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AnaBelle Elliot
TX State | Life > Experiences

ASK HER: LAST ONE OF THE SEMESTER

Courtney Buck Student Contributor, Texas State University
Leo Calderon Student Contributor, Texas State University
Piscis Martinez Student Contributor, Texas State University
Cara Cervenka Student Contributor, Texas State University
Zoie Tidmore Student Contributor, Texas State University
Elise Ramos Student Contributor, Texas State University
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TX State chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

17th Edition

The end of the semester has quickly approached us, with everyone having finals and the holidays going on, do not worry, we have not forgotten to answer your questions! Keep asking her over the long break and have a happy holiday season! See you next semester! – the girls at Her Campus TX State.

“How are you guys dealing with seasonal depression?”

Hey girl, I’m also currently trying to thrive despite the seasonal depression creeping up on me. Sometimes it can feel like you’re lonelier or more melancholy during this time, however there are plenty of habits to combat this. Self-care is so important during this time to keep your mental health and overall wellness in check. It’s hard to hit a moving target ;). Try going on daily walks, meditating in the morning or even journaling your thoughts at the end of the night. But most importantly let your loved ones know how you’re feeling. Good company always reminds me that I’m never alone when I’m feeling off and motivates me to keep going. Good luck girl, you’ll get through this. 

-Love, Elise Ramos, HC Writer

“I’ve been struggling as the semester is coming to an end. I’ve become a little unmotivated to go to classes. Plus, daylight savings makes my routine so repetitive.”

Hey girl, it makes total sense that you’re feeling drained. It’s the end of the semester, and now it’s getting dark outside earlier. This new change in routine can really mess with your energy. A lot of people hit that, “why am I even doing this?” wall around now. When the days get shorter, it’s normal for motivation to dip because your brain basically thinks it’s bedtime by late afternoon. One thing that can help is adding a small routine break, like studying somewhere different or giving yourself something to look forward to after class. Like a reward system to motivate you to go to class. It doesn’t fix everything, but it can break that repetitive loop a little bit. And honestly, just getting through this stretch is an accomplishment on its own, as we are almost done for this semester. Good luck!!

-Zoie Tidmore, Editor

“How do I ask for a raise respectfully?”

Hey friend. I was in this position not too long ago, and it is sooo nerve-racking—especially if you’re already intimidated by your boss (which I definitely am). Asking for a raise, whether you’re in a professional setting or at a minimum-wage retail job, is scary. Let me give you a piece of advice my dad gave me when I was freaking out about asking for a one-dollar raise: think of this as practice. You have to learn how to advocate for yourself. At the end of the day, you’re a store associate asking for a dollar. It’s not the end of the world. Not to bring this back to the patriarchy, but here I go. Men do this easily, without even worrying—because men know they have worth. Women often undervalue themselves. So, channel that anxious energy into anger. Picture the most incompetent man at your job… and remember he’s probably making two dollars more than you.

Speak up!! – Cara Cervenka, Editor-in-chief

“How do I get better at putting myself out there?”

First of all, I’m really proud of you for even asking this because that IS putting yourself out there. Most people never say it out loud. Getting better at it doesn’t happen in one big scary moment. It’s honestly a bunch of tiny choices that slowly build your confidence. Start with small things that feel manageable: compliment someone in class, say yes to a coffee invite, apply for that org you’ve been eyeing, or post that picture you actually like instead of overthinking it. Also, remind yourself that people aren’t paying as much attention as you think. Everyone’s too busy worrying about themselves. When you realize that, it’s so much easier to just do your own thing. And the biggest thing? Don’t wait to feel 100% ready. You won’t. No one does. You have to let yourself show up even when you’re a little nervous. That’s where the growth is. Be gentle with yourself, celebrate the small wins, and remember, you deserve to take up space. You’ve got this! 

-Piscis Martinez, Editor

He wanted me first so WHY can’t I get over him?

That’s so typical, isn’t it? Guys chasing after you, convincing you they’re in love, and then leaving you in the dust. It’s frustrating, confusing, and oh so easy to ruminate over. Really, why can’t you get over him?

That’s how love bombing works.

You’re shown this picture-perfect guy – obsessed with you, proud of you, and promising you forever. It’s no wonder you’re stuck on him. He was your Prince Charming! Facade or not, it’s flattering to receive this kind of treatment and having the rug pulled out from under you is a major adjustment. You’re questioning yourself, your lived experience, and putting yourself down for “falling for it.” As disappointing as it is, you’re better off without a guy like that. Grieve the fantasy all you want – it’s not your fault for believing what he said. It’s not your fault he lied! Eventually, it’ll be something you laugh about – the sheer cowardice it takes for someone to treat you like this.

Good luck! – Leo Calderon, HC Writer

Courtney Buck

TX State '27

Courtney Buck is the section editor at the Her Campus at Texas State chapter. She oversees the section’s direction, assigns ideas to writers, and ensures every piece offers responsible, supportive guidance to readers. She writes biweekly articles for Her Campus, collaborating closely with her team to develop ideas, conducting thorough research, and self‑editing her work to ensure clarity and quality. She enjoys writing original content, specifically personal essays and relatable pieces that reflect real student experiences to her own.

