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CM’s Top 10 Organizations Changing the World at Florida State University

Students join campus organizations for many reasons. They might need community service hours, maybe they think it looks good on their resume or maybe their friend begged them to join with them. Some people, however, want to help change the world. No matter the reason, Florida State University’s options seem infinite, especially for community-service-based organizations. Instead of scrolling for hours on NoleCentral looking for the right one, I picked the top ten best ones, and they make the world a better place at the same time.

READ ON TO DISCOVER THE TOP 10 ORGANIZATIONS CHANGING THE WORLD AT FSU.

1. Relay for Life

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Run, don’t walk, and sign up for Relay for Life. You can enjoy a night with friends filled with fun and inspirational activities and all at the benefit of cancer research.

Partnering with the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life helps save lives. They educate the FSU community on the American Cancer Society. The group also raises money going towards cancer research, patient transportation and the 24/7 cancer helpline. The main event occurs once a year, but you can participate in the mini-events and excitement year-round. The Relay for Life fundraising event lasts twelve hours and feels like a festival. Along with walking around a track in support of the cause, the other activities during the night include inspirational guest speakers, ceremonial luminaria lighting, lip sync battles, sunrise yoga, a donut eating competition and much more.

“I have been involved with Relay for Life and the American Cancer Society since 2008,” Florida State University sophomore Merfogel said. “I relay for my dad, who is a cancer survivor, and I am extremely grateful that I have gotten the chance to continue to get to know him.”

Merfogel hopes that her participation in Relay for Life will help give the same opportunity to another family in this situation. You can sign up for Relay for Life by yourself or with a team. No matter which route you choose, the organization brings all participants together to create a campus-wide team. It gives you a chance to meet people outside of your usual circles. The organization also hosts social events where people can meet other fundraisers. Some of the past get-togethers include bingo nights, a night at an arcade, craft fairs and more.

2. The Maji Project

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Many people take the luxury of clean water for granted. I mean, we need water to live. Still, many communities around the world do not get the resources to access it. The Maji Project aims to change that. The organization makes a change by fundraising for a Sawyer POINTOne Water Filter for underdeveloped communities. The Maji Project at FSU raises awareness of the global water crisis and the importance of clean water. This crisis, however, means more beyond cleanliness.

“The crisis not only refers to access of clean water but also to sanitation and hygiene,” Florida State University junior Cara Gillespie said. “Lack of clean and safe water places a heavy burden on a community’s access to education, health, and general wellbeing.”

The Maji Project wants to help encourage a decrease in the negative effects, creating a world filled with more opportunities. While advocating for reducing water waste and the water crisis, the members learn a lot, including new things about themselves.

“[Before the Maji Project] I lived a life of privilege and often did things out of convenience or desire, such as taking long showers or using plastic water bottles,” Gillespie said. “However, being a member of this organization has inspired me to make intentional changes in my life so that I can be a better global citizen.”

Recognizing areas in need of improvement in one’s own life allows them to better educate others. The change starts with you. Once you make the change within, you can start to change the world around you.

3. Habitat for Humanity

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You probably made a Pinterest board called ‘Future Home’ and continually add all the elements of the house of your dreams. One day, this board will come to life, but for now, you can build beautiful homes and make a positive impact on your community.

Habitat for Humanity at FSU maintains a clear vision: to provide a quality place to live for everyone in Tallahassee. The organization raises awareness for the issue of housing in the area and holds different fundraising events that everyone can get involved in, such as car washes or 5k events. On Saturdays, Habitat for Humanity helps organize the construction work for the houses. If you don’t consider building houses as one of your skills, don’t worry; the organization welcomes everyone. Habitat for Humanity gives you the chance to join in on the positive change and impact toward Tallahassee.

“Habitat [for Humanity] is special because it gives anybody the opportunity to make a difference,” Florida State University junior Megan Dalton said. “It’s allowed me to firsthand make an impact on my community.”

You can help create positive change and get to see your impact on the community in real-time.Along with building houses, Habitat for Humanity also wants its members to build friendships with each other. The organization hosts events, including an intramural kickball team, to bring its members together. Their meetings include interactive activities for the members to take part in, they host group dinners and spending the weekend building definitely helps strengthen the bond.

4. Dance Marathon

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Don’t let the name fool you; Dance Marathon encourages everyone to join, even if you can’t dance. Dance Marathon, also known as a freshman rite of passage, partners with Shand’s Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and FSU College of Medicine Pediatric Outreach Program to raise money for children’s hospitals nationwide. The donations help fund treatments, healthcare services and support ongoing cancer research.

The preparation goes on all year, leading up to a 30-hour event where over a thousand participants stay awake and dance all day and night long. The slight catch; dancers can’t sit down. For the entirety of your shift, you must stand in honor of the children who can’t. Even though the 2021 Dance Marathon event took place as a hybrid version, FSU still raised over one million dollars for the Children’s Miracle Network.

Each year, excitement floods the campus in preparation for the next Dance Marathon. So, start practicing your best TikTok dances because you won’t want to miss this event.

5. Camp Kesem

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Do you remember counting down the days until summer camp as a kid? I made some of my best friends and memories at camp. Honestly, someone needs to invent an adult summer camp. Volunteering as a counselor for Camp Kesem allows you to join in on the fun, and make an impact on someone else’s life.

Camp Kesem, a national organization, works to support children of cancer victims. Each summer, the organization hosts a week-long, free summer camp for these kids, to provide a safe and loving space where they can meet new friends who relate to their experiences.

“Often, children who are affected by a caregiver’s cancer feel like they have to grow up and mature while they are far too young,” Florida State University senior Kyleigh Dunn, a counselor, said. “The chance to give them the opportunity to be silly and chaotic for a week without a financial burden is one of the reasons I have stayed with the amazing organization throughout my college experience.”

For a week, the campers leave any stress at the door and just focus on the fun. As Camp Kesem volunteers change the kids’ lives, their lives change too.

6. Light the Night

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Light the Night’s aims to “bring light to the darkness of cancer,” specifically, blood cancers, including leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. As a partner with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, all fundraising efforts directly support the research to find a cure and treatment resources.

The Light the Night hosts one main event called the Light the Night Walk. However, the night consists of more than just walking around a track. The night comprises lively and meaningful activities such as fireworks, ceremonies dedicated to survivors and those who we remember, food and music. The walk covers three kilometers (1.8 miles) to represent the statistic that every three minutes, someone receives a blood cancer diagnosis. Leading up to the event, Light the Night FSU holds fundraising events in the local area. During this preparation period, the members bond through their advocacy.

“Light the Night is special because everyone involved genuinely cares so much about the cause,” Light the Night’s Director of Public Relations and Florida State University senior Sarah Morris said. “My favorite part about Light the Night is seeing all the people come together for a common cause.”

In 2020, when the event moved to virtual and the group couldn’t meet in person, the passion for the cause never weakened. The participants completed the walk on their own and posted all about it on Instagram and the organization hosted a virtual experience over Zoom. So, grab your sneakers and experience all the excitement while helping cancer patients across the globe.

7. Best Buddies

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A friend at your side just makes life better. Best Buddies recognizes the importance of loving and supportive friendships. Creating these relationships makes up the basis of their mission. Best Buddies forms friendships between people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), and those without. They want to stop the isolation of people with IDDs.

You can participate as a peer buddy or an associate buddy when you sign up for Best Buddies. A peer buddy pairs with a person with IDD and gets together with their buddy at least twice a month. They do not assign an associate buddy to a specific member, but they still attend and help with all the events and meetings. Best Buddies also assists with employment opportunities, leadership skills and an inclusive living environment.

Along with building friendships, the organization plans fun monthly events for all its members to enjoy. These events differ every month, including but not limited to, field days, talent shows, pumpkin painting, BBQs, an annual Gala during the fall and a Friendship Walk in the spring.

8. Global Peace Exchange

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If you want to explore different parts of the world while simultaneously making it a better place, then you need to join the Global Peace Exchange. The Global Peace Exchange wants to help form a connection between students and global issues. While learning about the things happening around the world, you also get the chance to travel to where the root of the problem lies and work to fix it. Some of the global issues this organization focuses on include women’s rights, education, youth empowerment and the environment.

Since 2006, the Global Peace Exchange travels all over the map, including Thailand, Ghana, Uganda, Haiti and many more. The organization advocates for students to network with international non-governmental organization partners such as Manna Project International in Quito, Ecuador and Managua, Nicaragua, Iracambi in Limeira, Brazil, Patriots Ghana in Kasoa, Ghana and Clinic Nepal. With the variety of projects and topics the Global Peace Exchange touches on, this organization includes something for everyone.

9. Resilient Noles

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Let’s face it, college can drain you emotionally. Balancing life as a full-time student while also finding time to focus on your mental health gets challenging. But not to worry, Resilient Noles wants to help you.

Resilient Noles provides support for students’ mental health by giving them hundreds of resources to help them with any mental battle. Every Tuesday, Resilient Noles posts a “Topic Tuesday” on their Instagram. Each topic differs regarding mental wellbeing and lists tips and resources that the student can use. The topics range from adjusting to college life to LGBTQ+ resources to healthy ways to manage your emotions.

Resilient Noles puts together a group of student ambassadors who advocate for mental wellbeing and advertise the resources through promotion on social media and all-around FSU’s campus. They also host fun events and educational discussions for the entire student body to attend.

10. Volunteer Tallahassee (VOLT)

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Haters may call us by the nickname ‘Tallynasty,’ but we don’t need to accept it. Instead, we need to make it our job to make the city beautiful. Organizations like Volunteer Tallahassee, or VOLT, make it simple to find ways to get involved.

VOLT provides an organization on campus with the goal to improve the city of Tallahassee. The volunteer events and opportunities cover every inch of the city. Throughout the semester, the organization participates in trash clean-ups around campus and local parks, hand out meals at local shelters, help with the maintenance at local gardens and puts together care packages for children undergoing surgery.

VOLT makes it easy to find ways to give back to the local community and form connections with students who share the same passion to make a difference. The list of opportunities goes on and on. Changing the world may seem like an impossible task for a college student to achieve. But even an effort that appears small creates a big difference. With the help of these organizations, anyone can contribute to making a better world and give them friends who share the same desire to help

The post CM’s Top 10 Organizations Changing the World at Florida State University appeared first on College Magazine.

from College Magazine https://www.collegemagazine.com/cms-top-10-organizations-changing-the-world-at-florida-state-university/

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Gen-Xer Interrupted

I’m not your average coed. I don’t live on campus, I didn’t participate in “Rush Week” and I don’t wear shorts or tank tops to class. Or ever. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not judging—there’s nothing wrong with any of it—it’s just that I’m not your average college student. I hear the question, “Are you a faculty member?” often. And I don’t mind. In fact, I think it’s cool. And yes, I know that college kids don’t say “I think it’s cool” anymore, but that’s my point, because I’m a lot older than most of my classmates and back in the day, Gen-Xers like myself used the word cool a lot. Or rad.

I first went to college in 1984–before laptops, cell phones and intersectionality existed on college campuses.

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After three years, I still could not figure out what I wanted to focus on, so I left with a promise to myself that I would return to finish what I started. I gave my college interruption a year. Maybe two. I told myself: I’m going to successfully live my life. I’ll work, travel and start my life outside of college. I’ll develop friendships with people very different from me. I’ll read important literature and go to movies and plays. I’m going to do all the things my oppressive upbringing prohibited. And in this process of simply living my life, I’ll discover all the blind spots in my academic and life education.

It takes me thirty years.

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Well, what can I say? I’m the proverbial late-bloomer and it’s really working for me. I keep thoughts of crushing self-doubt mostly under control, I’m an A student and my classmates love me. I’m the “mom” at school who gives them all the supportive love, affection and lecture notes they want, with none of the judgment they may receive at home. In turn, they help me stay young and hopeful. They tutor me with today’s lingo, too.

Admittedly, I can’t call the experience entirely a “glow up”. Putting off college until middle-age includes its downsides. My first semester back, in 2017, I got bombarded with experiences completely foreign to me. Slowly, it became somewhat overwhelming. For starters, automation: my application, registration and orientation happened online, not by mail or in person. I didn’t step on campus until the day that classes began. Then, I could also choose online classes which didn’t even exist when I last attended school.

The most jarring aspect of college for this Gen-Xer?

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The culture of hyper-individualism. From getting to choose my preferred pronouns to go from Latina to Latinx—so many identities out there for the taking—I found a different world. Again, don’t get me wrong. More inclusivity not less I say. Ironically, this cultural trend results in more isolation, not less, which fascinates. We’re all out there, choosing self-segregation based on our secondary identities. How did that happen? Why did a system of inclusion result in exclusion? What’s really going on here? So many questions.

Inquiring minds want to know (another expression from way before your time).

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Granted, it probably doesn’t help that school in general organically breeds cliques, but our current trend in hyper-individualism, as I see it, results in a double-down on cliques—in college and beyond. In other words, we privilege hyper-individualism over the greater community. Or as your humanities professor might say, we privilege the particular over the universal. More questions: How does this trend solve our isolation problem? How can we honor the particular—white, black, brown, straight, LGBTQA, etc., without sacrificing the universal—human? Throw in Covid-19 making isolation a necessity for survival and the question of identity takes on a new meaning. Talk about ironic, huh?

The fundamental question of identity—specifically, individual or citizen?—defines our historical struggle as a nation so it stands to reason that that struggle should continue today. I often ponder questions about how I can contribute to a solution. These questions make me hopeful for the future and that’s why I came back to college because college inspires questions (thanks Socrates!). Am I going to find any answers? Some, certainly. But inevitably, I’ll also find more questions because, to use a current turn of phrase on campus and beyond, the struggle just got real.

The post Gen-Xer Interrupted appeared first on College Magazine.

from College Magazine https://www.collegemagazine.com/gen-xer-interrupted/

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10 Eco-Friendly Things That Can Spark Change at The University of Florida

Envision this: college life settles in. You slowly acquaint yourself with dorm life, bus rides and cafeteria meal breaks. Life presents different possibilities, but you love it. However, one day on your way to class you notice the thickness of the air and the sound of construction. Your school started construction of a new, state-of-the-art arena. While you should feel overjoyed like other students about the fancy new building, the smog and silica make you wonder, how eco-friendly is my campus? The state of our environment reflects and directly impacts us. While many deny it, climate change is real. But tackling the issue doesn’t need to be hard. For starters, college acts as a great place to jumpstart sustainability.

