Technology is both a weapon and a tool, and, after the San Bernardino shooting, the FBI is hoping it can still be utilized as the latter. After taking the matter to federal court, Apple has been called upon to help break into the iPhone of one of the shooters to uncover whatever information they can in an attempt to prevent future attacks. 

Syed Rizwan Farook and Tashfeen Malik, husband and wife, were the pair that killed 14 and wounded 20 in California back in December. Both shooters were killed by the police after the incident, and the phone, which actually belonged to Farook's employer, was one piece of evidence that remained, according to USA Today.

That being said, the phone has become a valuable piece of evidence, but, as most do, Farook had a passcode on his phone that is still preventing the FBI from getting past the lock screen. CNN reports the phone's contents will be erased after 10 incorrect attempts at the code—and Apple can apparently turn this feature off. This is an unusual request only seen in thriller movies thus far, but a federal judged ordered Apple to comply this past Tuesday. Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, stated on Apple's website that, despite the ruling, they still feel that act of breaking into an iPhone is against their own morals, as it could make customers wary of the security on their own phones.

The Obama administration has discussed accessing users' private information to prevent terrorist attacks not only with Apple, but with Facebook, as well. Although information uncovered by this could be vital to stopping surprise attacks, it could do more harm than good in terms of users trusting companies and false accusations doing damage.

Although this decision went against Cook's personal opinion on the matter, the unprecedented action will not only help the matter at hand, but will also create a path for issues in the future, whether they be with iPhones, or with other new technology. James Comey, FBI director, made it clear that unlocking the killer's phone was critical to the continuation of their research, so Apple's contribution will lead to the information needed to see if there will be more shootings in the future.

Prosecuters issued a new filing Friday, according to ABC, asking the judge to force Apple's hand. "Apple’s current refusal to comply with the Court’s Order, despite the technical feasibility of doing so, instead appears to be based on its concern for its business model and public brand marketing strategy," the filing said, seeming to say that Apple cares more about its public image than actually keeping anyone safe. But Apple seems to think that allowing a 'backdoor' into people's phones would pose a much greater security risk.

Is Apple breaking into one of their customers' phones an immoral act that will lead the way to a lack of privacy for everyone? Or is it justified given the circumstances?

With the recent death of Harper Lee, her classic novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, comes to mind. The book was an iconic coming-of-age story that, it's safe to say, most people read in high school, either for English class or for leisure. That being said, the novel had heavy themes that stuck with us, whether we're aware of it or not. Here are a few ideas from the novel that might have influenced who you are today:

1. You treat children differently

Lee's novel taught you that children aren’t blind to what happens in the world, but they do need help understanding the reasons behind it. After reading about how Scout and Jem were constantly aware of the dangers around them, you explained issues to children instead of changing the subject.

2. You see Atticus as the perfect father figure

Atticus was the ideal father in a sea of abusive and downright mean men in the novel. Not only was he raising his kids alone, but he was doing so while balancing his career as a lawyer and showing his children how to be the best people they could. He was seen as an admirable man to all of the people that knew him; how much better of a role model can someone be?

3. You question gender, racial and class "norms"

Atticus' entire case was based on questioning his 1930s Southern town's idea of "normal" when it came to equality of races, genders and social classes. This definitely set an example to readers and paved the way for us to do the same.

4. You know that there's more to a person than what meets the eye

One of the ongoing ideas in the novel was that you can't judge a person if you don't know their story. When the children would play games and act out what they thought the mysterious Boo Radley was like, Atticus would remind them that they can't assume what a person is like—because no one truly knows how someone will act except that person. These are definite words of widsom and mean a whole lot more than just walking a mile in someone else's shoes.

5. You accept that life can't always be fair

Unfortunately, (spoiler alert) Atticus does not win his case defending Tom Robinson, the African American man falsely accused of rape. Tom ends up being killed while trying to escape jail soon after his sentencing. This is probably one of the heaviest lessons for Scout and Jem, and us, to come to terms with in the novel. You learned that the good guys don't always win, and you should never lose your will to fight that harsh reality.

6. You understand the value of innocence

Because the novel is a coming-of-age story, that means that innocence is lost. Scout and Jem learn from experience that the world is a cruel place and make the brutal transition from childhood to reality. Watching that occur makes you realize that innocence is of great value. 

7. You don't give up on what you believe in

Atticus had the majority of his town against him, and yet, he found the strength to keep pushing to try and get the results he wanted. This act of courage taught you to never give up on something that you think is right, no matter what the rest of the world is saying.

Harper Lee gave us countless words of advice and life lessons in her novel—ones that are relevent as ever nearly 60 years later. A true sign of a successful writer is being able to continue to affect readers, no matter how many years go by, and we think that there's plenty of people that prove Lee's work did just that.

Rebel Wilson is in hot water with One Direction fans. Last November, Wilson made a surprise appearance during One Direction's interview on The Ellen Show. She fangirled over the boys and got especially frisky with Harry Styles, climbing on top of him on the couch as he pulled her in for a hug. Now, the How to Be Single actress says she has been accused by Directioners of “sexually assaulting" the boy band member. 

