini season and enjoy the weather you crave during fall, winter and spring!

5. Go rock climbing

Best to do with: the friend who’s always willing to ride the roller coaster

Nothing gets your blood flowing like the thrill of touching the highest point of the rock and looking down to see the ground far below you. Indoors or outdoors, rock climbing is a great workout and an awesome skill to learn for an active, healthy lifestyle! It builds full-body strength and gives you a rush when you finally reach the top of the wall. You and your friends can learn to belay one another together—your friends will save your life. Literally. Check out this website for places to climb. Who knows—if you really love it, you could join a climbing gym or start climbing at your college when you go back in the fall!

6. Learn a new skill and volunteer for a good cause

Best to do with: the one always trying to do good

What’s more adventurous than volunteering to build someone’s house? A free, rewarding adventure for you and your friends could be learning the ins and outs of building houses and knowing that you’re dong good for a family in need. You can even do a Women Build with Habitat for Humanity, where you can build with other women. If there aren’t any Habitat for Humanity projects near you, look into volunteering at an animal shelter or making dinner for a local homeless shelter. There’s no adventure like learning a new skill and helping others in the process!

7. Try a totally new activity on the cheap

Best to do with: the friend always hunting for the best sales of the season

Try something totally new—whether it’s painting, sailing, skydiving, kickboxing, fishing or paintball! Look on Groupon to find deals for fun activities and adventures to do near you with your friends. The new experience could be worth the amount of (already discounted) money you have to pay! Who knows what new passions you’ll find, people you’ll meet or experiences you’ll have?

Collegiettes, summer can get a little boring if you run out of things to do. Make the most out of your summer by taking advantage of everything around you and keeping an open mind to new experiences. You might be surprised by how much you can do in one place this summer without traveling anywhere exotic or spending lots of hard-earned pocket money. 

We had an *amazing* time at Her Campus's third annual National Intercollegiette Conference in New York City this past weekend, meeting collegiettes from all over the world (we had attendees come from Canada and Puerto Rico, among others!) and getting mega-inspired by our fabulous speakers and keynotes.  Couldn't make it to NYC for the conference (or just want to relive it? We sure do!)?  Here's what went down at this year's #HerConference!

We kicked off Saturday (which was only open to Her Campus team members) with yummy breakfast from Chobani plus our totally decked-out goody bags for attendees to enjoy all day long and beyond!  The goody bags were loaded with all the collegiette essentials (and indulgent non-essentials!) from our BFF brands, including Chipotle, Intel, LUNA, Amtrak, COVERGIRL, essie, Campbell's, popchips, SoulCycle, J.Crew, Milani Cosmetics, VS PINK, ThredUP, General Assembly and many more!

After breakfast, it was time for our fabulous morning keynote speaker, Carley Roney, co-founder and chief content officer of XO Group, Inc., which is the media company responsible for The Knot, The Nest, The Bump and more.  Carley talked about what it was like to start her own media company from scratch (and with her husband as her co-founder!), take the company public and balance work and personal life while being a total #girlboss.

Next, it was time for our two morning panel sessions, where attendees could pick from panels like, "Does the Devil Really Wear Prada?: Life In An Entry-Level Editorial Position,""Let's Get TECHnical: Leading Ladies in TECH,""What Does 'I Work in PR' Really Mean?,""Climbing the Ladder: Journalism Jobs Later On" and more.  Our incredible panel speakers this weekend hailed from Seventeen, Cosmopolitan, Lucky, Women's Health, Food Network Magazine, The Huffington Post, Southern Living, OK!, Us Weekly, New York Daily News, Kickstarter, Tumblr, Glam Media, Ogilvy, Marina Maher Communications, DoSomething.org, Unilever, Random House, NBC, Levo League, The Muse and more.

Next it was time for lunch, and we were lucky to have Chipotle as a sponsor of this year's conference, which meant we had an absolutely delicious lunch for all of our attendees.  In addition to catering lunch both days, Chipotle also contributed five catering gift certificates for our raffle on both days and hooked our attendees up with free burrito cards in their goody bags.

After enjoying our Chipotle lunch, it was time for our lunchtime keynote speaker, Jennifer Levene Bruno, publisher and chief revenue officer of Town & Country.  Jennifer gave an empowering speech about her own career path, how she has brought Town & Country to the top and what she looks for when hiring new employees.  Jennifer also brought her 10-year-old daughter to attend along with her, and we were so thrilled to have both of them there!

After the lunchtime keynote, it was time for our workshop block, where attendees could attend workshops on writing viral content, building chapter teams or hosting events on campus, or attend a session hosted by Lean In's Director of Partnerships about furthering the Lean In mission on campus.

Then, we surprised attendees with these adorable HC- and Intel-branded mini cupcakes from SPOTS NYC! Thank you, SPOTS NYC! Yum!

While scooping up mini cupcakes, attendees got to mix and mingle and enjoy activations from our conference sponsors Intel, LUNA, and Amtrak.  Intel's device lounge featured the latest in “must-have” tech and helped collegiettes find a personal computing device that would be the perfect fit to manage their workloads and busy schedules (as well as have some fun and be entertained!). The device lounge featured a variety of Intel-based tablets, 2 in 1s (laptops that convert into tablets!) and portable all-in-one PCs (which have reinvented the desktop as you know it!).  Intel also ran a giveaway throughout the conference, which gave attendees the opportunity to enter for a chance to win a brand new Intel-based tablet or 2 in 1 device! To enter to win, attendees took an “Intel Selfie” with one of the devices on display at the Intel product showcase and posted it on Twitter, Facebook and/or Instagram using the hashtag #IntelPowersHC (check out the Intel Selfie Station entries here!). Thanks to Intel for continuing to power and support events like this!

LUNA kept our attendees fueled throughout the conference with their delicious LUNA bars and LUNA snack bar.  They also gave away a semester's worth of LUNA bars to an attendee each day in our raffle!  Plus, Sarah Jane Bedwell, registered dietitian and media spokesperson, hosted a workshop titled "Feed Your Strength: Fueling up and Staying Healthy in College" with excellent tips for collegiettes.

Mega thanks to our sponsor Amtrak for being the official travel sponsor of our conference and for helping the HC national team and our interns get to NYC! We had such a smooth, stress-free trip on Amtrak!  Our conference attendees had a great time at the Amtrak photo booth activation entering to win free Amtrak tickets. Check out #iamtraking to view everyone's dream getaway!  Amtrak also contributed Amtrak drawstring gym bags to our goody bags.  Thank you, Amtrak!

Throughout the day, attendees could visit our Social Currency Station to show us their conference-related social media posts in order to earn additional raffle tickets to enter to win our amazing prizes, including Intel-powered computing devices, Chipotle catering cards, a semester's worth of LUNA bars, round-trip Amtrak tickets, a VS Pink Bed Set, a Milani Cosmetics beauty bundle, a SoulCycle class pack and many more!

After closing remarks and revealing the winners of Saturday's raffle prizes, Saturday was a wrap!

Sunday attendees were also in store for an incredible day, with the same fab goody bags, tons of choices for panels and workshops, our fun sponsor activations, breakfast from Chobani and lunch from Chipotle.

The day kicked off with our morning keynote speaker, Susan Kaufman, editor-in-chief of one of our favorite magazines, People StyleWatch.  Susan shared key lessons for career success and emphasized the fact that if you want to be successful, you have to work really, really hard (so true!).

Our lunchtime keynote speaker on Sunday was Inbar Barak, SVP of digital for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.  Her Campus co-founder, CPO and creative director Annie joined Inbar for a fireside chat about her career path, current role and what advice she has for those just starting out.

All in all, it was an *incredible* and all-around inspiring weekend!  We LOVED meeting so many of you and can't wait to do it all again next year!  HUGE thanks to our sponsors Intel, LUNA, Amtrak and Chipotle for making this all possible.  See you next summer, collegiettes!

We get it: it stinks to be in a boyfriend slump. You miss getting random texts during the day, having someone who looks at you differently than a friend would, and benefitting from a person in your life who means something special to you. Let’s be honest––if you’re stuck in a dry spell between relationships, like many collegiettes are at some point in their college career, a no-strings-attached hook-up can begin to be pretty tempting. Whether you’re hoping it could lead to a relationship or that it’ll just serve as something fun in the meantime before you meet Mr. Right, it’s easy to see the pros in casually hooking up with someone. What’s harder to see, however, are the reasons why a hook-up might not be such a great idea after all.

“Friends with benefits sounds like a foolproof plan. Any safe harbor in a storm, right?  You are feeling lonely [and] he is game for a go; why not?” Jodi R. R. Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Counseling, says.  “Why not indeed.  There are plenty of reasons to opt for a cold shower or battery-operated romance instead.” Before you dive headfirst into a hook-up, consider these 5 reasons why you should think twice.

1. You’re Close Friends

If the two of you have a solid history together, think twice before hooking up. While friendship can definitely lead to a great relationship, if you’re just looking for something casual, it’s not worth risking what the two of you already have in the name of a fling. “While there are the occasional ‘Samanthas’ [of Sex And The City] among us, for the vast majority of females, sex creates an emotional connection to the other person,” explains Smith. “Before that first kiss, imagine you see him tomorrow holding hands on the quad with another co-ed.  If you feel a bit of jealousy creeping into the pit of your stomach, then you are not emotionally disconnected enough to go through with it.”

