After a long day on campus all we want to do is change into sweatpants, throw our hair up into a bun, and wipe off our makeup. No one wants to scrub their face raw trying to get all their foundation and eyeliner off! So we asked collegietts everywhere to dish on their favorite makeup removers—and here's what they had to say. 

Martha, a senior at Clemson University: Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser ($4.16)

"It moisturizes and is gentle on the skin as it doesn't require much rubbing. It's especially good for eye makeup removal."

Shannon, a junior at Virginia Tech: First Aid Beauty Milk Oil Conditioning Cleanser ($26)

"I was having a problem where my eyelids were getting really dried out, but this one helps moisturize and doesn't leave residue!"

Maya, a senior at University of Washington: Baby Shampoo ($4.99)

"It's gentle on the skin, but a great way to remove makeup. And if it gets in your eyes... no pain!"

Jacara, a senior at Azusa Pacific University: e.l.f. Studio Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths ($3)

"They are really cheap and work really well!"

Marquela, a junior at The Ohio State University: Coconut oil ($8.48)

"Coconut oil removes everything and moisturizes really well."

Taylor, a senior at California State University, Fullerton: Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes ($4.99)

"I've used them for as long as I can remember. They're really gentle on your skin and they always get off all my makeup!"

Have you tried (and loved!) any of these makeup removers, collegiettes?

Now that we've entered (and suffered through) flu season, you're probably upping your germ-fighting game because you know that the moment someone on your floor gets sick, everyone else is next. Maybe you’re washing your hands more often or purposely avoiding those who might be getting sick, but do you know about the disturbing number of germs that lurk in some of your most simple habits?

We spoke with Dr. Darria Long Gillespie, executive vice president of the health and wellness platform Sharecare, about the icky topic, and she doled out some seriously useful advice to help you steer clear of bacteria while not having to go sterilization crazy. If you’re wondering just how easy it is to spread germs, check out these habits that you probably do every day!

1. Talking on your cellphone

At some point or another, you've probably heard a news report that suggests your cellphone is dirtier than a toilet. Given how attached we are to our mobile devices, it's not surprising that these reports have some truth to them.

Aside from sparking breakouts, germs that come in contact with your face can cause much more harm. Cellphones can be home to bacteria like E.coli and MRSA.

Dr. Gillespie, who is also an emergency physician at Emory University Hospital, advises wiping your cellphone down regularly with an alcohol or Lysol towelette. "Cell phones can get really gross," she says. "Think of all the places you set your phone down –the restaurant table, a taxi cab seat– and then think of how often you put it up to your face and mouth!”

So next time you’re in a public space, you might want to think twice about putting your phone down on any old surface!

2. Using public pens

When you pay for a meal at a restaurant, signing your name on the receipt is almost second nature. The moment the piece of paper and pen are placed in front of you, you know what to do, which is probably why the cleanliness factor never crosses your mind.

If 50 people before you had used the pen, it's almost as if you've shaken hands with every one of them. Dr. Gillespie suggests carrying your own pen around with you and making a habit of using it at stores, restaurants and banks.

Though a public pen is not home to one specific germ, using it is a surefire way of increasing your risk of catching the common cold. Who knows if the people before you were wiping their noses with their hands or coughing into them?

3. Doing the dishes

You would think that the kitchen sink is free of germs since, after all, it's where cleaning takes place, right? Wrong. Surprisingly, the kitchen harbors more germs than any other room in the home, and it's your trusty sponge that remains one of the biggest culprits. After much repeated use, sponges become clogged with bacteria like E.coli and salmonella.

So when you think you're cleaning your favorite mug, you could really be spreading germs that may have belonged to any of your roommates, or worse, germs that stem from contact with raw meat or eggs. The next time you go to do the dishes, think back to the last time you replaced it. If your sponge is more than a few weeks old or looks like it's falling apart, toss it.

Dr. Gillespie also advises keeping two sponges for different purposes. "Sinks themselves can get really dirty, so don't wash your dishes with the same sponge you wiped the sink down with," she says. "Keep one for food-carrying products and another for cleaning the actual sink."

For further defense against bacteria, Dr. Gillespie says that popping your sponge in the microwave works as well. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nuking a wet sponge for just 60 seconds can decrease bacteria by 100 percent.

4. Handling credit cards and cash

While you can bring your own pen to the store to avoid sharing the same one with tons of shoppers, there's really no good way to get out of touching questionably dirty money and swiping your credit cards through PIN pad machines. Dr. Gillespie says the best thing you can do is to use hand sanitizer right afterwards so you don't forget and end up touching your face or eating with dirty hands.

Although washing your hands is preferable, realistically you're not going to run to the bathroom every time you touch something that's potentially filthy. Of course, not everyone is going to get into the habit of Purelling after every transaction, so just be mindful of what your hands last touched until they’re clean.

5. Serving yourself food at the dining hall

If you see food servers at your dining hall wearing gloves and washing their hands often, you would think you're in the clear from germs, right? Not necessarily, it turns out, especially if your dining hall is buffet style.

If you just finished your plate of food and want to go back for more, it's smartest to get a new plate. By returning to the salad bar and accidentally touching the serving utensil to the plate you've already eaten off of, you are spreading your germs to anyone else who will later use that utensil. For the benefit of others, grab a new plate if you go back for seconds.

Dr. Gillespie says that during flu season, she will grab a napkin and use it to hold the serving utensils. "It may seem neurotic, but it's kept me from getting sick [when everyone else is]," she says.

As another precaution, Dr. Gillespie says that whenever food is being served in a shared environment, it's best to get in the habit of either washing your hands or using hand sanitizer before eating.

6. Using gym equipment

Because of all the sweating that goes on, the gym can be considered a pretty gross place to begin with even before you factor in the germs. But if you think of all the nasty sicknesses you can catch from gym equipment, like the stomach flu or MRSA (which causes tough-to-treat infections), you may start to consider it just downright scary.

As a germ-fighting tactic, many gyms have placed hand sanitizer and wipe dispensers around their facilities. Some even hang signs on the walls asking gym-goers to wipe down machines after they're done using them, but there's really no way of knowing if your equipment was cleaned before you hop on.

Dr. Gillespie recommends wiping down your equipment before using it because not everyone remembers to clean their machines, even if they had intended to. "Be sure to let [your] equipment air-dry, as that gets rid of the germs best," she says.

While you don't want drive yourself crazy and start being that person who sprays Lysol on everything in sight, it's good to be aware of where germs hide and how easily they spread. These germ-infested habits can be worrisome, but there’s no need to lose sleep over them. As long as you keep Dr. Gillespie’s tips in mind, you should have nothing to fear when it comes to these pesky germs!

Hey collegiettes!

We know you love reading HC on your laptops, your smartphones, and your tablets... but now you can truly curl up with HC because our first-ever book, The Her Campus Guide to College Life, just hit stores!

Order your copy online here or head to your local Barnes & Noble! And be sure to check out our upcoming schedule of book signing events and see if we're coming to your area!

The Her Campus Guide to College Life: How to Manage Relationships, Stay Safe and Healthy, Handle Stress, and Have the Best Years of Your Life covers everything you need to know to rock college, from how to get along with your roommates to how to avoid the 'freshman 15', deal with tough professors, snag internships, decide whether to study abroad, and much, much more.

