January 2014 by Tote Media

Lauren Bell from Babe. boutique

Issue No. 5 January 2014

18 34

CONTENTS Editor’s Note

Beauty Bar

Winter Essentials

Beauty Bar

All About Résumés

Comfort Zone Conqueror: Take on Study Abroad!

The F Word

The Intern Diaries

The Ten Best College Apps

Tote’s Guide to Tea

The Bell of the Ball

DIY

Love & Relationships

Entertainment

The Freshman Files

Recent Grad

Hair & Skin

Finding The Right Perfume For You

Medical Match-Up

Memo Magnetic Chalkboard

Coming Up

A Humble Hear t

EDITOR’S NOTE

HAPPY NEW YEAR & NEW SEMESTER! I always enjoyed those over-a-month-long winter breaks that I got between semesters (yes, my school was infamous for super long breaks). It gave me time to unwind, apply to internships, and catch up on some reading for fun. But there’s nothing like the first day of classes to get me excited for the semester. The clean slate, high-optimism—anything was possible. Of course, when mid-semester hit, the clean-slate was tarnished from unfor tunate group projects, the high-optimism dwindled, and the caffeine intake was excessive, to say the least (I needed something to help compensate for the clean-slate and optimism, what can I say?). The beauty about a new semester is that you get two (or three, if your school runs on the trimesters) fresh starts. In the real world, the New Year marks a fresh start for everyone; only one fresh start per year. But you are the fortunate ones. While technically you can forge a fresh start any time, for any reason (and I’m definitely not discouraging you from doing so!) we often times stick to the allotted fresh star ts. Who knows—I guess it’s just in our nature. So take this fresh star t and do something with it. Come mid-semester I want to hear about your success stories, your accomplishments, and your feats. Forget about that one bad group project. Don’t let it define you. There was an episode of Gilmore Girls where Rory star ted her first semester at Yale and she was struggling with five classes on her plate. One of her professors recommended that she drop his class. So she did. But while she was upset with herself for not being able to handle that workload, did she let it affect the rest of her semester? Of course not! Just because you have high hopes for a semester doesn’t mean that those hopes should be shot down immediately upon the first obstacle. Test your strength and push your boundaries. Look at our cover girl, Lauren Bell. She works full-time and goes to school par t-time. She works hard to get where she wants to be. But just promise me that with all of this hard work, you’ll have a little fun too!

Shelby Newsome Founder & Editor-In-Chief

OUR

Caro Romero Graphic Designer

Colleen Kochesfahani Elaina Clarke Managing Editor Marketing Director and Vice President

TEAM

Rachel Parker Photographer

Leanne Rowe Beauty Expert

Katie Lemon Writer

Eva Niessner Writer

Emily Kong Writer

Sydney Adamson Writer

Aurielle Bryan Writer

Colleen Murphy Writer

CONTRIBUTORS Would you like to contribute to Tote? Contact Shelby at shelby@totemag.com

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BEAUTY BAR

HAIR & SKIN: Glowing, Shining and Hydrated Happy New Year ladies! This month we are going to talk about how to keep your skin hydrated and glowing, and your hair soft and shiny during these dry winter days. Let's jump right into it!

Text: Leanne Rowe COCON UT OIL I’m going to start with a cheap and easily accessible product that we can use for our hair and skin. This all in one miracle product would be raw coconut oil. You may have some of this laying around in your kitchen. Bet you never thought about using it on your hair and skin, did you? Raw coconut oil is extremely hydrating, nourishing and overall great for our hair and skin. An added bonus: it’s organic! My favorite way to use this product? When I get out of the shower because the steam opens the pores on my skin and the cuticle layer on my hair, allowing the product better penetration. After I towel dry my hair a little, I take a generous amount of coconut oil, rub it in my hands and work it into my roots (this will stimulate hair growth) all the way down to my ends. Make sure your hair is fully coated. Next, I take a shower cap and place it over my hair. I sleep with this on and 6

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the next morning I shampoo it out and condition as usual. You will be amazed by how silky and shiny your hair is! As for your skin? Use it just like you would a lotion or moisturizer. Just allow adequate time for it to absorb before dressing or applying make up.

A LT ER N AT I V ES If you can’t stand the smell of coconut oil or hate the idea of putting it in your hair then try a regular hair masque. My favorite is the Macadamia Natural Oil Deep Repair masque. It smells amazing! I use this one in the shower just like I would a regular conditioner. After I shampoo, I squeeze the excess water from my hair and apply the masque mostly on my ends, put my hair up in a clip while I continue with my shower and wash it out after about seven minutes. Another option besides coconut oil for your skin would be regular lotion. But with so many lotions

out there it can be hard to find the ones that actually work. I have extremely sensitive, dry skin and some lotions make my legs break out in hives. So after many years of trial and error with lotion, my all time favorite would be True Blue Spa's Shea Cashmere body cream. I discovered this product when I was on Accutane (an extremely intense acne treatment that stops your body's oil production). With my skin being so dry from Accutane, I needed something very moisturizing. It’s a very thick body cream but it absorbs well and leaves your skin glowing all day and night. That's probably what I love the most about it. I love everything from the True Blue line carried at Bath and Body Works. For ultimate moisturized silky skin I like to exfoliate with the Refreshing Citrus Body Scrub and then shave with the Shea Cashmere shower cream prior to applying the body cream. They are on the pricey side, but Bath and

Body Works runs a lot of sales on this line such as buy two get one free, so keep an eye out! Although I love these products, there are cheaper alternatives at the drugstore. My favorite drugstore lotion is the Vaseline Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Body Lotion and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only around 5 dollars for 20fl oz. You can't beat that!

A BIT OF BLUSH I also love to add a healthy glow to my cheeks in the winter time by skipping my powder blush for a cream blush instead. My all time favorite cream blush is the Jane Iredale In Touch Cream Blush in the color Charisma. These blushes are super moisturizing and have great color pay off! So even though they run for 28 dollars on the Jane Iredale website, you are getting your money's worth because you can use them on your lips too. Two products in one! Jane Iredale is also an all natural make up company so the natural jojoba oil is what makes them so moisturizing and great for our cheeks and lips!

Around $10 at The Vitamin Shoppe

True blue spa products

Jane Iredale In Touch Cream Blush $28

HYDR ATION Okay, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve told you about all the things you can do for the outside of your body, but what about the inside? The best and easiest way to achieve moisturized skin and healthy hair is to drink lots and lots of water! Water is going to moisturize your hair and skin from the inside out, naturally. It also flushes toxins out of our skin and body. So you can exfoliate and moisturize as much as you want, but the real trick to keeping your skin glowing through the winter weeks is as easy as having a couple glasses of water. tote

7 at Ulta $33

WINTER ESSENTIALS

BEAUTY BUYS 8

1 7

6 3

2 9

1. Gray Cat with Blue Eyes Sleep Mask by Pompon Designs, $16, Etsy 2. Raising Eyebrows: Your Personal Guide to Fabulous Eyebrows, $16.95, Benefit 3. Mermaid Shampoo, $35, Catbird 4. Essie Nail Effects in Oh My Gold!, $10.25, Beauty.com 5. Snowcake Perfume, $42.95, Lush 6. On the Spot Eye Makeup Remover, $5, Bare Escentuals 7. Mineral Eyeshadow in Beachy, $3, e.l.f. 8. Chevron Flora 2 Baroque Mirror, $99, DENY Designs 9. Revlon Zig Zag 3pc Wristlet Set, $9.99, Ulta 8