Reflect on the memories you have with this guy to help decide whether or not you’re willing to risk a future where similar moments will no doubt be altered. “If this person is truly a good friend, search your feelings: are you secretly hoping this hook up with lead to a relationship?  If so, better to keep your clothes on and ask him on a date then to lock lips and forever lose a friend,” Smith says.

2. You’ve Known Him for 20 Minutes

The flipside is also something to consider when deciding whether or not to start a new hook-up. If you barely know the guy you’re considering get close to in the imminent future, make sure you’re not jumping into something too quickly. “Slow down and ask yourself why you are so ready to jump into bed with a stranger,” says Smith. “Is he a cutie with good boyfriend potential?  Then flirt the night away, get his number, and start with an afternoon date which can evolve into a dinner date, and then turn up the heat after you have known him for a number of hours rather than a number of minutes.”

While too much history can be a definite turn-off when deciding whether or not to hook up with someone, not knowing enough about what a person is like outside of the situation you just met them in is also something that should give you pause. Slow things down a little and check with other friends or classmates who might know more about him. You don’t need to know every single thing ever about a guy, especially if you’re just looking for something casual, but make sure he is who he says or appears to be. Double check that basic facts check out—like that he’s actually single—whenever possible before rushing into something more.

3. You Want Revenge or Payback

It’s never, ever, ever a good idea to hook up with someone as a way of getting back at a boyfriend/girlfriend/recent ex who has made you angry or upset. This often leads to a lot of hurt and confusion for you, whoever you hooked up with, and the other person in the picture. “I hooked up with two guys immediately after I started school freshman year just to get back at a long-distance boyfriend,” says Anna*, who goes to the University of Missouri-Columbia. “I was mad [that] he blew off our Skype dates and wouldn’t answer his phone, and thought this would be a way of getting his attention.”

Smith explains: “Women use sex to feel loved. Hook-ups are not a sign of a confident gal with good self-esteem.” Instead of hooking up with someone else to calm your anger or heartbrokenness, consider having a cozy night in with some girlfriends, wallowing in chick flicks, or even taking a weekend at home if you live close enough and need some TLC from mom. Give yourself a day or two to cool off instead of doing something you’ll regret later on.

4. You’re Really Just Not That Into Him

“Don't feel guilty or pressured to hook up with a guy that you're not actually interested in or attracted to,” advises Gabbie, a collegiette from UNC-Chapel Hill. “I had a new guy friend that I thought was really cool and funny, but it was pretty clear from the beginning of our friendship that he wanted to exit the friend zone. I knew I wasn't attracted to him, and I knew that I didn't want to hook up with him, but I did so anyways because I felt so bad.”

Instead of giving in, try to help him out by finding someone else for him, Smith advises. “If he gives your grief about being in the friend zone, ask him what he is looking for in a girl and start playing matchmaker with your friends,” she says. “He may not float your boat, but everyone’s boat is different. And if he keeps pressuring you, ditch him; clearly, he is not really a friend.”

Relationships that start out of sympathy or pity, or from pressure put on the two of you by friends or others around you, almost never end well. “Even if you think you're being nice and doing a lovestruck guy a favor by hooking up with him, it’s really just going to cause further trouble for both of you if you're not into the hook-up,” says Gabbie.

5. He’s Forcing You Into It

You wouldn’t stick it out in an abusive relationship, so why put up with an abusive partner in a hook-up or FWB scenario? Maybe it’s comments from your friend about the way he acts towards you or treats you, concerns expressed by family members about changes in your behavior or attitude, or that little nagging feeling that doesn’t seem to go away when you’re together with him, but if things feel wrong or you have any doubts about starting something more than friendship with a guy, hold back! Take any verbal threats, displays of physical violence, or statements about you “owing” him for a meal, drink, or sexual encounter seriously.

“In 2014, we woman have the right to flirt all we want.  If he wants to pay for dinner, he is paying for the pleasure of our company, NOT the chance to be pleasured later,” says Smith.

Any guy who tries to intimidate you, threatens you into starting something, tells you that you “owe” him something, or demonstrates other emotionally or physically unhealthy behavior is bad news. “Lose him and his number fast… when a guy shows you who he is, believe him the first time!” says Smith. Avoid a hook-up like the plague in this situation!  

It can be hard to think about the cons before things get hot and heavy with your dude of choice. As difficult as it may be, it’s a good idea to think twice, and consider if any of these reasons (or ones unique to your situation) serve as a reason to avoid hooking up, no matter how tempting the guy may be.

*Name has been changed.

A long-distance relationship is a challenge for any couple. You have to decide before going in to the relationship if you can handle the distance, and it takes good communication, compromise and a lot of work. It is easy to get stuck in a routine in your LDR, which can make it hard to realize when the relationship just isn’t working. Her Campus is here with advice from Dr. D Ivan Young, author of Break Up, Don’t Break Down, and firsthand experiences from collegiettes to help you determine if your LDR is holding you back. Lookout for these five red flags and compare them to your own experiences in your LDR.

1. Your LDR routine is changing.

In any relationship, you form certain patterns of behavior. For instance, you might talk to your SO on the phone every night since you can’t see each other easily. Dr. Young explains that one of the first indicators that a LDR isn’t working is when these patterns start to break.

Your partner might be bored with the relationship, or he or she may be interested in other people. Whatever the reason is, your LDR is suffering because of it.

2. Your LDR is holding you back.

Being in a LDR can be challenging, but it is doable. When you start getting into trouble is when you find the relationship is keeping you from enjoying other things in your life.

“If you feel like you're missing out in activities, going out, making friends, etc., then you should reevaluate,” says Kasia Jaworski, a senior at Villanova University who is currently in an LDR.

LDRs can be time-consuming even though you don’t necessarily see your partner very often. You have to learn to communicate other ways, and that takes time out of your day. Sometimes that time and effort keeps you from enjoying doing other activities. For example, if you’re finding that you’re always ditching plans with your friends for Skype dates with your SO, that’s a problem.

Your LDR could also be holding you back from other opportunities. “If you meet someone interesting and have a connection with them, yet you feel tied down to your long-distance partner, it might be time to really consider if the LDR is working or not,” Kasia says.

3. Your partner stops communicating.

Long-distance relationships require a lot of communication to keep them going. Many LDR couples communicate via Skype or FaceTime. Dr. Young warns collegiettes that a major red flag is when your partner stops communicating, especially via video chat. It can be a sign that your partner doesn’t want you to see him or her or that he or she doesn’t want to see you.  

Hayley Brunk, a junior at Tiffin University, says that she sees a lack of communication as a major warning. “If your partner starts to distance him/herself from you and doesn’t talk to you much, or acts like they don’t want to talk when you do, you might have a problem,” she says.

4. You’re no longer excited for visits.

Even in a LDR, you want to see each other when possible. You should feel excited to visit each other, especially if you have to go for long periods of time without doing so. Dr. Young says a major sign that a LDR isn’t working is when the desire to physically see each other goes away.

Victoria Hunt, a senior at North Carolina State University, transitioned from having a boyfriend near home during high school to an LDR when she started college. She says it’s crucial for both parties in a relationship to make an effort to see each other; one person shouldn’t always have to compromise. “That’s the whole point of a relationship: to make time for the other person,” she says.

5. Your LDR feels like an obligation.

A relationship is supposed to be fun! You should never feel like your LDR is a chore.

“I think the biggest red flag is when you feel like the relationship is a burden or obligation instead of something that makes you feel happy,” Kasia says. “Talking to your partner shouldn't feel like something you have to fit in your schedule or an inconvenience in your life. The moment you stop thinking, ‘Oh, I can't wait to talk to him/her, I miss them so much, etc.’ and start thinking, ‘Ugh I have to call them now, make time to see them,’ that's a huge sign that it isn't working.”

If you realize that your LDR isn’t working, the best thing to do is end it. It only makes it worse when you try to drag out the relationship. Dr. Young says that the best way to break up with your partner is to be truthful with him or her; tell your SO why the relationship isn’t working for you.

It can be frustrating when a relationship doesn’t work out. But that just means you aren’t dating the right person, and you can’t date the right person until you stop dating the wrong one! 

When you’re at your internship, your phone is probably buried in your bag since you’re a responsible, dedicated worker. You go, girl! However, you might not have realized that your smartphone can dramatically transform your work life. Her Campus has rounded up the apps and tools that will transform you from a great intern into a super one — like the digital equivalent of a superhero costume. So grab your phone and laptop, because you’ll want to download these ASAP.

1. Any.do

Free for iPhone, Android and desktop

We adore our paper planners, but this appdoes things of which your notebook only dreams. With Any.do, you create running to-do lists; for example, “Ask creative director to go on coffee date,” “Edit PowerPoint for sales meeting,” “Ask John to help me with Salesforce,” etc. Then, every day at the time of your choosing, Any.do reminds you to take a moment to plan. This lets you can decide which tasks you want to handle in the next 14 hours and which you want to save for tomorrow or later that week.

Reminders for each task can be set by date, time and location, so you can get a prompt to “finish X project” either at 9 a.m. or as soon as you step foot in the office, whichever you prefer. Although you may have your hands full juggling coffee, you can still add items to the list, since Any.do is voice-compatible. It also syncs with your other apps and your computer; you can text, email or schedule meetings within the app.

