From the personal photo collection of Kelly Kreutz.

Kelly Kreutz is a junior at Indiana University, double majoring in international relations and Spanish. When she isn’t exercising new languages and learning about new cultures, this sharp co-ed enjoys cheering on her fellow Hoosiers at sporting events and volunteering at the IU Auditorium where Bloomington is host to many classy events.

From the personal photo collection of Kelly Kreutz.

This summer, Kelly is spending a lot of her time at Jellystone Park where she is a camp ranger. Some of her responsibilities include leading fun activities for children who visit the park, working in the gift shop and making reservations for campers. Kelly loves her summertime job for many reasons, but especially because she gets to strut her stuff in a Yogi Bear costume.

From the personal photo collection of Kelly Kreutz.

From the personal photo collection of Kelly Kreutz.

Next semester, Kelly will be heading overseas to continue her studies. Kelly will be living and learning in Spain for her junior year. As she experiences the Spanish culture firsthand, Kelly is especially excited to attend the FIFA World Cup in which Spain is favored to win.

Photo courtesy of Colleen Knauf

Clemson University, located in Clemson, South Carolina is known for its big-time sports and southern traditions. But what many people may not know is the school’s sense of style, which junior Kelly Glasson described as “southern preppy.”

Clemson co-eds choose their outfits based on the weather, alumna Colleen Knauf said. When attending class in colder weather, girls are all about the leggings and either riding or cowboy boots. Oversized t-shirts bearing logos from sorority and fraternity functions are a popular choice for shirts. Both Knauf and Glasson noted that because their school is sporty, athletic wear makes a stylish appearance for class as well, particularly colorful Nike sneakers.

While the style of boots may vary, one brand that is consistent on Clemson’s campus is Patagonia fleece. “After Christmas it’s particularly funny because the people who don’t have a Patagonia jacket already get one as a present and when everyone comes back from break, campus basically becomes a live Patagonia ad,” Knauf said.

When the weather becomes warmer, however, Knauf said the oversized t-shirts stay, but Nike shorts replace leggings. For women who choose to dress up for class, Knauf said many girls wear J. Crew apparel and Tory Burch flats. She said that if she had to choose a single Clemson staple for warm weather clothing it would be Jack Rogers sandals, particularly the “Navajo” style.

Photo courtesy of Colleen Knauf

When it comes time to go out, the clothing continues to be casual but nice. Tank tops, skirts and dresses are the norm for warm nights, but when the weather becomes cooler, it is all about staying chic in skinny jeans and fancier tops. “It’s all kind of boutique-esque – flow-y shirts with cool backs or cutout sleeves,” Knauf said.

Because Clemson is a college town and the party scene is mainly limited to fraternity houses, heels are not commonplace. But for those who decide to venture downtown to the bars, high heels are much more likely to make an appearance. No matter where one chooses to go, the style of clothing remains the same, unless there is a themed party.

Not to be outdone by their female counterparts, Clemson boys have their own dress code. Glasson explained how instead of cargo shorts, the guys choose to wear knakis, which makes it easier for them to simply change from a t-shirt into a button-down shirt for nighttime. Colored cotton shorts are also prevalent, and footwear choices include Sperrys or Wallabees. But when the guys do want to dress down, jeans and t-shirts will make an appearance.

Because sports are such an integral part of Clemson culture, school pride can be seen throughout the stands. A true southern school, Clemson students dress up for football games, and the Tiger colors of orange and purple can seen in every piece of clothing, from dresses to button-downs and polo shirts.

Polyvore image found by reneeruggeri

For another roundup on campus style and more inside information about Clemson University, be sure to check out these CL articles:

Campus Style: LSU

Campus Buzz: Clemson University

Campus Spotlight: Clemson University

Polyvore image found by reneeruggeri

Images courtesy of Polyvore

Say “tennis” and most co-eds conjure up images of the clean lines of a tennis court, the whiz of the ball between rackets and the unique athletic clothing. If you plan on playing tennis as one of your summer activities, chances are you’ll need a fitting ensemble. Whether you’re Wimbledon-bound or just volleying with a friend, take a whack at these summer tennis looks inspired by the most iconic players in the game.

Venus Williams

Venus makes up only one half of the dynamic Williams sister duo and is the number one women’s tennis player in the world, placed by the Women’s Tennis Association. The recipe to create a champion tennis player like Venus includes strength, dedication and resilience. Use the same components to piece together your tennis look. A vibrantly colored tennis dress or two-piece paired with equally flashy tennis shoes will demand attention while you’re on the court.