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TECH TOYS 1 5 4 3

1. Friends Peephole, $37, Redbubble 2. USB Cable Cord and USB Power Charger for iPhone 5, $19.99, Luulla 3. Message in a Bottle Flash Drive, $28, Urban Outfitters 4. Skull Speaker, $40, Urban Outfitters 5. Table Island, $53, Royal VKB 6. Instax 8 Mini Instant Cameras, $85, Photojojo 7. Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Leather cover in Honey, $39.99, Amazon

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perfume

FINDI N G T H E R I G H T

F O R YO U

Text: Eva Niessner

Perfume can be overwhelming. There are hundreds of varieties, and they all seem to make a statement. Are you a high-end designer perfume, or are you more of Justin Bieber's "Girlfriend"? There's a fine line between smelling seductive and ladylike and smelling like an old woman at church. Perfume is also often expensive, but scents can be distorted or ruined if they aren't stored properly. How do you choose a perfect scent, how do you take care of your perfume and how do you afford it all?

CHOOSING YOUR PERFUME Before you pick out a perfume, you need to think about when and where you'll be wearing it. A going-out perfume, a date night perfume and a job interview perfume are all completely different scents. Floral and citrus scents are generally more flirtatious and fun, while spicy and exotic scents are more romantic and sexy. Don't forget that you're buying it for yourself, too! A perfume expresses your personality as much as your makeup and jewelry do. If you aren't a super girly-girl, for instance, a sweet or floral scent might not be up your alley. At the same time, if you truly love a scent, don't pass it by just because it doesn't 'fit' you. 10

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"I always tell ladies to choose a scent that makes them happy," says Amy Wendel, of HovĂŠ Parfumeur in New Orleans. "Do not worry about what anyone else thinks of it. It is a treat for themselves, it is meant to make them happy. Wear it lightly and not overpowering, though." Full size Sephora stores have a Scentsa quiz for shoppers to take on a touch screen near the perfume section. You answer questions about your personality, and then it suggests perfumes for you to try. Not all of them will be hits, but it really helps narrow down your search if you're really stuck. Don't forget to try on your perfume before you buy it! When perfumers make scents, they don't just create a single one. The top note is the first impression you get upon sniffing,

but the middle and base notes are the scents underneath, and they may be different from your initial impression. Wear a perfume for a day before deciding if you like the entire scent package. And as with anything you put on your skin, be mindful of allergens!

BUYING YOUR PERFUME Perfume can easily cost over $50 or even $100. It's a lot of cash for something you'll be using fairly sparingly. One option that costs less is a rollerball. These are vials of perfume that are about the size of a permanent marker, and they generally cost between $20 and $25. They're small enough to keep in your purse or makeup bag, and it makes moving much less stressful when you don't have to worry

BEAUTY BAR

EVA'S PERFUME

RANKINGS So what would I wear where? The perfume counters at Macy's and Sephora were full of samples for me to try, and here are the results.

OUT WITH THE GIRLS Aquolina Pink Sugar, Harajuku Lovers Baby, Tocca Graciella about breaking a huge glass jar of strong-scented liquid. Many stores carry imitations of more famous brands. If you're deadset on a specific scent but just can't afford it, these might be the way to go. Otherwise, you can probably find a less expensive name brand in a similar scent family. If your budget is very tight, Sephora employees will happily give you a sample vial of any perfume in the store. The sample sizes include about ten spritzes, more than enough for a single fancy evening or professional meeting.

KEEPING YOUR PERFUME

"Perfume and cologne should always be kept cool and away from light," she says. "Heat will cause evaporation, and light may cause discoloration." She also discourages keeping perfume in the bathroom, as they are often too warm and humid for them to be safe for the scents. "Bedrooms are usually fine as long as they are not too warm," she says. "However, if a perfume or cologne is to be used sparinglyâ&#x20AC;Śthe best place to keep them is in the refrigerator."

JOB INTERVIEW Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gioia, Ralph Lauren Big Pony #1, Giorgio Armani Armani Code Pour Femme

DATE NIGHT Dior Hypnotic Poison, Nest Midnight Fleur, Thierry Mugler Angel

Wendel advises her customers to store their purchases properly. tote

WINTER ESSENTIALS

FASHION FRENZY 2

3 4 5

1. Ursula Drops, $32, Baublebar 2. Nude Flats, $30.63, Us Trendy 3. Mint Velvet Ruched Leggings in Black, $25, John Lewis 4. Blazers, $89.50, United Colors of Benetton 5. Electrify Envelope Clutchâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Nasty Gal, $23, Keep

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DORM DECOR 6 1

7 5 1. Mercury Pattern Votives, $10, West Elm 2. Things We Love Coffee Table Book, $40, Kate Spade 3. Klistrig Place Mat, $2.99, Ikea 4. Decorate Your Den Pillow, $29.99, ModCloth 5. Stella Floor Lamp, $99, Urban Outfitters 6. Glitter Teaspoon Set, $38, Leif 7. Plum & Bow Apartment Sweet Apartment Mat, $24, Urban Outfitters

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ALL ABOUT

RÉSUMÉS Text: Emily Kong A résumé is a reflection of your education, goals, experiences, skills, and references. In a nutshell, it is a compilation of your accomplishments on a piece of paper. Résumés are traditionally one page long, but it depends on whom you are tailoring it for, how much you are willing to include, and what experiences you are choosing to share.

major or career path, it can be included. Again, if it is a leadership position in something like Frisbee or anime, it should not be included. If you plan on being a lawyer or HIGH SCHOOL environmentalist, a leadership VERSUS COLLEGE position on the debate club or High school was an important time green team can be kept on for a in your life. It’s where you grew up, few years. Instead, join the groups where you discovered who you are, on your campus that are similar to where you began adulthood. There those. By keeping up with those Résumés are the first thing future are things that happened in high groups, it will show how you are employers will ask for, just to get a school that you want to keep with committed to the cause. gist of who you are, what you have you forever, which is great, but not done, and your future. The design of on your résumé. In the experience section of your it should be simple; there’s no need résumé, it should be in chronological for fancy fonts or playful spacing. It’s Maybe you were in four different order, the most current position all about readability. honor societies, Frisbee club, or the being first. I would limit one high school position on your résumé, school’s choir; these are all great You may only have one version of depending on how much you have ways to get involved at school and your résumé because that’s all you listed. Try not to pile on the high it shows colleges that you like to really needed in high school. In participate in school, but they aren’t school positions, instead post incollege, some classes want you to ternships, jobs, and college positions. impressive to future employers put together a résumé just so you and should not be included on will have an up to date one, or Awards are great things to post on your résumé. you may create one in your own your résumé. If you have awards time when applying for jobs or from high school, limit how many Leadership positions receive a internships. In addition to a general completely different treatment. you share. Like leadership positions, résumé, you are going to need I would only post ones that are If the position is relevant to your 14

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tailored versions of your résumé depending on where you are sending it off.

relevant to your goals and career path. For the time between high school and college, it is appropriate to post what you graduated with, like the President’s Excellence Award, for example. If you attended any conventions or fairs that are relevant to your course of study, you can include them in the activities section of your résumé. For example, I attended a national journalism convention in high school, and I have kept it on my résumé, even though I am in college. It is relevant to my desired career in journalism, and shows that I began educating myself before college. The general rule is that if it is applicable, then go ahead and display it, but not in overkill. If employers see that most of your experiences are from high school, they are going to assume the worst: that you have been slacking off in college.

