The 20 Best HCWO Articles of the Year

The 2015 – 2016 Her Campus Western Ontario team has wrote some fantastic articles… Some will make you laugh till you pee, others will make you sob, and a few will deeply inspire you. While it was hard to choose just twenty, I have narrowed down my long list to give you the best that we have produced this year:

PS. These are in a random order, not by ranking (it would be too hard to choose!) 

1.    What Your Halloween Costume Shouldn’t Be – Mina G

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/what-your-halloween-costume-shouldnt-be

What made it great: Every year, whether it the person living a few doors down in your dorm, or a celebrity (looking at you Chris Brown), someone seems to completely forget their ‘rights and wrongs,’ and uses the chance to dress up as a way to offend a race, religion, sex, culture, or other group of people. Mina gives readers a comprehensive list of the do’s and don’ts for costumes (however, the rule of thumb should be: if you think that your costume might offend anyone, don’t wear it!). He includes photos of costumes that are so offensive, its hard to believe that they’re real! 

Best line: “Halloween is just around the corner, and sometimes it’s an opportunity for people to cross the line from creative and funny to disturbing and offensive.”

2.    The Worst Friend I Ever Had – Sarah Botelho

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/worst-friend-i-ever-had

What made it great: An absolutely amazing article, that was very eye – opening into the life of someone with depression. Sarah describes the mental illness in such a compelling, relatable way that even someone who doesn’t suffer with it can understand how she is feeling.

Best line: “After that, they got strangely possessive. Going out with other friends became a hassle, a struggle, where they always wanted to be the sole object of my attention. We fought a lot. I lost a lot.  And yet, they always seemed to weasel their way back in.”

3.    I Am A 21 Year Old Alcoholic… And This Is How I Cope – Anonymous

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/i-am-21-year-old-alcoholic-and-how-i-cope

What made it great: I have so much admiration for the writer who wrote this, this article is so brave and touching. Alcoholism among youth is not a problem that is commonly discussed, and this article brings both the struggles and the lack of support to light.

Best line: “I am an alcoholic. I have always known that I was an alcoholic. I sometimes love being an alcoholic. I love that feeling that sneaks up from my belly and wraps itself around my waist, climbing my spine with its warmth, muddling my brain.”

4.    Everything I’d Rather Be Called Than ‘Sexy’ – Bethany Dietz 

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/everything-id-rather-be-…

What made it great: This article effortlessly summarizes the reasons why you should love yourself. Its short and sweet, and made my mood 10x better after I read it. Whether you’re stressed about exams, or just having a bad day, this article is a must read to remind yourself how great YOU are!

Best line: “There is so much more to me than how I look, and I need to remember this when thinking and talking about myself. The most valued compliments I’ve received from friends, and even the odd stranger, have nothing to do with looks.”

5.    52 Things To Do Before Leaving #WesternU – Hannah Lee

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/52-things-do-leaving-westernu

What made it great: This list is something that you would want to print off and save, to look at twenty years later at all of the great (and crazy) things that you did during your university years! I’m only in second year, and I already feel behind.

Best line: “KEGGER (because spending $10 on watered down beer and a cup someone else 100% drank out of before you got there is also a Rite of Passage)”

6.    Periods Beware: I’m Too Diva For You – Becca Serena

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/periods-beware-i-m-too-diva-you

What made it great: In society, we’ve been conditioned to never discuss period (even though they’re something that happens to 50% of the population!). This article is blunt and unapologetic; it first deals with the logistics of this new sanitary product, then talks about its benefits. Its incredibly informative, and definitely a must – read for anyone who gets their period.

Best line: ““I honestly never even notice my diva cup,” Born explained. “It’s like not even having a period.”

7.    To the Drunk Driver Who Hit My Car on Halloween – Kenyon Born

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/drunk-driver-who-hit-my-car-halloween

What made it great: This is such a fantastic story, that hits close to home. One of our own Her Campus writers was affected by drunk driving, and is so lucky to not have been hurt. Its important to keep telling and sharing these stories to continue to warn people about the dangers of drunk driving.

Best line: “I hope you don’t hurt anyone because you are being an idiot… and I hope Karma kicks your ass. I hope that people stop driving while intoxicated… because not everyone is as lucky as I am.”

8.    Why  “My Number” Is None of Your Business – Alexie Evans

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/why-my-number-none-your-business

What made it great: This article unapologetically discusses the focus that our society has on policing other’s sexuality. Writer, Alexie, voices the opinions that I’m sure many of us have had, and are too afraid to say – that we are worth more than the number of sexual partners that we have (or haven’t) had.

Best line: I went to Catholic school, and as an impressionable 13-year-old doing my confirmation, I remember the chaplain instilling into us, both young girls and boys, that our sexual activity determines our worth.

9.    My Struggle With Anorexia Nervosa & B.E.D – Rita Rahmati

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/my-struggle-anorexia-nervosa-bed

What made it great: This article fearlessly discusses the struggles of having two eating disorders. Rita openly talks about her journey dealing with her struggles. The article ends of an inspiring note, as she assures readers that “it will get better,” just as it did for her.

Best line: “Eventually, I realized I hadn’t received my period in a few months and of course I became concerned. Losing the thing that makes me a woman and will one day allow me to have children made me realize I had to start eating more. But it wasn’t easy.”

10.  21 Lessons I’ve Learned In 21 Years – Ariel Vaisbort

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/21-lessons-ive-learned-21-years

What made it great: People never associate being wise with youth, however, Ariel’s article words of advice can apply to the lives of all 20 – somethings, dealing with social media, school, health, and boy issues!