Whether you're already an upperclassman or are just getting ready to go off to college next fall, this book has everything you need to survive and thrive on campus when it comes to all aspects of your life. Our book also includes handy resources like a template roommate contract, dorm room grocery list, and more.

Want a sneak preview? Read an excerpt from our book here then order your copy!

I can't wait to hear what you think!

HC Love,
Stephanie Kaplan Lewis, Co-founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus

In November 2014, The Rolling Stone published a detailed feature called "A Rape on Campus: A Brutal Assault and Struggle for Justice at UVA." In it, an undergraduate from the University of Virginia named Jackie talked about being sexually assaulted in a fraternity house by multiple fraternity brothers and discussed the university's lack of action on her behalf when she came forward about her experience.

Shortly after this feature was published, The Rolling Stone published a follow-up note to its readers. This note explains that in light of the sensitive nature of the story at hand, they decided to honor Jackie's request "not to contact the man who she claimed orchestrated the attack on her nor any of the men who she claimed participated in the attack for fear of retaliation against her."

Though it mentions that Jackie has done nothing to make the author of the feature nor the editors or fact-checkers at The Rolling Stone question her credibility, the note goes on to announce that "there now appear to be discrepancies in Jackie's account." It mentions that the fraternity in question claims not to have hosted a party on the date that Jackie references and that the fraternity claims none of its members work at the university pool, where Jackie says that she worked with her assailant as a lifeguard. 

So many were quick to accept the fraternity's statement and the discrepancies that they cited, despite the friends and witnesses who saw a visibly shaken Jackie the night of the alleged assault. Numerous people and media sources were immediately ready to believe that this was just a girl-who-cried-wolf situation instead of accepting the brutal reality that rape culture lives on so many college campuses across our nation. 

Recently, the police department in Charlottesville, Virginia (the law enforcement in charge of this case) announced that they will be dropping the UVA rape investigation. The police were sure to mention, however, that just because they were unable to find sufficient evidence "doesn't mean something terrible didn't happen," and that police were "simply unable to reach a definitive conclusion." 

The Rolling Stone retracted the article, citing institutional failures and poor journalistic practices as the basis for the decision. 

This situation could lead to so many terrifying consequences. So many Americans skim past the headlines noting a lack of substantial evidence and promptly assume that Jackie falsified the entire experience. They write her off as a liar—and in the process, a mental shift brings them to the all-too-incorrect belief that other women brave enough to come forward and report their sexual assault to the authorities are liars, too. 

That's simply not true. The AP writes that according to the most recent FBI reports, "only 2 percent to 8 percent of sexual assault reports turn out to be false—a statistic that End Rape On Campus co-founder Annie Clark said is in line with other crimes." The Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice recently reported that 80 percent of rapes and sexual assaults that occur on college campuses are never reported to the police.

Basically, rape happens. Whether or not it happened to Jackie, sexual assault is a huge problem on campuses across the nation, and as CNN puts it, "it would be a terrible and infuriating mistake to use the confusion around Jackie's story as a convenient way to discount this reality." 

"One false report should not diminish the seriousness with which we take on the challenge of sexual assault on campus," says Daniel Carter, the director of 32 National Campus Safety Initiative and a supporter of sexual assault awareness for more than 20 years. 

This singular case should not shape your opinions about the women who come forward to report sexual assault cases in the future. All that this victim-blaming mentality will do is encourage even fewer women to report their assault to the authorities, when already 68 percent of sexual assaults are never reported to the police and 98 percent of rapists never spend a day in jail. 

It is imperative to remember how many schools are currently under investigation for mishandling sexual assault cases, how many students are suffering after being violated in such an intimate and traumatizing way, and how many whose stories have not yet been heard. Don't let one story shape your perception of all survivors' stories. There are so many of them out there, and they deserve to live in a supportive environment where people will listen to them and believe them. Be one of those people. 

New trends will emerge every season, but fashion staples like denim shorts are forever. Whatever the wash, cut or fit, denim shorts will always be present in your wardrobe. But since they've been around for so long, it can be hard to come up with some fresh outfit ideas—so we've put together some inspiring looks for you!

1. Casual and comfy with a graphic tee

 

MANGO cotton tee
$15 - mango.com
 

 

Chicnova Fashion denim shorts
chicnova.com
 

 

Birkenstock sandals
zappos.com
 

 

Street level handbag
nordstrom.com
 

 

White denim can sometimes be tricky, but this frayed pair is so cute to begin with that you don't need to put in a ton of effort into the rest of the outfit. Pair it with a contrasting tee; we love the phrase on this pick from Mango! To finish off the look, slip on some comfy sandals like these Birkenstocks, and grab a trendy purse.

2. Streetwear chic with an oversized button down

 

Long sleeve shirt
choies.com
 

 

GUESS denim shorts
guess.com
 

 

Steve madden sandals
stevemadden.com
 

 

Rebecca Minkoff clutch
rebeccaminkoff.com
 

 

If you follow any of the web's top fashion bloggers, you've probably seen them in an ensemble like this at some point or another! Pairing an oversized button down with some light wash cut-offs will strike up the perfect balance between elegant and edgy. How great would this outfit be for a weekend brunch with the girls?!

3. Polished with a blazer

 

Madewell gray muscle tee
madewell.com
 

 

Open front blazer
$41 - newlook.com
 

 

J.Crew high-waisted jean shorts
jcrew.com
 

 

Sole Society pointed toe flat
solesociety.com
 

 

Edge of Ember long pink necklace
gilt.com
 

 

Though denim is generally a more casual article of clothing, it doesn't have to be paired only with casual tops. For a more sophisticated look that isn't too fancy, pair your favorite boyfriend fit denim shorts with a cute blazer (this blush color is great for spring!). To round out the look, throw on a pair of trendy flats and a simple necklace!

4. Flirty with a crop top and embellished shorts

 

Free People crop tank top
freepeople.com
 

 

Denim short shorts
yesstyle.com
 

 

Keds colorful sneaker
keds.com
 

 

Forever 21 metal sunglasses
forever21.com
 

 

Who says all denim shorts have to have a zipper and buttons? For an outfit that's great for a music or food festival, opt for an embellished pair of denim shorts like this adorable YesStyle pair and a form-fitting crop top. 

5. Simple and cozy with a knit sweater

 

MANGO knit sweater
$44 - mango.com
 

 

Madewell high-waisted shorts
madewell.com
 

 

Dolce Vita flat sandals
nordstrom.com
 

 

Kate Spade initial necklace
shopbop.com
 

 

Breezy spring and summer nights can still be a little chilly, so stay warm with a chunky sweater. Tuck the front of it into a pair of black denim cut-offs, slip into some simple sandals and you've got an outfit! 

How do you wear your denim shorts, collegiettes?

Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about sun, fun and finances (but not necessarily in that order). The truth is, you need cash to make your summer dreams come true (and make your plans for the fall come to life, too), and that’s why we’re bringing you the best way to build both your resume and your bank account: working as a GEM Merchandiser for Chloe + Isabel! Chloe + Isabel is a fashion jewelry brand dedicated to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs through social retail. If you’re a confident go-getter looking to make cash commission this summer and beyond – and gain marketable real-world business experience in the process – apply by April 30th to be a GEM Merchandiser and note “HER CAMPUS” as your referral.

