The thought of starting your college career can bring excitement, but it can also bring tons of anxiety. However you’re feeling, just know this: College is a great learning experience and teaches the importance of independence. You’ll meet lifelong friends PLUS earn a degree. It’s a win win! Now, if you’re still feeling some type of way, here are a few ways to calm your nerves.

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Roomie Connect- Normally you find out who your roommate is before you leave for school. Message them on social media and introduce yourself. Exchange phone numbers! They are the first friend you’ll make on campus and they’re probably just as nervous as you.

College Rundown- Preview events give you a chance to see the school without the bustle of all the students. You’ll get a feel for all the clubs, organizations, and sports teams that you can be apart of too.

Chat With A Grad-No one will be able to give you more in-depth and honest advice about your college than someone who already went there. They’ve been through it already and have a lot of valuable knowledge to pass down, like where the best spots to eat on campus are or what classes are easy A’s.

An there ya go!

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Tia B., Content Editor

(Photo credit: Vania Stoyanova)

Keeping up with grades, navigating your way through a harsh social scene, parents constantly applying pressure for perfection…when does it ever stop? As a student, the pressures of life can quickly build-up and invite a “you against the world” mentality.

We have all been there–typed out a text message asking for emotional or physical support, only to delete it before sending. Teen entrepreneurs Hannah and Charlie Lucas are redefining the power of mental health while creating a fresh platform with their new app notOK™. Recently winning the NAMI Young Leader Award (National Alliance in Mental Illness), the fearless siblings are snatching away any shame that’s accompanied with asking for help. 

(Photo credit: Vania Stoyanova)

Just last year Hannah was fainting so much that she missed 70% of the school year due to a rare disease called POTS. While she was there she constantly got bullied and even threatened (by a fellow student) that she would be taken advantage of the next time she passed out in school. Being scared was a permanent state of mind. After becoming severely depressed and even attempting suicide, Hannah’s little brother Charlie stepped in to help her change things. The two searched for apps that helped teens in their time of distress. They didn’t find any so they created their own- the notOK app.

In just a few months after launch, these inspirational tech siblings have been gaining massive attention with over 49k downloads in just 3 months. They are working with Thrive NYC to implement a program in NYC schools next year and even scored their first investor.

To use notOK™, simply open the app, tap the red button and a text message will be sent to up to 5 pre-selected contacts that reads: “Hey, I’m not OK. Please call me, text me, or come find me,” along with a link to your current GPS location. Whether you’re a teen or an adult suffering from loneliness, anxiety, depression, stress, suicidal thoughts, or anything else, immediate help is only the tap of a button away.You no longer have to suffer alone. Help is closer than you think!

Let’s get to know Hannah + Charlie a little better…

(Photo credit: Vania Stoyanova)

The notOK app is beyond brilliant and is blazing the way for teens to tap into mental health. Why was it important to create a platform that not only allowed both of you to overcome personal struggles but other teens as well?
It’s important to create a platform that allows people to have open discussions about the difficult topics. In having these difficult conversations, it suddenly makes it OK to be notOK. And it gives people the opportunity to answer some of the less talked about questions.

Hannah, due to having POTS caused you to miss 70% of the school year which led to bullying. How were you able to shift your energy from a negative situation into a positive solution?
To be honest, I don’t think I would’ve been able to shift my perspective if it weren’t for the help of a therapist. When I first started going to therapy, I’m not going to lie, I was obnoxiously sarcastic. I just wanted to get out of there as fast as possible. When I started working on notOK I finally saw hope again. At that point I started to take my therapist seriously because something clicked inside and I realized that she was there to help me not harm me.

Charlie, seeing your older sister having to overcome obstacles could have caused you to feel a bit helpless. What motivated you to use your strengths + talents to be there for her?
Well helplessness was a key factor in getting me to this breaking point, where I couldn’t do anything anymore so when Hannah gave me her idea I leaped at the chance to help her.

Unfortunately, a lot of time teen mental health or stress isn’t taken as serious as it should be. It is labeled as “growing pains” or even being “dramatic”. How does the notOK app make it clear of the pressures teens deal with on a daily basis?
notOK is designed to destigmatize mental health. In doing so, all alerts should be received as urgent. The trusted contacts should keep in mind that even though it seems small, to the user, it could be life altering. Being notOK means something different for each individual person.

Mental health can be looked as a “weakness” when it comes to teens of color, how can we shift that stereotype and push diversity in this area?
In order to shift that stereotype, you have to start thinking of mental health as physical health. You have yearly check-ups for your physical but just ignore your mental health. When you really think about it mental health is just the chemicals in your body that make you feel or think a certain way. Thinking about it this way often helps people be more understanding towards those struggling with their mental health.

