Few things feel as good as giving back, but sometimes it’s difficult to find and commit to an organization that aligns with your passions. At Her Campus we are enthusiastic about women’s empowerment, as we firmly believe in the unparalleled power of a unified group of women. For the collegiette looking for a cause to get behind but struggling to choose where best to invest time, energy and dollar bills, meet Global Goods Partners, a group that we are totally obsessed with and one that should be on every collegiette’s radar.

Global Goods Partners is a fair trade, non-profit organization that connects underprivileged women in the Global South with the international market. GGP works with nearly 40 groups from 20 countries, collectively employing over 3000 women across the globe! Through bridging this gap and enabling these women to sell their unique and meticulously crafted handmade goods, GGP creates jobs and generates income. Global Goods Partners is dedicated to providing these women with otherwise inaccessible opportunities and effectively changing their lives. And who wouldn’t want a part in that?

Every purchase improves the quality of life for not just one individual, but also for her family and entire community. As if GGP isn’t appealing enough already, they also cater to consumers needs. Their typical buyer wants to use her purchasing power to spark social change, but doesn’t want to sacrifice style—so GGP puts forth extra effort to conjoin these two needs with exclusive and contemporary fashion designs that are also ethical and eco-friendly.

By entering below and shopping at Global Goods Partners with a 20% off discount, you can help eradicate global poverty and promote social justice in underprivileged communities around the world. You can check out Global Goods Partners on their blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest too. This discount expires in one week, so enter now for the exclusive code and be sure to give back today!

Global Goods Partners

A professor at Wheaton College, an evangelical Christian school, has decided to leave the school, after her comments that Muslims and Christians worship the same god angered school officials.

Professor Larycia Hawkins, tenured in political science and the first tenured black professor at Wheaton, first made the comment in a Facebook post from Dec. 10, when she announced that she would wear a hijab during the Christmas advent season to show support for Muslims facing Islamaphobia and discrimination.

The school claims in a recent statement that Hawkins is in hot water—not for her choice to wear hijab, but because her “theological statements seem inconsistent with Wheaton’s doctrinal convictions," according to Reuters.

In other words, the school disagrees with Hawkins' theological point that Muslims and Christians worship the same god.

Last month the school’s provost recommended that Hawkins be fired. But Saturday night, according to TIME, he emailed the school saying he revoked this recommendation, apologized to Hawkins, and asked for her forgiveness. Of course, school and professor have now agreed to part ways amicably, but this hasn’t kept the school free from scandal. Many professors are upset and confused about how the whole situation unfolded, and the school is about to embark on a $175 million fundraising campaign.

Many of Hawkins fellow faculty members have taken to Facebook, this time in solidarity with her. Some professors have posted photos of themselves holding up signs saying, “We support Dr. Hawkins.”

Before you spend Valentine’s Day gushing over your SO, remember the people who had your back first: your girlfriends. Sure, you’ll spend February 14 prepping for your night out with your significant other (or spending the day treating your wonderful, single self!), but February 13 is all about cherishing the girls who have seen you cry, watched you stuff your face with pounds of chocolate and helped you pick out the perfect crop top to wear to your first college party. In true Parks and Recreation fashion, Her Campus’s guide to the ultimate Galentine’s Day will guarantee a friendship-filled February 13.

1. Say “bye-bye, boys”

Remember, this day is for your gal pals, which means no guys allowed. Yes, some of your best friends may be guys, but while we love them for the pals that they are, no guy could ever replace your girlfriends. Ask yourself: Would my guy friend want to tag along and get a mani-pedi with Amanda and Laura? If the answer is no, he’s gotta go for the day.

2. Get pampered

What better way to get girly with your gals than to have a stay-at-home spa day? From face masks to feet scrubs, there are tons of innovative ways to get the spa experience without leaving your living room! Get some ideas from our list and look at your Pinterest boards to plan your perfect pampering day.

“You don't have to spend a ton of money on an overcrowded, overrated spa, and it's more casual, so it'll be more relaxing,” says Sarah, a first-year graduate student at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. “Whenever I have an at-home spa night for either myself or with my friends, it usually entails painting each other's nails, mani and pedi and putting facial masks on using a premade pack or by splurging on a store-bought tube of cucumber facial mask from a drugstore.”

3. Treat yo’selves

If you’ve been cutting back on the carbs, today is the day to go all out. Have dessert, eat an extra slice of pizza and enjoy yourself. (You can always walk it off while shopping at the mall afterwards!)

“When I want to give my friend a super-nice day, we'll usually go to her favorite restaurant for breakfast or brunch,” says Aja, a junior at California Polytechnic State University. “Then we'll usually go shopping or on a hike or to the beach – anything that's relaxing and fun!”

Whether you spend the day buying workout clothes or actually working out, enjoy spending the day out and about with your girlfriends.

4. Rent a chick flick

What better way to bond than by gushing over cute protagonists, eating popcorn and getting way too emotionally invested in a movie?

If you’re interested in some older chick flicks, check out Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Titanic. If you’re looking for something relatively new, rent The Other Woman, The Fault in Our Stars or Sex and the City! There’s never a shortage of chick flicks for you and your friends to choose from. Don’t forget the tissues!

5. Go back to the basics

What about your long-distance BFFs? Nothing says, “I appreciate you” like a handwritten valentine or letter. Sure, a well-written text or a playful e-card could cheer your friend up, but taking the time to write out a letter will make her day.

