Sometimes though, if you get wind of a snow day, it can be an agonizing wait full of rituals and wishing to try to get fate to swing your way and reward you with a day off. Sometimes it works… and sometimes, well you’re just back to your regularly scheduled school day. So how will things work out for the GIF girl? Only one way to find out! Let us begin:

Packing up my locker, someone’s conversation catches my ear with just one little phrase: “snow day.” I immediately perk my ears and start listening in.

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Turns out we’re in for a snowstorm this evening. On my drive home, it’s barely snowing at all, but that doesn’t stop me from already beginning my planning for this rumored snow day.

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Possibility #1: I could go outside and play in the snow! Throw some snowballs, maybe go sledding! I literally will spend that entire snow day outside!

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Okay, maybe I won’t spend the WHOLE day outside. Possibility #2: I could totally make warm, gooey, amazing delicious chocolate chip cookies and drink tea all day! This will be a dream.

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At home, I’m too excited about this possible snow day. I seriously can’t focus on this math homework. Wait… but if there won’t be school, then why don’t I just not do this homework at all?!

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Wait… but if I don’t do my homework, we will probably have school. If I stay on karma’s good side and DO my homework, then the chances of us probably not having school are even better. And if we DO, all my work will be done already! Genius.

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Once my homework is done, I watch the news with great excitement. Watching that snowstorm move from behind the weatherman’s head and closer toward our region is more thrilling than any movie I have seen in months. I can’t look away!

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As my siblings and I discuss potential snow day plans, OF COURSE my parents decide it is necessary to mention that that a snow day is not official yet. We acknowledge them and then quickly go back to planning.

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Before you go to sleep, you glance at the window to see how the weather is progressing. Yes, snow, yes. Keep falling. MWAHAHAHA.

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I wake up at early and flip on the radio to hear the sweet list of school closings. It’s like the best music ever. The DJs are getting ready to read the list, and they preface it by saying its pretty long today. Verrrryyy promising!!

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They do the first read though, but I don’t hear my school called. I must have just missed it. When they reread the list fifteen minutes later, it still isn’t there.

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Okay, I’ll have to leave for school in the next five minutes. I’ll give them ONE more chance to read us in the school closings. Heck, I’ll settle for a two hour delay. Even a ONE hour delay!

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They don’t say it. And like that, my snow day dreams are dashed.

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I can now hear my mom screaming at me to turn off the radio because I’m going to be late. Reality is officially settling in and there’s no turning back. I will be going to school today.

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Since I haven’t warmed up the car or scraped the ice off the windows or shoveled the driveway, all I know is I am going to be late and this is going to be a very, very long day. Basically, just the complete opposite of an awesome snow day. Sweet.

Source: reactiongifs.com

About how many snow days do you usually have each winter? What are your favorite things to do on snow days? Tell us in the comments. 

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Keep calm and… stop highlighting? | Source: ShutterStock

Who here has a highlighter sitting on their desk right now? Well, you may want to put it away because I don’t think it’s going to like this news all that much.

Psychologists looked at the effectiveness of ten common “learning strategies” and their findings are kind of shocking. Why? The three methods that ranked the worst in terms of helpfulness are three things that I did all through school. The least effective of them all? Highlighting.

I remember highlighting being very big in school, though I didn’t really grasp it right away. When I was 11, I thought you were just supposed to highlight the entire page, because, as I told my teacher, why would they print sentences that weren’t important? Maybe though in my young age, I was just rebelling against a system that told me to highlight, when in my heart, I knew it wasn’t the most effective way. Still, I kept going back to the highlighters because it made me feel like I was drawing when I was studying which was usually nice. It was all a disguise!

Other low-ranking methods include re-reading and summarizing. So apparently me skipping a concert my senior year to re-read chapters before my test maybe wasn’t the best way for me to spend my time? My regrets have multiplied.

If you’re freaking out though about how to study now without your trusty highlighter, the psychologists also offered up two of the best learning strategies. The first is one I admit I have trouble with – spreading out your studying over time (read: do not cram!) in order to extend how long you remember the info. Also, taking practice tests (flashcards worked well too!) was another “high utility” method that had a high pay-off when it came to learning the material.

Figuring out what study methods work for you is important, and as this new study shows, the learning strategy that will be best for you may not necessarily be the “popular” one that everybody does. For me, making up songs was always my go-to study method. If I read something, I would then make up a song to help me remember it.

They basically all went to the same tune of the only song I had managed to learn how to play during my piano lessons, but I did make up a great one about ancient Chinese dynasties once that was SIX MINUTES! That’s like power ballad length. Anyway, here is my favorite pop-culture example of the song studying strategy brought to you by the ’90s gem that is The Babysitter’s Club movie:

So awesome. Look, I think if you really feel like highlighting material helps you learn, than I say go for it. I joked about my time being better well spent, but it’s not like my use of the highlighter ruined my GPA.