In a recent interview on The Ellen Show, Wilson opened up about receiving death threats on Twitter from 1D fans who were unhappy with her being overly touchy with their fave guy. She explained she and Styles were just "two professional entertainers having a good time and he really enjoyed it." But that's not quite how it appeared to his fans, who she refers to as "little girls, I think they're about 12."

As if these young girls weren't already upset with her, Wilson added, "They love them and they think they're going to be with them and I'm like, 'Well, but you guys never, like, are with them." Ouch.

Anyone with a crazy college schedule knows that, sometimes, comfort has to come before fashion. And that’s where sweatpants come in! If you live your life in sweatpants, here are 23 things that you will definitely understand.

You consider yourself dressed-up when you wear joggers.

They’re a ~fancy~ type of sweatpants.

It is possible to look put-together while wearing sweats. 

A cute pair of slip ons, a leather jacket, and some stylish joggers are the key.

You literally never feel uncomfortable.

And this is the best feeling in the world.

You still wear huge sweatpants in the dead of summer.

You may be sweating like crazy, but at least you’re comfy.

People automatically assume you’re just lazy.

*frustrated sigh*

But actually you’re too busy to wear anything more “fashionable”.

Comfort over style all day, every day. 

You’re always ready for an impromptu nap.

Someone just give you a pillow, and you and your sweatpants will be off to dreamland.

You hate it when people tell you to “dress appropriately” for something.

As if sweatpants can’t be business casual.

Men’s sweatpants offer a whole new level of comfort.

There’s so much extra space!

You have complete flexibility in sweatpants.

You never know when you’ll have to do the splits.

You totally wear sweatpants to sleep in and then wear them to class the next day.

Hey, it’s convenient.

You absolutely loathe jeans.

Who in the world would come up with a piece of clothing that’s so restricting?

Leggings are you second-favorite type of pants. 

They feel like sweatpants, but look so much more chic.

You wish Uggs were still in fashion because they look great with sweatpants.

Plus they’re the comfiest boots in the world. 

You love that you can fall asleep in your day-wear.

No one knows if you slept in this outfit or not last night.

Packing sweatpants is not easy because they’re so bulky.

But you have to be comfortable while traveling!

Walmart sweatpants are literally the best things ever.

They’re comfy and cheap- which means you can buy even more!

You feel bad whenever you need to throw old sweatpants away.

They might have a hole, but they’re still wearable… kind of.

No one knows how much food you ate in sweatpants.

Who cares how much you ate anyways!

You can eat all you want because the waistband never feels to tight.

Because food is priority.

You could never date someone who hated you in sweatpants.

They have to love you for the real you.

It is totally possible to feel sexy in sweatpants.

It’s got an effortless look to it, without being too grungy.

You feel sorry for people who don’t like to wear sweatpants.

They just don’t know what they’re missing.

Honestly, wearing sweatpants is a lifestyle that everyone should lead. Nothing can beat the comfort and convenience of a good old pair of sweatpants. And, with the right pair of sweatpants, you can still totally looked put together.

Spring break is pretty much the highlight of the spring semester – and, let’s be real, probably the entire school year. You might not be running around with James Franco all week à la Spring Breakers, but you’re definitely expecting to have a good time. During your week of partying (hey, we don’t judge) and mingling with a whole new pool of cuties, it’s pretty likely you could find yourself hooking up with someone.

While we all wish we could make ourselves believe that we’ll be regret-free by the time we’re road-tripping home, hookups can easily lead to a lot of regret, especially if you’re not careful. Follow our tips for staying sexually safe over the break and you’ll be less likely to come home from your break with, uh, an itch.

1. Have a plan with your friends

Remember how, in grade school, you had designated meeting spots to go to in case of a fire or other emergency? Good news, ladies: It’s finally time to put those skills to good use.

In a crazy beach town or all-inclusive resort, there’s a ton of things to do and lots of people to do them with. Since you’ll be meeting new people (particularly potential hook-ups), you probably won’t end up staying with your group of friends the entire time. It happens. What’s important is that you guys have some kind of plan for making sure that, at the end of the day, everyone is together and in one piece.

Dr. Ramani Durvasula, PhD, a psychology professor and licensed clinical psychologist, says staying connected with your friends could prevent you from making a dumb, drunk decision. “Keep checking in with friends so you’re not hooking up while too intoxicated,” she says. “That’s when bad decisions are often made.”

Plan to meet up at a spot for lunch and make everyone chug a bottle of water. Plan on seeing your friends back at the condo at the end of the night, unless someone has (soberly) specified otherwise. No matter your plan, make sure you stick to it. Not only is it more fun to keep up with your friends (Hello, you each have to have a different cute picture of all of you to Instagram!), it’s also way safer.

2. Remember contraceptives

Maybe you’re anticipating hooking up during your trip, or maybe you’re not. Either way, bring condoms. According to Dr. Durvasula, you should definitely not rely on the guy to have them. “Condoms are essential and women should be the ones holding them,” she says. “Ideally, the man has them with him, too – but don't let his convenient oversight put you in a bad position.”