“It doesn't have to be fancy,” Sarah says. “You can buy blank cards and 3D stickers from an arts and crafts store like Michaels and decorate it, then write in it!”

This card is something she can hang up in her room, tape to her binder or use as a bookmark as an everyday reminder that you’re always on her side.

As important as Valentine’s Day is to you and your SO, it’s just as important to take the time to cherish your gal-entines. Happy Galentine’s Day, collegiettes!

This is going to sound silly, but when I was 17-year-old, all I wanted in life was a tan.

I was, what most would consider, (and rightfully so) an awkward teenager. Red hair, freckles, fair skin and an inability to style my hair or use makeup successfully, I was constantly fretting over the way I looked. In high school, looks are EVERYTHING. There wasn’t a single day when I woke up and was actually happy about the way I looked as I walked out the door and headed off to school. It was a constant struggle that I often masked with sarcasm and a quick wit (which I’m still rocking today).

While sitting with my family and one of our close friends at a hockey game one night, I started talking about my most hated characteristic: my pale skin. Our family friend immediately came to the rescue with a solution to my problem: she recommended I start using indoor tanning beds as a “safe” and “healthy” way to achieve the long desired tan.

“But aren’t those dangerous?” I asked her. She was after all, a nurse. She should know.

“No, they’re totally safe. It’s a controlled environment and better for you than the sun!”

Now, in her defense, this was about a hundred years ago. We didn’t know what we know now: tanning beds are extremely dangerous, emit 3-6 times the UV radiation of the sun, and cause cancer.  They’re so dangerous that the FDA recently announced plans for a national ban on tanning devices for minors.

With a nagging hesitation, but conflicting excitement, I took her advice and head to a tanning salon the very next day.

I became hooked. Tanorexic. There’s no other way to put it. This was a full-blown addiction. Once a week I would frequent tanning beds all over western Massachusetts, searching for the best $5 deal, the newest bulbs and the strongest “enhancing lotions.” I was golden brown within weeks, something an Irish redhead should NEVER be. Something that no one who isn’t naturally golden brown should ever be for that matter.

I went about with this weekly routine for two and a half years. I baked outdoors any chance I got. Living in New England, I had but a brief three-month window where I could actually achieve a tan outdoors, but I made sure to keep up with my tanning bed habit even throughout the summer. There was no way I would return to that hideous pale creature I was back in junior year of high school.

Eventually it would catch up to me.

During my sophomore year of college I spotted a dark, itchy mole on my stomach. A voice, perhaps just a whisper, inside my head thought “that probably isn’t good.” I decided to get it checked the next time I was at the doctor’s office for my routine physical exam.

My primary care physician was less than concerned. “Looks fine, leave it alone,” she said when I brought it to her attention. Again, the voice: “No, not right. Get it removed.” I fought back, told her I didn’t feel right about it and that I wanted to have it removed. She was less than amused at this, now 19-year-old, attempting to dictate her treatment plans when she knew best. But I was un-phased by her repeated attempts to get me to ignore and wouldn’t leave her office until she wrote me the referral.

Two weeks later, my world would be turned upside down: I would be diagnosed with stage-2 melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Little did I know, this was becoming a more and more common occurrence around the country: teens and young adult women across the United States would be receiving a similar diagnoses to mine. Melanoma was quickly becoming a “young women’s” cancer. It’s the second most common for of cancer for young people ages 15-29 and the only cancer increasing instead of declining in incidents.

The next month was a blur. I know people say that all the time, but it’s true. Here I was in college, supposed to be enjoying the best time of my life, battling cancer. The four weeks following my diagnosis would be filled with endless doctor’s visits, skin exams, radioactive dye injections and a 3-hour surgery that would result in four major scars and over 70 stitches. Drainage tubes were sewn into my incisions and would later be ripped from my body without novocaine. I would have eight lymph nodes removed from my body to determine if the cancer had spread. Luckily for me, it didn’t.

My journey, however, had only just begun. Melanoma is a cancer you have to consciously work towards preventing on a regular basis. No more tanning, either indoors or out, for me. No more careless days at the beach without SPF. No more tan skin.

After learning how to live a completely different life style, I realized that melanoma had come into my life for a reason: so I could become an advocate. I have been working in some capacity with the Melanoma Foundation of New England for over nine years. I’ve been a spokesperson for their signature, award-winning, national program Your Skin Is In, served as a speaker across the country, featured in countless media interviews including Teen Vogue, WebMD, Inside Edition and ABC World News, and given an award by Cosmopolitan Magazine. 

The key to melanoma is prevention and early detection, a note I hit home every time I speak to a group of students whether it’s five or 500. If my story changes one mindset, helps one tanning addict overcome their addiction, or makes one person think twice about applying sunscreen, then everything I went through was worth it. Even if I had the chance, I wouldn’t change my journey for anything. 

With the crazy lives celebrities lead, it never comes as any surprise when a celeb chooses to take a break from the public eye. So when Lena Dunham decided to call it quits, we didn't think much of it.

But for Lena, it's not just about needing some time off; it's for more personal reasons than that, and we're glad she's speaking out about it. Turns out, she's been diagnosed with endometriosis, "a chronic condition that affects approximately 1 in 10 women's reproductive health," she explains. It happens when tissue that usually grows inside the uterus is actually growing outside of it, and causes severe pain.