Serena Williams

Don’t be fooled by the identical faces of the Williams twins – they may both be strong, aggressive and share an unrelenting love of the game, but that’s where their similarities end. Regarding their personalities, Serena claims to have more than one. She has discussed the multiple personalities that live within her with the press. Serena has explained that each figurative woman contributes to the wildcard tennis player that we see today. You can pay homage to Serena’s unpredictability by adding a few surprising elements to your tennis look. Try adding a sequined visor, neon yellow tennis shoes or an animal print headband to an otherwise neutral outfit for a sassy surprise.

Maria Sharapova

Focused, serious and unwavering, Maria Sharapova is on top in the tennis world because she doesn’t care about much else. Tap into your inner Maria with one of these no-nonsense dresses or a top and skirt combo created by Nike and the tennis queen herself. The subtle use of yellows, blues and greens on the straps and waistbands acknowledge Maria’s love for color, but also confirms that practicality reigns supreme in her fashion line. These pieces reflect Maria, as they have a fashionable flare without taking away from performance. Stick with a muted visor and tennis shoes to finish the look of a perfectionist.

Anna Kournikova

Despite her recent retirement, Anna Kournikova will always be equal parts athletic, beautiful and fashionable (you have to be in order to be engaged to Enrique Iglesias!). A look inspired by this Russian bombshell would respect all of her qualities through a flirty tennis ensemble. A pastel-colored tennis dress like this or a top paired with a flouncy skirt would pay tribute to Anna’s feminine style and personality. Match your shoes as closely as you can to the rest of your outfit and skip the visor so nothing shields your smile.

Martina Navratilova

This Czech-American player may have hung up her racket long ago, but she is still considered the greatest female tennis player of all time. Pay tribute to Martina’s timeless presence in the tennis world through the grandfather of tennis fashion looks – tennis whites. Wearing white from head-to-toe is a traditional tennis practice that exudes leisure and class. It’s wise to keep jewelry to a minimum when engaging in any sport, but pearl earrings would work harmoniously with a classic Martina Navratilova look.

Have any of these tennis superstars influenced your outfit choices? Let us know in the comments section.

Are you a classy co-ed dreaming of a career in the magazine, PR, and/or journalism field? Starting your own College Lifestyles™ Campus Satellite will build your resume for career success.

What is College Lifestyles™?

College Lifestyles™ is the premiere lifestyle online magazine for classy coeds.

Classy. Confident. Chic. Three words describing College Lifestyles™ magazine and our readers. We believe ‘Everything is better with class,‘ from preparing a simple meal, selecting a perfect outfit, decorating our dorm/apartment, and preparing for a future career.

Featuring stories on style, health, campus life, dorm/apartment life, DIY, career, and sorority life, College Lifestyles™ is the guide for the 21st century college student, taking her from the nerve-wracking days of selecting a college to transitioning to her first day on the job.

What is a College Lifestyles™ Campus Satellite?

A College Lifestyles™ Campus Satellite is a specific section on the College Lifestyles™ website devoted to your campus. It has the following features:

• Style – fashion, beauty, looks for less, dressing for your shape, and boutiques/ fashion around campus.
• Campus Events – campus organization highlights, on-campus and off-campus events, school functions, what to do in your campus town, and the best restaurants and dates around town.
• Campus Life – organization involvement, Greek life, student government, departmental organizations, dating and relationships, and the best dressed on campus.
• DIY – dorm and apartment decor and DIY crafts.
• Health – dorm-worthy recipes, nutrition, and fitness.
• Career – resumes, interviews, career fairs and internships on or around campus.
• Dorm/Apartment – dealing with roommates, the ‘best’ and ‘worst’ items, and living away from home.

Why should I join the College Lifestyles™ team and start a satellite?

• You will gain experience in not only developing and organizing a team, but you will also have the opportunity to publish your OWN work on a national website.
• You will build your portfolio with multiple articles (not just one).
• You will be able to verbalize SEO, editorial calendar development, and PR strategies in your future job interviews.
• You will be one step above your competition.

Former College Lifestyles™ interns for the general College Lifestyles™ site have enjoyed continued success at various publications including “Cosmopolitan,” “Town and Home,” “Parents,” “Glamour,” “US Weekly,” and Weber Shandwick.

