SEXY IS A STATE OF MIND

Recently I found an article online from Women’s Health Magazine that is all about confidence, and how we, as women, can feel confident all the time by dropping a few bad habits, and substituting them for some positive ones.  After reading the article, Sexy is a State of Mind: How to Rock More Confidence from the Inside Out, I thought that every woman should take a look at it and decide for themselves if these tips would be beneficial to them or not.  In my humble opinion we have all been a little too harsh from time to time when it comes to critiquing our own bodies or our actions and, dare I say, even harsher when it comes to commenting on others in order to make ourselves feel better. 

According to researchers, criticizing yourself and others, and comparing yourself to others is only making you a less confident person, even though these actions in fact prove that you are indeed trying to seek a needed sense of confidence.  So ladies, if you are guilty of some of the aforementioned behavior, I know I am, and if you feel like you need a little confidence boost, give this article a read, these five simple steps might pave the road to a more confident and self-assured you! 

Sexy is a State of Mind:

How to rock more confidence from the inside out

1)      Get Moving
Research has linked any type of exercise—cardio, strength training, stretching—to greater body confidence. And it works whether or not your fitness level or weight changes, or whether your sweat sessions are mild or intense. Plus, just talking about a workout can up your self-image, says psychologist Louise Wasylkiw, Ph.D., of Mount Allison University.

2)      Listen Up
The more in touch you are with the way your body works, the less you may dwell on its appearance, says cognitive psychology researcher Vivien Ainley. In one study, women who could more accurately count their heartbeats objectified themselves less. Practices like meditation and yoga can help you tune in to you.

3)      Nix Fat Chat
OMG, you're so tiny; my thighs are like tree trunks. Most women think such self-deprecation is harmless or even helpful. In reality, it's anything but. Even being involved in third-party snarking (say, dissing a coworker's shape) can reinforce a negative view of your own body. "Challenge, then replace, fat talk," says psychology doctoral candidate Rachel Salk of the University of Wisconsin. Praising someone else's strength or their healthy habits can make everyone feel more confident.

4)      Speak the (Body) Language
Whenever you hunch your shoulders, cross your arms over your chest, or stare at the floor, you announce your self-consciousness, says body-language pro Lillian Glass, Ph.D. Try a fake-it-till-you-make-it experiment: Walk upright, as if a string is pulling from the top of your head. When you talk to someone, squeeze your butt muscles to straighten your spine, and stand with your feet a foot apart, toes pointing at the person you're facing. Smile, and don't be afraid to use your hands when you talk--this kind of openness makes you seem more secure.

5)      FEEL BETTER—BY TONIGHT!
First, do an environment scan for confidence-destroying stuff. As in: old jeans that don't fit, a laptop perennially set to friends' too-perfect Facebook posts. If you can't cut this stuff out entirely, avoid it before a big moment.  If your weight is bothering you, put away the scale for now. The number's not going to change today, so reminding yourself of it is counterproductive.  Leave positive messages on sticky notes around your apartment or office. ("Yeah, you are amazing!" "You're going to kick butt!") Strategically place them so they're the last things you see before stepping out the door.

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/life/gain-confidence

Branching Out

A week or two ago, a friend and I were discussing an on campus event from my first semester. It was a presentation on sushi making, complete with free sushi and lots of neat tips. That sort of thing was right up my alley, but I recall making a point of not attending for one reason in particular: I was nervous. I was nervous about meeting people, afraid that they'd all have large friend groups already or that I, with my inability to make idle small talk, wouldn't be interesting enough. I lived my entire life in the same town of 801 people to the Auburn campus; the thought of conversing with people with far more life experiences than me was daunting.

With my junior year now approaching, I’ve started thinking about that first semester at Auburn. I recalled how kind everyone had been, and what relief I'd felt when I started to realize I was bonding with new friends. I remember discussing hometowns and childhoods and favourite games and movies with people from all over the world. We shared beloved stories and snacks and songs and made all sorts of new memories. Now, two years later, I don't know of a single time I've regreted getting to know someone new. Even if we didn't become the best of buddies or see everything eye to eye, having the opportunity to see and understand the world through someone else's point of view was always an exciting experience.

Though I intentionally skipped out on on-campus events that first semester, by branching out and talking to people I thought I'd have nothing in common with, I learned a lot about myself and the world around me. More importantly, I befriended some of the most interesting, hilarious, and intelligent people I've ever met. Being open minded and branching out, however slowly, were the best decisions I made in college, and my advice to all students as this new semester approaches is to do the same.

SueAnne

June Woman of the Month

Alex Harrell

Last Wednesday, Auburn sophomore Alex Harrell, from Phenix City, Alabama, was named as a Women's Golf Coaches Association All-American Scholar. Alex finished second on the team with a 74.86 stroke average and was the co-medalist at the 36-hole Lady Bulldog Individual Tournament in February. The sophomore also tied for seventh at the Lady Puerto Rico Classic in San Juan, Puerto Rico. She also recorded three top-15 finishes and five top-30 finishes during the 2013-14 season, helping the Tigers advance to the NCAA East Regional in Tallahassee, Florida. With her selection as a WGCA All-America Scholar, Alex has become the seventh different Auburn golfer since 2008 to get this recognition. To be selected for this award, a cumulative grade-point average of 3.5 is required to make the team, and Alex was just accepted into the nursing program here at Auburn. Above everything else, she is a committed advocate of her brother’s fatal disease, Battens disease, and is constantly trying to raise awareness through her social media pages. An extremely dedicated athlete, student, and sister, we here at the Women’s Resource Center feel that Alex is a fabulous example for our young women here at Auburn, showing them what a hard-working, determined, and ambitious woman looks like.

1. I’m sure you had multiple choices coming out of high school for golf scholarships around the country at different universities, so why did you choose Auburn?
I chose Auburn University for many different reasons. I love the city of Auburn. It's a great small town. The school is one of the best in Alabama and I really wanted to stay in state. The golf team, golf facility, and athletic support services are one of the best in the nation. Our short game facility is amazing. I also grew up forty minutes down the road and really wanted to stay close to home. I've known Coach Kim since I came to summer golf camp before 7th grade, so I knew that I wanted to play for her. You also can't beat the Auburn family. It's amazing to know that I'm a part of it.

2. What challenges do you face managing your golf practices, matches, and workouts with your academic studies?
Having enough time to get things done. I want to do so well in golf and school so trying to balance it sometimes gets hard. Practices some days can be long and then add in having a big test coming up makes for long days.

3. What advice would you give to other Auburn students in regards to your effective time management skills?
I'm a visual person so I write out my schedule weekly. We get our golf schedule for the week every Sunday. So then when I know exactly what we are doing I block out times as study or rest if I happen to have an open night. I suggest just realizing when it's time to work and when it's time to relax. Everyone is different and will find the best way that works for them.