2. Cloze

Free for iPhone, Android and desktop

Your grandma might be the only thing more precious than Ryan Gosling’s face, but her constant forwarded emails about optical illusions and cute baby animals rank just a little below your supervisor’s emails in terms of importance. With Cloze, your inbox will reflect this hierarchy. It figures out your “Key People,” or the people with whom you have the most meaningful communication, and you can manually make someone one of your Key People as well. Once your contacts are ranked, Cloze puts their messages at the top so you’ll never miss an important email again. The app also gathers your contacts’ posts from every social media channel you want, putting Tweets, Facebook posts, life events, LinkedIn updates and more all in one place on your phone. You’ll always be current on what your network is up to—and what grandma doesn’t know won’t hurt her.

3. LinkedIn

Free for iPhone, Android and desktop

The desktop version of LinkedIn is incredibly useful, but the app takes it to the next level. You can use the “Pulse” tab to browse articles specific to your industry, so you’ll always be up-to-date on what’s happening, even if you’re spending your afternoons running around town doing errands. You can also upload pictures from your phone. Obviously this feature isn’t meant for you to show off selfies taken at your desk, but if you stick to pictures from conferences and professional events, it’s a great way of publicizing the company. Just make sure you ask your supervisor before you post anything!

4. theSkimm

Free (sent to your email account)

Ready to upgrade your water-cooler talk? Professionals are expected to be relatively current on the news, and even if you get a “freebie” pass for being an intern, don’t take it! If you can contribute to conversations in the office or at networking events about what’s going on in the world, you’ll stand out from your peers and impress your superiors. We suggest subscribing to theSkimm, a newsletter that arrives in your email inbox bright and early every morning that simplifies the headlines for you. Don’t worry if CNN makes you snore — theSkimm is written with a fresh and engaging voice, making even the driest topics interesting. You’ll never have to ask, “Wait, what’s going on in Iraq?” again.

5. MailTracker

Free for iPhone and desktop (MailTracker Pro is available for $4.99 per month or $44.99 per year)

Somewhere in his nine circles of hell, Dante definitely forgot to include the torture of waiting for someone to reply to your email but not knowing if he or she ever got it.MailTracker has the same principle as iPhone and Facebook Messenger read receipts, except for email. When someone looks at your email, you'll get a notification on your computer or phone. You'll be able to see when, where and on what device they opened it. Yes, it's a bit stalker-ish, but you'll be super grateful you downloaded it the next time you're running late to the office and you want to know if your supervisor has seen your panicked message! MailTracker works with Gmail, Google Apps Business, iCloud, Yahoo! and Outlook.com/Hotmail. With the free version, you can add up to two accounts; upgrading to Pro gets you five.

6. HopStop

Free for iPhone and desktop

If you're using public transit to get to your internship, you need this app on your phone. HopStop is like Google Maps on steroids. You can get directions for subway, train, bike, bus and walking for the over 300 cities — but it doesn't end there. If you're trying to strategically make it to a coffee shop on the way to work, you can use the Smart Route feature to view several ways to get to the same destination. And if you're running late or simply feel like pampering yourself, HotSpot will estimate the travel time and cost of a taxi ride.

Have you heard the expression, "If you're early, you're on time; if you're on time, you're late"? Use HotSpot to be legitimately early every day and you'll impress even the toughest boss.

7. Focus Time

Works for Apple devices. $4.99 for iPhone and iPad; $9.99 for Mac

There's nothing worse than taking three times as long as you should to complete a boring task because you're constantly interrupting your own progress by swiping through Facebook (or Twitter... orTumblr). However, Focus Time, which uses the Pomodoro Technique, can solve all of your procrastinating woes. It breaks up your work time into 25-minute chunks; for less than the length of a New Girl episode, you can definitely stay focused! After each session is up, your phone buzzes so you can take a guilt-free social media break for five or so minutes and then dive back into your project. After you’ve used the app for a while, it will create weekly pie charts of how much time you spend productively so you can better understand your work habits and correct them if needed. Don’t be surprised if you start completing assignments way, way faster than you used to.

Forget everything you've heard about not using your phone on the job — these apps and tools are 100 percent necessary if you want to ramp up your productivity, stay organized and make your life easier. We told you we could make you a super intern! Sorry, cute cape and mask are not included.

Landing your dream internship is only the first step to becoming a dream intern, so hopefully you’ve gotten the hang of it by now. But whether you figured out that problematic coffee machine from day one and you’ve been kicking butt all summer, or you’ve finally found your comfort zone and only recently begun to shine, the end of your internship is an especially important time to keep up your momentum and finish strong. Here’s how to leave a lasting impression on your supervisors and make the most of your internship before it ends.

1. Keep your energy up. You may have listened to Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy” for a confidence boost on the morning of your first day, but by now you’ve probably reached a comfort level that doesn’t elicit quite the same adrenaline rush. It’s good to be relaxed, but don’t be too chill, bro—your performance shouldn’t be waning, and neither should your liveliness. “Walk in everyday thinking, ‘how can I make the most of this opportunity?’” says Lauren Berger, the “Intern Queen” and founder of InternQueen.com, a site focused on connecting qualified candidates to internships and providing advice to applicants. Whether improving your demeanor means finding little ways to get energy beyond that billionth cup of coffee or improving your methods of dealing with frustrating workplace obstacles, maintaining a high level of enthusiasm and vigor is sure to get you noticed—as well as deter your own boredom and make those last few weeks all the more enjoyable. And remember that your boss isn’t the only person to impress: “To leave a lasting impression, remember that everyone in that office needs to think you are a reliable job candidate,” adds Berger. So be sure to stay positive in front of the whole office.

2. Attend networking events. If you haven’t already done so, now is an excellent time to whiten your teeth, firm your handshake, and start networking—both in and outside the office. “I was an intern at MIAMI magazine, and we hosted a ton of events with successful people in attendance,” says Jaime Ritter, a recent grad of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. “I liked to network with the guests as much as possible, and on a good night I might've walked out with 10 business cards.” Networking may seem daunting at first, but your summer internship is a perfect chance to brush up on your skills and establish connections that are sure to pay off in the long run—even if those benefits seem distant right now. In Jaime’s words, “you never know when you might need those people for a job, or just to have lunch and pick their brain.”

So who exactly should you network with? Developing a relationship with your supervisor is an obvious move, but don’t shy away from any chance to talk to someone in your field. Even junior members of the company can provide valuable information; those fresh out of undergrad can share their recent success stories with you, not to mention give you the inside scoop on the goings on of the office. As Berger says, “interns should introduce themselves to as many people as possible.” Ask around about upcoming events where you can make more contacts, and be open to indirect connections as well: take advantage of your summer location by contacting your school or company’s alumni in the area. Even if you find a scarcity of alumni from your school in particular, there’s a good chance your college is part of a larger networking organization. The Selective Liberal Arts Consortium (SLAC), for example, hosts events for many small colleges, as do other collaborations between colleges of similar size and location. Don’t forget to take advantage of the web through general networking sites like LinkedIn or XING, as well as your company’s Facebook page to see what your colleagues are up to. Finally, make sure to keep track of the cards you collect and the people you meet: “[Interns] should keep an organized record of who they meet so they can send them a thank you note at the end of the internship!” adds Berger.

3. Ask for advice. Believe it or not, even Miranda Priestly of The Devil Wears Prada had to start somewhere before achieving a high-up position like editor-in-chief. Remember that your supervisor was once college-aged, too, and take advantage of her ability to give you excellent career advice—whether in a specific field or otherwise. Shaye, a collegiette from the Fashion Institute of Technology, shares an anecdote from a previous internship experience: “Last semester, I really admired my editor, and I asked if we could sit down to chat about her life and how she got to where she was,” says Shaye. But don’t wait until the last minute—supervisors can have super busy schedules, and you don’t want to miss your chance to speak face-to-face. “I asked with about six weeks left and it took her two weeks to fit it in, since it wasn’t super important,” adds Shaye. Be sure to give your supervisor plenty of time to schedule you in—both to show initiative and to ensure that you won’t miss a valuable learning opportunity.

4. …and for feedback. Your boss isn’t only useful for Yoda-like wisdom; she’s also a big help when it comes to your development as a student and an up-and-coming member of the workplace. Show that you’re open to constructive criticism—and compliments, of course—by requesting feedback before your internship is over. Not only will you better understand your strengths and the areas where you need improvement, but you’ll also demonstrate an admirable amount of dedication to the company.

5. Make a long-term plan. It’s overwhelming enough to think about tomorrow’s lunch and next week’s haircut, but try to think ahead about how you want this internship to fit into your career trajectory: do you have time to continue working during the school year? Would you like to return next summer? Have you had enough? Planning for the future can help you clear your head, as well as avoid confusing your supervisors: “Most internships shouldn’t continue past one semester unless you are interning in a different department at that company,” cautions Berger. “If you stay at one internship too long you start to blur the lines between intern and employee.” If you are interested in sticking with the company long-term, express that politely to your employer. Your internship will have lasting value no matter what you choose, but it’s up to you to turn it into a job or move on to a new venture.