Since the position is remote (virtual) you will be working in the comfort of your own home, dorm, or apartment and not endure the expense of relocating.

How often should our team update our College Lifestyles™ Satellite Page?

Your team should update your page two times per week.

Does this mean each of our team members will write and post 2 articles per week?

No. The page in general should have 2 new articles up per week. If you have a team of 4 members, you can rotate writing an article every other week.

Can we write more than 2 articles per week?

YES! In fact, the more the merrier!

My team is quite small. What should article sections should we focus on?

Focus your articles on style (what classy co-ed doesn’t love fashion) and campus events. Tie in your love of campus life and style by finding the “Best Dressed on Campus,” “Classy Co-Eds” or “Classy Gentleman on Campus.”

How do we develop our Editorial Calendar?

You will work with your College Lifestyles™ Advisor (a member of our in-house team) on developing a calendar that will bring the best articles to your campus.

Who is your College Lifestyles™ Advisor?

Your College Lifestyles™ Advisor is a College Lifestyles™ staff member. You will communicate with your advisor weekly via an email update on Fridays and monthly via Skype.

How do I stay in contact with my team AND the College Lifestyles™ staff?

We give a chance for all our satellites to chat in monthly Skype calls with our staff and interns, and in our Facebook groups! We will send you tips/ideas on how to meet and set up emails with your specific team, and how to be involved with our in-house staff.

I noticed College Lifestyles™ has both writing interns and the opportunity to start a Campus Satellite. What is the difference?

College Lifestyles™ writing interns write on specific topics assigned to them by the Managing Editor. Writing interns write articles for our site weekly and submit their articles to editors for review before posting. In addition, writing interns promote their articles and team articles via their personal social media.

We encourage folks with a specific major OR love for a particular topic to apply to be writing interns.

College Lifestyles™ Campus Satellite founders and team members dream of not only being the writer but the doer. These are the folks who have lots of ideas, lots of motivation, and a love for their campus – in short, these are the leaders who can lead their campus writers to greatness.

Sounds great – I think I am interested in being a writer only.

Send an email to intern@collegelifestyles.org for our writing application.

I am a leader and I love my campus! What are the requirements and responsibilities of a Campus Satellite founder and team member?

• Passionate: Love for the journalism field.
• Leadership: Be able to lead your team to greatness!
• Recruiter: Recruit at least 3 team members and continue to grow your satellite chapter.
• Editorial skills: Develop your editorial calendar (with guidance from your College Lifestyles™ Advisor). Your team will upload content to our website bi-weekly (2 times a week). Edit (review) articles of all writers before uploading.
• Social Media promoter: Appoint a team member (or yourself) and run a College Lifestyles™ (insert campus) Facebook Page. Update page with article links. (We will send you the graphic to use)
• Marketing/PR pro: Publicize College Lifestyles™ and your Campus Satellite on your campus. (We send you a PR kit with flyers, stickers, shirts, banners and cards. You plan the event).
• Teamwork: Work with your College Lifestyles™ Advisor (a member of the College Lifestyles™ team) on a weekly basis via email to discuss updates and work with the editorial calendar. (Updates are due on Fridays).
• Willing to learn: In addition to weekly emails with your College Lifestyles™ Advisor, sit on monthly Skype (20-30 minutes) with team members on journalism and educational topics.

I’m graduation soon. Can I still apply to start a Campus Satellite?

Sure. You must recruit members who wish to continue the legacy of the College Lifestyles™ on your campus.

Looks like my campus already has a CL Satellite. What can I do?

Contact our Editor-in-Chief, Shelly at shelly@collegelifestyles.org so we can get you in touch with the team.

How do I apply to start a Campus Satellite?

Click here OR email Shelly at shelly@collegelifestyles.org for an application request AND with the documents below. Save each document as a PDF file with the following format.

• First Name Last Name Resume

• First Name Last Name Writing Sample One

Example:

• Susie Smith Resume

• Susie Smith Writing Sample One

You must also submit the following documents:

1. Cover Letter. Your cover letter should cover the following:

• Why you want to start a campus satellite.
• How you identify with the College Lifestyles™ brand (classy, confident, chic).

NOTE: Co-founders/editors can write a joint cover letter.

2. Resume. Highlight your experience in the field.

3. Writing Sample. We encourage you to submit an article from a magazine, newspaper or blog. If you do not have these, you can submit an example post you would do for our site.