4. How long have you been playing golf?
I have been playing golf for just over nine years now. I picked it up from my Dad. I used to go with him when he played and would be the flag girl. One day I asked if I could try and he said of course. We got a starter set the next day and I have been playing ever since.

5. What are your hobbies or areas of interest outside of your academic studies and golf commitments?
I love reading books. I'm a huge book worm. I'm not able to read a lot when I'm in classes, so over the breaks I read as many books as I can. I also like swimming. I have a pool back home so I'm able to go jump in whenever I'm there. I'm also a huge Disney fan. My brother's niche is movies, so growing up we always watched them.

6. What are your plans after you graduate from Auburn in 2016?
After I graduate I will study for the NCLEX. That is the exam I have to pass in order to become an RN. After that I hope to get a job. I do not know exactly what type of nurse I want to be yet but I have time. I want to go back after getting some experience in the field to obtain my Master’s degree to become a nurse practitioner.

7. What do you feel has been your greatest accomplishment so far?
I think my greatest accomplishment so far has been getting All-American Scholar. It has been one of my main goals for my freshman and sophomore seasons. I didn't get it my freshman year because I did not play in enough tournaments to be considered. So to be recognized for my hard work not only on the golf course but in the classroom is a great feeling.

8. How has your family impacted your aspirations?
My family and I are very close. My parents are amazing. I'm lucky to have them. They always supported me in everything that I've done. Their only rule is that I gave 100% and never gave up. I knew that I wanted to play college golf in the 8th grade and so they let me start playing more tournaments and we traveled all over the country. My brother is the one that inspired me to want to become a nurse. I want to be the one to help others during a time of need or uncertainty.

9. Who do you admire/look up to and why?
I look up to and admire my mom, April Harrell. We have a great relationship and are very close. She is the one that I call when I need to vent and she will listen to me no matter what. She's also a tough woman. With my brother getting progressively worse, I know it's hard on her. But her motto has always been to either laugh or cry, so she chooses to look at the bright side of everything that has happened. I admire the strength she has and hope that I can have at least half of it someday.

10. If you could’ve played any other college sport, what would it be and why?
I would have wanted to play volleyball. I enjoy playing it for fun. My favorite part is when I get to serve the ball. I may have been too short for it though.

11. If you could change one rule about your sport, what would it be and why?
In golf we have to play the ball as it lies. Which means no matter where it ends up you play it from there. I would want to change the rule to where you could improve your lie if you ended up in a divot in the fairway. It is frustrating when you hit a great drive and end up in a divot.

12. What is something that people don’t know about you?
Most people don't know that I'm a thrill seeker. I love going on roller coasters, sling shots, or water slides. I actually went sky diving last year while I was in California for a tournament. It was so much fun so I can't wait to go again.

It is so important, not only as women, but as collegiate women with extremely hectic schedules, to take some time to ourselves to distress and unwind after a busy week. Between classes, tests, projects, jobs, extra-curricular activities, and everything else that we have going on, we sometimes forget to take time to relax and refresh our bodies and minds. I found this awesome article in a recent Women’s Health magazine and thought I should share these awesome tips to help ease those stressful days and weeks!

1.Meditate
Meditation can be a great way to relax, especially if you are under a lot of stress. Research has shown that meditation can be helpful in lowering heart rate and blood pressure, and even improving cognitive performance.

2.Drink Green Tea
Green tea is very soothing—it contains theanine, an amino acid that gives flavor to green tea and also promotes relaxation. It is also thought that theanine is a caffeine antagonist, meaning it counters the stimulating effects of caffeine. So, drink green tea, and avoid caffeinated beverages, since caffeine can worsen the stress response.

3.Eat Mood-Boosting Foods
Many of us crave indulgent carbohydrates like cookies, candy, ice cream, pretzels, and other sweet and starchy foods when we're stressed, anxious, or tense. These foods can have a soothing effect in some women, and it may have something to do with low serotonin levels during these mood states. Serotonin is a brain chemical responsible for feelings of calmness and relaxation. It's thought that consuming these carbohydrates helps boost serotonin levels, which results in feelings of contentedness and relaxation. So, enjoy these treats if they provide some instant satisfaction, but do watch your portion sizes! I recommend 100 calorie portions—4 Hershey Kisses, or a small handful of pretzels. You may want to pre-portion out pretzels, for example, and take them with you as a snack when you leave the house. The 100-calorie packs work well too.

4.Create a Relaxation Room
Many spas have relaxation rooms to sit in before and after treatments, and it's a great thing to create at home too. A relaxation room doesn't have to be a "room" per se—it can be a space in your bedroom, for example, but the key is having an area or room at home, solely devoted to relaxing. You can have a really comfortable chair or daybed, with dim lights, or candles nearby— whatever it is that you enjoy and find relaxing. This will give you an opportunity to decompress, with very little stimulus—this is key. Forget the blackberry, cell phone and laptop—this is a time to kick back and relax. You might want to read a book or magazine, but the idea is to clear your mind of distractions and stressors.

5.Listen to Music
Listening to soothing music can be very relaxing—and slow tempos in particular can induce a calm state of mind. (It can also slow down breathing and heart rate, lower blood pressure, and relax tense muscles too). This can be particularly beneficial when you're getting ready for a tough day at work, or if you're in your car stuck in traffic, or, if you're lying in bed trying to free your mind of stressful thoughts. Interestingly, music therapy has been shown to be helpful in decreasing anxiety associated with medical procedures: one recent study found that heart rate and blood pressure decreased significantly among individuals who listened to music during a colonoscopy (the control group did not experience any changes). The music intervention group also required less sedation during the procedure.

6.Get a Massage
Getting a massage is a great way to free yourself of tension and relax, and adding aromatherapy oils such as chamomile or lavender can be particularly beneficial: one recent study found that emergency room nurses experienced reduced stress levels with aromatherapy massage: The study, published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, found that 54 percent of the emergency room staff in summer and 65 percent in winter suffered moderate to extreme anxiety. However, this fell to 8 percent, regardless of the season, once staff received 15-minute aromatherapy massages while listening to music. If you don't have a lot of spare time, you can get aromatherapy oils and massage tools to use at home.

7.Have a Hot Bath
Heat relaxes muscles—and taking a long bath can be soothing for the mind as well. Stock up on your favorite bath salts and soaps, get a bath pillow, and decorate the room with candles. You can even create an in-home spa, by incorporating spa treatments like facials.

8.Exercise Daily
Exercise helps to boost endorphins and reduce stress—and research shows that 20 minutes each day is all that is needed to experience benefits.