Best line: “What, Ariel? Our generation is so obsessed with hating things. It’s so ‘cool’ to be uninterested and detached. And that’s kind of gross, honestly. Love what you love and don’t let anyone stop you. Love fiercely and passionately and wildly.”

11.  Her Campus Saved My Life – Kellie Anderson

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/her-campus-saved-my-life

What made it great: I have to admit – this article made me sob. Our 2015 – 2016 Campus Coordinator, Kellie, is so brave. She continues to share her story in hopes of helping other. Her story with Her Campus is so beautiful, and truly demonstrates how important it is to have a passion, as it can change your life.

Best line: “Her Campus was, and still is, a part of my recovery. It is a coping tool that I flock to when I need to tell my truth and to “just let it out.” Writing heals me and helps me to admit my fears and faults… it also helps me to let them go.”

12.  STOP Asking Me My Life Plan – Hannah Lee

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/stop-asking-me-my-life-plan

What made it great: Hannah somehow expresses my inner monologue every time someone asks me what my life plan is, but in a hilarious way. While this seems like it may be stressful to read, she also is reassuring and comforting about it simultaneously.  If you’re graduating soon, this article is a must read – its the perfect reminder that the combination of fear and excitement is completely normal!

Best line: “It’s okay. It’s okay not to have a plan. You have one semester left ENJOY IT! Go to class, get whatever you can out of the little time you have left here, and don’t feel like you need to have everything planned out. It’s okay to be a little lost, or at the very least to feel that way.”

13.  The Many Thoughts I Had Waiting For The Kylie Jenner Lip Kit – Amanda Henderson Jones

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/many-thoughts-i-had-while-waiting-kylie-jenner-lip-kit

What made it great: This article was SO fun to write (and spoiler: getting a lip kit at the end was the cherry on top). I got told by a friend that they ‘laughed so hard, they peed a little,’ which to me, is quite the accomplishment.

Best line: “While admitting the measures that I have gone though to get a lip kit will probably convince 99% of people that I’m crazy, it might give some good advice to those who are equally as desperate for it.”

14.  The Real Housepets of HCWO – Kellie Anderson

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/real-housepets-hcwo

What made it great: Adorable pets + hilarious quotes = the perfect study break. Need I say any more?

Best line: “food is more important than my mother to me”

15.  Adults Are Only Grown-Up Kids Anyways – Becca Serena

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/adults-are-only-grown-ki…

What made it great: I definitely have a boas towards this article – Disney is my absolute favourite place in the whole world, and I melt into a complete child when I start to talk about it. Becca does an amazing job capturing its wonder, and her photos and stories will definitely give you FOMO.

Best line: “I was completely unprepared to meet Elsa; she is my favourite princess/queen and I did not feel adequately dressed. My eyeliner was coming off, I hadn’t worn a dress, and I had nothing planned to say to her to express how much she meant to me.”

16.  If You Can’t Call Him, He’s Not Worth It – Hannah Lee

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/if-you-cant-call-him-hes-not-worth-it

What made it great: Hannah is the girl friend that you definitely need in your life. She gives the best advice –  and its based off of her own life experiences. If I ever have any boy – troubles, I know who I’m calling!

Best line: “Studying or not, it was my f*cking birthday. He should’ve just called. I shouldn’t have even had to ask, let alone beg. He should’ve just wanted to. He should have done it because he knew it would make me happy. He should’ve been happy that I wanted to talk to him.”

17.  Why Going Out is the Worst – Kellie Anderson

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/why-going-out-worst

What made it great: Somehow Kellie was able to read my mind every time I was getting ready to go out for the night. With her magical powers, she is able to understand that instead of spending countless hours getting ready just to get sweaty dancing too close to strangers, and having to push my way to the bar; I would much rather be in bed, with netflix.

Best line: “You can’t bring food to eat.”

18.  Becoming Aware of My Body – Amanda Henderson Jones

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/becoming-aware-my-body

What made it great: I was SO nervous posting this, knowing that it would be out on the internet – for everyone to see. I’ve never been open about my struggles with my body before, and I found it so liberating to finally be able to free myself of the feelings that I had been holding in. This is the article I am most proud of writing thus far.

Best line: “In that moment, I blamed myself. I blamed myself for not looking like the other girls in my class. I blamed my size as the reason why I wasn’t being asked out on dates, and for not fitting in socially.  I realize now, in retrospect, that it wasn’t the other children excluding me for my figure, but it was my insecurities about my size that were holding me back from acting like everyone else.”

19.  Profile: Sarah Botelho – Ariel Vaisbort

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/sarah-botelho

What made it great: It is so great to see our HCWO girls supporting each other! This article showcases one of our extremely talented writers, who is also a singer. It was great to learn more about one of our writers.

Best line: “(Who is your role model?) MY MOMMA SHE’S SO RAD (hi mom). Um, but actually probably Florence Welch because she is all I aspire to be in terms of music, fashion, everything. Yeah.”

20.  10 Thing I’ve Learned Writing My First Novel – Kellie Anderson

http://www.hercampus.com/school/western-ontario/10-things-ive-learned-while-writing-my-first-novel

What made it great: I am SO excited to read Kellie’s book one day! In the meantime, its great that she opened up about some of the struggles – and life lessons – she’s learned along the way.

Best line: “You are not your biggest critic. If you have the lady-balls to write a novel, odds are it’s because you’re confident about your idea.”

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