Though Lena acknowledges that she's in a unique position to be able to take time off, we're glad she's speaking up about why it's important to take some personal time, and to be okay with it. We live in a world where taking time off is frowned upon, but sometimes, that's exactly what you need to excel. As Lena puts it, “That’s a hard thing to do, but I’m trying, because all I want is to make season 6 of Girls the best one yet.”

Amandla Stenberg was first introduced to us as the lovable and innocent Rue in The Hunger Games, and now the 17-year-old is finding a more mature voice both on screen and off. In particular, she’s becoming an activist for female empowerment, and channeling her influence through acting and film making.

The young actress stars in a new indie film, As You Are, which touches on some powerful and relevant issues, such as teen sexuality and domestic violence. In an interview with Nylon, Stenberg noted the film’s “themes of alienation, especially in… suburban environments.” The young actress also has aspirations for getting behind the camera, and plans on studying film at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, according to Teen Vogue.

Much of Stenberg's inspiration has come from the powerful women she’s encountered in her career thus far. “I’ve met some bomb-ass women who’ve inspired me to go and make some more shit,” she said. She’s also ready to handle the often unfair, sexist culture that lurks behind every Hollywood success story. When Nylon asked Stenberg about the rise and fall of some of her popular female co-stars, she had some insightful words:

“I think it has a lot to do with the fact that we're women, and a lot to do with how people value our thoughts, and unfortunately for a lot of young actors and women, our thoughts are only seen as valid when we're popular, in popular culture, which is really stupid… I have to remember is just to stay true to who I am and to continue talking about things I want to talk about.”

Stenberg certainly seems to be headed in the right direction and is an inspiring voice for young women everywhere. Along with promoting As You Are and spreading her feminism love, the 17-year-old is releasing a short film called Blue Girls Burn Fast in the near future. This girl is someone we definitely want to keep an eye on—Hollywood, get ready.

What ever happened to predictability? The milk man, the paper boy, and evening—stop what you’re doing. It’s here. The Fuller House trailer is finally here!

In an interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Candace Cameron Bure, Jodie Sweetin and Andrea Barber shared some inside info about the Full House spinoff which will be debuting on Netflix on Friday February 26. Our favorite Tanner family will be back and following the story of single mom D.J. Tanner and her three sons. Stephanie Tanner and the notorious Kimmy Gibbler will be there too, after they move in with D.J. to help take care of the boys. 

The released clip doesn't give much away, and we can barely wait for the show to finally debut. While the Olsen twins aren’t set to return to the series, the show will feature exciting guest appearances by John Stamos, Bob Saget, Dave Coulier, Lori Loughlin and Scott Weinger.

Have Mercy! Our '90s nostaliga is flaring, and we are way too excited about this. 

If you're a fan of Harry Potter, then you know that the series' author, J.K. Rowling, has taken to connecting with her fans via Twitter to talk about the characters, Wizarding World, and life in general. She's known for caring deeply for her readers and replying with well-thought-out, kind words of wisdom. 

Rowling's most recent heartfelt conversation with a fan occured on Monday. A teenage girl reached out to the author asking for help dealing with the not-so-fantastic beast that is depression. This is a topic that Rowling is familiar with, as she, too, struggled with depression at one point in her life. That experience might be why she's so dedicated to connecting with her fans about the subject.

Rowling responded immediately, advising the young girl to ask for help, as well as offering a "big hug."

Naturally, the act of getting a sweet response from such a lovely lady was enough to boost the fan's mood, which is a great start. We love that Rowling is still using her fame and followers for good, making sure to help people out when she knows from experience that they need it most. Thank you, J.K. Rowling!

In the last few weeks, I've seen almost every iteration of the same basic meme across my social media newsfeeds: "In a world full of Kardashians, be a..." with the blank being any number of classic female icons, including Audrey Hepburn, Lucille Ball and Princess Diana.

This meme is awful. Every version of it has the same toxic message: Put a family of women down in order to raise another woman up. It's made of the same misogynistic DNA as the "You're not like other girls" trope in popular fiction. The idea is that 'other girls' are not special, often because of sexist and stereotypical reasons: They care too much about their appearance, they enjoy shopping and fashion, they post selfies, they use social media frequently, they wear a full face of makeup. 

As women, we're taught to internalize this misogyny and sexism. We're taught that we have to follow certain 'rules' in order to be attractive, both in looks and in personality. We must be drop-dead gorgeous, but we can't put any personal effort into it by applying layers of makeup, spending time on our hair or picking out attractive outfits. Instead, we're supposed to roll out of bed just looking perfect. We need to be cool and above the supposed vanity of other women who take selfies, celebrate and love themselves as people. 

Popular fiction already pits women against one another. I can't name how many young adult books or television shows I've encountered where the lead female character have few or no healthy relationships with other women. Instead, the main character often feels nothing but jealousy for them, sometimes even to the point of disdain or hatred. Main female characters will spend the first half of a book or movie whining about how they aren't as pretty as their female counterparts—the popular girl in school, the cheerleader or the slightly-hotter best friend character. Somewhere toward the middle, a guy will pay attention to that leading female, and tell her she isn't "like other girls." She won't understand why he would fall for her, when these other, prettier girls are an option.