Iris, a junior at UCLA, says she’s bringing condoms to her spring break trip to Cabo San Lucas even though she doesn’t plan on hooking up with anyone. “I always carry condoms, because it’s better to err on the safe side,” she says. “You really have nothing to lose – especially since you can get them for free everywhere on college campuses.”

Condoms are an important part of safe sex at all times, but they’re especially important if you’re not in a committed relationship. Spring break hookups, while spontaneous and fun, are usually random and unexpected. You probably won’t know how many people your hookup has been with, or even if he or she has an STD.

In addition to having condoms, you should also be diligent about taking your birth control, if you use it. Obviously, it’s a lot harder to remember to take it when you’re so hungover you can barely move from wherever it is that you fell asleep the night before. If you regularly take birth control to prevent pregnancy, though, it’s crucial that you remember to keep consistent throughout the week.

If you find yourself hooking up with someone (or multiple someones) during your break – even if you’re using condoms – keeping up with your birth control is the best way to protect yourself from an unwanted pregnancy. “Ideally the combination of condoms and another consistent method of contraception is optimal,” Dr. Durvasula says. You heard the woman: Get your butt out of bed (or off the beach) and take it, if you’re on it. Trust us, you’ll be glad you did.

3. Watch how much you drink

When you’re out in the sun all day, losing track of everything from the time to your cell phone, it’s a good idea to monitor your alcohol intake, as un-fun as that may sound. Susan Kirtz, health promotion coordinator at the University of Texas, says she knows that spring break “includes heavier drinking and increased sexual activity compared to everyday campus life.” That’s why you need to pay attention.

According to Kirtz, watching your alcohol intake during the week doesn’t just have to be counting your drinks; she offers several ways to make sure you’re not getting too drunk. “Stay with the same group of friends [when you’re drinking], eat before and while drinking and alternate alcoholic with non-alcoholic beverages, like water,” she suggests.

Kirtz also mentions the ugly truth we all know: Increased drinking means an increased chance of unprotected sex. The more careful you are about making sure you’re sober enough to make smart decisions about sex, the less likely you are to wind up forgetting to use a condom.

4. Get an STI test

By the time you finish a middle school health class, you probably know something about (or have seen pictures of) the terrible signs and symptoms of sexually transmitted diseases. STDs are scary – but they’re also largely talked about and preventable. STIs – sexually transmitted infections – are generally less talked about, but still just as pesky. STIs can range from a yeast infection to chlamydia and gonorrhea.

Dr. Durvasula recommends that all sexually active college students get tested after every new partner for STIs – and especially after a spring break trip, when there’s a pretty good chance you have no idea what your partner’s sexual history is. “With STIs, early detection and treatment are important,” she says. “HIV can take six months to show up on testing, and some STIs such as HSV (Herpes) require blood work that often needs to be [separately] requested.”

Don’t be fooled by thinking that sex is the only way to get an STD – there are several other sneaky culprits that can leave you with an itch (or worse). While there’s almost no way to completely prevent yourself from ever getting a disease or infection, you can decrease the risk by using condoms and getting tested just to be sure. You never know who else that blonde from California (or was it Colorado?) you met on the beach has been with.

5. Know your limits

With all of the hype surrounding spring break, it’s easy to get super excited and set high expectations for what your week will be like. Once you’re in the middle of it and everyone around you is partying like there’s no tomorrow, you might feel the need (and desire!) to keep up and find a hottie to have some fun of your own with. There’s no harm in that – but Dr. Durvasula warns not to do anything you’re not comfortable with, as research shows that hookups aren’t exactly great for women’s self esteem.

“One-night stands are risky, not just medically but also psychologically,” she says. “Sex is great, but if it feels like it was while you were intoxicated or you weren't in your clearest state of mind, it can leave you wondering.”

Hooking up doesn’t always mean sex, but you should feel free to draw your own lines of what you’re okay with regardless of what your friends are doing. “Communicate with your partner,” Kirtz advises. “Before things heat up, talk about your sexual boundaries. The conversation may be uncomfortable, but you’ll be glad you took control of your own sexual health.”

Know what you’re okay with doing, and don’t feel pressure to push the limits over break. As Dr. Durvasula reminds us, “having sex is not a competitive sport, and she who has the most partners does not win.” She explains, “It's ok to say no – and even to go home not having kissed a boy with just a healthy, sunny glow.”

Make a plan to stay safe – and have your friends keep you accountable. If you’re prepared, you’re less likely to encounter any bad situations – and more likely to have the time of your life over break!

Backstage at J.Mendel's Fall/Winter 2016 collections, hairstylist Bob Recine affixed a swatch of magenta foil to a model's hair beneath a clip so it wouldn't crease. He buys the foil at a craft store, he explained, because it's much more interesting to look at than paper. "Backstage has become a show in itself," he said, so why not make it fun?