6. Help transition your tasks to a new intern. No need to take the new intern out for drinks, pinch her cheeks or call her “squirt.” Just remember that your tasks as an intern—from making copies to meeting important clients—are essential to the everyday functioning of the office, whether or not you’re available to tend to them. Sympathize with your boss, who will have to train the next intern who absorbs your responsibilities, and reach out. More specifically, Berger suggests to “make yourself available, offer to train the new student, and make an intern packet of things new interns need to know.” Try to remember your intimidating first week, and that new interns will be expected to pick up the same amount of information in very little time. Use those memories to guide your conversations with a new intern; now that you’re well-versed in the ways of the office, you may have forgotten the basics. For example, give her the lowdown on:

• Best ways to commute
• How to dress appropriately
• Which materials to bring (laptop, notebook, phone, ID, etc)
• Effective ways to make use of downtime
• Who to contact about questions or in case of emergency
• How to make the most of networking events
• Nearby places to get coffee or lunch
• Daily tasks and longer-term projects

7. List your accomplishments and update your resume. Congratulations on making significant contributions to the company. To celebrate, feel free to check yourself out in the morning, give yourself the wink and the gun Carlton Banks-style every time you pass a mirror, and high five your apartment-mates at the end of each day. Or be a serious intern and record of all your hard work while it’s still relevant to your life and fresh in your mind, which means touching up your resume before you go back to school. Your strategy should be to show your accomplishments, not tell them: “Always think, how can I connect the dots for the employer [reading my resume]?” says Berger. “Don’t just list things. Show how a task at your internship positively affected that business.” Not sure how to get started? This is yet another chance to consult your supervisor! “Last summer, my boss sat me and the other interns down and talked about what we should put on our CV,” says recent Bucknell graduate Sarah . “It was great to be able to go over what we were doing but an even better experience to see how she rephrased it to make it sound professional."

8. Build your portfolio. Your resume summarizes your achievements and displays them neatly on an 8.5 x 11-inch piece of paper, but it doesn’t provide any tangible evidence of your work. Keep copies of your best finished products on top of basic application materials like resumes, cover letters, and references. Don’t have any artsy photography skills to show off? Don’t make the mistake of thinking portfolios can only comprise supposedly meaningful black-and-white photos of an Arby’s at 5 a.m.! An effective compilation can include anything from creative projects and published articles to statistical reports and analytical presentations, depending on your field.

9. Grab a letter of recommendation. Now that you’ve done everything possible to be a stellar intern, don’t be too shy to ask for a reference or letter of recommendation. Even if you’ve already figured out number 5 and you’ve decided you don’t want to pursue the same field long-term, your supervisor can speak to all your impressive assets that apply generally, like intelligence, dedication, creativity and work ethic. “Ask for the letter to be a general recommendation based on your performance, rather than a letter tailored specifically for a future job or internship, and be sure to get the okay from your boss to potentially use it for multiple future endeavors,” suggests Maddy, a recent graduate of Kenyon College. “This way, you can compile a mini-file of awesome rec letters to have ready to go at all times.”

10. Follow up and say “thank you.” Following up sounds like a task to be postponed for after you leave your internship, but it’s easier to show sincere gratitude while you’re still immersed in the work environment. So why not write up a draft of your thank you notes now—or better yet, send them in? “Before I left my magazine internship, I wrote a handwritten note to each the editor-in-chief, the internship coordinator, and an editor I worked with closely,” says Grace, a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. “I then wrote short thank you emails to others I worked with less frequently.” Subtleties like Grace’s emails may seem trivial, but even the smallest of kind gestures will get you noticed: “A few weeks later, I received a personalized note in the mail from the magazine’s editor-in-chief thanking me for my thank you note!” adds Grace.

There you have it—the essential 10 tasks to complete before the end of your internship. Got any ideas of your own to tack on? Share in the comments section below!

You may be familiar with the ever-delicious red velvet cupcake, but the rich, colorful batter isn't just confined to cake! Check out these seven mouthwatering red velvet recipes that use our favorite cake batter in a creative way. 

1. Red Velvet Crepes

Dessert for breakfast? Don't mind if we do.

2. Red Velvet Oreo Truffle Brownie Bars

Three layers of pure decadence.

3. Red Velvet Cheesecake Cookies

All the deliciousness of cheesecake in the convenience of a cookie.

4. Red Velvet Pancakes With Cream Cheese Frosting

Because a stack of pretty red pancakes makes everything better.

5. Red Velvet Dessert Dip

It's a proven fact that everything tastes better when dipped in red velvet cake batter.

6. Red Velvet Nutella Cinnamon Roll Hearts

Did we just put "Nutella" and "red velvet" in the same sentence? Yes; yes we did. 

7. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies

Perfect for Christmas cookies, a Valentine's Day dessert or just an I-feel-like-eating-these-because-they're-delicious-at-any-time-of-year treat.

How to prevent a growling stomach. [Spoon University]

Like “Sex and The City”? You’ll love these books. [TresSugar]

Why you should always take a lunch. [I Want Her Job]

15 items every woman should have in her closet. [SheFinds]

Always late? Your DNA may be to blame. [YourTango]

Keys to scoring amazingLinkedInrecommendations. [The Muse]

30 dumbbell exercises your routine is missing. [Greatist]

The public profile of anAmerican girl. [Cool Hunting]

What connection does texting have to your sex life? [BetaBeat]

Gender-neutral bathrooms are becoming a thing at many colleges. [The Huffington Post]

This past season of Saturday Night Live was considered to be a “transition year” after losing fan favorites such as Jason Sudeikis, Seth Meyers, Bill Hader, and Fred Armisen. The replacements of these stars had big shoes to fill, and we are sad to find out that not everyone made the cut for next year. Season 39 started off introducing newcomers Beck Bennett (who you may recognize from the hilarious AT&T commercials with the kids), Mike O’Brien, John Milhiser, Kyle Mooney, Noel Wells, and Brooks Wheelan. With so many rookies, it seemed there was not enough screen time for each of the new featured players to show off their skills. This week, Deadline reported that the contracts of some of our favorite newcomers were not renewed for the highly anticipated 40th season of SNL premiering next fall.

Stand-up comedian, Upright Citizens Brigade alum, and former biomedical engineer, Brooks Wheelan used his Twitter account to harshen the blow after being fired. Wheelan tweeted“Had a blast and loved every second of it. I’m totally honored to be able to make this next joke…FIRED FROM NEW YORK IT’S SATURDAY NIGHT!” We will miss Brooks, his drunken stories on Weekend Update, and his Jared Leto impersonation. SNL gave him an opportunity make a name for himself and we know he has a bright future in comedy ahead of him.

Featured players and UCB alums Noel Wells and John Milhiser also got the boot after just one season. Wells, one of the two female cast members added this season, is probably best known for her Lena Dunham impersonation in the hilarious Girls parody that aired during the season premiere hosted by Tina Fey. Wells also has quite a large following on her own Youtube channel, as well as appearances in funny videos on sites such as Cracked.com, and CollegeHumor. Milhiser, who nailed his impersonation of Jon Cryer during the Celebrity Family Feud sketch, was a member of the sketch comedy group"Serious Lunch" and has been featured on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, as well as in the film Camp Takota.

Nasim Pedrad is also ending her contract with SNL after 5 hilarious years...but don't panic! You can catch her on Fox’s new show Mulaney this fall produced by Lorne Michaels’ himself. Nasim has proven her comedic brilliance with characters such as Shallon, Heshy, and impersonations including Barbara Walters, and Arianna Huffington. Although we are excited to see Nasim’s career moving forward, one question still remains: Who will play Kim Kardashian on Saturday nights?

We are bummed to see Nasim, Noel, John, and Brooks depart from the show, but we will always remember their quirky impersonations and appreciate the many laughs they brought us this season. We wish them all the best of luck, and we can’t wait to see what these comedic geniuses do next!

Everyone says it: “Girls mature faster than boys.” From the days of having cooties in kindergarten, we’ve been led to believe that boys our age are too childish for us. And while we love checking them out on the quad—whomever created “shirts versus skins” deserves a national holiday in his or her honor—we can’t help but think that college guys still have some growing up to do. With seniors, grad students, and working 20-somethings to swoon over, dating an older guy is an appealing option.

At the same time, some collegiettes love pursuing freshmen boys when they’re upperclass(wo)men: a younger guy’s carefree spirit is endearing, he probably doesn’t know your ex, and, let’s be honest, age is just a number when a gorgeous guy comes along. There’s nothing wrong with dating someone older or younger (as long as you’re both the age of consent), but this situation has its own set of consequences to consider. We talked to collegiettes across the nation and relationship experts to see how an age difference impacts different aspects of a relationship.

Dating A Younger Guy

The conversation

You may be smitten with that younger guy for a number of reasons—his chiseled abs and the fact he makes you feel like Mrs. Robinson, just to name a few. But according to some collegiettes, your conversations with a younger beau may feel a little off at times.

“While I like to have fun, I also like serious conversation every once in a while,” says Rachel*, a college graduate who dated a 19 year-old during her mid-twenties. “His maturity was next to none.”

We’re not accusing your younger boy toy of being incapable of having a serious conversation; however, it’s important to recognize that the two of you are at different places in your lives. How can he understand your grad school applications freak-out if he hasn’t even declared a major yet? While it’s important to have serious conversations with your boyfriend, keep in mind that it may be more difficult to connect with a younger guy.