Follow along for 10 “eco-friendly” things that can spark change at the University of Florida.

1. Going Paperless

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Going paperless impacts the environment tremendously and reduces the school’s carbon footprint. We live in the digital age, so let’s take advantage of that. Encouraging students to use their electronic devices to take notes gives universities the opportunity to teach them about sustainability. Plus, typing your notes and then saving them to the cloud presents better reliability than stuffing paper into a binder, right?

“I should be able to use my laptop for everything in class,” University of Florida freshman Juliana Garcia said. “But sometimes my professors require that I print out worksheets, syllabi and sometimes entire chapters of books which is terrible for the trees and eco-system. To back against this, a few friends and I suggested to our professors to send out pdfs and offer the book in an online version.”

Going paperless doesn’t just benefit the environment. It saves times, space and money. Using your laptop, tablet or phone to take notes also adds an extra level of security and organization paper doesn’t give. As technology progresses, it’s important that we take advantage of the benefits that allow us to treat our planet a little better.

2. Educate Students

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What better place to teach students about the eco-system and the environment than school—the literal epicenter of education. Imagine if more universities taught students about sustainability regardless of their major! Now that’s one way to stop the planet from burning.

“The University of Florida is the perfect place to educate students and faculty on sustainable practices. But, to do that, they need to lead by example. We are a top five public university research institution—each student should be educated on sustainability.” University of Florida graduate student Zehna Correa said.

From the recycling bins on campus, to the sophisticated bus system, students develop awareness on campus.

“Our planet is clearly being affected by climate change. If UF educates students on sustainability, they could be a part of the solution,” University of Florida junior Liliana Sapin said. “Even though we have sustainability, energy and environmental majors at UF, every student can benefit from learning how to treat the earth.”

Plus, in 2019 the Gainesville area took a huge step forward in their sustainability efforts by banning single-use plastic at every store and restaurant, unless requested. The ban remains part of the city commissions plan to make Gainesville waste-free by 2040.

3. Encourage Students to take the bus or carpool

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The University of Florida’s got this one down. Most students take the bus to campus daily. The city of Gainesville and UF offer a free bus system, called RTS, for students and residents in the area that allows them to track their bus route from their phone. Also, UF offers a few different transportation options outside of the bus like bicycle rentals, campus cab, Gator lift, Lyft discounts, Zip Car sharing and many more. With such great perks and deals, students cut down on their carbon footprint and save money. #freerideseveryday 

4. Support local farms and shops

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Supporting local shops and farms increases the revenue for small businesses (#supportsmallbusinesses). During the pandemic, small businesses suffered. Not only does supporting small businesses help the owners, but it also contributes to healthier lifestyles. Additionally, students gain exposure to healthier, less processed foods. But UF’s expansion efforts should not hinder their partnerships with local businesses.

“A few weeks ago, I talked to the owner of a local pizza shop near campus. He expressed to me his shop recently closed down because UF wanted to use his space to build something new,” University of Florida junior Sydney Khanthavong said. “UF continues to build and construct new infrastructures that contributes to emissions and noise pollution for the ‘swamp.’ They spend so much money gentrifying the area to make it look pretty but allocate very little to protect nature and vulnerable communities on campus.”

Pouring into small local businesses allows UF to connect with communities around campus, while also maintaining the older structures around town. In the past large corporations and small businesses don’t always possess equal relationships, but UF can help change that if they choose more ethical and sustainable practices.

5. Less Plastic Bottles and More Water Bottle Refilling Stations

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Water bottle refilling stations, yes please! I mean, these gadgets—A-MAZ-ING! They encourage students to stop using single waste plastic water bottles and start using reusable bottles. While we can see some refilling stations on campus, they feel far and few. Plus, UF still sells plastic water bottles everywhere across campus. A little backwards right? What if instead of selling single use plastic water bottles, they sold reusable bottles that you refill at the water refilling stations? Just a little food for thought.

6. Add More Recycling Bins

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Just because they coupled trashcans recycling bins on campus, UF officials assume that all students understand the recycling process. Well… they don’t. Now, this issue ties back to educating students on campus about sustainable features provided, but UF should probably also explain the recycling system a little better. Students express the lack of encouragement from administration and a lack of knowledge surrounding sustainable practices around campus. Why station recycling bins if no one knows why we need them in the first place?

7. Create More Compost Drop-Off Bins

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 Over 55,000 students attend the University of Florida, and at least 5,000 live on campus. From snack wrappers to lunch trays, the school produces tons of food waste. Not to mention the dozens of plates trashed daily because no one wanted meatloaf from the café. However, one way to combat the issue can mean adding compost bins around campus.

“There are compost bins in the Reitz Union and campus bathroom, but there’s a lack of transparency about where those bins end up” University of Florida junior Andy Shodell stated. “As a student who seeks answers, I have no idea where recycling and compost end up.”

Creating more compost drop-offs will tremendously minimize chemicals and landfill sizes, while also enriching the surrounding soil. For those of you who never heard of composting, read along. A compost bin acts as a container to place organic matter into. Over time the food breaks down and microorganisms from the soil eat the waste. The leftovers get put into the soil. Super cool concept, right? Composting food doesn’t present much difficulty. Just think of the little plants and animals that will benefit from students’ simple actions.

 8. Store Rainfall on Roofs

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Storing Rainfall on Roofs, also known as Rainwater Harvesting,  recycles rainwater into regular tap water. Great right? On top of that, the rainwater improves plant growth and soil fertility. The rainwater can remove salt and build up from the soil. Additionally, the rainwater lacks the pollutants and contaminants found in regular water, which can promote healthier plants. Storing rainwater on roofs around campus also decreases flooding. Since Gainesville, known as the “swamp,” rains and floods so often, rainwater harvesting can make driving in the rain easier by reducing the amount of flooding in the area.

9. End Deforestation Practices

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Decades ago, only trees and native land lay where the University of Florida stands now. Today, the campus stretches across 2,000 acres, making UF the fifth largest university campus in the United States. It keeps on growing with no end in sight. Each expansion plan or building blueprint involves deforestation of surrounding areas that affects wildlife, weather patterns, ecosystems and the climate.

10. Offer a Campus Thrift Shop

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Fast fashion gained a lot of traction throughout the past decade and the mass production of clothing devastates the environment. The fashion industry uses an excessive amount of water, causing plastic microfiber build-up in the ocean and pumps toxic chemicals into the environment. A campus thrift store comes in handy here. A campus thrift store cuts back on student consumption in the fashion industry by allowing them to shop recycled items comfortably after class, or between study sessions.

“Typically, fast fashion brands produce a ton of cheap items very quickly,” Correa said. “Today, it is so common for people to wear something once and throw it out. Instead of throwing clothes away, students can donate them. This allows students to purchase clothing ethically.”

On top of that, a campus thrift shop offers a place for students to buy affordable pieces. A campus thrift shop can ease the financial burden of tuition and the expense of shopping for many. Creating a thrift shop also adds flavor to a university. Just imagine all the cute pieces you could get thrifting!

A final note

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Going away to college, many of us don’t know much about sustainability, but if more schools incorporate eco-friendly practices on campus, students will leave ready to change world. I know that by addressing these ten issues, UF can increase sustainable qualities to help save the earth. Not just for the students of today but for the students of tomorrow. What ways can your school become more eco-friendly?

The post 10 Eco-Friendly Things That Can Spark Change at The University of Florida appeared first on College Magazine.

from College Magazine https://www.collegemagazine.com/10-eco-friendly-things-that-can-spark-change-at-the-university-of-florida/

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Wiping My Tears With Daddy’s Dollar Bills

18-year-olds deciding what to do with the rest of their lives brings nothing but stress and fear.  From location, to reputation, to how far a school’s name can go in the workforce, many factors assist in this choice that changes their lives. Yet, out of all the factors, cost plays the biggest part for many people.

Thanks to my dear old Dad and his computer software salary, I didn’t need to worry as much.

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I looked into every school but one: Penn State. Many students from my small-town high school end up at Penn State University campuses. So, just the thought of waking up and going to class to see the same faces for another four years made me sick. So, I sent applications to colleges in New York and Boston from my room in Pennsylvania.

I focused on not wasting the luxuries in my life. In my tedious search for schools, I soared among the stars, right alongside the tuition rates. The price tags on schools like Hofstra University and Emerson College read about $50,000, and the added cost of studying out of state didn’t concern me. Thankfully, my good grades and volunteering landed me an acceptance letter from each school.

My acceptance to Hofstra and Emerson gave me the opportunity to tour their campuses.

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Hofstra dazzled me with the view of New York City from its elegant library. On the tour with Emerson, I pictured myself drinking coffee and carrying a tote as I walked to class on the lively city streets of Boston. Though, while I visited the busy heart of Boston, I know it just couldn’t compare to the dazzling lights of New York City. I started to cry. The tears from the stress of wondering if everything would work out in the end turned into sparkles and glimmers of hope. I hoped to take a bit of the Big Apple.

My heart continued to live at Hofstra. A piece of it still resides in the city that never sleeps. Pieces still float in the broadcasting studios with state-of-the-art technology. They still look at the skyline from the library windows. My Dad smiled from ear to ear on the tour of Hofstra University. We took about a dozen selfies together. Those pictures remind me of my pure excitement to pursue a career in journalism in New York City.

Thinking of Hofstra made my brain run a mile a minute.

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Thoughts of working in such proximity to the city reminded me of graciously crossing the finish line in a mile long race. Images of myself wearing cute blazer and slacks stomping through New York City hunting down sources played like a blockbuster. My stomach acted as if there were dozens of adoring fans, raving with excitement. Suddenly, all the blinding lights refused to switch from green. I couldn’t see the lights very well anymore because a Nittany Lion stood tall in my line of sight.

The pawprints appeared first. I read as far as “Congratulations” and stopped. My brow furrowed. I never broke my own rule. Yet, this letter of acceptance sat in my trembling hands. Devasting feelings of confusion filled my mind and body. Yet, I still disregarded the letter. I felt appreciative of the fact I even got in, and quickly set my gaze back to the grand prize: Hofstra.

Months later, my mother told me my Dad sent an application to a Penn State branch campus on my behalf.

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Although I had no idea that this took place, oddly I felt no hints of betrayal. My nerves still did little dances throughout my body whenever I thought about Hofstra. But after seeing my Dad snap countless pictures of Penn State and seeing the crinkles in the corners of his eyes as we walked the campus, I began to wake up from my dreams of New York. Deep down, I knew I steadily fed myself lies believing I’d actually get to attend Hofstra.

My father, once ecstatic to ship me off to New York, began discussing costs. The $27,000 in financial aid from Hofstra didn’t make $200,000 in tuition look pretty in his eyes. Although he continued to revel in the memory of how great of a campus Hofstra offered, he talked more about how much debt attending HU would leave me in. I knew he favored blue and white over blue and yellow.

Inevitably, I found myself on Penn State’s main campus for a tour. I concentrated on the cracks in the sidewalk more than the tour guides. Meanwhile my father asked questions. Already trying to commit the campus to memory. His happiness meant my dreams of New York remained in the stars.

The start of my acceptance to reality began with Hofstra slipping through my fingers like sand.

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Even still, I remain hopeful. New York City still stands where it did centuries ago. It will not grow legs and relocate any time soon. My feet lifted off the ground a few inches, and I found myself back on the ascent towards the stars, slowly but surely.

I cried after accepting my offer to Penn State, which I sent in on the last possible day. I cried a lot more than I’d like to admit. I didn’t cry because I thought of Penn State as a terrible school or because I am spoiled and bratty. I cried because I felt that I put my dreams on hold. Even as time progressed and I made friends and built a nice resume for myself, from time to time, I couldn’t help but wonder, “What if?”

My father never pressured me into anything. He supports and pushes me to bring out the potential he and my mother know lives within me. He, my mother and brothers help and encourage me thorough every mess I get myself into. Thanks to them I now understand that willingly placing myself $200,000 in debt by the ripe age of 22 would not go down as a wise decision. My father understood that. Student loans will knock on my door in a few years’ time. At the end of the day, Penn State will treat my wallet a hell of a lot nicer than Hofstra.

The post Wiping My Tears With Daddy’s Dollar Bills appeared first on College Magazine.

from College Magazine https://www.collegemagazine.com/wiping-my-tears-with-daddys-dollar-bills/

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I Am The Real Life Chandler Bing

If you’ve ever seen Chandler Bing in the TV show Friends, you practically already know my whole personality. Synonymous with sarcasm, he’s the king of comedy, neurotic yet lovable. Whenever I’m in need of a good Netflix binge, I instantly turn to Friends. Bing’s just one of those characters that doesn’t always have the best thing to say but can handle any given situation. One time he introduced himself by saying: “I’m Chandler, I make jokes when I’m uncomfortable.” No matter the tension, he finds a way to bring laughter into the room and provide us with a sense of warmth and peace.

I am the real-life Chandler Bing.

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When I meet someone new, I turn to comedy to break the ice. Being at the University of Maryland, a Big-10 Sports school with over 40,000 students, there will always be someone I haven’t met. People generally respond well to comedy and tend to match the energy you put out. This can lead to some really inviting conversations and positive associations with new people.

College is hard.

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Most of my friends could attest that my comical side shines much brighter than any vulnerability. It’s always important to recognize tragedy and give yourself time to wallow in sadness when needed, but my most effective coping strategy is releasing my inner Chandler. College is hard with many bumps in the road, but laughter truly conquers all.

Not only is college its own breed of adventure, but so are the people you encounter. Like Chandler, I don’t show my emotions to everyone and haven’t had the best of luck in relationships. Relationships are never easy, but what makes it even more challenging is trying to find love in a fraternity basement.

In one episode, Chandler says, “I’m hopeless and awkward and desperate for love!” I felt that. College is a time to let loose and have fun, so not everyone is always looking to start relationships right away. Especially at parties, this may not be the ideal place to start romantic relationships and may even be something to avoid.

Here’s how I release my inner Chandler Bing while encountering any of the following types of guys at a party and avoiding awkward situations with men you don’t want.