4. Three on-campus publicity ideas (included in application).

5. Two social media ideas (included in application).

6. Names of three additional team members (included in application).

Once you return your complete and return your application, you will be asked to complete the College Lifestyles™ AP Style test.

What do you look for in a College Lifestyles™ Campus Satellite team member?

• An educational background in journalism, event planning, PR, marketing, business, mass communication and/or entrepreneurial field.
• Leadership skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Excellent time-management skills.

I submitted my application and completed my AP style test. What happens now?

The College Lifestyles™ HQ will contact you via email within 7 days of receiving your application to discuss scheduling a phone call. During our 30 minute ‘Welcome Aboard!’ call, where we will discuss setting up YOUR Campus Satellite, as well as go over your marketing and PR. We will also submit you a roster to complete in order to set up your Campus Satellite as well as your introduction packet containing all you need to get started with your satellite. For any additional questions on the College Lifestyles™ Campus Satellite program, please contact Shelly at shelly@collegelifestyles.org or Emily, our Campus Satellite Duquesne founder at emily@collegelifestyles.org

Photo Credit: freedigitalphotos.net

We’ve all been there. Whether it be spilling your food down the front of your shirt or getting stood up by a guy you spent hours primping for, we have all been on a date that makes us cringe when forced to call it to mind. While I have had my share of awkward silences, tripping down stairs, and even ripped my dress from the hem to my mid-back on one exceptionally unfortunate occasion, my worst date ever actually had nothing to do with me and everything to do with him.

I had been indulging an on-again, off-again love affair with Evan* for four years. We met the summer before my sophomore year of high school and I quickly fell for this engaging older guy. We exchanged numbers at the end of the day and I went home to discover he had friended me on MySpace. That’s right, MySpace. What ensued was an ongoing romance that took the form of extensive MySpace, and eventually, Facebook messages, frequent yogurt dates, a few nights out to dinner and innumerable calls, flirtatious texts and Skype conversations. Yet amidst all this, we were never actually together. Instead, every time it seemed right to finally take our relationship to the next level, something always seemed to stand in the way and I was left broken-hearted, wondering why he was so scared of committing to me. So because I never knew what it was like to be Evan’s girlfriend in real life, I glorified our relationship in my mind, dreaming about what we could have together.

Photo Credit: freedigitalphotos.net

When Evan called me on a summer Saturday night following my freshman year of college and asked if he could take me out to dinner, I was simultaneously thrilled and skeptical. Despite my best attempts to quiet my hopes that this might finally be the time we would throw caution into the wind and ride off into the sunset together, I inevitably felt my anticipation rising to ridiculous levels as I got dressed in a sassy skirt sure to show off my sun-tanned legs. He picked me up and took off driving towards the ocean with the casual declaration, “I’m not really hungry, let’s not do dinner yet.” Well, I was hungry. But no matter, I smiled and nodded, assuming that he would have to feed me eventually. As the sun started to set, he parked the car on a hill overlooking the marina. The glow of the setting sun and the twinkling city lights reflecting off the still water were genuinely breathtaking, but also screamed “cliché high school make-out spot.” Weren’t we a little old for this? Luckily for me, I was spared the embarrassment of feeling like we were the leads in a sappy teen rom-com. In retrospect however, I think I would have preferred cliché romance to what ensued next.

Instead of trying to kiss me, Evan proceeded to spend the next two hours explaining why we could never truly be together and that he was falling for another woman. He detailed all the reasons he wanted to be with me, had hoped to be with me, and really thought we would have been perfect together. He apologized for drunkenly telling me he was in love with me two years ago when we both were in serious relationships. He tried to explain why he thought it was a good idea to meet me under the Ferris wheel at our local fair the same night he asked another girl to be his girlfriend. His logic on the last two still seems quite flawed in my personal opinion, but no matter. He concluded the conversation with the confession that it was really hard for him to let me go because he always appreciated knowing that I would be there waiting for him. Wait. What? Waiting for him? Well sure I had liked him, really liked him, at multiple points over the past four years. However, I had also been in two serious, committed, relationships over the course of our convoluted courtship and in no way perceived myself as constantly pining after him.

