Category: My Articles Published on Her Campus

“10 Delicious Vegan Dinners to Try”

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Whether you are interested in being vegan or not, you can still make an impact on the environment by trying out some vegan recipes. When you eat vegan, you are actually helping the world reduce energy consumption (it takes a lot of energy to raise animals), purify the air, and it forces you to think more about the nutrients your body needs and live a more healthy lifestyle. Now, there are so many alternatives that exist for meat and dairy products that is easier than ever to be vegan. To help you dip your toes into this lifestyle, here are 10 quick and easy vegan recipes to try:

Vegan Tikka Masala

This recipe is sooo creamy and scrumptious. If you like Thai food, this meal is for you! The ingredients you need include 28 ounces of extra firm tofu, 1 cup raw cashews, 1/3 cup of some water and 1tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, 2 tsp garam masala, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp salt, 1 tbsp fresh grated ginger, 4 crushed cloves garlic, and tomato sauce. Check out the link in the post above for more details on how to make this delicious dinner!

Vegan Creamy Mushroom Pasta

This is pasta is packed with nutrients and will have your mouth watering. It is also very simple and takes only 15 minutes to make! The only ingredients you need are 8 oz whole-wheat spaghetti noodles, 4 tbsp olive oil divided, 16 oz cremini sliced mushrooms, 2 shallots peeled and chopped, 3 cloves garlic, 1 tbsp thyme leaves, 1/4 tbsp fine sea salt, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1l coconut milk, 5 oz spinach, and 1/2 lemon juice.

What more can you ask for than a healthy vegetable medley? All you need for this quick meal is some yellow squash, sweet potatoes, spinach, mushrooms and chickpeas of any amount you choose to put in your bowl. Top it off with some hummus, preferable Trader Joes’ Tabbouleh Styled hummus, and you’re dinner is served!

Vegan Quesadillas

This is hands down one of the easiest meals on this list. If you need to make something and you’re on the go, try out this recipe! Just grab some tortillas and fill them with vegan cheese, black beans, corn, and guacamole. Pro tip: If you want to make tacos instead, do the same but add some sautéed peppers and vegan beetles beef!

Brussel Sprouts

While the taste of Brussel sprouts is somewhat controversial, I find them delicious. All you need to cook some Brussel sprouts is some cooking oil (I like to use olive oil) and add some salt and pepper on top when frying them over the stove top or cooking the sprouts in the oven. I like to slice the sprouts in half to cook them faster and I also like to add some garlic powder and vegan feta cheese on top when they are done cooking. Serve over some rice and you have a meal!

Avocado Toast with a Twist

I couldn’t NOT put avocado toast on this list. This may be seen as more of a breakfast meal, but I eat avocado toast for dinner all the time and have no shame. All you need is one bread (I prefer whole wheat or sour dough), sesame seeds (optional), thyme, lemon oil, and tomatoes (you can them and mash them up into the avocado if you want). In this recipe, they put Trader Joes’ za’atar seasoning on top. I recommend this or Trader Joes’ Everything Bagel seasoning, which I think really elevates your basic, every day avocado toast. Enjoy!

Vegan In n Out Burgers

If you do decide to go vegan, it is really important to not forget to eat protein. A black bean burger is full of iron and protein to sustain your body and this recipe copies in n out so what more can you ask for?? Check out this In n Out Vegan Burger Recipe here to copy this meal.

Mushroom Tacos

These Saucy Satay Mushrooms are to DIE FOR. The yummy sauce for this recipe takes about five minutes to make and includes some coconut milk, peanut butter, lime juice, garlic, turmeric and other additional spices you can add. Then, you fill your tortillas with sautéed mushrooms, cabbage, peanuts (this is optional), some fresh herbs, and drizzle your sauce on top. Yummmm.

Vegan Massaman Curry

This Vegan Massaman Curry is the perfect amount of spice and savory. To make this, all you need are tofu, red curry paste, baby potatoes, cumin, coconut milk, coconut aminos, cooking oil, peanut butter, and some cinnamon or other recommended spices in the recipe. If you are looking to perhaps go out of your comfort zone, I highly recommend making your own curry!

