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7 Signs He’s Never Going to Commit

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They say relationships are complicated, but non-relationships can be just as complicated — if not more so. Are you still hoping that your friend with benefits or recent hook-up will ask you to be his girlfriend? His motives might be a mystery, but there are some obvious clues that you should look out for. If you’re wondering if your guy will ever officially become your guy, we’ve come up with a list of seven signs that say he might never commit.

1. He has a reputation for being a player.

“He avoided telling me where he was going and what he was doing,” says Soniya*, a junior at Carnegie Mellon University, who later found out that her friend with benefits was also busy wooing another girl while hooking up with her. “I should have guessed he was with someone else and that was why our hook-ups always took place at random times, like Sunday afternoons or Tuesday nights.”

Dr. Carole Lieberman, author of Bad Boys: Why We Love Them, How to Live with Them & When to Leave Them, warns us to stay far away from a player — no matter how hot he is.

“If you think you'll be the one to tame a guy who has a reputation for being a player, think again,” she says. “These guys hide deep-seated psychological reasons for not committing to one girl — such as insecurities about their desirability — that only a therapist could change.”

2. He only wants to hook up and he’s not interested in getting to know you.

Looking back in hindsight, Soniya noticed a few signs she should have paid attention to when she started hooking up with her best guy friend. One of the signs was that the whole relationship (or non-relationship in this case) revolved around hooking up.

“As soon as we started, it was like our friendship disappeared,” Soniya says, “We no longer talked about anything of substance, only talked about when we were free to get it on. For me, I was starting to like someone I had been close to, but for him I was an easy hook-up.”

If he only seems interested in sex, he’s likely not looking for more. “If he only calls you to hook up, it's a clear sign he's using you,” Dr. Lieberman says. “He doesn't want to get to know you, care about you, or be a real 'boyfriend'. He knows that you'll eventually catch on and throw him out of bed, as other girls have done before. But, in the meantime he'll use you for sex as long as he can.”

3. He doesn’t make you a priority.

He’s all over you when you’re together (in bed, that is), but he doesn’t seem too bothered when you go days without seeing each other. He doesn’t respond to your texts with much enthusiasm and you might even get the impression that he’s forgotten all about you — that is, until the next booty call.

“With one guy, he would always leave me waiting,” says Stacey*, a junior at Vanderbilt University. “He seemed really hesitant about hanging out with me sometimes. I always chalked that up to him wanting to focus on his studies. Clearly, that was not the case.”

Mariah*, a sophomore at Virginia State University, says that if she’s clearing her schedule for a guy and he doesn’t reciprocate, there’s no excuse. “I hear the same excuses all the time,” she says. “He says, ‘I have to focus on work, I’m sorry, I wouldn’t have time for you.’ Blah, blah, blah. I feel like if you have time to text me for what you want, you should have time for me.”

If you’re experiencing any of these situations, this is where the caution lights start to flash.

“You want a guy who's thinking about you all the time, looking forward to the next time you'll get together, and planning how to make it special,” says Dr. Lieberman. “A guy who always calls you at the last minute is either narcissistic — only wanting to be with you when it suits his whim — or is calling you only after the girl he really wanted to be with cancelled on him.”

If you constantly get stood up or he cancels on you last minute and offers up no good reasons, look at how it relates to the bigger picture. “A guy who's flaky can't commit to anything in life, including a girlfriend,” Dr. Lieberman warns.

4. He doesn’t introduce you to his friends or family.

He keeps you at arm’s length, emotionally, and part of that is keeping you from getting too close to the people nearest to him. Does he avoid mentioning his friends? Does he change the subject every time you bring up his family? If the answer is yes, he might be avoiding it because he doesn’t think it’ll be worth meeting the people closest to him if he doesn’t plan on keeping you around for long.

“To be blatantly honest, if we aren't chasing you to see if you want to hang out, we're probably flat out not that interested,” Devon*, a recent graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, says.

“At the beginning of a relationship, it's natural for a guy to want you all to himself. But after a while, if it becomes obvious that he's avoiding introducing you to his friends, it's a red flag,” says Dr. Lieberman. “It may mean that he's embarrassed by something about you, like your looks, or that his guy friends know he has another girlfriend he's more serious about and he's afraid it will accidentally come out.”

5. He’s not over his ex.

Does he seem preoccupied with his ex? Whether he’s continually singing her praises or spewing hatred ad nauseam — he’s obsessed.

Stacey was involved with a guy who would constantly badmouth his ex. “Of course, I later found out that she was so obsessed with him because he would still hang out with her and hook up with her when I wasn't around,” she says. “He told her that I was the one who sucked, that I was ugly and terrible and definitely not a serious entity in his life.”

If he constantly talks about the poor experiences he’s had in past relationships and shows signs of having trust issues, he might be too damaged to commit.

After getting out of two long-term relationships that ended badly (being lied to, led on and cheated on), Simon* from Merrimack College, a self-proclaimed relationship guy, got into a non-relationship with what he describes as “an incredible girl” — definitely girlfriend material.

“I thought I was ready to take our relationship from good friends hooking up and commit to something serious, [but] every time I tried, I freaked out and without logical explanation, couldn’t do it,” says Simon. “It's not her fault. It's really probably based on my past experience and the fact that I'm not mentally or emotionally ready to handle that, even though I was sure I could.”

If he’s been badly hurt by an ex, don’t take it upon yourself to try to fix him — let alone get him to commit. He has to deal with his issues before he can be a good boyfriend.

Look out for signs that he’s still holding on to a past relationship. If he constantly talks about an ex, bringing up old memories or comparing you to her (whether good or bad), there might be some unresolved feelings there. He can’t commit to you properly if he’s still hung up on someone else.

6. He avoids commitment-related conversations.

The topic always seems to change when you try to define the relationship. He might even try to distract you with his hands or his mouth, hoping you’ll forget about DTRing (defining the relationship) altogether.

“Whenever the topic falls on relationships for conversation, pay attention to his demeanor,” advises Devon, who confesses to being guilty of avoiding relationship conversations when not interested. “If he shies away from you or becomes suddenly quiet, that's not a good sign he'll commit.”

“A guy who steers clear of any commitment-related conversation is hiding something — usually his lack of any intention to commit to you,” says Dr. Lieberman. “He wants to avoid those hard questions because he knows you won't like the true answers.”

7. He doesn’t make references to your future together.

You may be fantasizing about your potential future together, but is he? Whenever he makes plans with you, it’s always short-term and last minute. If he excludes you from any future plans or makes no mention of being with you down the road, take that as a clue that he has no intentions of being with you for the long-term.

If you’re hoping for a relationship and you see these signs, don’t make excuses for him. “It's okay to give a guy some time because relationships can be scary and confusing,” says Dr. Lieberman. “But, if he keeps repeating these patterns and doesn't seem to want to get any closer, beware the red flags and break out of your denial.”

*Names have been changed to protect identities.


11 Adorable DIY Gifts for Your Sorority Little

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Want to get your awesome little the perfect gift, but don’t want to spend a lot of money to do it? Try some of these easy DIY craft projects to make your little a gift she will totally love.

1. "Why I Love You" Jar

 

Fill a glass jar with popsicle sticks, each one describing a reason why your little is so great.  

2. A Personalized Sorority Paddle 

Decorate a wooden paddle, including a picture of you and your little sis. 

3. Sister Puzzle 

Tell your little why you two are a perfect fit with a cute puzzle craft. 

4. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall 

Remind your sister how much she rocks every time she looks in the mirror. 

5. Jewelry Box 

Your little will treasure a customized jewelry box complete with your sorority letters. 

6. Crown of Pearls 

Make your sister feel like royalty with a framed pearl crown.  

7. Infinity Canvas

Nothing says you care quite like a pretty, hand-painted canvas. 

8. Hanging Frames

Keep close by letting your little hang your photos from her dorm room wall. 

9. Bulletin Board 

Make room for new memories by giving your little a decorated bulletin board. 

10. Greek Letters

Let your little support your sorority with pride (and style!) with a set of adorable, handcrafted Greek letters. 

11. Fishbowl 

We suggest you accompany this gift with a supply of fish food as well! 

The 9 Friends You Need on Spring Break

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Your spring break will only be as good as the posse you have with you. Whether you’re hitting up a party hot spot, going abroad or planning a staycation in town, these are the friends you’re going to be eating, drinking, sleeping, shopping and doing everything with for a week. For optimal spring break fun, we’ve got a list of every type of friend you need by your side as you take on a week of freedom.

1. The Guy Magnet

You know the friend we’re talking about: the girl who, no matter where she goes, attracts a flock of men to her side. Her magnetism isn’t just uncanny, it’s a dang superpower, and it makes her the perfect ally to have on your vacay. The Guy Magnet will ensure a potential spring break fling is always in your radius. With all the fun there is to be had on spring break, the less time you spend seeking out guys – and the more The Guy Magnet’s hotness draws them to you instead – the better!

The Guy Magnet’s catchphrase:“Will there be guys there?”

Extra perk: Free drinks. You know guys are always tripping over themselves to treat The Guy Magnet and her posse to refreshments on them!

2. The Wingwoman

Sure, The Guy Magnet will attract the guys, but The Wingwoman will help you land one. A dedicated partner in crime will help you work the bar if you need it and make your spring-break flirting game 10 times better. Not only will having someone you’re in sync with add more tricks to your flirting arsenal, but let’s be real: teaming up to score is always more fun than going at it alone. Just be sure you help her get some, too.

The Wingwoman’s catchphrase:“Which guy do you want?”

Extra perk: Your wingwoman knows your taste, so you might meet someone you’ll like as more than just a weeklong fling.

3. The Photog

Let’s be real: The Photog is a blessing any time of the year, but when you have a friend who is on it when it comes to capturing your Kodak moments, she’s a necessary addition to any spring break group. She’ll be the one snapping candids, reminding you to pose at touristy stops and juggling her iPhone and DSLR on every outing. Sometimes her constant need to document everything might get on your nerves (why does she need a picture of you guys brushing your teeth, anyway?), but you know you secretly appreciate it, especially when it comes time for a new prof pic. So smile, say cheese and let the magic happen!

The Photog’s catchphrase:“Don’t worry; I’ll put them all on Facebook.”

Extra perk: She knows all your best angles – and gets those Insta-worthy candid shots!

4. The Planner

Spring break may be about letting loose and getting wild, but that doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be a little method to your madness, so make sure someone in your group doesn’t mind taking the reins on the planning. The Planner will know which hot spots to hit up, where the party’s at and where to stop to refuel, so you and your friends can spend less time saying, “I don’t know, what do you wanna do?” and more time enjoying the locale. Not to mention, she’s probably the one who put your trip into motion in the first place, so you know you’re in good hands.  

The Planner’s catchphrase:“I read about this great place on Yelp!”

Extra perk: With how much time she spent on TripAdvisor pre-vacation, you know you’ll never get lost.

5. The Risk-Taker

To balance out The Planner, see to it that your crew includes a Risk-Taker to infuse some spontaneity into your trip and encourage you to break out of your shell. She’ll be the one dragging you into crazy clubs, past “Do Not Enter” signs or out for a late-night skinny-dip in the ocean. Every girl needs a friend who will drag you to places crazy and unknown – chances are, her spur-of-the-moment suggestions will lead to nights you won’t forget. Be careful not to let things get too wild, though; you don’t want to wind up reenacting Spring Breakers.

The Risk-Taker’s catchphrase:“What’s the worst that could happen?”

Extra perk: You’ll have stories to tell your friends back home for months.

6. The Hipster

Sure, sometimes you might giggle at her underground taste, but if you’re taking on a particularly touristy city, you’ll be thankful for someone who can drag you away from the mainstream. The Hipster will know off-the-wall places for your group to grab a breather: quirky shops; hip, vegan restaurants; bars that won’t be packed wall-to-wall with sweaty spring breakers. You know, the kind of places no one in their right mind would think to go to on spring break, but you’ll be so glad you did.

The Hipster’s catchphrase:“You probably haven’t heard of it.”

Extra perk: Street cred. Hey, don’t lie: you’ll be passing off her suggestions as your own some day.