You Will Forever Be In Our Hearts

Yesterday, the Auburn family experienced the loss of a bright young soul when we heard the news that former Auburn football player Philip Lutzenkirchen died in a car crash early Sunday morning. Most of us couldn’t believe it when we heard the news; as a recent and local alumni, Philip could be seen on campus quite often, especially during and around football season. Many of us here on campus had the opportunity to not only meet him, but to get to know him in classes and at social events downtown as well. Humble and modest, Philip would always stop for a picture or autograph for a fan or a friend. A beloved coach, teammate, and friend, his time came too soon at twenty three years of age.

The manner in which the Auburn family has come together to mourn the death of one of its members has shown how strong we are not only as a community, but as a true family. We at Auburn believe in and support one another from our first days on campus to our last days on this earth. We have once again come together as one united community, although sadly, to grieve the loss of a wonderful human being who we were lucky enough to call our own.

This tragic event really struck a chord for me personally when I heard the news of Philip’s death yesterday afternoon. Although I didn’t know him personally, I was immediately saddened and even more so affected by the news, because it really made me think about my life and how precious it is. It made me realize that anything can happen at any time, when we least expect it, and can change, alter the course, or end our lives in an instant.

Philip, you will forever be in our hearts and memory as one of Auburn’s most beloved members. You will never be forgotten, and may you rest in peace.

War Eagle.

Fifty Things Every College Girl Should Know

I found this article online and it was too perfect not to share with everyone. I know that every girl here on Auburn’s campus can relate to multiple bullets on this list at some point during her college experience. I feel like these are the best and most wonderful years to discover who we are as young women, living freely and spontaneously while preparing for our futures… but there are always certain limits and lines that won’t change or shouldn’t be crossed. These helpful tips were not only funny, but incredibly realistic about the expectations and norms of college women today. War Eagle!

Fifty Things Every College Girl Should Know

New friendships, old friendships, rude boys, cute boys, bad hair day, bad decisions, good grades and a good cry. Little things like that are learning experiences and can truly help you learn who you are.

1. First Impressions are never forgotten. So make it count.
2. Go to class and take notes. Nobody likes an unmotivated girl.
3. Taco Bell at 2 am won’t kill you.
4. Just because you are away from your parents doesn’t mean they still can’t find things out.
5. Go easy with the perfume because chances are every other girl is going to have some on too.
6. Regardless if you know her or not, help her out if she has had too much to drink.
7. Leggings are pants, but they don’t work for every occasion.
8. Save your hair bows for functions or mixers. Do not wear them every day, you are 20 not 5.
9. If you have to study on the same night as a big party then plan accordingly. If done right, you will have time to stop by that party.
10. If you are going to drink, don’t ever be “that drunk girl.” Drink responsibly.
11. Do something fun for spring break.
12. Don’t throw yourself at him.
13. “If he cared, he’d call.”
14. PDA is never cute.
15. Always charge your phone before you go out.
16. Manage your money.
17. You won’t meet your boyfriend at a frat party.
18. Get involved on campus. (It is a great way to get recommendation letters too)
19. Don’t send a snapchat you wouldn’t want someone to screenshot.
20. If he has cheated before, he will probably cheat again.
21. Everything your mother has ever told you is right.
22. Treat yourself or splurge on an item that will make you feel confident.
23. If you borrow someone’s clothes, return them in a timely manner.
24. Playing hard to get works, but don’t play too hard or you can come off as rude.
25. Use a planner.
26. Do not curse on social media.
27. Living in the dorm is unlike any experience you will ever have.
28. Keep your fingers and toes painted. Trust me, boys notice.
29. If you are not a natural blonde there is a good reason for that.
30. Don’t sleep in your make-up. You’ll regret it.
31. Don’t upload pictures with mass amounts of alcohol in them.
32. Don’t drink and drive.
33. Have a strong group of friends. They will always be there for you, even when he is not.
34. Make time to talk to your parents.
35. The best place to get advice from is the Bible.
36. Pictures. Take Pictures.
37. Look presentable for class. Nobody likes a girl that rolled out of bed with her greasy hair.
38. Respect yourself.
39. Stand firm for what you believe, even if you are standing alone.
40. Failure is a part of life, so learn from it.
41. Walmart make-up works perfectly.
42. If you are going to wear heels, you need to know how to properly walk in them.
43. Don’t post everything you think on social media. It’s annoying and nobody cares.
44. Stop using Tinder. It’s just plain weird.
45. Bandeaus are not tops.
46. It’s okay to cry. Sometimes you have to, but you’ll feel better afterwards.
47. Stay updated with the news.
48. Laughter is always the best medicine.
49. Pinterest is the best website when you are bored.
50. Find out who you are, it’s a part of the college experience.

Twenty-Somethings

“Twenty-Somethings”
To be in our twenties is said to be the most exhilarating and enjoyable time in our lives, experiencing what is known as being in our “prime” and living life to the fullest each and every day. As students, we are getting a small taste of the real world without being thrown into its depths as of yet, so we can dip our feet into it and slowly work our way in until we are ready to jump in after graduation. Even after our college days are over, it doesn’t mean that our “prime” years are over whatsoever! In reality, life after college can be even more fun than the old college glory days, and some would argue that the “prime” years of our lives begin when school ends and we make our trek into the world outside of our college campus grounds. It really all depends on the manner and mindset in which we approach these milestone markers in life, and with each milestone we are given the chance to start a new chapter in the book of our lives, with a totally blank slate.

So how do we make the most of this twenty-something period in our lives? I think the answer is found within us as individual young women. It is so important to use this time to figure out the women that we want to be physically, emotionally and mentally as we make our way towards adulthood. We can achieve that by trying new things, making mistakes, learning and growing through each experience we encounter. An impromptu trip to the beach or spontaneous semester backpacking in a foreign country with some friends? Go for it! The chance to experience a new hobby, craft or sport for the first time? Why not try it when you have nothing to do but gain a new experience that you might actually really enjoy! Figuring out who we are, what we like, and more importantly, what we don’t, is an essential part of maturing and forming lifestyle habits that we create at this age and carry with us for the rest of our lives.

During our twenties, many young women experience their first serious relationships, whether thinking, believing, or knowing from the beginning that they’ve finally met “the one.” Sadly, this sometimes results in heartbreak when that twenty-something guy proves that he isn’t quite mature enough and ready to meet the increasing standards of the twenty-something woman who is quickly escalating and making her way into the adult world. Do not be discouraged, ladies! With the support of friends, family, chocolate, and a few issues of Cosmopolitan, the fabulous twenty-something woman will be up and back on her game at no time! There is nothing wrong with being single during your twenties!