That's what we're spoon-fed growing up: that our only option is to compare ourselves to other women. Instead of forming solidarity, and maintaining close, healthy relationships with our friends, we're supposed to be jealous of them, but also pity them for being "just like other girls" at the same time. The fact that the phrase "not like other girls" is even well-known is a problem in and of itself. It suggests that there's something wrong with other girls.

It doesn't matter whether you like the Kardashians or not. In this instance, they're being equated to "other girls." As women, we need to stand up and say that this sexist treatment is unfair. There is no category of "other girls" who are inferior; it's a lie that was created by the sexist media. It's an idea that's designed to pit women against one another so they don't realize it's based in misogyny. If women spend all their time battling each other, they have no time to fight sexism.

Instead of fighting, we should support one another. Women need to stand together, in solidarity, if we want to fight against sexism and internalized mysogyny. There are times when it's still necessary to criticize other women for problematic actions and statements, but we can't forget the sexism that they face. Female celebrities and public figures are held to ridiculously high standards built on a foundation of sexism, where they're criticized one moment and put on a pedestal as the next "It Girl." We can't let memes like this win, because it's not just a funny image that keeps re-circulating online. It represents more than that. Let's take down the idea of "other girls" and "in a world full of Kardashians." There's no such thing as "other girls." We're all other girls, and we won't stop fighting.

With the early stages of 2016 a new workout routine under your belt (...or not), come the opportunity to shop for a new gym wardrobe! But with all the cute options out there and all at different price points, where do you begin? How much should you really spend on a pair of black leggings? What's the right kind of sports bra for your workout routine? And how do you even take care of your gym clothes to ensure they last the longest? We did some digging and got all the answers for you:

1. Those leggings are expensive for a good reason

Shopping for workout clothes can put a dent in your wallet. If you’re looking for name brand or designer workout clothes, you’ll definitely have to splurge a little. But why are workout clothes so expensive?

"There are a lot of reasons why some workout clothes are more expensive than others," says Alexia Clark, a personal trainer. "Sometimes it could just be the 'brand name' but there are a lot of workout clothes that are made from special materials that fight against odor and dry fast so you won't be drenched during your whole workout." Higher priced workout clothes made with sweat-wicking abilities and UV protection will last longer. If you’re worried about the price tag, keep in mind that the items you’re looking at will likely have better performance than cheaper items. It will be worth it in the long run (pun kind of intended)!

2. Wash the entire outfit after every use

Some people think it’s okay to wear workout clothes more than once before washing them. However, this can cause bacteria and yeast to build up, especially if your gear is tight-fitting.

"Gym clothes should be washed after every workout," emphasizes Stephanie Alexis, founder & chief stylist at Style Studio. "There are some clothes that can be worn multiple times before washing, such as jeans, but workout clothes are not one of them. After a workout session, you and your clothes are sweaty, stinky and more than ready for a good wash."

Haley Cahill, a graduate from Appalachian State University, had a negative experience after wearing a sports bra more than once before washing it. “I've always tried to get 2 to 3 or even 4 to 5 wears out of a sports bra before tossing it in the laundry,” she says. “I would typically come home from the gym and shower, but I'd let the sports bra air dry and throw it back in my gym bag for the next day.” Haley noticed that she was getting bad acne on her back and chest, and it only cleared up after she wore a clean sports bra every time she worked out. “Even if I had a light workout and didn't sweat much, I can only imagine the dirt and bacteria that was getting trapped on the sports bra in addition to sweat,” she says. Doing an extra load of laundry is definitely worth avoiding bacteria growth!

Related: A Guide to What Kind of Underwear You Should REALLY Be Wearing to Workout

3. Let each piece dry before putting it in the hamper

If you put sweaty workout clothes into your laundry basket without letting them dry, you’re giving them an environment to grow bacteria in. You may think this doesn’t matter since you’re washing them anyway, but it can give them an unpleasant odor.

"I usually hang my sweaty workout clothes on the side of my hamper so let them dry out a bit before throwing them in with the rest of my clothes," Clark says. "That way my whole hamper full of regular clothes that are not made from special odor-fighting [materials] doesn't get smelly."

In addition to making your clothes smell, putting sweaty workout clothes in your hamper can cause bacteria to grow. "If your gear is super sweaty, let it air dry before throwing it in the hamper so it doesn't grow any mold," says Jenna Transtrum, owner and founder of Senita Athletics. After spending the money on nice workout clothes, bacteria is the last thing you'll want!

Jenna Adrian, a sophomore at Drexel University, makes the same point. “You should never toss them in the hamper while they're still damp and sweaty,” she says. “This can result in a musty odor that is difficult or impossible to get rid of. Instead, hang them up (over the back of a chair, on your drying rack, etc.) to let them dry, then toss them in the hamper.” This simple hack will save you a hassle later on and keep your workout clothes smelling fresh and clean.

4. Avoid fabric softener

Although fabric softener can make your clothes smell good, it’s not ideal for workout clothing.

"Many of the sweat wicking and compression materials don't do well with the softener and it will shorten the life of your garments," says Victor Adam, a health and fitness expert. Transtrum and Kyle Kranz, a running coach and social media coordinator for SKORA, agrees with Adam: avoiding fabric softeners or extra fragrences is your best bet! If you want your clothes to smell good, try a scented laundry detergent instead. If you spend the money on nice workout clothes, you want them to last!