It was a fact I hadn't yet noticed myself, perhaps because I had been so immersed in looking for the images I needed and wanted as models flitted from hair station to makeup station, occasionally followed by a manicurist. We were a sort of circus taking it all in, the herds of us gathered around Beauty.com specialists like Recine and lead makeup artist Romy Soleimani, listening to them as they discussed the beauty looks for J.Mendel's Fall/Winter 2016 collection with rapt attention.

For Recine, it was a "not so girly, not so serious" ponytail, smoothed down with PHYTO products, just low enough to be casually elegant. "We don't want to have well-constructed hair," he said, running his spread fingers through her blonde hair to lightly yet toughly loosen it.

Soleimani's look captured a moody toughness with an evergreen eyeliner smudged under the bottom lid, a slight gloss over the eyelid sans mascara, a groomed brow and a pale lip tone, all meant to add to J.Mendel's luxe looks a downtown edge.

Some people filmed their interviews via iPhone, some people snapped pictures, some asked questions, but we all were there, really, for the show. That's something I hadn't thought of when I first wrote my introductory piece to Fashion Week this season, that we love this idea of being a part of something greater, even if it's just to write about or photograph or "social media" it. In a city like New York, everyone is either chasing or finding or embracing a sense of purpose. Maybe Fashion Week is just one way so many of us find ours.

This article has been syndicated to Her Campus by Alyssa J Freitas, an InfluenceHer Collective member. Read the full post here.

I love Instagram just as much as the next girl. I get excited when I see new likes or comments on my photos, and I love looking at the perfect images others capture. However, when I witness people living their lives and stopping to rearrange the table for the perfect shot or trying to make their children stand in just the right way and laugh at just the right time, I can't help but wonder if we really need to Instagram it all.

We are a culture obsessed with self documentation. We have an endless stream of photos capturing various events, day-to-day happenings, and the like. We keep each other informed up to the minute of what we are doing and who we are with, all for some validation that our lives are worthy and important (we shouldn't need the regard of others to feel this, but that's a post for another day). Some might consider it vanity and, frankly, I tend to agree. There is something inherently self-centered about the frequency with which we photograph our lives.

Now, I definitely love taking pictures and creating photo books and recording my life, however the difference lies in that I do my best not to allow this documentation to take away from my enjoyment of events and the attention I give to those I am with. This is something which was put into perspective for me by my father. I remember, on family vacations, my mother would like to stop us and get a picture of us when there was beautiful scenery or we were at a noteworthy site. My father would always say, "No one had a picture of themselves before the early 1800s, and they all got through life just fine."

I challenge you, the next time a perfect Instagram moment comes your way, to resist whipping out your phone to capture it and instead making note of it in your mind. A few days later, let's see if you think to yourself, "I should have Instagrammed that," or if you can simply enjoy the memory of the moment in your mind.

Read the full post here.

It’s Friday night and you’re out with the girls having a great time, until someone orders an extra round of drinks that you know deep-down you shouldn’t join in on, but why not? You pull out your phone, turn off your decision-making filter, and start typing. Let’s be honest, we’ve all sent an occasional drunk text to the wrong person. It’s normal to have urges to do things you may not normally do when you have one glass of wine too many.

While that may be true, it doesn’t mean you don’t regret dialing an ex’s number or texting someone you wouldn’t dare to while sober. Maybe in your drunken state you thought it would be a good idea to reach out to an old flame, or you were looking for a hookup. No matter what the motivation behind it, now you’re stuck with the consequences. Adam LoDolce, founder of sexyconfidence.com, weighs in on how to handle the aftermath of sending a drunk text. Here’s what to do after you push “send.”

1. Admit you were drinking

When you make a mistake sometimes the best thing to do is own up to it. There’s no shame in going out and having a good time, so don’t worry about being judged. “Admit that you were drinking - keep it playful and light and don't make a big deal out of it,” says LoDolce. “Chances are if you don't get too weird about it, then they won't.” Even if the person already assumes you were drinking, owning up to it will give you the extra advantage.

2. Break the silence

The worst thing you can do is nothing at all. If you admit you had maybe one drink too many, and act like it’s no big deal things will mend quickly. “Mention something if you have to see them in person,” says LoDolce. “It helps to pad the awkwardness of digital ‘screwups’ when you acknowledge it in real life. You could say something like, ‘So, have you been getting any more drunk text fails, or am I the only one?’”

3. Shut it down

This may seem like an obvious answer, but it’s much easier said than done. “For thousands of years people have been getting drunk and enjoying their night without relying on the cell phone to make it happen,” says LoDolce. “Put it away and have fun with your friends.” Powering off your cell is a great way to guarantee that you won’t keep responding after sending the initial text. “You can just turn your phone off and your drunk self will probably think it's dead,” says Amber Layfield, a senior at Appalachian State.

4. Laugh it off

Sometimes, the best thing to do when you make a mistake is laugh about it. What’s done is done, and if you don’t have the energy to cover your tracks, just take pride in laughing at yourself. “Most drunk calls or texts I send are to hook-ups I don't care to have a relationship with, or care about their opinion of me,” says Rosario Bollotta, a sophomore at Gulf Coast State College. “So I just laugh about it and move on.”