7. The Mother Hen

Admittedly, sometimes spring break can get a little wild, so having The Mother Hen around to ensure you don’t go too hard means a safer spring break for everyone. She’ll play the necessary role in making you guys get back to your hotel in one piece every night and giving her stamp of approval for your spring-break flings. Even if it’s just a girl to hold back your hair during a particularly rough hangover, you’ll be thankful you’ve got a dash of responsibility on your team. Just make sure you watch out for yourself and keep it classy so she doesn’t have to be your babysitter, too.

The Mother Hen’s catchphrase:“You doing okay?”

Extra perk: If your spring break plans include a car, you’ll probably get a designated driver out of your Mother Hen, too. Here’s to saving money on cab fare!

8. The Guy

Don’t be afraid to bring your guy friends along on your trip, too! A little testosterone is rarely a bad thing, and you never know when you might need a fake boyfriend to swoop in and scare off a pushy local. Whether you bring a Frat Star to show you how to do a keg stand, a Gay BFF to enjoy the sights and go dancing with or a Single Guy to play matchmaker for, having a guy around will add a new dynamic to any spring break crew.

The Guy’s catchphrase: No matter what it was pre-spring break, it’s definitely going to be “I need some guy time” when you get home.

Extra perk: He can put his brawn to use and clear the path for you and your friends at any crowded party.  

9. The Friend of a Friend

Who says you need to be tight with everyone on your spring vacation? Encourage your group to draft their own friends into your plans to spice up your normal group dynamic. They don’t say “The more, the merrier” for nothing, right?

The Friend of a Friend’s catchphrase: Well, you’ll just have to wait to find out, won’t you?

Extra perk: You might get a new friend out of it!

 

No need to worry if you don’t have a friend who fits nicely into each role; you’ll probably have them all covered without even realizing it! Your Guy Magnet might also be your Wingwoman, your Guy also your Photog. Not to mention, you’re probably one of the above, too. All that’s left to do is take inventory, round up your crew and hit the road. Happy spring break, collegiettes!

Top 10 Moments from London Fashion Week

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London Fashion Week has finally drawn to a close, with five packed days of glitz and glamour. Here are our top 10 favorite moments from the crazy week. 

10. Princess Beatrice makes an appearance at London Fashion Week party

The Princess of York surprised guests at the Creative London party in the Capital, deviating from her usual dark hues with a floral skirt and silk shirt.

9. Cara Delevingne presents her handbag collection for Mulberry

Everyone’s favorite supermodel premiered her collection while dancing around the catwalk bare foot.

8. Phoebe Collings-James steals the show at Sibling

It might have been only been a Fashion Week cameo appearance for the artist, but the beautiful non-model stole the show when she kicked off her heels and nonchalantly strutted the runway without them.

7. Meadham Kirchhoff creates gigantic perfume box set pieces

 

Not only did Meadham Kirchhoff leave goody bags filled with bottles of Tralala, their forthcoming whiskey-, saffron, violet-, and heliotrope-spiked fragrance for Penhaligon’s, on their front row seats, but giant versions of the ornate perfume box were the centerpiece of their fantastical set.

6.House of Holland’s debauched debutantes

Easily the most fun show of London Fashion Week was House of Holland’s, which drew on the English society girls of the ’60s and ’80s.

5. Sophia Webster’s heartbreak hotel

The designer converted her pop-up shop on King Street into a “heartbreak hotel,” where models lounged in girly paradise in fluffy pink bedrooms, complete with cluttered vanities and a large bubble bath.

4. The Central Saint Martins MA student show

The Central Saint Martins MA show is famous for showcasing the next generation of fashion talent in London, and this year’s show put forth an equally promising (and diverse) array of talent.

3. Ashish’s light-up sneakers

Every look in Ashish’s fun and lighthearted show was accompanied by white platform sneakers that lit up with the models’ every step. Best news yet—they’re coming soon to a Topshop near you!

2. Topshop’s star-studded front row

The Topshop Unique show had the best front-row lineup of the week: from left to right, there was Kendall Jenner, Anna Wintour, Sir Phillip Green (chairman of Topshop’s parent company), Moss and Moss’ model sister, Lottie.

1. Cara Delevingne takes selfies while walking the catwalk

During the Giles Deacon show, Cara did a Fashion Week first by taking pictures of herself on her phone while strutting down the runway. 

Confidence by Design: Design a Sticker for a Cause

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The amazing people at The Alliance for Eating Disorders Awareness and REAL for everyBODY are hosting a wonderful contest that everyone should be aware of, as they hope to inspire and encourage people to seek help for eating disorders. The contest is simple: design an awesome sticker!

Your design should be a 5x5 sticker design on a white background and feature the following items:

  • A message about positive body image, self-esteem, confidence, hope and recovery.
  • Encouraging messages about seeking treatment for those who are struggling.
  • Eating disorder facts or statistics.

To enter, just email your design to design@allianceforeatingdisorders.com by March 1, 2014, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

The next stage of the contest will begin on March 2, 2014, on the REAL for everyBODY Facebook page. You as well as numerous others will be able to vote for your favorite entry there.

The grand prize winner will recieve $500, and his or her sticker design will be distributed all over the country to celebrate the "Confidence is Beauty" campaign sponsored by The Alliance. This contest is definitely a great one to enter if you love design and/or are passionate about the cause of eating disorder awareness. Get your entries in before the March 1st deadline!

3 Easy Steps to Deal With a Bad Grade

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Yikes! You just got back that history test you spent all last week cramming for, and your grade is NOT what you expected – not even close. How’s a pre-collegiette supposed to keep her parents from freaking, prevent her grades from tanking for the semester, and manage all the other stresses in her life? Try managing your next grade freak-out with these three easy steps guaranteed to help you deal with and move on from any grade shocker.

First, don’t panic. Stop and think about what you’ve just received.

It’s super, super hard, but in order to handle a grade you’re not so happy with, it’s important to step away from the situation for a while. “When I get a bad grade, I quickly look at the grade and then put the assignment away. Reading through the red marks on my paper only makes me feel worse, so I save that for later when I recover from that heart-dropping feeling of seeing my grade,” says Julia, who recently graduated from HP Baldwin High School. Anywhere from ten minutes to a day or two works as a cooling off period depending on how you feel about handling the situation. Emotions in check? Go for it. Still steaming? Probably better to wait at least a period or two. (Of course, the exception to this comes when then end of the semester is looming and you need to deal with things ASAP to make sure grades are correct on a transcript or report card.)

Once you’ve given the grade (and the person who gave it to you) some time and space, it also helps to put the grade in context so you can decide how you’ll move forward. As much as it might suck to admit to yourself, think about whether or not you just possibly might have gotten a grade you truly did deserve. Did you work as hard as you know you should’ve? If you’re comfortable, check with your friends and see what they thought of the assignment or final grades. Do their results seem comparable to what you ended up with? Hannah Gibbs, a alum of Strawberry Crest High School, uses her friends as a good barometer when she receives an unexpected result. “When I get a bad grade on a test, I usually talk to my other classmates about it,” she says. “If they didn't do as badly as I did, I kind of then end up feeling bad. When it's at this point, I review what I did wrong and if there's an opportunity to fix it I do, but if there's not I don't let it bug me. I move on and leave it alone.” It can be painful, but it sometimes helps to double-check and make sure what you expected is actually reasonable or feasible.

It’s also important to put the assignment, test, or paper into context. If it’s just a minor quiz, it might not be worth getting too upset or worried over it. If it’s early in the semester or you’ve got bigger opportunities coming up, it also may not merit too much of your time or attention. Even if you plan to protest or pursue a grade change, it can still be helpful to put it in a larger context. Presenting your arguments in a bigger context could help strengthen some of your claims.

Second, come up with an action plan.

If you’ve decided to do something about a grade you’re unhappy with, you’ve got at least a few options at your disposal. Think about your options, and decide which one makes the most sense for the situation you’re in.

First, you can always approach your teacher and see if they’d be willing to take a second look at your work and potentially re-think your grade. The key with this strategy is to approach a teacher politely, calmly, and respectfully, and state your case as logically as possible. Explain what you found surprising or didn’t expect about the grade you’re contesting, and give them an idea of what it is you want the teacher to do for you. Walking in and demanding they change your grade won’t get you anywhere. Explaining how you studied hard, giving them examples of different things you did like make flash cards or study with other classmates, and asking for partial credit on certain questions is more productive. This is also a good time to clarify why you lost points on something if you’re still confused, or (nicely!) point out any mistakes you think were made when calculating a final grade.

If asking for a re-examination of your grade doesn’t go anywhere, you can also go to your teacher and ask for feedback or advice on how to do better next time. Again, a more specific request will get you closer to what you’re looking for. A general “Why was this counted as wrong?” probably won’t result in very helpful feedback, while a question like “How could I structure my response better for more credit?” will get you something you can actually work with. “I try and find out what I did wrong and how I can improve for next time. It won't make the grade I got better, but it will definitely help in the future!” says Hannah Polinski, a recent graduate of Lakeshore Catholic High School.

Finally, you can always look for extra credit opportunities to make up for lost points. If you feel like there’s nothing you can change to improve the grade or your teacher just isn’t budging, ask about extra work you can complete, or if there are ways you can go above and beyond on future assignments. Make it clear to your teacher that you want to do better next time, and are eager to find a way to prove it to him or her. Some might even acknowledge your effort to come and speak with them about the grade, and give you a boost just for that. “I scheduled time to talk to my teacher about it to see why [she gave me my grade]. Because I took the time and effort to discuss my paper with her, she ended up giving me a few extra points!” shares Lauren Ammar, a graduate of Portage Central High School. Most teachers will appreciate your eagerness to turn things around, and will be more than happy to provide you with a few suggestions.

Third, put that plan into action, and follow through!

The most important thing you can do after working up the courage to talk your teacher into giving you a second chance is to prove you really do deserve it. Take what they say to heart, and actually DO something about it. A teacher will only grant you a second chance so many times. Don’t try their patience, and don’t make them regret their decision. Re-do that paper, turn in the extra credit, or show you took the suggestions from a teacher seriously on the next assignment. It’s the best way to make yourself feel better next time grades come out.

It’s always a good idea to keep your parents clued in to what you’re going through too. First, it will help prevent grade shockers at the end of a quarter or semester. Let them know what happened with the grade, and explain what you plan to do about it. Hopefully, they’ll be super impressed with how mature their daughter’s becoming (can you say major brownie points?!) and can turn into your best ally if you’re stuck dealing with a super tough teacher that’s being especially difficult.

Finally, be ready to move on. Even if the end result still isn’t what you’d hoped for after you’ve talked to the teacher and tried to work through things, realize that one assignment isn’t going to determine your future. Learn from mistakes or slip-ups you may have made that resulted in a less-than-ideal result, and apply it to the next thing that comes your way. What you’ll remember about junior or senior year 10 – 20 years from now isn’t going to be that one time you got a C or D on a history exam. You’ll remember your senior prom, crazy nights out with friends, and everything else that truly makes high school a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Jimmy Fallon Interviews 'Harry Styles'

5 Cute & Easy Hairstyles for Spring Break

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Spring break is our first real chance to soak up the sun after a long, dreary winter. With this freedom, the only thing on your mind should be having a good time. The last thing you want to do is spend forever doing your hair, especially if you’ll be near the water!

Go from boring hair to beach bombshell in a matter of minutes with these five easy hairstyles. Whether you’ll be catching some waves in Florida, flip-flopping through the sand in Cancun or simply watching Hawaii Five-0 in your dorm, be sure to try out these cute hairstyles to look cute no matter what you’re doing.

1. Tousled Topknot

This super easy, laid-back look can be done on wet hair after a dip in the pool or a swim in the sea. It also doubles as a great post-workout hairstyle.

What You’ll Need

  • Hair tie
  • Leave-in conditioner
  • Wide-tooth comb
  • Anti-frizz serum

Instructions

  1. Taking a wide-tooth comb, gently untangle your hair, starting from your ends and working your way up to the roots.
  2. Apply a leave in conditioner or your choice. We recommend Neutrogena Silk Touch Leave-in Cream ($7.99).This helps to replace the moisture in your hair that has been stripped away by the pool or seawater.
  3. Work a small amount of serum into your hair; we recommend L’Oreal’s Smooth Intense Frizz Taming Serum ($6.99). This traps the moisture of the leave-in conditioner and also helps to tame frizz.
  4. Secure your hair in a high ponytail using the hair tie.
  5. Twist all of your hair into a coil and wrap it up into a ballerina bun.
  6. Secure the ends of your hair to the bun with bobby pins to ensure that it stays.
  7. Use your fingers to carefully fluff the bun for more volume.