5. Avoid high heat

Hot water and heat can break down the fabric your clothes are made with and lead to shrinkage. When washing your workout clothes, make sure you put them in cold water. When it comes to drying them, air drying is your best option—drying on low heat if it's a must.

"If it is compression (or generally elastic) it is usually best to dry workout cloths on a medium or medium low heat," Adam says. "Again, most workout gear will be sweat-wicking/fast drying, so the lower heat won't slow the drying process down much." If you're worried about the material or possible shrinkage, stick to air drying.

"After washing your workout gear, I think it is best to air dry them either by hanging them to dry or laying them flat," Transtrum says. "The dryer could shrink your workout gear or affect the stretching fabrics." If you don’t have the time to air dry, it’s okay to put your clothes in the dryer on the lowest heat setting. As long as you avoid high temperatures as often as you can, your workout clothes should last longer and fit you how they did when you bought them!

6. The best materials are...

When it comes time to buy some new workout clothes, you'll want to know which materials are the best.

"Cotton workout clothes are not going to dry fast," Clark says. "I try to stay away from those because I hate the feeling of heavy sweaty clothes. Mesh and nylon/elastane tops are great!"

So what should you wear, if cotton isn't the way to go? "The best materials to work out in are the technical or performance fabrics," Alexis says. "They are usually made with polyesters and or/Lycra blends; they are designed to draw sweat away from the body. Try to avoid rough fabrics that could irritate your skin during a workout or repetitive movement." The most important thing to remember is to wear workout clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident!

7. Wear them with confidence

Wearing workout clothes that make you feel confident is extremely important. If you feel more comfortable in loose clothing, go with that. If you feel like you have more flexibility and range of motion in more form-fitting pieces, go ahead and rock it!

Now that you know the ins and outs of your workout clothes, you should have no problem hitting all your fitness goals! If you’re spending the money on nice workout clothes, be sure to take care of them correctly so they’ll last you as long as possible. You won’t only look great, but you’ll feel great too. Have a fantastic workout, collegiettes!

It's definitely hard to explain to other people what living in Kansas is like. When you tell someone you're from the Sunflower State, common responses include references to The Wizard of Oz, or "What do you even do there?" Kansas may not have mountains like Colorado or an ocean like California -- but there are some things that come with the territory. Those who grew up here know the following to be true:

1. There is no middle ground when it comes to college sports

You're either raised a K-State or KU fan. Most of the time, you absolutely loathe the opposite team, too.

2. If you didn't have a pool, you were miserable all summer

You were so jealous of your friends that did (and spent most of your time at their houses).

3. Hot summers don't compare to the harsh winters

The only good part about all of the snow was getting days off from school.

4. Driving through the Flint Hills is the worst

So. Boring.

5. You know what the "Little Apple" is

"Where are you from?"
"Manhattan."
"Oh, New York? Wow!"
"No, Kansas."

6. The parties you went to were straight out of a country music video

Bonfires, kegs, sitting on truck tailgates -- you name it.

7. You know that harvest is the most important time of the year

Especially for your friends that had to help with it.

8. Unless you're from Johnson County

A.K.A. the Beverly Hills of Kansas.

9. Driving around and listening to music with friends was the best way to spend your weekends

Although, driving around did get old after looping the same five blocks over and over again.

10. You constantly have to explain that Kansas City belongs to both Kansas and Missouri

It's just too much city for one state, okay?

11. You've had a Cozy Inn burger

And loved it, of course.

12. And even though the Chiefs and Royals are in Missouri, you still rooted for them

Through the good and the (mostly) bad.

13. Worlds of Fun was your yearly family vacation

Worlds of Fun one day, Oceans of Fun the next.

14. Facebook is flooded with sunflower pictures in the fall

Practically everyone had their senior pictures done in a sunflower field.

15. Nearly everyone is a Republican, unless they're from Lawrence

You also referred to Lawrence as the "blue dot in a sea of red."

16. Your friends from college have no desire to visit

*Pretends not to understand why someone who lives in California wouldn't want to vacation in Kansas.*

17. But that doesn't make you love it any less

Even though you complain about it all the time.

18. And it will always be home

The only quote from the Wizard of Oz that's relevant.

The ultimate pastime, napping is not only one of the best, but laziest art forms of all time. Whether you are trying to sneak in that 1-hour shuteye between morning and afternoon classes, or if you are cozying up after a long day of school and work—napping is a priority in your everyday life. Obviously there are extreme health benefits to napping throughout the day and letting your body recharge (when you just aren’t in the mood to down two, three or four cups of coffee) but napping is good for the soul and it is those who consider their rests to be essential to their day, that know one nap could mean the difference between being sufferable in sociology and pumped in psychology!

1. A napping emoji is seriously needed

2. Anticipating your regularly scheduled program of pillow perfection is always at an all-time high

3. Coffee is for amateur energy-risers—naps are incredibly necessary to receive the peak of energy

4. Hot cocoa and/or tea will always win over coffee

5. Not finding time for a nap will always be the saddest

6. Going to sleep is easy part—waking up is the worst

7. Sleeping until mid-afternoon on the weekends is absolutely normal

8. For some, your bed is the only Valentine you need

9. …. It’s cozy….

10. …Keeps you warm at night…

11. And it’s all yours

12. But for others, napping doesn’t necessarily have to take place in your bed

13. How else are all-nighters supposed to happen?

14. Unfortunately eating breakfast only happens once or twice… on a good week

15. Your favorite smell is fresh cotton linen

16. Cats are your spirit animals…

17. ….because they love to nap, too.

