You’ve been at your company for two years and still haven’t gotten a promotion. You complete every project on time, contribute to team meetings and receive positive feedback from your clients. But still, no raise. What’s the deal? Do you argue with your coworkers, show up late several times a week or check your phone during work hours? These little behaviors could be preventing you from moving up the corporate ladder. On the other hand, if you’re doing everything right but still not seeing any rewards, it might be time to look for a new job. Read on to learn 10 reasons why you haven’t been promoted.

1. You come in late and leave early 

Do you show up to work whenever you feel like it and leave early every day? Doing so can make it seem like you aren’t committed to your career (even if you get all your work done!) and that you’d rather be anywhere else but the office. Sure, getting in late can sometimes be out of you control; maybe you got stuck in traffic or had to take your dog to the vet. And there will be days where you'll have to leave early, perhaps for a doctor's appointment or to make it to the airport in time for your flight. But these things don't happen every day; so be sure to be in the office on time each morning, and avoid leaving early. Even if you finish your work early, you shouldn't be rushing out of the office—get a head start on the next day, or even offer to help out on a new project. Making a point to be on time or stay late to finish a project will show that you take your job seriously—and that you deserve a raise.

2. You frequently call in sick

We all get sick sometimes, but calling in at the last minute because of a headache or cramps might not look good. If you do need to call in sick, make sure you follow your company’s protocol and notify your boss as far in advance as possible. Using the “I’m sick” excuse too many times might raise suspicions. Your boss will start to wonder if you are actually sick or if you are just playing hooky. If you do have a medical condition that keeps you out of work many days at a time, make sure you talk with your boss in private and explain what is going on. This way, your absence won’t get in the way of new opportunities at work.

Related: 7 Ways to Get Ahead at Your First Job

3. You have a negative attitude

Nobody likes a Negative Nancy. Complaining about everything (even subjects that aren’t work-related!) won’t get you what you want, especially not a promotion. Instead of being in a bad mood all day and letting your emotions take over, leave your drama at the door each morning. Whether it’s work or your personal life that’s stressing you out, you have to learn to let it go. Being the office complainer won’t help you reach the top of the management chain, but having an upbeat attitude and positive mind could be beneficial. Need some tips on how to stay in a happy mood? Listen to an inspirational podcast on the way to work, start your day off with your favorite latte or join an exercise class so you have something fun to look forward to after work. Who knows, your boss just might reward you for your positive attitude. 

4. You leave everything to the last minute

You already know that meeting deadlines is essential in the workplace. Your coworkers and clients rely on you to get the job done on time. When you miss your deadlines, you let people down—and you miss your chances of moving up in your company. Not only is it important to meet those deadlines; it’s also vital to manage your time well leading up to the deadline. When you’re scrambling to finish a project (even if you end up getting it in on time!), or are turning everything in at the very last possible second every single time, it can seem like you’re not spending your time wisely. Learn how to prioritize and stay on top of your tasks so you can get everything in on time—and early, whenever possible. If you need a reminder, keep a calendar or list of tasks on your desk to keep track of all your due dates. Try an online tool like Asana or organization app such as PocketLife.Turning in projects in a timely manner is expected if you’re looking to take the next step at work. 

5. You don’t get along with your coworkers

Of course, you already know to be friendly to all your coworkers, to avoid gossip, and to work as a team. But personalities can clash, and if you’re the employee nobody likes, you probably won’t be promoted anytime soon. “Relationships with fellow coworkers are important,” says Mary, a recent grad who works for a catering company in Chicago. “You can do an awesome job, but if people don’t like you, you won’t have any support.” Having camaraderie in the office is a must; if you’re going to be leading the team, you need to be someone everybody enjoys working with. Plus, you want people on your side that will stand up for you when you’re in line for a promotion and help demonstrate your positive contributions to the company. When your coworkers give you praise for your hard work, your boss probably will too. 

6. You keep making the same mistakes

Everybody makes mistakes, but repeating the same ones—even just once!—will not look good during your next review. Ignoring your company’s policies, sending an incomplete document to a client, or speaking out of turn during a meeting will not help you become a boss in the near future. Next time you’re given constructive criticism or corrected for making a mistake, make sure you pay attention and avoid this error in the future. Showing your boss that you can take direction and listen to their feedback will pay off (hopefully with a bigger paycheck!).

7. You text / tweet on the job

Always on your phone at work? It’s time for a change. The group chats and social media updates can wait and life will go on even if you aren’t tweeting every moment of your day. Being glued to your phone might be a sign that you aren’t completely focused on your work; even if your boss is in an office on the other side of the building and isn’t there to see you texting your BFFs, other people in the office do, and their perception of you may reach your boss’s ears. So if you’re looking to advance your career, make sure you stay off your personal phone during work hours. Keep your cell out of sight in a purse or drawer so you don’t get distracted. 

8. You don’t dress professionally 

 We’re not saying you have to wear a suit to work every day, but we do think you should take pride in your appearance. Some offices are more relaxed when it comes to work attire, but even if you're always in a t-shirt and jeans, you should still look clean, well-groomed and overall professional. Dressing sloppy could show a lack of professionalism and prevent you from getting a more senior position. As they say, dress for the job you want!

9. Your company isn’t making money

Maybe it’s not you, it’s them. If your company isn’t profitable, you probably won’t be getting a raise anytime soon. Sit back and look at your work environment. Has anyone been promoted since you’ve been at the company? Is there a process for promotions? If not, this might not be the kind of company you want to work for. 

“There are many things—some within your control and some not—that could prevent you from getting promoted,” says Meryl Weinsaft Cooper,veteran publicist and co-author of Be Your Own Best Publicist: How to Use PR Techniques to Get Noticed, Hired, and Rewarded at Work. “Circumstances and forces outside of your control include your corporate culture or policy (many have stringent timelines and parameters for promotions) or a challenging financial landscape or setbacks at your company (when bad times hit, many companies put freezes on reviews/promotions).” If there’s no room for growth in your current situation, it can be difficult to stay positive and motivated when you go to work each day. It isn’t all about the money, but you do deserve to be rewarded for your hard work.

10. You haven’t asked for one

Sometimes it isn’t your bad work ethic or negative attitude that is stopping you from getting a promotion. It could also be that you haven’t asked for one, and your boss has no idea you aren’t happy in your current position or that you’re ready to take on more. “If your boss doesn’t know you want a promotion, they have no reason to look at you,” says Karli, who recently started a new job at Northwestern University. If you think you deserve a more advanced role, you have to speak up, no matter how awkward it feels. Cooper agrees and says, “It’s important to communicate with your supervisor about your performance—and determine if you are meeting and exceeding expectations. If it is just a matter of not having asked before, be sure to come to that conversation prepared with concrete examples of the contributions you have made and an understanding of what that next position would require.”Being able to meet your company’s objectives and show results will increase your chances of moving ahead in your career.