As a GEM Merchandiser (GEM stands for “growth, empowerment, merchandising,” BTW!), you’ll learn how to run your own business both on- and off-campus. Let’s talk perks, because let’s be honest – cash counts. You’ll earn 25 to 40 percent commission on all of your personal sales, in addition to a no-cost, customizable Online Boutique and unlimited free and discounted jewelry! Additionally, by joining the GEM community, you could win an internship at Chloe + Isabel headquarters, an all-expense-paid trip to New York City, shopping sprees at top retailers, one-on-one resume writing sessions with Chloe + Isabel professionals or even a personal letter of recommendation from the CEO and Founder of Chloe + Isabel herself, Chantel Waterbury! Consider this your one-way ticket to break into the fashion industry!

GEM Merchandisers will learn how to host in-person and online shopping events, market their business to grow their clientele base and build a personal brand that makes their business stand out. Merchandising is all about promoting a product and driving sales, so every time you make a sale and earn commission, you’re also gaining professional merchandising experience. It can be your full-time gig or a project on the side – the program is whatever you make it, and no matter how you approach it, it’ll make you that extra income you need for all the fun, sunny weekends ahead!

Videos like The Pop-Up Shop Guide for the College Student and The Secrets to Online Selling and other training materials designed specifically for college students will teach you all you need to know to be a GEM superstar. You’ll also receive one-on-one coaching from an esteemed member of the Chloe + Isabel team to build your business. Through this training and your time on the job, you’ll learn valuable sales, marketing, merchandising and social media skills that will set you apart from the rest of the job market down the road.

“Our GEM mission is to help college students build their resumes and prepare for successful futures,” writes Waterbury on the GEM website. “We want you to achieve your dreams.”

The best part? The ultimate summer job doesn’t have to end when classes resume! You can continue as a GEM Merchandiser partnering with student organizations and off-campus businesses once you return to campus in the fall. Or you can apply to be a Campus Merchandise Manager, where you’ll get the opportunity to manage your own team of peers, earn team commission and gain leadership experience – the perfect resume-builder!  GEM teaches you how to make it all possible.

If this sounds like the opportunity you’ve been looking for, apply by April 30th to be a GEM Merchandiser and note “HER CAMPUS” as your referral. Good luck, collegiettes!

Unlike a domestic internship, interning abroad allows you to gain global experiences and work skills while immersing yourself in a foreign culture. However, with so many resources available to find an internship in the US, it might seem more convenient to intern in the states. But that’s not true! Lucky for you, Her Campus has spoken to collegiettes who have already been accepted to internships abroad as well as career advisers who can help you decide if interning abroad is right for you.

Pros of Interning Abroad

Before you learn the secrets of applying to an international internship, it’s important to decide if this is the best way for you to intern while in college. Her Campus asked Vicki Salemi, founder of the Career Boot Camp for College Grads, author of Big Career in the Big City: Land a Job and Get a Life in New York and host of Score That Job, a TV series on MediabistroTV. “Every college student should have at least one internship on her résumé,” says Salemi. “Simply stated, an international internship appears worldly. It puts you on another level in terms of experience.”

Another advantage to interning abroad is the guaranteed exposure to the business culture of a different country. “I've already seen a significant difference between the American and British workplace,” says Ryann Whelan, a junior at Loyola Marymount University who is currently participating in her university’s combined study and internship program in London, England. “I'm a lot less intimidated by my boss here than at the major TV network I interned for in the States simply because there is less of a divide between superiors and subordinates. The environment is much more laid back and chatty than the efficiency-obsessed American workplace.” Ryann never would have been aware of these informal aspects of the British workplace without an internship there.

Interning abroad also allows you to network and make contacts if you decide you are interested in pursuing a career in a foreign country after graduation. By getting to know your co-workers, you’ll have valuable connections when you start looking for a permanent position in that country after graduation.

Cons of Interning Abroad

If this is your only opportunity to go abroad in college, keep in mind that an internship leaves you with limited time for traveling. “Interning abroad is quite a time commitment,” says Ryann. “It doesn't leave much time for exploring and experiencing the city, as well as traveling outside the country.”

The complications of visa regulations and cultural differences that may affect whether or not you will be paid are another challenge of interning abroad. If your internship is paid, most countries require you to obtain a work visa to receive payment as an American citizen working abroad. The eligibility and application requirements are determined by the country you plan to intern in, and it is often difficult to obtain a work visa for a short amount of time. You will also eventually need a letter from your future employer, as well as a passport, to enter the country.

Interning across the globe isn’t the key to guaranteed employment; your actual internship duties matter as well.  If an internship in the US will offer you better experience than a particular internship abroad, take the domestic internship. “The type of internship is important, too,” says Salemi. “The internship responsibilities ultimately mean more than the location itself. I'd rather see that you assisted a VP in running a major PR campaign than fetched morning doughnuts and coffee as a mailroom clerk in Paris.” 

If you’ve decided to pursue an international internship, continue reading to learn how to find one!

How to Find an International Internship

Step 1: Meet with a study abroad adviser
There are a few different ways to approach the internship search, but the first step should always be to meet with a study abroad adviser at your university. Even if you are looking for a summer opportunity, your adviser can direct you toward application methods recommended by your school. If you want to participate in a semester internship, your adviser can tell you if it will fit into your academic plan and allow you to graduate on time. Otherwise, a summer opportunity may be preferred. Your adviser will also be able to tell you if your university has its own international internship program and can recommend alternative programs if it does not. If you choose to participate in an alternative program, you can also discuss whether you should seek a paid position or one providing academic credit.

Step 2: Research international internship programs and decide which one is right for you

Option 1: Apply to your university’s international internship program

Hundreds of overseas internships are sponsored by American universities, and they’re often the easiest option for undergraduates because of university financial aid and in-person guidance from the college’s study abroad office. University abroad programs also commonly include housing accommodations, but vary between solely internship programs and those that combine coursework with an internship. Both options generally allow students to complete their internship for academic credit.

“I wanted to intern abroad because I had always planned to study abroad, but also didn't want to miss out on interning for a semester,” says Ryann. “Interning is such a valuable experience that we only have access to for a limited amount of time, so the fact that LMU’s program to London included an internship was ideal.”

When applying through their university’s programs, students apply to a specific location and, once accepted, the university utilizes their indicated fields of interest to search for a match. Ryann, an English major, is currently interning at Purple Flame Media, a media company that makes videos for charities and humanitarian efforts. “I indicated ‘Film and Television’ as my top field of interest,” says Ryann. “I also mentioned in my CV that I had gone on outreach trips to Africa, so it was a pretty great fit.”

Similar to a study abroad program, admission to a university’s intern abroad program requires excellent academic standing as well as certain language requirements, depending on the specific university and program location. For example, Boston University’s Paris Internship Program, a combined internship and French-language study program, requires a minimum of four semesters of French courses to apply. However, there are also opportunities to intern abroad if you don’t speak a foreign language. BU, for example, has an extensive list of programs in non-English speaking countries without a language requirement, such as programs in Rome, Italy, and Tokyo, Japan.

Option 2: Apply to an international internship placement program

Rather than searching for international internship positions on your own, there are a variety of companies that specialize in placing college students in internships abroad. These organizations match you with guaranteed internships in your field and location of interest. Most program applications consist of a résumé, your transcript, and a personal essay. Once accepted, a personal consultant will match you with internships in your field and location of interest, as well as help you polish any internship application materials, such as your résumé and cover letter.