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Coming in at number one, you have the stereotypical classic frat boy. He says, “Saturdays are for the boys,” enjoys beer pong a little too much and acts like he’s best friends with the fraternity president. The best way to “Chandler” your way out of this situation is to try ignoring him. He’s probably never been rejected, so this will drive him wild and make him fall in love with you. Although Chandler wasn’t always successful with love, sometimes pretending to be the cool guy helped even his awkward self find love.

Next up we have the creepy guy following you all night and instantly falling in love with you. While it’s always amusing to egg these guys on by accepting their overly observant compliments, it may not always get you out of the uncomfortable situation. My “Bing” tip: throw out some dad-move dances and get absorbed into the crowded dance floor.

He’ll never see it coming.

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Lastly, you have your nice guy. They may seem like a gem, but it’s essential to proceed with cautious optimism. Chandler thought Janice was the nice, perfect girl for him, until she became overly attached, clingy and started planning their marriage after the first date. No one wants to get their heart broken, especially from a guy who says he’s “not like other guys.” So, how do you “Chandler” your way out of this one? Match their crazy energy, propose to them on the spot and engage in all their wild fantasies. If this actually works and they accept your fake marriage proposal, RUN!

Even though the creepy guy at the frat party isn’t always the goal, I’m a firm believer that the energy you put out into the world and the value of making someone smile is essential.

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Possessing the ability to match someone’s energy and get through an uncomfortable situation without putting the other down is a vital life skill that will help make the world a better place. If you’re going to take away anything from this piece, let it be this: Be like Bing.

The post I Am The Real Life Chandler Bing appeared first on College Magazine.

from College Magazine https://www.collegemagazine.com/i-am-the-real-life-chandler-bing/

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4 Reasons Why We Need More Women Senators

Since the inception of the United States Senate in 1789, nearly 2,000 senators served in Congress. However, women only accounted for 58 of them. Despite making up 50.8% of the U.S. population, women account for only 20% of the congressional body. For women, this does not indicate the slightest bit of equality. Senator’s author, propose and vote on federal legislation that impacts the total population, yet for centuries the patriarchy barred women from contributing.

Well, recently that’s changed a little bit.

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A significant increase in women running for office sparked over the past 10 years—or five congressional terms. Since 2011, women went from making up 17% to 24% of the Senate body. Even though we cannot ignore this increase, it still doesn’t compare to the 75% of men dominating the Senate. So unfair…

The work does not stop there, though. Women of color must also make more of a presence in the Senate. While 24 women currently serve in the Senate, white women account for all but three of them. We don’t just need women in these spaces, we need diversity. It is 2021, yet only eight Asian American women, one Latin American woman, one African American woman and no Native American women, ever sat in the Senate house.

However, since Kamala Harris’s recent victory as Vice President in 2020, no Black women remain in the Senate. Super messed up, right?

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This poses a huge problem, particularly since many policies disproportionately impact communities of color negatively. When rooms filled with majority white faces make decisions for people of color, things rarely end well.

“Representation matters. As a Black woman, it is important that I see other women that look like me in office,” University of Florida sophomore Trinity Smith said. “It makes me feel as if my voice matters.”

As Trinity expressed, representation empowers young women to see themselves in positions that enable them to make substantive change in their own communities.

Today, women of color represent over 18% of the U.S. population, yet they only account for 3% of the Senate.

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More women in Senate pushes against a deep-rooted system of misogyny and sexism that aims to control women’s bodies and actions. The truth—women advocate for women. Without their voices in office, no one can speak on our behalf. I mean, do we really trust men to make great decisions for us?

“We need more representation,” University of Florida junior Liliana Sapin said. “It seems the only people who dictate laws about women’s rights and bodies are men. Placing white men in positions of power is how the patriarchy continues and is never dismantled.”

Even though many women are pushing against the odds, the question remains: why do we need more women senators?

Well for starters…

Equality

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Not only does an increase of women senators produce actual equality amongst women and men, according to Claire Cane Miller, a journalist and Pulitzer Prize winner, women will more than likely sponsor bills that create equality within our communities. This includes issues surrounding civil rights, education and health. Additionally, women in office advocate for women, children and social welfare issues, whereas men usually advocate for issues relating to agriculture and macroeconomics.

Representation

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Representation shapes how people view themselves and if we want women to feel powerful, we need to show them women making decisions. Additionally, diversity brings a variety of experiences, backgrounds, cultures and beliefs— important things to keep in mind when creating laws that will impact the masses. However, when women and women of color lack representation in legislative spaces, it shows that we as a nation do not value those things. Women in office shows that democracy presents availability to anyone who wants to participate—not just white men. Since women comprise over half of the population, the government should reflect that. More women as senators closes the gender gap in politics. It also affirms that women and men maintain the capability of making important decisions.

Women Work More Effectively

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Since women achieve bipartisanship more than men, their efficiency in legislature proves itself time and time again. #girlpower

In January 2019, the U.S. government experienced the longest shutdown in history, which caused a loss of over 10 billion dollars to the economy. This happened all because Republicans and Democrats could not settle a dispute on whether to build Trump’s wall bordering Mexico and the United States. Talk about making this a partisan issue! However, when two sides handle disputes more effectively and come to a resolve, we call it bipartisan.

Well, the American Journal of Political Science found the probability of being bipartisan higher in women than men. This basically means that women will probably try to work with the other side to come to a resolve, and men won’t. I’m sure if citizens elected more women as senators in the past, we would not experience nearly as many government shutdowns.

It’s time

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For far too long, women suffer from living as second class citizens—but not anymore. We need women in positions of authority, making legislation and fighting to protect our rights. This past year many states decided to push back against Roe v. Wade, a monumental case that established and protected a woman’s right to make choices for her body. However, if more women can gain a voice in government, the threat against our bodies may subside.

We must oppose and change the outdated laws and ideas created by patriarchal men who want women to remain in a subordinate position. Women are smart, strong, powerful, and over half of the population. It’s only fair that they represent 50% of government also.

We need to push back against the patriarchy. Read ahead for a list of awesome women in the senate who do just that:

Senator Tammy Duckworth

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Senator Tammy Duckworth serves as the junior U.S. senator from Illinois. In 2009, President Barack Obama appointed Duckworth as assistant secretary of Veteran Affairs. Shortly after, she joined an initiative to end veteran homelessness. By 2013, she joined the House of Representatives and advocated for job creation and working families. The Center of Effective Lawmaking recognized Duckworth as one of the top five most effective lawmakers in Congress.

Senator Tammy Duckworth is the 7th Asian American senator and 2nd American woman senator in U.S. history. Prior to becoming a senator, Duckworth served as lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard. Ugh, she is my role model.

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto

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Senator Catherine Cortez Masto serves as one of the U.S. senators from Nevada. In 2016, she became the first woman from Nevada and Latina elected to the U.S. Senate. Prior to becoming a senator, Masto served as the District Attorney for Nevada. Today, she’s known to care for children, seniors and women. In the Senate, she advocates for women and health care. Additionally, Masto supports the housing crisis and serves on the Housing Committee in the Senate.

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto became the first and only Hispanic American woman senator in U.S. history. Such a powerful lady!

Senator Mazie Hirono

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Senator Mazie Hirono, a U.S. senator from Hawaii, became the first Asian American woman and first female senator from Hawaii in 2013. Previous to her duties as a senator, Hirino served as lieutenant government in 1994. She advocates for veterans and continues to fight for Hawaiians voices on Capitol Hill. Additionally, she promises to protect the civil rights of everyone as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Talk about activism.

Margaret Woods Hassan

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Margaret Woods Hassan currently serves as a U.S. junior senator from New Hampshire. In 2013, she became the second woman in U.S. history to be both a Governor and senator. Hassan’s passion about protecting the reproductive rights of women and her support for policies focused on women’s health and economic well-being, makes her a great legislator.

More women in senate goes beyond being equal to men. It also means women gaining control over their lives and contributing to their country. However, gaining equality amongst men and women starts way before Senate elections. It starts within your own community. From local elections and local protest, to standing up for the women around you, you can ensure that our voices get heard. Additionally, reading and listening to women’s experiences can expand your knowledge on the issues at hand. This work begins with each of us taking the necessary steps to ensure that women receive protection. The government needs to hear our voices.

With much work, women can take up more space in Congress and hopefully by 2050, account for at least 50%.

The post 4 Reasons Why We Need More Women Senators appeared first on College Magazine.

from College Magazine https://www.collegemagazine.com/4-reasons-why-we-need-more-women-senators/

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“Fallin” On A Budget: Top 10 Fall Activities To Do On A College Budget

As fall unfolds, so does the desire to participate in fall themed activities. While pumpkin spice lattes and scented candles radiate major fall energy, they don’t exactly allow college students to actively participate in the season’s festivities. Joining in those fall festivities entice and excite college students, but “fallin” on a budget seems to limit the number of activities we can engage in. For those struggling to get out there and embrace fall through themed experiences, what if a guide existed that helps you navigate through this fall season without breaking the bank? Oh wait, one does!

Continue reading to find out the Top 10 Fall Activities To Do On A College Budget!

1. Pumpkin Patch

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When you think of fall what object comes to your mind? Pumpkins. Pumpkin patches epitomize the fall experience. Cool breezes blowing through miles of symmetrically lined pumpkin, attract and entrance all pumpkin patch goers. Most popular patches come equipped with bumpy hayrides, apple picking and complex corn mazes for visitors to enjoy.

“Going to a pumpkin patch is my favorite fall activity because it always feels so nostalgic and there’s so many things to do to get you excited for fall,” University of Minnesota senior Roni Mangouras said.

One destination holds the key to a complete and satisfactory fall experience, a pumpkin patch. Considering the college budget and the affordable patch prices which range from $3-$15…you got a bargain if you ask me.

2. Pumpkin Carving

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Now what do you do with a perfectly plump pumpkin? You throw a pumpkin carving competition. The list of equipment you’ll need goes as follows: your ripe and round ball of orange, carving utensils and a group of your best pumpkin carving friends. With a utensil pack costing only $4 at your local Target, Walmart, Lowe’s etc., this activity qualifies for the college friendly budget. Scraping out the gooey guts sends shivers down your spine as you laugh at the disgusted looks on the face of your friend next to you. Your next step includes strategically selecting the scene you will soon carve out!

Once your pumpkin carving contest begins, save the seeds for roasting a tasty fall treat! Dive into fall festivities even more and season your seeds with butter, pepper or even pumpkin spice. To top it off, turn your stagnant steps into a peppy front porch with your finished creations.

3. Fall Drinks

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PSL, anyone? The taste palette of fall gives way for seasonal spices, savory ciders and zesty cocktails. Fall themed drinks enhance the fall experience and create space for meaningful conversations, quality time with your friends and a crisp, cozy night. Gathered around a table sipping your handmade festive drinks allows you to relax in the presence of your friends. Apple cider upholds the requirement of festive fall refreshments. Not only does the scent reflect warmth, but the aroma of a brewing apple cider makes mouths water across the board.

For our 21+ readers, spice up your apple cider with a splash of bourbon! On average, this cocktail costs between $8 to $15, including apples and spices. Spice up any fall gathering with these affordable festive drink ideas.

4. Friendsgiving

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As a recent take on Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving gathers individuals for a night of shared stories, memorable experiences and festive foods. The idea involves celebrating with friends or acquaintances who each bring a fall themed dish of choice. Options range from filling entrees to delectable desserts. Pumpkin pie, anyone? Since you control what dish you bring, you also get to choose how expensive or cheap your contribution is. From a $1 pack of mashed potatoes to a $20 rotisserie chicken, endless affordable eats await you.

“Friendsgiving is my favorite fall activity because it’s a time to celebrate all the amazing people around you and eat phenomenal food,” University of Minnesota senior Josie Bisgard said.

To add to your Friendsgiving experience, take your plates outside and sit around a backyard campfire! The crackling fire reflecting warm tones on the company around you sends a relaxing feeling to the circle. Warm, full and surely grateful; this recipe will make your night one to remember.

5. Haunted Houses

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Haunted Houses? A staple of spooky season. While Halloween doesn’t encompass all fall festivities, it acts as an integral element. The promise of ghouls, goblins and haunted houses seduce all lovers across the country and adds to the anticipation of this season. Each year, individuals flock to frightening fields where eerie structures lure in only the bravest visitors. On average, the price of a ticket ranges from $15-$20 per person. As a college student with limited funds, this price can perfectly fit a balanced budget.

6. Candle Swap

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Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice lattes… what am I forgetting? Oh yeah, pumpkin spiced candles! The calming aroma of scented candles in the air adds to the warmth of the fall season. A world of apple orchards, pumpkin patches and autumn leaves brought straight to you through the tip of your nose. Candles range from $5-$20 depending on the site.  Bath and Body Works offer a wide variety of autumn scented candles. Yummy, right? If a twist on a comfy night in sounds tempting, a candle swap may fulfill the fall desires of you and your friends!

7. Fall Movie Night

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If winter gets movie nights dedicated to it, why can’t fall? Romances in the falling leaves, frights in the forest and heartwarming plots in the park call your name. As you sink into your chair, fall themed movies create the perfect take on a night in. The best part of this festive fall activity? You won’t pay a dime.

“My favorite thing about the fall is cozying up on the couch and watching the Twilight series with my friends!” College of Charleston senior Kendall Soistman said.

Take advantage of your night inside and use this time to relax and enjoy all that cinema offers. Fill up your glass with your favorite fall cocktail, pop some pumpkin flavored popcorn and enjoy the presence of your cherished friends!

8. Hiking & Camping

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Hiking and camping make you one with nature, especially in the autumn season. Following the red, yellow and orange hues of falling leaves as a crisp autumn breeze blows past, fully embraces all that fall represents: relaxation. Nature shapes the core of fall as summer fades into a sea of orange. Hiking and camping in the good ole outdoors put you in the middle of it all, allowing you to truly appreciate the season. The chirping noises of the crickets, soothing sounds of the wind blowing through the trees and crackles of a campfire, can bring even the biggest homebodies out of their element. Just getting outside gives you the opportunity to take a mental break.as you detach from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

“There’s just something about hiking with the colorful fall leaves and crisp air that gets you in the mood for fall activities!” University of Minnesota senior Claire Laufer said.