His priorities

Let’s take a trip down memory lane to when your only concerns were deciding which parties you would attend and reading that art history chapter before Monday morning. From securing your spot on the Dean’s List to participating in your favorite extracurriculars to scoring that coveted internship, your priorities are probably more refined than they were a few years ago. Though a younger dude’s “YOLO” attitude can be refreshing and make you nostalgic for your own carefree freshman days, it could cause a strain on your relationship

“It just felt like different things mattered to us,” says Jillian*, a 21-year-old collegiette who casually dated an 18 year-old during her semester in London. “I thought about [my] future more and he was more in the moment, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. He was just moving away from home and it seemed like his priority was to just have fun.”

It’s a classic case of “girls mature faster than boys,” and there’s science to prove it! “The female brain fully develops earlier and sooner than the male brain,” says Patrick Wanis, a human behavior expert and author of Get the Man You Want.

According to this relationship expert, a girl’s prefrontal cortex, which allows us to make rational decisions instead of ones that are based on emotional impulses, matures at ages 20 to 22. Our lovely male counterparts’ prefrontal cortexes, on the other hand, do not mature until they are 22 to 24 years old. Translation? Scientifically speaking, your boy toy probably won’t have the same mature priorities as you do.

What others think

From Samantha Jones to Kourtney Kardashian, being a “cougar” has taken on a rather glamorous stereotype. But while you may love trotting around with your youthful boy toy, not everyone may embrace this trendy reputation.

Luckily, Rachel’s parents were supportive of her and her younger beau. “My mom is seven years older than my dad, so she didn’t have any negative reaction to my dating a younger guy,” she says. However, Rachel’s friends did have some objections. “My friends thought I should stick to guys closer to my age who were either close to graduating [college] or already graduated,” Rachel says. Though your happiness is the most important thing, it’s important to talk to those who doubt your relationship to see where they’re coming from. Who knows—they may have the wrong idea of your other half, or they may bring up an issue with your beau that isn’t age-related.

How he’ll treat you

Remember how much you looked up to your old camp counselor, babysitter, and first grade teacher when you were a kid? A guy who’s younger than you is bound to have a similar admiration for you, only filled with passion and romance. “Younger guys will be more infatuated by you and more likely to put you on a pedestal than older guys,” notes Wanis. He adds that if a guy is completely smitten with you, there’s a good chance you’ll be wearing the pants in this relationship. Showered with praise and in control? Fine by us!

Dating An Older Guy

The conversation

As expected, dating an older guy tends to lead to mature conversation. “Things do tend to be more serious when we’re together than when I’m with my girlfriends,” says Spencer*, a 21 year-old who is casually dating a guy almost twenty years older than her. “Much less talk about the Kardashians and much more talk about work, politics, and research.”

Even if your man is all caught up with the Kardashians, you may still experience some difficulty connecting with him. If your beau has already graduated, he may not understand why the latest campus drama is so important. At the same time, all his talk about that big presentation for work may go right over your head. Since the two of you are in completely different worlds, you may need to explain things a little more to him than you normally would to a collegent.

But be warned, the conversation may get a little too serious if he starts talking about the future. “Being his age, talk of marriage and kids does come up on his end,” says Spencer. “He’s definitely past the age of commitment-phobia and on to the real deal.” If you’re not ready to walk down the aisle anytime soon, this topic may be a little uncomfortable for you. “Get clear very quickly on what you want and what your values are,” advises Wanis. So if you’re not ready for marriage and kids, speak up! Trust us; you’ll save yourself from an awkward conversation later.

The physical factor

Unless your boyfriend is the real life 40-year-old virgin, or you went a little too crazy freshman year, there’s a good chance an older squeeze has more sexual experience than you. No matter how confident you are, knowing about your guy’s former flings and ex-girlfriends would make any girl uncomfortable, right? But according to Hayley*, a 20-year-old collegiette who is currently dating a 25-year-old, having a guy who’s more experienced actually helps the relationship. “While fumbling around is cute with your first boyfriend, that’s the last thing I want now,” she says. “His experience makes him more confident, open to suggestions, and easier to please.” Just because he may have more experience than you doesn’t mean you can teach him a thing or two!

His priorities

Since your older guy’s prefrontal cortex has finally developed, he is more likely to have his priorities in check. Hopefully, he has a well-paid job and is over the days of frat parties and flip cup. A guy with ambition and responsibilities—what could be the problem?

For starters, he may be a little too busy. “His days [were] filled with clients, meetings and conference calls,” says Hilary*, a collegiette who dated a 22-year-old when she was a freshman in college. “He worked 80 hours a week, including weekends, and [couldn’t] really go out at night. I work hard in school and intern year-round, but I still like to go out to clubs and bars with friends on the weekends.”

Though you may be proud of your sweetheart’s commitment to work, you may end up not getting the attention you crave. “A guy who’s older already has a career and other responsibilities may have less time to give to you,” says Wanis. “You may not be the priority.” Maintaining a healthy relationship is hard work, but different schedules and obligations may cause a rift in the relationship. To minimize the tension, try scheduling couple time when he’s free, and a fun night with your bestie when he’s swamped with work.

Who pays for dates

“I hate getting treated to things,” said no girl ever. Whether you’re taken to a fancy dinner or he picks up the tab for your large latte, we secretly love when a guy offers to pay for us. Thanks to a stable income, your older squeeze may want to shower you with presents.

“You can’t hate the resources that dating an older guy gets you,” admits Spencer. “He’s not living paycheck-to-paycheck like guys my age, so he wants to provide dinner, morning coffee, and travel. He makes me feel like a princess!”

Being treated by your beau is great, but it can be awkward at times. “He [once] had a meeting and offered [to let] me to go on a shopping spree with his card,” Spencer recalls. “I love[d] the offer, but it doesn’t feel right for him to pay for me to entertain myself!”

Take a page from this collegiette’s book and draw the line before he becomes your sugar daddy. Even though you always bat your eyes, flip your hair, and thank him, feel free to chip in every once in awhile. “While he may have a more secure job, that doesn’t mean he’s my personal pocketbook,” says Hayley. “He usually pays, but sometimes we go dutch or he pays for lunch and I pay for cupcakes after.” After all, nobody wants to be a gold digger.

What others think

Let’s be honest: it’s pretty cool to say you’re dating someone who’s older and more mature than your average frat bro. While other collegiettes are left wondering if that DFMO from last weekend could blossom into something more, you’re in an adult relationship with a real man. But is that how others view your relationship, too?

According to most of the collegiettes we talked to, their friends and family members support them dating someone older. “My parents were completely supportive; they’re also seven years apart themselves,” says Hilary. “Right from the beginning, they took an interest in my relationship and invited my boyfriend to stay at our house for a few days over winter break.”

As much as your parents may like your older boyfriend, don’t be surprised if they have some reservations about your relationship. “Parents see the age gap as a gap in life experience, and [my parents] don’t want me to make any big relationship decisions when I have so much left to experience,” says Hayley. “I think the age difference scares my dad in particular because [my boyfriend] is older and more towards the ‘marrying age.’”

When the age gap gets bigger, some collegiettes find themselves not wanting to tell their parents about their older guy. “I know it would make them severely uncomfortable to know that he was closer to their ages than mine,” confesses Spencer. “While I love spending time with him and think he’s a great person, I know I won’t be spending the rest of my life with him. It’s not worth causing some awkward dinner conversation.” As crazy as keeping your relationship a secret from your family may sound, many people disapprove of dating an older guy. “In society, we tend to think that if there’s a huge age difference, the man is just using her or that the girl is whipped,” notes Wanis. If you’re unwilling to tell people about your main squeeze, it may be time to take a step back and reevaluate your relationship.

How he’ll treat you

Whether you are swept up in a whirlwind romance or dating the boyfriend from hell, dating is always a learning experience. For Elizabeth*, a collegiette who’s consistently dated guys four to ten years older than her, “older and wiser” men have helped her see different ways to approach various situations. “Not so much playing devil’s advocate, but simply showing me there might be another way a scenario could play out,” says Elizabeth. You may be annoyed with your biology professor because he always talks down to you, but hearing your guy’s take on the dilemma may allow you to see a different side to the story.

According to our relationship guru, this is a definite pro. “Women are attracted to men who can teach them,” says Wanis. “Women love to learn, probably more than men, so they’re attracted to men who can open their mind and show them a whole new way of looking at the world.”

But for Samantha*, who dated a 25 year-old when she was 20, there’s a fine line between a guy offering his opinion and babying you. “I felt like he was always lecturing me about saving money and getting my homework done,” says Samantha. “At times, I felt like he was being a parent more than a boyfriend.” According to Wanis, this may occur for a number of reasons: your beau may aspire to be father figure, he is a little controlling, or he doesn’t want to view you as an equal (harsh).

If you ever find yourself in this predicament, politely remind your man that you are a mature collegiette who’s able to make decisions for herself—nobody needs another parental figure!

Age aside, the most important thing is if you’re happy. “The questions a woman needs to ask herself in relationships are: ‘Do we have values that we share, are of similar maturity levels, and have some similar interests?’ ‘Do I enjoy the time we spend together?’ ‘Do I like who I am in this relationship?’ and, most importantly, ‘Am I complete without this person in my life?’” advises Kim Olver, author of Secrets of Happy Couples: Loving Yourself, Your Partner, and Your Life. “When a woman can answer ‘yes’ to all those questions, then age is irrelevant providing [you’re both] of legal age to participate.” At the end of the day, choose a guy who makes you happy, no matter how old he is.

*Names have been changed.