Actress Jenifer Lewis and Hannah Lucas

Being young, juggling responsibilities while walking towards your dreams can sometimes get to be a bit overwhelming, how do you regroup and motivate yourself when you’re feeling a little defeated?
Personally, I love to exercise. Whenever I feel a bit overwhelmed I just hop on my bike and ride around for a while. This is a great way to release all of the tension in my body and also keep in shape.

We are all about empowerment, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you?
Empowerment to me means having a hope for the future and having the power to achieve that future.
Empowerment means the hope of rights and equality for everyone, Empowerment means the hope of peace to me, Empowerment is the feeling of when the nation gets together to stop the injustices that happen within it.

Photo credit: Vania Stoyanova

Time for faves! Celeb Crush? Artist? Food? Movie?

Celeb Crush:
Hannah: Trevor Jackson without a question!!!

Artist:
Charlie:Brendan Urie, Ben Platt, Pitbull, and Last but definitely not least,*drumroll* BEYONCE.
Hannah: My top 3 are Queen Bey (of course), Drake (obviously), and Kendrick Lamar (without a question)

Food: Cheese Curds, Mozzarella Cheese Sticks, Creme’ Brulee, Cheese, All And Every Type

Movie:
Charlie: Greatest Showman
Hannah: Black Panther hands down!!!

Stay in the loop with Hannah + Lucas here

NotOK app

Instagram

Twitter

School’s out and it’s time to start making plans for the summer. Whatever you decide to do, make sure you look good doing it. Check out these stylish trends that will be poppin’ all summer long:

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• Off The Shoulder Top: These tops are super cute for the summer when you and your friends are hanging around enjoying some summer mocktails or if you and bae decide to kick it for a date.
• Futuristic Sunglasses: This season, everyone is rocking sunglasses that have a year 3000 look to them. This includes defined shapes and bold colors. It’s a fun look that adds personality to a simple outfit.
• Athleisure: The athleisure look is one isn’t going out of style anytime soon. Being cute and fashionable while also being comfy is a major key. Try a matching tracksuit with a cute pair of sneakers that pop.

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-Tia B., Content Editor

So summer is finally here + C.O.R.E Mag is headed on the road to sprinkle a little magic your way! C.O.R.E Mag kicked off our Beautifully Bold summer teen tour to Indianapolis  for our Bold In Self brunch!  Stay tuned will be Chicago on 7/14 and back to NYC on 9/29!

Flirting is essential when trying to catch the attention of bae, who doesn’t know he’s bae yet. It’s an ability that some of us have naturally and some of us, well, not so much. Let these tips below be a guide for you the next time you’ve got your eye on a cutie:

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Touch N’ Go! When you’re chit chatting with a guy and the conversation is flowing smoothly, lay your hand on his arm. You’ve gotta have good timing on this though!

Mic Check!  There is a big difference between hearing him speaking and actually listening to what he’s saying. Pay close attention to him so you can ask questions based on his responses. That shows that you really care.

It’s All In The Gaze! This is a pretty common flirting tip, but one that actually works. Making eye contact with him while he’s across the room shows initial interest or reinforces the flirting you did earlier.

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Tia B, Content Editor

Leaping into confidence, turning into boldness + making a point to express herself describes the path of dancer and performer, Najaah Malonne! Budding from her introverted personality, she discovered her creative space to showcase her individuality on stage for the world to see.

Najaah started dancing at the tender age of  4 and  joined Dance Academy West’s competition team at only 9 years old.  By 10, she began performing solos to hone both her technique and stage presence.  She quickly became an award winning dancer, collecting top honors, special judges awards and scholarships.  In efforts to become an even better dancer, Najaah began attending summer intensives.  She has studied as a Jr Ballet Trainee at The Joffrey School of Ballet, Joffrey West Summer Jazz Intensive in Los Angeles, Debbie Allen Dance Academy Intensive in Atlanta and Alvin Ailey Summer Dance Intensive in New York.

She also expanded her work with one of her solo choreographers, Mitchell Kelly from Season 8 of Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance”.  Mitchell provided aggressive  development and performance opportunities through his youth foundation, MK Life Parts.  He also provided her with a scholarship to her very first dance convention.  ASH (Artist Simply Human) which proved to be a life changing experience for her. After that experience, Najaah knew she wanted to become a professional dancer and decided to shift her focus from competing, to developing her technique to prepare her for the life and rigors of the professional dance world.  

Although dance is her passion, she has begun to explore other facets of the performing arts including singing + acting.   As an adult, she dreams of becoming a professional on the small and big screen and the Broadway stage, and study at institutions such as Julliard or Fordham Universities!