Follow our advice and learn how to quit the negative work habits that might be preventing you from getting a promotion. You’re a smart, hard working graduette and you deserve it, so show your boss what you’ve got—and start seeing rewards!

According to Taylor Swift's recent GQ interview, if she weren't famous, she would have gone to college and majored in marketing! In imagining a strange, strange world in which she isn't a pop star, the singer says music would still be a part of her life—but that's not all. "I would still be involved in music in my spare time, but I would have gone to college, and probably would be involved with a form of business where words and ideas are at the forefront. Such as marketing," Taylor told GQ.

This makes perfect sense to us! Taylor definitely has a way with words, and as a celebrity she knows a lot about image. We would totally team up with her for a marketing group project. If only!

When you walk into an interview to meet your prospective employer for the first time, you have a pretty good idea of what to expect. Usually as long as you brought everything you'll need, gave yourself a pre-interview pep talk, and studied what not to say, you think that you're pretty much good to go—but that's not always the case! From time to time, interviewers will ask you a question so outlandish that it renders you speechless. Here are a few examples of actual curveball questions that a prospective employer might throw your way, and some answers to knock their pitches right out of the park!

"If you were a fruit, what fruit would you be?"

Employers use this question as a personality test. When Penn State student Zach Berger was asked what kind of fruit he would be in an interview, he answered that he would be a banana. "Hard exterior, softie on the inside," he explained. His answer was perfect because it showed employers that there was more to him than what met the eye upon their first interaction.

"If you were managing a social media account for monster trucks, what would your strategy be?"

This kind of wild card question is thrown into the mix to see whether interviewees are able to think on their feet. When she heard this question at an interview for a position as a consultant, recent Penn State graduate Ally Greer knew exactly what to say.

"It's likely as a consultant to be working with things you're not familiar with, so I just said that the first priority after taking on a new account is to learn as much as you can," said Greer. "I said I'd throw myself into that community, read blogs, join groups, et cetera. I wouldn't only learn about it by reading articles, but by reading the comments. Even if monster trucks aren't my interest, they obviously interest a lot of other people, so there's certainly going to be a community for me to throw myself into, even if it means doing things I personally might not do!" Her answer conveys to employers that she is flexible and adaptable, two qualities that interviewers are always interested in finding.

"How many McDonald's restaurants are there in the United States?"

A question like this displays how you think about solving a large problem. At the time of her interview, recent Penn State graduate Melanie Versaw had no idea what answer to give. Her mind went entirely blank, and she told the interviewer bluntly that she had no idea, though she knew he'd misjudge the level of her analytical skills because of it. Now she understands her mistake. "It was a question about estimations verses actual calculations," Melanie said, "and sometimes you can do both! I just focused too much on the actual calculations." 

Questions like this will usually be asked in jobs that require intense mathematical and logical skills, so the employer is more interested in the process you use to get to the answer than the answer itself. Take your time and verbally walk them through the steps you go through mentally to come to your final response so that they can see how your mind works to solve problems (for example, you might say “I think there are about X many McDonald’s in every major city, there are X major cities in the country, and then if each state has an additional X McDonald’s in non-major cities, based on that…”)! (Also, in case you were curious, there are 12,804 McDonald's restaurants in America!)

"If you were a Microsoft Office program, which would you be?"

Your answer to this question demonstrates your familiarity with Microsoft Office as well as "the three C's: confidence, capabilities, and creativity," as Penn State student Jordan Kelley puts it. When asked this question in an interview, Jordan answered that he would like to be PowerPoint because he thinks he is talented at relaying information to others in a concise and appealing format. "I could have said Excel because I'm excellent, but I didn't want to score unreasonably high on that first of the three C's!" Jordan joked. "Plus, I'm not sure how soon I'm allowed to bring puns into the workplace."

"If you were an animal, what kind of animal would you be?"

This question will help a prospective employer figure out your personality, since they don't get to spend much time with you. "I probably could have said something like a lion or a bear, since they're supposed to show that you're strong and confident and all of that," said Kait Polchock, a Penn State colleigette. "But I went with a giraffe because even though they're not crazy intimidating or too forceful, they still tower above all of the rest. It's all about the image that you put into their minds, and making sure that tells them how they should picture you, too."

The most important thing to remember when an interviewer throws a curveball question your way is not to blurt out the very first thing that comes to mind. "It's okay to take a second and think before answering!" Ally emphasizes. Employers only ask these crazy things as an attempt to figure out what kind of person you are, so pause for a moment to make sure that your answers reflect the real you!

What’s the craziest interview question you’ve had to field, collegiettes?

The Kylie Jenner lip craze has taken over the world this past year—but it may be coming to an end!

You read that right, collegiettes. In one of her latest video tutorials on her official app, the young starlet says to makeup artist Joyce Bonelli, "You know what's weird? I've been into small lips lately. Like, I want them to look small."

Kylie confirmed that she uses lip fillers on an episode of Keeping Up with the Kardashians earlier this year, explaining that it's a result of a personal insecurity she had growing up. 

However, it seems that the ever-changing beauty queen may be transitioning back to a more natural look. Of the look given to her in the video, Kylie says, "It's super fresh-faced and easy, and just everyday Kylie Jenner makeup."

Are the days of her plump pout over? We can only wait and see.

Former Virginia senator and veteran Jim Webb made an announcement on Tuesday that he will be ending his Democratic campaign for president. This does not mean that he is removing himself from the race entirely, as he may still consider running as an independent candidate.

According to NPR, Webb gave a statement at a National Press Club conference with his reasoning behind this decision.

“I fully accept that my views on many issues are not compatible with the power structure and base of the Democratic Party," he said. "For this reason I am withdrawing from any consideration of being the Democratic Party's nominee for the presidency.”

He later noted that many Americans tend to identify as Independent, rather than strictly Republican or Democratic. He believes that presidential candidates need to be more accommodating and in tune to the majority of Americans who may have mixed political opinions. Webb has also been very open about the fact that he does not fully identify as a Democrat, and said during a Q&A that he feels “much freer now” and has officially “cleared the air” to begin talking to more people while campaigning, according to the Washington Post. He did not feel as comfortable talking to some people as a Democratic candidate, but now that he has withdrawn from associating himself strictly with the party, he can be true to his own beliefs.

Even before he decided to withdraw from the Democratic party, Webb’s campaign was definitely different compared to his opponents. He spent little time campaigning across the U.S., spending four days in New Hampshire and 20 days in Iowa, CNN reports.

In terms of next steps, Webb has yet to declare if he will be running as an Independent candidate, but for now has decided to reflect on his options. His decision now leaves us with four major Democratic candidates: Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Martin O’Malley and Lincoln Chafee.

