It's Not That Serious Babes: 3 Things That Won't Matter in 10 Minutes

By: Olivia Cammalleri

My dad had always told me about the “10-Minute Rule” when I was dealing with the stress of finding friends and the petty drama middle school and high school endured. This rule was ultimately a way to decide if something was worth your time stressing over by sitting with the “issue” for 10 minutes. In those 10 minutes, you would rethink what was happening and ultimately conclude if it was really that serious. And honestly, it rarely was. Through my journey using this rule, I have come up with 3 things that won't matter in 10 minutes hoping that it would show other people who relate that, It's Not That Serious Babes.

#1: That Boy/Girl Not Liking You Back

We are starting with a popular one, and if I'm gonna be honest this was the hardest one for me to overcome. So you met this person at a party, in class, or just through a friend. You tell your friends they are the ones, I mean, they are perfect. Perfect hair, perfect style, no issues at all really (even though this doesn't exist and if you do find one, no you didn't!). Then suddenly you catch wind that they Don't.Like.You.Back. The dreaded thought. You think your life is over, they left you on delivered, no worse, on OPEN!! Okay, calm down and let's take a look at the situation *cue the 10-minute timer*. For one, they aren't perfect. You come to realize that they are kind of bland, don't know how to hold a conversation, smell bad, or you really don't like their friends. You start to realize that you never really heard from them when you didn’t text first. You realize they just remind you of your ex. You realize you only like the idea of them or you just saw an opportunity for a relationship and took it. Ultimately, they aren't the ones and that’s okay! I mean your “one” won't be perfect either, but they will definitely feel the same way about you that you do them. So take a breath, it's okay. There are so many more people out there, more awkward dates, funny stories, and unfortunately heartbreaks to experience. Love is so prosperous and fun and will lead us to the right people. But for now, please save yourself the scrolling and stop checking if they viewed your insta story cause, It's Not That Serious Babes.

#2: You Missed the Huge Party

Tragedy has struck, you missed what seems to be the BEST party of the semester, no, year, because you had to go home for the weekend. Everyone is talking about how amazing the night was and all you can think about is the amount of FOMO you have. The night before you stayed up watching all the Snapchat videos of all your friends having a blast, while you sulked in your bed at home. Take a breath. We have all faced some sort of FOMO in our lives, and it does suck but let's look at this situation with clearer eyes. Yes, it was a fun party but I assure you that missing the party will not affect your life in any way. People had fun, but there are so many more parties to come. No, your friends didn't miraculously get closer from just ONE NIGHT and are suddenly not interested in you anymore. You have to remember that Snapchat stories are just the highlights of the night so it always looks way better on social media than it is in real life. So don't worry, you didn't miss out on the best night of your life. I mean, it's pretty sad if the best night of your life was a random, sweaty, frat party that happened to be on the weekend you were home. Next weekend is only 3 (if you partake in Thirsty Thursday) days away and you are going to go out with your friends and have a good time and realize that the “huge” party you missed was merely just another night out and was, Not That Serious Babes.  

#3: You failed That Test/Did Badly on an Assignment

So you have been studying for this test or doing this assignment for what seems like centuries. You completed all the right steps: planning, researching, drafting, revising, finalizing, etc. It's the day when it's due, or when you finally can have all your hard work pay off and you feel really good. You are confident that you will get the grade you want and believe you deserve. Two weeks later your friend from the class texts you asking what grade you got. Having no idea that the grades came out, you quickly open your browser and go to your class's grade book and…” I GOT A C!?”. Oh no. This can't be right. You had worked so hard on this assignment and were so confident. Yes, this feeling sucks especially cause your friend who did the assignment last minute got a B. You start to think of the worst things; “I'm gonna fail the class now”, “if that's my hardest work I can literally never get a better grade”, “my teacher hates me”, “everyone did better than me”, “I'm the dumbest in the class”. STOP! Trust me when I say that beating yourself up over something you really can't change is never a good idea. You can't change the grade you got, but, this isn't the end of your academic career. It's one test, one essay, and one assignment. Let's think. For one thing, you are not dumb. Everyone gets a bad grade, and it doesn't define your academic abilities. Your teacher doesn't hate you, they just felt like what you did for the assignment wasn't what they were looking for and that is okay. This doesn't mean all your work was for nothing. There are also so many ways to try and fix this situation. You should always ask your teacher for extra credit, and if they don't have any, you can ask to meet with them separately to see why you got the grade that you got. This will not only help you understand where you are faulted, but it will also show the teacher how much you care about the class and your work. From experience, it's never bad to be the teacher's pet. So don’t worry, you are going to grow from this. You will learn new ways to study that might work better for you and give you a better grade next time. This isn't the end all be all moment, there will be other assignments and tests to get your grade up so stop staring at the Moonami grade book, get yourself a sweet treat, and put it to the side because, in the grand scheme of things, It's Not That Serious Babes (and you definitely have work to do, so get a move on).