I think an important thing to take away though is there may be strategies out there that will help you even more, and for those of you who have always kind of felt like highlighting or re-reading was ineffective for you, I’d take this study as a chance to explore some new studying strategies so that you can be your best-performing you!

Were you surprised by these findings? What are the learning strategies that work best for you? Do you have a fun study strategy to share with other girls? Tell us in the comments!

Being On Facebook Could Count As Homework? Amazing!

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If your name is associated with bad stuff online, you can change what comes up for your name in Google search results. | Source: ShutterStock

If you’ve ever Googled your name, the search results can be pretty terrifying–especially if you have a common name like Jane Smith or the like. What’s even more horrifying? College admissions officers potential employers can see the same search results as you. Yikes!

Thankfully, there are ways around that now, and a lot of colleges are actually providing them to students. A bunch of schools are offering free subscriptions to services like BrandYourself, which lets you customize your own Google search results of your name. This allows you to put your best stuff on the first page–and most potential jobs don’t look past the first page anyway. You can replace partying pics (which you should never tag to begin with!) or blog entries about an ex boyfriend with a cool school picture and a resume or info about your track and field times, your choir coming in first place at their last competition, or that awesome painting you did for your school’s art show.

One of BrandYourself’s co-founders, Pete Kistler, had a problem with his Google search results of his name, and that’s what led him to starting the service. “He couldn’t get an internship because he was getting mistaken for a drug dealer with the same name,” BrandYourself co-founder Patrick Ambron told CBS News. “He couldn’t even get calls back and found out that was the problem.” Holy cow, could you imagine?

There are other services similar to BrandYourself, which costs $10 a month, but they can cost between hundreds and thousands of dollars to set up. If you don’t have a common name, you’ll probably be okay with just being careful with what you post online–and remember that even if you’re not tagged in scandalous pictures on Facebook, someone else can still right-click, save, and re-upload it somewhere else. If you keep a personal blog, you may want to do it under a pseudonym, whereas if you keep a professional-style blog–say, one about music, cupcake recipes, fashion, or sports–you’ll want to have your name attached to it as much as possible, especially if you’re going into a field someday that’s related to it.

Have you ever found something weird when you Googled your name? What shows up in Google search results of your name? Have you ever had drama with your name being the same as someone else’s who was bad news? Tell us in the comments!

Done searching your name? Roll your eyes at these insane racist Google apps!

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You’ve got your work cut out for you, girl! | Source: Shutterstock

I know studying for finals can be super hard, but read these tips to find out how to study for finals the right way. You (and likely your parents!) can thank me later.

Read on for the best finals studying tips around!

You’re going to be GREAT, girl! | Source: Shutterstock

1. Have a Plan
You might think you’ll be most comfortable if you just wing it, but believe me, when you’re up in front of everyone you know (or don’t know) and their parents, it’s a lot harder to be your most charming, creative self. Write out an outline of what you want to talk about and keep it with you either on note cards or just on a sheet of paper. If you get distracted midway through your presentation, it’ll help you get back on track right away.

2. Start With A Bang
Maybe your presentation is on something that would normally send half your class to dreamland, but that doesn’t matter, because it’s your job to make this interesting. One of the biggest secrets to public speaking is to make your audience feel like they’re being let in on a secret–either a little known and surprising fact that relates the subject back to your audience, or a funny joke that relates to your topic will do the trick.

3. Make It Interactive
Sure, you’re the one in the spotlight, but why should you do all the work? Ask your audience questions about why they think a certain thing would have happened, or why certain facts are true before revealing the real answers. It’ll get people thinking and keep them more interested in your presentation.

4. Talk Slowly
I am so guilty of rushing through presentations, especially when I’m nervous, but it’s really the biggest sin in public speaking. Here’s why: The people who are sitting there, watching you give the talk are hoping to get something out of it. You have information that they don’t, and it’s up to you to get it to them in the most interesting way possible. No matter how brilliant your presentation is, though, nobody will be able to hear it at all if you’re talking 10,000 words a minute. Slow down, take a breath, and realize it’s not a race!

5. Give Handouts
Ever been watching someone’s presentation and wondered, “Dear God, when is this thing going to end?” Right. We all have. And even if you’re killing it, someone will be thinking that about you . . . unless you hand out an overview of your presentation before you even start talking. You can either use the same version you’re keeping for yourself as a guide, or a more simplified version. It’ll keep them on track and interested in the flow of your talk.

6. Wear Something Cute And Comfortable
There is one part of public speaking that isn’t about speaking at all–and that’s how you look. If you wear something uncomfortable, you’re way more likely to fidget with your outfit–which will make you look less prepared and confident in your presentation! Wear something appropriate that you feel good in, but that won’t be riding up or slipping down as you walk around the room giving your talk. You want to look like you own the room, not like you need to run to the bathroom!