Remember the kid who was arrested because his high school thought his incredibly inventive clock constructed inside a pencil case was a bomb? Well, he's onto bigger and better things. 

When Ahmed Mohamed was arrested the internet practically blew up from outrage. So much so, that President Obama himself took note and sent the fourteen year old a shout out on Twitter.

Ahmed was officially invited to the White House Monday night for Astronomy Night, along with other kids, students, professors, scientists, and astronauts. Unfortately, according to reports, press secretary Josh Earnest didn't think that President Obama would have enough time to meet with Ahmed during the busy night. But New York Magazine reports that the president himself noticed Ahmed in the crowd. Clearly Obama meant it when he said that he wanted to inspired more kids like Ahmed to like science.

The president is just one of the many people that have taken notice of the budding scientist. New York Magazine also reports that he's been to the offices of Facebook and Google, and even made a controversal trip to visit Sudanese president Omar Hassan, who is on the International Criminal Court's wanted list.

Amhed left his buzzworthy clock at home, but had the chance to meet his heros and role models of the astromy industry. This kid is going places—And one of those places is Qatar. According to the BBC, Ahmed has accepted a scholarship from the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development, which will pay for his secondary and college education.

Today, Vice President Joe Biden announced that after much speculation, he will not be launching a presidential campaign for 2016—It would have been his third. With his family still grieving over the loss of his son Beau to brain cancer in May, Biden struggled to decide whether they would be emotionally prepared to launch a successful campaign, and now believes it is too late to get started.

"Unfortunately, I believe we're out of time—the time necessary to mount a winning campaign for the nomination," he said at a press conference held at the White House. "But while I will not be a candidate, I will not be silent. I intend to speak out clearly and forcefully, to influence as much as I can where we stand as a party and where we need to go as a nation." He did not endorse any particular Democratic candidate.

This is good news for Hillary Clinton, who without opposition from the popular Vice President is likely to remain the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination. On Twitter, she called Biden “a good friend and a great man."

Vermont senator and Clinton’s biggest challenger, Bernie Sanders, also expressed support for Biden on Twitter:

Republican frontrunner Donald Trump, meanwhile, tweeted:

Incredible how Trump manages to make everything about him!

With Biden celebrating his 73rd birthday next month, this is likely to mark the beginning of the end of his political career, as it’s doubtful he’ll seek another public office. According to the Associated Press, he’s expressed interest in starting a foundation or beginning an institute at the University of Delaware, his alma mater.

Biden’s decision not to run comes as a disappointment to many of his supporters, or those who might have been looking for an alternative to Hillary Clinton. An NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll conducted at the end of last month found that had he decided to run, he would have been the most popular candidate of either party.

23-year-old UK-based model Charlie Howard has been relatively successful, appearing in magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour and Cosmopolitan. However, despite her success, stunning features, and tiny frame, she has recently been dropped from her (unnamed) agency who told her that her size and skin were a problem.

Rightfully so, Howard did not take this gently and penned an open letter on her Facebook page expressing her anger and disgust with the industry.

“I refuse to feel ashamed and upset on a daily basis for not meeting your ridiculous, unattainable beauty standards,” wrote Howard –– who just so happens to be the U.S. equivalent to a size 2. “The more you force us to lose weight and be small, the more designers have to make clothes to fit our sizes, and the more young girls are being made ill. It’s no longer an image I choose to represent.”

Howard has been modeling since she was 17, but she refuses to conform to agencies’ ridiculous standards anymore.

“I am proud of the jobs I have done. I will continue to do it, but only on my own terms,” her letter continues. “My mental and physical health [are] of more importance than a number on a scale.”

In an interview with Dazed, Howard said that her agency dropped her the day before she penned the letter. “They said they “appreciated” how much I’d tried to keep my weight down, but that my body and skin were a problem,” she said. (Seriously, wtf!?)

Howard does believe that the industry is changing, but the back-and-forth between promoting and condemning uniqueness has to stop.

“Models like Winnie Harlow and Ashley Graham are killing it right now, so why are agencies not representing more non-white or curvaceous models? They clearly work,” Howard said. “They’re bright, intelligent and striking women with a voice. If that’s the current beauty ‘ideal’, let’s encourage that.”

Howard encourages girls everywhere to love their bodies and to realize that beauty is not defined by being stick-thin.

“If you’re unhappy, choose happiness,” she said. “Life’s too short.”

Today marks a very important occasion: Kim Kardashian's 35th birthday. The reality star gets a lot of hate for, well, just about everything she does (whether it's deserved or not). But not today—because we've got proof that we've got a little Kim K in all of us.

1. She doesn't always want to get out of bed

Literally every morning.

2. She ugly-cries

AKA you when you're still in the library at 4 AM/when you run out of snacks/while you're watching any show Shonda Rhimes has had a hand in.

3. She procrastinates

If this isn't you, you're really just lying to yourself.

4. She's a homebody

And now that we have Netflix and Chill...

5. She gets the late-night munchies

Haven't we ALL done this?

6. She acknowledges her weaknesses

Listen, we can't all be good at EVERYTHING.

7. She lives by inspiring words of wisdom

Well, it IS important to love yourself.

8. She captures all the most important moments in life

Don't judge—remember all the times you've based your brunch order on what'll look best on Instagram?

9. She's a go-getter

Love her or hate her, this is definitely something we can learn from her.

10. She uses her birthday to her advantage

Birthday immunity.

Sex. It’s happening on every college campus, but exactly what is going down isn’t always clear.

We asked 32 real college women to tell the truth about sex on their college campus, and here's what they had to say.

It feels like everyone on campus is having sex 24/7 and that all people do is talk about sex, getting laid, and who's hooking up with whom. On such a small campus it seems like everyone has slept with the same people, but despite all of that I feel very safe on campus.

-Manda, Manhattanville College Class of 2018

I think that people are having sex around me and the thought of that makes me feel uncomfortable. I just hope that everyone is safe about it.

-Sand, Emmanuel College Class of 2019

I think the sexual culture on my campus is a hook-up culture. At least for the first two years, there doesn’t seem to be many relationship-seeking individuals. Everyone seems to be looking for a hook-up. If there is a prevalence of sexual assault they keep it under wraps. In the past I have not felt safe when it comes to sex, but right at this present moment I do. I think most people assume everyone else is having sex, but I don't think that's the case. I think less people are having sex than we assume. I do not think the women on my campus are sexually empowered; to me it feels like the men control everything.