Vegan Waffles

What’s better than breakfast for dinner? These pakora waffles are made out of chickpea flour and totally vegan and allergen friendly! Check out this recipe if you are craving a dinner that is sweet and comforting- like a Sunday morning.

Well, there you have it! Cooking up each of these ten vegan recipes will definitely keep you busy and heathy during quarantine. Trying out new foods and getting out of your comfort zone can really open your eyes to finding different ways to fuel your body and enjoying the journey all the while. Good luck to my fellow chefs (and if you’re not a chef, you’re about to be)!

The “Drivers License” Drama- A Review

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Olivia Rodrigo is a seventeen-year-old actor and singer (known for her role as Nini Salazar-Roberts on the Disney+ series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series) who has soared to fame after releasing her song “Driver’s License.” The song is currently the number one song in the world and Billboard charts called it one of the”most dominant number one [songs] in the last thirty years.” Rodrigo’s hit got 76 million streams alone in the first week of its debut.

Much of the success of “Driver’s License” has been contributed to the drama surrounding the song and a love triangle between Olivia Rodrigo, her ex-boyfriend Joshua Bassett, and Sabrina Carpenter (the presumed new girlfriend). Before getting into this, it is important that Olivia Rodrigo gets the recognition she deserves excluding the drama because her song is quite literally, an anthem for Gen Z.

The star of Disney+ series High School Musical: The Musical: The Series has a nostalgic feel to her as millennials worshipped the early 2000s “High School Musical” movie series, including hit songs like “Breaking Free” and “Bet on It.” Olivia Rodrigo’s song is everything that millennials have been craving as the lyrics about teen breakup and heartache seem to be universally relatable and spark the interest of a former generation invested in Disney and the singer, Taylor Swift. In fact, it is Olivia Rodrigo’s songwriter that sets her apart. While she holds a powerful voice, her writing is passionate, soulful, and inspiring. She wrote, “he’s perfect on paper, but he’s lying to my face…. does he think that I’m the kind of girl who needs to be saved?” in her previously released single in 2020, “All I Want.”

In Driver’s License, it is the lyric, “you’re probably with that blonde girl,” that sparked rumors of a Disney love triangle. Olivia Rodrigo and her costar, Joshua Bassett, were believed to have started dating in 2019 while their on screen characters, Nini and Ricky, were also falling in love. However, they broke up in the summer of 2020 it appears as Rodrigo captioned her video on Tik Tok, “you think you can hurt my feelings? I wrote this song,” as she played “All I Want.” She also posted a picture with her friend posed in t-shirts with the words, “dump him.” Immediately after, Joshua Bassett is rumored to have started dating Sabrina Carpenter, a former Disney Channel star in “Girl Meets World” who is now a current pop star. When Rodrigo “Driver’s License” debuted, fans immediately believed the “blonde girl” she mentioned in her song to be Sabrina Carpenter. Since then. Rodrigo’s song has attracted widespread attention

Joshua Bassett responded to Rodrigo’s “Driver’s License,” by posting on his Instagram story that everyone should go stream the song. However, he then released a song called “Lie Lie Lie,” which was apparently written prior to 2020, but yet fans can’t help notice the song’s message about betrayal and deceit, perhaps a jab towards his former costar. Sabrina Carpenter has now released her song, “Skin,” which appears to be a more obvious clapback towards Rodrigo. She sings, “maybe we could’ve been friends if I met you in a different life” and “maybe you didn’t mean it, maybe blonde was the only rhyme” as a reference to Rodrigo’s famous lyric.

Some fans believe Carpenter’s new song is a bit spiteful due to her lyrics “you can try
to get under my, under my, under my skin while he’s on mine,” implying a bit of sarcasm towards Rodrigo when the “Driver’s License” singer had only complimented Carpenter in her song. Now, Sabrina Carpenter and Joshua Bassett are rumored to be releasing a song together soon called “We Both Know.” With all this drama, one thing is for sure- these pop stars are making quite a lot of money from this ordeal.

