Amanda Petrunak/ Feature Writer

More by Amanda Petrunak/ Feature Writer

Amanda Petrunak: There’s No Place...Like the Future 5/16/2013	I have often heard the question, “So what are you going to do with an English Major?” Well, I have some options after graduation. I am in the process of applying for several jobs. I will be graduating with a BA in English, a BSED in English, a BA in Spanish, and a minor in History. As of right now, I would like to go into editing and publishing, but teaching is also an option for me. I also want to have my own store with a set of employees to help me run my own jewelry company. I love to be creative with my writing and the jewelry I make. Who says you can’t go after everything you want? Never limit yourself; that is my best piece of advice. If someone tells you, you can’t do something; go after it ten times harder. Never let anyone crush your dreams. Work for everything you want, and remember the things you are afraid of are usually the most worthwhile. I have to say that HerCampus has allowed me to express my creativity and enjoy writing, which has pushed me closer and closer to the thought of writing my own book. I am quite thankful for this great organization, and I will truly miss it. I will miss a lot of great times at IUP. I will miss my Java City pick me ups, my retail shopping therapy whenever I encounter a bad day, those professors who treat me like a member of their family, the randomness of the Oak Grove, and most importantly all of the great lessons I have learned in the classroom that I will carry with me for life.
Spring Bling: Top Five Jewelry Trends for Spring 4/6/2013	Do you have the winter blues and blahs? Are you tired of the nasty weather and ready to spruce up your life? Well, why not start off with some jewelry? Sometimes the easiest and most inexpensive way to update your look for a new season is to simply add some new jewelry. Some of the hottest pieces right now consist of big, statement necklaces with lots of color, bangle bracelets all the way up the wrist, and some gem-encrusted dangle earrings. Mixed Metals Tri-colored gold jewelry is an anchor of any spring jewelry collection. It allows women to easily mix other yellow, rose and white gold pieces of jewelry together for cohesive looks. Rose gold is one of the biggest trends right now. It all started when Tom Cruise proposed to Katie Holmes on top of the Eiffel Tower with the rose gold, diamond ring. We need to think simple and striking shapes in bold metal colors to get that new modern look. (Buy necklace shown, here)
But I Hate Going to the Doctor’s: Healthy Eating Solutions at IUP to Save You the Visit 9/15/2012	An apple a day keeps the doctor away! We have all heard this expression before, but is there any truth to it? According to Dr. Lisa Hark, director of the Nutrition Education and Prevention Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, “ healthy food and lifestyle choices boost your immune system, and that can prevent you from coming down with colds and flu. The key is not waiting until you get sick to make these changes; you need to revamp your diet and lifestyle before the cold and flu bugs get to you.” A great way to start this change is to begin to eat healthy. As a college student, sometimes it is quite difficult to eat something that is actually good for you living on such a tight budget. We have all heard of the Ramen noodle diet. Honestly between books and tuition alone, there is not much spending money left for nutritious foods; however, there are some smart options on campus that will not put a whole in your budget. For instance, Sprouts and Einstein Brothers are two great choices for snacks or even meals. Sprouts provides a variety of salads made to fit your appetite. You can add any toppings to your salad, so essentially you create your own healthy meal. At Einstein Brothers, there are numerous sandwich options with a variety of different breads from wheat to multigrain. You can also get a pizza bagel with the same great taste as a normal pizza but without the grease. There are several smart options available all around campus.
10 Back to School Must-Haves for Every Collegiette 9/10/2012	As the summer days breeze by, blustery fall leaps into full gear--bringing not just colorful leaves in its path but the familiar back to school season. With classes just around the corner, there are some back to school essentials that will make college life a lot easier to handle. Whether you are an incoming freshman or a soon-to-be-graduating senior, these supplies will come in handy. Besides your basic pens, pencils, and paper, here are some supplies that will help you along the way through your college career. 1. Laptop, or iPad There are multiple variations of laptops and iPads available--you can even find one in your favorite color nowadays! These are definitely the number one must-have for any semester of college. Even with the computer labs and the library, at times it can be challenging to find a free computer. Plus, it is always nice to work at your own pace and not around school hours. Sometimes, you just need a quiet space to work and get things accomplished. They are nice to have in the classroom, too. Instead of just relying on your desktop, you can type up notes in class and do some research, as well--just make sure your professor doesn’t mind using laptops in class because it could create some problems. Most professors are understanding because they know that not everyone has the best handwriting in the world, and some people would just rather type. It all depends on what type of learner you are. You have to utilize what works best for you.