2. Lovely Low Side Braid

This look is great for a long walk on the beach in the evening, yet stylish enough for an outdoor concert.

What You’ll Need

  • Comb
  • Hair ties

Instructions

  1. Take the comb and create a center part that starts at your crown.
  2. Gather your hair into a low ponytail on your preferred side. Secure with the hair tie.
  3. Separate your hair into three sections and do a simple braid. It doesn’t have to be perfect; the messier the better, actually!
  4. Secure the end with another hair tie. If you don’t have shorter layers that will stick out, you can remove the first hair tie.

3. Sultry Scrunched Updo

Curly-haired girls will love this easy, sophisticated look. Try this for a night out with the girls.

What You’ll Need

  • Curling mousse
  • Hair tie
  • Headband
  • Bobby pins

Instructions

  1. Apply the curling mousse to your hair to enhance your natural curls and tame frizz. We recommend the Got2b Kinkier Gloss & Define Curling Mousse ($6.49).
  2. Take the hair tie and secure your hair into a loose, messy bun.
  3. Take any ends that are sticking out and use bobby pins to pin them into place.
  4. Continue until all of your hair is up.
  5. Add a headband of your choice to jazz up the look.

4. Braided Chignon

This simple, glam look is perfect for a dinner at that restaurant near the beach.

What You’ll Need

  • Hair tie
  • Bobby pins
  • Hair serum
  • Brush

Instructions

  1. Start by brushing all the knots and tangles out of your hair.
  2. Apply the serum to your hair to tame frizz. We recommend ORGANIX Nourishing Coconut Milk Anti-Breakage Serum ($7.99).
  3. Taking small sections at the front of your hair, make two tiny braids. You can do this on either side of your head (or both).
  4. Secure all of your hair, including the braids, into a ponytail at the middle of your head. The braids will add a girly feel to the look.
  5. Separate the hair from the ponytail into three sections.
  6. Take the first section of hair (closest to the base of the ponytail) and wrap it around the base of the ponytail, covering the hair tie.
  7. Pin the ends of that section up with bobby pins.
  8. Repeat this with the other two sections of hair.
  9. Pin the entire chignon to your head and fluff it with your fingers as desired.

5. Inverted Ponytail

This style is a jazzed-up version of an everyday look.  Wear this to a day out at the beach.

What You’ll Need

  • Hair tie
  • Brush
  • Hair serum

Instructions

  1. Brush your hair and apply the serum from root to tip. We recommend John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Original Hair Serum ($9.99).
  2. Gather your hair into a loose ponytail at your desired spot.
  3. At the base of the pony (above the hair tie), take your fingers and create a space (about the size of a golf ball) that your ponytail would be able to fit through.
  4. Carefully push your ponytail through the loop and pull gently to secure the twisted knot.

 

These quick and easy hairstyles are also great for class and running errands on weekends. Armed with these cute ‘dos, sunscreen and sunglasses, you’re sure to have a super-chic spring break!


19 ROTC Campus Cuties

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Name: Trent Johnson

School: William and Mary

Nicknames: Tango

Major/Minor: Government/History

Relationship Status: Recently Single

Hometown: Hampton, Virginia

Clubs/Activities: ROTC, Sigma Chi Fraternity, Pershing Rifles, The Queens’ Guard and Loafing

Most exciting memory from this summer: I spent 29 days at the U.S. Army Leadership and Development Assessment Course (LDAC) at Fort Lewis, Washington State.

What are you most looking forward to as a senior? Spending one last year with my friends before I commission into the Army, pass-fail classes, 12 credits per semester, and mug night.

Favorite TV Show: "House of Cards" on Netflix

If you could spend the day with anyone, either living or dead, who would it be and why? I would want to spend the day with Juicy J, no explanation needed.

Fun Fact: I speak Chinese.

Name: Kyle Likens
School: Ohio U
Year: 2014
Hometown: Orville, OH
Relationship status: taken 

What he does on campus: He is in the Army ROTC program and also in the Marching 110.
Intrests: Loves to hang out with friends, play music and workout.
Why he's our Campus Cutie: "He is such a great person! He is loved by everyone he meets. I enjoy spending time with him! He enjoys making people laugh and he is very good people's person!" 

School: Mercer
Major/Minor: Biology (Pre Med) / Military Science, Math, and Chemistry
Relationship Status: Single
Housing: Mercer Hall
Favorite Color: Blue
 
 
Involvement on Campus:ROTC, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, BBB, Mercer ASIA, ACS
Hometown: Augusta, Georgia
 
About The Man: In his free time, Aaron enjoys shooting hoops and playing soccer. He is passionate about art in all mediums and has a tendency to listen to hip hop, R&B, instrumentals, mix tapes and jazz. Want to catch this cutie? He says the keys to his heart are kindness, humor and food, which can be satisfied with a nice homemade hamburger or a triple-layered PB&J. Just don’t come near him with needles, they’re his one fear!
 
Why He’s a Campus Cutie: You know what they say about guys with big feet! ;) Aside from that, Aaron is a genuine, nice guy. His smile is contagious, and have you seen his ROTC body?! To top it all off, this “Chris Brown Look-Alike” is a perfect gentleman.
 

Name: Marcus Lauria
School: Wake Forrest
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: West Chester, Pa.
Relationship Status: Single
Major: Physics
Minor: Math and possibly Middle Eastern and South Asia Studies (MESA)
Personal Motto: The pain of discipline is far less than the pain of regret

HC (Her Campus): So you’re a member of ROTC. What’s that like?
ML (Marcus Lauria): I love it—it’s definitely a huge time commitment though. We workout three to five days a week in the morning, have classes every week, and a lab where we perform military skills. It’s just been a great experience so far…I was in Africa over the summer for an ROTC program, which was insane. We trained with the Togolese military and helped them learn conversational English for a month.

HC: What influenced your decision to take part in ROTC?
ML: My dad was on track to be a Navy SEAL but had an accident that kept him out of it, so he’s instilled those values in me. When I began to research ROTC my junior year of high school I realized very quickly that it was the path I wanted to take. My older sister did it and my best friend from home is in it now too, which is really cool.

HC: What else are you involved in on campus?
ML: I’m the process of becoming a member of Pi Kappa Alpha right now. I’m also a captain on the club basketball team—that’s was always my sport throughout high school. So those and ROTC are the three big things I’m involved in.

HC: So what’s a typical day like for you?
ML: I wake up around 5:30 a.m., go to PT (physical training) at 6 a.m., workout, study or do some last second homework, go to class, usually go workout again either at the ROTC department or the Miller Center, and then study.

HC: So it seems like you are a pretty athletic guy. Do you have a more sensitive side?
ML: I mean, I am definitely a huge Taylor Swift fan and a lot of my buddies mess with me for that. But I wouldn’t actually say I’m too, too sensitive.

HC: Now for the stuff everyone really wants to know—what qualities do you look for in a girl?
ML: For me, the number one quality is a girl who is really into fitness. Also someone who understands my sense of humor, and definitely a really nice smile.

HC: What normally makes for a good first impression of a girl?
ML: Someone who is outgoing and who can make me laugh right away.

HC: What are three adjectives you would use to describe yourself?
ML: I’d say outgoing, hardworking, and funny.

HC: What is something people might be surprised to know about you?
ML: I have never had a girlfriend…that’s a good one. I played a lot of basketball in high school so I guess I never had time for that or found the right girl. I’m also kind of a big science nerd sometimes.

HC: What is your biggest pet peeve?
ML: People complaining when they have no reason to be complaining. I feel like most people here are in a very good position and sometimes take a lot of stuff for granted.

HC: Who has been the most influential person in your life?
ML: Definitely my dad. I mean, since I could walk he had a basketball in my hand and made sure I was knocking out absurd amounts of pushups every day. He’s the one person I can always talk to no matter what is going on.

HC: What is one thing you want to do before you graduate?
ML: It would be really cool to take home first place at the ROTC Ranger Challenge Competition, which is like a big physical competition with events for tons of different military skills. We compete against all the ROTC programs in the surrounding states.

HC: Where is the coolest place you have ever traveled? What’s your dream destination?
ML: Definitely Africa. It was an awesome experience to be around the Togo military for 30 days. One place that would be really cool to go is Paris.

HC: Okay, now a couple of short questions. What’s your go-to pick-up line?
ML: Um, I don’t really think I have a go-to pick-up line.

HC: (Laughs) That might be a good thing. Favorite off campus spot?
ML: Chipotle because that’s really the only place I go to eat off campus.

HC: Ideal first date?
ML: Maybe I’m kind of boring but I guess just like going to dinner somewhere and then going back home and to watch a movie and hang out.

HC: Favorite workout?
ML: My favorite workout is a CrossFit workout titled “Nasty Girls.” It’s three rounds of 50 air squats, seven muscle-ups and 10 power cleans.

HC: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Do you see a plan for the rest of your life?
ML: If everything works out like I want it to, I’ll be an officer in the Army Corps of Engineers and hopefully be married.

Name: Colin Sullivan

School: Ole Miss

Hometown: Shalimar, FL

Relationship Status: Single

Major: Criminal Justice

Class Year: Junior

Greek Affiliation: Sigma Chi Fraternity

Favorite Hobbies: ROTC, loving America, playing sports, and reading William Faulkner.

Colin has a great heart and he's one of the best friends you could ever have. His determination to be an officer in the army is admirable, yet he can break from the seriousness and be silly and always make you laugh. Most importantly, Colin loves Ole Miss so much and is a sweet Southern gentleman. 

Name: Max Fowler

School: South Carolina

Year and Major: Freshman, Excercise Science

Hometown: Lugoff-Elgin

Relationship Status: Single


Activities: Playing the Guitar, Writing Songs, Winning, Making Films, Running, Lifting Weights.

Favorite Part of Columbia: Five Points, where he can often be found at the Village Idiot(even on Monday nights ladies).

Hogwarts House: Gryffindor

Food: Grouchos's STP Dipper

Desireable Traits in females: Sense of humor and a great smile.

Desired Celebrity: Jessica Alba

Why Max is our Campus Cutie:

This freshman stole our hearts after performing his original songs at the campus Starbucks and when we found out he balanced his ROTC duties while pledging Sig Ep this Columbia Hall resident proved to not just be a pretty face but the All-American we unrealistically dream of.

Name: Marquis Moore

School: Bowie
 
Year: Junior
 
Major: Communications
 
Hometown: Fort Bragg, NC
 
Relationship status: Single

Image of Marquis Moore

Likes:Music, people, traveling, running

Dislikes:Dairy products, haters
 
Favorite spot on campus:CMRC
 
What’s the best thing about living in Maryland?The city life
 
What campus activities are you involved in?SGA, ROTC, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc.
 
Who is your celebrity crush? Robyn Rihanna Fenty
 
What’s your idea of a perfect date?Long walk on a beach, candle light dinner, deep conversations
 
What do you look for in a girl?Fair skinned, athletic, smart, goal oriented, natural hair, and beautiful

Name: Ryan O'Leary

School: Vermont

Year: Junior

Orignally from: Millbury, MA

Major: Nursing

Relationship Status: Single

College Life

What are your favorite courses you've taken at UVM?

Any class with Whitfield for history, or Stuart Whitney for nursing.

What is your campus involvement?

Army ROTC and undergraduate student leadership council for the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.


If you could choose another major, what would you chose?

Athletic training

Best study spot?

The lantern in the Lofts, or Bailey/Howe 2nd floor.

Weirdest thing you've encountered at UVM?

The amount of people who walk barefoot to class regardless of weather.

What is your dream job?

I would love to work in pediatric oncology.

Favorite things to do on the weekends?

Go downtown with friends, grab some food, and maybe see a movie.

Favorite Movie?

Tough question… Gladiator and Last of the Mohicans.

Favorite TV Show?

Wish Prison Break was still on!

Boxers or briefs?

Boxers.

Biggest pet peeve?

Smoking- very unattractive.

What are your plans for the summer?