Olivia Rodrigo song, “Driver’s License,” still ranks number one on the charts as of the week of January 24th, 20201. You can stream the song on Apple Music, Spotify, Youtube, Pandora, and more- go check it out!

12 2021 Fashion Trends To Try

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  1. Yoga Pants… or Flared Leggings?

That’s right, Emma Chamberlain brought back yoga pants in a singular Instagram post. The old early’s 2000s trend has been revived and this time, teens on social media are calling them “flared leggings.” It is a comfy, casual look for 2021 that you wear when out running errands, getting coffee or lounging around the house.

the iconic Emma Chamberlain post which I sadly can no longer find on her Instagram
that’s me!

2. Corsets

The Netflix show, “Bridgerton,” has caused corsets to sell out everywhere from stores. The fashion trend is a classy, yet sexy look and has everyone feeling as if they too are attending a ball in England during the Victorian era.

3. The “Bracket”

Celebrities have been sporting this trend all over Instagram lately. The classic bralette- normally worn an undergarment-is now being worn as a top underneath cardigans, blazers, trench coats, and other jackets. The look is an unexpected combination of business and intimate wear.

4. Sweater Vests

2021 has everyone feeling preppy. Sweater vests are in and for Spring and Summer, you can simply wear them as a top without any layering. You can also pair sweaters vests over a collared top (also very in style) to exaggerate the look- they are so versatile!

5. Matching Sets

Loungewear has become all the rage since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and matching sets will help you feel put together while staying comfy during quarantine.

6. Cutouts

From open back tops to shoulder and side cutouts, this look is all the rage as it can be styled to be cute or edgy. Cinched cutouts are especially in and you can try this look out while wearing some of the hottest colors of 2021: camel, marigold yellow, sky blue, and hot pink, and neutral tones.

7. Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses will be especially popular in Spring and Summer 2021. You can relax by the pool or take a stroll outside in style with a stunning dress that sweeps down to the floor. Pair this with sunglasses and a tan or black wide brimmed hat and you are set.

8. Wide Leg Denim

If you still have skinny jeans, I hate to break it to you but they are no longer in style! Tightly fitted pants are long gone and have been replaced with more loose fitting denim. Go for some wide legged flare jeans or some baggy loose fitted pants in 2021.

9. See- Through

This is a more edgy, funky look to try in 2021. This look is a bit scandalous and is usually styled with a as a bralette underneath a see through mesh, patterned top or by itself for the more brave. Patterns are very in this year and a uniquely designed see-through top is perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone.

10. Exaggerated Sleeves

From puff sleeves to shoulder pads, the more exaggerated the better. This trend will be around for a long time and is predicted to be one of the most popular looks of 2021 as people just can’t get enough go the style.

11. Camel & Neutrals

The color camel along with other neutrals such as peach, light pink, and brown are so in style for 2021! Try out this color and you will surely be a fashionista.

12. Statement Earrings

The more noticeable earrings, the better in 2021. Earrings that are in include one that are geometrical shaped, long and dangly, sparkly, and large in size. No matter if your hair is up or down, these earrings will be a statement.

5 Ways to Know if a Change of Major is Right for You

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Choosing a college major can be intimidating- there are so many options and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Many people do not know what career they want to have in the future, so it can be difficult to choose a subject to focus on. It is completely normal to change your mind about what field of study you want to focus on. In fact, it is actually common for college students to change their major at least once. Here are a few signs that you should change your college major: 

  1. You Cannot Pay Attention in Your Classes to Save Your Life

If you are sitting in core class for your major and find yourself online shopping every two seconds or scrolling through your Pinterest boards, this could be a major sign that your major is not right for you. If you are not enjoying your classes, why are you taking them? If you have no desire to engage during lectures for your major courses then maybe it’s time to look into some other ones.

  1. You Want to Try Something New

Perhaps since the ripe age of six years old, you have always wanted to be a doctor. Maybe you always thought that this was your path, but then when you got to college, you found yourself being interested in other subjects such as journalism or computer science. It’s okay to explore other interests- in fact, it’s better than working toward one thing for so long, only to realize later in life that this is not your passion. It can be rewarding and enjoyable to step out of your comfort zone and explore different subjects and potential careers. 