5 Iconic Ads That Live in my Mind Rent Free

By Rachael Doyle

Digital marketing experts estimate that the average American is exposed to around 4,000 to 10,000 advertisements every day, according to Forbes. With social media sites making this process more seamless than ever before, it seems rare to find ads that really stick out as engaging or interesting. Usually the ads I see on my feed are pulled from sites like Amazon, and simply include a slideshow of products I’ve looked at or talked about in the last week. What an interesting experience for all the wrong reasons.

As a marketing major myself, I am always looking for advertisements that stand out as informative, creative, and a little out of the box. The really good ones make you think even after the ad is over. Here are five ads that have done that for me- and will always live in my mind rent free.

Jake from State Farm

Not including this ad in my list would be a genuine crime. Everything about it is just perfect, from the delivery of the actors to the messaging. They even used real State Farm agents for this original ad, which just pulls everything together so nicely. The original Jake may have moved on to another company, but him and his khakis will remain iconic for the State Farm brand forever.

Doritos Ultrasound

Doritos commercials are known for always being a little out of the ordinary, but this one goes out of its way to prove that Doritos can be enjoyed by multiple generations. Featured during SuperBowl 50, many still describe it as one of the best SuperBowl ads of all time- and I definitely agree that it stands out among the rest.

Alexa Loses Her Voice

I know I just mentioned an example of when Amazon has utilized poor advertising, but this SuperBowl ad they created promoting Alexa was genius. Featuring a list of stars including Gordon Ramsay, Cardi B, and even Jeff Bezos himself really helped bring the service to life, making it fun and effective for viewers. 

KFC- ‘FCK’ Campaign

I learned about this case last year in my brand management class, and it is a genius example of how to strengthen brand loyalty during a PR crisis. KFC was having distribution issues that ended in catastrophe as they had to shut stores down. They responded to mass complaints with this ad campaign, which grabbed the eye while taking accountability for their issues. Overall a fantastic campaign that gave them enough time to pull themselves together and reopen stores for continued success. 

Always ‘Like a Girl’

Probably one of my favorite ads of all time! This campaign really brings a great perspective to how young girls and women are treated in the media, and how it is up to us to change that perspective. It is so moving to see how Always used their platform, especially during the SuperBowl, to send such a powerful message that will hopefully influence viewers while promoting their brand messaging. 

Thinking of an iconic ad that I may have missed? Reach out and let me know your favorite ads, I’m always looking out for new and creative ways that brands are sharing their messaging :-) 

Using the Wellness Wheel as a Woman in Business

By: Elana Sadok

As a woman in a business major in college, you likely have a lot on your plate. Between classes, assignments, internships, and job interviews, it can be easy to neglect your own well-being. However, taking care of yourself is essential to your success both in school and in your future career. One tool that can help you prioritize your well-being is the wellness wheel.

The wellness wheel is a model that measures your overall well-being across different dimensions. By taking a holistic approach to well-being, the wellness wheel can help you identify areas that may need more attention and develop a plan to improve your overall quality of life. Let's explore how the wellness wheel can apply to your life as a woman in a business major.

Physical Wellness

Physical wellness is the first dimension of the wellness wheel. As a college student, you may find it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it's important to prioritize your physical well-being. This means getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. The Rec Center has really fun spin and yoga classes that I enjoy attending. Consider signing up for a workout class with a friend to help you stay accountable. On the nutrition side, intuitive eating and consuming foods that make you feel good are a critical component of your physical wellness.

Emotional Wellness

The emotional dimension of the wellness wheel includes managing stress, developing self-awareness, and practicing self-care. As a business major, you may face high-pressure situations and deadlines that can lead to stress and anxiety. It's important to take care of your mental health by practicing mindfulness and self-care activities such as journaling or meditation. My favorite way to wind down is by using the Insight Timer app, playing a short guided meditation while holding my smoky quartz crystal and sitting by a window to soak in the natural light. 