I’ll be in Washington state for army training for 2 months, then I’ll come back to school a week or so early to relax.

What is one strange thing about yourself that most people would never guess?

I’ve never been to a concert… definitely want to this summer though. Country most likely.

If you were a Ben and Jerry's flavor, what would you be and why?

I don’t know that many flavors, but I LOVE chocolate chip cookie dough.

You're stranded on a desert island, and can only bring 3 items... What do you bring?

A kayak, fishing rod, and guitar.

Girliest movie you’ve ever watched?

If you haven’t seen The Notebook or How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days, you’re lying or haven’t had a girlfriend.

If you could have one superpower what would it be?

Flying would be sick.

Love Life

Favorite pick-up line?

I kind of let things happen, I don’t use lines. I just like to have a good time! If I can make her laugh, I’m happy.

What would be the perfect first date?

Dinner and something fun, like mini golf or go-karts. Having fun and opening up... maybe ice cream after?

If you were serenading a girl, what song would you sing?

If I could sing, or play the guitar… I have no idea

What do guys worry about on the first date?

What is she thinking? How is the date actually going? Is she into me? That kind of stuff.

What is the biggest mistake someone could make on a first date?

Being disrespectful, and/or not being yourself.

What are your feelings towards Tinder?

Heard of it, don’t know much about it.

Sweetest thing you've ever done for a girl?

Flowers?

Biggest turn-on?

A girl who likes sports/fitness, movies, and has a sense of humor.

Biggest turn-off?

I don’t care how attractive you are, if you smoke then you’re not for me; or if you’re stuck-up.

Who’s your celeb crush?

Mila Kunis, Jennifer Aniston, and Jennifer Lawrence

Any tips for the single kids on campus?

Be yourself.

Now let’s hear what some of Ryan’s friends have to say about him…

"Saw him come out of the shower once.... Damn."- Matt ‘14

"Yea, I'd be the jelly to his peanut butter sandwiches"- Jordana ‘14

"Ryan O'Leary is someone even your grandmother would have a crush on"-  Liz ‘14

"Freshman year, Ryan and I were going to a party downtown with a bunch of girls, and we were struggling to communicate with words. I resorted to the army hand signals that Ryan taught me, and he instantly knew where to go"- Scott ‘14p

Name: Rob Costa

School: Tufts

Hometown: Wellesley MA

Class year: 2015

Major: History

Relationship status: Single

Zodiac sign: Leo

Spirit animal:

German Shepard. I’m a huge dog fan, and I had a German Shepard when I was little. They’re really well disciplined but also fun loving.

Tufts affiliations:

I play football, I’m a brother at DU, and I do army ROTC.

Best thing about Tufts:

DU. I love it.

Pet peeve:

Probably someone with bad manners.

Favorite song/band:

I love country music; it’s definitely my favorite. Favorite band is tough, probably Luke Bryan or Eric Church.

Favorite holiday and why:

Christmas, because of all the food, friends and family around. And the presents, you can’t pass that up.

Proudest accomplishment:

Probably getting an army ROTC scholarship to go here.

Guilty pleasure:

Probably my movie choice—romantic comedies and stuff like that. [My favorite is] probably How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

Ideal date:

Nothing too crazy, probably just a nice dinner at a kind of quiet restaurant.

Describe your ideal girl:

Someone who’s funny, who doesn’t really take themselves too seriously, and someone who just wants to have fun.

Turn ons and turn offs:

Let’s start with turn offs. Probably someone who I can’t really trust, and someone who is kind of nagging. For turn ons, I guess being spontaneous and adventurous.

Tell me something that only a few people know about you:

A hidden talent would definitely be my dance moves. Not a lot of people have seen them, but they’re there.

Why did you rush?

Obviously there’s the football thing. A huge portion of my team is on it, and it added another social aspect to Tufts. I’ve gotten a lot closer with some of the guys.

How do you like living in a frat house?

I like it for the most part. Sometimes it can be a little much when you have 20 guys running around and you have stuff to do. It’s a lot of distractions but it definitely evens out because it’s also a lot of fun.

Why did you join ROTC? Do you like it?

I’ve always kind of wanted to be in the army, and I’ve always wanted to serve my country. My dad was in the army for 31 years too, so it kind of runs in the family. I love it. It’s best decision I’ve ever made.

Name: Jamie Rucinski

School: Franklin and Marshall

Hometown: New York City

Class: 2014

Relationship Status: Single

Activities on campus: Men's squash, orchestra/philharmonia, club ice hockey team, Courtney Adams music scholar, Army ROTC at nearby Millersville
Claim to fame: One of only 3 male flute players on campus. (One of 2 until this year). The few, the proud, the male flutist!
Favorite movie: We Were Soldiers
Favorite spot on campus: Steinman College Center
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?: As an officer in the US Marine Corps probably. But definitely working and maybe starting a family.
Number one thing you look for in your dream girl: I'm going with patience. I'm not difficult, but if a girl can't put up with some minor flaws then she's not truly into me.
Best pick-up line: "Oh, you're leaving?"
Why he's our Campus Cutie: Jamie has a serious commitment to both our country and our campus! Be sure to look for him at the next orchestra concert! 

This week’s campus cutie is junior IrajYusufiy.  The European-born stud likes to have a good time with his brothers of Phi Kappa Psi when he isn’t busy with ROTC or his responsibilities as president of The Off-Campus Student Organization.  This 20-year-old is even in the National Guard!  The business student still finds a way to make grades a top priority with a packed schedule.  He’s single and looking for a girl with a good heart- he would walk miles in the dark to get to the girl he loves!

Name: Iraj Yusufiy

School: TCNJ

Hometown: Lawrenceville, New Jersey

Age: 20

Birthday: May 18, 1992

Relationship status: Single

Major: Business Marketing, Finance minor

Nickname: AJ, or some of my friends in my frat call me “I Rage” because I like to rage

Dream job: Something where I travel a lot, that’s why I want to hopefully own my own business one day

Short term goals: Get good grades, good grades are always nice.  I’m going to be doing a leadership course for ROTC; I want to do good in that.

Long term goals: Having a good business, buying a house for my parents, and graduating, graduating would be nice.

Campus organizations: Phi Kappa Psi, ROTC, President of the Off Campus Student Organization

Favorite food: Sushi, either volcano roll or California roll

Favorite movies: Good Will Hunting, Troy, Forrest Gump

Favorite TV shows: Scrubs, Big Bang Theory, Game of Thrones

Quirks: I have to stick a pillow in between my legs at night or else I can’t sleep, and I crack my neck a lot

Pet peeves: People that eat with their mouth open, that really gets to me

Role model: My great-grandfather.  My family is what it is today because of him.

Fun fact: I’m in the National Guard

Celebrity crush: Emma Stone especially after the new Spider Man; Jessica Alba, can’t go wrong with Jessica Alba, and definitely Mila Kunis

Embarrassing moment: I peed in the middle of the classroom in first grade and I didn’t even get in trouble

Proudest moment at TCNJ: Rushing a fraternity, I’m really glad I made that decision

Describe yourself in 5 words: Surprising, responsible, patient, funny every now and then, patriotic

Worst characteristic in a girl: Dishonesty

Worst thing a girl could do on a date: Talk about her ex

Best characteristic in a girl: Being able to hold a good conversation

Ideal first date: Atlantic City or Princeton so you can just enjoy the town

Your ideal crush: Somebody that I can talk to; that I have things in common with but not everything in common; I’m big on brunettes; someone who can look good without makeup on all the time, and someone goodhearted who wants to help other people, and if she’s a good dancer that’s a plus

Craziest thing you’ve done for love: In high school before I had a license I walked 5 miles at midnight to a girl’s house

Sweetest thing a girl could do for you: Cook for me

Name & Year: Matt Green-Hill, 2015

School: William and Mary

Major: Government

Hometown: Baltimore, Maryland


What is he involved in on campus?
ROTC, Intermural sports, Volunteering

What is he interested in?
Writing Poetry by the fireplace, Listening to what she has to say, Sailing during sunsets, Cooking, Romantic Movies and plays, Going to the gym, Gardening (Planting his seed in gardens.) Deep Conversation, Healing Hearts, Saving lives...etc...etc

Why was he nominated as a Campus Cutie?
"Matt Green-Hill is simply the best! He is kind, sweet, gentle, and funny. He knows how to treat a woman. I must say my experiences with him have been... well.... BREATH TAKING. Ladies I must warn you to lock your hearts away because Mr. Green-Hill is known for stealing them. He loves to listen and has a swagger that is paramount to that of Brandon Eason. His aura takes over the space he is in. I love to look at stars and if you do to then be prepared because his eyes are constellations. Light brown and captivating. I heard that one time he got arrested......The police tried to charge him for being DROP-DEAD-GORGEOUS!....Some say that he's the founder of Tall Dark and Handsome. With a LIBIDINOUS physique that melts girls away, He has more than all the attributes necessary to be campus cutie though they should make another category for him...He is one of a kind....Original...and MMM MMM MMM good!" -Anonymous

Stalk him on Facebook Here

Last plug for this Campus Cutie: "His taste is not of a particular brand but a particular quality one that only his heart can come to appreciate..The mint "condition" of women." -Anonymous

Name:Josh Ernisse

School: Cornell

Year: 2014

Major: Electrical and Computer Engineering

Hometown: Buffalo, NY

Relationship Status: Single

Favorites:
Book: Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad
TV Show: Top Gear
Music: alternative, classical, reggae
Food: My dad’s homemade pizza
Class at Cornell: Multivariable Calculus (MATH 1920) and Transition to Java (CS 1130)
Quote: “I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm’s way.” - John Paul Jones

This patriotic stud is only a freshman at Cornell, but as a member of NROTC - that’s N for Navy and ROTC for Reserve Officers’ Training Corps -, he already has the necessary leadership skills and sense of duty to make any man crush-worthy. He joined NROTC because he missed the lifestyle after his dad retired from the Air Force: the commitment to serve his country and defend our freedom has always been a part of Josh’s life. But when he’s not performing his duties as class leader, doing drills or community service in NROTC, Josh can take you sailing or engage you in a rousing game of lacrosse, soccer, or paintball. According to Jenna* ‘12, Josh deserves to be this week’s Cutie because he is “intelligent, buff, disciplined, responsible and goal oriented! Not to mention he’s a fan of being a mile high...” She means that Josh’s favorite thing about his naval career is flying fighter jets! Although it might be safer to keep "joining the ROTC mile high club" off of your Big Red Ambition to-do list, do let your heart take a dive for this dedicated Dare Devil!

Fun Facts:
Why NROTC? My dad was Air Force, and when he retired I missed the lifestyle. I also wanted to serve my country by risking my life defending the freedom that we have. I actually applied to Air Force and Navy ROTC, but the Navy offered me full tuition no questions asked. I respected that and took the Navy scholarship.

Proudest Accomplishment: Earning 10% of the total scholarship money awarded at my school while getting into Cornell and NROTC

How do you spend your summers? I spend as much time at my cottage jet skiing/boating on the St. Lawrence as possible. I also have NROTC training for month during the summer, which involves being active duty on a ship or on land learning about how the Navy works.

What do you look for in a girl? Attractive, intelligent, and a good friend.

Best things about Cornell: The location, difficult classes, and the new friends I’ve made

Which of the 161 Things are you most looking forward to? 17. Go to the Fuertes Observatory on North Campus and gaze at meteor showers

Thoughts on Charlie Sheen? Charlie Sheen is all over the news because he’s a celebrity drug addict, while Andrew Wilfahrt 31, Brian Tabada 21, Rudolph Hizon 22, Chauncy Mays 25, are soldiers who gave their lives with no media attention. There are more important people than Charlie Sheen, a lot more.

Career Prospects: Fly fighter jets in the Navy, then retire from the military and fly into space for a private space flight company. 

*Names have been changed.

Name: George Molina

School: Portland

Hometown: Wilsonville, Oregon

Major/Minor: Business

Year: Senior ‘14

What do you like best about UP?

I like the staff best.  We have good teachers, school is well taken care of, P-Safe knows what they’re doing. The staff is outstanding!

What do you have planned for Halloween?

I’m going be with my fellow ROTC cadets and play zombies! That’s basically what I’m going to do and I’m pretty excited about it.