  1. It Feels Impossible to Succeed in Your Classes 

If you spend countless hours preparing for your classes and your grades are not reflecting your efforts, this may be a sign that you should switch to a different major. It is not worth it to continue to take major courses that you make feel stressed and discouraged more often than not. It’s okay to struggle sometimes, but make sure that the challenges you are facing in these courses are worth overcoming. In the end, it may suit your skills better and give you a breath of fresh air if you try to pick a new path of study. 

  1. You Only Picked Your Major to Make Big $

Some people want to live comfortably enough to buy a Lambo or Prada bag in the future. It makes sense to desire a career in which you can make the money to indulge in these things. If you only picked your major because you thought it could help you land a job where you make some big bank, this may be the reason why you should switch. It is important to have a job that sustains you in life, but it is also important that you love that job. Do not sacrifice your talents and passions for money because in the end, you may not only lose the cash, but you just may rob yourself of being happy in life. 

  1. You’re Just Not Feeling It

Sometimes, you have to listen to your intuition and go with your gut. If your heart is telling you that this major is not right for you, have some faith in yourself and take the leap to trying a new major. You may find that it will be the best decision you ever made in college.

If you make the choice to love what you are learning, you may just find your perfect future career. It is important to soak up the wonderful opportunity to explore courses that interest you. By delving into a subject you are passionate about, you will enjoy the process more and make the most out of your time at college. If you find the signs above relatable, have faith in yourself and don’t be afraid to change your major!              

4 Natural Remedies to Increase Your Focus During Finals Week

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As finals week approaches, there are several ways you can help yourself increase your focus while studying. When preparing for exams, it is important to take care of yourself so you can stay mentally and physically strong. Taking steps to reduce your stress will lift your mood and help you feel better overall, putting yourself in the best position to perform well on exams. Here are few remedies to make sure this finals week will run smoothly for you as you ace your tests (because duh, you rock!):

Remedy #1: Eat Right

It is important to fuel your body with liquids and foods that will help increase your energy and focus. Some fantastic energy boosting foods include bananas, salmon, brown rice, eggs, spinach or kale, and sweet potatoes. Some snacks that will lift your mood as well include apples (1 apple has equal caffeine to one cup of coffee!), some nuts, and even popcorn. As for liquids, you can have a cup of coffee or green tea, grab a Yerba mate, and most importantly, drink lots of water to help yourself tackle your work. Also, if you’re really feeling it, treat yourself to some dark chocolate that is filled with antioxidants to help blood move throughout your body and increase concentration. 

Remedy #2: Take Time to Clear Your Mind 

Another way to ensure you stay focused and productive during finals week is to set aside some time to clear your head. It may help to create a schedule for the and put all your thoughts on paper. To start, you can write down the tasks you wish to complete and goals you wish to accomplish throughout the entire week. You can even get specific and label which days you need to complete these tasks, or you can just lay it out more simply to see a bigger picture of the week at first. As you begin each day, pull out your notebook or computer (wherever you are writing your schedule), and write down all the work/activities you wish to complete that day. It is helpful as well to set specific times for these tasks to hold yourself more accountable and be more productive. You can even make a separate list at the bottom for “maybe’s,”which are jobs you can complete if you end up having some extra time.

Remedy #3: Be Active

Throughout the week of finals, it is crucial to take little breaks from studying so you do not get burnt out. I recommend taking these breaks to workout! In the mornings, you can relieve your stress and anxiety by following a guided meditation or perhaps, doing some yoga. I recommend searching for these videos on Youtube and finding a style that suits you. If you want to be even more active, you can get some fresh air and take a quick run outside or even go on a hike with a friend. As well, it is understandable if you have to limit your workout time during this week. However,  just taking small moments to breathe or perhaps do a ten minute workout will be beneficial for your overall focus. Heck, you can even do some planks while you rewatch lecture videos.