Now is the time to truly embrace the remarkable things this great world has in store for us. So go out with the girls on a random Friday night, join a gym or workout class, learn a random foreign language, meet new people and try new things. Most importantly, focus on YOU and what you want and need during this time in your life. This is the time to promote you and your well-being without feeling selfish. It’s all about you, so don’t be afraid to promote your own happiness. When you are a confident and happy young woman, people will flock to your confidence and positivity; it is absolutely contagious. So throw on that million dollar smile, your favorite pair of heels, and take on the world.

'Figure out who you are separate from your family, and the man or woman you're in a relationship with. Find who you are in this world and what you need to feel good alone. I think that's the most important thing in life. Find a sense of self because with that, you can do anything else.” – Angelina Jolie

"Ok, this needs to be over with"

The encouraging words of Nelson Mandela “It always seems impossible until it’s done”, hung on my wall until the day of my half marathon. It was finally the time that four months of training would finally pay off.

I woke that morning with both excited and nervous butterflies in my stomach. Question after question, “Will I even finish?”, “What will my time be?”, “Will my legs cramp?”, spun through my head. I was mostly afraid I wasn’t going to finish before my goal time of two hours. To me if I couldn’t do that, then what was to show of all the hard work I had put in over these past few months?

Ten minutes before the race was about to start I was standing in my corral surrounded by 38,000 other people. Chills ran up my back. Here I was, about to accomplish something that for so long I told myself I couldn’t do, not only would I be stride in stride with an amazing friend but also 38,000 other amazing people. Everyone there was running for a cause and achieving their own goals. Once I started running it became clear to me that I could do this. During mile one I ran behind a man in the Army running with two prosthetic legs, and here I was telling myself “I hope I finish”. It was right then I knew I would finish, it no longer matter how long it took me to do it, finishing was finishing in my book. And no matter what my time was, I would be proud of myself. Up until mile eight was fairly “easy”, our pace was good and my body wasn’t tired yet. It was around mile nine when I started thinking “Ok, this needs to be over with”. It was painful to believe I still had five more miles to go. I reminded myself not to stop and to keep going. The constant encouragement of bystanders, the enthusiastic runners and those running as a St. Jude Hero were all the reasons I was able to finish the last five miles.

Crossing the finish line was a moment I will never forget. I did it. I can now say I accomplished something that at one point was something I deemed impossible.
Now, I know nothing is impossible.

Who Do You Know?

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase “It’s not what you know but who you know”.
Well, what if you know a lot of people, but they don’t have any resources for you. Or they don’t know you very well. (You know the one who says “What’s your name?” EVERY TIME you two meet)

If you have no resources through the people you know, I’ve got some excellent tips for you!
• Seek out those in your field, or those who express characteristics and strengths you wish you had.
• Surround yourself with folks who think like you. Granted y'all won’t agree on all food choices or political ideas, but generally y’all will have similar goals/aspirations for each other.
• You could possibly look for a former boss, professor or orientation counselor.
• Another possibility is finding great support and opportunities through upper classmen who probably know more about the opportunities on campus. Also, your peers and coworkers may have information about something you’re completely clueless about. In my past experience, there’s always been someone in my network from work/school activities who was good at Physics or Chemistry and more than willing to help those who were struggling.

Careerealism.com has a list of the types of people you should keep in your network if you want a job. Not only will this help get your career started, but you can find great internships, part-time jobs, and a variety of opportunities you never thought possible before.
If the people you’ve met before don’t remember you well or at all, you must make yourself memorable. The first time you meet them, you could talk about something you really enjoy doing – let’s say you love to play the piano. If they don’t understand music, express why you love it so much and through your explanation they should be able to sense your passion for the piano. If you feel there’s nothing unique about your hobbies, you could tell them a story pertaining to the event you are attending or how you feel about the event. Next time they meet you, they’ll be less likely to treat it as if it’s the first time y’all have met.

The great thing about an awesome network is you’ll never feel stuck, whether you’ve got a flat on the side of the highway or you don’t know if you have a chance at the job you’ve recently interviewed for.

Auburn's WRC Woman of the Month

Zenda Davis is a Ph.D. student in Chemical Engineering at Auburn University with plans to work in the energy industry after graduation. She is originally from St. Catherine, Jamaica and completed her undergraduate degree in Chemistry with minors in Physics and Computer Sciences at Wesleyan College. Zenda is President of the Graduate Women in Science (GWIS) at Auburn, former Senator of the Graduate Student Council, and a member of the Auburn Flyers cycling team. Zenda enjoys bettering herself and isn’t afraid of a challenge—In the past year, Zenda has made the switch to a Gluten-free diet and also taught herself how to swim!

1. What brought you to auburn?
Several things brought me to Auburn. Firstly, Auburn was recommended by my Chemistry Professor at Wesleyan College, Dr. Keith Peterson. Secondly, the CHEN Department has a program that enables undergraduate Chemistry majors to transition to Chemical Engineering, graduate degree. Thirdly, the first person I met here was our current Dean Dr. Roberts, his compassion and concern won me over.

2. Who do you look up to and why?
I don’t look up to a single person. I look up to people who demonstrate great qualities such as kindness, integrity, fairness, commitment, intuition, creativity, humor. I am inspired by selfless acts. It is one thing to be kind or selfless when other people are looking, but someone is on a different level when they are selfless when no one is looking and an act is performed with absolutely no expectation of recognition or reward.

3. What challenges do you face being a woman in your field, and how do you overcome them?
Subtle misogyny. Prove them wrong, gracefully. Do whatever it is, and do it well!

4. Name one fun activity that you done outside of academia recently.
Right now, I am the only girl who races for the Auburn Flyers cycling team. When we go on the road it is just Zenda and her boys…it is fun!

7. What advice would you give to other girls in regards to them overcoming adversity in education due to race and/or gender?
Be resilient and tenacious. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, like Dory in Finding Nemo. Don’t focus on the adversity, focus on overcoming it.

8. I hear that you learned to swim last summer, what prompted you to learn to swim?
It was time to conquer my anxiety of swimming. Every so often you should do something outside your comfort zone. It was that time. Besides, how hypocritical of me to say to myself ‘just keep swimming, just keep swimming’ when I couldn’t swim.

9. You have been eating gluten free for the past year or so, what prompted you to make the change and what has been the most surprising outcome?
Ever since I was a baby I have been plagued with problems. Throughout the years, it increased in intensity to a point where it engulfed my every waking moment. At first, I thought I could never exist on a gluten free diet, but there came a crucial point where the pain and discomfort superseded the pleasure of foods with gluten. As much as it pains me to admit it, the most surprising outcome is that I can exist without cake and bread. It is a sad but true fact.