Photo Credit: freedigitalphotos.net

Even so, Evan saw me as the girl who would always be waiting. I was the backup, the ego-booster, and the sense of security when other exploits failed; not the woman he wanted to pursue. I was devastated. Any insecurities I may have had about my inadequacies were just confirmed in the opinion of a man I truly cared for. But in a bittersweet way, his condescending explanation offered a sense of long-needed closure and it didn’t take long for me to realize I didn’t need Evan’s half-hearted affection to boost my ego. I am a classy, confident woman on my own, thank you. After telling him as much, we left the hilltop and arrived at a drive-through joint where he bought me a seven-dollar burger and fries for dinner. At least my stomach wasn’t making audible growls anymore. After that he took me home. We hugged goodbye and I still got to show off my sassy skirt as I walked away from him once and for all.

*Name has been changed to protect the innocent.

Photo Credit: freedigitalphotos.net

Even though many of us are in the midst of our summer, the thought of Fall may be creeping back into our heads.  Don’t let summer fly by without applying for the College Lifestyles Internship….

You would spend your Fall writing for a premiere lifestyle magazine, developing social media promotions for a student-first business, speaking about the classiest brand in the U.S., or taking photographs of the classiest co-eds and their campuses.  Sounds awesome, right? You’re in the right place for all of the above.

College Lifestyles™ is thrilled to announce its Fall 2013 internship openings to all classy co-eds interested in working on bringing the best in style, health, campus life, DIY, entertainment and dorm life to their peers:

■         Campus Satellite Editor

■         Writing Intern

■         Social Media Intern

■         Advertising/PR/Marketing Intern

■         Photography/Graphic Design Intern

We are specifically looking for students who are ‘movers and shakers,’ not just the followers.  We are looking for individuals who are confidently ready to step into the professional lime light and ready to take the magazine and PR world by storm.

Interested? Email intern@collegelifestyles.org and request our Intern Responsibilities & Expectations Packet and a Fall 2013 Virtual Internship Application. You must submit a complete application in order to be considered for the College Lifestyles™ Fall 2013 Internship. Completed applications are due no later than 7/8/2013. Qualified applicants will be contacted via email to schedule a phone interview for Fall internships.

Interested in starting your own Campus Satellite of College Lifestyles? 

Check out our Campus Satellite program.

No time to intern, but want to contribute to College Lifestyles™?

Check out our Campus Correspondent program.

Photo Credit: Vista College

Going to law school is often accompanied with a financial burden. In addition, it takes quite a bit of time to complete a degree program at law school. A great career path for those of you who are interested in a legal career but don’t want to go to law school is that of a paralegal. Becoming a paralegal is an excellent way to find employment in the field of law without having to sacrifice years of your life to go to school. Better yet, sometimes, paralegals end up making more money than attorneys.

Paralegal Tips for Starting Out in the Legal Industry

To be successful as a paralegal, you will need to have top-notch communication skills, a good-looking resume, have outstanding interpersonal skills, and most importantly, much patience. In this line of work, any type of legal job position will be valuable. Keeping this in mind, if you don’t land your dream job right off the bat, take what you can and use it to your advantage.

Knowing What You Need to Become a Paralegal

If you are interested in becoming a paralegal, you will need to take part in a paralegal assisting degree program. Most times, after completing a minimum number of credit hours, you will then be awarded a paralegal certificate. Make sure you complete your courses from accredited vocational schools so that your certification or degree will be recognized by employers. The exact requirements that you will need to meet depend on the state you want to provide paralegal services in, so contact a local lawyer or accredited schools to see what you will need to do.

In this line of work, life experience is of the utmost value. Furthermore, so is the ability to multitask and the capability to be highly organized. There is nothing worse than a paralegal sitting beside his or her employer in a courtroom and being called upon for information only to realize the documentation was left at the office.

Average Salary of Paralegals in 2013

As a paralegal, you can expect to make anywhere between $30,000 to $40,000 a year; however, there are some paralegals that make six digit figures a year.

Knowing What to Do in an Interview

- Be on time!
- Ask questions about the law firm.
- Provide examples of your work ethics.
- Provide a clean copy of your resume.
- Be honest.
- Do not complain about former employers.
- Do not dress casually.
- Do not exaggerate work experience.

The Fourth of July is just a few short weeks away. That means the five F’s will be in full effect that day: family, friends, food, fun and fireworks. Now, what are you going to wear to celebrate all the Fourth festivities? Here are four Fourth looks that will ensure the fireworks won’t be the only things that will be sparkling that night.