Remedy #4: Practice Self-Care While Studying

Even while you are absorbing information from your classes, you can treat yourself and relax at the same time. Some tips I have is to put on a face mask while you’re studying, drink some calming peppermint or chamomile tea, or even turn on a diffuser if you have one and throw in some citrus or lavender scents to help you concentrate. As part of your study routine, you can finish the night off by journaling and let out your feelings on paper to alleviate your stress and clear your head for a good night’s rest. It is so important to prioritize your mental and physical health, and sleeping can help your body recuperate after a long day’s work and sharpen your mind for your exams.

With these remedies in mind, finals week will be a breeze as you tackle your tests head on with a strong present mind. Your body and heart will thank you as you prioritize feeling good along with doing well in your classes. Know that nobody is perfect, and you are going to be okay no matter what. Work hard, try your best, and believe in yourself- not just this finals week, but always.

Start Your Mornings with the Michelle Obama Podcast

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Michelle Obama does it all- whether it’s teaching kids around the globe on Disney Channel about healthy living, being a mom to her two beautiful daughters (shoutout to Malia and Sasha), serving as First Lady of the United State, giving loving advice to her husband Barack Obama, or even writing her own book, “Becoming,” through it all. Much can be learned from this inspirational woman and lucky for us, she has now started her very own podcast! 

The “Michelle Obama Podcast,” is produced by Higher Ground and can be found on the Spotify app or online website, at this link here: The Michelle Obama Podcast According to Spotify, the podcast “features the former First Lady diving deep into conversations with loved ones- family, friends, and colleagues- on the relationships in our lives that make us who we are.”

Michelle Obama makes her podcast feel as if you are sitting down with your best friend, casually sipping wine while exchanging advice from experiences you have come across. Each episode opens with some funky jazz music, making you want to dance a little as well. As a black woman in America, she understands what it is like to be a minority and feel like you are in the background of society. This issue is so paramount to Michelle Obama that the theme of her podcast is inclusiveness and empathy. In every episode, she urges all listeners to have empathy for others and love all people, as we are all humans. 

Currently, Michelle Obama has eleven published podcasts and there will be more to come each week as she posts one episode every Wednesday. So far, there have already been so many heartfelt moments and life advice to take away from. 

Michelle Obama begins her podcast by sharing her life at the White House, saying how “for eight years [her life] was full of crazy schedules, [she] was always juggling big initiatives, speeches, steak dinners, not to mention trying to raise two daughters and just trying to keep her head above water,” appreciating all she has accomplished, but finally having “some time to breathe” now. (Season 1, Episode 1, “Hi, I’m Michelle Obama”)

In another interesting moment- albeit more romantic- Michelle Obama gushes to her husband, “one of the reasons I fell in love with you is because you are guided by the principle that we are each other’s brother’s and sister’s keepers. And that’s how I was raised!” (Season 1, Episode 2, “President Barack Obama”)

In the fourth episode, “Protests and the Pandemic with Michelle Norris,” Michelle breaks the fifth wall and urges listeners to “[take care of yourselves].”  She stresses how important it is to “[listen] to your spirits” during this time. She relates the pandemic to a “relay race and [how] we gotta pass the baton off to each other so that we can keep up the momentum and the enthusiasm that we’re going to need to make sure this change is ultimately implemented…”

Later episodes include advice on women’s health, relationships with your family and friends, empowering women, marriage, raising kids, and tips for young people who are perhaps interns/mentees finding their career path. 

When addressing young people, she advises, “young people [to] do the work that you don’t want to do, [and] the thankless work that’s not so fun” because it will show that “[you are] ready to be pushed, that [you] want to do more.” (Season 1, Episode 9, “Across Generations: Michelle Obama and Her Mentees”)

This podcast is worth listening to, as Michelle Obama gives advice to people of all ages, from different walks of life. It is especially comforting to listen to her encouraging words during this national pandemic due to COVID-19. Each episode is calming and ends on a positive note, tying in its theme so that you learn another valuable lesson. During this time and throughout the rest of your life, Michelle Obama stresses “when in doubt, rely on hope… it is much more hopeful, much more gratifying, much more effective, to live this life as a ‘we’…. [and] building lives that are selfless. It is more fun!” (Season 1, Episode 2, “President Barack Obama”)