10. What do you feel your greatest accomplishment has been so far?
Oh gosh, I don’t know. I will let you decide or ask the people who know me.

11. What's something interesting people probably don't know about you?
I exist in a pair. I have a twin sister.

12. Favorite quote?
I have many favorite quotes. It all depends on my mood. Today, two of my favorite quotes are:
‘Do it with intent’ and ‘Change is the only constant’.

Visiting Europe has almost become a staple on every American’s bucket list. This summer my best friend and I fulfilled every American college kids dream. For a month we studied in Barcelona and after the program ended we packed our one backpack each and traveled around to eight other countries in Europe bouncing around from city to city with nothing but a lists of things we wanted to see and a slight plan of where we were going next.

When I started to tell people that I would be living out of a backpack for a month, showering in community showers and sleeping in cabins and 16 person bunkrooms, they laughed in my face. One of my friends asked me how I was going to pack the entire salon’s worth of facial products I have in my bathroom. Another friend commented on how my suitcase for a week long spring break trip was bigger than the backpack I would be carrying a month’s worth of clothes in. As far as most things go, I’m a pretty easy going person, but I have been coined as high maintenance from time to time. Does that mean that I couldn’t be just as good of a backpacker as anyone else? Better yet, could I prove all the books and blogs and TV shows wrong and still be a well maintained, girly, but practical backpacker?

There was definitely no guide book for two sorority girls from Alabama backpacking through Europe by themselves. In fact, female backpackers were in very low numbers compared to male backpackers in general. I believe this is not because of lack of ability, but because of lack of the right guidance and motivation.
So, fear no more you girly, maybe a little prissy young woman who has been too apprehensive about the idea of not washing your clothes and the rumors of gross hostels and ill European hygiene, I’m here to tell you that you can eat your cake and have it too. Because who said backpacking was only for the makeup-less and outdoorsy types?

So here it is, how the “high maintenance” girl survived Europe and tips to help you be a sassy backpacker too.

Pick a Hair Tool

You might be like my best friend Caroline, who I traveled with, and have incredible hair that you can wash and sleep on and wake up looking like a Garnier Fructis model. I however, was not blessed with these genes. Without a blow dryer and straighter, or a curler I look like Anne Hathaway in the beginning of Princess Diaries, but I knew two to three full sized hair tools weren’t going to cut it.

Pick one! If you’re someone who would absolutely die without your straighter, bring that. Although not ideal, you can always air dry your hair and worry about straightening it after. I bought a travel-sized blow dryer that folded in half and took up about the amount of space as a water bottle. Most backpacking guides will tell you to lose the hair tools-I say why sacrifice good hair.

The Demi Bun

While studying in Barcelona Caroline and I met Demi, this gorgeous little fashion blogger from California who looked like a model and was always dressed to perfection except for one thing..she always had her hair in a messy bun. always. In class, out to dinner, at the clubs. This was such a foreign concept to us because we’ve always associated looking nice with doing our hair. Having said that, Demi could rock that messy bun.

Now I know this is contradictory to my first tip, but believe it or not there are times when we couldn’t get to a shower, stayed out all night and had to catch a train in the morning or decided to save our money staying on a camp ground with no outlets instead of an actual hostel. This is where the “Demi Bun” comes in. I love a good messy bun just as much as the next girl, but the inner diva inside me was cringing as I walked around Venice with an unwashed bun on top of my head. The point is, own it. Don’t second guess it or worry about it, whatever you missed that shower for was probably worth it. So throw a cute sundress on, plop your hair on your head and rock your bun like Demi.

Travel-sized toiletries are your best friend

While we were still in the study portion of our summer Caroline and I decided to take a weekend trip to Morocco, Africa. This required us taking a very small, cheap flight where we were only allowed one carry-on bag and like any plane, we could not pack any liquids. I’m not really sure why we didn’t think about this before, but this posed a bit of a problem when we showed up to our Moroccan hotel hours out from civilization with no shampoo, soap or face wash.

Learn from our mistakes. Travel-size soaps are crucial! No, they’re not your favorite shampoo brand and they take up a little more room in your bag, but you can bring them on any plane, have them with you for any emergency situation, and unlike big soaps and shampoos, they rarely ever open and spill in your bag.

Febreze saves lives

We washed our clothes exactly two times in the month we were backpacking. Sounds a little gross right? Unfortunately there are no washers and dryers in hostels and even if there were, who has time to spend doing laundry when there’s all of Europe to explore! Laundry mats are expensive and hard to find, don’t waste precious sight-seeing on washing your clothes every week.

At the end of every day Caroline and I sprayed the clothes we wore that day with Febreze and hung them up for the night. Thanks to our great packing skills we really only wore everything 2-3 times, but Febreze saved us from smelling like a sweaty Parisian on a hot summer day.

The packing cube/military roll combo

Out of all the things I had to limit, stop using or get rid of before we left for our trip I have to say choosing a backpacks worth of clothes that I would be wearing for a month was the hardest. Guide books will tell you to pack minimal amount of necessary clothing that’s versatile and comfortable. Although I agree with that, minimal amount of clothing just wasn’t going to work for me. I wanted options and to be prepared for every situation with the right outfit.

Solution: Packing cubes and rolling the clothes. The mesh packing cubes we bought not only enabled us to organize and categorize our clothing, but the mesh kept the clothes aired out and made it easy for us to find what we needed. Instead of folding everything inside the packing cubes roll them up. This helps eliminates wrinkles and gives you at least double the amount of room to put more clothes.

The midnight shower run

Believe it or not there are things worse than a community shower in a European hostel. A dirty community shower in a European hostel that you have to wait a line for and rush/have cold water once you are in there.

I don’t want to scare you, this won’t be the case in most places you go, but just to be on the cautious side there’s an easy tactic to avoid this nightmare of a shower situation. Shower in the middle of the night. Might sound a little creepy, but you’ll get hot water and some privacy and be able to do your whole night time regiment without sharing the bathroom with a bunch of randos.

Maxi Skirts and Sundresses

A lot of places in Europe such as museums, churches and bars have dress codes. This gets a little complicated with a limited wardrobe. Caroline and I lived off of maxi skirts and sun dresses, which are stylish and versatile. They don’t take up a lot of packing room, they’re cute, they’re formal enough to get into almost everywhere and they’re comfortable.


Now is the time ladies. Take your sass and your new backpacking knowledge and go travel the world.

Carlye Poljacik
AU Senior

Spring Break Re-Do

Now that it is officially more than a week out of spring break we all are wishing we could go back. If you are anything like us then you would make some minor adjustments before planning your next trip. We all complain about how we want a longer break but in reality, one week is plenty of time. Most people can agree with me when I recall saying “By Wednesday I could’ve gone home”. You quickly become tired and drained from a constant go and your twin bed back in Auburn never sounded so good. We have learned that sometimes it is just unnecessary to be gone the whole week. You actually end up needing a break from your break…what’s the point of that? So please work in some rest days, it will help keep you sane and have a more relaxing spring break.