If you and your friends want to continue your day into the night, scout out a campsite for an evening full of fireside stories, meals and conversation. One word best describes the memories made from this activity, priceless…literally.

9. Park & Picnic

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If you live far from a mountainous region, a picnic in the park brings an equally exceptional experience. Paved pathways through autumn trees guide you through an afternoon of sensational scenic views. As you stroll, fallen leaves delicately crunch below your feet, creating a calming rhythm for you to follow. The scent of cedar, pine or any forest tree pull you into the season, reminding you that fall arrived. Pack a picnic basket full of your fall favorites: warm ciders, puffy pastries and cinnamon flavored…anything. At your local grocery store, picnic necessities such as croissants cost $5 and apple cider packets fall around $3 a pack. Scout out the perfect picnic spot, spread your fuzziest blanket and sit below the canopy of red, yellow and orange as you enjoy the perfect fall day with your friends.

10. Farmers Market

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The Farmers Market ends this article with a final salute to the fall season. Full of festive tents, fall decorations and friendly vendors, a farmers market creates a welcoming and heart-warming environment to spend a crisp autumn day in.

“Fall farmers markets are my favorite farmers markets. I love seeing all the stands and getting to enjoy fall produce, especially honey crisp apples,” University of Tennessee junior Mandy Menning said.

Farmers markets follow the seasons, so fall themed treats, trinkets and tunes constantly center the festivity. Booths overflowing with seasonal vegetables, flowers and spices line up one by one in a sea of festivity. As a college student on a budget, stay aware that prices may vary depending on what items catch your eye. The price falls completely up to the vendors themselves, never guaranteeing a set price anywhere you go. For reference, the Auburn, Alabama farmers market sells $2 cups of hot apple cider and $5-$10 loafs of pumpkin bread!  Nevertheless, the experience itself gives way to indulge in the fall season free of charge.

With fall comes warmth, gratefulness and good vibes. If diving into this season comes first on your list, know that you can make getting involved without emptying your wallet possible. Time to sip on some apple cider, light that pumpkin candle and enjoy everything fall offers…on a budget of course!

The post “Fallin” On A Budget: Top 10 Fall Activities To Do On A College Budget appeared first on College Magazine.

from College Magazine https://www.collegemagazine.com/fallin-on-a-budget-top-10-fall-activities-to-do-on-a-college-budget/

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Five Different Ways to Kiss in Five Different Cultures

In the University Cooperative Housing Association in Westwood, California, an international community of University of California, Los Angeles, Santa Monica City College and other local students live and thrive together⁠. Each day you learn something new about someone⁠: their music taste, their favorite color or a unique aspect of their cultures. Americans associate kissing with romance and sensuality. But other parts of the world perceive the passionate practice differently. Europe, for example, contains countless kissing cultures—places in which people greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. China, by contrast, prefers private kissing; PDA provokes discomfort.

Read on to discover five cultures in which the meaning of kissing differs from what you might think.

French Culture

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Devoid of romance⁠ and similar to how people in America greet each other with a handshake, people kiss each other on the cheek as they approach. Women do this with other women, men do it with women, but men don’t do it with other men. Joseph Anderson, a University of California, Los Angeles senior who grew up in France and lives at the co-op, calls this practice “la bise.”

“If you’re kissing a fish, you feel that, and if you’re kissing someone that has passion, you feel that too. A good kiss is electrifying,” Anderson said. “PDA is great and should be expressed. It just depends on what you’re doing in public.”

Kissing acts to express love—no sensuality necessary. The affectionate act serves simply as means to communicate caring. After being stuck inside and isolated from people for the last year and a half, the French kissing culture provides a much-needed sense of closeness and human connection.

Chinese Culture

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In Chinese culture, that kissing remains a solely romantic practice. As kissing plays a vital role in sensuality and many people maintain their belief in keeping kisses a secret. The community generally frowns upon PDA.

“Kissing is a very private thing,” University of California, Los Angeles junior Tanya Zhao said. “It is better to do at home… but not in front of your children—it feels weird and uncomfortable”

Iris Zhang, another junior who knows Chinese culture, remarks on the privacy standard.

“Kissing should be saved for romance only,” Zhang said. “My boyfriend is Filipino⁠—a generous culture concerning kissing, specifically when it comes to family⁠—and I still struggle to adapt to his family’s want to kiss and hug when they greet.”

Culturally, Chinese people don’t tend to elaborate on what makes someone a good kisser, perhaps due to the privacy standard. This doesn’t mean their kisses lack passion—both partners must share this feeling to ensure a satisfying experience.

Macedonian Culture

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Kosta Gjorgjievski, a first-year University of California, Los Angeles student and the first undergraduate in Macedonia to gain acceptance into the prestigious college, spills on what kissing means in Macedonian culture: it’s mainly romantic but can serve as a greeting as well. Contrary to French culture in which men initiate la bise, women initiate the friendly kiss in Macedonia.

Speaking on PDA, Gjorgjievski says that if it doesn’t hurt anybody, who cares: “go public,” he said.

“Kissing definitely depends on experience,” said Gjorgjievski. “If someone doesn’t know what they’re doing, you’ll know it… you’ll know it—it lacks passion”

Like the other interviewees, Gjorgjievski underscores the significance of passion. Depending on one’s relationship with the kissing partner, a kiss may play either a romantic or platonic role⁠. One may share a meaningless kiss with a friend, however, Gjorgjievski affirms that one could kiss a special friend with the intention of romance, and they’ll know it. It all depends on the vibe.

Venezuelan Culture

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A little way up the coast lives Patrick Bello, a third-year student at the University of California, Santa Barbara, who grew up enveloped by both Venezuelan and American culture.

“Venezuelan culture involves lots of tactile kissing, especially within the context of family and friends,” Bello said. “Men often kiss women on the cheek and so do women with women, but men don’t typically do so with other men. Also, family and friends embrace quite often.”

In terms of PDA, Bello says that from what he’s noticed, displays of affection mainly occur between friends; couples prefer to keep things private. Long-term married couples in his family tend not to kiss in front of everyone but will literally kiss everyone.

“It was always a culture shock when I got kissed by someone,” Bello said. “I know with family, like, that’s what you’re supposed to do, so I’ll do it then. But with other people, who aren’t a part of my family or culture, it’s purely romantic. Especially with Latin cultures, it’s always the passion. With anything you do, like games, work, romance… it’s passion involved in everything.”

Like everyone else, Bello hits on the point of passion: a good kiss hinges on emotional intensity.

Gay-American Culture

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Dominique Taylor Hildebrand, a fourth-year American student who studies at the University of California, Los Angeles and identifies as gay, dishes on kissing culture within the gay community: kissing can act as either a greeting or a dazzling expression of love. Unless the couple becomes too intense with their practice, kissing requires minimal mindfulness in public.

“If it’s just like a simple makeout or kissing someone then I’m okay with doing that in public. And I think it’s okay for other people to do that too,” Hildebrand said.

Everyone knows what they like when it comes to kissing, right? Regarding his standards for a good kisser, Hildebrand bravely dives into the specifics⁠.

“I like someone who has nice lips, someone who has good tongue movement and lots of touching around the body and the head… lots of contact between both people,” Hildebrand said.

Dominique illuminates that affection serves a crucial role in kissing, whether he’s conveying romantic interest or simply greeting someone.

Passion never seems to get old no matter what culture you may find yourself in. So, what’s the true trick to being a good kisser? Universally, the solution seems to be passion.

The post Five Different Ways to Kiss in Five Different Cultures appeared first on College Magazine.

from College Magazine https://www.collegemagazine.com/five-different-ways-to-kiss-in-five-different-cultures/

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How I Found My Passion Within Journalism

Let’s go back to 2019: picture me, a junior in high school, just going through the motions. Ambitious yet confused with what I wanted to do in college and beyond, I turned to my academic counselor. As I listened to the list of classes available for my schedule, I didn’t feel too alarmed with the basic electives or foreign language options. I knew at some point, time approaches quickly to start thinking of career paths, so I felt determined to find just that. When I heard “Intro to Publications,” I felt surprised to hear how specific the course went.

I thought to myself, “Hmm, I do like to write, and people that read what I write tend to think it’s good, so why not?”

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The class was to help prepare me for either a journalism or yearbook class, so I ended up writing a lot more than expected. Working with other students on assignments also made me realize a team environment that requires lots of communication was for me. As I started to gain skills needed to develop into a journalist, I developed a love for the class. I found my passion for writing in this class, and it wound up being a huge factor when deciding my major for college. Searching for schools in close distance with good communication programs helmed my plan during the college application process.

The High School Experience

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During my senior year of high school, I wrote and edited for my school’s newspaper. With help from my teacher and classmates, I learned how to effectively structure and compose articles. My senior year yearbook class required students to write one article every week while also editing another student’s article. Being on a weekly schedule that required me to conduct research for articles and communicate with fellow classmates? Another part of journalism I learned to enjoy.

Being on the same page as classmates and working towards one common goal to produce high-quality articles for our school to read made it a great experience. With my interest in sports, I always got excited to write about my school’s teams and athletes. I truly enjoyed analyzing stats, conducting stories about our teams and other similar tasks. When I would interview players and coaches, it almost felt effortless to me. Talking and writing about what I loved to do felt like second nature, and I soon realized my major in college: journalism.

Making The Decision

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Being a part of my high school’s yearbook and newspaper for my community to read gave me a sense of pride and joy. Since I knew that what I wrote got read by lots of people, it made me want to take my skills as a journalist to the next level. Throughout the college application process, I looked for schools relatively close to where I live and where I would likely be accepted. I narrowed it down to a handful of a schools, then I began looking at the communication programs and opportunities each school offered.

When I looked into Penn State, I found out that their College of Communications got marked as one of the best in the country, so I went all in for it. I decided to major in broadcast journalism to pursue my goal of being a sports journalist. I did some more research on Penn State and found endless opportunities to get involved with on campus to prepare for my future in the work force. Seeing that Penn State tied itself with MIT as the best schools for preparing their students for a real job? Amazing. I soon accepted my offer of admission in March 2021 and didn’t looked back since.

Time to Continue my Passion for Journalism

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Now that I stepped foot on campus, the opportunities for me to further my experience with journalism seem endless.  I joined groups on campus such as CommRadio and Penn State Sports Night, both sports related, where I get to write and talk about Penn State and professional sports. This really puts into perspective how great my school makes itself with creating opportunities for passionate students in the communications field. Looking back to how confused I felt with my future just a few years ago should give fellow teens lots of confidence.

I went from going through the motions in high school to getting involved with well-known groups on campus in the matter of two short years. This isn’t an ad for Penn State in any way at all, but just know that when choosing your home for four years of your life, go into it with a vision and explore all the options that school can offer. No matter how long it takes to discover your passion, be patient. Maybe that random class you took for a few credits may end up being where all the answers lie.

The post How I Found My Passion Within Journalism appeared first on College Magazine.

from College Magazine https://www.collegemagazine.com/how-i-found-my-passion-within-journalism/

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CM’s Top 10 Dates That’ll Have you “Falling” in Love with Autumn

Nothing compares to the orange and black color scheme of spooky season, where the leaves turn to vibrant shades of red and everyone’s summer tan fades away. Sure, Christmas puts you in your feels and spring gives you flowers and bees, but the fall frights and delights win above all. I mean, did you try the Pumpkin Spice Latte from Starbucks?

People just feel addicted to fall. The pumpkins, the game of dress-up, the horror movies; everything appeases them.

If you and your SO consider yourself “fall lovers” like the rest of universe, keep reading to find out CM’s top 10 autumn dates.

10. Bake, bake, bake

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Picture this. You and your SO take a ride to the nearest Target, grab some yummy holiday cookie cutters, along with some chocolate chips. Load your cart with those festive Halloween sprinkles and all the necessary ingredients for a yummy treat. No, you cannot cheat this time. Don’t just buy a box! You must do this from scratch.

Once your ingredients make their way back to your kitchen, assemble all the proper measurements and work as a team (aww) to create a scrumptious masterpiece. If you don’t consider yourselves pro bakers, homemade chocolate chip cookies and cupcakes will keep you busy enough. But if you want the extra challenge, try making some macaroons or Madeline cookies.

Don’t forget to make a fun baking playlist, you’ll need to jam out while your goodies bake in the oven.

9. Bike Rides

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What could relax your soul more than a joyous bike ride with your true love during your favorite weather? Not too hot, not too cold, but perfectly in between. Pump up those tires and choose a cute nature-filled location. Throw your bikes in the car and drive down to the beach.

If you go to a park, surprise your SO by making your bike ride into a picnic. Bring a basket of snacks or some of those homemade baked goods and mosey on down to a field with flowers and sunshine.

If you don’t own a bicycle, you could rent a tandem bicycle where you will quite literally pull each other’s weight. You’ll surely bond!

8. Wine Tasting Trip

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Who doesn’t love a good wine tasting trip? This activity proves a great way to spend time with your SO. Don’t forget to fulfill the five steps, or S’, which include see, swirl, sniff, sip, and savor. Try to say that five times fast.

Don’t feel like leaving the house? Throw your own wine tasting party! Go to your local liquor store and buy five to seven different wines, the proper glasses, snacks.  The both of you will enjoy the variety of flavors, along with each other’s company.

If you don’t want to spend a ton of money, check out these cheap wine recommendations: Broadbent Vinho Verde, Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina, Hanna Sauvignon Blanc and La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay. These all stay below twenty dollars.

7. Go on a Long Drive

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Don’t want to spend a ton of money? Road trip time.

“My first date with my boyfriend was on a long drive to Insomnia Cookies. We drove for hours and that’s how we really got to know eachother. We learned that we connect through our love of country music,” St. John’s University sophomore Jessica Villecco said.

If you simply want to remain in the company of your SO for a long period of time, take a drive to a place you never visited before. Get lost along the way, discover new parts of town and explore your neighborhood. Many people find great joy when they don’t know where to go next.

“To me, the best type of dates are the ones where you don’t have to do anything but be yourself. Going on long drives is a personal favorite of mine since you can just, simply, exist with the person that you’re with. It’s a super effortless way to make special memories,” Stevens Institute of Technology sophomore Gianna Callegari said.