Out On The Water

You may be spending your Fourth of July night out on the water. Whether it is on the beach or perhaps on your hometown’s riverfront, you need to dress warmly. Being near water in the summer can be a little chilly. If you still have your sundress and wedges on from earlier in the day, slip on a classy cardigan and ditch the wedges for a comfortable, cute pair of flats. Or keep it simple and casual by wearing a pair of denim shorts, a sequined tank top and an oversized sweater. If it gets really chilly, throw on a scarf with an American flag print.

Photo Credit: Alexandria Adams’ Polyvore

The Backyard BBQ

After you have eaten all of that homemade ice cream, grab your sparklers and get ready to shine! Just because you’re in a backyard doesn’t mean you shouldn’t look Fourth of July fabulous. A romper in red, white or blue is a great way to show your patriotism and still be stylish. Slip on some embellished flip-flops or gladiator sandals and add simple jewelry that won’t weigh you down. Another option is a maxi dress. They’re easy, breezy, and come in a variety of colors and patterns perfect for a night that will surely end with bang.

Photo Credit: Alexandria Adams’ Polyvore

A Downtown Parade

Many towns have annual Fourth of July parades. Look downtown chic in a Fourth of July outfit that will make heads turn. Celebrating America’s Independence Day downtown in your city means you can go all out. Don’t be afraid to put the most festive outfit together. Incorporate the American flag in your ensemble by rocking some American flag shorts with a bandeau and sheer crop top. If you’re not a fan of the patriotic bottoms, try wearing white denim shorts or cropped pants and an off the shoulder American flag tee or tank. Don’t be afraid of a little glitter either; it’s the Fourth of July! Finish the look by bringing out your inner tween by using a body lotion with shimmer in it.

Photo Credit: Alexandria Adams’ Polyvore

An Evening At The Park

Spread out the blanket, bring on the snow cones and spend the Fourth of July at your local park. If you plan on spending your Fourth with friends at the park, make sure you dress comfortably. Wear a loose fitting tank top, colored cotton shorts and some American flag inspired kicks. It may be warm, so wear your hair pulled back and off of your neck in a sophisticated and sassy updo like the topknot.

Photo Credit: Alexandria Adams’ Polyvore

However you’re spending the Fourth of July, make sure to have fun and, most importantly, stay safe.

Leave us a comment down below or tweet us @collegelifestyl telling us how you plan on celebrating the Fourth of July.

Photo Credit: Freedigitalphotos.net/Teerapun

Image taken from Hilary Kossack

Keep your eyes closed, relax your shoulders, and breathe. Whether you are a regular participant or not, it’s likely that you’ve heard of yoga. Yoga is a body and mind practice that combines stretching exercises and breathing to attain complete relaxation. Yoga has been shown to improve heart function, lower blood pressure while leave you feeling poised and stress free. It’s no wonder you’ll find a yoga studio on every other block in New York City.

But you won’t find a traditional yoga anywhere, like all exercises yoga has evolved. Bikram yoga, or more widely known as ‘hot’ yoga, is attracting many fans, avid yoga participants as well as first-timers. Bikram is hot. Sitting in a 100-105 degree room for 90 minutes, hot. The science behind yoga in a heated room is simple. It is said that being in a heated room can increase your metabolism, make blood vessels flexible and improve circulation. But with every pro there has to be a con and some skeptics believe this Bikram craze may be a bunch of hot air.

Many bloggers are claiming some benefits may not outweigh the potential threats Bikram yoga may have to your body. Along with causing heat exhaustion and dehydration more severe consequences could be heat stroke. When the body rises over 105 degrees Fahrenheit, people become confused, dizzy and nauseous, and the person’s pulse and sweating rates slow down dramatically. Water cannot replenish these symptoms because while you sweat you’re losing salts that water cannot rectify.

Another issue non-believers have brought up is that individuals using Bikram yoga to increase their stretching are in jeopardy of muscle and bone injury. Bikram followers believe they can obtain deeper stretching because the extreme heat facilitates elasticity in the muscle tissue. But this deep stretching can easily cause tearing.

Despite the naysayers, Hilary Bifulco Kossack, who has been teaching Bikram since 2003 is all yoga, all the time. Kossack attended a teacher training in the spring of 2003 at Bikram headquarters in Los Angeles on LaCieniga and the rest is history. She is now a certified instructor for Bikram, vinyasa and yin yoga at Yoga Oasis in Charlotte, NC.