-Margaret, Miami University Class of 2019

READ: The Truth About Virginity in College

There is a sexual assault problem at parties or when people are drinking, but on a daily basis I feel very safe on campus when it comes to sex. I feel like a lot of people are having sex but certainly not everyone is doing it. There's a lot more freedom to do your own thing and no one is pressuring anyone to be sexually active. Men are typically in control of sex on campus. Females who try to be, or who are seen as having lots of sex, are considered sluts, while men are expected to have all sex all the time. It's a huge double standard that exists here and throughout society.

-Rebecca, University of Maryland Class of 2017

I find myself being one of the only virgins I know, and whenever I "hook up" with someone, they almost always expect sex, and it's hard to veer away from that and stay true to yourself when it's the social norm.

-Mary, Winona State University Class of 2019

I am an asexual woman, so my take on sex on my campus is a little different. Sex is simultaneously nowhere and everywhere. Day-to-day I am fine. I am normal. But come the weekend, reminders of my differentness are everywhere. Talk is of hookups, drunken make-outs. Weekend fun is finding that hot boy/girl. It's hard enough to find a party that doesn't end in drunken debauchery. The end of a party is inevitably people coupling off and going home together. The result is dissected at brunch the next day. Sometimes I am able to go out, dance, and laugh and forget the undercurrent of sex. Other times I am shocked back to reality. Everyone is having sex. At least, that's how it feels, despite what the statistics say. They must be wrong. Even my closest friends are having sex. It's typical to talk about "sexual freedom." But it's hard to practice my own sexual freedom when it swings hard in the other direction. I could hook up with another girl and no one would blink an eye (probably some people would have their suspicions confirmed). But it's harder than I expected to remain unfazed by all the sex surrounding me.

-Anonymous, Bowdoin College Class of 2017

I, personally, feel safe when it comes to sex because I have the morals where I won't hookup with someone I just met. I do feel like a very large percentage of my campus does have sex, but that’s probably just because everyone talks about it, and nobody talks about not having sex.

-Alyssa, Miami University Class of 2019

READ: These Statistics About College Sex Habits Might Surprise You

I definitely know that everyone is having sex. My campus is 60% women and 40% men, so there is a wider variety of choosing for the males here. For a lot of women at my school, they want to meet a boy, fall in love and get married. However the men here know this, and definitely take advantage of it.

-Tori, High Point University Class of 2018

A lot of people are trying to break away from the “hookup culture”, so many people are either only with their significant other, a one-night-stand here and there, and there are a surprising amount of people who have never had sex.

-Milena, Miami University Class of 2019

I feel as if a large majority is having sex because of the bar scene and Tinder presence on campus. It's easy to find a hook up after a night out as long as your mind is open to whomever.

-Brooklynn, Ohio University Class of 2017

I don't participate in sexual activities or go to places where they are happening. I have heard of instances of sexual activity among people I have met and I have also gotten notified about cases of sexual assault. At this time, I feel safe, personally, but I am disgusted by the fact that anyone is having sex on campus.

-Victoria, Siena College Class of 2016

Everyone knows who is hooking up with whom.

-Elaine, California Lutheran University Class of 2018

Although, I have heard a few stories of sexual assault, I, at this point have never heard or seen proof of this, so to me I personally feel pretty safe when it comes to sex. I always have guy friends looking out for me at parties and that’s really helpful when it comes to these things. There are creepy guys everywhere so there are some guys who come off as predators here.

-Sierra, University of Notre Dame Class of 2019

READ: The Truth About Rebound Sex

I would say that the sex culture on my campus is one of safe, consensual sex. I haven't heard of sexual assault on campus and would be surprised if I heard of one. Generally, the women on my campus seem to be sexually empowered and there is the general notion that sex is not something to shame anyone for having or not having. I don't think everyone is having sex but I would say the majority of the campus is.
-Idalis, Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts Class of 2016

I feel like one night stands and friends with benefits relationships are very prevalent. Casual sex is the norm. I sometimes feel unsafe when it comes to sex because many guys expect sex if you leave a party or bar with them. They can sometimes become aggressive if you tell them you don't want to go very far because they believe that they are "owed" sexual favors and that it was their "impression" that you were going to have sex with them.

-Bryce, Tulane University Class of 2018

When I came to FSU for the first time in my life I felt a strong sense of peer pressure. Everyone has sex and is nonchalant about it. Rape culture is huge with the fraternities and it's genuinely terrifying.

-Megan, Florida State University Class of 2017

I feel like mostly everyone is empowered to have sex, but there is a strange expectation for frat guys to sleep with as many different girls as possible in order to impress their brothers. If you accept an invitation to date night, you are expected to put out.

-Gabrielle, Syracuse University Class of 2018

When I first came to campus, I was surprised at how relaxed the attitudes about sex were. In the mainstream media we are taught to fear parties and dorms because they are expected to be centers of sexual assault, but I do not personally feel like they are. I feel very safe when it comes to sex, and I feel that I make most of the decisions when it comes to partnering up with someone. Sticky situations may arise at parties or other gatherings where alcohol is served, but I have always felt free to extract myself and make my own choices.

-Lena, University of Massachusetts at Amherst Class of 2019

I feel the sex culture is hushed during the week because of the Jesuit influence on campus. No girl or guys wear any clothing that display any sexual intent, though the weekend is a different story. There is not a prevalence of sexual assault, and I feel very safe when it comes to sex because I have a steady boyfriend whom I believe keeps this in check. However, there have been a few cases of rape released every year since I've been here, and that scares me. I think many people are having sex, yet a lot of people come in as virgins and would like to keep it that way until further notice. As for those sexually empowered, I believe the men THINK they are empowered, but really the women call the shots around here.

-Katie, John Carroll University Class of 2018

I'm at a women's college so my scene is very different. I feel safe when it comes to that but also at the same time when guys do come around they feel like they have an upper hand. Maybe they target a women's college because there really aren’t guys here too often.

-Sara, Brenau University Class of 2018

It's abnormal for someone to want more than casual sex with their peers, which often leaves the rest of us hopeless romantics rather depressed.

-Mackenzie, Lasell College Class of 2019

READ: 7 Myths About Safe Sex, Debunked

Our first week here, we had a talk about sexual assault and rape, and although I haven't heard any accounts of any incidents, I feel like Georgetown would be really helpful if anything were to happen. There are a lot of resources for support for victims. So far I've heard a lot about guys being generally respectful towards women when it comes to this sort of thing.

-Susana, Georgetown University Class of 2019

I think a lot of girls (and guys) feel a lot of pressure to do things they may not necessarily be ready for because they think they're expected to or they might be treated differently if they don't. So while it might be consensual sexual activity, that doesn't mean it's what they wanted. Just because women on campus are having sex doesn't mean they're sexually empowered. I actually think the women on our campus could benefit from being more sexually educated, but talking about anything sex-related at OSU is still taboo and uncomfortable for our administrators.