If you could only dress up as one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

I would dress as James Bond because I would always be classy, and it’s also best to over dress for any situation.

What’s your idea of a perfect date?

Well, it would start at Disneyland and we’d set out really early in the morning. After that, we’d have a nice seafood dinner, like fresh crab right next to the Pacific Coast. We’d end the night with fireworks and the latest blockbuster movie. This would be the perfect date on the spot!

What about women’s fashion confuses you?

Not much really, except Uggs. I think that clothing is meant to accentuate the features of the body and Uggs do the opposite. I understand comfort, but fashionwise, it doesn’t bring out anything specific in the woman wearing them compared to another woman wearing them.

Describe yourself in three words.

Motivated, empathetic, leader.

Name: Andrew Heymann

School: Yale

Year: 2015

College: Saybrook

Major: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Hometown: Lake Oswego, OR (Outside of Portland)

Meet our Campus Cutie Andrew Heymann- he's your typical modest Yale student- reserved at first, but once you get talking he turns into one of the most impressive people you've met. He's travelled all around the world and after college he will work in Explosive Ordinance Disposal for the Navy, and to top it all off he's a Yale varsity athlete. Even after that impressive resume, he still upholds that he doesn't have any talents, but at least he's unbelievably helpful: when I asked him how to spell his hometown he started by telling me "L-A-K-E..."Read on to hear more about our extremely well-rounded campus cutie!

HC: What activities are you involved with on campus?

AH: The swim team, Naval ROTC, Sig Ep. Those are the major ones. I don’t really have time for smaller commitments outside of those, especially with my major.

HC: Do you have any favorites? Are you allowed to pick favorites?

AH: I really like the swim team. They’re all favorites, you can’t really pick. The things I like about ROTC are not the same as Sig Ep. The kinds of friends that you develop in each one are completely different.

HC: How did you become part of the NROTC?

AH: Its something I’ve been interested in for a long time. I actually applied to the Naval Academy, got in there, and then chose Yale because there was speculation that the ROTC was going to be reinstated after being removed a long time ago. Based on speculation, and being recruited by the swim team, I choose here. And I don’t regret it at all; everyone here says “you made the right decision”. The Naval Academy and ROTC programs both produce officers, just ones with very different leadership styles.

HC: What’s your favorite part of doing NROTC?

AH: I guess its kind of cool having a job locked up, so I don’t have to worry about jobs per se. But I still have to figure out what I want to do, you have to pick where you want to specialize.

HC: What kinds of specialties are there?

AH: So there’s, you know, surface (you go on a surface boat), there’s aviation. Right now I’m applying for E.O.D., which is explosive ordinance disposal, like Hurt Locker. So that should be really cool, it works really well with my major and with swimming, hopefully I’ll get to participate in underwater work. But you get to real-life problem solve under a ton of pressure.  Plus it works in line with robotics, and I get to keep swimming and work out a lot. I’m the worst at a desk job, I could never see myself working in the city.

HC: Do you have a favorite Yale memory so far?

AH: There are definitely things that stick out. I went to Dominatrix last year, which was out of control, I’ll never forget that! Also have a lot of good memories with the swim team.

HC: What’s the best part about being on the swim team?

AH: Having a bunch of guys that have a common goal is a pretty powerful thing. Every day in practice you’re working towards being part of something bigger than just your individual performance. Swimming is pretty physically demanding so knowing that you’re not doing it for yourself anymore, but for something bigger than yourself is pretty powerful. I could go in there feeling terrible, but I’ll swim fast because I know that it isn’t for me, we’re trying to put together something bigger here. Its been a burden though, Yale has most wins of any college team in the nation, its hard to live up to.

HC: Embarrassing moments at Yale? Or just in life in general?

AH: I daze off in class a lot and I twitch when I fall asleep. I’ve knocked computers off of tables, books, I’ve slammed things. Its embarrassing every single time it happens. It happened just the last day of class- I knocked my computer off the table!

HC: Why are you so exhausted in class?

AH: I’m exhausted all the time. I just never sleep, ever.

HC: I’m the opposite! Favorite place to get food on campus?

AH: This is disgusting, but we go to Main Garden a lot, which is that drug-den looking Asian restaurant across from Alpha Delta. Just me and the rest of the swim team go there all the time. It’s disgusting! We only get one thing, General Tso’s Chicken, it’s the only thing I’ve ever tried there. Great place to go after a hard practice.

HC: Any secret talents?

AH: No.

HC: What? Nothing?

AH: Swimming [laughs]. I honestly can’t think of anything: I can’t sing, I can’t play guitar, I’m a terrible dancer!

HC: Any vices or guilty pleasures?

AH: I still watch Survivor; it’s the only show that I watch. And I wanted to apply this summer, I’m finally old enough, but then realized that I have to go do a Navy thing this summer.

HC: One day you’ll do it?

AH: One year, when it’s in its, like, 80th season, I’ll get around to doing it. I just wanna see behind the scenes. Part of me is convinced that if these guys are starving they just hand them a candy bar or something, I’m sure its shot in Chicago or something.

HC: Best date?

AH: I like eating outside, I really like Kitchen Zinc- good place to go. Anything that involves being outside: walking and talking. I’m not a big movie person because I fall asleep during them.

HC: What are you most looking forward to doing over winter break?

AH: I’m just so excited to see my family. Living far away from home, I don’t get to see them a lot. I’ve got two little brothers who I’m a pretty big mentor to, and I’ve got my sister, she’s a sophomore at Georgetown right now. Just being able to be there for them and see them is really important. Especially because I’m going to the Navy and I’m not going to be able to see them and they’re worried about the dangers, so every time I get to see my family, it’s extremely important.

HC: If you didn’t swim, do NROTC and do Sig Ep, what would you do?

AH: I have no idea, what else is there?! I’d really want to be able to join a dance crew or something, honestly! I think that’s so cool. And I’d learn to play guitar. I wanna be in TUIB.

HC: How would your siblings describe you?

AH: They tell my parents that I’m a pretty good mentor and example. They said I set the bar really high, which I feel bad about, but success is defined differently for everyone.

HC: If you weren’t going to go into EOD after college what else do you think you’d do?

AH: When I get back, part of me wants to go do something interesting with robots. Another part of me really wants to go do something outdoorsy and adrenaline-filled, like extreme sports, base jumping. As long as I don’t have to be in New York.

HC: You have a serious issue with New York?

AH: It’s just too fast. There are too many people moving too fast.

HC: If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be?

AH: I would want to meet someone who changed the face of sports, like Muhammad Ali or Michael Jordan or Jesse Owens.

HC: Do you have any signature dance moves at Woads?

AH: No, I’m the worst- that’s why I need to go join a dance crew!

HC: What has been your favorite class at Yale so far?

AH: I’m taking this class called Intelligent Robotics, its definitely been the most interesting class, but also the hardest. I’m just trying to pass it right now. We try to define what makes something intelligent, then analyze and create intelligent robotic architectures. 

HC: Do you have any favorite traditions at Yale or with any of the groups that you participate in? 

AH: The night before Ivy Championships, we always meet in the trophy room in the gym and all light candles. We all reflect on the season and also look forward to the meet, its very relaxing, all candlelit, in what I think is the coolest room at Yale.

HC: When are you happiest?

AH: When I have a handle on all of my work. Also when I’m outdoors, I love camping and hiking.

HC: What would be your perfect day?

AH: My favorite mornings are right after you’ve been camping somewhere and you wake up and make hot cocoa and you pack up the tent. Then just hike out of wherever you are. Then when you get back you go get ice cream and take a shower. And then watch a movie and go to bed. I’m a big fan of camping.

HC: Yale girls are the best because…

AH: Because they can all hold a conversation about something that they are genuinely passionate about, other than what they did on Saturday night. All girls here have something that they’re passionate about. 

Name: Walker Owen

School: Alabama

Year: Senior

Major:  Criminal Justice

Relationship status: Single   

Hometown: Mountain Brook

Interests: Friends and working out

An interesting Fact: I've been to the Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania.

Tuscaloosa Involvement: ROTC, TCB Security

What song on your iPod is currently on repeat? "It's Been a While" by Stained

If people were to give you a superlative, what would it be? Most Likely To Be The Class Clown.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you? I have received the expert marksman badge at basic training for the Army.

What do you look for in a girl? Pretty eyes, pretty smile, athletic and outgoing.

What is the most confusing thing girls do? Well they are always pretty much confusing, but I don't understand why girls wear rain boots on an overcast day, or when it's sprinkling. 

Do you have a favorite pick up line? I don't really use pick up lines.

What is your idea of a perfect date? I cook her dinner and go for a walk by the river.

Would you rather have them make the first move, or would you make it? Personally, I'd rather them because it shows confidence.

What is your best memory of Alabama/Tuscaloosa and why? All three of Alabama's national championships. I was so glad that I could be attending the University during all three.

If you could only bring 3 things on a deserted island, what would they be? Water, a lady friend and a fishing rod.

Name: Jacques Poirier

School: Indiana U

Year: Sophomore

Age: 20

Single?  Oui

Major: International Studies with a minor in Business

Hometown: Bloomington

Describe yourself in three words: Sweet, Confident, Athletic

HCIU: How do you feel about being a Campus Cutie?

Jacques Porier: I am honored to be approached with this title.

HCIU: What are you involved in on campus?

JP: Captain of little 500 team, Army ROTC, my fraternatiy Phi Kappa Tau

HCIU: Best thing about IU?

JP: Little 500 race, I participate in it every year.

HCIU: What did you want to be when you were little?

JP: When I was seven years old, I wanted to be a Navy Seal.

HCIU: First thing you notice in a girl?

JP: Lips

HCIU: What are your hobbies?

JP: Scubadiving, rockclimbing, mountain biking, martial arts, alpine skiing

HCIU: Goals for the future?

Jacques: I hope to graduate at 22 and become a lieutenant in the Army. After I’ll possibly move into contracting and foreign international advising.

HCIU: What are the three things you look for in a girl?

JP: Sincere, Beautiful, Intelligent

HCIU: What’s an unknown fact about you?

JP: I am a strong supporting of helping those in need.

HCIU: Favorite music group?

JP: Deekline and Wizard

HCIU: Favorite movie?

JP: Man on Fire

 

HCIU: Biggest turn-off in a girl?

JP: Yellow teeth and excessive flirtation

HCIU: Best pick-up line?

JP: I don’t use pick-up lines, instead I’d rather just approach a girl and be honest and tell her what I think.

HCIU: Celebrity Crush?

JP: Mila Kunis

HCIU: Do you have a man crush?

JP: Yes, Denzel Washington

HCIU: Most romantic thing you’ve ever done for a girl?

JP: I pulled flowers out of Dunn Meadow and delivered them to a girl.

HCIU: What is something people might not know about you?

JP: I don’t have same stereotypical college guy mentality when approaching women, I like to know who I’m talking to.

HCIU: Who in your life do you look up to?

JP: My cousin in the Army has been a role model to me for most of my life. He has defined his own life in a positive light through his morals and beliefs.

HCIU: Do you have a life motto or words to live by?

JP: One man’s motivation and determination can define his nation

Name: Zachary Van Meter
School: UNL
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Hastings, NE
Major: Microbiology
Relationship Status: Single
Campus Involvement/Activities: FOCUS, ROTC, Intermural Flag Football


HC: What are some of your hobbies and interests?
Zach: Well this is gonna sound pretty vague, but…. hang out with friends, miles, pile crawl with pole vault friends, just anything that seems fun at the time.

HC: What qualities do you look for in a girl?
Zach: Confidence, I mean if a girl doesn’t have confidence it makes it really hard to approach them. Obviously coming from the army I tend to look for someone who is trustworthy, if I can’t trust someone it is impossible to be with them. And quirky, they have to have a good personality. If they aren’t funny, you know, it’s hard to get along with them. I like random and not boring people. Being spontaneous is ideal.

HC: What’s your biggest dream?
Zach: First, to be a father then becoming a dentist.

HC: What pet peeves do you have about females?
Zach: I want a girl that knows she looks good and feels good about it. But if it’s too much it can be annoying.

HC: What’s your biggest fear?
Zach: To lose another friend in the war and not being a good father.