Image taken from Hilary Kossack

 “I was hooked from my first class, the feeling after was so blissful, the class itself cathartic,” Kossack said. “My mother had just passed away and the yoga was my therapy and meditation.”

Kossack explained that Bikram yoga differs from other styles in its set systematic sequence, which is designed to address every muscle, joint, tendon and ligament in an intelligent order.

“While most consider yoga ‘stretching’ there is also simultaneous compression upon organs making the exit of a held pose incredibly beneficial internally and externally.”

When asked about potential threats concerning heart conditions Kossack was very confident with her answer, explaining that caution is key. If you are aware of a potential heart illness you may have there’s no need to steer clear of Bikram completely. Pace yourself and never go over your limits. If you’re someone who’s confident with their body there’s nothing holding you back.

Image taken from Hilary Kossack

Bikram Yoga may not be for everyone. But you should allow yourself to be the judge of that. No one knows your own body better than you. If you find yourself uncomfortable after a class then it’s no sweat off your back. Yoga is just one way that allows you to compose your thoughts while putting the phone and school work aside. There are limitless ways to move, detox and stay active. As for Kossack, nothing but encouraging words for potential Bikram yoga participants.

“I would encourage anyone to come to this class for detoxification, strength and flexibility as well as overall well physical and mental health. You will feel healthy literally from the inside out.”

Yoga isn’t the only way to stay fit. Check out these other means of exercise by our classy CL staff.

Upper body workouts

Lower body workouts

5 bike trails on Long Island

image courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

Image courtesy of David Castillo/freedigitalphotos.net

Every region, country and part of the world has them. In the United States, they vary by location, by state and sometimes, even by city. They are dialects. The way people say things, the words they use, the accents they have – they all contribute to the culture of an area and add to the individuality of the city.

College Lifestyles™ has delved into the unique dialect of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Language in itself, specifically the tongue of Pittsburgh, is a unique entity that transforms over time and develops along with the people who use it.

The local talk of Pittsburgh is noted to have originated from early Scottish-Irish immigrants who settled in this area and grew to call this city of steel home. Over time, as the people and the city evolved, so did the language. Today, the dialect of Pittsburgh is an interesting reminder of how the city has developed over the years.

The Pittsburgh dialect is not solely unique to this city. Different variations of this dialect are heard in other parts of the country, such as in the Appalachian Mountains, the Midwest and parts of the southern United States.

Image courtesy of koratmember/freedigitalphotos.net

CL has spoken with some classy co-eds from Pittsburgh in order to get the inside scoop on the local dialect of this area.

“Besides the classic “yinz” instead of “you all,” there’s “spicket” instead of “faucet,” “slippey” instead of “slippery” and “nebby” instead of “nosy.” – Leanne Gallaway, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh

“Rubber band is “gumband.” Submarine sandwiches are “hoagies.” Bologna is “jumbo.” Soda is ALWAYS “pop.” The biggest part of the Pittsburgh dialect is our shortening of the “ow” sound (as in Downtown) to “ah” (as in “Dahntahn”). So in Pittsburgh, instead of saying, ‘Are you guys going downtown to the Steelers game?’ we’d say, ‘Yinz goin’ dahntahn to the Stillers game?’ Also, we shorten the terms “and that/and such,” etc., to just “n’at.” As in, ‘I’m going to the grocery store to get jumbo n’at.’” – Kaitlin Green, Duquesne University

“Yins is you all; a shopping cart is a buggy” – Alli Heitzenrater, Penn State Behrend alum

“… In Pittsburgh we have a t-shirt with all of the “Pittsburgese” (as we call it) terms. Instead of saying ‘I’m just messing with you,’ we say, ‘I’m just jagging!’ We also call thorn bushes ‘jagger bushes.’” – Emily Bastaroli, Point Park University

“It is not soda. It’s pop.” – Debra Schreiber, Duquesne University alum

The way people talk is a direct reflection of where they’re from and of those who came before. Dialects give us clues to the past, the present and direct us on our paths to the future. Embrace your fabulous dialect, use it and love it! It’s these dialects that bring people together, strengthen the culture of an area and continue to pass on its rich history from generation to generation.

For more on Pittsburgh,  check out these CL articles:

Local Food: Pittsburgh

Top Five Summer Volunteer Opportunities in Pittsburgh

The Apartment Report: Pittsburgh

Image courtesy of Chuck Felix/freedigitalphotos.net