The early part of the semester is an important time to make a good impression. During this period, you are on time to (or actually attend) all of your classes and it feels great. You have things under control. Maybe you even email your professor and go to office hours. But most importantly, you get up early, and make an effort. We all know that it won’t last after week two, but until you realize 30 more minutes of sleep is way more important than straightening your hair, we all pretend this is how we will dress for the whole semester.

So, on the week when everyone tries their best to look fly, I (reluctantly) let my boyfriend choose my hair, makeup, and clothing. Going into the week, I was slightly worried. Graham has a great sense of style, but I still wondered how well he could dress me from head to toe. Each night he stood in front of my closet, hands on hips, making frustrated sighs while piecing together the next day’s clothing creation. I watched in silence and tried not to laugh at some of the more... interesting looks he suggested. 

For the first day of class, he chose a black & tan striped Anthropologie shirt paired with a black vest, dark wash jeans, and tan booties. I’m not gonna lie, I was pretty upset I hadn’t come up with this combination myself before. A solid 8/10 for the first day.

Tuesdays are my busy days. I have several meetings and wanted to look nice for them, so I was anxious to see what Graham would choose. He picked an H&M shift dress that he calls my “Aztec chameleon” dress paired with white tights and tan booties. He requested I wear gold hoops and my hair in a bun.

Related: I Tried Living Like a Kardashian For a Week & Here's What Happened

I wish I was kidding when I say I got more compliments on that outfit than anything I’ve ever picked out for myself. Everyone was shocked when I told them that my boyfriend had picked it out. This outfit was a 10/10.

On Wednesday, Graham went full #SportySpice with a pink Adidas top and Under Armour leggings. A solid 8/10 for a casual day of classes and a workout.

On Thursday, he channeled my inner prepster with a Polo oxford under a gold sweater, jeans, and statement necklace. Though the outfit was a bit more preppy than anything I would have ever chosen for myself, I made it through the day with no regrets and gave the outfit a 6/10.

Related: I Let My Tween Sister Dress Me For 5 Days & Here's What Happened

And then there was Friday. After my complaints about being ‘Blair Waldorf 2.0’ the previous day, Graham picked out a thrift-store flannel, navy leggings, and my favorite tall boots. I wore my hair half-bun and tortoise shell glasses to complete this hipster vibe. This final look got a solid 7/10.

Overall, it was a great bonding experience for both of us. I loved not having to pick out my outfits each day, and Graham loved the praise (and shocked looks) he got when people found out he dressed me. It also gave me a new perspective on my wardrobe; I've been able to consider outfit ideas I never knew existed in my own closet.

Related: I Rinsed My Hair With Coca-Cola & This is What Happened

So ladies, the next time you are scrambling to find something cute to wear, consider turning to your SO for advice, because they just might surprise you!

Admissions decisions are in the mail, university tours are commencing and you’re basically being hit from every angle with advice about the college you should choose. It’s a whirlpool of recommendations and outside opinions, and you may feel yourself slowly drowning under the weight and finality of this huge choice you’re about to make.

However, the most important factor to keep in mind when choosing a university is yourself. To thrive at your potential university, you must make a decision that best meets the needs of your heart and lifestyle. That being said, here is a list of the people who shouldn’t have a say in your college decision: 

1. Your significant other

We aren’t going to lie––this is hard one. Maybe you and your SO have been accepted to all of the same schools, or none of the same schools. It feels great to be in love, and as the time to make a final college decision quickly approaches, your SO is surely a matter weighing heavily on your heart. If your partner is staying in your hometown, there may be temptation to also stay home and attend a community college with the plan to transfer to a university later on.

Many couples experience conflict as the time to make an admissions decision comes around.  Oftentimes, it means that they have to enter into a long distance relationship or break up altogether. However, now is the most crucial time to make yourself a priority. The college experience should be everything you dream it to be, whether your SO is there or not.

“I’ve maintained a happy long distance relationship for over two years! There are definitely times when it’s hard to be at separate schools, but my boyfriend and I think the distance ultimately makes us stronger, both as partners and as people,” says Christina Penn, a sophomore at the University of Michigan.

Loving and understanding partners will support your choice, even if it is different than theirs. A long distance relation ship is nothing to worry about! It allows the opportunity for individual growth, while still fostering a connection to home and the person you love most.

 2. Your friends

Talking about prospective universities with your besties can be a blast. It’s fun to fantasize about weekend road trips, sorority life and all the amazing times you will certainly be sharing together. But, most of the time, we don’t get to take our best friends to college with us, no matter how much we wish we could.

Despite any anxiety you may experience over separation, know that college will bring bunches of incredible new friends into your life––and that doesn’t mean that you need to lose touch with your high school friends either! All the weekend road trips will still be there, and having a long distance best friend just stands as a testament to how much you truly love each other.

Another important thing to avoid is peer pressure from your friends in choosing a certain college or university. Despite academic stigmas, it’s important to attend a college that best meets your needs, regardless of the reputation it may hold.

Related: [ Long Distance Best Friends ]

3. People on the internet

You may find that the people around you are caught up in the same academic stigmas that so many others fall victim to. Chat rooms and online sites like College Confidential exist in order to make the college decision process easier­­––not to pressure you into choosing a university with the highest esteem.