Bad news: the first day of fall semester is right around the corner. Good news: so is decorating your dorm room or apartment! Check out these creative ways to use photos to beautify your bedroom.

1. DIY washi tape picture frames

2. Heart-shaped wall collage

3. DIY photo letters

4. Clip photos to string lights

5. DIY photo frame

6. Clothesline picture holders

7. DIY photo clock

8. Polaroid wall collage

9. Photo magnets

10. Make an inspiration board

"Come to dinner with me," David* said. It wasn’t a request.

I was packing up to go home after working an eight hour Friday shift at my college's IT Help Desk, as I would’ve any other day. At least, until that moment.

"Excuse me?" I spluttered in response, utterly confused. David was my boss: 22 years old and looming over me as I gaped at his crossed arms and smug expression.

"You should come to dinner with me."

This was not happening. This. Was. Not. Happening.

"In what context?" I played dumb to buy myself a few seconds. Anything that would give me even the slightest bit of extra time to process what the everloving f*ck was going on.

"You know what context," David said.

Of course I did. I just never thought it would come to that. A week prior, we’d ended up on the same train and when I’d mentioned amidst small talk that I’d never seen Fight Club, he’d insisted that I just had to “come over to his place” so that we could “get drunk and watch it together.” I’d laughed at the time, said I already had plans to check the movie out with some friends and reassured myself that David was probably just joking. A little inappropriately, perhaps, but nothing to be concerned about. Until now.

"I have a boyfriend," I told him, and it was the truth. Granted, The Boyfriend hadn’t been around very long, and I didn’t even like him that much. But that was not the point. If anything, the point bore repeating, so I did just that: "You know I have a boyfriend."

David made direct, unwavering eye contact before hitting me with a sickeningly unapologetic shrug. "So?"

"So no," I barely manage. People have told me I speak with confidence, that I always seem to know exactly what to say. If only they could’ve seen me then, in all my glory, fighting the urge to vomit on myself. "I'm sorry, but no." Why the f*ck was I apologizing?

I fled from the office, the building, the campus shortly thereafter with a ringing in my ears that I know wasn’t just my tinnitus acting up. Over and over again, I assured myself that this was an isolated incident. That it would be irrelevant by Monday. That everything was fine.

I was, as I so frequently am concerning my own life, wrong.

"Sexual harassment in the workplace" is a heavy term, but one that I've been well acquainted with in an abstract sense since I was very young. Blame my mother's almost obsessive consumption of Dateline, or my own weekend-long Law & Order: Special Victims Unit binges. Either way, I'd heard the stories, both fact and fiction. I understood the concept as well as someone who'd never experienced it could: sometimes a coworker will make unwelcome or inappropriate advances, and it is Not Okay.

It's something that goes widely unreported, and I always wondered why. Who wouldn't leap at the chance to call out someone who was, in less professional terms, a skeevy d*ck? And then you hear about all the women who blame themselves. "I was probably flirting with him without even realizing," they think, they tell people, they justify. "It must've been that skirt I was wearing. My bad. My fault." Me, me, me.

Once upon a time, in the land of naive ideals, I imagined myself a whistle blower. The second sh*t came within even a yard of the fan, I was certain I'd be the first one to stand up for myself. These women hadn't done anything wrong until the moment they chose to justify their aggressor’s actions instead of defending themselves. They were weak, I’d decided. And I, all 20 years of me, was stronger than that.

But when I got home from work that suffocating, humid summer day, getting on Facebook was at the top of my priority list. I composed a frantic message to Lauren*, a recent graduate-turned-full-time staff member of the IT Department. I didn't know her well beyond the fact that she chain smoked in a way that made me wonder how Marlboro was able to keep up with her. But she had known my boss David longer than anyone else I possibly could've talked to, by virtue of her four years of employment to my one.

This is what I wrote:

"So like...not that I'm trying to spread this around the Help Desk or anything, but David like...asked me to dinner right before I left today? And I turned him down and everything, but it was kind of really weird and I just really needed your opinion on whether or not I've been like...inappropriate or flirtatious in any way that would've lead him to do that...? Because I feel like I've always treated him the way I treat all my guy friends, but maybe I was wrong and totally lead him on, and then I'd feel really bad. I don't know, but it was definitely the weirdest experience of my life."

Lauren responded within the hour, her message thick with assurances that I had done absolutely nothing wrong, that none of this was my fault, that David’s pass had been entirely out of line. It was months before I realized two very important things: One, I use too many question marks and ellipses when I'm feeling scattered, and two, I had just become the very thing I thought I was so far above.

David apologized the following Monday. He told me he realized what he'd done was inappropriate, and I believed him. Because hidden beneath my many self-built layers of ironclad cynicism and delusions of embodying a jaded, savvy twenty-something, I really do believe that people are good at heart.

I moved on with my life, continued working. It was once, I told myself. No big deal. My opinion of David from then on was a little colored, certainly, but not so deeply that I disregarded him as an authority figure entirely. Yeah, every once in a while he'd say something a little shady – tell me I looked nice or something, which would be completely innocuous had he not already set a certain precedent – but nothing to raise hell over. School started up again, and Lauren and I began to meet up every other week or so to laugh or b*tch or vent about work.

"I guess my bra tag was sticking out today, and David tried to tuck it in without even asking," I told her once, as we hid in the back of a local coffee shop and snuck nips of whiskey into our overpriced mochachinos. Lauren had been a legal drinker for well over a year, but there was just something daring about doing things on the sly. And that's how Lauren's friendship made me feel: daring.

"In. uh. propriate," she said to me with the added flair of her trademark mid-word punctuation. "That's f*cking bullsh*t." Lauren was one of the few people I'd ever met who swore more than I did.

"I jumped about a mile away as soon as I saw him coming near me," I continued, drunker on her approval than the whiskey-chino. “It’s wildly uncomfortable.”

Lauren grimaced as she took a sip from her own cup, and I knew she was too seasoned a drinker for that reaction to be from the burn of alcohol.

"Oh, God." My stomach tightened, because my body knew what was coming before my brain. "What?"

"He just... said something the other day. Told a couple of the other full-time guys and me at lunch that it turns him on whenever you get snippy with him at work." She took another sip, contemplative. “And that day he asked you out? He’d initially had plans to get drinks with the guys from work. Cancelled them at the last minute and said asking you out would be a sure thing.”

Were that a scene from a movie, I would've smashed my cup against the wall in a wave of righteous fury and sworn to coat the walls of the IT Help Desk in David's blood. Because it wasn't, I let out a quiet string of curses, inhaled the rest of my drink and promptly changed the subject.

But something happened that day in the overpriced coffee shop, something different: I finally found my anger.

My ex-boyfriend and I were fighting again when I finally put it all together. Or "disagreeing with aggressively worded opinions" again, or however the f*ck else you want to euphemize inherent annoyance I'd developed for someone I'd been broken up with for well over a year. More often than not, Peter and I spent our time dancing on eggshells bloated with pleasantries – the curse of both working together at IT and sharing a number of mutual friends.

But something about this particular afternoon, this particular disagreement was different. I can’t even remember what it was that set me off. What I do remember was the exact moment when, in a thoughtless fit of frustration, I dropped a bomb that I didn’t even know I had in my arsenal:

"I mean, do you want to hear about how I'm being sexually harassed by our boss?"

And just like that, entirely by accident, everything seemed to click. If we were dancing on eggshells before, we'd quite suddenly progressed to a full on can-can.

"What?" And with that one word, Peter managed to express every screaming thought pouring into my head.

How did I miss it? A self-declared seasoned feminist like myself couldn't connect the dots? Sexual harassment. Sexual f*cking harassment, so easy to say but near impossible to apply to my own damn life.

I cry a lot. Mostly over stupid sh*t, like my roommate accidentally hitting me in the face with a door or the end of some sappy romantic comedy. But it had been a long time since I'd cried the way I did that day, uncontrollable, heaving sobs accompanied by tears that left dark stains on Peter's shirt as he held my shaking body close to his chest. Suddenly everything I'd spent so much time ignoring was impaling me without mercy: the way David would sit behind the desk while I was on shift, silent. Watching. How he'd linger when he'd borrow my computer to look something up for a customer. That I was irrationally certain my co-workers thought I was some kind of office harpy, teasing my immediate superior with my wiles and never delivering the goods. The way I wanted to crawl out of my own skin and disappear every time I was alone in the office with him. Every f*cking time I pushed away a feeling I couldn't, wouldn't let myself put into words for fear of this very thing: acceptance that I was a victim, but had done absolutely goddamn nothing about it.

I almost turned David in the following workday. Somewhere amidst all my weeping, I'd managed to grab hold of the growing fire that was my fury and not let it wriggle out of my grasp.

"One more time," I told Lauren over beers in her apartment later that day. "If he pulls one more bullsh*t move, I'm dragging him to HR and tearing him a new as*shole from here to California."

And just like that, it stopped.

David backed off entirely during my next shift. And the next one, and the one after that. Kept to his office. Addressed me only when it was professionally relevant. Barely shot me a passing glance as he came and went for meetings and lunch. It was a complete 180 from just a few days before, and I was glad for it.

Lauren would later confess to me that she warned him. Marched right into his office that morning and told him to back the hell off, or he'd almost certainly lose his job. I got why she did it – she and David had a history. Not a romantic one, not even close. But they were both student staff together once, sat side by side at the IT Help Desk just a couple years ago the same way Peter and I did now. Used to smoke together and talk about life, or whatever. In what seems like a very distant past but was really only a couple years ago, you might've even called them friends. So she allowed him one last chance, told him I wasn't some pushover and would bury him alive if he didn't tread carefully.