-Jamie, Oklahoma State University Class of 2016

Unfortunately, there is a prevalence of sexual assault at my school that reflects national statistics. A lot of this assault is perpetrated by acquaintances of the victim and alcohol is often involved. In my experience, men are still very much in control of sex even if it's not immediately evident. Men often "booty call" women and they are usually the initiators, while women sometimes feel like they are not entitled to speaking up about what they want sexually. California is liberal enough that women are not judged for having sex -- to a certain extent. Sl*t shaming still exists at UCLA, even among women themselves. Also, the hookup culture is alive and well here, as one-night stands and "walks of shame" are common occurrences.

-Iris, University of California, Los Angeles Class of 2016

I live in an engineering dorm and haven't felt like sex is extremely prevalent to my life or everyone in my surroundings.

-Caitlin, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign Class of 2018

Women are so very shamed for sex. The term 'walk-of-shame' can be heard all the time, but not once has it been mentioned for a man.

-Ana, Manhattanville College Class of 2019

In terms of safety, it's not safe. Sexual assault statistics are far too high and women have to be on the lookout when downtown partying. It's still like hunting game. I'd say the majority of men have matured enough and are more understanding of women's preferences, but in general, the partying scene can be very dangerous for a woman because of sexual threats.

-Emma, University of Windsor Class of 2018

Many people don't realize that they're victims of rape when they actually are by definition.

-Amy, Bucknell University Class of 2018

There is definitely at least some pressure to have sex since this campus is heavy reliant on the bar scene and party life. Not that going to a party necessarily means you need to have sex, but typically guys go to parties thinking, "What girl am I bringing home tonight?"

-Stephanie, SUNY Oneonta Class of 2018

READ: Sexiling & Being Sexiled: A Collegiette's Guide

During my first week at NYU a guy asked me to dance at a club; I naively said yes, not realizing that "dancing" really meant grinding. I tried to get away and tried to convey my distress to my friend, but she couldn't do anything. Eventually he tapped me on the shoulder, so I turned around and he planted his open, slobbering mouth on my unsuspecting mouth. My friend and I high-tailed it out of the club and I haven't been to one since.

-Hannah, NYU Class of 2019

There seems to be a lot of sexual assault on campus, there were three instances in the first two weeks of school. I feel like everyone is having sex. I think that women are much more in control of sex on campus than men; many of the girls I know are very sex positive and know how to make their desires known.

-Jack, University of Wisconsin-Stout Class of 2018

I feel safe when it comes to sex because I am introverted and don't often interact with people, but I also know that sexual assault is a very common problem on campus. I have several friends who have been assaulted. I feel like many people are having sex, but not everyone. There is a lot of pressure on males to have as much sex as possible, while girls are shamed for it.

-Lucy, University of Connecticut Class of 2018

When the month of October rolls around, people usually think Halloween, costumes and candy. While that is an everyday thought for all collegiettes (okay, minus Halloween and the costumes…), we also know that the month of October signifies so much more. With every Starbucks announcement and new costume arrival that warms our pumpkin-shaped hearts, we are giving the top reasons why October is the month that keeps on giving.

1. It’s the one of the last months before winter.

Snowbanks, snowmen and snowcones, oh my!

2. It’s the time for carving pumpkins…

3. ...and lighting them beautifully!

4. It’s time for old Halloween-themed Disney Channel Movies!

Hint, hint: Halloweentown?

5. Speaking of pumpkins…the new and improved PSL is here!

6. It’s the beginning month of the holiday season!

One holiday a month…this is the life.

7. CANDY!!!

Snickers, Tootsie Rolls and candy corn!!

8. Buying and preparing for costumes as an adult with no shame.

9. The season for the jeans and Uggs pairing has officially arrived.

10. In college, we’ve made it one month into the semester!

11. At the end of the month, we will be halfway done!

12. Seeing Christmas trees and decorations in all the department stores.

13. Harry Potter movie marathons become automatically stored in your brain’s Room of Requirement.

14. You now have another reason to have orange and black nails!

15. Scary props are just a normal thing.

16. It’s busy with National Domestic Violence Awareness Month…

17. Breast Cancer Awareness Month

18. Bullying Prevention Month

19. …and CyberSecurity Awareness Month

20. But, it’s also HALLOWEEN!!!

We can celebrate all month long, even if it’s actually only one day.

Every sorority girl would agree –– Halloween is one of the most enjoyable nights of the year! Not much is better than dressing up and having some fun with your BFFs. Looking for that amazing costume for you and your sorority sisters to rock this year? Look no further, collegiettes, we've got you covered. Read below and check out the 26 costume themes we've created for every Panhellenic sorority that will help your Greek org steal the show this Halloween!

1. Alpha Chi Omega - Pretty Little Lyres

Play on your symbol, the lyre, for a fun and fitting theme that will definitely make some heads turn!

2. Alpha Delta Pi - Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend

Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn and doll up with diamonds, the gem of Alpha Delta Pi.

3. Alpha Epsilon Phi - Welcome to the Jungle

Rock a killer jungle outfit in honor of your symbol, the giraffe, and celebrate Halloween in a wild way!

4. Alpha Gamma Delta - Christmas in October

Red and green, the colors of Alpha Gamma Delta, can mean only one thing –– Christmas in October, anyone?

5. Alpha Omicron Pi - AOPirates

Create a play-on-words with your Greek letters, and channel your inner Jack Sparrow this Halloween! 

6. Alpha Phi - The Ivy League

 Transform your symbol of the ivy leaf into the theme of the Ivy League. Have each sister represent a different school and see who can get the most creative! Add a deadly touch for even more fun.

7. Alpha Sigma Alpha - Princesses in Paradise

Bring two symbols of Alpha Sigma Alpha, the crown and the palm tree, together for a festive, luau-themed Halloween.

8. Alpha Sigma Tau - Nautical but Nice

What's a better theme for a sorority whose symbol is the anchor? Sailors, of course!

9. Alpha Xi Delta - Feathered and Fabulous

The quill is the symbol of Alpha Xi Delta, so turn this into a feather-themed extravaganza and see what your sisters can come up with!

10. Chi Omega - Kiss Me Cupid

The Greek letters of Chi Omega look very similar to 'XO,' so have a cupid-filled Halloween!

11. Delta Delta Delta - Under the Sea

Both Poseidon and the dolphin are important symbols to Tri Delta, so an Under the Sea theme is only necessary.

12. Delta Gamma - Pirates and Sailors

Utilize your symbol of the anchor, and divide this theme in half. Half of your sisters can dress as sailors and the other half as pirates!

13. Delta Phi Epsilon - Unicorn Universe

Because when your sorority's symbol is as unique as the unicorn, it must be incorporated into a Halloween theme.

14. Delta Zeta - NinjΔ TurtleZ

This theme, inspired by the symbol of the turtle, is super fun for everyone. See who can create the best turtle costume!