In fall, always try to take the scenic route. Take the roads instead of the highways, bump to a happy or romantic playlist and get lost in the moment. The best way to spend a rainy fall afternoon—driving all day long with your boo with no location in sight.

6. Drive-in Movie

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Since COVID-19 decided to attack normal life, drive-in movies made a comeback and now occur monthly in certain areas. Grab some takeout from a local restaurant, tune into the station playing the sound for the movie and relax while you watch a fall movie on the big screen. What a wonderful feeling, being in the comfort of your own car.

“I love that drive-in movies are so big now! My best friend and I went to see Mamma Mia at a drive-in during the summer, and I’ve been dying to go this fall too. I think a drive-in movie makes for the perfect and intimate date night. Sometimes it’s more fun to watch a movie outside instead of staying at home,” The College of New Jersey sophomore Jenna Saldi said.

This intimate date sure allows for some alone time with your SO. Plus, you won’t get yelled at for talking too loud during the movie. Who doesn’t love a good 80’s activity reviving forty years late?

5. S’mores by the fire

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Now, don’t confuse “fire” for “fireplace.” Only Santa gets to use the fireplace.

But a s’mores night near the fire pit on a breezy night? Now that’s romantic. Grab your Hershey bars, marshmallows and graham crackers, along with some wood for the fire pit. If you don’t own a fire pit, don’t worry. The stove works just as well.

“My boyfriend and I always have dates by the fire. It’s a great way to get to know someone in an intimate setting, plus the s’mores always make the night sweeter. I have a fire pit in my backyard, which makes it a really easy and convenient date night,” St. John’s junior Alyssa Prata said.

Spend a night amongst the beautiful fall weather with the one you love, eating a snack for champions. Throw on your SO’s hoodie and bring a blanket outside to warm up if the weather gets too chilly. Your romantic evening under the stars will certainly put a smile on your face.

4. Haunted House

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Live for the thrill of being spooked at a haunted house? Or simply because your SO forces you to go? Either way, you will bond over your conjoined trauma after experiencing the terrors of a spooky haunted house.

If you live near a Six Flags, you’ll surely love Fright Fest, where terrifying clowns and zombies ride rollercoasters along with you. Check out the websites of other carnivals or amusement parks in your area to see if they hire spooky characters to pop out and scare you.

If you can’t get enough of the adrenaline rush, maybe haunted house hop. Go to two or three, so long as they don’t charge $50 each. For those living in the New York area, you could visit the highly esteemed Jekyll & Hyde Haunted Asylum or the Bane Haunted House. The options never cease in all five boroughs, and even Jersey and PA offer some great spooky experiences.

3. Watch a Horror Movie Outdoors

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To properly kick of the Halloween season, you simply must take a seat on the grass, wrap yourself in a warm blanket like a burrito and watch a terrifying horror movie.

Grab your sweatshirts and sweatpants and head to your nearest horror movie showing on the green. Many colleges set up screens on the grass for students to enjoy a spooky movie outside. Even some restaurants make similar efforts. You’ll get to spend time with your SO, plus you’ll engage with your community and give back after COVID.

“I think the best fall date would have to be watching a horror movie together! It really fits in the fall theme, and definitely gets you in the mood for Halloween. Especially when sitting under the stars, it’s lots of fun to get scared with someone you love,” St. John’s University junior Taylor Silvers said.

If you don’t see any outdoor movie showings in your area, you might as well host a scary movie night in your home or backyard if you own a projector. Get some snacks and play your favorite and scariest movie at full blast late at night. Just try not to wake the neighbors while doing it.

2. Sunflower Garden

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Okay, let’s get real. We all love apple and pumpkin picking, but if you want to go down a more original route, check out a sunflower garden. Some sunflower gardens even include apple and pumpkin picking in the package. Take advantage of the opportunity and participate in all three activities.

Grab those gardening gloves and hand pruners. You and your partner should prepare to collect a nice batch of sunflowers but beware of the dying bees that attach themselves to every flower.

The workers often suggest clipping the almost fully grown sunflowers, that way they still grow while being displayed in your lovely home. This mini romantic getaway will get you loving nature (and your SO) more than ever before.

1. Paint and Carve those Pumpkins

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Back to the basics for this one. Go ahead and paint or carve those pumpkins for the perfect fall date. The time consuming and meticulous activity will keep you and your SO preoccupied and chatting for hours, especially if you decide to eat dinner while letting your creative side loose. Might as well order a cheesy pizza!

“I always love going pumpkin picking and carving pumpkins with my boyfriend in the fall! We just went to the pumpkin patch last week, and the weather was gorgeous! I love the smell of the autumn air and it was lots of fun trying to pick out the perfect pumpkin. I eventually did pick out a pretty great one,” St. John’s University senior Victoria Bongiovanni said.

If you want to make a day out of the pumpkin carving, visit a pumpkin patch beforehand and select the perfect one. Then head to your local art store to purchase paints or carving materials necessary to get the job done. Take your supplies home, set down some newspapers to keep from a mess and get to decorating that pumpkin.

Dare I say paint matching pumpkins!

The post CM’s Top 10 Dates That’ll Have you “Falling” in Love with Autumn appeared first on College Magazine.

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How Failing My Classes Changed My Life… In a Good Way

I hear people say, “You must fail in order to succeed,” but I never thought much of it. I mean, why should anyone make failure an option? Why should we make it sound like a good thing? But now, as a senior in college, I live by those words. Picking a college major can get difficult. The school gives you an endless list of subjects, some you might not even know existed. You need to think about topics you enjoy, what your skills include and what you want to pursue a career in. It gets overwhelming.

When I faced this decision, I instantly chose the general business path.

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I felt confident and comfortable with my decision. My dad works as a financial advisor, and my mom worked in marketing. I grew up in a business-minded home. My parents always emphasized the versatility and safety of a business degree. This choice, for me, seemed like a no-brainer. My first semester of freshman year schedule consisted of math courses, American government and world geography. I didn’t feel particularly worried. In high school, I always did well in my classes, so I expected my college experience to go the same way. I felt excited to learn all about the business world.

However, as the semester progressed, my interest in my classes declined. I found myself dreading going to lectures. They felt so long and boring. Instead of paying attention to the lesson, I watched the clock, waiting until I could go back to my dorm. Nonetheless, I tried my best in my courses. I turned in all my assignments on time, made passing grades on the quizzes and exams and attended tutoring sessions for the topics I felt unsure about. But still, I felt the fire inside me dimming.

Instead of paying attention to the lesson, I watched the clock, waiting until I could go back to my dorm.

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When December came around, I looked forward to the holiday break. But before I could go home, I needed to complete my final exams. The week before the tests, I drank an unhealthy amount of coffee, pulled my first round of academic all-nighters and spent my whole allowance on study packets. I felt confident. After countless hours of studying, I thought I knew the information like the back of my hand. If you asked me, I thought I knew just as much as my professors.

After exams ended, I got a notification on my phone. It read, “MAC1105 Exam Graded.” I swiped it open, and my stomach dropped. I failed the test. This meant I didn’t pass the class. As I checked my other courses, I relived that same failure. I failed all my classes. I started freaking out. I didn’t know what this meant. Would I get kicked out of school? Will my parents ever forgive me?

Needless to say, the thought of going home for break no longer excited me.

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The night before the drive home, I sat in my empty dorm room, staring at my phone. I began rehearsing in my dorm bathroom mirror exactly what I would say to my parents. I weighed my options of explanations and decided to go with the classic excuse of, “Everyone failed the exam.” But I knew this would only lead to a lecture about not taking responsibility for my actions. So, I chose to tell the hard truth, I went in underprepared. To my surprise, they didn’t seem that mad. They felt upset, but they assured me it would all work out in the end.

During the holiday break, I took the time to think. I couldn’t figure out how I managed to do so terribly. After some soul searching, I decided that business may not work out for me. I needed a change. I started to write down subjects I enjoyed studying and my passions. Then, the lightbulb went off in my brain.

I always loved writing, so I looked into journalism.

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I quickly grabbed my laptop and started typing into Google: “FSU journalism major.” I clicked the first link, and it took me to a page titled “Editing, Writing and Media.” As I read on and did more research, I realized I needed to study this. As I came to this realization, a wave of calmness and excitement washed over me. I finally felt sure of what I should do in life.

I discussed it with my parents. They told me that picking a college major sometimes requires a trial-and-error process that includes changes. They felt hopeful for me. The switch from business to editing, writing and media turned out as one of the best decisions for me. I achieve good grades because I’m genuinely interested in the information. The change in major gave me the confidence to get out of my comfort zone and pursue opportunities that will benefit me in my future career.

I discovered my passions because I failed my first semester. I’m not saying you need to fail all your classes to find your purpose, but I do believe that in order to learn you must fail in something. Whenever something doesn’t go as planned now, I look at it as an opportunity to grow. I remember that, sometimes, you must fail in order to succeed.

The post How Failing My Classes Changed My Life… In a Good Way appeared first on College Magazine.

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10 Books by Asian Authors to Read Before the New Year

Asian and Asian American literature sweeps over all sorts of genres, from contemporary to dystopian to mystery. Each story gives its own voice, its own hook that will draw you in. But where to start? Like Asia itself, the literature, described as expansive and unique, comes with a variety of stories lurking just around the corner.

If you want to venture into Asian and Asian American literature, then look no further: check out these ten books to begin your journey.

10. The Chosen and the Beautiful by Nghi Vo

As a retelling of The Great Gatsby, this book possesses everything the original contained and more: bright lights, roaring parties, and a touch of magic that brings everything to life. The story expands on Jordan Baker, a minor character from the original book. While she didn’t get nearly as fleshed out in the original, Vo molds her into a sharp, multi-layered woman with magic on her fingertips. With both sorcery and adaptive skills, Baker navigates the gilded world of wealthy socialites, and the things they have and want.

In addition to exploring the glitz and glamour of the 1920s, Vo also explores Baker’s heritage and position as a queer, Asian immigrant amongst a predominantly straight and white society. These themes all tie together to create a compelling retelling of the classic novel itself. So, jump right in and join the party—it’s bright enough to catch your eye.

9. The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy

When considering a story about familial ties and how deep they run, The God of Small Things is the book to turn to. Set in Aymanam, a village located in Kerala, India, the story follows a pair of twins, Estha and Rahel, and the paths they embark on throughout life. Though the twins maintain the central focus, their surrounding family and friends also play a key role in the story. In fact, they shape the roads Estha and Rahel follow, what choices they both make as well as the ones they don’t. Every decision rests upon the impact it will have on their family and the societal expectations that infringe upon the two.

“It’s kind of a cool story [about] the distinctions between people who really mattered,” Loyola Marymount University senior Nishanth Ramasubramanian said. “It’s really good.”

In addition, Roy uses a unique narrative style throughout the course of the book: she switches from when the twins were children to when they were adults. Essentially, it describes the twins being together, trading off sequences and important plotlines as they do so. In this tight and twisted tale, The God of Small Things will tangle you deeper into the bonds of this particular family, and how everything around their world affects them.

8. Severance by Ling Ma

The apocalyptic genre has many different worlds in itself—sicknesses, natural disasters, zombies, you name it. In Severance, Ling Ma combines all of these tropes together to create a unique world centered on nostalgia. The protagonist, Candace Chen, struggles to adapt to a world following the Shen Fever, and is quickly coerced into joining a group of straggled survivors headed to Pennsylvania. As she travels with them, however, Candace comes to realize that the band of survivors is more dangerous than they seem.

What draws the story of Severance together is the world that Candace lives in—the world pre-Shen Fever, the world during the Shen Fever, and the world after it. Connected to all of it is old memories and remembrance, both of which are woven in Candace’s own narrative, and the apocalypse itself. The story also ties together two distinct ideas: Candace’s journey of being a Chinese immigrant from Fuzhou, and the idea of a fevered, nostalgic past. The story does contain eerie similarities to the pandemic world we live in today, but the world in Severance is definitely its own.

7. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

At first glance, Never Let Me Go appears to take place in a beautiful world: students attend an elite boarding school to become well-versed in manners, arts, literature and more. Through the eyes of Kathy, one of these special students, everyone in this school is growing into a perfect model citizen—yet none of them are actually allowed to interact with the outside world. As the story develops, however, it becomes clear that this perfect school is only an illusion, and the world surrounding it is not as glamorous as it seems.

“I remember it’s dystopian,” Savannah College of Art and Design junior Grace Naify said. “The main character and her friends are meant to live a perfect life, [and everyone] is obsessed with being healthy. It was pretty disturbing, but I liked the narrator’s conversational style of addressing the reader.”

Never Let Me Go is haunting, in both its description and setting. As Kathy begins to unravel the mystery of her so-called perfect world, the reader also finds out what sorts of horrors lay just beyond the bubble. It’s a story that you will never want to let go.

6. The Last Story of Mina Lee by Nancy Jooyoun Kim

The Last Story of Mina Lee is a heart-wrenching tale about family, love and mysteries spanning across the past and the present. At the beginning of the novel, Margot visits her mother in Los Angeles, only to discover her mother died prior to her arrival. Because of the suspicion surrounding her mother’s death, and nobody else willing to help out, Margot resolves to dig deeper and discover what truly lead to her mother’s death. But as she does so, her mother’s precarious past begins to unwind, and Margot gets left wondering how much she truly knows about her mother.

The story gets separated into two different narratives: Mina and Margot Lee. Of course, the two connect through their familial bonds, but as the story continues, it’s clear that their narratives also tie together. The heart of the novel lies with Mina: she poses as the most prominent figure in both narratives. In an ironic twist, the story would not survive without Mina’s death, but to understand it, her backstory must also be explained. As the mystery continues, you’ll also find yourself sympathizing with Margot, wanting to solve the mystery with her as she desperately combs for clues in her mother’s past. This may be the last story of Mina Lee, but it definitely will capture your interest the whole way through.

5. The Memory Police by Yoko Ogawa

The Memory Police definitely makes itself a story to remember—rather ironic, because the book’s sets itself up as all about forgetting and remembering objects. The story centers on the inhabitants of an island, where people get forced to forget simple, mundane objects like birds and ribbons. The Memory Police strip away any reminder of these things, and promptly arrest people who do recall anything. The unnamed protagonist, a writer, discovers that her editor still knows all the disappeared objects—and thus does her best to help preserve him from the Memory Police.