Start your international internship search by checking out StudyAbroad.com and  GoAbroad.com.

Although these sites feature hundreds of opportunities to intern abroad, the better-known programs are listed below. These programs do not require interns to be fluent in a language, but several of them offer optional language courses to encourage immersion into the country’s culture. All of the listed programs offer a customized international internship placement in every field, housing accommodations, an orientation to help you adapt to the culture, and the opportunity to receive academic credit.

CISabroad

Program Locations: Australia, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, Spain
Internship Fields: A complete list is located here.
How to apply: The application instructions are here.
Application: Apply here.

Global Experiences

Program Locations: Australia, England, France, Ireland, Italy, Spain
Internship Fields: A complete list is located here.
How to apply: The application instructions are here.
Application: Apply here.

International Internships

Program Locations: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, London, Mexico, New Zealand, Scotland, Spain, Tanzania
Internship Fields: A complete list is located here.
How to apply: The application instructions are here.
Application: Applications are listed by location and field.

World Endeavors

Program Locations: Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, India, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Nepal, Spain, Thailand
Internship Fields: A complete list is located here.
How to apply: The application instructions are here.
Application: Apply here.

Although the similarity of programs can make it difficult to choose just one, student reviews of the programs can provide unbiased evaluations of their quality. Abroad101, RateMyStudyAbroad.com and Go Overseas feature thousands of reviews that can help you decide.

Study abroad advisers may also be able to provide advice on which program is right for you. Alex Puzzolo, a junior at Central Michigan University, was directed to apply to Global Experiences by her study abroad adviser. A few days after submitting the program’s online application form along with her résumé and cover letter, she was notified of her acceptance. “I chose Global Experiences because they offer a variety of countries with internship placements,” says Alex. “They also provide internship placements for several majors and areas of study.” After working with Global Experiences’ consultants through the application process, Alex was accepted to a summer PR internship in Dublin, Ireland. “Global Experiences has been awesome to work with,” says Alex. “They provide career building services such as résumé and cover letter tips, and helped me receive academic credit from my internship.”

If you choose to intern abroad, remember that no matter where you go, what industry you work in, or which program you go through to get there, the ultimate key to a successful internship abroad is encouraging yourself to step outside of your comfort zone. Use this guide to find your dream international internship, and then make the most of your experience. Good luck, globetrotting collegiette, and share your experiences from interning abroad in the comments below!
 

Last week, the new show Lip Sync Battle premiered on Spike and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson set the bar pretty high. Originally a segment that Jimmy Fallon started on The Tonight Show, where different celebrities competed against one another by lip syncing the lyrics to their favorite songs, the talk show bit now lives on its own. During the premiere, we saw The Rock go up against Fallon, and it was very clear who the winner was. The Rock performed to Taylor Swift's hit "Shake It Off" and totally nailed it. From a pro wrestler, to an actor, to Taylor Swift's match, Dwayne Johnson really can do everything. Looks like Taylor Swift's got some competition—check out The Rock's awe-inspiring performance below!

Regina Agyare is an absolute inspiration to woman everywhere! Regina is a young woman living in Accra, Ghana, who co-founded Tech Needs Girls, a program to teach girls coding. "Computing jobs are among the fastest growing and the highest paying, yet few women are benefiting from these occupations," she explains to CNN. "This trend increases social inequalities and barriers to girls' future life opportunities."

Empowering women is especially important in Ghana, a place where women are often thought of as domestic objects and are not given an education. It's a program that would have a valuable application stateside, too: Even though more women are studying science, engineering and technology, the number of women in computer-related jobs has actually dropped.

This is obviously not a problem of women not being interested in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields, but of women being discouraged from those fields by men or even other women. According to Agyare, some of the boys said that they felt it wasn’t right to empower women. The way she responded to those assertations is truly amazing. Instead of preventing those boys from joining the class, Agyare welcomed them. Now, they’re not only learning about coding, but also about women and what it means to empower them.

Agyare’s inclusion of boys in her class is something that Emma Watson’s UN initiative, He for She, matches with quite nicely. The concept behind He for She is to encourage men to call themselves feminists. Not only is Regina bringing feminism to both young girls and boys in her classes in Ghana, but she is also proving education in a field that these girls would not otherwise receive.

Sometimes we wake up wanting to try something new for the day: food, workout routine, outfit, and even our hair. Not all of us are are daring and adventurous enough to chop it off on a whim, though. Fortunately, there are tips and tricks for feigning radically different hair lengths and styles: no scissors or extensions required!

1. Short bob

For all you long haired ladies who are too attached to your hair (but still want to know what it feels like to have short hair)... well, do we have a solution for you!

1. Divide your hair into two loose pigtails. Use clear elastics to secure and section off where you want to have your bob.
2. Loop the tail up and under and secure the ends with pins matching your hair color.
3. Secure the loop to the base of your hair with another bobby pin.
4. Make sure the elastic isn't showing!

To add to the look, leave out the frontmost sections of your hair to give it a natural feeling and look.

2. Ponytail illusion

This look is fairly easy to execute and also adds length to your everyday pony. Instead of your regular pony, make two pony tails, one above the other. To blend in the ponies (and fake thicker hair, too), take a piece of hair from the bottom pony and wrap it around both of bands. Voila! You've added two to three inches to your normal ponytail!  

3. Shave it off

The side shave has become a very popular trend. It has definitely crossed our minds, but we cannot find the will power to commit—what if we hate it and have to wait while we awkwardly grow it out? Luckily, we can definitely fake the shaved sides.

1. Make a side part and bring the part you are not using for your faux shave to the other side.
2. Section the faux shave part of your hair into 3 sections, and twist or braid the sections tightly from the front to back of your hair so that it appears very sleek against your head. Make sure you're not twisting the entire section; just twist until you hit your ear.
3. Using clear elastic bands or bobby pins to secure the sections so that they stay in place.

There you go! Play around with it and add volume to the other section, especially to the roots, to really emphasize the differences.

4. Bangin' bangs

This one isn't much about hair length, but it's a cool way to fake side bangs. For this look, you will need a thick headband or a cute hair scarf and a lot of bobby pins. Follow this handy pictorial from Hair Romance!

Kylie Jenner created an uproar this weekend when she posted a photo to her Instagram with the caption, "What I wish I looked like all the time."

It didn't take long for users to light up the 17-year-old's photo with comments, sharing their disapproval of the photo with thousands of people accusing her of wearing blackface. The photos were deleted from Jenner's Instagram, but she later posted another photo defending the original with the caption, "This is a black light and neon lights people lets [sic] all calm down," tagging the photographer, makeup artist, hairstylist, and studio.

Clearly unbothered by the outrage of her social media following, the reality star posted another photo from the shoot later that night.

No further information has been given about the purpose of the shoot. 

Movies constantly portray unrealistic scenarios, especially where romance is concerned. Full of seemingly flawless relationships and romantic clichés, romance movies often leave us wondering where exactly our perfect, big screen Prince Charming has been all our lives.

But before you let frustration take over and write off romance movies completely, go back through some old flicks and take a good, hard look. Hollywood has come up with movies that teach you true lessons about love, whether they have happy or sad endings. Read on for your list of romance movies that are accurate and true to life!