RÉSUMÉ VARIATIONS Not many know this, but you should have more than one version of your résumé. It is good to have a general résumé that has the gist of what you have done, but for specific applications or rather specific internships and jobs, it is good to have a résumé that highlights the skills needed for that position. If you are applying for a job in retail, it is good to highlight any customer service experience you have, ability to work as a team, and flexibility with tasks. Depending on where

you are applying, they have a specific image of their employees, but most importantly, they have a goal as a brand of how they want their employees to conduct themselves. Make sure you embody that brand and share the same goals that they do.

in the field. For example, if you are a part of the advertising club on campus or have created graphics before and are applying for an internship with an adver tising company, they would appreciate that you have done something with advertising before or would even like to see your work. Remember, When it comes to internships, just because you have experience highlight the skills you possess that does not make you an exper t. would be beneficial for the company, There is always more to learn. and what you would like to learn more about. It’s all about how you The most impor tant thing to do can contribute to their current when tailoring your résumé is to team. Why should they award you highlight the most impor tant skills the position out of all the applicants that will make you an asset to the they receive? Many supervisors company. Companies are looking will ask you during the interview for new employees that they can process what you would like to gain bring on to the team, but when you from the internship. have skills that can be built on, it makes you all the more valuable.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE YOUR RÉSUMÉ WILL TAKE YOU, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU WORK HARD ON MAKING IT STAND OUT AGAINST OTHERS. Tailoring your résumé is simple. Whoever you are submitting your application and résumé to are looking for certain things. Internships are looking for a basic skill set that can be built on and a background

LAST TIPS Some last tips with résumés are to constantly update them and always have a copy of one with you, or at least accessible. You never know how quickly you will need to turn one in or whom you will meet. Connections are easily made, make sure you have something that captures who you are. Résumés are the easiest document to create that will be accepted everywhere. You never know where your résumé will take you, especially when you work hard on making it stand out against others. A résumé is that document that will follow you for life. It will be passed around, displayed, and constantly carrying you as a professional. Make sure your résumé displays the best you.

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WINTER ESSENTIALS

SCHOOL SUPPLIES 4

7 6

1. Feel Good Pencil Set, $8, Patch NYC 2. Patterned Clipboards (4 set), $30, Papermash 3. Thought Cloud Sticky Notes, $3, Kikkerland 4. Victorian Whale Stapler, $78, Anthropologie 5. Design Like Clip Set, $13, Connect Design 6. Pencil Holder, $122, Travelteq 7. Tofu Stationery Set from Pana Objects, $65, Keep 8. Snowcone Medium Paper Cover Notebook, $4, Poppin

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OUR ADVENTURES H AV E E X PA N D E D

Join us on YouTube COMING SOON: Beauty tutorials We asked. She answered. Cover girl interviews. On-campus segments And more! tote

COMFORT ZONE CONQUEROR

Take on Study Abroad!

Text: Aurielle Bryan ’m standing on the edge of a precipice—literally—staring at the water beneath me. I’m the last one standing on this rock, just trying to muster up the courage to jump. I’m terrified; I’m shaking all the way down to the core. This is completely outside of my comfort zone. It’s not like I’m afraid of heights, but it’s the same fear that grips me when I think about skydiving and hang gliding. The unasked question, ‘What if?’ My head buzzes with a plethora of these. I’m considering backing out of this experience when then I realize I hear faint cheering coming from below. Those people that I’ve come here with are encouraging me to try something new. When I first heard about cliff jumping, I thought ‘That sounds easy’ and ‘What’s so difficult about that?’ However, standing there on that rock with only the water below has put things in perspective. I know that I should try to do this, because I will regret it later if I don’t; and how many times in life do you get to say that you went cliff jumping in Australia? With that thought in mind—I jumped.

That instance comes from an excess of other occurrences from my time studying abroad in Australia. In my time abroad, I have had the chance to experience things like see a koala up close, go to the The Australia Zoo (the one that Steve Irwin is associated with), befriend people from all over the world (I’m not kidding, I had roommates from Norway, South Africa and Australia; not to mention a girl I became good friends with was from Ecuador), try delicious foods (meat pies in Australia are heavenly), and experience the outdoorsy culture that Australia is known for. I was able to cram so many experiences in such a relatively short period of time, and I was able to make amazing friendships along the way.

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Think to yourself, have you ever wanted to try something completely new and exciting? Something that would allow you to travel and see the world, all while still being able to attend university? Maybe you are a foreign language major who wants practice speaking the language you are learning with people who fluently speak that language; or maybe you just want to see the world. If the travel bug has bitten you, then maybe you should try studying abroad. There are a vast amount of places and opportunities available to university students who are looking to gain some educational experience in another country. Studying abroad is an opportunity of a lifetime; and if you are unsure of the programs that could

await you, find out at your university’s study abroad office. There are many different types of programs that universities offer, and they can vary between the universities. Generally, universities will offer different types of programs to students that can vary in location, cost, length, academics, and even whether or not a faculty member of your home university goes with you. Most universities will offer their own program and study abroad program providers. Programs at universities will differ, but program providers such as, ISA (International Studies Abroad), IFSA-Butler, IIE, Arcadia, Semester-at-Sea, Globalinks, and CEA to name a few, offer programs that remain fairly consistent. You just need to visit the website of each in order to find out

A kangaroo caught in action

Me in Brisbane

Research.

more about their individual programs. Each of these providers have hundreds of programs that they offer, along with staff members who live in the place (or close to) you would be studying.

Whether that be programs specifically through your university or through a study abroad program provider.

If you are on the fence about spending your time abroad, I would challenge you to overcome it. Studying abroad is a great way to see the world and continue your education. It allows you to be immersed in another culture and experience a new way of life. It’s an amazing oppor tunity to stop being a tourist and star t being an adventurer or explorer. It’s amazing to see what you uncover and discover when you absorb and par ticipate in another culture—your eyes will be opened to new wonders that you will forever appreciate and you will view your life at home with an appraising, critical eye that will help you grow as an individual.

meeting at your university. Look on your university’s website for specific information about the time, date, and location of the meetings.

If you are contemplating study abroad and want to learn more information about the different program options, follow these tips and you will be on your way!

Attend. Attend a general interest

Talk. Talk to former participants

if you are unsure of a location or program. Former study abroad participants have a wealth of insider’s knowledge. Talk to them. Most times, someone may have been on the very program that you are considering.

Reality. Be realistic about how

much you can spend on a program. Don’t set yourself up for failure. Understand your financial limits and work around it. Don’t forget that there are specific study abroad scholarships available and there is extra financial aid. Ask your university’s study abroad office about it!

Academics. Think academ-

ically if you know you don’t have a lot of wiggle room in your schedule. If you know you have mostly classes for your major left, then find a program that caters more to your academic needs.

Length. This ties into Academics. Some majors are not as lenient as others—be realistic. It may be that you are required to take certain classes at a certain time; if that is the case, then you may need to study abroad earlier than most people do. It could also mean that you need to look at other options. Study abroad programs are also offered during the Spring Break, the January term (winter break), and even the summer.