Until there’s a real app to stop you from sending an embarrassing drunk text, it’s up to you to deal with the outcome. Just because you sent a text out or called someone doesn’t mean you would do the same sober, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Focus on what’s really important, like fighting that hangover!

This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from The PDX Belle by May McNeil, an InfluenceHer Collective member. Read the full post here.

Maybe your space is super messy, you're cutting it close on a deadline, or just don't know what tomorrow might hold—one of those days ... Lately I've had a good handful of those.

It's okay to admit that life is not always as perfect as it looks on Instagram, but there are a few (super easy) ways to adjust your mindset and trick yourself into believing that yes, you've got it together, and you're totally killing it.

1. Set your iPhone and laptop backgrounds to something pretty and uplifting. Random, but it just calms me down. Try it out!
2. Sweat. Go for a brisk walk. Hit the gym. Do an ab routine on your floor—whatever it takes to get your blood flowing and remind yourself that you are strong, amazing and in control. 
3. Get organized. Start small. Make a list in your planner of achievable tasks: making your bed, folding a few items of clothing, and answering a couple emails. Write them down in a pretty colored pen, in neat handwriting, and check them off as you complete them. It's the little things!
4. Put yourself together. Sweats or yoga pants are not going to make you feel invincible, but your favorite pair of jeans and new booties might help!
5. Call your mom. Or a friend who you know will lift you up, or someone who is good at positive reinforcement and can help you get back on the right track. 

Read the full post here.

Hermione is one of our favorite literary and movie characters of all time. Even though the Harry Potter movies have ended, we know that Hermione definitely went on to do amazing things in her future. And we love hearing that Emma Watson feels the same way!

Emma Watson was recently interviewed by feminist writer bell hooks for Paper Magazine. Hooks said that she felt disappointed when, in the movies, we last see Hermione as “a suburban housewife.”

But the lovely Watson was quick to share what she thinks actually happened to Hermione. Watson said, “Well she goes on to have a career. And she does go on to do good and interesting things.” There’s totally no reason why Hermione couldn’t have had a career and been a loving mother, too!

Emma Watson and bell hooks 

Watson also spoke about her own career, saying that she is taking a yearlong break from acting to focus on the awesome HeForShe campaign. She’s going to be taking some time to focus on herself as well, which includes finishing her endless list of books to read. Watson shared, “My own personal task is to read a book a week and also to read a book a month as part of my book club. I’m doing a huge amount of reading and study just on my own.”

We can’t help but see the similarities between Hermione and Watson, and we love it! So, is there any chance we can be a part of your book club, Emma? 

Learning to love your body the way it is—it goes without saying that this is important, but it can be very hard for some people. Ronda Rousey exemplifies body positivity and continues to show the world what self love is all about. Rousey is already a role model for women, but she proved what an awe-inspiring athlete she really is when she shared this post on Instagram yesterday.

The shot was taken when Rousey appeared on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday night. She posted the picture—not knowing it had been altered—and then took to Instagram shortly after to express her consternation. We’re not sure who is responsible, but whomever it is should probably stay out of Ronda's way for a while.

In case you need a reminder of how badass Rousey is, check out her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition cover.

It looks like Beyoncé’s halftime show is still causing an uproar, as Tampa police officers recently expressed no interest in working at her Formation World Tour stop in the city. The perceived anti-police message of the "Formation" music video and her Super Bowl performance seems to be the culprit, the Washington Times reported. Some police forces are taking extreme measures by boycotting Queen Bey entirely, like this Miami Fraternal Order of Police officer who took to Twitter to show his solidarity against the issue.

Although some officers are making quite clear that they want nothing to do with the performance, Steve Hegarty, a spokesman for the Tampa Police Department told the Times: "We're going to staff it because we have a responsibility to do that regardless of how controversial it might be, who the artist might be or the politician might be…This is a couple of months away, so we've still got plenty of time to fill those slots."

Typically, when officers are not on regular duty, they will work overtime at sporting events or concerts. The concert is supposedly already sold out—typical for Bey—so if no Tampa officials are present, chaos could erupt. There is no word yet on whether or not the Tampa police department will be taken off their scheduled shifts to work the venue or if some off-duty officers will be forced to work the concert, Tampa's Fox 13 News reports.

You want to be classy and comfortable when running from class straight to your internship. This isn’t always easy to accomplish, especially on days when all you want is to wear sweatpants and a hoodie. But on days when your internship demands something a little nicer than your college sweatshirt, here are four outfits that are classy, comfy and fierce.

For the law intern

As much as we all aspire to be like Elle Woods, in the real world, her iconic pink courtroom ensemble just won’t cut it. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still look good wearing something a little more classic. For any sort of corporate internship, it’s a good idea to go a little dressier with a classic blazer and dress pants. Channel your inner Elle Woods with a pink statement necklace, and you’ll be ready to rule the courtroom. And if you can't afford these swoon-worthy flats, you can try making them yourself!