“When I was poking around in online forums to answer my college related questions, I was almost made to feel insecure about my prospective college choices,” says Adrienne Newton, a biology student at Biola University. “I don’t think that was anybody’s intention, but certain colleges come with reputations that give them more attention. That’s when you have to ignore what everybody else is saying, and laugh it off, because we can’t all go to ivy leagues!”

Yes, Harvard is amazing, and Elle Woods goes there in Legally Blonde. Of course we all want to be Elle Woods! But for many people, a state school or small private university is a better fit than the big name schools you may be directed to. Follow your heart on this one.

4. People at your prospective college

While this may not be applicable to everyone’s situation, many students are led to make a final college decision based on advice from people at their potential college of choice. This could range from a personal friend, department head, current student or even the campus’s tour guide! “Many prospective students come into my office during their first quarter and inform me that a prominent reason they chose Cal Poly was in part because of the outstanding tour they had received on our campus,” says Penny Bennet, Cal Poly’s College of Liberal Arts associate dean and academic advisor. “While I’m reassured that Cal Poly hosts an excellent prospective student tours, I’m always amazed that people would let something as simple as a tour affect such a life changing decision.”

A visit to campus is a fantastic way to gauge your potential college’s social environment, as well as provide an opportunity to see if you enjoy the campus and the surrounding city, but any advice from the people you meet there should not determine your final decision. It is important to keep in mind that faculty and students work to be as enticing as possible, promoting the school and showing off its shiniest parts. Basing your final decision on the exciting information everyone told you may lead to you being unsatisfied with your university choice later.

5. Your mentor

If you’re involved in high school athletics, you have probably looked into your prospective college’s sports programs. The same goes for you visual artists and academic geniuses who hope that your future college can cater to your extracurricular passions. Academic advisors, coaches and mentors are sure to have connections to various college departments, and if you demonstrate the skills to take your passion even further, you can bet that your mentor may have a recommendation for you!

 “Any coach or team leader wants their players to continue in their athletic practice, especially if they’ve already shown signs of lifetime potential,” says Scott Corso, the athletic director at Temecula Valley High School in Southern California. “We have a passion for our team, and because of that we are going to do what we can to get them to a college that can help them develop further with whatever sport they’ve been playing, and maybe even make a career out of it.”

While it is important to consider your mentor’s advice, especially if you plan to actively pursue an athletic or arts related scholarship, there should be absolutely no pressure to let your mentor make the decision for you. Other factors like major offerings, location, student body and finances are going to be extremely significant during your college career. If you are a biology major and you pick a school that has a killer dance team, but totally lacks in the science department, you’ll probably find yourself having a hard time.

Related: [ 7 Ways to Stay Calm When Waiting for College Decisions ]

6. Extended family

No, this does not mean your parents––they should definitely be a huge part of your college decision, because they consistently want the best for you and will also help you financially.

Extended family means those cousins and grandparents you only see during the holidays. The ones who systematically check in about your life progress and hound you with questions about the impending doom of your undecided future. It’s always a plus to have your family’s opinions about your university choice coincide with yours, but if you don’t have the same opinion, or are leaning towards a college where your uncle thinks the football team sucks, it’s okay.

Family is family, and depending on how deeply involved they are in your life, they will love you despite your final decision, because they want to see you in a place where you are happiest. Family should not be a source of pressure, but a source of hugs and encouragement.

Never fear, collegiettes! No matter what university you choose, be excited for the lovely times ahead of you. There are so many adventures, new friends and life changing experiences in store––wherever you are, there will always be enrichment and support from those around you.

Valentine’s Day approaches yet again, so out come the endless trail of roses and anything in the shape of a heart. We’re one stuffed animal away from cringing at the mere thought of it all, so here’s to nine things we can’t stand to see any longer on Valentine’s Day.

1. Heart-shaped boxes of assorted chocolates

As if the only way to celebrate V-day is with an expensive box of chocolates. That same $50 box that will be sold at 75 percent off the next day. So not worth it!

2. Overpriced red roses

Red roses? For Valentine's Day? Groundbreaking.

3. Page-long, cheesy Facebook posts

Oh, how we just love seeing essays on social media about how your SO couldn’t be more perfect!

4. And the Facebook posts about how great the single life is

No need to justify your single status so overbearingly just to prove you're happy being valentine-less on V-Day...

5. Gigantic stuffed teddy bears

Seriously, how can you carry that around all day, and where is it going to fit in a cramped dorm room?

6. “Roses are red, violets are blue…” cards and poems

The most overdone rhyme in V-Day history.

7. The Notebook (well, make that any gushy love story)

We don’t need a reminder of this sort of nonexistent perfection on the one day dedicated to couples.

8. Little candy hearts

Does anyone actually think these taste good?

9. The down-in-the-dumps single people

We're tired of seeing the singles loathing themselves and V-Day just because they're SO-less today of all days. Since when did awesome, loving friends become less important than having a date?

Sigh, ‘tis the season of love. Valentine's Day is fast approaching, collegiettes, and many of us—being the lovely procrastinators we are—need to begin the hunt for the perfect Valentine’s Day present. It may be your significant other, a BFF or some other special someone who needs a little love on V-Day. Here are seven last-minute DIY Valentine’s Day gifts for the loves in your life.