1. (500) Days of Summer

The Plot

Greeting card artist Tom (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) sees beautiful, quirky Summer (Zooey Deschanel) in a classic tale of boy-meets-girl. But from there, the story takes a turn once we realize that while Tom believes in love, Summer denies that it exists. What begins as a whirlwind romance gradually fades away as Tom realizes that his love for Summer isn’t mutual, and that he could very well lose who he thought was The One.

Love Lesson Learned

As much as we wish that every person who falls for someone gets the guy or gal, the truth is that feelings aren’t always reciprocated. At the time, unrequited love may feel like the worst possible thing to happen to you, but remember that not getting the guy you fall for isn’t the end of the world. There’s always someone out there who will feel the same way for you as you do for them, so don’t let one unrequited love bog you down! Plus, that person could appear at the most unexpected time...

2. Bridget Jones’s Diary

The Plot

Meet Bridget Jones (Renée Zellweger): a 30-something, clumsy, slightly chubby woman who is the opposite of every picture-perfect Hollywood star. Worst of all, she’s single. As she dreams about her boss, Daniel (Hugh Grant), Bridget re-meets childhood family friend Mark Darcy (Colin Firth) at a Christmas party. The pair immediately dislike each other in this modern Pride and Prejudice-inspired story. But as time goes on, Bridget discovers that there may be more to Mark than meets the eye in this hilarious but touching romantic comedy.

Love Lesson Learned

Bridget is an ordinary woman who has firsthand experience with a truth about love: you often fall for the most unexpected person! Love is surprising and hard to sort out a lot of the time, especially when you have to choose between your hot boss and a real-life Mr. Darcy (who are duking it out in a public fountain). Choosing Mr. Right is often not easy at all, but the man who you once never even considered could end up being a great guy. So the next time you’re at that family Christmas party, don’t write off that guy standing by the tree in the ugliest sweater you’ve ever seen, because there could be more to him than you think.

3. Like Crazy

The Plot

British exchange student Anna (Felicity Jones) and design student Jacob (Anton Yelchin) meet and fall in love, with Anna eventually overstaying her student visa to be with her new boyfriend. But little did the couple know that the legal fallout from Anna’s decision would keep them apart, complicating things for the couple as they struggle to start new careers post-college. Full of ups and downs, Like Crazy follows a long-distance romance through the years as Anna and Jacob try not only to stay together, but also to decide if their love is worth fighting for.

Love Lesson Learned

In Anna and Jacob’s case, distance, adjusting to post-college life, legal battles, and the possibility of meeting new people were all factors that could break their relationship. Most of those are also factors that take their toll on our real-life relationships, too. No matter whether you’re doing long distance or not, there will always be situations that pop up and threaten your relationship. Love doesn’t necessarily triumph over all, but by working through your issues together with a lot of cool-headed communication, you can definitely get through a lot, especially if you love each other like crazy.

4. Blue Valentine

The Plot

One of the most depressing movies of 2010 was this ill-fated romance between high school dropout Dean (Ryan Gosling) and nurse Cindy (Michelle Williams). Through flashbacks of their romantic past and emotionally-charged scenes of the present, Blue Valentine tells the story of a couple who fell in love, but whose marriage eventually crumbled through the years, leaving all of us watching in a teary mess.

Love Lesson Learned

So what changed, you ask? The truth is that what we want in a relationship changes through the years, and that means that the kind of person we want to be with can change, too. While Dean and Cindy were perfect for each other when they first met, they both became very different people after a few years. Sometimes, both you and your boyfriend will change in ways that still complement each other, but sometimes you’ll grow apart. In the end, we’re all still growing up, which means that what we want can be very different at each given time.

5. My Best Friend’s Wedding

The Plot

Julianne (Julia Roberts) and Michael (Dermot Mulroney) are two best friends with a pact to marry each other if they’re both single once they turn 28. But, three weeks before her 28th birthday, Julianne learns that Michael is marrying Kimberly (Cameron Diaz), news that makes her realize that she has loved Michael all along. And so Julianne flies off to Chicago, keen on sabotaging Michael’s marriage and winning him for herself instead.

Love Lesson Learned

Sometimes, you just have to let go. It doesn’t matter if you think you’re the best person for somebody; it might be best to back away and let the other person decide how they feel for themselves. While it’s true that Julianne was a great best friend to Michael, she eventually had to understand that although Michael had loved her in the past, he now loved Kimberly. Other peoples’ decisions may not align with your wants, but keep in mind that a lot of the time, letting go gives you room for new beginnings and a new shot at happiness!

See, movies can still be real and not trick you where romance is concerned! So in the end, don’t get too bogged down by those giant Hollywood-created fairy tales where everything is too perfect to be true, because there are flicks out there for you to learn real love lessons from.
 

In no time at all, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt has invaded your Netflix queue and your life in general, at least for as long as it took you to finish the 13-episode series. Between her witty attitude and brazen outlook on life, what's there not to totally love about her? Do you sometimes (read: always) identify with her? Because you're not alone! Chances are you saw yourself in these 11 Kimmy moments:

1. Whenever she broke out some old-school hand gestures.

Yep, we've all done it.

2. When she couldn't figure out how the sink turned on.

We weren't even trapped in an underground cult and we still can't figure out how some of those sinks work. Or, you know, appliances in general.

3. When she shamelessly ate candy for a meal.

Raspberry candies - that's gotta be at least a serving of fruit, right?

4. When Kimmy tried to imagine a happy place while working out.

The struggle is real.

5. When she implored everyone to realize that inner beauty is what counts.

Preach!

6. When she wasn't afraid to have some good, old-fashioned fun.

Who said swings were just for kids?

7. When she got sheepishly excited about trying something new. 

#noshame

8. When she tried her hand at rapping... while alone, of course.

Because we all want to be rappers in our next life.

9. And then when she tried to play it off like no big deal.

Nobody saw that, we promise!

10. When she impressively brushed off being called a not-so-nice name.

Ooh, burn...

11. When she stopped in her tracks to do some window shopping.

She must've read our minds.

We’ve all done it: binge-watched and obsessed over a show until it took over our lives. But what does that show say about you as a person? We’ve selected some of our favorite series currently on Netflix and (only somewhat in jest) analyzed their fans. Check out our list below to see what your favorite Netflix show says about you!

1. Friends

Your life is a series of quotes about being a twentysomething. No matter the situation, these six best friends have been there. Whiten your teeth to the point that they glow? Ross feels your pain. Get stuck in a pair of leather pants? Yep, Ross gets it. Totally botch your attempt at a spray tan? That would be Ross again. These buds will always be there for you!

2. Greek

You’re already nostalgic about college, and you haven’t even graduated yet. You don’t need to be a member of Greek life to appreciate the value of this show. From love triangles to procrastination, you’ll find yourself relating to these characters every time you watch a new episode.

3. Parenthood

You need a good cry. This family drama addresses cancer, death, divorce and a lot of other heavy topics. But you’re prepared to stock up on tissues and let it all out.

4. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

You’re looking for the latest cult hit that everyone is talking about. You love things that make you laugh until you cry, and you wish Titus Andromedon could be your roommate. Because you’re also like beef jerky in a ball gown.

5. Parks and Recreation

Your every day consists of waffles, friends, and feminism. You appreciate shows with a lot of heart that can make you laugh and cry within the course of a single episode. Also, Ron Swanson is your spirit animal.