HC: Halloween is around the corner, do you have a costume?
Zach: If I would have a costume it would probably be Captain America.

HC: Now I must ask, what’s your favorite part of being a Husker?
Zach: Oh, football for sure.

Okay, Think Fast!

Celeb Crush: Jessica Alba
Favorite Movie: The Notebook
Biggest Turnoff: People who chew obnoxiously loud
Three Words to Describe Yourself: Funny, courageous, and intelligent
Superpower: Fly 

We’ve arrived at the worst week here at the University of Michigan: the week after Spring Break. Whether you basked in the sun in Punta Cana or laid on the couch all week at home, coming back to school is always difficult. But the silver lining of this tragic week for some collegiettes is being reunited with your guy.  On the other hand, a lot of girls couldn’t bear to be separated from their guys. Spring Break is a grey area in college life; it’s universally known as a week of total insanity, a week that can break or make couples. For some perspective on this beloved week, we turn to our Campus Cutie.

Name: Steven Ball
School: University of Michigan
Major: Industrial & Operations Engineering
Interests: ROTC, snowboarding, kayaking
Relationship Status: In a relationship
 
Should couple always go on Spring Break together? What are the pros/cons?

No, not always. Pros of going on spring break together are having the chance for a change of pace from your weekly routine, which is a good thing, and also the chance to create some really fun memories. The big con of going on spring break together is getting an overdose of that person and/or fights, which of course can be fueled by the excess of drinking, partying, etc. Another issue would be each others’ friends: which set of friends do you go on the trip with, the girl's or the guy's, and who gets stuck being the one who looks like they can't be apart from their significant other for more than 5 minutes.
 
What ways do you reassure your girl when you two are apart? 

Communication is the key for any kind of trying time in a relationship. In terms of spring break time, your girlfriend is going to be in a new place, with a lot of new people, with a lot of booze and partying (most likely), so stay in contact. Show that you care, but don't be overbearing, e.g., "How are you doing?" instead of "What are you doing?"

What's the best part about going on vacation with your girl?

The best part is getting to do things you've never had the chance to do before together. Going on vacation with her can be a great way to relax and let loose, and you can carry those good feelings back into your normal life once the vacation is over.

Sochi Scoop: Jimmy Kimmel's Epic Prank, Taylor Swift Hearts the Olympics & Russia Takes Free Skate Gold

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Though the Sochi Winter Olympics are over in just two days, the Games are as exciting as ever! Thursday resulted in scandal, a prank and another Olympic sweep. Russia took gold in the free skate competition, a win that has raised a few eyebrows. Jimmy Kimmel pulled another prank, but this time he got American luger Kate Hansen involved. Meanwhile, France broke an Olympic record by sweeping the ski cross final. Keep reading for more details on what happened during the Games on Thursday!

Kate Hansen teams up with Jimmy Kimmel for epic #SochiProblems prank

Jimmy Kimmel strikes again! Remember his twerking-girl-catches-on-fire prank? Well, he pranked us once more, but this time with an Olympic twist. Kimmel had American luger Kate Hansen tweet a video of a wolf wandering outside of her room in Sochi. In the tweet Hansen hashtags “#SochiProblems” and “#SochiFail.” On his show on Thursday night, Kimmel announced that it was all a hoax. Did he have you fooled?

Controversy in figure skating free skate, Russia takes gold

The women’s free skate ended in a surprising upset on Thursday. Russia took the gold, but not because of 15-year-old superstar Julia Lipnitskaia. Russian skater Adelina Sotnikova, 17, surprised many when she walked away with a wining score of 75.54 points. She beat Olympic hopeful Yuna Kim of South Korea and American ice skaters Gracie Gold and Ashley Wagner. Wagner, 22, told reporters that she feels “gypped” and that she thinks the scores were unfair. Wagner finished in seventh place while Gold finished in fourth. Kim is thought to be one of the best skaters in the world, but her score trailed behind Sotnikova’s by an unexpected 5.50 points. Italy’s Carolina Kostner took bronze.

Canada takes women’s curling gold

Team Canada took the gold in women’s curling at the Ice Cube Curling Center on Wednesday. The win upholds their Sochi winning streak. Canada has won all 11 games at the Winter Olympics this year. The team beat Sweden 6-3. Sweden walked away with the silver while Switzerland lost to Great Britain, earning team GB the bronze.

France sweeps for the first time at the Winter Olympics

France’s epic men's skicross win on Wednesday became the first sweep the country has ever had throughout the history of the Winter Games. Jean-Frederic Chapuis took gold, while Arnaud Bovolenta took silver and Jonathan Midol earned the bronze. The French’s sweep has become the sixth podium sweep of the Sochi Olympics. 

Norway wins team Nordic combined

Seventeen of Norway’s 20 Sochi gold medals have been won in the cross-country events. On Thursday, the country took home the gold medal in men’s Nordic combined. The Norwegian cross-country ski team had a total combined time of 47 minutes and 13.5 seconds. Silver went to Team Germany while bronze was won by Team Austria. 

Canada takes gold after women’s hockey match goes into overtime

Team Canada’s Marie-Philip Poulin scored a goal on Thursday with just 54.6 seconds to spare on the clock, which forced the game to go into overtime. The final score in the nail-biting Canada-versus-USA event was 3-2. Canada’s win is the fourth consecutive Olympic gold medal the women’s hockey team has earned. Even though they lost the gold, Team USA walked away with the silver. Switzerland beat Sweden 4-3 in the bronze final.

Taylor Swift loves the Olympics, wishes Torin Yater-Wallace good luck

Last week, Taylor Swift tweeted about her love for American ice skater Gracie Gold, whom Swift called "adorable and lovely." This week, Swift sent a cute video message to US Olympians. The singer wished Team USA good luck at the Sochi Olympics, but she also included a shout-out to Olympic freestyle skater Torin Yater-Wallace. Yater-Wallace, 18, is a fan of the singer. He happens to warm up before races by jamming to T. Swift songs. He started to blush when US Weekly showed him the video, and he told the magazine that he wants to get barbeque ribs with Swift and then go hot-tubbing with her at the Ritz Carlton (keep dreaming!). Yater-Wallace also said that Swift is “one of the most beautiful people to walk on this planet.” Um, agreed!

Medals rewarded in inaugural women’s ski halfpipe event

Team USA's Maddie Bowman won the gold medal in the first ever women’s ski halfpipe event. Bowman, 20, took the gold with a score of 89.00. It is the American skier’s first Olympic medal. France’s Marie Martinod earned the silver with 85.40 points and Japan’s Ayana Onozuka took the bronze with 83.20 points. America won the gold in the men’s version of the same event on Tuesday.

Medal count as of Thursday night: top five countries

  1. United States: eight gold, six silver, 11 bronze = 25 total
  2. Russia: seven gold, nine silver, seven bronze = 23 total
  3. Netherlands: six gold, seven silver, nine bronze = 22 total
  4. Norway: 10 gold, four silver, seven bronze = 21 total
  5. Canada: seven gold, nine silver, four bronze = 20 total

To see a full list of the medal count, click here.

 

Did you fall for Jimmy Kimmel’s prank? Leave a comment below and then come back on Monday for your final Sochi Scoop recap!

5 Sorority-Girl Problems & How to Solve Them

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Those of us entrenched in the Twitterverse have all encountered the ubiquitous #sororitygirlproblems hashtag at one point or another. They’re funny, sure, and often painfully true, but not every sorority girl has nothing to worry about but purse maintenance and hangover cures. Membership in a sorority has tons of benefits, but it can also bring a bunch of new challenges—both for new members and seasoned sisters. HC scrolls past Twitter and into the minds of real sorority girls across the country to find out what’s REALLY bugging them.

writing notebook journal assignment

You can’t keep your grades up

You may be alpha sister, attending every possible sorority meeting, party, and philanthropy event, but can you juggle it all? For many sorority girls, the craziness of Greek life becomes so all-consuming that it eats away at the most important part of college—the actual SCHOOL part (I know, right, we all forget that’s why we’re here).  Katie, a collegiette at the University of Maryland, had trouble managing pledging duties and a full course load when she joined a sorority her freshman year. “We had pledge meetings twice a week, tons of mixers and parties, and weekly philanthropy events…I had no time to study! At the beginning of the semester I was feeling really overwhelmed.” She saw her grades starting to drop, and knew she had to make a change. “I dropped a class I was really struggling in, started going to office hours for my other classes to catch up, and I told our pledge mom I couldn’t come to every philanthropy event anymore. I also started going to the mixers only twice a week…it made a HUGE difference in my studying time!”

Sam, a student at Cornell University, didn’t have a problem managing sorority life and academics—until she became president of her sorority. “I was running the whole sorority, singing in an a cappella group, taking a full course load, writing for a school publication…it just became way too much.” As president, Sam had to make her sorority one of her first priorities—so she scaled down on the rest. “I budgeted my time, took less credits that semester, and scaled back my writing, so I could dedicate as much time as possible to my house—it was definitely worth it!”

If you feel like your sorority is interfering with your academics, talk to your sisters—they can be surprisingly helpful. Some sororities have “scholarship big sisters”, older sisters in your major or school who can help you manage school and Greek life, and some others keep old notes and books in their houses, so you have a treasure trove of resources when finals time rolls around. At your next chapter meeting, stand up and ask what scholarship resources are available to sisters. If there are none, suggest that everyone write down their majors so girls in the same major can get together and talk about what classes to take. You could also arrange to have fixed sister-studying hours at the library, if you don’t already. It’s a great way to combine study time and a sisterhood event. And ask your big sister if she knows any older girls who are studying the same subjects you are—they may have old notes, and they will at least have lots of advice on how to prioritize class and sororities, and on what classes to take in the future if you’re feeling overwhelmed. And don’t forget to talk to your advisor or professors if you’re having trouble keeping up—they’re there to help you stay afloat!

friends laying on the grass diversity

You’re having trouble making new friends

From the outside, a sorority may seem like an instant network of new friends, no effort needed. But in many cases, making friends in your sorority may not be as easy as it seems. While the whole point of rush is to find the best sorority for you and you only, many groups of friends join a sorority together, forming a pledge class full of pre-determined cliques and making it really hard for a new girl to break in.  Ali*, a collegiette at Syracuse University, felt like the odd girl out when she first started pledging. “I was really nervous and had a difficult time making friends, because it seemed like everyone else already knew each other except for me,” she said. “The first few weeks of pledging I felt like I was constantly on the outside of a circle of girls and didn’t have a group of my own.”

How did she break her way in? By finding other outsiders! “I stopped trying to make friends with girls in cliques and found some girls who hadn’t joined with their friends,” she said. “We ended up forming our own group, and eventually we became a lot closer with the rest of our pledge class.” 

Marin, a student at Cornell University, found that living in a sorority house really changed the cliquey composition of her pledge class. “At first our pledge class was totally split up into cliques, but living in the house for a year really brought us all together. We ate dinner together every night, went out together all the time…little by little the cliques broke up and by the summer we were all friends!”

If you feel like it is tough to get to know your new sisters, talk to your new member educator about arranging bonding activities for your pledge class. This could be bowling, make-your-own sundaes (hey, they’re still fun after third grade), or even a giant game of Mafia. My pledge sisters and I spent a night sitting in a room together, in a circle, and passing a candle around as each person told the group something they’d never told anyone before—it was amazing how close it brought us together.

And don’t forget—your sorority has members from all four years of college, and you don’t just have to be besties with your pledge class. While it’s a good idea to try and make friends in your grades, it’s just as important to reach out to older or younger sisters—in fact, they can lead to a whole new social network you’ve never met before!

Your old friends are slipping away

For some of us, the problem isn’t making new friends in our sororities but hanging on to our old ones once we’ve joined a house. With a packed social schedule and tons of sorority responsibilities, it’s almost impossible to make time for our first-semester friends—especially if they have their own sisterhood stuff to manage. Alex, a collegiette at the University of Michigan, pledged a sorority during the spring of Freshman Year, and so did all her best friends from first semester—but not the same sorority. “We all joined different houses,” she explains. “It became really really hard to go out together, because we’d always have to go to mixers with our sororities, and we’re too young to go to bars.” So how’d she make time for her old friends while she bonded with her new sisters? “We made a weekly dinner date—every Wednesday—and stuck to it. Plus, we agreed to only go out with each other every Thursday and not with our sorority sisters, so we could still have fun together every week!”