Our biggest trip advice would be to choose your friends wisely. Make sure you are travelling with a group of girls you get along with and that will respect you and the house, hotel, wherever it is you are staying. Each one of us returned with nightmare stories of either traveling with too many girls (in my case eighteen), travelling with girls who get into trouble or girls who are just disrespectful (leaving trash around and not cleaning up).

It is hard to admit that not all your friends are good people to vacation with but you must remind yourself of it. Our last piece of advice whether you are going on a cruise, going to Destin or flying home for the break is to make sure you keep your belongings safe. I personally recommend not even bringing any expensive jewelry, sunglasses, or purses with you. Things get lost in the mixing, people you don’t know come in and out of houses and it just is hard to keep track of all the things you brought. Especially if you are heading to the beach watch out for your pricey iPhones, getting those wet will really put a damper on your week. If you can last a week without those prized possessions leave it tucked away back in Auburn, you will thank yourself later.

Hanna Bjork

Auburn's WRC Woman of the Month

Katie Brown is a sophomore here at Auburn, originally from Wellington, AL earning a degree in Chemical Engineering. After graduation she hopes to become a doctor and serve underdeveloped communities in third world countries. Katie is Executive Chair of the Sexual Assault Awareness Task Force and in the process of planning the first ever Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) Music Fest for this April.

What brought you to auburn?
“I chose Auburn because I fell in love the second I stepped on campus. The atmosphere is friendly, the academics are competitive and it just feels like home. Auburn wins by a long shot when it comes to comparing colleges. War Eagle!”

What inspires you?
“My inspiration is those in need. I wouldn't be in my major, or involved with any of my organizations without knowing that what I am doing is benefitting/will benefit those in need.”

When and why did I get involved in SAAM?
“I was in the Women In Science and Engineering Learning Community, instructed by Bonnie Wilson. In this class, we learned about sexual assault, how it affected the victim, and what we could do to help. Immediately, I contacted Bonnie and wanted to get involved. I wanted to become a Safe Harbor advocate, which provides victims with a confidant and appropriate resources, but since I am an undergraduate this was not an option. Then she put me in contact with the advisor for SAAM, and I jumped in. I think that SAAM was the better option for me anyways, considering you can prevent a sexual assault, but you cannot take back what someone else has already done. Safe Harbor is a great, effective resource for victims, but it does not address the societal issue of why the assault happened in the first place. SAAM calls bystanders to action, because prevention is key.”

Who do you look up to and why?
“I look up to my Aunt Laura. She is a circuit judge in Calhoun County and has dedicated her life to improving other's lives. She handles domestic cases and truly sees the worst of the worst. She continues to fight the uphill battle for victims of domestic violence and for children with desperate situations. Having implemented several programs to help the victims she comes in contact with, she has established an effective system to handle the delicate situations she encounters. She keeps her work separate from her home life and loves spending time with her wonderful husband and beautiful daughter. She has found the balance between devoting her life to service by addressing serious social issues, and establishing a satisfying personal life. If I could picture my life in the future, I would hope it has the same structure and boundaries as hers. My Aunt Laura is truly an inspirational, strong woman.”

Would you have done anything differently?
“Absolutely not. I am not perfect by any means, but I have learned more from my failures than my successes, so I don't regret a thing.”

Is there any change you’d like to see on Auburns campus?
“While I love Auburn, I also see the issues that the campus, as a whole, is not addressing. Auburn students feel safe and sometimes aren't challenged to look past their own problems to see the bigger picture. There are a lot of social issues that the student body seems to be indifferent to, sexual assault included. Unless the students are impacted by the issue themselves, they tend to disregard the cause. This is a real problem. The Auburn Creed states, "I believe in the human touch, which cultivates sympathy with my fellow men and mutual helpfulness and brings happiness for all." Essentially, if an issue affects one member of our Auburn Family, we should all feel the need to intervene and stand up against what injustice is being done. Ideally, Auburn students would be more aware of the issues that affect the student body and would do what they could to address the issues promptly and effectively.”

Favorite quote?
"Be the change you want to see in the world."

Be sure to keep an eye out for all of the events Katie has been planning for Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April including the SAAM Music Fest! Keep up the good work, Katie!

Week 4 of Training

Week four of training for my half marathon has begun. I have finally reached the six mile mark and it only goes up from here. This Saturday was a beyond beautiful day and happened to be the day I go on my long run, allowing the anticipation of running for an hour to not be as treacherous as it initially sounded. I put on some running shorts and a tank, got my country music playing and set off. Uncertainty of where to run in order to reach my goal distance resulted in me running without a plan. I explored Auburn, passing by farms, going through woods, and ended with running through campus.

Fortunately for me, these runs fall on a Saturday where I essentially have all the time in the world, to go and explore wherever I want. During the week that is not the case. The biggest struggle I have come across is finding the time during the week days. Monday through Thursday I have one thing after another, and if I do have some down time it is used studying or if I am lucky, eating lunch. Most days the only chunk of time I have to exercise is late at night. Thankfully for me the gym is open until midnight. My friends think I am crazy when they see me heading to the gym at ten o’clock at night, but I made the commitment to do this and I’m not going to back off just because of time constraints. I actually find it relaxing to have my runs at night. It gives me an opportunity to release all the stress of the day and to just think. Not thinking about tests or people I am frustrated with, but think about the things that I have to look forward to and to realize how incredibly lucky I am to be where I am and doing the things I am able to do.

Every day I have a scheduled goal of how many miles I need to complete, at times it seems impossible because let’s be honest life gets in the way, but it’s the big goal I need to remind myself to look at. Reaching miles is just a smidgen of it, it is the big goal of accomplishing something I told myself “you can’t do” that will make all this effort worth it.

Hanna Bjork
Sophomore
Auburn University

Good Reads
If you’re looking for a good read or a new book, here are some top rated inspiring and empowering books for women. Hope you enjoy!

The Vagina Monologues
By Eve Ensler
The Vagina Monologues is made up of a varying number of monologues read by a varying number of women and each of the monologues deals with an aspect of the feminine experience. A recurring theme throughout the piece is the vagina as a tool of female empowerment, and the ultimate embodiment of individuality. Every year a new monologue is added to highlight a current issue affecting women around the world. Every Valentine’s day thousands of local benefit productions are staged to raise funds for local groups, shelters, crisis centers working to end violence against women.

Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead
By Sheryl Sandberg

Thirty years after women became 50 percent of the college graduates in the United States, men still hold the vast majority of leadership positions in government and industry. This means that women’s voices are still not heard equally in the decisions that most affect our lives. In Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg examines why women’s progress in achieving leadership roles has stalled, explains the root causes, and offers compelling, commonsense solutions that can empower women to achieve their full potential.
Sandberg is the chief operating officer of Facebook and is ranked on Fortune’s list of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business and as one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World. In Lean In, Sandberg digs deeper into these issues, combining personal anecdotes, hard data, and compelling research to cut through the layers of ambiguity and bias surrounding the lives and choices of working women. She recounts her own decisions, mistakes, and daily struggles to make the right choices for herself, her career, and her family. She provides practical advice on negotiation techniques, mentorship, and building a satisfying career, urging women to set boundaries and to abandon the myth of “having it all.” She describes specific steps women can take to combine professional achievement with personal fulfillment and demonstrates how men can benefit by supporting women in the workplace and at home.

Written with both humor and wisdom, Sandberg’s book is an inspiring call to action and a blueprint for individual growth. Lean In is destined to change the conversation from what women can’t do to what they can.

The Help
By Kathryn Stockett
Twenty-two-year-old Skeeter has just returned home after graduating from Ole Miss. She may have a degree, but it is 1962, Mississippi, and her mother will not be happy till Skeeter has a ring on her finger. Trying to pursue her writing career, Skeeter has the idea of writing about the relationships between whites and their black help, especially as the black-maid raised children eventually take on the attitudes of their parents when they become adults. The maids are very reluctant to cooperate, afraid of retribution from their employers, but eventually she convinces two maids, Aibileen and Minny, to coporate
Seemingly as different from one another as can be, these women will nonetheless come together for a clandestine project that will put them all at risk. And why? Because they are suffocating within the lines that define their town and their times. And sometimes lines are made to be crossed.

In pitch-perfect voices, Kathryn Stockett creates three extraordinary women whose determination to start a movement of their own forever changes a town, and the way women - mothers, daughters, caregivers, friends - view one another. A deeply moving novel filled with poignancy, humor, and hope, The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don't.

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide
By Nicholas D. Kristof, Sheryl WuDunn

Written by two fiercely moral voices, this book is a passionate call to arms against our era’s most pervasive human rights violation: the oppression of women and girls in the developing world.

With Pulitzer Prize winners Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn as our guides, we undertake an odyssey through Africa and Asia to meet the extraordinary women struggling there, among them a Cambodian teenager sold into sex slavery and an Ethiopian woman who suffered devastating injuries in childbirth. Drawing on the breadth of their combined reporting experience, Kristof and WuDunn depict our world with anger, sadness, clarity, and, ultimately, hope.

Auburn's WRC Woman of the Month

Meet Mary-Catherine Anderson. A senior here at Auburn University, she boasts a perfect 4.0 and her resume just got even sweeter. Mary-Catherine, originally from Huntsville, AL, has been named a finalist for the Gates Cambridge Scholarship to do post-graduate work at the University of Cambridge in the UK. Set to finish her undergrad degree in May, Mary-Catherine hopes to earn her master’s degree in biological anthropology if awarded the prestigious scholarship that is funded by Bill and Melinda Gates through the Gates Cambridge Fund. In her free time, Mary-Catherine enjoys playing music for the residents of Magnolia Place Assisted Living Home and volunteering at Bonaparte’s Retreat, a dog rescue facility in Nashville, TN.

What brought you to Auburn?
“Both of my parents are Auburn graduates so I was raised to be an Auburn Tiger! Actually, Auburn was the only place I applied.”

What is the biggest piece of advice you’d give other Auburn students?
“Find what interests you and pursue it wholeheartedly. It's easy to get caught up in the organizations you think you're "supposed" to join, but it's most important to find what excites you and explore that because you never know what opportunities will come your way! Also, it makes for a much more enjoyable undergraduate experience when you are passionate about your activities.”

What inspires/motivates you?
“Bettering the world. I know that sounds incredibly cliche, but I think that as human beings, it's our duty to utilize our gifts to improve the lives of those around us.”

What is something people don’t know about you?
“I think my teachers and classmates would be surprised to find out that I'm a bluegrass musician. I grew up occasionally playing fiddle in my dad's bluegrass band but now I mostly focus on songwriting. I co-produced an extended play album of my original songs in 2012.”

Who do you look up to, and why?
“I look up to my dad. He is the smartest man I know and he knows how to laugh at himself and never take himself too seriously. He handles difficult situations with grace and composure and never lets stress get the better of him. Most importantly, he puts the needs of others ahead of himself. He is the most graceful person I know, and I hope I can be half the parent he has been to me one day.”

What is your favorite Auburn moment?
“Hands down, my favorite Auburn moment was our unbelievable Iron Bowl victory this year!”

What is something you’d like to see change on Auburn’s campus?
“PARKING! We need more of it. Also, less ticketing and more love from Parking Services. Seriously, though. Especially during finals week.”

We chose Mary-Catherine as our first Auburn Woman of the Month because her hard work and dedication is inspiring and she embodies everything an Auburn Women should be. We wish Mary-Catherine the best of luck in her pursuit of her dreams. We will be rooting for you Mary-Catherine! War Eagle.

Celebrating the Heroic Women of 2013

This commercial gave me chills last night when it was played during the Grammys.
These heroic women are incredibly inspiring and demonstrate how far we've come in the fight for equality.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyB7bzYRoqY

I’ve been blessed with parents who love to travel and because of that, the love and appreciation of travel has been instilled within me. Traveling has taught me how important it is to leave your comfort zone and experience new things. Not only have I seen and learned so much through traveling, traveling has actually changed the person I am. It has given me new perspectives and made me understand and appreciate that just because I do something one way, doesn’t mean it’s the best and only way.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit a lot of cool places overseas, but you don’t have to make it across the ocean to have an unforgettable time. I have many memorable vacations that have happened right here in the great USA. As long as you’ve got a good attitude, good company and a final destination, any trip you take has the potential to be amazing.

• Possibly, my favorite trips are the ones that were planned spontaneously, sometimes within a week, sometimes even in a couple days. A spontaneous trip is usually to somewhere within driving distance. This might be one of the only times in our life a spontaneous trip is possible, so take advantage of it! Just because you didn’t plan ahead doesn’t mean you can’t have an awesome time!

• Did you know that Study Abroad programs aren’t that much more expensive than a regular semester at Auburn? If you’re an out-of-state student, it’s actually a lot cheaper to study abroad for a semester than attend classes on Auburn’s campus. I know the idea of living in a foreign place for a semester might sound a little intimidating, but I’ve never once heard anyone say they regret studying abroad. Actually, one of my only regrets of my college career is that I wasn’t able to study abroad because of scheduling conflicts. I’d suggest doing it earlier in your college career, during sophomore or early junior year.