Poignant and thrilling, The Memory Police draws you into this world of memories and forgetting. Like the protagonist, there’s a curiosity as to why they must forget their memories—so you will certainly want to unravel the mystery as the story goes on. At the end of it all, the story will definitely linger in your head for days.

4. If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha

If I Had Your Face tells the story of four different women, living in the same apartment complex in South Korea: Ara, Kyuri, Miho and Wonna. While each of their stories vary, they find themselves related through their interactions and dynamics with each other. Kyuri and Miho room together, for example, and Ara lives just down the hall from them; Wonna, slightly older than the other three, lives below them with her husband. As their stories intertwine, each narrator spins their own perspective of one another, so it’s interesting to see how one character views another.

Each woman deals with a different arc involving contemporary topics present in South Korea today. However, certain themes get weaved in each story: beauty, for example, poses as a prominent subject laced in all four stories. As their stories deepen, so do their bonds, tying together a poignant tale about their individual arcs and the friendships that ground them.

3. On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

On Earth We Are Briefly Gorgeous: a unique tale written as a set of letters from a son to his mother. The narrator, Little Dog, writes to his mother in English, although she doesn’t understand what he’s written; precisely why he writes to her in this format. As Little Dog describes his life and feelings to his mother, you truly get to understand him as a character, his intricate relationship with his mother, his experience growing up as her son and the people who impacted his life beyond her.

What also ties together this story is how lyrical the novel reads. The story almost reads like a poem in itself, and each word feels chosen with great care, making every sentence a masterpiece. Through this format, you also see the care Little Dog pays towards his mother. At the end of this poignant, illustrative story, you’ll find that each word reached deep within the heart.

2. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

On the surface of Everything I Never Told You, you’d think the story follows a mystery surrounding young Lydia’s Lee death. It’s the event that kickstarts everything, after all—when fifteen-year-old Lydia is found drowned in a lake, her family gets left shaken by the events, and wondering what could’ve led her to death. As the story unfolds, it slowly becomes clearer that Lydia’s death unlocked a tirade of things the Lee family kept from each other, both before and after her death. The heart of the novel, ultimately, doesn’t focus on Lydia’s death, but the things that spurred it, and the resulting collisions afterwards.

“I like how the story is reversed,” Loyola Marymount University junior Michelle Chang said. “Usually [in books], you see everything leading up to the character dying. Here, it’s the opposite, where they try to figure out why she died. It’s really gripping and detailed.”

A very character-driven book, the main focal point remains the Lee family—James, Marilyn, Nath, Lydia and Hannah—and each character plays an important role in the story. The narrative sequence weaves together the past and the present seamlessly, giving each character a voice in practically every chapter. It’s a unique narration style that doesn’t get commonly employed, yet leaves the reader hooked. And as the story progresses, you, too, will want to know: what led to Lydia’s death? Not to worry—the book will definitely tell you.

1. America Is Not the Heart by Elaine Castillo

America Is Not the Heart revolves around Hero de Vera, a Filipino woman who gets disowned by her parents and moves in with her uncle and his family in America. Hero is, of course, the literal hero of the story, but she shares the role as the heart of the story with another character: Roni. As the novel progresses, Hero adjusts to her life in San Francisco, as well as her new role in her uncle’s family. Like all else, the story makes itself central to family, but also Hero’s past—and why she needed to come to America in the first place.

What makes America Is Not the Heart flow? The story, and the narration style of it. The narrative tends to flow together, without any quotation marks. It also mixes together various languages, including English, Tagalog, Pangisian and Ilocano. Hero also occasionally flashes back to the past, which brings the story together in a full circle. In this novel, America may not be the heart—but its strong characters most definitely make it.

The post 10 Books by Asian Authors to Read Before the New Year appeared first on College Magazine.

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Top 10 Best Group Halloween Costumes

Only a few more sleeps until Halloween. This means the time to plan your kick-ass group Halloween costumes grows more and more pressing. So, how will you come up with the most iconic group costume of the weekend?  The amount of attention you need to select a costume for three or more people can get overwhelming. Do you take the comical route? Do you want to dress up as one of your favorite childhood television shows or movies? Do you take part in the latest trends? Endless possibilities lie ahead.

Keep reading to find some creative and show-stopping costumes for Halloween 20211

1. Blue Man group

Courtesy of Megan Lime

Staring off with a bang, The Blue Man Group marks the first Halloween costume on this list.  The Blue Man group received their claim to fame for their creative musical performances, solid black outfits, blue bald heads and complete silence. Making their appearances in trios, this bold blue costume best fits groups of three. Their calm expressions juxtaposed with a chaotic musical set adds to the memorability of this costume. They can keep their cool in the middle of complete chaos. Imagine running around campus on Halloween night completely in character with your friends. Now THAT creates a recipe for one of the most memorable nights of your lives.

“Dressing up in Blue man group was probably my favorite memory in college. We walked across campus, went to bars and houses, danced and even rode the campus buses. Being incognito for a night truly proved to be a good time,” University of Tennessee senior Anna Mullaney said.

Together, these aspects make the perfect recipe for not only a killer costume, but a killer theatrical night as well.

2. Oompa Loompas

Courtesy of Megan Lime

When you think of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, the Oompa Loompas will always come to mind. The Oompa Loompas take over this movie as they make an appearance in almost every scene within the walls of Willy Wonka’s factory. Your group will immediately turn heads in this orange and green costume.

“Oompa Loompas has been one of my favorite costumes so far. I was laughing all night because I would be in conversations and realize I was painted orange and green. It was hilarious,” University of Tennessee senior Megan Lime said.

With the iconic Oompa Loompa song and green hair, you can’t resist the urge to go all out. The unlimited amount of people that can participate in this costume makes it even better. So, the bigger your group, the better the aesthetics. Secure your golden ticket with this show stopping, laughter inducing and crazily colorful costume.

3. The Scooby Doo Gang

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Scooby Dooby Doo, where are you? Time to get to work on your Scooby Doo costume. This crime fighting team of five claim their title as some of the most well-known characters of our childhoods. Therefore, they make the best Halloween costume of 2021. While this costume makes an appearance every Halloween, because of its national fame, it will never get old.

“One of my costumes this Halloween is Daphne, and I’m excited to wear this because I loved watching Scooby Doo as a kid! I was obsessed with all things mystery from books to TV, and Daphne was my favorite character in the show,” Auburn University senior Taylor Gosselin said.

The Scooby Gang can fit any group of five. From the iconic duo of Fred and Shaggy to best friends Velma and Daphne, solving the puzzle of who embodies who, proves just as exciting as solving a case. While these characters hold their own when it comes to iconic reputations, the real question still stands: who will play the Scooby of your group? Time to kill this costume and get to meddling.

4. Squid Games

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As a current global favorite, you can count on the TV show, Squid Games, making an appearance this Halloween 2021. Because of its central red uniform, you can easily pull off the look of this edge of your seat, adrenaline inducing, tear jerking show. If this anxiety ridden eight-episode series checks your currently watching Netflix box, you’ll immediately recognize the army of red servants. The eerie uniformity of their movements, mannerisms and voices demand attention and inspire curiosity. The sheer presence of these red soldiers leaves a mark on anyone who look them in the eye…or mask. Similar to an army of ants, this show contains a profound number of servants in red. Therefore, the bigger the group, the more realistic the costume. If you want to keep up with the trends this Halloween, Squid Games calls your name!

5. Dodgeball

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Known as a Vince Vaughn classic, the Average Joes Dodgeball costume acts as an easy, uncomplicated and immediately recognizable costume for a group of seven people. The movie’s comedic timing, dry humor and iconic uniforms makes it one of the best Halloween group costumes. This costume gives way for incredible uniformity due to its matching uniforms. A simple dodgeball uniform consisting of yellow shorts and a yellow bro tank jersey completes the look. If you want to go all out, you can buy one with the Average Joes logo on it. Since the movie celebrates the game of Dodgeball, start practicing your aim because your night will qualify as far from “average”.

6. Colonial Lads and Ladies

Courtesy of Rebecca Duncan

An oldie, but a goodie. To create one of the funniest and iconic group costumes, grab a white button down, black pants and the best colonial wig you can find. Open any history book and you see a world of Paul Reveres, George Washingtons or Benjamin Franklins to in front of you. History awaits you and your friends choose different colonial characters to revive throughout your night. You can take it even further by buying a colonial jacket to keep you warm in this chilly October weather.

“We wanted to do something BIG for our last wig social. We not only looked hilarious but embodied main character energy throughout the whole night. We even made it on auburn university’s barstool Instagram account,” Auburn University senior Kate Shroyer said.

This costume, new to the Halloween scene, not appeared in spooky seasons past. If you want to remain on the front end of Halloween 2021 trends, this costume will make you a frontrunner! Pair this outfit with classical music, your best accents and colonial puns and this will make the list of best nights in your college experience.

7. High School Musical

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As a reference to your childhood, few costumes hold a more recognizable name than High School Musical. High School Musical garnered 7.7 million views in its premier broadcast, solidifying its mark on pre-teens in the 2000s. Therefore, this sensational trilogy shaped the childhoods of many college students today. This year, make sure it doesn’t go unnoticed or unappreciated at any party this Halloween season. From Gabriella to Troy Bolton, this high school squad defines what quality friendships look like.

Therefore, if making memories with your best friends on Halloween night comes first, this costume won’t let you down. Grab your East High uniform, microphones and your besties and you’ll hold the title of best throwback costume by far. Get your head in the game and take home the trophy!

8. Stages of Britney Spears

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For the Britney Spears lovers out there, this costume idea will make you a Halloween icon. Britney will go down in history as the QUEEN of memorable outfits. From schoolgirl Brittney to her famous red onesie, you can’t go wrong with recreating one of her many looks. The amount of eccentric outfits worn in her past leaves the perfect room for big groups. With the variety of costume possibilities, you and your friends can personalize it while still going as a group.  If you want to pop out in the most iconic Halloween costume, the countless stages of Britney’s style will not let you down.

9. Group Pitbull

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This costume didn’t get the chance to shine in the Halloween spotlight yet, but it holds potential for a sneaky costume winner. So, your group will easily stand out wearing this costume. Sorry, but not much more rivals the bald cap when it comes to iconic outfits.  Why? Because the image shocks anyone. Imagine walking past someone just to stop and realize underneath the façade hides a Pitbull version of one of your friends. Double takes prove to gain the highest form of flattery when it comes to Halloween costume superiority.  Just picture a group of ten people strolling the streets in bald caps…you would take a double take too. The “out of the ordinary” image of a big group of girl or boys with no hair attracts immediate attention.

“We had a wig social this year and there was a group of girls who dressed up at Pitbull and it was the best thing ever. When people go all out for costumes like this, you’ve got to respect it. Definitely a contender for my Halloween costumes this year,” Auburn University senior Gabby Thompson said.

Throw on your white button down and black tie and get ready to live the time of your life”.

10. Power Rangers

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The infamous childhood question posed yet again- which color do you choose? This costume offers the perfect opportunity to get in touch with your crime fighting, thrill seeking, power ranger loving self. This costume gives lots of room to play around. Depending on your color, you can easily look up inspiration to create the Power Ranger look of your childhood dreams. If going all out holds top priority in your group, you can purchase identical outfits found on the internet for your spooky Halloween night. Your squad of red, blue, black, yellow and pink will instantly stand out among a crowd, and instantly secure you best costume award.

Halloween, a time meant for good memories, good candy, and even better costumes. Now that you know the 10 most iconic, unique and trending group Halloween costumes, get your scare on and dive right into spooky season! College magazine wishes you a safe and even spookier night!

The post Top 10 Best Group Halloween Costumes appeared first on College Magazine.

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Top 10 Halloween Costumes for You and Your Bestie to Rock this October

On a dark, dark evening, you sit scrolling on Tik Tok for the third consecutive hour. Your droopy eyes feel like they’ll close any minute, but you stay awake only to consume more. Suddenly, you receive an influx of text messages from your best friend. Your mind starts racing. Did they get hurt? Were they in an accident? Why would they text in a frenzy at 3 am?

Fear in your eyes, you open the message…

“WE MUST FIND A COSTUME.”

You roll your eyes, shut your phone and go to bed. But hey, at least they got you off Tik Tok.

The age-old question—what costume should we wear? Should we dress as witches again or as cats or maybe even superheroes? Wonder Woman always seemed like a promising costume.

Fear no more! Keep reading to find out the 10 most unique costumes that will make the ghouls drool.

10. SpongeBob and Patrick

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I’m ready, I’m ready, I’m ready. *Cue classic but low-key annoying SpongeBob laugh.* Part of a dynamic duo? This classic, colorful and vibrant costume will leave you and your bestie smiling the entire night. Perks of this costume—if you consider yourself a die-hard SpongeBob fan, you’ll find the opportunity to quote him the entire night. Just don’t forget to utilize that singing voice, since you’ll probably sing the Campfire Song Song all night.

As with all costumes, you could go big or small with this one! The SpongeBob of the group might want to purchase a yellow crop top with a white skirt or, if you really want to go all out, a blowup SpongeBob costume. Anything works. As for Patrick, tons of options arise for wildly large blowup costumes or cute miniskirts and tank tops. All your call, but why not go big or go home?

9. Cosmo and Wanda

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Keeping up with the Nickelodeon cartoon character vibes, the promising Cosmo and Wanda duo from the Fairly Odd Parents will get the party started. The good thing about this one? If you purchase those pink and green wigs and make star-shaped wands, people will easily recognize the costume and ask you to grant them some wishes. So, you may wear whatever you want. Just don’t forget to memorize the theme song.

Luckily for you, you will find vibrant wigs at any Party City or Amazon, so get ordering.

8. Serena and Blair

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“Every brunette needs a blonde best friend,” said every blonde girl on my Instagram feed.

Do you plan on twinning with your brunette bestie this Halloween? How did you not think of this iconic Gossip Girl duo before? The sparkling Blair and Serena make for a fancy Halloween costume, since you pretty much experience the freedom to dress as them in Constance or at a fashion show or even in one of their iconic outfits.

If you plan on dressing in the classic school uniform, look no further than the casual plaid skirt and a white, long-sleeved blouse. Then add a bowtie or a tie, a headband and you’ll be ready to walk the Upper East Side soon enough.