It can be even more difficult when our best friends don’t join a sorority. While you used to spend every moment together, all of the sudden you’re on completely different schedules—while she’s studying in the library, you’re at pledge class, or while she’s hitting local house parties you’re at a sisterhood event. When you’re not on the same wavelength, it can mess up your relationship big-time. Jen*, a student at Cornell, joined a sorority while her best friend and roommate did not. “It really put a strain on the relationship—I started to feel like she thought I had become stuck-up since I joined a house. She never wanted to hang out anymore and avoided the room as much as possible. She never wanted to hear about my life in the sorority and we were talking less and less as the semester went on.”

So how did she fix it? “I confronted her,” she said. “She admitted that she felt like we were growing apart, but she wasn’t mad at me for being in a sorority—in fact, she thought I didn’t want to hang out with HER. We made an effort to eat at the dining hall together most nights and I invited her to my sorority parties whenever I could. Our relationship was never quite as strong as it was at first, but we’re still friends today.”

Try sitting down with your friend and telling her directly that you think you’re drifting apart. If she gets defensive, or things still seem strained between you, make a concerted effort to see her a few times a week. Text her just to say hi, invite her to meet you out at parties, and make a weekly dining hall date. Don’t ever ditch if you can help it—not seeing each other every day and night makes it harder to keep up your old levels of friendship, but even just a little bit of dedication on your part will show her you still care, and if you never fall out of touch your friendship will keep going past your first sorority-soaked semester.

dance parties college fun

You’re partying a little too hard

Joining a sorority opens up all kinds of opportunities for partying—for some, maybe too many. Where before you may only have gone out on Fridays and Saturdays, you’ll find after Bid Night that you could have three, four, even five mixers a week, and at first you’re going to want to go to all of them. Sara*, a student at Penn State, explains the appeal: “When you’re first meeting a new group of girls, you feel like you can’t miss any parties or else it will be harder to become close with them.”

But for Sara, the constant partying became too much to handle. “I just could not manage going out four or five times a week,” she said. “I was always hungover in class, I felt sick all the time, I didn’t have time to do my homework. And I started to feel like I wasn’t making real friendships with the girls, because our only time together was when we were drunk at parties. I started getting really worried that being in a sorority would be nothing but drinking all the time.”

Though the mixer schedule at the beginning of the semester seems crazy, it calms down a lot eventually. “We started going out less once we made better friends with each other—two or three times a week, tops,” Sara said. “And once we became good friends I was more comfortable inviting them to do sober stuff like go to movies, out to dinner, etc.” If your party schedule is getting too crazy, slash one night of going out a week and plan a sober event with your friends. Have a 90’s-movie marathon, organize a Spit tournament, make crazy internet videos of Miley Cyrus songs.  You’d be surprised at how many other ways there are to have fun!

 You have so many sisters, but don't know who to confide in 

If you ever feel like your social life is starting to take over, reach out for help. Talk to your school’s psychological services—many schools offer free counseling or alcohol/drug abuse consultations. If you’re intimidated, try finding out if your school has a peer counseling service—most do. You can call in and talk about what’s on your mind totally anonymously, to a fellow student who gets what you’re going through. And don’t forget to talk to family and friends if you’re feeling lost. Last semester a friend of mine confessed to feeling like she was partying a little too much at school, and she was surprised to find how many girls spoke up to say they felt the same way and wanted to cut down. No matter how much fun a sister may appear to have on the outside, she may be just as freaked out by the party scene as you are.  Ask older sisters, too, how they manage a crazy party schedule—as girls who’ve gone through it before, they’ve learned firsthand how to balance work and play.

 

No matter what #sororitygirlproblems says, we CAN have it all—if we work at managing our time and relationships, soon our biggest sorority girl problems may really be runny mascara and a broken elliptical machine.

15 Redhead Problems

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Redheads always get a bad rap. Whether you answer to “Ginger!” no matter who's talking to you or you've had to deal with the whole “you’re soulless” thing, life as a redhead can be tough. If you’ve been blessed with gorgeous ginger locks, we bet you’ve probably had to deal with one or more of these redhead problems.

1. Everyone assumes your favorite Disney princess is Ariel.

2. People think it’s hilarious to tell you that you’re going extinct.

3. In middle school, kids made fun of you for “not having a soul.”

4. You get really sick of being referred to as "Ginger" instead of your actual name.

5. You have to wear, like, four coats of mascara.

6. You also have to wear SPF 50 any time you go outside.

7. Since the time you could walk you've been told that redheads can't wear the color red (total lie, by the way).

8. People say you look like Parent-Trap-era Lindsay Lohan, even though the only thing about you that resembles her is your hair color.

9. Finding makeup light enough for your skin tone is next to impossible.

10. Everyone just assumes you’re Irish…

11. …or that you at least have an "Irish" temper.

12. You’ve had no choice but to embrace your pale skin.

13. You'd rather do anything else but talk about how you have red hair. 

14. People love reminding you that your hair color is a mutation.

15. Strangers always ask you where your hair color came from.

They may make up a small percentage of the population, but redheads sure go through a lot. Don't let the haters get you down, fellow ginges! Your locks are oh-so beautiful, and always remember: redheads don't go grey, so you're going to come out ahead in the end! Take that, blondes and brunettes! 

Louise Roe: Inside Fashion Week

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Ever wondered how best to break into the style industry? Check out the video below, as British fashion insider Louise Roe shares her expert tips for getting into this industry. For more videos like this, check out the Skype Collaboration Project

 

And, next up answering is questions about breaking into the fashion world is Victoria Beckham — so if you want to work in this industry, ask the Spice Girl turned successful designer a question here!

11 Spring Break Date Ideas for any Destination

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Flowers don’t have to be the only thing blossoming this spring; romance can, too! A week off from boring classes, huge textbooks and 12-page papers, spring break is the perfect time for dating. Whether you’re traveling, catching up on your favorite Netflix series at home or staying on campus, this stress-free week can become a whole lot better by going out with a campus cutie or two. Since there are so many ways collegiettes like to spend spring break, we’ve got great date ideas for you no matter where you are!

If You’re at the Beach

Take a stroll on the boardwalk

Spend all day on the boardwalk, where you can sample tasty ice cream flavors and get lost in souvenir shops while enjoying the smell of the ocean. Most boardwalks have plenty of rides, shops and restaurants for you and your date to enjoy together. You can also play some games; hopefully he’ll win you a prize!

Go stargazing

Take a blanket out to the beach after dark and get ready for a romantic night. Under the moonlight, you and your date can spot constellations and get cozy together. For extra brownie points, don’t forget your partner’s favorite bottle of wine if you’re 21 or older!

Go to a bonfire

A bonfire on the beach is the perfect date that’s both relaxed and fun. All you need is a bag of chips with dip and two beach chairs. It’s a great way to get to know each other and way more fun than your typical dinner date.

Go to a beachside bar with live music

Try out a new place that comes recommended from a friend, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, go to a new place that neither of you have heard of. There’s nothing better than watching a live performance with your toes in the sand. Who knows, you might find a hidden gem!

If You’re Stuck on Campus

See a band perform

Local bands love to play around college campuses, which usually results in free publicity for them and a free show for you! Find out where you can watch a performance and spend the evening belting out song lyrics together. Chances are it won’t be far away, so you won’t have to worry about transportation.

Set up a beach date in your dorm room

If you can’t make it to the beach, bring the beach to you! Go to your nearest Target and pick up tiki lights and a few inflatable beach toys, like palm trees or beach balls. Decorate your floor with towels and seashells, and, for the perfect finishing touch, grab a few helium-filled dolphin balloons! Be sure to invite another couple to join the fun and make it a double date.

If You’re Abroad

Go hiking

Hiking is a great way to explore and discover new places, especially if you’re in a tropical area. Choose a scenic trail, and, for added romance, be sure to stop at a waterfall along the way!

Have a picnic

Go to a market together and fill up your basket with a variety of local, specialty foods, then have a picnic with all of your choices. You’ll get to experience exotic flavors of tons of fresh food!

Visit a historical site

There’s nothing better than visiting old places in new countries. Look up the most romantic spots in the country and go on a tour with your date. Whether it’s the “Love Lock” bridge in Paris or Juliet’s balcony in Verona, Italy, romance is in the air!

If You’re at Home

Play a board game

Spark up some friendly competition with a few of your favorite childhood board games. You could even invite some friends over and compete with other couples. For a romantic spin on the game if it’s just the two of you, have the loser give the winner a massage!

Create a scavenger hunt

Make a list of different places that you’ve been together and write down romantic clues or riddles to each one. You can include the first place you kissed, your first date, etc.

Meghan Gibbons, a senior at Boston College, made a scavenger hunt for a group of friends. “Although I knew the path we were going to take, it was a lot of fun to see my friends remember the places and all the memories we had there,” she says. It’ll be even more fun and romantic with your S.O.!

 

Take advantage of your spare time during spring break by setting up some fantastic dates. With warm weather on the rise and so many options to choose from, say goodbye to winter coats and hello to the great outdoors. Love is definitely in the air this spring!

McGill University


Amazing Singer Covers 'Let It Go' as Idina Menzel, Demi Lovato & More

7 Tips for a Healthier Spring Break

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It’s finally spring break and you’ve been hitting the campus gym especially hard the past few weeks. Don’t let all that hard work go to waste and ditch your healthy lifestyle just because you’re on vacation! It can be hard to maintain healthy habits when you’re away having fun, so we have some tips to help you stay healthy on spring break.

1. Pack a Water Bottle

It’s so important to stay hydrated, especially if you’re drinking alcohol. When you’re day drinking on the beach, it’s easy to forget to drink water as well. Susan Holmberg, a certified nutrition specialist, recommends drinking about half of your body weight in ounces per day (one cup is eight ounces). “If there is a lot of alcohol consumption, you will be more dehydrated than usual due to alcohol's effect on the hormones that regulate water balance in your body,” she says.

If you’re drinking alcoholic drinks, a good way to make sure you stay hydrated is to drink a glass or bottle of water in between each alcoholic drink. 

Keep a water bottle with you when you’re out and make sure to drink from it throughout the day. Vapur bottles come in fun colors and are perfect for travel because they deflate for easy storage. Throw one in your beach bag or purse. If you’re traveling somewhere where the tap water is not safe to drink, make sure to stock up on water bottles from nearby convenience stores to keep in your room. 

2. Drink in Moderation

Make sure you’re being smart while drinking. You want to have fun, but don’t overdo it. Drinking definitely stops being fun when you can barely walk or say your name.

Kathleen Baty, author of College Safety 101: Miss Independent’s Guide to Empowerment, Confidence, and Staying Safe, says, “Beware of those cute, little foo-foo drinks that taste like strawberry or coconut. Just because you can’t taste the alcohol doesn’t mean that there is not rum or vodka in it. These drinks are strong and dangerous. Know your limit, and only have one or two over a few hours.”

If you have trouble keeping track of the drinks you’ve had in your head, write it down on your phone or make tick marks with a pen on your wrist. Stay with your friends so you can keep one another in check.

3. Hit the Hotel Gym or Work Out on the Beach

If you are staying in a hotel, chances are it has a gym. You’re paying money to stay there, so take advantage of the free gym access! “If you and your friends decide to take a break between the beach and a party, head to the gym and run for half an hour,” Kayla Alexander, a junior at the University of South Carolina, suggests. “I've always felt pretty rejuvenated after a quick workout!”

If you’re staying in a condo or somewhere else where there isn’t a gym, take a walk around the area and explore what they city has to offer. If you’re somewhere tropical, take a run on the beach. Incorporating a little exercise into your vacation will keep you feeling better and make it easier to get back into your fitness routine once you get home.

4. Buy Your Own Food

Rather than going out for every meal, buy some healthy food that would be easy to prepare in your room. If you know your friends are going to bring a lot of junk food, buy yourself some fruit and veggies to snack on rather than indulging in the snacks they bring.

Buying your own food will save you money and unnecessary calories. For some ideas on what to buy, check out our health editor’s suggestions for healthy snacks to eat while traveling.