6. How I Met Your Mother

You love having your heart broken. This sentimental series is a go-to if you’re looking for a tug on the ol' heartstrings, but you know how to brace yourself for a major disappointment. Like the series finale.

7. Gossip Girl

You live for the day when Chuck Bass will whisk you away for a life of luxury and debauchery. There’s no match for the exploits that take place on the Upper East Side. You frequently hit up Henri Bendel and know that every proper lady loves peonies. And you’re probably a little bit paranoid that one of your closest friends is writing a salacious blog filled with secrets about your life.

8. House of Cards

You appreciate dirty politics. While you wouldn’t personally push someone in front of a train, you’re captivated by the devious high stakes surrounding Frank Underwood.

8. Scrubs

You don’t mind a medical show… as long as it’s filled with laughs and dream sequences. Maybe you’ve got a weak stomach or you can’t handle the life-and-death drama of most medical procedurals. Regardless, Scrubs helps you fit in with all your pre-med pals.

9. Once Upon a Time

You’re a Disney princess at heart. The whimsy and fairy-tale atmosphere of this show—along with living representations of your favorite Disney characters—fulfills your every desire. Not to mention, it fills the void in between Disney’s slew of recent live-action films.

10. Saved By the Bell

You want to relive your childhood. Sure, Zack, Kelly, and the rest of the gang weren’t exactly in high school when we were, but although the fashion may have changed, shows set in high school are timeless. Whether you’re thinking back on the glory days or trying to forget the time when you were a Screech, every collegiette can relate to this show.

11. Pretty Little Liars

You love a killer mystery, and you’re willing to stick with a show—no matter what it puts you through. PLL and its never-ending “A” storyline have dragged you around so long you have permanent whiplash. But you’re not giving up until they settle this mess once and for all.

12. Scandal

You like wine. Okay, that’s not the only appeal to this show. You probably watch this along with your friends and chat over Twitter during every episode. You’re not afraid of a relentless binge-watching session to catch up to the live episodes and the super-fast pace of the storytelling matches your level of addiction.

13. House Hunters International

Are you feeling nostalgic over an amazing study abroad experience? Or perhaps planning your departure from the U.S. upon graduation? Either way, this reality show gives you the opportunity to ogle international landscapes and see if living abroad is for you.

14. Law & Order: SVU

You love true crime and you want to stay informed about it. This show can be haunting, but it's also educational... it's practically like going to law school, right? Chances are, Taylor Swift’s cat had something to do with your sudden interest in the series.

What does your favorite Netflix show say about you, collegiettes?

We’ve spent countless hours scouring magazine pages and blogs and spending our money on beauty products, but flawless, glowing skin still eludes us. If you’re putting time and effort into your beauty routine but still not getting results, your skin care routine could be the culprit. Some experts say several practices we swear by for perfect skin are actually bad for us. We talked to some beauty experts to find out which skin care routines you should skip!

1.  Exfoliating too often

Many collegiettes think exfoliation is the holy grail of glowing skin, but while skin with dirt and bacteria looks less than desirable, scrubbing away at your skin like it’s your dorm floor is not the answer. Exfoliating too often with microbeads or natural granules like sugar can actually injure your skin. This can lead to dryness and inflammation, destroying healthy cells and promoting skin hyperpigmentation while stripping away natural oils.

New-York-based esthetician Reneé Rouleau agrees with the American Board of Dermatology that you should exfoliate your face and body no more than once or twice a week. This allows you to remove the dead skin without those other harmful effects. Using a chemical exfoliator? Opt for products with beta hydroxy acids over those with alpha hydroxy acids in the list of ingredients, like DHC Salicylic Face Milk ($19); they sting and irritate less than the latter.

2. Putting acne medication all over your face

For the most of the month your skin is normal, but on the week around your period, Mother Nature gifts you with five humungous pimples. So on your way back from class, you pick up some acne products at the campus drugstore. But instead of applying your acne cream to your spots, you put it all over your face. Big no-no.

Aesthetician Lisa O’Neill Flanagan of NYR Organic says, “Acne medication should only be used on spots. It can actually dry out your skin (healthy parts) and cause overproduction of oil, which can in turn cause more breakouts.”

If you’re faced with irregular breakouts, Rouleau instead recommends light exfoliation (remember, just once or twice a week!) to remove dry skin cells, unclog pores and help fade those post-breakout marks. Disinfect the area with a natural astringent like witch hazel to eliminate bacteria and help prevent the spread of breakouts. Finish by hydrating with a water-based moisturizer to keep your skin cells healthy. We recommend Neutrogena’s Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 35 ($11.99).

3. Slathering on thick eye creams

We know too well those eye cream commercials with the models dotting concoctions that look like yogurt under their eyes. Beauty companies are always updating their formulas to be thicker and supposedly more effective. But Rouleau says that “many heavy eye creams typically contain heavy oils, like mineral oil or petroleum [jelly].” These ingredients are not easily absorbed by the skin. They can sit on top of the skin, to an extent suffocating it, but companies use them because they provide a false sense of hydration. What you’re actually is feeling is grease, not moisture.

Flanagan says it’s never too early to start using eye creams, just opt for a lighter formula that sinks into the skin while still keeping it soft and moisturized. She says a good eye cream feels more like a serum, as the delicate skin around the eye area can’t tolerate an overabundance of creams. Try Neutrogena’s Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum ($22.99).

4. Using your fingers as tools

Remember that absurd little brush that came with your cream eye shadow? It turns out you should actually use it! You fingers may seem more convenient for a quick swipe across your lids, but by doing so, you’re actually contaminating the product with the bacteria from your hands. Flanagan recommends using clean brushes to apply your eye shadows and lip products that come in jars. Check out Ulta’s Large Eyeshadow Brush ($12). The synthetic brush works well on both cream and powder shadows.

5. Using cleansing wipes instead of face wash

Reaching for your facial wipes after you come home from a party may seem like a better option than sleeping in your makeup. However, these wipes only remove some of the dirt and makeup from your face, leaving behind irritating residue than can clog your pores.

“It’s better to remove the makeup with a cleansing wipe than not to remove it at all, but it’s always best to cleanse,” Flanagan says. She recommends looking for a face wash with organic and natural ingredients that are gentle on your skin. Try the Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Facial Cleanser ($7.99), which does not contain harsh chemicals.

6. Overloading on skin care products

Most collegiettes are beauty-product junkies, using creams and cleansers for acne, dry skin, hyperpigmentation and every other skin condition they can think of. But by over-treating your skin, you can run the risk of over-inflammation.

Forget about all those complicated serums and treatments! Flanagan suggests simplifying your routine to two steps: cleanse and moisturize. She also recommends trying a BB cream for an easy way to get everything your skin needs makeup-wise on a busy day. Try Maybelline’s Dream Fresh BB 8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfector ($8.99).

7. Washing your face in the morning

Cleansing your face may seem like a great way to start your day. But Dr. Jessica Krant, a dermatologist from New York, begs to differ. She says that while you’re sleeping, your skin regenerates, reestablishing its pH levels and increasing collagen production. Why would you want to wash off all this hard work?

Flanagan agrees that morning cleansing is unnecessary. “Just rinse with water in the shower or sink and, once again, moisturize!” she says.

On your journey to perfect skin, don’t give up hope. Stick to the basics, like a cleanser and moisturizer that are appropriate for your skin type. Consistency in applying your products and taking off your makeup is essential for getting your best results. It may be a matter of trial and error, but the combination of beauty practices for your best skin is out there!
 