Let’s get to know Najaah a little better…

Dance is a form of expression that allows you to be free in movement, what first motivated you to step into the world of dance?
I always sang and tried to dance before I could even walk and talk. My parents put me in dance class because I was shy and introverted. They wanted me to have the chance to blossom and socialize with other kids before I began school. I immediately liked dance class. I listened to my teachers. Enjoyed being around other kids. But…it wasn’t until the performance and I was on stage did I fall in love with dance. Although I was shy, I loved to perform!

You’ve participated in programs at influential companies such as The Joffrey School of Ballet, Debbie Allen Dance Academy and Alvin Ailey! How has each experience aid to shape your own style when it comes to dance?

Each intensive is different because they have a different focus, emphasis or energy. Also, their locations and their legacies impact the styles of training and overall feel of each intensive.

-The Joffrey Ballet summer intensive was my very first intensive for me! Joffrey is a ballet company. So ballet is the foundation and there were a lot of serious ballerinas there when you attended as a junior ballet trainee. At their jazz intensive, they had top talent and the vibe on the West Coast is different. There legacy yields lots of resources so they bring in great instructors to their intensives. They give away lots of scholarships and reach and attract lots of dancers.

-Debbie Allen is a living legend and everyone loves her and her energy! She so highly regarded by her team and that energy is contagious. At the Debbie Allen Dance Academy Summer Intensive, they teach with so much passion. It’s special to have the founder of the intensive still alive and actually teaching classes and choreography to students. She’s accomplished so much and is still working and creating today and expanded into directing too. She’s a living breathing example of what you can accomplish as a dancer. When I was there they placed me in the advanced level. I was the youngest and everyone was much older then me. It was that that inspired me to push myself in order to keep up and grow!
But overall the intensive was more commercial compared to Joffrey.

–Alvin Ailey is like THE GOLD STANDARD! The Ailey School has the largest and most beautiful dance facility in New York. Which is saying a lot because NYC is the performing arts capital of the world.
You can’t help to feel an overwhelming amount of pride while in the building. Mr Ailey was a dancer and he built an institution that is probably bigger than he ever dreamed! Everyone wants to train there. The training is so quality!

The focus was on ballet & modern. But like other intensives, they offer all disciplines too. It was cool seeing Misty Copeland walking through The Ailey School to take ballet with The Ailey Company! The Company members would walk pass you and it’s like, WOW! They are examples of what discipline and dedication can lead up too. They are touring the world, touching people with dance and are a part of history and the legacy of Alvin Ailey. Not to mention NYC that is a force of culture and creativity all by itself. Being in New York is an experience that is life changing if you take in all of the arts, culture, food, people and energy! Which I tried to do all 3 summers I attended.
I have done other intensives too. Alonzo Kings Ballet in San Francisco and Anthony Burrells Breaking Barriers too.

Performing Arts gives an outlet to be creative + present in the moment! How has performing arts helped in building your confidence + discovering your strengths?
The preforming arts is where my heart is at. Dancing has allowed me to express myself without having to say anything and has given me confidence I never knew I had. It gave me the confidence to take part in others genres of the performing arts like drama, chorus, and the visual arts. Dance has allowed me to perform in front of huge audiences and have the strength to go to so many different auditions! The arts have shown me how strong I am and how driven I am as a person as well as an artist. Just by being in
the performing arts I have seen how much of an inspiration I can be to others which has made me want to work even harder in my profession.

What advice would you give girls who want to follow their dreams and passions but are nervous or intimidated?
You have to stay true to who you are and know that you are living your life. You must follow your heart and do what you want. Of course you will face obstacles but those obstacles are what will make you stronger.

When you see others who may be better or stronger than you, see them as inspiration to grow, to get better. In order for them to be where they are now, they had to start somewhere. We all have different paths to take so never, compare yourself to others. Everyone has a purpose and your job is to not be afraid to fulfill that purpose! Because you must to take the first step…

Being young, juggling responsibilities while walking towards your dreams can sometimes get to be a bit overwhelming, how do you regroup and motivate yourself when you’re feeling a little defeated?
It’s very important to get your thoughts together when you have a lot to balance in your life. My way of regrouping is simply going upstairs to my room. I plop on my bed and take out my phone to listen to music. The songs I play depends on the mood I am feeling on that particular day. I can get my mind off of situations when I have my earphones on. When I do this I am able to tune out the world and focus on what’s important.

We are all about empowerment, what does EMPOWERMENT mean to you?
The first thing that comes to my mind is community, coming up and working together with others to fulfill the purpose to inspire and uplift one another. When doing this you are able to empower others to create greatness. It makes a system where people are able to support each other. This sense of unity and teamwork gives others the strength to conquer anything! This can also apply to the world dance. You are never by yourself as a dancer. You are always connecting and learning from different choreographers. There is music. And there is always an audience. Dance is a collective and everything feeds off each other.