5. Don’t Skip Meals

When you’re on vacation, it’s easy to get caught up in whatever activity you are doing, but be sure to make the time to eat. If you’re drinking alcohol, skipping meals can be especially harmful; drinking on an empty stomach is never a good idea.

Keep snacks with you so that if you find yourself hungry while you’re out, you’ll have something to hold you over. Healthy snacks such as an apple, nuts or carrots are perfect to keep with you in your purse. Whether it be a restaurant meal or food you bring, make sure you’re eating during the day.

6. Don’t Overdo it at the Buffet

On the flip side, you don’t want to overeat. When you’re on vacation, it’s easy to give yourself a free pass and indulge by eating everything. This is especially true if you’re on a cruise or staying in an all-inclusive resort where food is everywhere and always available for free. If this is the case, Holmberg says to “treat the buffet like a menu and take one food out of each category. Load up on the veggies first, eat them and then go back for the other things.”

While on vacation, you’re bound to go out for meals several times. Restaurant portions can be huge, causing you to eat more than you really need. If you go out to a restaurant, Holmberg says to “trade portions of starches for veggies [for example, get a side salad instead of fries]… you could also split a main course and get salads.” Of course, it’s always fine to treat yourself to whatever it is you want to eat on occasion, but just try to do so in moderation.

7. Be Safe When it Comes to Sex

Even though it’s a cliché that everyone hooks up with strangers on spring break, doing so can put you at risk. “Sexual assault or a bad sexual experience is all too common on spring break,” Baty warns.

If you do choose to have sex, make sure you’re protected. Pack protection in your suitcase and keep it with you. Decide on your boundaries before you even leave for your trip, and make them very clear to your partner. If you feel uncomfortable in any way, don’t be afraid to just leave a situation.

Also, make sure that someone knows where you are if you decide to leave your friends at any point. “Each day, assign two friends to each other… that way, someone is always responsible for the other,” Baty says. “It makes it easier to know where each other is at all times and avoids confusion of who saw whom last.”

Keep these tips in mind as you set off on your spring break vacation, but remember to have fun, too. College spring break only happens a few times, so enjoy it. Indulge in moderation, drink water and stay safe, collegiettes! 

A Collegiette's Guide to Finding a Mentor

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Balancing classes, a part-time job, an internship, homework and social activities can be tough. So when the topic of finding a mentor comes up, many collegiettes shrug off the idea because there just aren’t enough hours in the day.

You may be wondering, “Uh oh, do I really need a mentor?”  The answer is no. Having a mentor won’t make-or-break your chance at career success. However, having a good mentor can be extremely helpful when you’re looking for career advice, job opportunities or even just a role model who has already succeeded in the career field you’d like to enter.

If you’ve never had a mentor, you probably have a million of questions. Never fear, collegiettes! HC has gathered some helpful insights to help you find the perfect mentor.
 
mentoring help tutor

How can a mentor help me?

There are many ways a mentor can help you, and you can often tailor your mentor/mentee relationship depending on what you hope to get out of it.

It’s best to be very specific about your goals when looking for a mentor. Do you want to find somebody to help you get your foot in the door in the accounting industry? Or maybe you’re looking for somebody to help you with your resume and cover letters?

Karen Burns, author of The Amazing Adventures of Working Girl: Real-Life Career Advice You Can Actually Usewrites that mentoring can differ depending on the needs of the mentee. “It can be a monthly lunch, a quarterly phone call, a weekly handball game, or merely a steady e-mail correspondence. Your mentor doesn’t even have to live in your city or region.”

Giving your mentor a detailed description of what you would like them to help you with is often the best method of handling this type of relationship. Think about what you need from them and then don’t be afraid to ask for it!

Kelsey Mulvey, a collegiette from Boston University, found a mentor in one of her bosses. “She’s super supportive and is encouraging me to follow my dreams, as clichéd as it sounds. I don’t think a mentor is absolutely necessary, but if you find someone who truly believes in you, it’s great to have that kind of support system!”

Where can I find a mentor?

Oftentimes, the most difficult aspect of mentorships is finding a mentor who’s right for you. In college, however, there are numerous resources students can use to find a mentor:

  • Current or former professors
  • Bosses/supervisors from jobs or internships
  • School-organized mentorship programs (where you can apply to be placed with a specific mentor, ask your academic advisors if your school has one!)
  • Professional organizations (both on and off campus)
  • Alumni databases

Alaine Perconti from Miami University of Ohio was connected with multiple mentors when she joined a professional business fraternity at her school. 

“Learning from their experiences, even if they were different from my own, has proven invaluable as I have progressed through the business school and have begun seeking internships for the summer,” she says. “I imagine joining any student organization would be a good start to finding a mentor of your own.”

In a much different setting, former Her Campus contributing writer Cassie Potler found a mentor after graduating from James Madison University and starting Teach For America. “My mentor Margi taught kindergarten, just like me, across the hall. As soon as I walked in, she took me under her wing and promised to help me ‘survive’ my first year teaching. Margi was more than a mentor to me, she also became one of my closest friends.”

How can I ask somebody to be my mentor? 

Depending on the situation, you may not be comfortable simply calling somebody and formally asking “Will you be my mentor?” A better way to feel out the situation is to ask the person for advice—on formatting your resume for example. By asking her a few questions, you can determine if you find her helpful and want her assistance to be an ongoing relationship.

The most important aspect of finding a mentor is making sure the person has time for you. If he or she is simply too busy, it won’t be a beneficial relationship for you or the mentor.

On that note, don’t be offended if you ask somebody to be your mentor and they respond that they are too busy for the relationship. Instead, thank him or her and ask if they know of anybody else in their career field (or the field you hope to go into) that might be willing to help you out. Chances are this person will have some great contacts and you’ll find the perfect mentor for you!

What do I have to do as a mentee?

As a mentee, there are certain responsibilities you should uphold in order to ensure a successful relationship. To start, you should initiate and schedule the plans with your mentor. Remember—this person is helping you. Make it as easy as possible for them to do so.

Additionally, listento what your mentor has to say. If you ask him or her a question, you want an honest answer. Don’t brush off their advice. You may eventually decide that you don’t want to follow their recommendations, but it is important to be receptive and understand that they’re truly trying to help you out.

Lastly, do something nice in return for the time and energy they spend on you! Treat your mentor to lunch—or at the very least write him or her a nice thank you card. If your mentor feels appreciated, he or she will be more likely to work harder to help you with your questions or find career opportunities.

 

It’s important to remember that anybody can be your mentor. If you respect somebody for their accomplishments and they are willing to give a little time out of their schedule for you—whether formally or informally—you can build the relationship into a successful mentorship. So don’t be afraid to ask!

9 Life Lessons We Learned From 'How I Met Your Mother'

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Although How I Met Your Mother is a hilarious sitcom, it also has a surprising number of useful life lessons! These gems of wisdom from the legen... wait for it... dary show will guide you through the world of college and beyond. Take notes! 

1. Nothing good ever happens after 2 a.m.

2. Dress to impress.

3. Always have a "Get Psyched" playlist. 

4. Take life as it comes, both the ups and downs.

5. Keep moving forward, even if it's scary.

6. Find someone who doesn't just accept your quirks, but loves them.

7. Enjoy the crazy times with good friends now, because they won't last forever.

8. Make mistakes.

9. And finally, don't forget to be awesome.

6 Unexpected Cities to Look for Summer Internships

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If you’ve already read our guide to the summer internship search and have started planning ahead for summer 2014, then you know that the location of your future internship is an important factor to consider. While the first cities to find an internship that cross your mind are probably New York and Los Angeles, there are so many other amazing places that are secret internship goldmines. After all, our list of the five best internships in the country has internships located everywhere from Dallas to Martha’s Vineyard! Whether you’re interested in media, business or law, check out these unexpected cities that might just be the location of your dream internship.

1. Washington, D.C.

Top industries: Journalism, politics and international affairs 

Spending the summer working in the nation’s capital sounds pretty impressive, right? As you might expect, Washington, D.C., is the place to go for students who are interested in careers in law or politics. D.C. has hundreds of awesome internships in fields such as international affairs, political journalism, government and more! Plus, the proximity to so many local universities (like George Washington University, Georgetown University and American University) means you get the added bonus of a “college-town” atmosphere (with a few more business suits and briefcases).

Check out these internships:The Fund for American Studies offers placement for summer internships in international affairs, political journalism, public policy, business and government affairs, philanthropy and legal studies. Students take classes at George Mason University (or Ohio Northern University if you’re a law student) during the summer.

Another great program in D.C. is the Washington Internship Institute, which offers placement in a wide variety of internships in government offices and both nonprofit and for-profit institutions. In the past, WII students have completed internships at Amnesty International, CNN and Capitol Hill!

2. Boston, Massachusetts

Top industries: Media, journalism and finance

The Red Sox, great shopping on Newbury Street and colleges everywhere you look—what’s not to love about Boston? Part of what makes Boston such a great place to intern is its smaller size, which makes it much more manageable (and less intimidating!) than say, New York. Some of the nearby schools (Northeastern University, for example) even offer housing specifically for summer interns!

As one of the biggest media markets in the country, Boston has tons of opportunities for students to intern for big-name newspapers, like the The Boston Globe and the Boston Herald, and broadcast media stations, like FOX 25 and WGBH (not to mention Her Campus!).

Check out these internships:WGBH, one of the country’s top media production companies, offers internships and co-ops in fields such as digital production, journalism, marketing, TV production and radio production. If you’re interested in a career in finance, The Boston Consulting Group and the management and consulting firm Bain & Company both made the top 10 of Vault’s list of best overall internships in America! 

3. San Francisco, California

Top industries: Technology, social media and art

Google. Yelp. Twitter. What do these companies have in common? Not only are they all mega successful, but their highly sought-after internships are located in or near the great city of San Francisco! If you’re looking to intern with a big-name company, especially in the fields of software or technology, San Fran is the place to be this summer. It’s a global leader in tech start-ups and innovation. For collegiettes who are more artistically inclined, San Francisco also boasts a large number of art museums and galleries, such as the Cartoon Art Museum and The Walt Disney Family Museum.

Check out these internships: If you think you have what it takes, Google’s internship program has been rated the best in the country, not to mention the one that pays the most!

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art offers art internships in a variety of departments, including photography curating, painting curating and design.

4. Atlanta, Georgia

Top industries: Business, marketing and sales

Atlanta draws many ambitious summer interns because it’s home to 16 Fortune 500 companies, including Home Depot, Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola! Atlanta’s cost of living is much more affordable than other major cities, which is a major plus for budget-conscious collegiettes. According to Expatistan, Atlanta’s cost of living is 35 percent cheaper than New York!

Check out these internships: If you’re interested in interning for a major company, be sure to check out the summer programs at Delta Air Lines and Coca-Cola Enterprises. Atlanta is also home to the world’s largest aquarium, so why not get a unique experience at Georgia Aquarium this summer? They offer internships in areas such as fundraising, public relations and, of course, zoological operations!

5. Minneapolis, Minnesota

Top industry: Business

Minneapolis has a surprising number of internship opportunities, partly thanks to Target! According to AskMen, Target hires more than 1,000 interns a year for its competitive program, which focuses on business leadership and development. The city also has a large theater and arts scene. Bonus: it was rated America’s best new food city by Food & Wine magazine!  

Check out these internships:Target’s world-class internship program offers opportunities in marketing, distribution, pharmacy and more. To get an idea of what it’s like to intern for the mega store, check out this awesome blog, which features testimonials from past interns!  General Mills, one of the world’s leading food companies, is another fantastic company in Minneapolis, with internship positions in marketing, management and financial analysis.

6. Columbus, Ohio

Top industries: Fashion and visual merchandising

Who says that you have to go to New York to find a fashion internship? You may be surprised to find that there are a large number of fashion companies located in Ohio! Limited Brands, or L Brands, is the fashion retailer that owns some of our favorite companies (including Victoria’s Secret, PINK and Bath & Body Works)—and they’re based in Columbus. Who knew?

Check out these internships: Along with L Brands, you can also find awesome merchandising and design internships at Abercrombie & Fitch (in New Albany, just outside of Columbus) and Express.

NYC and Los Angeles are great, but these cities also have a lot to offer. Don’t miss out on applying to one of these amazing summer internships—you never know what kind of amazing experience you could have!  

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