Intellectual Wellness

The intellectual dimension of the wellness wheel focuses on personal development and lifelong learning. As a business major, you're already on the path to intellectual wellness by pursuing a college degree. However, it's important to continue learning and growing outside of the classroom. Consider attending industry conferences or networking events to expand your knowledge and build connections. The Women of Isenberg Conference is a great opportunity to enhance your intellectual wellness! Some of my favorite activities to practice critical thinking include reading (I am reading If Women Rose Rooted right now and it is so good!) and doing puzzles like the Wordle.

Social Wellness

The social dimension of the wellness wheel includes building and maintaining healthy relationships, communication skills, and a sense of community. As a college student, you have access to a wide variety of social opportunities such as clubs and organizations, networking events, and social media. It is amazing that you are already part of WiB where you can find like-minded individuals and build your network. Finding community through different parts of your life, like class or sports, continues to cultivate that sense of belonging beyond your inner circle. 

Occupational Wellness

The occupational dimension of the wellness wheel focuses on job satisfaction, work-life balance, and career development. As a business major, you're likely already thinking about your future career. It's important to set goals and create a plan to achieve them, but don't forget to take care of yourself along the way. Consider taking breaks and practicing self-care to prevent burnout. 

Spiritual Wellness

The spiritual dimension of the wellness wheel includes mindfulness, purpose, and connection to something greater than oneself. While spirituality can be a personal and private matter, it's important to consider your values and beliefs as they relate to your overall well-being. Consider exploring meditation, yoga, or other spiritual practices to help you find balance and inner peace. My favorite way to connect with the greater purpose is by practicing yoga and focusing on my breath. Likewise, I listen to my intuition when it is telling me whether I find purpose and connection in a particular activity. If it doesn’t then I remove it from my life. As I move through life, what keeps me going in my day-to-day, is my mindfulness and connection to the greater purpose beyond the menial tasks at hand, like submitting a homework assignment or listening in class. 

Environmental Wellness

The environmental dimension of the wellness wheel includes sustainability, access to clean air and water, and living in a safe and supportive community. While you may not have control over all aspects of your environment, there are things you can do to promote environmental wellness. Consider reducing waste and supporting sustainable practices both on and off campus. Continuing to learn about how you can be a more conscious consumer can enhance your environmental wellness. I try to incorporate as many plant-based foods in my diet as possible as well as cut back on shopping for new things. My default is looking within my community first for things I may want or need, then thrift stores, and then finding it elsewhere. A helpful way for me to cut back on consumption is to reduce my wants for material items and find purpose within my spirituality instead. 

Financial Wellness 

The financial dimension of the wellness wheel includes creating a budget, managing your debt, starting to invest, building an emergency fund, negotiating your salary and educating yourself. By tracking your income and expenses, you find solace in knowing where your money is going and what kind of spender you are. Knowing your options and creating a plan for repayment is critical to managing your student debt. Consider starting your emergency fund now so that you have something to fall back on if you have to go to the hospital or your car or laptop breaks down. Continue to educate yourself on financial literacy and checking in with your goals each month to ensure your progress. Luckily, Smart About Money will be giving a tremendous presentation on financial literacy on Monday (2/27)! 

In conclusion, the wellness wheel is a useful tool for anyone looking to prioritize their well-being. As a woman in a business major in college, it's especially important to take care of yourself as you navigate your education and future career. By considering each dimension of the wellness wheel and taking steps to improve your overall well-being, you can set yourself up for success both in college and beyond.

How I Started My Photography Business

By: Sophia Trischitta

Back in 2020, yes right in the middle of covid, I picked up a camera and everything changed for me. And I really do mean everything! I had some previous experience with photography, as I had a Canon Rebel T6 camera from 2017. I pretty much used this camera for vacations, pictures of me and my friends, and just lots of random things. In 2020, my friends suggested to me that I take people’s senior portraits over the summer to make a little extra cash. I immediately thought it was a great idea because I wanted extra money and knew how to use a basic camera. So I posted on my Instagram and told people that I want to take senior portraits, and ended up getting around 2-3 people who reached out to me with interest. 

Fast forward a couple of weeks, I photographed around 5-10 seniors and really enjoyed doing it. I charged them $75 and air dropped the photos right after we took them. It is definitely quite humbling looking back at some of my old business tactics, but you live and you learn!