With these tips, you are on your way to the experience of a lifetime! tote

THE F WORD What Feminism Actually Is Text: Colleen Murphy A man-hating woman who doesn't shave and who burns her bra. That's what many people picture when they are asked to describe a feminist. The stigma associated with feminists make people afraid of the word, and because they are afraid of the word, they are automatically afraid of the ideals, even without truly understanding what feminists believe in. So what is feminism? Is it really a belief held by 'obnoxious' females who are trying to dominate men and rule the world? Of course not. Feminism is all about equality, says Emily Bent, Co-Chair of the Working Group on Girls at the United Nations and Executive Director of Sage Girl, a nonprofit organization that delivers girl-positive programs to communities. "Ah, the ultimate question," Bent says. "I think feminism takes on a lot of different personalities and forms, but ultimately it's about equality. Whether we're talking about sex, gender, race, sexuality, class, nation, ethnicity, religion—it's cross cutting and intersectional, but ultimately, 20

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I think about feminism as being about equality."

because they are from a long time ago, but still seem somehow timeless."

There are three waves of feminism that people have pinpointed throughout history. The First Wave came in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when women were fighting for the right to vote. Bent says that it was during this time the stereotypes of feminists were first documented. As women were attempting to be more engaged in politics, they were deemed anti-family.

So if some of these stereotypes are over 45 years old, then why are they still around?

The stereotypes that are alive today stem from the Second Wave of Feminism in the 1960's and 1970's when there was a movement to talk about sexuality as being an impor tant issue for women, according to Bent. "[The stereotypes] became a form of backlash that people would use to try and scare women away from feminism,” Bent says. “I think, shockingly, most of the stereotypes that we're dealing with now have been around for a long time and so they continually return over and over and over again—even if people don't necessarily believe that they're real. It somehow still is always coming up, which is strange,

"You know, the idea that we're all man-hating because we happen to believe that women and men should be treated equally, or that men should expect more out of their lives, as well, is somehow seen as threatening,” Bent says. “I think it's largely because feminism is still threatening because it is antipatriarchy and is trying to shake it up a bit, and so I think the stereotypes just serve as warnings to people.” While some believe that we are still in the Third Wave that star ted in the '90's, others believe that we are at the beginning of a Fourth Wave. But whichever wave of feminism a woman or man was involved in or whichever type of feminist he or she identifies as (yes, there is more than one type of feminist), the goal is the same—equality for all. According to a June 2011 Gallup poll, 20 percent of men and 25

percent of women identify themselves as feminists. Fortunately, it seems as though the younger generations are more comfortable with the label than older women and men.

out without thinking I was being 'radical' or 'overreacting.'"

marching, rallying, and chanting that typically comes to mind." -Stephanie Cervino, 21

I talked to several other selfproclaimed feminists who are We also discussed the situation, attending college about what makes moment or experience that made them a feminist, and this is what them realize that they were feminists: Bent works with girls of all ages they said: and says that many of them are not "I was 17 and sitting in a classroom, afraid of the word or to say girls "Authors Jennifer Baumgardner and a boy who had a crush on me was and boys are equal. Self-proclaimed Amy Richards say: '[Feminists are] seated behind me. He would feminists of the younger generations, just women who don’t want to be constantly badger me about why I including college students, run treated like shit.' To put it blatantly, was dating my then boyfriend, how I campaigns, hold presentations and I don't want to be treated like shit. was too good for him and such. I told educate peers about feminism at Knowing my identify falls into multiple him to shut up and to stop talking to their schools. Still, some are hesitant dimensions makes me a feminist. It me. He replied with, ‘I want to rape to call themselves a feminist. may sound corny, but I want everyone you.’ I was scared. I did not know to have the opportunity to be happy, what to do. This was not a little deal, "It's not that they're necessarily plain and simple. Doesn't that make and it was haunting me. Should I anti-feminist, they just wouldn't most people a feminist?” tell my teacher? How could he say necessarily attach that label because -Samantha Altman, 21 that? How could he not see that as it does still have this negative wrong? I told my parents. They made association given to it,” Bent says. "I strongly believe that the world me tell my teacher. His seat was “But I think that their actions are absolutely needs women and men changed and he did not say it to feminist, so whether or not they to be considered equal, not 'higher me again. It began soon again, only define themselves as that almost in value' than the other. More so, this time to my ex-boyfriend and my becomes, depending on who you're I spread the word about gender friends. ‘That’s not okay!’ they would talking to, either impor tant or equality so that people realize that yell at him. ‘You can’t say stuff like not important.” this is a serious issue." that!’ He would smile, and repeat -Mi-Yeon Park, 19 it again the next day. Eventually, Twenty-one-year-old Stephanie the remarks stopped. It took a long Cervino, who double majors in "I am a feminist because I believe in while, and many fits of tears. How biology and women's and gender the absolute minimal requirement of could he do that and merely get his studies, is an example of a feminist being a feminist, that is that gender seat changed? No repercussions or who uses the label carefully. should not factor into equality, at all. attempts were made to see if his Once I heard the term feminist I statement held validity. "I do not deny being a feminist, was not conflicted at all about but unless I am in a female-friendly considering myself one. I defend the That was my feminist wake-up call. or feminist environment, I will not 'F' word always." Feminism fell upon me, more or less declare myself a feminist without -Tiffany Piatt, 20 because I knew the experience that being prompted. I think this is I had suffered through was one of mostly because I know the negative "I think feminism also has an many. I could not let any of my values stereotypes that surround feminists, advocacy/activism component— identify with this situation being okay. and I would rather people hear me however, it doesn't have to be the And so, here I am, the feminist!" -Samantha Altman, 21

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quick facts from the "I didn't know what feminism was until I took women's and gender studies classes. Feminism just stuck a label to the ideas I had about female independence and empowerment." -Stephanie Cervino, 21 These four college students are all members of their campus's organization that promotes leadership and activism among women, and the questions they often get asked are: But do we actually need feminism anymore? Is there really still inequality between the genders? The answer to both is yes. "A lot of people like to believe that unfortunately. It's completely not true," Bent says in response to people thinking feminism is no longer needed. "Honestly, I think that part of that is a type of culture that we live in right now where it's so individualized and me-centered that we don't really have a broader dialogue about what collective equality looks like. It's sor t of like, well, if I can achieve whatever I want than obviously no one else has a problem, and if they do they're just not working hard enough or they just have issues or something. And so I feel like part of the issue is this individual versus collective conversation that doesn't happen as much, but if you really look outside one's own situation, it's impossible to deny that there's gross inequalities between the sexes."

FACTS ABOUT

FEMINISM tumblr

- Women own 5% of TV channels and 6% of radio stations. - Of married heterosexual couples that both work fulltime, women still do 3x as much housework. - 75% of women will be followed by a stranger before the age of 30. - 1 in 3 women will be physically beaten, assaulted, or sexually violated in their lifetime. - 69% of women think the women's rights movement has made their lives better. (CBS survey) Interested in learning more about feminism or becoming more involved in its causes? Check out these great sites: http://factsaboutfeminism.tumblr.com/ http://www.bust.com/ http://bitchmagazine.org/ http://www.sagegirl.org/ http://dayofthegirl.org/

INTERN DIARIES

Medical Match-up Internships are essential to college. They give you experience, opportunities, and often times, help mold your path to your future. Read on for Nathalia’s first-hand experience with her internship.