How do you deal with public speaking? What’s the last presentation you gave? How did it go? Tell me about it in the comments!

How To Get Good Grades (It’s Easier Than You Think!)

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Who knew something so comfy could cause so many problems? | Source: ShutterStock

So, this is happening: someone is taking a stance on the unofficial fashion rule that leggings are not pants. Principal Dave Adney from Minnetonka High School in Minnesota is getting a little tired of the girls in his school wearing leggings just like they would wear a pair of jeans – with short shirts rather than shirts that are long enough to cover up their butts. But, um, is this a good or bad thing? I can’t decide.

Principal Dave Adney sent around an email to parents of students urging them to talk to their kids about the right way to wear leggings, saying they need to “keep things covered up.” To be clear, he doesn’t want to ban leggings altogether – he just wants girls to start wearing longer shirts with them. Apparently, tight leggings are just a little bit too revealing for this high school.

Hm. While I can totally stand behind the statement that leggings are not pants, this is sitting a little weird with me.

I agree – leggings should not be worn as a complete substitute for jeans. Listen ladies, I know leggings are super, ridiculously comfortable, but they can make things just a teensy bit… awkward. I’m talking camel-toe and lots of butt cleavage here. And, okay, if you’re into that sort of thing, that’s cool. Personally, I don’t think pairing tight leggings with a short shirt is a cute look.

But the thing is, that’s my opinion about leggings – and I think that’s more about personal style then it is about a standard dress code. Even though I wouldn’t wear that style myself, I think it’s a little ridiculous to tell girls flat-out that they can’t. A few years ago, I worked at Victoria’s Secret for about five minutes (folding underwear? Not my favorite thing ever), and my manager had a wardrobe rule: we couldn’t wear leggings with shirts that didn’t go halfway down our thighs. She would even send people home to change if they were wearing shirts that were too short. It was one thing for her to tell us that we had to wear all black – that’s the VS dress code. But it was another thing for her to tell us exactly how to wear our clothes. It felt too intrusive and controlling, even if I wasn’t planning on doing it to begin with.

I mean, I can kind of see what this principal is saying – leggings are super tight, they show off a girl’s butt and usually, let’s face it, cameltoe. In other words, they’re distracting to high school boys who are chock full of hormones and just want to stare at a girl’s butt in a pair of leggings instead of staring at his math teacher writing on the board.

But, um, is it really the girl’s fault that that’s happening? No. I agree that girls in high school shouldn’t be showing up to class wearing super provocative outfits. And I totally support the rule that my editor Julie just filled me in on: “Cover the hiney, no matter how tiny.” But like I said before, the way you want to wear your leggings is about your own personal style – and I don’t think anyone, even a school principal, should be telling girls exactly how to dress.

Basically? I think girls should be allowed to wear what they want how they want. Maybe I don’t think it’s a good look, but I’m not the one wearing it. And anyway, it doesn’t matter what I think – if you’re comfortable in what your outfit and you’re happy about how you look, that should really be all that matters. And this principal telling them to invest in some longer shirts? Not too cool, if you ask me.

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Malala Yousufzai spoke out against banning education in Pakistan and worldwide, becoming a target for the Taliban. | Source: YouTube

Malala Yousufzai is 15 years old and growing up in Pakistan. She’s a student a lot like you–but dealing with a lot scarier circumstances just to get an education. When the Taliban took hold of her area in Pakistan (she grew up in the Swat Valley), they made it difficult and dangerous for girls to go to school, even banning it when they gained power. They also banned music, television, and women from going shopping. They didn’t just ban girls from going to school with verbal warnings, either–they blew up a lot of schools to make sure they couldn’t go. To call it terrifying would be an understatement, but that was life for Malala and her classmates.

This didn’t deter Malala, who not only continued to pursue knowledge–and therefore power–but also documented her experiences. She began by keeping a blog for the BBC under a different name (to protect her identity and safety) about her day-to-day life under Taliban rule. Later, The New York Times actually produced a documentary about her life. From there, Malala Yousufzai became a prominent figure not just in Pakistan, but the world, giving interviews and becoming an outspoken advocate of education and empowerment for girls who may not be as lucky as we are to be born in or live somewhere that girls can be free to pursue learning and power over their own lives. She’s nominated for the International Children’s Peace Prize and nabbed the very first Pakistan National Youth Peace Prize–and deserves it all.

The problem with all that? By becoming such a hero, Malala Yousufzai also became a target for Taliban militants. On October 9, Taliban gunmen shot Malala in her head and her neck in an attempt to assassinate her–and, in effect, silence her message of peace and empowerment for women and girls.