15. Gamma Phi Beta - One Moon, Many Stars

When your symbol is the crescent moon, you have to have a party that is out of this world! Use outer space as the inspiration for your Halloween costumes.

16. Kappa Alpha Theta - KATs

We know this is a classic but... how could you resist? 

17. Kappa Delta - Luck of the Irish

With the Kappa Delta colors being emerald green and pearl white, an Irish theme seems only appropriate. 

18. Kappa Kappa Gamma - Red, White and Blue Times Two

This year, hold a patriotic-themed bash, where your sisters wear America's best! After all, both of your colors are dark and light blue.

19. Phi Mu - Coming Up Roses

Since carnations are the official flower of Phi Mu, let your creative side fly and make your own floral-inspired costume!

20. Phi Sigma Sigma - Egyptian Escape

Show the sphinx, the symbol of Phi Sigma Sigma, some appreciation and rock your best Ancient Egyptian attire this year. You can opt to dress up as Cleopatra and your BFF can be a sphinx!

21. Pi Beta Phi - Calling All Angels

Angels are very important to your sorority, so why not be one this Halloween? 

22. Sigma Delta Tau - StΔtues of LiberTy

Light things up this Halloween, just like your symbol of the torch, and let your inner liberty shine through!

23. Sigma Kappa - Dove at First Sight

Get inspired by elegance and romance this Halloween, and seek inspiration from your symbols of the dove and hearts.

24. Sigma Sigma Sigma - Tri Til We Die

Definitely the most relevant to Halloween, your symbols are the skull and crossbones, so there is no reason not to incorporate them this year! 

25. Theta Phi Alpha - All Around the World

The compass is the symbol of Theta Phi Alpha, and is a creative theme for this Halloween. See which sister can come up with the most creative costume from somewhere around the world!

26. Zeta Tau Alpha - The Best Crowns in Town

What's Halloween without princesses? Nonexistent, probably. Zeta Tau Alpha's symbol is the crown, so deck out your most royal apparel this year. 

No matter which sorority you are in, there are many creative ways to use yours to transform this Halloween into one that you will never forget –– Get creative, collegiettes!

You’ve probably been told all throughout high school to get involved and participate in clubs and extracurriculars. For many college admissions officers, seeing that you’re really committed to your activities proves that you’re responsible and you can manage your time well. Now that it’s college application season, it’s time to impress admissions officers with your extracurricular involvement. Here are a few tips get the most out of your clubs and make them look awesome on your college applications!

1. List your extracurriculars in order of importance

On the Common App, there’s space to list 10 activities. If you’re a super-involved student, this may mean having to weigh the importance of your clubs and cutting a few out of your application.

“It’s important to list things in order of importance and significant contribution,” says Donnaree Wynter Grant, assistant director of admissions events at Northeastern University.  For example, list being the captain of your debate team for four years over a single semester you spent playing JV volleyball. If you’re committed to an activity for longer, it’s probably more significant to you, and therefore should be listed before activities that aren’t as important in your life.

2. Make sure your descriptions are clear

Grant also stresses that it’s important to describe your clubs clearly enough so someone who is reading your application for the first time will understand what the activity entailed. “For example, don’t use acronyms for titles,” she advises. “I won’t know what the ‘ABC club’ is unless you explain what it is and your role within the club.” Make sure you spell out what the club is titled, what it involves and what your position is within the club.

Michael Parcella, the assistant direction of undergraduate admissions at UMass Boston, gives some similar advice. “Letting the college know more about how you were involved rather than just writing down the name of a club is a good a start to best presenting your information,” he says.

Keep in mind that admissions officers look at hundreds of applications from all over the globe, so they won’t always know what exactly you’re talking about. For example, don’t simply write “NHS” for the name of the organization and check off the years you were involved. Instead, call the organization by its full name, “National Honor Society,” give a brief description of what it is either in your own words or from the organization’s website (if possible) and then specify if you held a leadership position (like “president” or “treasurer”) and for which years of commitment. This will make it much easier for admissions officers to read through your list and gather an idea of what kinds of activities you were involved in.

3. Focus on what activities you participated in rather than how many

While you might think that you should list as many clubs and activities as possible, that’s not always the best choice. “It’s not about quantity as it is for the quality of the different activities a student has been a part of,” Grant says. “Some students want to have lengthy resume/activities sheet[s], but if there’s no depth in the things they have done, then it will not be as strong as they believe.”

Again, it’s important to choose the activities you’re most committed to. If you’ve been a member of a certain club for years or hold a leadership position, it’s more impressive than just listing a number of clubs you simply joined because you needed something to add to your application. If you’ve participated in more than the 10 activities allowed on the Common App, this should help you decide which to keep and which to cut.

Jane M. Crowley, associate director of undergraduate admissions at Boston College, agrees. “It’s not the number of activities, but the continuity of involvement that is important,” she says. “Leadership plays a role as well.”

The quality of an extracurricular activity depends on its importance to you, how long you’ve been involved, and whether or not you hold a specific position in the club. For example, if you’ve been a member of student council for all four years of school and are now the president, that should take precedence over another activity you’re less involved with and don’t hold a position in.

This “quality over quantity” concept can also be an advantage to those students who hopped on the extracurricular bandwagon a little late. Grant notes that “for a student who may have only a few things listed, but has done significant work within each of the different areas they noted, then that can speak volumes in the admissions committee.” So if you’re worried about not having a long list of clubs that other students may be including in their application, have no fear. As long as the few activities you committed to are impressive and meaningful to you, they’ll stand out on an application.

4. Demonstrate how these activities will help you succeed in the future

If you want to go the extra mile, show how your involvements in these clubs will somehow help you in your college career.

“Another way I have seen students present their extracurricular activities is through their essay,” Parcella says. Though the essay is a separate section on the Common App and supplement applications, there is a way to connect your activities to your essays. If a certain club or activity has always been a top priority in your life, find a way to center your essay or supplemental short answers around what you gained from it and how you’ll use that experience in your future.

For example, if you’re an active volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, consider reading over the prompts with the idea of volunteering in mind. If you see a prompt that may connect with your involvement with Habitat, it may be an opportunity for you to expand on that aspect of your application. “Connecting something you did with how you would succeed in college is a good way to present your past,” says Parcella.

Now that you’ve heard from the experts, clean up your applications! With these tips, you’re bound to get the “big envelope” in the mail.

Choosing the right fragrance is one of the hardest things every beauty lover has to deal with. Something that smells great on the little tester paper might smell totally different on your skin, or you might find one you like but don't love because of a subtle note. Victoria's Secret understands your struggles and starting this month, it has devoted a special space in its stores for you to combine any of the 14 existing Victoria's Secret Fantasy Fragrances, plus five new scents.