So he stopped. And for the time being, that was all that mattered.

It took me a while to realize the full impact of what David had done to me. I’d tried everything in my power to alienate him before his Lauren-inspired lurking hiatus. I'd become outright hostile at work – blatant insults, pointed greetings to everyone in the office but him, barely acknowledging his attempts at casual conversation, whatever I could do short of actually turning him in. But it's what happened outside the office that scared me most.

I have a favorite professor at my school. He's a fiction workshop and literature teacher, one of the few I've met with enough backbone to tell a student what he really thinks of their work. I can openly admit that I've threatened bodily harm on others vying for a spot in his classes over various forms of social media during more than one registration period. And, ideally, I'd like to think he's taken a liking to me as well. I have no actual proof of this, but he generally agrees with my assessment of the stories we read in class and has, on occasion, called my opinions "insightful" and "a positive contribution to the class."

So when, during a typical 15-minute break in a four-hour class, he and I are alone in a room together, we get to talking. While everyone else is hitting up the vending machines or taking a breather from the stale classroom air, my favorite professor asks me about my writing. So I share with him my aspirations to be a young adult fiction writer, or a screenwriter, or a comic book writer – all those wild hopes and dreams that suddenly seem so much more attainable when someone you idolize is nodding along with your excitable words, validating your worth. And it only gets better when he tells me that, from what he's seen of my work, I've already vastly improved from the last workshop I had with him. That if I keep turning out "strong stuff," then there's no reason I shouldn't succeed.

And that's when my world comes to an all-too-familiar screeching halt.

I should be happy. Elated, even. The professor I respect above all others just all but gave me his stamp of approval. Less than a year ago, I would've thrown myself a godd*mn parade the second I got out of that classroom.

But I lived in a post-David world now, one in which no one is kind without an ulterior motive. And the only thing I could think, a thought so heavy and horrible that it was impossible to push away, was, Holy sh*t. Is he hitting on me? He's hitting on me. He must be hitting on me. There's no way he isn't hitting on me.

But this was not Legally Blonde, and I was no Elle Woods. My favorite professor had paid me a professional compliment from an appropriate distance in a manner befitting of our student-teacher relationship. Still I had to fight the urge to bolt from the room, to scream until I'd exhausted my nerves and could return to the room and react like a normal person.

This, for a time, was David’s legacy.

There are times when I feel stupid about all of this. Some girls get groped, blackmailed or even raped, and here I am all, "Um, I think I'm the victim of the male gaze?" Thanks for that one, Feminine Mystique. Women and men alike always have and likely always will suffer far greater indignities and injustices than I did. At the end of the day, all I can really say is that my boss asked me out and then gave me creepy vibes after I turned him down. I had never felt physically threatened by David. He never copped a feel, or said anything overtly explicit to my face. The funny thing is that David is not – nor will he ever really be – the flaming hell demon I spent months conjuring up in my mind as a placeholder for his face. He's just a slightly creepy, socially impaired idiot who doesn't understand the fundamentals of basic human interaction.

I reported him in the spring, just four months shy of a year since he asked me out on that rainy day in June. There was no straw that broke the camel’s back, no moment I can pinpoint and say, “That’s when I knew this all had to end for good.” It was always just a feeling. David had backed off for a couple weeks at Lauren’s behest, but soon he was back to sitting behind me, watching my every move. I could feel his gaze on me, I would shudder every time he’d call out, “Hey, that dress looks great on you.” Despite Lauren’s warning, and despite my own consistent coldness or flat-out ignoring, David continued to address me as though everything was fine. As though we were friends, even. These were little things, but enough to make coming to work every day something I truly dreaded. And one day I just woke up and decided I didn’t want to feel that way anymore.

I left my apartment that day with an incredible sense of purpose propelling me forward. Every step felt charged and powerful, and the further I got, the more I knew that I was finally doing what was right. While waiting for a train to take me downtown, I pulled out a notebook and made a list of all the ways David had made me feel uncomfortable over the past eight months -- it was surprisingly extensive. But even with both confidence and evidence backing me up, I still felt jittery when I perched on the corner of Lauren’s desk upon reaching campus.

“Hey sweetie, what’s up?” she asked, spinning to face me. Her easy smile faded the moment she got a look at my expression. “Are you alright?”

“I’m...” I paused for a moment, unsure of how to broach the topic, even with someone as close as Lauren. “How do I lodge a sexual harassment complaint?”

If she was surprised, it didn’t show; her fingers flew across the keyboard without a moment’s hesitation. I left the office shortly thereafter with the dean’s office number scrawled onto my palm and Lauren’s words echoing in my head: “I’ve got your back, okay? You’re doing the right thing.”

If I’d been antsy with Lauren, that was nothing compared to how I felt sitting in one of the worn chairs outside the dean’s office, waiting for him to get off a call. His secretary glanced up at me every few seconds or so, as though she was expecting me to bolt out the door. For good reason, I suppose -- it had taken me three tries to properly articulate why I wanted to see the dean. And sure, I was bouncing my leg up and down uncontrollably. My palms sweated against the cardboard cover of the notebook I held. There was absolutely no guarantee I had a real case to my name. But I willed myself to stay rooted in my chair until the dean finally emerged from his office and extended a hand. And though he smiled kindly, his eyes were grave.

“So,” he said, ushering me into his office, “tell me what’s been going on.”

Though I have a well-known and documented tendency toward dramatic language (“That cute couple over there is going to make me vomit rainbows,” “I hate that dress she’s wearing so aggressively that I want to set it on fire and dance around its smouldering ashes”), know that I’m not being artistic when I say that the weeks that followed my meeting with the dean were agony. For a while, despite a handful of meetings with the Human Resources department and several assurances that my claim was “being looked into,” I worried that my complaints had fallen on deaf ears.

My emotions came in jumbled waves -- panic and relief and sporadic moments of regret that I’d quickly squash. Fear that David knew I’d reported him, fear that he didn’t, never would, and that the status quo would carry on until I graduated and left the employ of the college for good. I’d sneak glances at him from the corner of my eye when he came back from lunch, keep an ear out for phone conversations he might be having. Any indication that he might know what I’d done, what I’d said, who I’d told. Lauren had read me the college’s immediate-termination policy for employees who sought personal retaliation for a filed complaint enough times that I could practically recite it, but that did little to ease the anxiety.

Above all else, though, I was afraid of what my coworkers would think of me. Which seems stupid and insignificant in the grand scheme of things, perhaps, but the thought of the IT staff -- both student and faculty -- siding with David plagued me with chest-tightening and perpetually teary eyes. I became irrational and sensitive to everything, taking a handful of innocuous and often entirely unrelated comments from my coworkers and convincing myself that they were mocking or judging me for actions most didn’t even know I’d taken. More than one of them had the distinct pleasure of watching me sink to the floor in a puddle of my own frustrated tears during those first few days after filing my complaint.

David was called into his first HR interview a few weeks later. I had class at the time, but kept a close eye on Lauren’s steady stream of live-texts from the IT office upon my boss’s return. Immediately thereafter, David discovered within him a drive to avoid me at all cost, especially after his second and final HR interview. This was a small but potent pleasure, being aggressively ignored by David. Finally, I felt like I could breathe again.

David was fired during the final week of my junior year, three months after I brought my case before the dean. Later I’d find out that the administration had reservations about “shaking things up” mid-semester but had every intention of getting rid of him the moment school was out. Better late than never, I guess. According to Lauren, David is currently jobless, behind on his rent and without a single chance in hell that he’d ever get a recommendation from the college. I know forgiveness is a virtue or whatever, but I’m pretty sure karma says I get to have this one.

I was reading outside a couple weeks into summer, work a million miles from my mind, when a shadow fell over the book in my lap. I glanced up to see who was standing in my light, only to find Miranda* towering above me.

“Hi,” she said, a little out of breath from the heat.

“Hi?” I’d seen her around at work before, said the occasional hello; she was another Help Desk girl, but we’d never actually had a conversation, so I was more than a little confused to see her when I looked up from my book. Miranda was quiet for a moment, brows knit together like she was trying to figure out how to say what was in her head.

“I was just wondering... if you knew what happened.” she asked, taking a seat beside me. “To David, I mean.”

Sh*t. David and Miranda had been friends, I was pretty sure. I’d seen them chatting at the Help Desk in passing. In my vindictive rage against David, I hadn’t exactly kept quiet about the sexual harassment complaint. Quite the opposite, really -- before HR kicked him to the curb, I’d sunk my claws into just about any student worker at the desk who even half-liked me to share my list of grievances with our boss. It was my own brand of vigilante justice, a mission to besmirch his name if I was expected to suffer under his leadership. But I’d made sure to hold my tongue around the few friends he kept, so I wasn’t really sure what to say to Miranda as she sat beside me in the patchy grass that day.

“He got fired,” I told her after a long moment.

“Right,” she said. “For sexual harassment?”

I nodded, and it took everything in me to bite back a “finally.”

“You were the one who made the complaint.” It wasn’t a question.

“Yeah.”