We all know that there is a lot of money to be made in Hollywood, and actors are at the top of the salary food chain as the onscreen talent—or, the people we connect most with when we watch a film. Despite online streaming sites' attempts to make their services seem like the most appealing option (and it often is), people still flock to the theaters to witness the latest stars make their marks on the big screen. As long as that's happening, the top-billed actors and actresses of Hollywood continue to receive outrageous paychecks for their involvement in blockbuster productions. Hollywood Reporter recently revealed just how large those amounts actually are in a report they published late last month, which highlights the big ticket earners for this year—otherwise known as members of what they call the "$20 million club." Leonardo DiCaprio tops the list with a whopping $25 million up front for The Wolf of Wall Street. Sandra Bullock ranks in second with $20 million initially, with total earnings amounting to a staggering $70 million for Gravity. Here is a quick infographic of Hollywood's biggest earners:

Now that you've turned upside down to read the entire wheel, you may be thinking the same thing we are—where are all the women? It's no secret that the movie industry contains a certain level of gender inequality, but with so many leading ladies in big-budget productions, we assumed that there would be more than three women among the top earners. The article did highlight one more female not shown in this graph: comedic actress Melissa McCarthy, who also broke the $15 million mark. Still, it leaves us with a slightly bitter taste in our mouths to be so starkly reminded of just how far we still have to go to break that glass ceiling, even in a field where women are so highly regarded and treasured. Perhaps, if Hollywood would close the pay gap between its actors and actresses, it might just set a precedent for all other businesses around the country and the world to follow. After all, people look to Hollywood for almost everything else: fashion, advice, life practices, even baby names. Hopefully, seeing this in such a visual form opens the industry's eyes to the reality of the situation.

It’s no secret that women run the world, and our favorite movies have been showing that for, well, ever. Some of these leading ladies are the funniest, most down to earth, chicest (hello, powersuits!) people we’ve ever seen. And they provide us the inspiration to go after our dreams (and an excuse to load up our Netflix queues). So whether you don’t know what you want to be when you grow up, or you do and just need a role model, check out these 11 boss ladies who are simply killin’ it.

1. Elle Woods, Legally Blonde

Elle Woods never apologized for who she was, and even though she went to law school to chase a boy (ugh, Warner!), she came out on top and proved she didn’t need a man to be a successful lawyer. In Legally Blonde, Elle transforms from a superficial, ditzy girl who relies on the men in her life to a mature woman who uses her intelligence for greater good. Elle represents the late bloomers who take a little longer to fine-tune their career goals, but still manage to come out totally successful. We aspire to have her unapologetic self-confidence, and to not be afraid to take a different path to the top.

2. Kate Holbrook, Baby Mama

In this film, Tina Fey plays Kate, a high-powered VP of a Whole Foods-esque health market. Kate believes in her company’s mission, and spreads the organic food love. She handles her crazy boss in stride, and makes being a corporate mogul look so easy. When life hands her lemons (or in her case, a T-shaped uterus), she goes against the grain to get a surrogate and start her family on her own. 

 3. Andy Sachs, The Devil Wears Prada

While Andy isn’t into fashion, she puts in her time with a demanding boss to make her dreams of becoming an amazing journalist happen. Andy puts up with a lot of crap from Miranda Priestley, but when she realizes that she’s let the fashion world go to her head, she turns fortune and fame down to go back to her roots, and the man who made her feel special (hello, Adrian Grenier!). We’re jealous of her stunning makeover, and totally respect her go-getter attitude. Andy reminds us to hold on to our values and the people who support us, because no matter how successful we are, it’s better when you have someone to share it with.

4. Mary Fiore, The Wedding Planner

Event planning can be intense, but J.Lo’s character in The Wedding Planner pulls it off with ease. Plus, think of all the cake she must get to taste! She’s determined to become a partner at her company, so she scores the right client whose wedding will showcase her skills. She finds herself in a tough situation with a soon-to-be-married man, but does the right thing by not becoming the other woman. Mary goes through a difficult love roller coaster, but shows us that if we do what’s right, we will end up in the right place.

5. Dr. Ryan Stone, Gravity

Sandra Bullock was literally on top of the world in this movie, playing a medical engineer/mission specialist/astronaut. Dr. Stone is smart as hell, thinks on her feet, and above all, she’s a survivor. When the going gets insanely tough in this movie, Dr. Stone follows her mind, instead of her heart, to think things through and ultimately save her own life.

6. Dr. Minerva, It’s Kind of a Funny Story

Viola Davis plays the head physician who works on de-stigmatizing mental health issues at a hospital in this movie. Dr. Minerva works with her patients to help them overcome depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. She helps people recognize the qualities that make them stand out as strong, important, and talented individuals to help them get through the obstacles that life throws them.

7. Carol Solomon, In A World…

This film is produced by, directed by, written by and stars Lake Bell, who plays a struggling vocal coach who wants to live up to her father’s Hollywood clout. Ultimately, she gets the dream job of doing the voiceover for a Hunger Games-esque movie, beating out many stiff competitors. Carol fights the challenges of a male-dominated industry to accomplish her goals, demonstrating to us that no matter who or what is working against us, if we work hard enough, we can shatter gender stereotypes to get the jobs we deserve.

8. Chantry, What If

Zoe Kazan plays an adorable hipster animator in this wonderfully awkward rom-com. Chantry goes after a promotion she feels she deserves. She doesn’t make all of the right career decisions; instead, she values a relationship with the wrong guy over her career goals. Ultimately, she realizes the mistake she made and fights for her career, landing her dream job and a guy who treats her right.

9. Becky Fuller, Morning Glory

Rachel McAdams’ character is a bubbly TV producer with dreams of producing The Today Show. When she thinks she’s ruined her chances, she gets an opportunity to produce a new morning show and hits it out of the park. Because of a couple of difficult TV stars, Becky is forced to take risks and juggle responsibilities in order to make the show a success. She believes in her work, and does whatever it takes to get the job done. Her people skills and determination drive her to stick with her show, even when bad ratings get her coworkers down. Her relentless perseverance pays off, and she is able to turn the show around and make it a hit. 

10. Gracie Hart, Miss Congeniality

Sandra Bullock brings power and spunk to this undercover FBI agent (who also makes for a killer beauty queen). Gracie goes above and beyond to fulfill the responsibilities of her dangerous job, even when it means giving up donuts for sparkly dresses and hair spray. She learns to be open-minded, with the help of Sheryl, an unlikely friend. Gracie ultimately saves her friend’s life by trusting her own instincts, even when her boss disagrees with her.  

11. Margaret Thatcher, The Iron Lady

This woman is an inspiration to any collegiette aspiring to make their mark through politics. Margaret Thatcher was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, making history and inspiring women in politics around the world. The Iron Lady exposes Thatcher’s softer side, cracking the surface of the strong-willed exterior that she showed to the public. The film takes us through her struggles to break into the male-dominated world of politics, and the grief she felt when she lost her husband. Thatcher will always be remembered as a history-making woman, and Meryl Streep’s portrayal of her shows us that we can be strong and successful and still have a personal life. 