Text: Shelby Newsome When first starting out in college, it can be daunting to know what to do. What electives should I take? Should I switch my major for the third time? Do I have enough time to study before I go out with my friends? For 20-year-old Nathalia Gibbs, figuring out the path she needed to take to get to med school was a clear cut. That is, until she started as a research assistant for the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Research Depar tment at Johns Hopkins. A junior at Johns Hopkins University majoring in neuroscience, Nathalia was required to complete some type of research. She landed on the MS Research Depar tment, a department dedicated to looking for ways to improve the quality of life for people who have the disease.

Nathalia helps out the department wherever she is needed. She also has her own project, consisting of data analysis, which she works on during her internship time.

Even now that she’s got it down, Nathalia says that she’s still constantly learning new things, especially when she’s interacting with other doctors working on different diseases.

But Nathalia would have to say that her favorite par t is getting to interact with patients.

Nathalia came into this internship with a solid plan on where she was going. But this internship has changed her outlook; Nathalia says that she’s realized there are more ways to get to med school than she thought there were.

“I really get to take time and interact with a lot of the patients in the studies,” Nathalia says. “It’s more of a questionnaire than assessing, to see how they’re feeling, if they are feeling better, just things like that.” Since before she star ted the internship, research wasn’t really on her radar, there was an adjustment period for Nathalia to get all of the vernacular down.

“Now, my eyes are just pretty open in the sense that there are so many ways to get to becoming a doctor,” Nathalia says. She says she’s more open-minded now of how she’s going to get to where she wants to be in life. So her advice to you?

“There’s a geographical distribution of MS in the world,” Nathalia says. “Kind of related to how close or far you are to the equator. And so, what they’ve determined is that there might be some type of correlation between the vitamin D levels and the trajectory of the disease pathology in multiple sclerosis. So we’re kind of looking to see if the supplementation of vitamin D, not act as a cure, but really help improve the quality of life.”

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“The knowledge gap is almost like a language barrier.” Nathalia says. She would get to talk to doctors but wouldn’t know some of the things they were talking about. “I’m just sitting there with a notepad trying to see if I can attempt to spell things in a way that even Google could help me find them,” Nathalia says.

“Ask tons and tons and tons of questions,” Nathalia says. “And just be really open and really talkative. I think that’s when you get the most out of any experience is when you’re really out there.” Like Nathalia, you may just end up surprising yourself.

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ASK TONS AND TONS AND TONS OF QUESTIONS... AND JUST BE REALLY OPEN AND REALLY TALKATIVE. I THINK THAT’S WHEN YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF ANY EXPERIENCE IS WHEN YOU’RE REALLY OUT THERE.

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the 10 best

college apps Text: Sydney Adamson I don’t know about you, but I always like things that make my life easier even if it’s just by the tiniest bit. I use my phone for just about everything and it’s always by my side. Just like me, I’m sure there are apps on your phone that you couldn’t live without. I’ve found quite a few apps that have kept me calm, cool and collected under the stress of being a working college student, so I thought I’d spread the word. In no particular order, here are 10 must-download apps for your phone:

1. NOTEPAD

While this app comes preinstalled on iPhones, it’s one of the most useful apps on my phone. I find myself using it everyday to keep my thoughts organized. I use it to write my grocery store list, to jot down story ideas and I even use it to take notes during meetings or while reading if I have nothing else to use.

2. POLYVORE

The Polyvore app is a great extension of the Polyvore website. It’s very similarly designed which makes it easy to use. I use it when I need to quickly find a 26

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piece of clothing, or if I just want to browse sets made by other users. I’d recommend it as an alternative to Twitter and Instagram when you want to pass the time.

3. DICTIONARY.COM

This app, Dictionary.com, is self-explanatory. When I’m not familiar with a word I hear or see, I just whack it into the search bar and the app does the work for me. It’s perfect for when I’m in class or I’m not near a computer and need to know the definition of a word quickly.

4. A BEAUTIFUL MESS

A Beautiful Mess is my favorite for photo editing because it has just about everything I need. It lets me resize photos and add doodles, borders, fun text and more! They even recently added a collage feature. Really, it doesn’t get any more inclusive than this app.

5. PANDORA

Since I bought my iPhone, this app has been my go to music player. I love not knowing what song or artist is going to come next. It keeps me company on my walk to class and while I’m

Photo: Caro Romero

doing homework. What else could a girl ask for in a music player?

6. RUNTASTIC

When I go for a run, I like to be able to track my distance and time. While there are many exercise apps, Runtastic has a ton of great features. It allows me to customize my settings, keep track of my running history and it even lets me know when I’ve passed a mile marker. The only downside is that because I do not have the pro version of the app, I have to see ads while I use it.

7. BANK APPS

If there’s one thing I could improve on it’s managing my money. I’m absolutely terrible at keeping track of what I’ve purchased and where, and I’d be

even worse at it if it weren’t for PNC’s Mobile Banking app. With this app, I can check the balance in each one of my accounts as well as transfer funds, deposit checks and pay bills all on my phone. If you don’t use PNC, never fear! BB&T, Bank of America, M&T Bank, Chase and many more banks also have mobile banking apps.

8. GROUPME

The GroupMe app allows you to create group conversations regardless of whether the members of your group have the app or not and it all stays in one conversation. This is great to use to keep in contact with your friends while away at school, and to stay connected with your family. Anything that allows me to be closer to my loved ones when I can’t physically be with them is okay by me.

9. GROUPON

Saving money is impor tant, especially to a college student. The Groupon app uses your zip code to find deals in your area. There are deals and coupons for restaurants, electronics, gifts and more. These deals will make it easy to stay within your spending limits.

10. SCHOLLY

Scholly is an app that lets you search for scholarships by cer tain criteria like race, major, state, GPA, etc. Like Groupon, this app also allows opportunities to save money. It provides you with a list of scholarships, award amounts and application deadlines. Scholly also allows you to save each scholarship so that you can return to it at a later date if necessary. tote

TEA

TOTE’S GUIDE TO

BLACK TEA GREEN TEA WHITE TEA Black tea has the highest caffeine content, with 40 milligrams of caffeine per cup (coffee contains 50 to 80 mg per cup). Black tea has a slightly bitter flavor, due to the leaves being fermented after they are picked. Black tea is the most common, and serves as the base for a lot of flavored teas. Drink up because: it contains antioxidant compounds that have been linked to lower levels of cholesterol!

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Green tea has a more delicate flavor than black tea because the leaves are stemmed and not fermented. It’s also lighter on the caffeine, with 25 milligrams of caffeine per cup. Drink up because: it is loaded with antioxidants! Some kinds burn fat and counteract oxidative stress on the brain while others (called catechins) may ward off everything from heart disease to cancer. If that isn’t good enough, a daily cup of green tea can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease by 10 percent!

White tea is uncured and unfermented. This, as well as the fact that the leaves are picked very early, gives white tea a very light flavor. In addition, it packs only a small dose of caffeine at 15 milligrams per cup. It has the most potent anticancer proper ties because it is less processed (uncured and unfermented). Drink up because: due to the fact that white tea is left mostly unprocessed, it has the most potent anticancer properties of all the types of tea. It also contains small amounts of fluoride and other nutrients that promote tooth and gum health while banishing bad breath and plaque.