We sat in silence as Miranda squinted at me in the sunlight, her face entirely unreadable. Her scrutiny was agonizing, and I wasn’t sure how much more I could take when suddenly she said something that caught me so off guard that I had to ask her to repeat it.

“Thank you,” she said again, one corner of her mouth quirking upward in the slightest of smiles.

“For what?” I was utterly befuddled.

“David has been drunk texting me for months,” Miranda said, waving her phone at me for emphasis. “Saying he wants to run away to New York with me and be my boyfriend, cornering me in the stairways and telling me I ‘make him crazy’ or whatever.” Her shudder seemed out of place on such a warm day. “I didn’t even see how f*cked up it was until HR called and asked if I wanted to talk about David. Turns out I had a lot to tell them.”

As her words sank in, a wave of guilt overtook me. All this time I’d assumed that Miranda enjoyed his attention, even judged her for allowing him to leer at her the way he so often did. But she’d suffered in silence, an experience I knew well.

“So thank you,” she said yet again.

We sat together, for a while. I didn’t know what to say to that. I still don’t.

*Names have been changed.

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This post is brought to you by Miss Me, however opinions are my own.

It’s nice to know when you share similar beliefs with a brand you love and that’s how I felt when I read the Miss Me manifesto.

I am unique. Strong. Always looking forward, never back. Not willing to sit back and watch things pass, but motivated to go out and make it better. I am not a follower, a mere resident of the world; I am a girl who will go out and change it. I know I can do anything. I’ll keep on shining, no matter what.

This is the kind of thing you want to your clothing to help you communicate with the world, isn’t it? As collegiettes, we are these things: unique, motivated, leaders, and makers of change. We are modern women who deserve a brand and a wardrobe that speaks to this. I feel like Miss Me’s unique embellishments and intricate designs (you can get a look at some of their clothes from this post) really embody this.

The brand is launching their Fall line (and who doesn’t love shopping for fall clothes? It’s my favorite fashion season) and reminding shoppers to “Keep on Shining." You’ll see in the video sneak peak below, but some of those jackets — we’re already salivating. Now we just need the temperature to drop a bit to justify them!

Now that you’ve seen the video, you can get an idea about what Miss Me means by “Keep on Shining” more than just their awesome manifesto. But tell HC, what did you think of their manifesto? Is this the kind of woman you strive to be? What is your own manifesto? Let us know by leaving a comment below!

And to get more from Miss Me, check them out on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ or Instagram!

Sometimes I get lipstick regret. It sounds weird, yeah, but it is a real thing. I go to Sephora or Macy’s to browse new lipstick colors after seeing them on the streets, but I always manage to talk myself out of buying those bold colors. I think to myself, “Wow, how can I pull off this look? Will I even look good in this trend? Should have bought the color...”

Well, here is a ultimate guide on how you can rock these colors you see on celebrities and models and not get post-lipstick-shopping regret.

Ravishing Red

Bright red lips are an iconic look that many people rock on a daily basis. It is a wonderful go-to if you want to easily spice up your look.

The general rule of thumb is to not be eye heavy while you are painting on a bright color on your lips. I suggest not trying out that cool bright purple smoky eye look while you are wearing red lips.

For a daytime look, you can pair your red lipstick with a neutral bronze blush so that your cheeks are not clashing; the neutral color will define your cheeks. For your eyes, opt for bright and highlighting colors, minimal eyeliner, and mascara so that you can get the doe-eyed effect.

If you want something a bit more dramatic, the classic cat-eye and red lip combination is perfect for a night out. You can pair the look with neutral eye colors to deepen your eye-crease and make your eyes appear more open.  

Pretty in Pink

Pinks, in general, are way easier to deal with than reds: fewer rules to deal with. You can actually pair your bold pink lipstick with a cool eye shadow shade, such as a washed out mint color. You can do more with pink lipstick because your lips are naturally pink, so you are just playing up your natural features.

If you decide to play up eyes and lips, you can feel free to skip the blush all together. If you feel face naked without blush, because that is definitely a feeling I can relate to, you can use a little bit of pink blush in the same undertone as your lipstick or a neutral bronze color. If you do not like it, you can use a fan brush to spread out the pigment, or you can apply powder foundation over the blush.

Of course, if you are going for a daytime neon pink color, or fuchsia, the same rules as the red applies: do not be eye heavy and go for neutral blush. Pinks, especially those of the brighter variation, tend to naturally brighten up the face—which is why I opt for a matte face as opposed to a dewy face—so just swipe on mascara and you can be on your way!

You can also go for the edgy look with bright pink and fuchsia lipstick if you are feeling bold enough! A proper smoky eye brings attention to your eyes without detracting from your lips.

Opulent Orange

Orange has definitely populated the shelves of all beauty stores, and for good reason too. Orange and coral are wonderful summer colors that look beautiful on everybody, if you just try.

Would you be surprised if I told that if you wanted to rock the bold orange lips, you will probably have to lay off of the eye shadow? The orange is so overpowering that you should really stick to one or the other.

Of course, if you are like me, you find it hard to ditch the eye makeup, neutrals are the way to go. For a daytime look, smudged brown eyeliner and mascara gives a nice edgy look. For an evening look, a bronze and brown smoky look does wonders to give you a fully done face. If you want to be more dramatic, a soft black smoky eye looks good with everything.

If you want a pop of color, pair your orange lips and shimmery bronzer with a clean swipe of blue eyeliner, like Lupita did.

Since orange is warm, it will draw attention to natural redness and blemishes, so make sure to cover blemishes and pair your matte face with bronzer to get a beachy look!

Poppin' Purples

This is by far my most favorite color for lips. It is refreshing and nontraditional. For the bright hues of purple, such as lavender, the rule is the same as above: go easy on the eyes. In terms of blush, I like to pair a light wash of plum or berry tinted blush with the look, even with bright lavender. Most purples have a warm undertone, so pairing a rose or pink blush can work, as long as you are not layering it on.

On the other side of the spectrum, the dark plum has different rules. Most people attribute dark lipstick with the vampire look: a flawless face. With dark and bold lipstick, you want a shine- and blemish-free face. Contouring, highlighting, and blush are put on a slight hold just so your dark lips can have full attention. You can also pair dark lipstick with a lighter blush and smoky eyes for a different evening look.

Whether it’s crushes, classes or coed bathrooms on your mind, chances are you’ve already started stressing about your freshman year of college. But don’t worry! This collegiette has been there and done that, and she’s passing along her hard-earned wisdom to you lucky pre-collegiettes. Whether you’re daunted by your packing list (you do not need a label maker, promise), college-level classes (Wikipedia is your new best friend), making friends (easier than it sounds) or running into a one-night stand (honestly, just run the other way), Sophie’s likely encountered it all. Just sit back, relax and let her share the best advice she’s picked up along the way.

What would you suggest to make ourselves stand out to professors to get the most out of our classes and make those connections for after graduation? – Sierra

Sierra,

It’s great that you want to make an impression on your college professors. They’re an awesome (and often underutilized) resource for undergraduate internships, thesis advice and, as you mentioned, post-graduation job connections!

Interacting with college professors can be a bit daunting at first, and it’s definitely a different dynamic than you might’ve had with high school teachers. I was used to calling my high school teachers by their first names, babysitting their kids and scrolling through their tweets, so I was definitely a little apprehensive about connecting with college profs. However, it was surprisingly easy!

The most obvious way to stand out in a lecture, whether there are 12 or 200 students, is to participate! Answer questions, ask questions, mention that relevant, awesome National Geographic documentary on fruit bats that you saw with your parents—anything to get yourself noticed.

Obviously, there’s a difference between participating and being annoying, so make sure you’re not overdoing it (you should be able to gauge this by the number of eye rolls you receive from your fellow students). While we’re on the subject of participation in lectures, it should be self-explanatory that in order to participate in class, you must, in fact, attend class. Surprise, surprise—professors don’t look favorably upon students who miss class after class, so to get on your prof’s good side, make sure you’re not skipping (at least not too often… a girl’s gotta sleep in every now and then!). 

One major difference in college is that professors are required to have office hours, or specific hours when they’re scheduled to be in their offices for students to ask questions, go over paper topics or talk about recent grades. If you take nothing else from this article, please remember this: do not underestimate the power of office hours. They are a strange and beautiful thing.

You don’t have to go every day or even every week, but occasional one-on-one time with your professor will help him or her realize that you’re serious and passionate about the subject matter and that you’re mature enough to have a conversation outside of the classroom. Most professors are more than willing to help you with paper topics, read first drafts or go over that tricky econ graph with you; all you have to do is ask!

For extra brownie points, do a bit of research on your prof before office hours so you can bring up that science award he won or the amazing book on gender theory she’s working on. No one hates flattery, and doing your homework shows that you take your prof seriously!

Once you’ve developed a better relationship with your prof, it’s important to keep it going. I found a professor in the English department who specializes in the area of literature that I’m most interested in, and I made a point to keep in touch with her. We get coffee in town about once a semester, I try to stop by her office every now and then if I’m in her building and she’s even agreed to be my thesis adviser! Even if you’re no longer taking a class with him or her, it’s important to maintain communication with any professor who could be a potential networking resource – you can’t get a killer reference letter if you fall off the map!

You’re sure to run into all kinds of professors in college, and some will be more helpful than others in landing your dream job. Make a point of connecting with your favorite professors (and maintaining those connections!), and you’ll be surprised at just how helpful they can be. Happy networking!