Related: 11 Female Movie Characters Who Have Our Dream Jobs

For the startup intern

Easy and comfortable is the name of the game here, so keep it simple. A denim shirt and black skinny jeans are a cool way to be stylish yet laidback. Pair that with a chunky scarf and some booties, and running from class to your internship will be a breeze.

For the media intern

In an industry like publishing, the dress code can be fairly casual, which gives you a lot of room to play with your style. Something like an effortless chiffon dress is comfortable, easy to put together in the morning, but doesn't feel overdressed for your 9 a.m. lecture.

For the tech intern

Tech giant Steve Jobs was known for two things: Apple and his signature black turtleneck. Although Jobs may not have been your go-to style guru, there was something to be said about his uniform. According to Brianne James, a junior at Ryerson University, “You can never go wrong with a turtleneck and high-waisted tapered trouser pants. Sometimes I even add a loose, soft-structured blazer. It sounds dressy, but it can easily be dressed down or dressed up! And it’s super breezy and comfortable.” Simple, chic, effective—Mr. Jobs would be proud.

For the creative intern

You’re in an industry that is not super strict about dress code. In a business casual environment, you can put your own spin on classics. Iris Goldsztajn, a senior at UCLA, has two foolproof class-to-internship outfit combos. “I usually wear jeans with nice flats or sandals, and maybe a cute blazer," Iris says. "Otherwise, I’ll wear a skirt that’s both cute and long enough to be professional and a nice blouse. Obviously, this is a little more dressy than your typical campus yoga pants, but you can never be overdressed or overeducated, right?” We couldn't agree more.

For the PR intern

Kelly Cutrone, legendary fashion PR maven, is known for her all-black uniform. If you're not ready to go full-out, follow her example but avoid the funeral look by wearing a bright blouse. There you go—you have a super chic, #girlboss look that transitions fiercely from class to your internship.

Whatever your style or internship may be, there are a ton of ways to dress professionally, comfortably and still show off who you are. Now get out there and work it, girl!

Honestly, why worry about a spring break body when you can just eat cheese?

1. Carbs

2. Sweets

3. Cheese

4. Eating carbs, sweets, or cheese in front of anyone on a diet

5. Returning your gym membership and going shopping instead

6. Spending the week on your couch

Laughing at TV shows will give you abs, right?

7. Swimming in dolla dolla billz

8. Taking a good selfie

9. Six pack of beer > six pack abs

10. The attractive people on spring break

11. Traveling

(You can just contour yourself a six pack before you hit the beach.)

12. Sleeping

You can have a spring break body in your dreams. No sweat, no exercise required.

13. All you can eat buffets

Dessert buffets, Caribbean buffets, Chinese buffets, Indian buffets, Breakfast buffets, EVERYTHING.

14. Fruity drinks

(you know you like them too boys)

15. Getting fat and cuddling with bae

Bae likes you just the way you are, gut and all.

16. Spring break

Why stress over the perfect body when you get to see your friends and sleep all day? 

Student loans usually classify as the two worst words in the English language for college graduates. They're part of the trifecta of college graduation: Paying back student loans, finding a job, and having to actually become an adult. However, it seems as if student debt has reached a whole new level of terror, after one man was arrested for failing to pay a student loan from 29 years ago.

According to Refinery29, Paul Aker from Texas was arrested by seven federal marshals who entered his home in combat gear while also carrying automatic weapons. Aker was handcuffed and bought to a federal court for the student loan taken out in 1987.

“I just couldn’t believe that I was standing before the court, with no rights read to me, no legal representation, and I’d been told that I owed $1,500. I just couldn’t believe it,” he told Fox26.

CNN Money reports that with interest, Aker's loan has grown to $5,700, which he has to start paying off in installments of $200 per month.

Well, this is pretty much every college kid's worst nightmare. Luckily, this election's presidential candidates have been talking quite a bit about reforming the higher education system so this kind of thing doesn't happen. In a country where there's $1.3 trillion in student loan debt and a lot of people confused about how to pay it off, hopefully those politicians can make their promises a reality.

In Canada, up to 4,000 indigenous women are estimated to be missing or murdered, according to research from the Native Women's Association of Canada.

The country's Minister for the Status of Women, Patricia Hajdu, said that the Royal Canadian Mounted Police 2014 estimate of 1,200 is highly inaccurate.

"When you actually start to add in, you know, disputed cases, for example, people that have claimed it's a suicide or death due to exposure, but in fact there's symptoms or signs that maybe it wasn't, then of course the numbers jump,"Hajdu said to the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced late last year that he wants to improve relations with the First Nations people of Canada, and specifically addressed the issue of the missing or murdered women.

"We have made this inquiry a priority for our government because those touched by this national tragedy have waited long enough. The victims deserve justice, their families an opportunity to be heard and to heal,” Trudeau said, according to the CBC.

Carolyn Bennett, Canada’s Minister for Indigenous Affairs, says that the focus should not be on the numbers.  