Date Night Jar

Everyone has trouble picking the perfect date or hangout spot. Southern In Law has put together the perfect solution with this date night jar that your valentine will love.

Sharpie Mug

If the loves in your life are coffee or tea drinkers, DIY sharpie mugs are a great gift for them. Living Your Creative has created a gift that’ll be sure to win everyone’s heart.

Cuddle Kit

A romantic night in always sounds amazing when you’re spending it with the ones you love. Including your favorite snacks and movie, The Dating Divas has made a night in that your SO won't be able to resist.

Valentine's Day Lotto Ticket

Whether it be breakfast in bed or a free back rub, your valentine is sure to love you after you give them this lottery ticket. The Dating Divas knows the way to your loves’ hearts.

"I Love You Because…" Frame

Tell your valentine what you love about them. Made With Happy has created the perfect gift to remind everyone that you appreciate them. Also, since this is a dry erase board, you can add a different reason every day. What's not to love?

Candy Bouquet

Show off just how thoughtful you are by getting to your love's sweet tooth. What To Expect puts together a great candy bouquet that is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face.

"Quite the Catch" Jar

Sometimes, all you need is a play-on-words to make a major impact. Lil’ Luna crafted this jar that your SO or BFF is going to love you for.

Now you are all set with your perfect, last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts. Happy V-Day, collegiettes!

It’s a bad day for Republican candidates whose first names start with “C.” Carly Fiorina and Chris Christie both suspended their presidential campaigns today, one day after both finished poorly in the New Hampshire primary. Donald Trump got more than 35 percent of the votes in N.H., while Christie got 7 percent and Fiorina only got 4 percent.

"To young girls and women across the country, I say: do not let others define you,” Fiorina said in a statement announcing her withdrawal, according to USA Today. "Do not listen to anyone who says you have to vote a certain way or for a certain candidate because you're a woman. That is not feminism." Not to read too much into that, but it definitely sounds like she's taking a jab at Hillary Clinton there.

Christie has not officially announced the end of his campaign, but one of his “allies” told The New York Times, “He’s done.” Now, people are wondering which remaining candidate Christie’s going to endorse.

It’s really too bad to see the only female candidate besides Hillary drop out of the race, but it’s not surprising—Fiorina wasn’t even doing well enough in the polls to participate in the last mainstage Republican debate. Now that the GOP field of candidates is shrinking, we may start to get an idea of who’s likely to be the party’s nominee.

Harry Potter fans around the world were excited yet a little disappointed when we found out the newest addition to the saga, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, would only be performed in London’s West End. But now it's time to bring out the butterbeer and celebrate: the play’s script is set to release in book form on July 31, 2016—yes, Harry Potter’s birthday! 

Pottermore announced that the script will be released in book form—print and digital editions—directly after the play’s world premiere this summer on July 30. The play by Jack Thorne, which is based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, picks up 19 years after the boy wizard defeats He Who Must Not Be Named at the Battle of Hogwarts.

We got a sneak peek of this massive flash forward in the epilogue of the seventh (and what was then the final) novel of the series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and at the end of the franchise's final film, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II. There, we saw the Golden Trio waving their children goodbye as the next generation of witches and wizards embarked on their journey to Hogwarts.

It’s been nine years since the last book was published and five years since the last film premiered, so loyal HP readers and movie-watchers have been waiting for what feels like forever to see how the rest of the story unfolds.

Read More: 21 Signs Your Harry Potter Obsession Was Next Level

As if that wasn’t enough for our fangirl hearts to handle, Pottermore also announced the publication of a new edition of Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them with new content by J.K. Rowling and new formats and editions of the Hogwarts Library books, Quidditch Through the Ages and The Tales of Beedle the Bard—set to release in 2017. If that's too long of a wait for you, Jim Kay's illustrated version of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets will be released in October 2016. 

Now, we Potter fans have more than enough to stay sane while we wait for Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, premiering later this year on November 18. In the meantime, we'll be rereading the entire HP series in preparation for The Cursed Child.

Sophina DeJesus, a gymnast from the University of California, Los Angeles, included some incredible hip hop moves in a recent floor routine. Watch the video below to see her whip, nae nae in between gravity-defying bouts of tumbling, before ending with a dab. The routine earned her a 9.925 out of a possible 10.

“I love dancing,” she told The New York Times. “I wanted to end my senior year with a bang.”

People are obsessed with DeJesus’ routine. The YouTube video of her performance, which has nearly 5 million views, is captioned, “AMAZING EVERYTHING PERFECTION KILL EM DEAD MAMA YAAASSS WERK.” Yup, that pretty much sums it up.

Demi Lovato is an outspoken advocate for body positivity and a role model for teens struggling with body image. However, Lovato admits that when she was younger, it was hard for her to be confident because she didn't have anyone with her body type to look up to in the media. That is, until the Kardashians came along.

On The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Demi spoke about her Vanity Fair shoot, which she did with “no clothes, no makeup, no Photoshop.” When asked how she mustered up the confidence to embrace her body and natural beauty, she credited the Kardashians.

The way lacking representation of different body types in the media led to Demi's insecurity and the way she found inspiration from the Kardashians to be confident in her body exemplifies the drastic effect media has on impressionable youth. Ellen chimed in with this great point: "The message we should be sending young girls and young boys is be healthy. It doesn’t matter, really, what your weight is. Just be healthy." Agreed!