"The fragrance studio is about pairing and creating something new that is uniquely yours," Mark Knitowski, vice president of product development at Victoria's Secret told Cosmopolitan. "It's about playing to make different fragrances for different moods."

The studio is the perfect space for the customer to experiment, since the fragrances can have completely different scents depending on how you layer them. Although you can't purchase physical bottles of your creation, once you master which fragrances you like blended together, you can purchase multiple scents and do your own layering at home!

All of the scents work well together, so there is no wrong way to layer them, according to Knitowski. However, Victoria's Secret stores will carry a starter guide that includes seven different amazing pairings to try. What are some of these combos, you ask? The store recommends Dream and Coconut Passion, Love Addict and Aqua Kiss, Romantic and Pure Seduction, and even more.

Head to your local Victoria's Secret and get layering, ladies!

This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from Slashed Beauty by Miranda Mendoza, a Her Campus Blogger Network member. Read the full post here.

It’s pretty impossible to avoid anything Halloween this time of year. We’re just weeks away from big day, so if you haven't already started, now is the time to get your costume together.

I’ll be honest: I absolutely hate gore. It doesn't matter if I know it's fake; I hate looking at it. I'm also not a fan of buying expensive or elaborate costumes I'll only wear once. So, every year, I try to make my costume all about my makeup.

This ventriloquist doll Halloween look is definitely all about the makeup. You could really pair it with any dress you have, or give it a more creepy mood by cutting one up from the thrift store to make it look ratty.

Watch the video on Slashed Beauty for the full tutorial.

Increasingly, colleges are including gender-neutral pronouns, which has all of us wondering: how do we use said pronouns? Why and when are they appropriate? Why are they important? Stay with us, collegiettes, here is our guide to embracing everyone you meet's preferred pronoun.

What are gender-neutral pronouns, such as “ze?”

Gender-neutral pronouns are an alternative to the traditional pronouns “he” and “she," used to denote the preferred gender of the person that the pronouns describe. Gender-neutral pronouns have emerged as an alternative and a backlash to binary pronouns—they’re an option for anyone, regardless of their gender identity and expression. Gender-neutral pronouns are one way to support transgender and non-binary people who use them.

Many people find using “they” as a singular gender-neutral pronoun awkward and confusing. For example, if “they” is used as a singular pronoun, you might say, “Jonathan is coming over tonight. They want to do homework, and then bake chocolate chip cookies together.” Because “they” can also be used to denote a group of individuals, its use in this context can be vague and confusing.

Some people still prefer "they" as a singular pronoun, so it's important to use whichever pronouns someone has asked you to.

Related: 10 Things You Should Never Say to an LGBTQ+ Individual

This is where other gender-neutral pronouns, such as “ze,” come into play. These pronouns are designed to describe a singular person without specifying his or her gender identity. (Conveniently, gender-neutral pronouns also take the awkwardness out of constantly having to write the phrase “his or her.”)

Although many options for gender-neutral pronouns have come up in discussions, these are the most common ones according to Gender Neutral Pronoun Blog:

• Ze: Can be used in two different ways as shown by the table above
• Ne: This pronoun is considered gender-neutral, not leaning towards male or female
• Ve: This pronoun is derived from science fiction, and is known for being unbiased
• Spivak: These pronouns are similar to "they" and "them" but are grammatically single (i.e. "ey is in the building")
• Xe: This pronoun is meant to be pronounced the same way "ze"

Why are gender-neutral pronouns important?

These neutral pronouns are becoming so widespread and adopted by colleges because they alleviate a common problem—taking someone’s gender identity for granted. More often than not, in casual conversation, we all assign the gender-specific pronouns “he” or “she” to those around us.

Gender-neutral pronouns force us to rethink our assumptions, and remind us that many people have a gender expression that isn’t in line with what we originally thought. Many people also identify as gender-neutral and without a binary gender—which is what prompted the University of Vermont to adopt gender-neutral pronouns. The university also allows students to choose the first name by which they want to be called, regardless of what their legal name is. 

"Gender-neutral pronouns are for those whose gender identity is not static or who do not identify within the binary, or who aren't sure what label fits them,” says Casey Anne Brimmer, a first-year graduate student at the University of Northern Iowa. “Challenging language that affirms the false binary, hetero-normativity and cis-sexism is important because these styles of language will never be inclusive of all identities.”

Allowing students to choose gender-neutral pronouns ensures that nobody is left out of the conversation, regardless of identity. And Casey Anne raises an excellent point: using gender-neutral pronouns is one way to make sure that all identities are included.

How can you use gender-neutral pronouns?

Using gender-neutral pronouns can be challenging if you aren’t used to it, but practice can help. Most gender-neutral pronouns are designed to take the place of  “he” and “she” and can easily replace them in conversation.

“I interviewed someone who is gender-neutral and uses the pronouns they/them/their," says Rachel Petty, a junior at James Madison University and a contributing writer for HC. "I just had to be conscious and be sure I was referring to them the right way. It may seem uncomfortable at first, but if you're cautious it will eventually become more natural."

When someone does request that you use the pronoun "they" as their preferred pronoun, it may take a little more conscious thought, because you’re so used to that use being labeled as "incorrect." One tip you could use is practicing with a friend beforehand, by using "they" to describe someone in conversation. If you speak back and forth a few times using the pronouns, it will become easier as time goes on, just like adjusting when someone asks to go by a different first name.

“We normally go over PGPs (preferred gender pronouns) when we introduce ourselves at the beginning of the semester," says Julia Marie Krom, a junior at the Gallatin School of Independent Study at New York University. "It helps to make it easy for people who want to go by anything other than the 'expected' pronouns." Introducing PGPs in a classroom setting can reduce the number of insensitive questions and comments that transgender and non-binary students receive.

If you’re involved in a group on campus, or are in any kind of leadership position, you can consider asking members to share their preferred pronouns when you first meet, rather than making assumptions. You can also introduce the concept to members of your campus community, such as professors, mentors, guidance counselors and tutors.

Gender-neutral pronouns give us all an opportunity to step back and realize that we don’t know what someone’s gender identity is just from outside appearances. It’s important to respect one another, not make assumptions, and ask which pronouns we should use.

The American Cancer Society now suggests that women with an average risk of breast cancer wait until age 45 to get annual mammograms, which is five years later than previously advised, according to The New York Times.

Women who don’t have a history of breast cancer in their families or previous radiation treatments of their chests are at average risk.

Mammograms can lead to overdiagnosis, which is when the mammogram catches small, nonthreatening tumors. Doctors are unable to tell if the tumor is harmless, so a woman could undergo unnecessary radiation and surgery, which can be emotionally distressing and expensive.

But it’s better safe than sorry, right?

Maybe not.