Not sure what you should be doing now to prepare for college? Deciding if you should study abroad? Need advice on how to handle your first job interview? Her Campus co-founders Stephanie, Windsor, and Annie will answer your burning questions about college life and beyond at this fun event at Brookline Booksmith in Coolidge Corner on Friday, May 1 from 7-8pm! Invite your friends on Facebook and RSVP below.

Get your copy of The Her Campus Guide to College Life signed, chat with the Her Campus co-founders about navigating college classes, relationships, and extracurriculars, and receive a goody bag. Goody bags and raffle prizes include free swag and special offers from bareMinerals, Scentbird, My Beauty Tea, Tervis, Knock Knock, Plumb notebooks, and more!

RSVP here:
 

It is every fangirl’s dream to be at her favorite concert and to be pulled on stage by the love of her life (in her mind at least) and serenaded in front of all of the performer's adoring fans until everybody realizes that the two of them are actually soulmates. However, it seems that one fan decided to take matters, and Adam Levine, into her own hands.

Maroon 5 was performing at the Honda Center on April 6 when a female fan found her way onto the stage and grabbed on to lead singer, Adam Levine. The shocking encounter took place near the end of the show during the song "It Was Always You" (she must have thought Levine was speaking to her). The young woman managed to get up on the stage, run up to Levine, and throw her arms around his neck with no security in sight.

There are numerous fan videos on Instagram showing the rocker looking visibly startled and uncomfortable, but he handles the situation like a pro. Later in the night, he joked around with the crowd about the situation and suggested to his fans, “Just straight-up maybe don't do that."

Moral of the story: wait for your favorite band member to pull you on stage because if you just jump up on your own, they probably will not like you very much... which is not helpful if you’re trying to woo your soulmate.

Adam is not pleased.

As graduettes, nothing makes us miss college less than remembering those sleepless nights in the library. We scroll through finals-themed Snapchats from our younger friends or siblings and couldn’t be more grateful that the student life is behind us.

Though we rejoice in the fact that we no longer have to pull all-nighters or overdose on caffeine while cramming for a test, we have to admit that we do kind of miss learning. Thinking back to how much we learned during those four years (read: how much we’ve since forgotten), we can’t help but kind of wish we could set foot in a classroom again.

For all those graduettes longing to develop a new skill or even just brush up on old knowledge, we’re giving you our crash course on how to keep learning after college. And don’t worry—there won’t be a final exam!

1. Sign up for a weekly class

Whether you’re learning to make jewelry, picking up a new language or finally figuring out how to actually use Excel, getting back in the classroom will feel great. You can try your hand at a new art like painting or cooking or gain more skills related to your career field.

Your employer might even pay for classes or conferences that they find beneficial to your work. Christina Madsen, who graduated from Barnard College, was given an education stipend as part of her work benefits, which she used to take some analytics classes. “I’d definitely recommend asking an employer if that’s something they’ll permit, since it benefits you and the company,” she says.

Do some soul-searching (and Google searching) to determine what types of classes you might like to take, and make sure to talk to your supervisor or HR department if you think it’s something that will make you a stronger employee. Most colleges have continuing education courses that are open to the public, so start your search there, especially if you’re looking for something academic. And keep your eye out for free classes—many retail stores offer complimentary classes, like the makeup classes at Sephora and cooking technique classes at Williams-Sonoma.

2. Find a mentor

If you don’t have a built-in mentorship program at work, reach out to an older colleague whom you connect with and ask her to grab coffee or lunch. You’d be surprised how much you can learn about someone’s background and experiences from just a few coffee breaks! Your mentor should be someone you trust for advice on office etiquette, career growth, work politics and more, but don’t feel pressured to cover all of these areas right off the bat. Work on building the relationship first—just getting to know her can be extremely beneficial.

If you’re looking for a mentor outside of your office, reconnect with previous internship supervisors or former professors (if you’re still living in your college town). If you moved away after college, your alma mater can still be an excellent resource—reach out to the career center or alumni association and see if they can put you in touch with alumni in your city who are working in a similar field. You can also look online for other mentorship opportunities, such as the National Association of Professional Women’s mentorship program.

3.  Join a club

Discussion-based clubs for people interested in books, film, philosophy, foreign languages and more are a great way to stimulate your mind, meet new people and become a little more cultural. You’ll feel like you’re back in a humanities class in no time, minus all the analysis papers (*giant sigh of relief*).

Check with your local library (even if you haven’t stepped foot in one since graduation), or try websites like Meetup and Reader’s Circle to find discussion groups meeting near you. You’re not limited by location, either; online discussion groups such as those through Goodreads will give you just as much of a mental boost!

4. Listen to podcasts on your commute

Chances are you plug your headphones in the second you leave to walk to work, so why not listen to something educational (even though you’ll never get tired of hearing “Blank Space” on repeat)? Explore the iTunes store to find a podcast that you like, whether it focuses on news, sports or even quirky stories.

Emory graduette Mandy Ghias recommends “Serial” if you’re into criminal law or mystery (think nonfictional Law & Order), “BBC Global News” to stay up-to-date on current events and “This American Life” for really engaging first-person stories.

5. Be a tourist in your own city

Grab a guidebook for your city and create a bucket list of attractions and activities that sound appealing. From museums to monuments, there’s so much to be learned by exploring your neighborhood. You can also sign up for a walking tour to get to know your surroundings, like food tours, movie- or TV-themed tours (e.g., a Sex in the City tour in New York City) or tours of a famous writer or artist’s home.

Take advantage of the resources offered at each attraction to get the most out of your experience, such as actually using the listening devices at museums and monuments or staying a few minutes longer to chat with your tour guide.

Visiting a cultural fair, street fair or food festival can be exciting and enriching, too. Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and get to know the people working the booths; think of them as experts in their fields.

6. Attend local lectures and readings

Check out your nearest bookstores and universities for lists of upcoming speakers and readings; you can usually find an events calendar on their websites. Go hear an up-and-coming author discuss her latest book or attend an open lecture by a notable professor. If you have speakers or artists you know you want to see, visit their personal websites or social media pages to find conferences or individual lectures that they’ve booked. Follow the companies within your industry that you’re particularly interested in, as many may have opportunities such as conferences where you to hear from them or other experts.

Carnegie Mellon graduette Elyssa Goodman, who lives in New York City, loves to attend events hosted by her favorite authors and photographers as well as lectures on 1970s to 1990s New York culture and the history of fashion and beauty standards. “Whenever I leave a lecture, I feel inspired,” she says. “What's nice about lectures outside of school is that you only have to go to the ones you want to go to, and you can leave without penalty if you don't like it.”

7. Subscribe to a daily email newsletter

We all know we should be reading the newspaper or watching the news every day, but ain’t nobody got time for that! Email newsletters like theSkimm and Need 2 Know are great ways to catch up on all the important headlines in just a few minutes.

8.  Explore webinars, blogs and other online resources

You already spend a lot of your free time on your computer thanks to Facebook and Netflix, so you might as well add a few new sites to the mix.

Colie Lumbreras, a University of Iowa graduette living in Chicago, stays active on LinkedIn to continue learning. “They have webinars and news about conferences and summits, as well as good blog posts,” she says.

You can also try Duolingo to practice your language skills or tune into TED Talks to hear nearly 2,000 powerful speeches that are usually 18 minutes or less.

You may have kissed your study guides and Scantrons goodbye the second you received that long-awaited diploma, but you’ll never really be done learning. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself or try something completely new—your future self will thank you for it.