Outside of Her Campus, Courtney is a Mass Communication major at Texas State University with a minor in Psychology. She previously reported for KTSW 89.9 as a News and Culture Reporter and has completed a short internship with Swoon Memorial in Houston the past summer.

She enjoys doing her nails and journaling about her feelings as it makes her feel more grounded in her everyday life. She loves staying busy and productive so if her schedule is free, you can find her at the gym. She has big dreams and aspirations for her life, so although she doesn’t know exactly where she’s headed yet, she will be somewhere in the future!
Leo Calderon

TX State '26

Leo Calderon is a Writers team member for the TX State chapter of Her Campus and has proudly been a member for three semesters. Their writing focus falls somewhere between politics and pop culture – often combining the two with analyses of audience reception & whether or not misogyny is to blame.

Outside of Her Campus, Leo has served as both social chair (2023-2024) and vice president (2024-2025) for Texas State University's Alpha Psi Omega chapter, where they coordinated member events for TXST's theatre department. Professionally, they have worked for San Marcos' community theatre as a marketing team member and assistant directed 'Dracula, a Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really' at TXST. This semester, Leo is single-handedly leading their first social media campaign for an independent production of Charise Castro Smith's 'Feathers and Teeth'.

As they wrap up their fourth, and final, year at Texas State, Leo has found joy in the combined passions of theatre & public relations, cooking great food, and hosting get-togethers with friends old and new.

Leo will be graduating from Texas State this May with a degree in Theatre, emphasis in Performance & Production, with a minor in Mass Communications. With the journalism skills they have earned from their time in Her Campus, Leo looks forward to post-grad life.

www.linkedin.com/in/lscalderon
Piscis Martinez

TX State '27

Piscis Martinez is the Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus at Texas State University, where she leads the chapter’s editorial vision, oversees writers and editors, and manages weekly publishing in alignment with national Her Campus Media standards. She is especially passionate about personal essays, advice columns, and lifestyle content that center authenticity, vulnerability, and campus culture. In her role, Piscis focuses on building clear systems, strengthening editing workflows, and fostering a supportive environment where writers feel confident developing their voices.

Beyond Her Campus, Piscis is a Public Relations major at Texas State University with double minors in Human Resources and Communication Studies. She also works as a peer consultant at the University Writing Center, where she supports students one-on-one in improving clarity, structure, and confidence in their writing across disciplines. Since joining Her Campus in Fall 2024, Piscis has grown within the organization as a writer, Section Editor, Senior Editor, and now Editor-in-Chief, gaining hands-on experience in editorial leadership and team development at every level.

Outside of work and class, Piscis enjoys drinking coffee, watching reality TV, and finding comfort in the small routines that keep her grounded during busy semesters. Whether she is editing an article late at night or brainstorming new ideas with her team, she is always excited to help Her Campus writers grow, feel supported, and take pride in their work.
Cara Cervenka

TX State '25

Cara is a journalism major at Texas State University. She writes for The University Star, in the Life & Arts section, as well as serving as Editor In Chief of the TXST Chapter of Her Campus. She has an unwavering love for boba tea, live music, disneyland, Taylor Swift and reading! .𖥔 ݁ ˖ִ ࣪⚝₊ ⊹˚ 𓂃🖊
Zoie Tidmore

TX State '27

Zoie Tidmore is a Senior Editor and Writer for the Texas State University chapter of Her Campus, where she plays a key role in leading the editorial team and upholding Her Campus Media’s publishing standards. In her position, Zoie oversees a team of eight writers, guiding them through the writing and editing process to ensure clarity, consistency, and authenticity across all published content. She supports writers in developing strong pitches, refining drafts, and maintaining the chapter’s voice, while also contributing her own work to the site. Zoie is particularly interested in covering politics, media, and culture, with a focus on how these areas impact college students and younger audiences.

Outside of Her Campus, Zoie is a Journalism major at Texas State University with minors in Media Studies and Political Science. She previously worked as a writer for The University Star, where she learned how to cover stories relevant to the campus and local community. Zoie joined Her Campus in Spring 2025 as a writer and has since grown into her role as Senior Editor, gaining more experience in editing, mentoring writers, and contributing to the chapter’s editorial leadership.

When she’s not working on her degree or editing articles, Zoie enjoys reading romance novels, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family. She is an aspiring journalist who hopes to educate and inform others about issues shaping the future of the world, using storytelling as a way to create understanding and spark meaningful conversations.
Elise Ramos

TX State '28

Elise is a Senior Editor for HerCampus at Texas State University, where she helps lead the editorial team in producing high-quality written content. She oversees six writers, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency across all publications.

Beyond HerCampus, Elise publishes her writing on her personal blog, The Older Sister Diaries. She is also involved with LEWK Magazine, where she curates and styles outfits for models in alignment with each show’s theme and creative vision. Additionally, Elise works as a writing consultant at the University Writing Center, providing one-on-one and small-group support to undergraduate and graduate students across disciplines. In this role, she offers constructive feedback on organization, clarity, argumentation, and academic conventions.

Elise is currently a sophomore majoring in English with a minor in Physician Assistant Studies.

In her free time, Elise enjoys expressing her creativity through crochet, painting, and drawing, as well as planning meaningful hangouts with friends. She adores slow mornings, stray cats, and lavender matcha and would gladly accept the chance to be a teenager in the year 2000.

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/eliseram
Instagram: elisecovr