Text: Katie Lemon Coffee: that delightful, caffeine-ridden friend of ours. We’ve always stayed true, but after reading up on some of the not-so-great side effects (hello, heartburn and increased stress) we’ve started turning to a lighter, possibly more beneficial alternative. Everyone please welcome coffee’s caffeinated cousin: the ever diverse and delicious tea! If you’re not a tea drinker (or even if you are) we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorites to help you wade through what you might like based on taste and health benefits. From basic black to exotic hibiscus, read on to learn all about the wonderful world of tea!

OOLONG TEA HERBAL TEAS Oolong is similar to black tea but fermented for a shorter time, so it has a richer taste. Its caffeine content is just below that of black tea with 30 milligrams per cup.

Technically speaking, herbal teas are not really tea! Usually they’re just a blend of dried fruits, flowers, and herbs. Because of this, they are caffeine free.

Drink up because: drinking oolong can activate an enzyme in the body that dissolves triglycerides, a dietary fat that’s stored in fat cells. Drinking a daily cup of oolong can also cut risk of ovarian cancer in half.

Drink up because: Hibiscus tea could help lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. It’s also used in parts of Africa to encourage fluid balance and support skin health. Chamomile tea promotes sleep, and peppermint tea will calm your stomachache.

Now that you’re well versed in the world of tea, head to the store and pick up a box or two! Experiment with adding a bit of sugar and/or milk, and you’re all ready to meet that late-night study sesh headon. Bravo!

Note: avoid herbal teas that advertise “weight loss benefits.” These teas often contain dangerous laxatives!

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Bell

THE

OF THE BALL

For Lauren Bell, 24, managing a full-time job while going to school part-time is just an ordinary day. Read on for a look at how she got here, her â&#x20AC;&#x153;home away from home,â&#x20AC;? and her style inspiration.

Text: Shelby Newsome Photography: Rachel Parker

Most fashionistas will tell you that style and fashion are not synonymous. And yes, there is a difference. Fashion relays those ephemeral trends that if lucky enough, last more than one season. Style is that inborn talent to curate outfits that create a sense of timelessness with a mix of the individual’s taste; it’s about knowing what works and going for it regardless of how trendy it may (or may not) be. Through Lauren Bell’s years of experience in retail, she has learned the impor tance of the two. As the store manager and assistant buyer for Babe., a boutique in Fells Point, Maryland, Lauren has traveled to locations like Las Vegas and New York City for tradeshows, where she gets to buy for the store. “Trends are not always the first thing I’m looking for,” Lauren says. “You want to look for function and making sure that it’s going to be flattering on most body types and people.” Lauren is always on the lookout for pieces that will work for her customers. Product knowledge is key for her and what better way to understand a product than by trying it on to know the fit? Even if it’s not Lauren’s taste, she says she’ll get acquainted with the piece when it comes into the store. Babe. is a women’s contemporary clothing boutique that 32

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caters to women from 20 to 45 years old. With a mix of high and low price points, trendy and functional pieces, it encompasses the best of both worlds, garnering its “sophisticated chic” descriptor —as deemed by Lauren. “I really do enjoy working in an independent boutique setting because you get to really know your customer, know people,” Lauren says. “And you get to experience all sides of the business, which I think is unique. Your day is always changing, it’s always exciting.” Before Babe., Lauren had her first retail job at American Eagle Outfitters. She was there for three years and left the store as an assistant manager—a remarkable feat considering it was the highest volume store, at $5 million dollars, in Maryland. “When I star ted working in retail, it just felt like a natural fit,” Lauren says. “I was good at it. I was happy doing it. Everything just kind of came together.” The start of Lauren’s path with fashion, however, was with Babe., before she took on the position as store manager, even before working for American Eagle Outfitters. While at community college, Lauren knew she liked fashion and decided to create an internship that would allow her to explore a career in fashion. She landed on Babe., then located in Federal Hill, and got the

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internship. Lauren interned there for a summer and the owner, Lisa, became a mentor to her. After her stint at American Eagle Outfitters, Lisa told Lauren about an assistant manager position available at Babe. Naturally, Lauren took the job. When Lisa, decided to sell the store to the owner of Poppy and Stella, another boutique in Fells Point, the new owner promoted Lauren to her current position. Managing a store full-time requires tons of dedication and passion, as Lauren proves. But on top of Lauren’s position, she’s just a college student, working towards her degree in fashion merchandising at Stevenson University. “It’s always tough being a student and working full-time,” Lauren says. “But I’m kind of conditioned to it, because I’ve been doing it for so long. That’s always a challenge.” Really, both go hand in hand. Lauren says that each experience, whether in the classroom or on the job, helps support what she’s experiencing in the opposite setting. Plus, taking classes, which offer insight on consumer behavior, doesn’t hur t. “You can hang a shir t a cer tain way or fold it and they might never even look at it folded, but hanging they’re like, Oh my god. I need that,” Lauren says, as one of the things she’s learned through her class about customers. 34

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“

THROUGH HARD WORK, YOU'LL GET EXPERIENCES, YOU'LL GET TO DO THINGS THAT YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO IF YOU WEREN'T WORKING SO HARD THE WHOLE TIME. tote

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Lauren was even able to take a one-month trip with her school to Paris, Milan, and Prague. “Honestly, I’ve never felt more at home in a place that was not my home than when I was in Paris,” Lauren says. “I can’t even describe it.” Lauren loved the fashion abroad. She says that when it comes to her own style, she’s drawn to simplistic and classic looks. But for fashion inspiration, she looks to the streets. “I find my real inspiration, actually, from street style,” Lauren says. “I spend a lot of my time on blogs and looking at street style pages because I think they’re the most original ideas. I like how people match different colors you wouldn’t expect. I think you get a different perspective on it that way.” As Lauren chases her dreams, she’s surrounded by people who support her, like Lisa and current Babe. owner, Kelley. However, getting there does come with its challenges.

Who knows, you might just see Lauren in NYC working as a buyer for a corporate retailer one day. That is, after focusing on growing and expanding Babe. Lauren’s style doesn’t just appear with her keen sense of what works for an outfit (as illuminated with the playful chic look she chose for the cover shoot), but it translates to her natural ability to understand the world of fashion merchandising. From one fashionista to the next (or just any dream-laden college girl): “Through hard work, you’ll get experiences, you’ll get to do things that you might not have been able to do if you weren’t working so hard the whole time.”

We asked. Lauren answered. Watch the video here.

“I’m not that great at time management,” Lauren says. “I have to really really force myself to try to be good at time management because that’s the only way to get anything done. I’ve been working on it still. It’s a never-ending struggle with time management and me. Because I’m not the best at it. But I’m slowly, slowly learning everyday.” tote

MEMO MAGNETIC

CHALKBOARD Text: Shelby Newsome Rock out the New Year—and new semester—with an oh-so-chic memo chalkboard! Keep in touch with your roomies and stay up-to-date with everything that’s going on. Style and function in one rectangular package—magnets included.