“I don’t have the data, but I know the problem is not about us fighting about the numbers,”she said, according to The Guardian. “The problem is making sure that these families that lost a loved one, these survivors that are still living, that their stories lead us to the kind of concrete actions that will actually put an end to their vulnerability and what has been going on.”

From 2008-2011, Walk4Justice Activists collected the names of 4,232 missing and murdered indigenous women throughout Canada. A Montreal-based campaign hosts events to honor and fight for the women, including the Walk4Justice data gathering.

According to the CBC, one person at the NWAC said that between “60 to 70 per cent” of the names on the Walk4Justice list were women of native descent. There is some confusion over the number, but according to NWAC president Dawn Lavell-Harvard, this just highlights how important it is to solve the problems that led to so many missing women.

“Lives are too important to rely on an informal database. The gulf between 1,200 and pushing 4,000 is huge. Even if it is somewhere in the middle, it is still an outrageous number,” Lavell-Harvard told the CBC. “I think that’s why it’s so important that this inquiry happen.”

The physics of the perfect chocolate. [Medium]

Who sleeps the best? [New York Magazine]

A tinder experience in Italy. [Elle]

Funny Kidz Bop moments. [The Daily Dot]

Kanye West makes a good point on Twitter. [The Huffington Post]

The best sites to find scholarships. [USA Today College]

Disney villains without makeup. [BuzzFeed]

4 hangover food cures. [Betches]

Harper Beckham is a street style star. [New York Times]

What it's like to work in the Good Housekeeping Institute. [Ed2010]

The end of the school year is approaching, and in just a few months, you’ll find yourself in the real world. Searching for a job has probably consumed the majority of your time, and after all the interviews you’ve been doing this semester, you’ve scored not one—but two different job offers. We’ll start by saying congratulations, because that’s a great situation to be in! But choosing between the two is a struggle in itself. It’s a life-changing decision that you definitely shouldn’t take lightly… so what do you do? Do you go with the job that pays better? The one you will enjoy more, but lacks in benefits? Or do you choose based on location? Here are some tips to help you make the best decision for you.

1. Pick what kind of experience you want

Most likely, this is going to be your first serious job (and you can finally say goodbye to those part-time summer waitressing gigs!). The most important factor to consider is the experience your heart is yearning for. But before you stress out, take a deep breath. “Take a moment to enjoy [the] process! You received not only one offer but additional ones and you are in demand!” says Vicki Salemi, a career coach, career and HR expert and founder of job search boot camp for college grads.

Salemi also adds that if contemplating over which job you think is best for you:  “Focus on a few things. Here's the kicker: there's no right answer and no wrong ones. Perhaps one company has an amazing culture and an incredible boss you clicked with! Or maybe the other opportunity has room for advancement and travel and that's most enticing to you.”

According to Salemi, the best thing to do when considering different jobs is to rank what is most important to you, whether that be potential for future advancement within the company, the office culture or how well you meshed with the team when you interviewed. Only when you know what kind of an experience you want will you know what job is best for you.         

Need some pointers on what to start thinking about? Vicki suggests figuring out which job can give you advancement, opportunities to learn, a good package and a friendly and supportive corporate culture.

2. Don’t be blinded by the money

Chances are, you likely have tons of student loans tucked away that you know you are going to have to start paying back in a few months—so accepting the offer that is most likely to help you do that is going to be tempting. While money is important, make sure it’s not the deciding factor for which job you decide to take right out of college. Emily Miethner, founder and creator of FindSpark, says, “Experience should always trump pay, especially when you are just starting out. I don’t think salary should be the number one deciding factor. [If it’s between] money and salary or a good boss and great experience that you would love—pick [the second] one.”

If the offer you received from the job you really want just isn’t enough, Miethner says she heavily recommends that new employees negotiate salary. 

Rachel Crocetti, a sophomore at Hofstra University, shares why she chose one work experience over an alternative based on which experience she believed she would enjoy more. “One was a food-related publication and the other was an entertainment-related one,” she says. “While the food one paid better, the entertainment one is what I really wanted to do—and I'm so happy I picked it. The experience has been amazing and I love going to work every day!” So if you are finding yourself being tempted by a higher salary, just think about whether you are going to like the job as much as the other one.

3. Know what you will actually be doing

Another great way to determine which job offer is the best one for you is to know up front exactly what you will be doing at the job. While this might sound like the obvious thing to figure out before you make a 9-to-5 commitment, far too many people blindly accept an offer without having details on exactly what it is their responsibilities will be. So, make a list of pros and cons about the daily responsibilities for each job you have been offered and go from there. What is your position? What are your duties? What does a typical day look like for you? Is this going to be a desk job or are you going to be out and about doing something new each day? Which would make you happier?  

Perhaps one of the most important questions to ask yourself is: Does a job entice you because it is flashy or because it is actually a great fit for you? Miethner warns, “Big fancy names can be misleading. There’s a lot below the surface.”

