Nineteen-year-old Maurice Velazco was studying in Europe when he spotted a handsome guy at a soccer game in Wales. Despite not having any intentions to date while abroad, he put his worries of rejection and incompatibility aside and struck up a conversation with the gorgeous stranger, later known as Andrew. The two hit it off immediately, and for the remainder of Maurice’s stay, they were inseparable.

It’s summertime—and for many of us, the perfect time to for an internship. However, for those of you who are too young to intern, or for one reason or another couldn’t land the internship of your dreams, don’t stress. With these alternatives, a productive summer is within your reach.
Take a Part-time Job
Unlike unpaid internships, which experts now estimate make up a fourth to a half of existing internships, part-time jobs guarantee you money in the bank. This is a major plus for those of you who are feeling the pinch …

Besides experiencing new cultures and enjoying different types of foods and entertainment, traveling allows you to become more active than usual. Whether you’re on the road, sailing the seas like Abby Sunderland, roughing it or flying off to a foreign country, here are a few tips to help you stay healthy and happy on your next trip:
Dining Out
When you’re on vacation, chances are you won’t be cooking very often. And if you’re eating at restaurants, unhealthy items are not always obvious. The good news is that you can easily make …

“Girl in Translation”
Author: Jean Kwok
Published: April 2010
Category: Chinese, Immigrant, Fiction
Written by an author who moved to New York as a young girl herself, this tale follows a young Chinese American girl who emigrates from Hong Kong to Brooklyn with her mother. Student by day and Chinatown sweatshop worker by night, this is a moving story about being caught between two worlds as a young immigrant.

“The Carrie Diaries”
Author: Candace Bushnell
Published: May 2010
Category: Relationships, Young Adult, Fiction, Teen Romance, Friendships
After garnering criticism about the apparent aging of the fab four ladies …

Sometimes summer can get you down if you find yourself low on money or without the patience to pack and travel for weeks. But instead of being a couch potato all day long, explore your own city, backyard or home with some creative thinking.

This summer, take a trip with your friends that doesn’t require a lot of planning or extra money. Try some of these ideas for quick and easy excursions.