WHAT YOU NEED: • Picture frame • Magnetic board • Chalk spray paint • Acrylic paint • Painter’s tape • Foam brush • Flat wooden circles—small • Magnetic circles with adhesive on one side • Chalk

WHAT TO DO: 1. Use the chalk spray paint to cover the magnetic board. Let dry for the time recommended on the paint bottle. 2. While waiting for the magnetic board to dry, use the painter’s tape to create diagonal lines on the picture frame. 3. Brush on acrylic paint where picture frame surface is visible. Let dry. And repeat. (We applied three coats.) 4. Carefully peel off the painter’s tape to reveal stripes. 5. Once magnetic board is dry, place in picture frame. 6. Paint the wooden circles and let dry. 7. Attach magnetic circles to the back of the wooden circles.

Add messages to and from your roomies and your message board is complete. For best access, try hanging it in your living room. 40

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DIY

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the

SIGNS A GUY JUST LIKES YOU AS A FRIEND

Our resident guy Alex spills on how to know if a guy wants to take it to the next level or simply stay in the friend zone.

1. STRICTLY

PARTYING

Guys that only hit you up on weekends to see where the party’s at are nothing more than a friend. Either they really like to go out and have fun with you, or they figure they can score with one of your girlfriends. You see, guys know that girls travel in packs. It’s actually a very smart system. It’s how you remain safe and keep a lookout for the guys they’re talking to. You’ll know a guy is trying to pursue you if he 42

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checks to see what party or bar you’ll be at so he can buy you a drink or ask you to dance. Don’t fall for him asking where the party’s at just so he now knows of a party to go to.

2. FOLLOW-UP

INVITES

So you’ve gone out for lunch, dinner or even happy hour together, that constitutes as an interested guy right? Not necessarily. You can enjoy a meal with any guy you want, but

unless they invite you over or hint at coming over to your place later, you can forget about it. See, food acts as the bridge to paving the way for a hopeful relationship. What the guy does on that bridge is what truly matters. Does he walk across the bridge just to see you home safely, or does he travel the full distance with you?

3. HUGS

When you meet up with a guy friend, the way they hug you will tell you a lot. If he leans in for a casual hug only with the upper

LOVE AND RELATIONSHIPS

body, he’s just a friend. But if he hugs you with full frontal contact and doesn’t mind wrapping his arms around your lower back, now you’ve got something to think about.

4. THREE

MONTH FRIEND ZONE RULE

If you’ve known a guy for three months and he hasn’t made a move, you’re in the friend zone. I hate to break it to you, but that’s the way it works. There’s only a small window of opportunity that a guy can express interest and act on it. As guys, we know that you don’t like to wait around too long for something to happen. Either he likes you as something more and he’ll do something about it, or he just likes you as a friend and intends to keep it that way.

5. OCCASIONAL

HANG OUT

A guy that hits you up on occasion for lunch, to watch a game on TV, or to go to the mall is definitely just a friend. If he enjoys your company from

time to time but clearly shows that he doesn’t want anything more, that’s clear enough in itself. Friends hang out; it’s just what they do. A guy that doesn’t want to come off like he’s looking for something more, will want to hang out in neutral settings. Public places and social get-togethers with other friends around guarantees that no situation will open up for him to get too close to you.

6. WHAT HE

TELLS YOU

Guys that just want to be friends with a girl are actually more comfor table with talking about themselves because they’re not worried about impressing her. The most common sign of a guy, who’s just interested in friendship, is how much he trusts the girl. Guys that have feelings for a girl, naturally put a guard up because they don’t want to expose too much of their personal background right away. If they were interested in you, they would be asking you to tell them about yourself and only telling you what you wanted to know about them. Guys also don’t discuss their personal problems a whole lot unless they see you as a genuine friend. Let’s face it; guys are pretty bad

at communicating to those they care about. They aren’t exactly the best at expressing their feelings and what they’re thinking. However, when they know they have a girl as a friend who is willing to listen, it becomes easier to let everything out.

“

GUYS THAT JUST WANT TO BE FRIENDS WITH A GIRL ARE ACTUALLY MORE COMFORTABLE TALKING ABOUT THEMSELVES BECAUSE THEY"RE NOT WORRIED ABOUT IMPRESSING HER

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ENTERTAINMENT

COMING UP Text: Katie Lemon

MUSIC

MOVIES

January TBA It’s been a long time coming for this album, but finally the day is upon us. The ever-talented American rapper even admitted on Twitter that this record has been five years in the making. With fifteen tracks written exclusively and all new for Broke with Expensive Taste, Azealia is sure to win over the public with her sassy and honest lyrics on this much anticipated debut studio album. This girl’s a fighter, and definitely one you should look out for on the charts. To sample her sound, check out the haunting and strange “Yung Rapunxel” and the snappy, Nicki Minaj-esque “ATM Jam.”

January 24th Vanessa Hudgens proves her versatility in this upcoming drama based on a true story. Hudgens plays the teenage runaway daughter of a prostitute. If that isn’t enough, she’s now pregnant, on the streets, and desperately searching for her long-lost Wall Street father. We don’t want to give anything away, but this movie is full of heart-breaking twists and turns that you just have to catch in theaters. With other stars like Brendan Fraser and James Earl Jones, this film is sure to be a hit.

Azealia Banks, Broke with Expensive Taste

Little Mix, Salute

February 4th Even though Salute has already come out in the UK, we’ve had to wait an extra few months here in the States. The girls of Little Mix take pride in the fact that they were much more involved in the writing process of their second album. They maintain the pop sound they established in their debut album “DNA” while also adding some depth with an R&B vibe. We think the new sound is mature but also fun, and we can’t wait for this one to come stateside.

Gimme Shelter

Winter’s Tale

February 14th Based off the 1983 novel by Mark Helprin, this supernatural drama stars Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Russell Crowe, and Will Smith. Based in Manhattan in 1916, Winter’s Tale follows the strange happenings that ensue after Irish thief Peter Lake (Farrell) falls in love with a girl who lives in one of the houses he breaks into. After she tragically dies in his arms, Peter discovers that he has the gift of reincarnation. He sets out to save her, but will his plan actually work?

Three Days To Kill

February 14th Ed Sheeran, Title Unknown We became Hailee Steinfeld’s biggest fan as soon as February 17th we saw her in True Grit, and we have a feeling we This British ginger is pretty tight-lipped about his won’t be disappointed by her performance in this sophomore studio album, but we’re already beyond upcoming action thriller. This flick follows a secret excited. He hasn’t even told us the name of the record, service agent (played by Kevin Costner) who is trying but he dropped the cryptic hint that the title doesn’t to buy time to reconnect with his estranged daughter. start with a letter…Hmm, possibly something similar He takes one last assignment as a subject to a strange to his last album, which was simply represented by a medical drug experiment in order to prolong his plus symbol? He did however reveal that there would life, but will he make it long enough to fix things with be a song called “Photograph,” and has promised more his daughter? rap-inspired tunes on this album. 44

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BOOKS

Minders by Michele Jaffe

January 30th Michele Jaffe has covered it all, from historical fiction to suspenseful thrillers. With Minders, Jaffe takes a turn for the technologically curious. Set in a dystopian society, the story follows Sadie Ames, a successful girl from the suburbs. When Sadie is chosen to take part in the Mind Corps Fellowship program, she is tasked with observing the thoughts of a troubled boy named Ford from within his mind. Soon, Sadie is falling for Ford. But when she witnesses Ford commit a great atrocity, will she side with her heart or what she knows is right?