7. Bad and Boujee

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Coming in seventh? The trusty Bad and Boujee, AKA the easiest Halloween costume to exist. How do you make it? Take a two pieces of copy paper, a marker and write “bad” on one and “boujee” on the other. Then, the hardest part? Tape it to an outfit of your choosing. And just like that, bad and boujee came to life.

This will come in handy when you feel super pressed for time or get invited to a party last minute. Besides getting absolute creative freedom with this one, feel free to dress as “bad and boujee” with your S.O., bestie, brother, sister, cousin, dog, ferret. Endless possibilities, since such an easy and flexible fit will work with anyone. Plus, you get the reigns to spice up your outfit to make the costume more colorful and unique.

6. The Sun and the Moon

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If you and your bestie want to make a statement and seem fashionable, this will work perfectly for you. This costume requires tons of glitter and eye makeup because you can’t dress as the sun or the moon without some sparkle.

“The sun and moon costume is perfect for an easy DIY project and it’s very cost efficient to make! You can even make the sun and mood headbands yourself with some construction paper and a headband,” St. John’s University senior Angelena Low said.

Hey, suns! Some ideas for you—you might want to buy a shimmery gold dress or a gold skirt and a white crop top. Some people like to buy the sun headpiece or a headband, but if you feel pressed for time you may always go simpler. For the moons, many like to wear blue and black pants and crop tops, but you get the final say. Wear whatever feels best for you and works with your bestie’s costume.

5. Peach and Daisy

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Obsessed with Mario Kart as a kid? Peach and Daisy always drove the fastest… so why not embody their spirit this Halloween? Let’s start with Peach. You might want to buy a pink crop top or pink dress and buy a small parasol to match Peach’s vibe. And as for Daisy, a yellow dress with a yellow parasol and a done-up hair style will certainly do the trick.

If you want to participate in a larger group costume, Mario Kart characters might work out perfectly. The game certainly created enough characters to go around.

“I’ve dressed up as characters from the Mario universe many times before, but my favorite is always peach and of course her friend daisy! This costume is great solo, duo, or even in a group; you can get everyone involved as a character from the best childhood video game,” The College of New Jersey sophomore Jenna Saldi said.

4. Velma and Daphne

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Jinkies! You can’t go wrong with this classic bestie look. Get your magnifying glass and let’s split up and look for clues!

Velma of course needs her glasses, short hair with bangs and the iconic orange sweater. For those living on the East Coast, long sleeved options seem the right way to go. As for Daphne, a classic purple dress or purple accent would work alongside a ginger wig and some makeup. Purchasing a plush of Scooby would work in your favor.

For this one, the more the merrier. Just think—Scooby, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne and Velma all in one room. People would lose their minds as Mystery Inc. comes to life.

3. Kim Possible and Shego

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“Call me, beep me if you wanna reach me.”

Kim Possible and Shego, the sick anti-duo pitted against each other, but always pulling through with the best style. Kim’s classic black crop top and green cargo pants will do the trick, along with that vibrant red wig. Don’t forget your beeper!

Although Shego’s original costume will seem like a trickier find (though available on Amazon and Etsy), you always possess the option to create your own rendition of the adorable bodysuit. For example, black leggings and a slime-green crop top would do the trick. If your hair already looks dark, you won’t need to worry about purchasing a wig.

2. Black Swan and White Swan

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Calling all makeup and fashion lovers—this one will blow your mind. The black and white swan look, besides being absolutely breathtaking, take a bit of commitment. The eye makeup, for one, will make you look phenomenal and the costume work will become slightly more detailed if you wish to craft the costume to resemble the original.

As far as the costume goes, a black/white tanktop with a wide and feathery skirt should work perfectly. Many add feathers to their costumes to authenticate the look and some even add headpieces. Don’t forget to put your hair in the iconic neat looking bun.

1. Poison Ivy and Catwoman

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Now, this will look cool. Always love a good old supervillain vs. superhero duo, right?

You’ll experience a lot of freedom with this one too, as you might go with a bodysuit, a tank with shorts, a crop top with a skirt or a dress. The possibilities seem endless and many people previously showcased their creativity with this one in the past. Look up the costume on Tik Tok, and you’ll quickly draw inspiration from some of the artists who tested this costume out in previous years.

“Poison Ivy was such a fun costume that was super simple to put together! I loved being Poison Ivy for Halloween last year because I’ve always enjoyed her character in the comic books. She’s such a powerful woman,” St. John’s sophomore Grace Garlisi said.

The essentials remain Catwoman’s black ears and whip, and Poison Ivy’s luscious red hair and vines. Eye masks would look pretty cool too, as would intense green makeup on Poison Ivy’s face.

The post Top 10 Halloween Costumes for You and Your Bestie to Rock this October appeared first on College Magazine.

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10 Ways to Present Yourself on LinkedIn

Are you a college student seeking a job, but don’t know how to present yourself as a true professional? Companies looking for new team members want to see someone with good connections, a professional and straight forward intro and some experience to back it all up. LinkedIn makes for the perfect way to flaunt your credentials to an employer, but it needs the right flair. A few simple tips to spice up your profile will do the trick.

Take some time to read through 10 ways you can improve your professional profile on LinkedIn.

1. Choosing Your Profile Picture

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This part of your LinkedIn profile becomes the most important part when first creating your profile. It’s the first picture employers and colleagues will see, so choose a proper profile picture to present yourself at your best! The last thing you want is a picture of yourself with sunglasses and a bathing suit on. C’mon people, it’s LinkedIn, not Instagram. Think of LinkedIn as your professional profile, so choose a photo that you believe makes you look professional. Even check out if your school offers professional headshots!

2. Tell a Story in Your Summary

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Like a cover letter, you should come across as very personable in your LinkedIn summary. The summary is your chance to show the viewers of your profile who you are and why you are unique worker in your field. Not everyone chooses to even add a summary, so tell the viewers of your profile why you’re different than other job seekers. Tell employers more than the skills you have and the jobs you’ve had because employers don’t want to see another LinkedIn profile with a bland description. Whether you want to tell a personal story or try and tell a joke, make sure the first thing employers read will be eye-catching.

3. Post Relevant Content

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As mentioned before, LinkedIn acts as your professional Instagram, so post and like anything that interests you. Who doesn’t want more followers and a bigger professional network? Whether it’s achieving a task with your company or starting a new position, the more that you post, the more likely you’ll be noticed. If you’re only posting occasionally, your connections won’t even remember they’re connected with you. Try to keep your feed as active as you can, as the more content you post the more involvement your profile will get, meaning more chances to network.

4. Showcase Relevant Skills

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If you’re looking for a job, you should include your skills that fit whatever jobs are of interest. Showcasing your skills will help back up your headline in summary to ensure employers that you possess the skills to be their employee.

“I’d say it’s best to treat your LinkedIn almost like a resume when listing your experiences. Many people opt to just include the places they’ve worked and the positions they’ve held, but I feel like it’s beneficial to write about the tasks that you did in those positions. It helps put into context the job you were doing!” Pennsylvania State University senior Jade Campos said.

While not a default setting, to add skills to your bio, scroll down to the bottom of your profile page and LinkedIn offers endless options of skills that you can add. If you intend to be a customer sales associate, some skills you would add might relate to communication, problem-solving and active listening. Let the employer know you possess the necessary skills to be successful for their company; it winds up a key part of your LinkedIn profile, resume and cover letter.

5. No Need for Extra Fluff

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To make your account successful, you must be short and sweet. Employers will most likely just scroll through your page because they usually have many other applicants to look at. Get rid of any facts that the employer won’t look for. Tell the employer your background and relevant skills, not what a great job you did as a restaurant server during high school. This example may not pertain to everyone, but understand that those 200-word posts that wouldn’t catch the eyes of anyone viewing your page should most likely get deleted.

6. Brand Yourself

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Ask yourself: what do you want to be known for? What makes you special compared to others in your field? Put yourself in the employers’ shoes and think of a good way to separate yourself from other applicants. Perhaps tell the employer why you are passionate to work for them, or what past experiences make you prepared for the workforce. You must establish a reputation on your profile for employers because it’s what they will think of you without ever meeting you. By taking your brand to the next level, you maximize your value, which will greatly impact the chances of you landing a job.

7. Hook Employers at the Top

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Recruiters likely look through large amounts of LinkedIn profiles, resumes and cover letters. Think of your profile as a thermometer: you want the hottest stuff at the top, and the coldest (least meaningful) information at the bottom.

“When I created my LinkedIn, I was advised to include the most important information at the top, because this will grab the readers (employers) attention and get them to look through your whole profile,” Pennsylvania State University freshman Nolan Wick said.

If you want to boast any key facts about yourself that you want others to know, move it to your introduction and save the less relevant facts for the bottom of your profile. The first thing employers want to read from the top of your page is something that will keep them interested.

8. Include Your Current/Aspiring Job

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Recruiters search for employers based on their current positions, so make sure to include your current job. If you check the unemployed box, make sure to put “open to work” and add what positions you’re searching for. If you do work, include your current job position, but also include “looking for new opportunity”. Try avoiding not includingyour aspiring career. Your profile may not even be noticed by recruiters for a certain position, then. As a job seeker, showing a clear path to success will inform employers that you envision a future for yourself in that career, and not just an unemployed person unmotivated for a change.

9. Provide Experience

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Seeking a job but no experience of any past jobs to speak of on your LinkedIn? Employers will probably look past your account. No one wants to hire someone with no experience, so make sure include the jobs you worked, even if they don’t relate to the job you want.

“I think it’s super important to provide any experience you have to show your versatility to the employer. When I created my LinkedIn profile, I made sure to include all my prior and current experiences. I feel that it’s important to have experiences on your page in order to get noticed by employers,” Pennsylvania State University freshman Darian Capobianco said.

Bulking up the experience section shows recruiters that your versatility and more than just a job seeker with no intentions of actually being in the workforce. In each experience tab you add, make sure to include the elements of each job that show relevance to benefit your chances of being hired.

10. Add Volunteer work and Accomplishments

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At the bottom of your profile, you get the option to add any volunteer experience. This works as a great chance to show recruiters what you did in the past. It provides unique information that could separate you from other job seekers. Did you win employee of the month at a past job? Can you speak other languages? Including some keywords and honorary awards in your profile shows employers how you can make a difference for their company. Employers could see your volunteer work and recognize that you like to give back to your community which will never hurt chances of getting hired.

The post 10 Ways to Present Yourself on LinkedIn appeared first on College Magazine.

from College Magazine https://www.collegemagazine.com/10-ways-to-present-yourself-on-linkedin/

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10 Group and Duo Halloween Costumes for College Students: Cartoon Edition

October: the official start of spooky season and Halloween costume planning. Since the pandemic cancelled most of last year’s festivities, college students must celebrate Halloween 2021 in a big way. That means, the costumes this year need to scream Halloween with accuracy and detail. Ask yourself this question: What part of your after school or weekend childhood ritual did you enjoy and remember the most? If you answered cartoons, ask yourself this follow up question: why not dress up as the cartoon character you enjoyed and remember the most?

With so many iconic options to choose from, it may seem hard for you to pick a favorite. And with countless college priorities in your way, picking and planning a Halloween costume might get pushed to the end of your “To-Do” list.

Keep on reading for 10 Group and Duo Cartoon Halloween Costume ideas:

1. Gravity Falls

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As a kid, if you loved mysteries, you probably remember the show Gravity Falls. The show’s setting and premise revolves around solving mysterious with unusual activity happening in the scary town they live in. This show embodies the Halloween spirit because of the spooky vibes. If you and your sibling need a cartoon themed Halloween costume, then this one takes the cake. Or in this case, the Halloween candy. Dressing up like the iconic, full-of-life sibling duo only requires clothes you probably either own already or can easily make yourself. This makes it a great costume for close siblings and friends who waited until the last minute to decide on this year’s Halloween looks.

“I watched the show constantly growing up after school. It definitely reminded me of my brother and myself since we’re also twins. Plus, their outfits are super simple to recreate,” College of Staten Island junior Kaitlyn Cornacchio said.

For Dipper, you just need gray shorts, a red T-shirt, blue vest and white cap. Draw certain areas of the cap blue, and of course, the blue tree design in the front. For Mabel, get a purple skirt, pink headband and pink sweatshirt. On the sweatshirt, if not on there already, draw or iron on a rainbow shooting star just like hers.

2. SpongeBob

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Let’s talk about the best friends that live in a pineapple and rock under the sea. SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick Star, one of the most famous cartoon duos in Television history. Their superior friendship makes them the ultimate costume choice for a roommate or best friend. When talking about best friends, the bond they share can only compare to the compatibility of peanut butter and jelly, milk and cookies and in this case, SpongeBob and Patrick.

To copy Patrick’s look, just grab a pink T-shirt and green shorts (preferably with the drawn on purple designs). For SpongeBob, khaki shorts, a black belt, a white polo short sleeved shirt and a red tie will do the trick. For a bigger group, your friends can also dress up as Squidward, Sandy, Mr. Krabs and the list keeps going.

3. The Fairly Odd Parents

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Do you ever dream for a fairy to grant your wildest wishes with just a twirl of their magic wand? Luckily for the Nickelodeon character, Timmy Turner, he lived this dream every day. While you may not get wishes like Timmy did, you certainly can use this show as inspiration for your Halloween costume. Depending on the size of your friend group, this cartoon contains many Halloween costume ideas for you to choose from.

Dress up as Timmy Turner, Cosmo, Wanda, Baby Poof and more. No need for worrying about adding additional designs to your costume. The characters in this show wear everyday clothes you either already own or can find in any store. The simplicity of it all makes it perfect for the person that always procrastinates when it comes to picking out a Halloween costume. For Timmy Turner, you’ll need jeans, a pink T-shirt and of course his classic pink hat.

4. Rugrats

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When it comes to Nickelodeon classics, no one can forget about the show that takes everyone back to the 90s… Rugrats. As you watched these adorable babies grow from toddlers to teenagers, they unintentionally gave you many Halloween costume ideas. Grab a group of friends and dress up like Angelica, Tommy, Chester, Susie, Dil, Lillian or Phillip. To achieve Angelica’s look, you need blue and green polka-dot leggings, a long sleeve orange shirt with thin black stripes, purple dress and pigtails with two purple bows. You score any of the Rugrats’ looks by just searching for some items in your closet or checking out your local affordable clothing store.