After I did all of those senior portraits, I asked some of my friends to model some creative portrait photoshoots to explore other niches of photography. I quickly found that posing, styling, and creativity was my favorite part of the whole process. I continued to do creative portraits with my friends using random props I found on TikTok, seeing other photographers do certain photoshoots, and anything that sparked my curiosity. That Christmas, I received a 35 mm lens, which in photography terms is a go-to lens for any kind of portraits. I also joined an education group online which taught me everything from clientele, taxes, building a website, and so much more valuable information. 

In the Spring of 2021, I started booking graduation photos! I knew this was the best way to consistently book photoshoots and bring in that money. I lost track of how many I did because I was booking that consistently. This is when I knew that this passion of mine was something that I could really turn into a career. I decided it was time for me to invest in a new camera. This investment was scary to me as it really put a dent in the bank account, but I knew it would be worth it because I would have it for years. I purchased my camera in April of 2021 and was so excited to start using it. You could see the shift in my photos once I got this new camera because of how crisp and sharp the photos came out. At this point, I was photographing creatives, seniors, sometimes sports media days, and eventually my first couples shoot. 

In May of 2021 I had the opportunity to photograph my first wedding. Let me tell you, I was insanely nervous about it. However, it was a great learning experience and I got some really great photos. I knew after this that I wanted my niche to be weddings and couples. That summer I worked hard to compose creative work as well as market myself on social media to attract all the clients I wanted. Soon came my freshman year of college, where I took a little hiatus from actively photographing and started to work on creating a website.

Once my website was made (sophialynnephoto.com), I was consistently booking photoshoots ranging from all types of photography. And I have been doing exactly that ever since! I shot 4 weddings this past year, and also have a couple more in my calendar for this upcoming year. 

At the beginning of my sophomore year, I began my position as the Historian for WiB. This opened the door to so many learning opportunities for both my business and my education. I was able to photograph over 70 students at our headshot fundraiser this past semester, as well as talk about my business to all of you! Over this past winter break, I  started a podcast, Caught on Camera, where I discuss all things photography and lifestyle. I'll chat more about that later! This semester I am serving a double role as the Historian and Blog Chair for WiB which I am so thrilled about. I am excited to learn more things about the business world through my education at UMass. 

Overall, I never thought that when I took senior portraits in 2020 that this side business of mine would quickly turn into my dream and passion. I am so excited to share my experience with the world and can't wait for all the photoshoots and opportunities that are to come in the future!

Self-Care Isn’t Selfish: Why You Need to Take Time for Yourself in College

By: Olivia Vadnais

College is such a transformative time in a person’s life. There are so many fun and exciting changes and events that occur that never have before, and ultimately is an extremely formative experience. You learn a lot about yourself and become a totally different person after four years. Within this time, life is fast paced with many new experiences and feelings which makes it difficult to take a step back and recollect ourselves. We don’t always have to keep pushing forward to go to that next interview, go out to that next party, or get two weeks ahead of work for that course. It is important to take time for yourself and appreciate how far you’ve come.

It becomes difficult to separate ourselves from our schedules and work lives as students. We are so consumed by academics, internships, work, social life etc. that we forget to take care of the most important part of those components: ourselves. Treating our minds, bodies and souls with care and respect is something we should be making a priority. This can include doing many things, such as a self-care night, exercising, meditating, etc. that may not seem like game changers , but in our overall wellness can make a huge difference in academic, career and personal growth. Feeling better, looking better, and being content with both our outward and inner presence are keys to success not only in college but in life. 

Self-care can involve prioritizing yourself, and if you’re a people pleaser like myself, this can be extremely difficult. You want to make everyone else around you happy and be there for others more than you are for yourself,  We forget to make ourselves happy in the process. If you don’t want to do something, you don’t have to do it. If you don’t feel like going out to a party and you’d rather eat pizza and watch a movie or just get some extra sleep, you should feel empowered to do so. There will be other parties and events, you won’t need to kick yourself for taking a night off. If you’re feeling burnt out from assignments, take a break. Watch an episode of Gilmore Girls then jump back in once you’re refueled. Take a walk in the fresh air and appreciate the body you are in. Don’t let other people’s expectations or wants influence your choices about what is best for you. If anything, you learn who your true friends are when they respect your wishes and support your self-improvement. 

While college is a time of new beginnings and new experiences, it should not come at the cost of taking care of your greatest asset, yourself. What this means for you may change over your time at school, and ultimately what makes you feel your best are things you should be putting time and effort into. As college students we should not only nurture our minds, but also our bodies and spirit in order to get the best out of our experience.