Amanda's Alley: Ohhh...Yes! Yes!: Faking Orgasms 5/9/2012	Why fake an orgasm? Meg Ryan’s character in the movie “When Harry Met Sally,” depicts just how easy it is for a woman to fake sexual pleasure, while leaving her costar, Billy Crystal speechless. “According to a 2010 survey, approximately eighty percent of woman have faked an orgasm at some point in their life”, said author, Brian Alexander. The only question left is simply, “Why?” Some women want to make their partner feel good, while others just want the experience to end. By faking an orgasm, your partner knows that his job is done. Also, if you fake an orgasm, you will not hurt your partner’s ego, which could destroy a relationship if he loses his confidence. There are times where your partner may not be as experienced as you, and the sex could be painful. “Women tend to speed things up by using vocalizations due to boredom, time limitations, fatigue, or discomfort,” said Brian Alexander. Women try to be nice, and it helps because men are very goal oriented. On the other hand, there can be pitfalls and downsides to all the noise and commotion. You could be misinforming your partner, and he could start to think that he has sex “mastered.” In other words, he may tend to perform the same actions in the future, which can become annoying or tiring. When you fake an orgasm, men see it as victory, leaving no room for improvement. Sadly, the sex could just stay the same, and the relationship could be doomed. In the end you could just be getting screwed but not in the good way.
Top Hair Accessories for Spring 4/15/2012	Feathered Flair Tired of the same old hairstyle? With summer just around the corner; it is time to spruce up those gorgeous locks and add some color and style. Two of the hottest trends are feathers and flowers. Headbands have always been an easy fix for any hairstyle, but now the push is towards embellishments. Try sporting a thin headband with a cluster of feathers for an awesome up-do. Framing Flowers Flowers are the second most popular summer hair accessory. The up-do is quite popular. Simply braiding your hair back or curling it adds a nice touch, and the simple flower in the back accents the look, whether it is fresh or fake flowers. Also, it is quite easy to spice up and old headband with a few flowers for summer; simply grab your hot glue gun and a few fake flowers for a new look. Statement Scarves Another big trend is scarves. Do you have that old silk scarf laying around in your closet? Scarves are not just intended for clothing; they can act as a thick headband for a quick, easy style. One way to rock this look is to take a simple scarf and tie the top into a nicely formed bow to hold your bundle of curls. It is also an easy look to leave your hair straight and add the scarf as a trendy headband. Bubbly Bows
Beauty's Recipe: Finding the Definition of Beauty 3/23/2012	Audrey Hepburn once said, “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.” This was her definition of beauty. I decided to survey IUP students to see what they defined beauty as. Below are their answers. The Question: “What is Beauty?” “Beauty can be contagious, just like happiness. If you feel beautiful, others will see the beauty that you are seeing. -Liz Strager, Junior, Speech Pathology “Being beautiful is just a classification. It should not define who you are. True beauty is body and soul. - Kirsten Piatak, Senior, Biology “Beauty can be found in someone’s life or smile. It is not always how someone looks. Beauty is about bringing out the best qualities in another person. Being there for someone is beautiful in itself.” -Travis Keir, Senior, History “Beauty is being able to be yourself. When you find that person who brings out the best in you, don’t let them get away. Beauty is being who you are and not being ashamed of it."- Joe Hovan, Senior, History Education I believe that Beauty’s recipe is a collection of characteristics that radiate from each and every one of us. We all have a quality that makes us glow, which cannot be captured by any form of makeup because this glow comes from a special place, deep down inside of us. How do you define Beauty?
He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not: A Collegiette's History Lesson on Sadie Hawkins Day 2/29/2012	The impulse has come over her, like a rush of adrenaline pulsating through her veins, she takes a deep breath, fighting back the knot in her stomach and the tears in her eyes, and she gets down on one knee and says: “Will you marry me?” This may not seem like a strange situation in today’s society, but long ago in Scotland, women were prohibited from proposing. They were considered as “loose” if they even considered it. “As the legend goes, the law of the land was completely shaken when St. Bridget complained to St. Patrick about this predicament.” She was simply tired of waiting around for a man to come and sweep her off her feet. Gradually, St. Patrick gave into reason, but he did not give in completely. He simply said that he would allow women to propose to men only on February 29th. It may not have been exactly what Saint Bridget wanted, but it was start. According to authors Sheri and Bob Stritof, “The first documentation of this practice dates back to 1288, when Scotland passed a law that allowed women to propose marriage to the man of their choice, but if any man declined a proposal in a leap year he must pay a fine. The fine could range from a kiss to payment for a silk dress or a pair of gloves.” This was surely a way to make a man commit. This Scottish tradition was passed down to the United States, but we did not call it “Leap Year Day,” we chose another title, “Sadie Hawkins’s Day.”

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