5. Mickey and Minnie Mouse

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If your group wants to show up in the most iconic costume choice this Halloween, show up as the faces of Disney. Everyone knows Disney so everyone will recognize your costume right away. Mickey and Minnie represent the staple for everything Disney related. Some examples include, the countless TV shows and movies they appear in, theme park rides and video games series like Kingdom Hearts. For this dynamic duo, you need  a black shirt, red shorts with two white buttons and yellow shoes for Mickey, and a red and white polka dot dress and bow for Minnie. To complete both of the characters’ looks, don’t forget about the mouse ears.

“I loved Mickey Mouse, not because of Disney alone but also because I love Kingdom Hearts. Disney characters in a video game are beautiful and, I love the collaboration of it. If you have Mickey, Minnie, Goofy and Donald itself, you can add more people from Kingdom Hearts and that is the perfect Halloween squad right there,” Borough of Manhattan Community College freshman Bryan Mendoza said.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse make the most adorable Halloween costume for couples. These love birds also make the perfect costume for any Halloween plans with a Disney theme. If your friend group consists of Disney fans, do the entire Mickey Mouse squad. Tell your friends to dress up as Goofy, Donald and Daisy Duck.

6. Toy Story

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You got a friend in Toy Story and great group Halloween costumes to do with your friends too. Throughout the franchise’s four movies a lot of different characters made the big screen for viewers to get to know and fall in love with. As each character from Toy Story stole the hearts of viewers over the years, they also created Halloween costumes ideas for college students to one day steal from them.

“To infinity and beyond! Disney’s Pixar’s Toy Story is one of my favorite Disney movies of all time because it’s a classic that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Toy story would be a great group costume for Halloween because there are so many cool and cute characters to choose from, whether you’re dressing up with your friends or family,” College of Staten Island junior Alexandra Fuca said.

For a Halloween night with your friends, dress up as Woody, Jessie, Buzz LightYear, Bo Peep, the Squeeze Toy Aliens and more. In order to be Woody you need jeans, a belt, a yellow flannel shirt with a zebra print vest and brown boots and cowboy hat. For Jessie get Zebra pants, a white and yellow collared shirt, boots and of course the red cowgirl hat.

7. Arthur

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As this cartoon constantly breaks the internet with new funny memes, it also makes for the perfect last minute Halloween costume. The show’s popularity means everyone recognizes it. So, wearing Arthur-inspired costumes with your squad will make for a Instagram-picture worthy moment. You can even use this as an opportunity re-create and post some viral Arthur memes. We use the clenched fist 24/7.

The characters in this show wear everyday clothing you either already own or can buy in an affordable store. For Arthur, grab the iconic yellow sweater with a white collared shirt underneath, jeans and red sneakers. To top this costume off, DIY your own Arthur ears onto a headband. To make this a group costume, get one of your friends to dress up as Arthur’s friends and baby sister DW. For DW’s character, get a pink dress with white leggings and a long-sleeve shirt.

8. The Powerpuff Girls

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This terrific trio made from ‘sugar, spice and everything nice’ makes for a show-stopping trio Halloween costume. Grab two of your close friends and pick out which one out of Blossom, Bubbles or Buttercup fits you best. Pick which one you want either based on personal style, favorite color or personality matchup.

Do you lead your friend group? Do you consider yourself intelligent or logical when situations arise? If so, dress up as Blossom. Do people tend to describe you as sweet, kind, emotional and joyful? Do you possess a special connection with nature and animals? If that sounds like you, dress up as Bubbles. Finally, if you call yourself the toughest and bravest one in the friend group, get ready to dress as Buttercup. Depending on which character you choose, you’ll only need a blue, green or pink dress along with a pink bow for Blossom.

9. The Flintstones

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Get ready to take a trip to the past. This next cartoon premiered all the way back in 1960 and took place in the stone age. The time machine stopped at the Flintstones also known as “the modern stone age family.” With costume ideas ranging from Fred, Wilma, Barney, Betty, Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm, this cartoon makes for a great group costume idea with your friends or family, especially for those with younger siblings. If you want to add your pet in on the group Halloween festivities too, dress them up as Fred and Wilma Flintstones’ pet dinosaur, Dino. You can either find a Dino costume for dogs online or get creative and turn this costume idea into a fun DIY project.

10. Scooby-Doo

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This list wouldn’t feel complete without mentioning the cartoon of all cartoons: Scooby-Doo. The entire mysterious and scary theme of this cartoon makes it very fitting for Halloween. Since the entire show revolves around encountering scary creatures and solving mysteries, your crew can’t go wrong dressing as the Scooby-Doo crew.

“What I enjoy about Scooby Doo is the fun adventures the gang goes on when they’re solving mysteries. This classic quintet would make a great group costume for Halloween as it captures the spirit of the season, fun and festive,” St. John’s University junior Samantha Solina said.

To copy Fred’s look, you’ll only need blue pants, a blue collared shirt and a white sweater with an orange handkerchief. For Daphne’s look, you’ll need a purple dress and green handkerchief. And who can forget those pink tights? Velma’s costume boasts an orange turtleneck and red skirt. Shaggy’s outfit needs a green oversize shirt and brown pants. And lastly, for Scooby you can DIY your very own dog costume. If you choose this costume idea, remember… don’t forget the Scooby Snacks for a fun bonus.

After a year like last year, a lot of college students feel excited to finally celebrate Halloween with their friends again. The costumes on this list can make your friendly Halloween celebrations worth-wild. If you waited until the last minute to pick a Halloween costume and don’t know what to wear, pick from the ones listed above. These ideas allow you to combine your love for childhood cartoons with your love for spending Halloween with friends in the most show stopping way possible.

The post 10 Group and Duo Halloween Costumes for College Students: Cartoon Edition appeared first on College Magazine.

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Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Spooky Season from the Inside

As Andy Williams once sang, “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” The popular Christmas song adapts to any time of the year. Personally, I find myself singing this song on October 1st. All month long, people look for different ways to celebrate the season. Halloween perpetuates a theme of accepting all forms of self-expression, so long as those means remain safe and wholesome. While some people push themselves to get out and about, others still heal from the wounds the pandemic inflicted. If you don’t feel ready to step out into the world just yet, I’m here to tell you the many ways to celebrate the best time of the year from the safety of your home.

Let me tell you how…

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1. Decorate Your Bedroom

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Fully immerse yourself in the Halloween ambiance by decorating your bedroom. You may not want to wake up for that 3 a.m. pee to a demon doll hanging from your ceiling fan, so hop on Pinterest for non-traumatizing decor. From Amazon to Target, you’ll stumble across many affordable options to spruce up your bedroom. If you don’t want to leave your home to buy the decorations, surf the web. The quilt options and felt pumpkin assortments will never cease. Don’t forget to buy that Nightmare Before Christmas merch, you can use it again during Christmas time.

2. Buy At Least Five Scented Candles

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Now that your room looks fit for Halloween royalty, make sure the scent fits the spooky scene. No matter how many times you tell yourself to walk out of Home Goods or TJ Maxx with one candle, it’s nearly impossible. If you don’t want to bake a pumpkin pie for the sole purpose of the smell floating through the entire house, be simple and get a pecan pie candle instead.

“One of my favorite ways to celebrate fall is buying candles,” Fordham University graduate student Anna Basic said. “I love going to TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Target to stock up on whatever fall scents I could find! There is a sort of nostalgia when it comes to Halloween and fall time, so lighting a pumpkin spice candle just makes you feel all those warm memories again. My favorite fall scents are anything pumpkin or apple!”

One day you might want to wake up to the scent of fall leaves, the next you’ll want to relax to the smell of vanilla cinnamon. At stores like these, you’ll meet a vast array of scents to match any fall mood. For candle shopping, don’t engage in online shopping (unless you want something with creative packaging). You can’t go wrong by sniffing the candles in person.

3. Watch All the Best Movies

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Halloween films don’t limit themselves to strictly horror. I mean, who doesn’t love watching a good horror movie during devil’s hour? Unfortunately, most people will opt-out of that option.  Everyone maintains specific cinematic preferences, and fall films offer perfect matches to varying tastes.

“My favorite Halloween movie is Halloweentown,” St. John’s University graduate student Courtney Killwey said. “This movie always makes me feel happy and puts me in the Halloween spirit. October 1st is when I officially start watching Halloween movies. There’s no better way to start the month! I love watching them with my family and friends, it’s a great bonding experience for us all. Sharing a bowl of candy or popcorn and turning on our favorite movie is a perfect fall activity.”

The best aspect of the Halloween season rests in the fact that the holiday works for both children and adults. The same goes for the film options. Family-friendly titles that dazzle adults include The Addams Family franchise, Coraline, Hocus Pocus and many more. Be sure to tune into Freeform’s “31 Nights of Halloween” television special for all the Halloween fan favorites.

4. Channel Your Inner Makeup Artist

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As you scroll through Pinterest looking into bedroom decor, you come across endless makeup looks that seem a bit out of your comfort zone. Give one a try and challenge the members of your household to do the same. At home costume contest, anyone? If you don’t possess the time to venture out to purchase more makeup products, work with the makeup you already own. You never know how it will turn out. And if it sucks, well, at least you’ll get a good laugh out of it. Trick or treat!

5. Read a Scary Book… In the Dark

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Okay, okay, just hear me out. You can’t read in pitch blackness, that won’t work unless you unlock supersonic night vision. Since most of humanity doesn’t manifest superhuman powers, dim your chandelier or turn on fairy lights to guide your sight.

“I think the first ever scary book I read was A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket during grade school. This series is technically not ‘horror,’ but contains the repeated loss of parents and guardians, which could be traumatic for many readers,” St. John’s University graduate student Diana Arena said. “This fall, I have plenty of Witch-y reads, including the All Souls Trilogy by Deborah Harkness, The Orphan Witch by Paige Crutcher and The Ex-Hex by Erin Sterling. I’ll definitely read creepy books at night since that’s my downtime period.”

If you want to channel pre-nineteenth-century vibes, read by candlelight. If you find a book that’s creepy enough, you might end up scaring yourself more than a horror movie ever could.

6. Plan Your Costume for the Big Day

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Yes, planning your potential Halloween costume for hours on end entails fun and safety for you and your friends. Contemplate the major question on every costume lover’s mind: Do I buy a pre-made costume or do I wear a DIY project? After you come to that very difficult conclusion, then you can jump into the realm of what theme you’d like to stick to.

“I usually start planning my Halloween costume at the end of the summer, around the start of the school year,” St. John’s University senior Samantha Haynia said. “It gives me just enough time to narrow down all my costume ideas before it’s actually time to wear it. While it’s sometimes more convenient to buy a costume altogether, I prefer buying pieces separately and putting them together myself. When I do that, I feel like the costume is actually what I want it to look like instead of generic and what everyone else who decided on that character looks like.”

Don’t feel afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Spooky season builds on individuality. From gory to cutesy, make sure the decision process allows your creativity to flourish. You never know, you might end up participating in a dynamic duo costume with your bestie.

 7. Make a Halloween Playlist

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Time to do the monster mash at your bedroom dance party. Who says blasting your music alone can’t pose as a fun activity? Boring people, that’s who. Besides, you won’t even hear half of the best Halloween songs at the clubs, bars or overcrowded house parties. Scour other playlists on Spotify or Apple Music and pick out your favorite from the bunch. Then, you can compile your own killer playlist. Don’t fear the strict instrumentals, those might fit into the missing piece to make your playlist just right. Some bops that need to haunt your playlist include:

I Put a Spell on You by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins

Evil Ways by Santana

999 Happy Haunts by The Happy Haunts

Dead Man’s Party by Oingo Boingo

Science Fiction/Double Feature by Richard O’Brien

Tales From the Crypt by Danny Elfman

8. Carve a Jack-O-Lantern

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Calling all the artists (and monsters). You went to the pumpkin patch and selected the biggest one in the entire field. Now what? Gut that pumpkin, toast the seeds and get carving! Put all your artistic energy into a creation the world has yet to see or recreate your favorite pumpkin carving with your own personal spin. New Yorkers, do you need inspiration? If you want to step out of your home to enjoy the great outdoors, take a ride to Sleepy Hollow and visit the Jack O’ Lantern Blaze. Inspiration won’t escape you there, as you’ll get to view over 7,000 pumpkins. For those of you out of state, never fear, Google’s here!

9. Spooky DIY

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Stuck at home on a rainy fall weekend with your family? Suggest doing a DIY project to liven up the party. Spruce up your home with decorations made by you, start prepping that anticipated Halloween costume, create a fall spin on a family recipe. Pinterest exists to help with slumps in imagination. If getting out of the house becomes a hassle, check out Michael’s online for home or curbside delivery. You may even find inspiration from one of their many spooky products.

10. Snack on Halloween Themed Treats

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After you finished bobbing for apples, melt some caramel and sprinkle nuts on top for a delectable Halloween treat. First, you smell the pumpkin from your TJ Maxx candle. Now, it’s time to taste the pumpkin. Fall baking can be a fun activity to do on your own or even with others. Either way, you’ll throw yourself into the feel of the season in no time.

“Every fall, I can’t help but bake in excess,” St. John’s University graduate student Jen Tenuto said. “I love the scents of cinnamon, vanilla and pumpkin pie filling the house. Personally, my favorite thing to make is my pumpkin cookies. While the process is a pain, the cookies come out with this cake-like airy texture that just melts in your mouth. I always add a cinnamon and brown sugar glaze on top for extra sweetness. Also, I try to make extra to drop off at my friends’ houses.”

Unfortunately, many people burn their food instead of cooking their food, but that doesn’t mean they can’t join in the fun of Halloween snacking. Pop over to CVS and take a walk to the candy aisle. Once you set your eyes on that candy corn or those Reese’s peanut butter pumpkins, you can’t leave the store empty-handed. Sooner than later, you’ll find yourself nuzzled on the couch, candy corn in hand, with your favorite Halloween film playing on your screen.

The post Top 10 Ways to Celebrate Spooky Season from the Inside appeared first on College Magazine.

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