• Planning a big trip to take with all your friends can get a little stressful, but it is always worth it in the end. I’d encourage everyone to start a travel fund. Even if it takes a few years until you can afford to take the trip, when you’re getting ready to board that plane, you’ll be happy you did. My friends and I have been saying we were going to take a spring break ski trip our senior year since we were freshman. Now that everything has worked out and it’s actually happening, I am completely ecstatic and I know I will carry the memories we make for the rest of my life.

Stay tuned for another blog where I go into more detail about the trips that I've taken!

Cassie Fernandez
AU Senior

Prove Them Wrong

I suppose I should’ve seen it coming, because in the back of my mind I knew I was in an uncommon position. I’m a female in engineering, and I work in IT, setting up and fixing computers as well as answering questions from helpline callers. I was used to being in the minority when it came to gender, but I doubt that anything could have fully prepared me for the woman who refused to even speak to me regarding help with her computer purely because, as she told the co-worker to whom I transferred her, I’m a woman.

Being denied the chance to perform the duties of my job simply because of my sex was devastating for me, and I’ll admit it: I went home that night and cried. I had been brought up in a semi-sheltered, idealistic world that was primarily free from gender stereotypes. It hadn’t occurred to me that my potential would ever be seen as any different from that of males when it came to intelligence, leadership, or other abilities. I was unaware that people would make snap judgements of any sort based purely upon my gender, yet that woman had shattered that naïveté.

I thought a great deal about that phone call for days afterward. I felt helpless, as though I would always be looked down on no matter how skilled I became; if she wasn’t willing to even hear what I had to say on a simple computing matter, who would listen to me about bigger things? I was afraid to answer the phone at work, and for a day or two I didn’t want to go into the office at all for fear of encountering more people like her. Slowly, though, I realized I would have to get over it and do something productive. The only way to work to end her prejudice, and that of the dozens of others who have made snide and hurtful comments since, was to prove that her doubts about me were wrong and set a positive example.

I wrote her phone number on a sticky note, which still sits by the phone on my desk, so that when she called our office again, about two weeks later, I could make sure to answer it. This time, I didn’t transfer her call or shy away when she asked for nearly every male in the office (each by name!). Instead, I helped her with her computer problem, calmly and competently, and at the end of the call she thanked me and voiced her appreciation for my assistance. Even though she probably didn’t remember that I was the same girl whose help she had rudely turned down not too long ago, it was an empowering moment for me to hear her say “thank you” and truly mean it.

Today I am grateful for that first phone call. It was painful, true, but also eye-opening and inspiring. Yes, I am a woman, and yes, I am in a traditionally male field, but that does not and will not define me or my abilities. By learning as much as I can and working as hard as I can to better myself, I work every day to make a difference against gender stereotypes and prove people like that woman wrong.

SueAnne Griffith
AU Junior

Wise Words from Lady GaGa

You probably never thought the phrase “wise words” and “Lady Gaga” would be used in the same sentence did you? About a year ago, I came across a quote that Lady Gaga said in an interview that inspired me. Some of my friends thought the quote was depressing and cynical and others thought, like I did, that the quote was empowering and inspirational.

“Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you're wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up one day and tell you that it doesn't love you anymore.”

Whatever your opinion on the quote, in a culture obsessed with romance, I think this is a harsh but necessary reality check for girls and women that are at important turning points in their lives. I, along with many of my friends, will be graduating in May. I am at the point in my life where so many girls are getting engaged, planning weddings and starting new lives with their boyfriends, fiancés or husbands.

Don’t get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing that. Now is the time that we are stepping out in to the real world and starting our future, but there are too many times that I see girls blindly following their significant others to wherever they go or give up a job or schooling opportunity to stay where their boyfriends are.

It is 2014. It is no longer just a man’s world. The percentage of women college graduates are beginning to slowly pass men’s and women are working their way into better and more important career positions every day, so why are we still compromising our futures to follow the men we love?

Although the Lady Gaga’s quote may be slightly cynical or blunt, I believe it’s a little food for thought. Why should we as women be the ones to alter our goals and dreams for our partner? Society today should be about compromise. Women have just as much opportunity to make as much money as their husbands and should believe in themselves enough to go where their career takes them.

To all young women graduating college: Don’t be afraid to follow your dreams, follow your career and follow your aspirations in a time when most young women are just following their men.

Carlye Poljacik
AU Senior

Empowering Yourself

Today I read an article written by Sheryl Sandburg, the Chief Operating Officer of Facebook, and about her experience speaking on Ted Talks. I proceeded to watch her actual video posted on Ted Talks, which is a site of motivational speakers sharing their empowering stories and ideas which range from just about any subject. Sheryl Sandburg’s in particular was ‘wowing’ to me. Here is this woman who is the Chief Operating Officer for one of the biggest forms of social media in the world, and is ranked by Forbes as the number sixth most powerful woman in the world, speaking directly to us woman about holding our own.
In her talk she focuses on three things that as working woman we should do.
• First is to “Sit at the table”,do not get seated to the side, your thoughts and your input, in any field, is just as important as any man’s out there. So be confident in yourself, be engaged, and sit at the table.
• The second message she addresses is “make your partner a real partner”. For those women out there in relationships, married or not, you must work at making that relationship a partnership. More often than not woman get the short end of the stick when it comes to pursuing their career. This is usually due to society’s stereotypes. When you start having kids and someone needs to be home with them, who usually is the one to do it? The woman. Well that needs to change. We need to stop stunting our career aspirations just because of society’s image of what a mother is. Do not be fooled, you can be a strong compassionate mother, wife and worker; it just takes a little effort.
• Lastly Sheryl Sandburg talked about not clocking out until it is truly time, or in other words “Don’t leave before you leave”. It is important to consider the future you want to have, whether that is getting married, having kids or any other choice you want to make, but it is really important to keep yourself in ‘the game’ until the very last possible minute. As women we tend to slow down when we begin to start a family, whereas Sheryl Sandburg is suggesting to “keep your foot on the gas pedal”, keep the drive in your life to succeed and keep the determination of empowering yourself.
I feel empowered by what Sheryl Sandburg said. I don’t want to ever live my life to less than my abilities. She reminded me that what I, Hanna Bjork, have to offer is important, and to not let anyone tell me differently. She reminded me, down the road, any relationship I may be in should be a partnership, where we both are encouraged to thrive in what we want to do. And she reinforced to me that you can be it all. You can be the mother you want to be, you can be the wife you want to be and you can for sure be the worker you want to be.


Hanna Bjork
Auburn University
Sophomore