“Because mammography is less effective at distinguishing cancers from normal breast tissue in premenopausal women, mammograms miss cancers in some younger women and raise a false alarm in others,” Dr. Adriane Fugh-Berman and Alicia Bell wrote on Bioethics Forum in 2009.

The realization of the limitations of mammograms for healthy women has led to this change in policy.

Mammograms give false positives that call for more testing and biopsies. The number of false positives from mammograms is estimated to be anywhere from under 10 percent to around 50 percent.

The New York Times reports that an estimated 232,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, and upward of 40,000 will die from it.

There is disagreement in professional organizations about the mammogram guidelines due to differing perspectives. The U.S. Preventative Task Force advises women to wait until age 50 to start getting mammograms, while the National Comprehensive Cancer Network says to start getting them at 40. 

As always, the best option is the discuss your medical history and health with your doctor to discover the right mammogram strategy for you.

By the time the temperature drops to 50 degrees, the campus uniform suddenly morphs into a single look: that old North Face jacket, the cliché Uggs and black leggings. We get it—it’s cozy. But there are tons of ways to revamp your cold weather ensemble to look way more chic (and original!) Stand out from the crowd using these style tips!

1. Embrace the vest

Sometimes a full coat is just too much. A warm, lined puffer vest could be the perfect antidote to cold-but-not-that-cold weather. We love this Madden Girl Reversible Faux-Sherpa Vest from Kohl’s—the quilted vest will keep you cozy both in the library and during impromptu snow ball fights ($100 at Kohl’s).

2. Show pops of color

Just because the weather can be gloomy doesn’t mean your wardrobe should. We guarantee you that the most common color combo you’ll see around campus is black-on-gray—which can be nice, but you’ll stand out with just a bit of color. Be bold with a bit of bright red peeking out of a vest, like in the look above, or if your style is bit more subtle, go with burgundy jeans or leggings. Complete the look with sturdy boots made for walking, like these Madden Girl Frolic Women’s Duck Boots from Kohl’s ($79.99).

3. Play with texture

There’s nothing better than cozy materials to wrap yourself in when the weather gets chilly. This oversized, black faux-fur vest from Madden Girl is a great layering piece and provides a bit of texture to your overall look ($80 at Kohl’s). We’re also obsessed with these fringe wedge Madden Girl boots—fringe is huge this season and the 3-inch wedge will give you legs for days ($89.99 at Kohl’s).

4. Be a little sporty

Do you ever wish you could just live in yoga clothes? Yeah, us too. Luckily for us, the athleisure trend is very much alive and well. Embrace it during the colder months with patterned leggings and quilted vests to give your look a bit of a sporty vibe without sacrificing warmth or style. Complete the look with these Madden Girl Icicle Women’s Puffer Ankle Boots ($69.99 at Kohl’s) that will keep your feet cozy while you’re trudging through the snow on your way to class.

This fall and winter, don’t wear what everyone else is going to wear. Kohl’s Madden Girl collection is chic, cozy and totally affordable—what more could you want this fall? Happy shopping, collegiettes!

Champion UFC Fighter Ronda Rousey has taken the world by storm this year in more ways than one! Inside the ring, the athlete is known for taking down her competitors with unmatched skill. Outside the ring, however, she is becoming known for something else—her continous body-positive messages that she is adament about sharing. Read below for the seven amazing messages the fighter has shared with us about body image.

Her idea of perfection has nothing to do with her appearance

In an interview with ESPN, Rousey described her definition of perfection. She said, “I like having a day where I can balance everything. My idea of paradise is to wake up in the morning, have coffee, go surfing or skimboarding, get in the ocean somehow. Then eat breakfast and go train, come home, chill with my dog and my friends and a big plate of buffalo wings and some sort of dessert a la mode.” We feel you, girl!

She believes that being a badass means doing what's right

Talking to SELF, Rousey highlights the importance of doing the right thing no matter how uncomfortable or difficult it might be. "If you do what's right regardless of how it's going to make you look, then you're really a bad ass," the fighter said.  

She laughs at haters who call her too 'masculine'

Rousey spoke about body-shamers in an interview for the video series UFC Embedded. "I think it's hilarious when people say my body looks masculine or something like that," she said. "I’m just like, listen, just because my body was developed for a purpose doesn’t mean it’s masculine. I think it’s femininely badass as f**k, because there’s not a single muscle on my body that isn’t for a purpose." 

She has overcome her own body image issues

Rousey told ESPN that she was insecure over the way she looked until she was about 22 years old. “What changed for me is I was thinking I always wanted my body to look a certain way to be happy,” she said. “But when I made myself happy first, then the body came after. It was a journey of self-discovery and trial and error.”

She reminds us that confidence is valid

In 2012, Rousey wrote a post on the UFC website that called out her haters who called her conceited. She wrote, "Some people like to call me cocky or arrogant, but I just think, 'How dare you assume I should think less of myself? The problem isn't me thinking I can achieve any goal I set for myself, the problem is you projecting your own self doubt onto me.'" She believes there is nothing wrong with being confident in who you are, and we couldn't agree more.

She wants to change the portrayal of beauty in the media

The UFC fighter said that she used to attribute the ‘ideal look’ to that of a Maxim cover girl, but then she realized that she didn’t have to see things this way. “In the end, instead of making my body resemble one of those chicks, I decided to try to change the idea of what a Maxim chick could look like.” It worked—Rousey covered the mag in September 2013.

She doesn't believe in one "cookie-cutter" body type

"I hope that the impression that everyone [who] sees the next Sports Illustrated issue is that strong and healthy is the new sexy," Rousey said in an interview at her photoshoot for the 2015 swimsuit issue. She believes that the standard for women's bodies is headed in a healthy and realistic direction. 

Student senators at the University of Mississippi voted to remove the Mississippi state flag—which features a Confederate flag—from campus. Since the horrific mass shooting of nine black churchgoers in Charleston, S.C. this past June, the Confederate flag and its symbols have been at the center of controversy and debate.  States like South Carolina, Alabama and Florida have decided to remove the flag from their statehouse grounds and state seals. 

"This is an issue that affects us as students on a daily basis," Allen Coon, head of the Ole Miss College Democrats, told the Huffington Post. Coon introduced the resolution to remove the flag.

Now that the student senate has passed the resolution, it must be reviewed and signed by the university's president, according to Ole Miss student newspaper the Daily Mississippian. From there, it will be up to the school's administrative team to decide whether or not to take the flag down. 

Last Friday, the school's chapter of the NAACP led an on-campus rally calling to remove the flag from campus. Students fought off racist comments from the Ku Klux Klan and other groups following the rally, the Clarion-Ledger reported. As they anxiously await the decision of the administration, it's encouraging to see students at Ole Miss sparking change on campus and making sure their voices are heard.