Landry Park by Bethany Hagen

February 4th This book is set 200 years in the future where the world operates on nuclear power. Born into a life of luxury and power, Madeline Landry appears to have it all. Society is split into a rigid class system of the Gentry and the Rootless, and Madeline is part of one of the most influential Gentry families. But when it comes to the truth, Madeline struggles to keep everything straight. Between rumors of revolution and love interests with their own dark secrets, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s come time for Madeline to choose between her duty and her desire.

The Glass Casket by McCormick Templeman

February 11th Rowan Rose has already encountered the brush of death when she was a little girl and her mother died. But when a mysterious group of men on horseback thunder through her village one morning and turn up dead in the mountains several days later, Rowan is no longer safe. Whatever killed them has followed their path down to Rowanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s village, and its appetite is insatiable. With the mysterious beast and quaint setting, this read is perfect for any fan of twisted fantasy novels. tote

The Freshman Files 46

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SECOND SEMES Text: Katie Lemon

Now that Christmas break is over, I’ve been gearing myself up for second semester. Whether or not your university has resumed classes yet, it’s time to start thinking about how you’re going to approach this semester. I know that some of my habits last semester weren’t necessarily the best. I put off writing papers until right before they were due, stayed up too late on school nights, and got way too distracted while trying to study. Not to mention there may have been a few nights that were spent out with friends when they really should have been dedicated to more academic pursuits. In order to be as successful as possible this semester, I’ve been taking the time to reevaluate both my habits and goals. Both my roommate and I were recently enlightened to the fact that our majors are much more competitive than we originally thought. Because of this, we are now both aiming for a 4.0 GPA in the pre-requisite classes and at least a 3.7 in the rest. Whether your goal is quantitative or not, it’s impor tant to reflect on your priorities and adjust your goals accordingly. First semester, I wanted to make sure I was staying on top of my

studies while also making plenty of new friends and establishing myself socially. This semester, I’m definitely gearing my priorities towards my coursework. I don’t regret the social life I maintained during my first semester, because it served me well in getting my job and having a well-rounded group of friends. I just realize that with my rigid GPA goals I’m going to have to sacrifice a few late nights out. Another thing I need to do this semester is eliminate distractions while I’m studying. Just writing this article, I’ve checked Facebook twice, watched one adorable YouTube video, and sent several emails (but hey, one was to the editor-in-chief of Tote, okay!) And trust me, it’s even worse when I’m studying, especially if it’s a topic I’m not so crazy about (cough, math). These changes to your habits don’t necessarily have to be resolutions for 2014. I know that personally, it’s more of a gradual shift in my lifestyle. I’ve been seeking out new study spots in corners of the library rather than sitting in the super uncomfortable desk chair in my room. I get more done in public, unfamiliar places, so that’s where I’m headed these days come study time.

STER ADJUSTMENTS Rather than rag on yourself, take the time and effor t to change things. I used to get frustrated when I got back some not-so-hot test scores. That is until I realized that I simply wasn’t studying enough for my college level courses. In some cases, it’s just about transitioning from high school techniques to those of college. My French class was taught through immersion, so my professor spoke only in French. If there was something we simply didn’t grasp, she would first try charading the phrase to us before just saying it in English. Since it was French 101, I went in absolutely blind and clueless. I’ve since learned to rigorously study the vocabulary words for French and pick up on cognates as my professor speaks. While it’s definitely different and way more difficult than the way they taught languages at my high school, I’m finding that I’m learning the language way more rapidly when I put in a bit of effort.

professors even more often for some of my classes, because I’m enrolled in a pretty difficult math class. And we all know how I feel about that subject! Basically, don’t rush to change things if they worked for you last semester. For example, if (unlike me) you were really good about completing assignments way ahead of the due date, keep it up! If your techniques are effective, there’s no reason to change those habits.

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While I definitely want to focus on my grades, I want to make sure I enjoy my next seven semesters here. I've had to adapt my study habits and go outside of my comfort zone a few times, but it's all paid off.

One thing that I’m trying to keep in mind is to not let my good habits slip this semester. I visited a lot of professors during office hours first semester, and I want to make sure I don’t stop doing that just because I feel more One challenge I’m anticipating is comfor table with the course struggling to maintain my drive. load. In fact, I want to visit my Now that it’s the dead of winter

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here in Ohio, it can sometimes be difficult to keep the wind in my sails. I’ve already star ted combatting this. The biggest challenge is keeping myself passionate and interested in my classes while also giving myself a break every once in a while. One way I’ve kept myself going is with a rewards system. I know it’s advice you’ve probably heard before, but it’s very effective for studying. If I’ve got a huge reading assignment, I give myself a fiveminute break for every ten pages I get through. Usually, I paint my nails, but the reward is up to you! The trick is to not stimulate and distract your brain too much before you have to go back to your task. Let’s just say, my nails look pretty good these days. I’ve got to admit, I feel like I’ve adjusted pretty well to the lifestyle here. Now that I’m halfway through my freshman year of college, it all already seems to be going so fast. While I definitely want to focus on my grades, I want to make sure I enjoy my next seven semesters here. I’ve had to adapt my study habits and go outside of my comfort zone a few times, but it’s all paid off. Alright, time to get back to coursework. That speech for public speaking isn’t going to write itself! tote

RECENT GRAD

A Humble Heart Transitioning from college to the real world can be tough. Read on for Tara’s experience and how she landed her first “real” job.

Text: Shelby Newsome Not many people can say that they found their job through someone they went to Kenya with over a year ago. But for Tara Hyde, that’s exactly how it played out. Tara was heavily involved in volunteering through her church. She got involved in a group called Kenya Connect, an organization that aims to connect the youth globally through outreach programs, which gave her the opportunity to travel to Kenya in January 2012.

equity hours and stuff in order to receive their home.” The development team helps spread awareness of the organization and helps raise money to aide in their efforts. Tara specifically manages press releases, social media, the website, and fundraising events.

I’ve never been comfortable with public speaking. But I realize that there’s so much excitement in the community about Habitat that it’s a lot easier to approach them with a partnership.”

Since Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, Tara was also faced with a larger workload Tara enjoys the work that she’s than anticipated. But since Tara doing and the people she is graduated a semester early, surrounded with. from Towson University in January 2013 (instead of May), “I would say the best part of my she says she had an extra Flash forward to today and job is the people I work with,” semester to transition. She Tara is a development associate Tara says. “They all have really spent the time volunteering for Habitat for Humanity big hearts and it’s almost like and substitute teaching. Susquehanna, which caters to a family environment not so Harford and Cecil counties in much a corporate setting.” For Tara, getting to where she is Maryland. Habitat for Humanity now was aided from the conworks to eliminate substandard But even a dream job can come nections she made with people. housing by building, renovating, with its challenges. Tara was and repairing houses. tested when she would have “I would say be patient and to put her public speaking skills make connections,” Tara says. “We give people in the to use. “Use the connections that community a hand up instead you have at home—family of a hand out,” Tara says. “So “One of my major challenges is members, friends. In the mean we’re not just giving them free presenting corporations with time, if you’re not able to find a homes. They do have to work— [an] opportunity to partner job, volunteer. Get your name they have to put in sweat with us,” Tara says. “Just because out there.” 48

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