Thankfully, the Taliban failed at all counts. While Malala was, in fact, struck with bullets and critically injured, she’s since been receiving medical treatment in the U.K. Malala is recovering, and she’s able to both stand up and communicate through writing. She’s still battling an infection (docs think it’s stemming from a bullet that grazed her head), but it’s looking like she’ll make a full recovery, though she may suffer brain damage from the gunshot to her head.

What happened to Malala was terrible, but the attack actually backfired on the Taliban, because now her amazing story and mission is at the forefront of our minds. She’s reminding us that our education is our key to true freedom and to embrace it. If knowledge weren’t power, the Taliban wouldn’t see Malala Yousufzai and other women pursuing and promoting education as such a threat. The fact that a misogynist regime targeted a teenage girl speaks not only to their own weakness, but to her strength and the nobility of her cause. Malala Yousufzai may be down, but she’s sure not out.

You can watch Malala’s documentary here:

You can sign a petition to support Malala’s cause here. Had you heard of Malala Yousufzai before her attack? What would you do if you were told you couldn’t go to school anymore? Sound off on your thoughts and Malala’s bravery in the comments!

These foreign girls are brave, too!

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When Drake was 15 years old he dropped out of high school to play the beloved Jimmy Brooks on Degrassi: The Next Generation. It was a big decision, but the role made him the breadwinner of his house. He made the choice to support his family over finishing school.

Ten years later, even after having success as an actor and rapper, he decided to go back to finish school. Drake said about graduating, “One of the greatest feelings in my entire life. As of tonight I have graduated high school! 97 percent on my final exam. 88 percent in the course.” He humbly added, “Thank you to my teacher Kim Janzen for spending the last five months working tirelessly with me!! OVO SOUND.”

It’s never too late to go back to school even if you have success in other areas of your life. A basic education can be empowering and shouldn’t be taken for granted when there are so many people who don’t have access to it. If you’re thinking of pursuing a creative career in music, acting, or the arts, having an education will give you an extra edge. Plus, the more you know the more you have to talk about when you want to schmooze new people!

We’re really excited for Drake and think he is sending a great message to his fans and for other up-and-coming artists.

Do you know anyone who has graduated a little later than usual? Let us know in the comments!

Are Flamin’ Hot Cheetos addictive? They’re being banned in schools! | Source: FritoLay.com

Are Flamin’ Hot Cheetos the new heroin?

A lot of people are claiming that the spicy, salty snack is addictive–and a lot of parents and teachers are concerned that you might be walking down the wrong path. A study reported that “hyperpalatable foods”–basically, anything that tastes really good but you know isn’t good for you–can cause the same chemical reactions in your brain that drugs do. Basically? Delicious foods are terrifyingly dangerous.

“It’s something that has been engineered so that it is fattier and saltier and more novel to the point where our body, brain and pleasure centers react to it more strongly than if we were eating, say, a handful of nuts,” Ashley Gearhardt, an assistant professor of clinical psychology said about junk food. “Going along with that, we are seeing those classic signs of addiction, the cravings and loss of control and preoccupation with it.”

Like drugs, you may well get in trouble for having Flamin’ Hot Cheetos in school, though you’ll likely not be reprimanded as harshly as if you had a baggie of something green. A lot of schools are banning and confiscating the snack, catching the perps redhanded–literally, because that’s what happens to your fingers when you eat them.

But let’s get down to the facts: How do you know when you’re addicted to Flamin’ Hot Cheetos? Do you find yourself scratching the floors when you get to the bottom of a bag? Do you find that you’re broke because you’re spending all of your babysitting money on Flamin’ Hot Cheetos? Are Flamin’ Hot Cheetos the first thing you think of when you wake up and the last thing on your mind before bed? Are you trying to hide your consumption of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos from your family and friends? Have they staged an intervention? Have you ever purchased Flamin’ Hot Cheetos on the black market? Is there a potential for gang or gun violence to affect you if you attempt to purchase a bag? If so, you might have a problem.

How can you curb a Flamin’ Hot Cheetos habit? It’s best to do it in small steps. You may want to try cutting back to half a bag at a time, taking smaller bites to savor the flavor without overdoing it. Results of methadone treatment on Flamin’ Hot Cheetos addicts haven’t been released, and there aren’t any clinics open to treat Flamin’ Hot Cheetos addiction at this time. However, experts suggest that at-risk youth who hang out in the gym or the produce section face the least likelihood of developing a dependency.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you think you have a problem and think you’re in danger of being addicted to something delicious in a crinkly bag. And please, never drive immediately after consuming Flamin’ Hot Cheetos–at least not until the food coma (you know, the crash after the “high”) wears off and you’ve washed your hands.

Do you think Flamin’ Hot Cheetos are really addictive? Do you think Flamin’ Hot Cheetos should be banned in schools? Have you ever been addicted to junk food? Tell us in the comments!

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