Time for faves! Celeb Crush? Artist? Food? Movie?
Celebrity crush : Michael B Jordan
Artist : Michael Jackson
Favorite food: popcorn shrimp
Favorite movie : shark tales

Follow Najaah here!

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Najaah Malonne

You made it through finals week + even graduations! It’s time to raise your glass in an ultimate toast of conquering teacher lectures, rants from your parents and ultimate “cram a year in one night” sessions! You don’t have to be 21 to enjoy the flavorful concoction of summertime cocktails. MOCKtails are non-alcoholic drinks that you can make with friends and still feel fancy! Check out these recipes below:

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Blueberry Mojito

6-8 mint leaves
Handful of fresh Blueberries slightly muddled together
2oz of Lime juice
2oz of Simple Syrup
Splash of Club soda
Directions: Add Ice. Shake.
*You can substitute blueberries for strawberries

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Virgin Paloma

1.5oz Lime juice
1oz Grapefruit juice
1oz Agave syrup
Healthy pinch of salt
Directions: Combine ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain over ice into a Collins glass and top with soda

Moscow Mule

1oz Lime juice
0.5 cup of ginger beer
1 tbsp simple syrup
2oz Tonic water
Ice
Directions: Add ingredients in a glass and stir well. Garnish with a slice of lime and a slice of fresh ginger

Lay back + sip. We won’t stress you with the thought of summer school, yet!

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Tia B, Content Editor

Scroll through the beauty diary of Louisiana based teen makeup artist, Taylor Jones! 

What city do you live in?
I live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana!

Beauty is all about being comfortable in your own skin + having fun! What are 2 beauty trends you’re loving this year?
Two beauty trends that I’m currently loving are glossy eyelids and A BLINDING HIGHLIGHTER!

If you had only 15 seconds to grab 3 beauty products, what would they be?
If I only had 15 seconds to grab three beauty products they would be my favorite lashes Malia V-Lux by ienvy, my favorite lipgloss Maybelline Shine Shot Prismatic Lip TopCoat, and my Laura Geller Highlighter Gilded Honey.

Beauty inspo is everything! Who’s your ultimate beauty icon + why?
My ultimate beauty icon has to be Aaliyah Jay. I’ve been watching her youtube since she started and has always loved her personality. She recently posted that she’ll be more into editorial makeup now, and that’s something I want to venture off into so I’m looking forward to that.

Getting ready for class can be fun but stressful if you’re in a time crunch, what’s one beauty must-have that lives in your book bag?
One beauty must have that will stay in my book bag is lipgloss!! I always keep lipgloss or some type of lip balm.

What’s your number 1 beauty rule?
My number one beauty rule is love yourself with and without makeup!

Follow MORE of Taylor’s beauty tip here!

Instagram: @dnamestay + @makeupbytrj

Yay! The school year is almost over! The only thing left to conquer is finals week. The pressure of studying everything you’ve learned this year is on. But don’t stress too much because we’ve put together Final Exams Survival Kit that will get you through.

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1. 1. Noise Cancelling Headphones – Headphones that cancel out all outside noises allow you to focus on the task at hand.
   2. Your favorite snacks – Use your favorite snacks as a reward for getting through that first chapter or memorizing formulas.
   3. Fresh Supplies – We all know how fresh supplies at the beginning of the school year make us feel good and put us in learning mode. Well, bring back that same energy during finals week with a fresh pack of pencils, highlighters, and sticky notes.
      

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   4. Caffeine – Caffeine can give you that energy boost you’ll need when it starts to get late and you still have a sufficient amount of work to get done. Whether in the form of coffee or energy drink, make sure you consume in moderation.
      OR
   5. Emergen-C : During finals week we dedicate long nights to studying and therefore result in less sleep, which weakens our immune system. Keep a packet of Emergen-C nearby just in case you start to feel a little under the weather.

You’re almost at the finish line! So don’t blow it, love. We’re ready to see your victory dance after you crush this semester!

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–Tia B., Content Editor

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and everyone is asking everyone else the big question: “What should I get my mom for Mother’s Day?” Well, just know that moms are usually content with cards and hugs but here are three suggestions if you’re looking to go the extra mile:

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1. Let’s Nibble with Edible Arrangements! These crafty flower shaped fruit baskets are a treat that will win mom over every single time.

2. Soothing Spa Gift Basket! Put together some facial masks, a cleansing bar, shower gel, and a loofah. This is a great idea because you can design it yourself with the scents you know she’ll love.

3. Light Up Your Mom’s Heart With Candles! Candles are a great “when in doubt” option. There are a multitude of scents to choose from as well as different shapes and sizes. Our faves this season are Lumiere by Lisa!

Here’s the bright side; even if you don’t pick the perfect gift your mom will still love you!

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Tia B., Content Editor