Miethner continues that the most important thing is to do your homework; don’t allow the sexiness of a company to play too much of a factor in your decision-making process. While you may get a job at a top level magazine or fashion company, are you really going to be happy doing clerical work all day? If you’re unsure of how to figure this out, Miethner suggests talking to people who have worked at the company before or requesting an informational interview. Another great idea is to visit company review websites such as GlassDoor.com before you make any final decisions.

4. What to do if you just can’t decide

You’ve considered your priorities, ranked everything each job has to offer, and weight the pros and cons. As it turns out, you’re no closer to making a final decision, because your dream job is a mix of the two. Company A is a place you’ve wanted to join for years, but you’ve been offered a specific position you dislike, and Company B offers you your dream position, but is not exactly a company you are entirely excited about. What do you do?

“That is not an easy choice,” Miethner says. “That’s really tough. And it really depends on the industry.” She suggests first figuring out how set you are on working for your dream company (the one that has potentially offered you the low-level or not very exciting job). Then, do research through LinkedIn. By searching through current or previous employees of the company, you can easily find out whether that company promotes from within and has opportunities to advance to higher positions. By using LinkedIn’s advanced keyword feature settings, you can search through current and past job titles of a specific person or position, companies, names and locations to see how people have moved up in a specific company.

This can give you a better idea of whether you should take the job (as in, you’ll know if you have to just pull an Anne Hathaway in The Devil Wears Prada and stick it out for a year). For example, if the company has offered you the position of administrative assistant, look on LinkedIn for the previous administrative assistant positions for that company. Did they eventually move up to a higher position, such as being the editorial director? How long did it take? Miethner adds that these are also great questions to ask during an interview, especially because you will come across as a very serious potential employee who is thinking long-term (companies love that!). If you don’t see mobility or promotion, Miethner warns, “Avoid that company.”

Salemi agrees. “There's always going to be one or more aspects of a job which are less than stellar,” she says. “If company A is your dream company to work for but the position is less than ideal, weigh the pros and cons. Find out specific responsibilities and what the job entails and how long it's anticipated you'll be in that role as a jumping off point. And then go with your gut—it's an excellent idea to look at the big picture to get your foot in the door. Work really hard, prove yourself and make key connections internally.”

5. Turn down the offer the right way

Now that you have a general idea of how to go about picking between job offers, it is important to also learn how to let a job offer down. The most important thing? Be communicative. “Ask if there is a timeline.” Miethner says, adding, “Far along in the process, let them know you are interviewing at multiple places. Be as clear as possible so if you do turn them down you’re not leaving a negative taste in their mouth because you led them on for so long.” Employers will understand that when you are first entering the working world, you will have many opportunities that you may want to explore. However, they definitely won’t appreciate believing you are fully committed to working for them until the very last minute, simply because you didn’t know how to handle the situation.

If you have decided to turn down the offer for good, Salemi suggests, “Be professional and succinct.” She adds, “Tell the recruiter you really appreciated their offer but you need to respectfully decline. If they ask you why, you can say you accepted another offer but would like to stay in touch.”

Both Miethner and Salemi, however, also recognize the importance of leaving things open ended, should something change in the future. Miethner suggests sending a professional email that leaves room for future employment possibilities and letting the employer know that the decision to turn down the job offer was not easy. Salemi suggests, “Connect on LinkedIn! You never know what happens six months down the road or more—keep the lines of communication open!”

Turning down a job offer can be difficult. Knowing which job offer to turn down can be even harder! Just remember to do what you know will be best for you (if all else fails, trust your gut instinct!), get the experience you want and remain professional in the process. 

March 1st marks the Virginia primary elections. For us Collegiettes, there are plenty of polling places, both on and off campus. To find out more about your polling place go here. See you at the polls!

This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from Downtown Demure by Elizabeth Roy, an InfluenceHer Collective member. Read the full post here.

Have you ever seen a photo of a fashion blogger or celeb wearing a simple outfit that still looks polished and thought, “Why does that outfit work SO well?” Some of those women naturally have good style game and can make anything look next-level chic (*cough* Olivia Palermo *cough*). The rest of us can use a little trick called the third piece rule.

What’s the third piece rule? It’s a widely used rule of thumb in retail that encourages more nuanced and stylish outfits. It boils down to simple fashion math:

1st piece (top) + 2nd piece (bottom) + 3rd layering piece = A perfectly polished look

I’m a fan of simple math, so this rule of thumb is genius to me. Better yet, it’s SUPER easy to implement. In order to illustrate the power of this style trick in real life, here are a few pics illustrating my outfit pre- and post-third piece rule:

Let’s start with a casual black and white outfit. In the before photo, my outfit isn’t very exciting apart from the Western-style flats. And then boom—add a fedora as the third piece (my favorite!), and the second outfit immediately has more style and intrigue. It’s still casual, but it isn’t basic.

Here’s a business casual outfit that is heavy on the casual and lacking on the polish. By simply adding a tailored blazer as the third piece, I’m able to transform this low-key outfit into a professional look that is far more reflective of my personal style.

Read the full post here.