What does this mean for the next two years? Will there be massive changes in America or will the country suffer an endless and aggravating partisan tug-o-war over legislation?

Several weeks ago, the top issues going into the election were the economy, the deficit, and health care. Now that the election is over, it’s interesting to revisit these issues and figure out what the atmospheric shift means.

The Economy
On December 31, the tax cuts that were created during the Bush presidency will be reassessed. Obama claims he will be open to conversation with Republicans concerning an extension, but has given no word on a compromise. Considering it would be difficult for many of the current legislators to create a comprehensive bill during the lame duck period, the most plausible solution would be a one-year extension of the Bush-era cuts. This will not really help or hurt the economy, but will lead to further conversation concerning the economic future of America.

The Deficit
It’s difficult to address the future of the deficit. In a matter of two years, it would be impossible for a drastic change to occur concerning our nation’s debt. Also, since the Democrats have a majority in the Senate, the Republicans have a majority in the house, and Obama has the power of the veto, it will be difficult for any huge legislation to pass.

Health Care
The Republicans will most likely attempt to repeal the Obama administration’s health care reform plan. The House Speaker-in-waiting John Boehner (R-Ohio) stated that the Republicans intend to repeal the bill, but slowly and carefully. The repeal will most likely be symbolic, considering Obama will not agree to it. But, it will affect the public’s view of the bill.

At the end of the day, the midterms have served as a major hurdle in Obama’s legislation plans. And, they have forced the Democrats to begin preparing for the 2012 elections… already.

What do you think about the results of the midterms elections?

Obviously the current job market isn’t looking so hot for anyone right now.  Most of us don’t have a trust fund to fall back on, and the state of our economy makes attending grad school a distant dream for so many of us.  With the pressure to land an entry-level position armed only with perseverance, savvy, and Bachelor’s degree in hand, the importance of choosing the right college major is more crucial now than ever  before.

In a recent article, Newsweek names the nine majors that lead to the “best” jobs.  The list includes majors along the lines of finance and information systems – things that have always been regarded as boring safe and prestigious.  I have to say, though, that the value of a career can’t be summed up by the median starting salary.  Sure, some people are actually passionate about construction management (hey, we don’t judge) and if you are, then of course this is the perfect major for you.  But for those of us who prefer to pursue skills that are slightly less mainstream (or that won’t make you want to bludgeon yourself with a calculator during your third all-nighter in a week), I say “why not?”

Throughout college, I remember seeing my peers who chose to major in things like biology struggle to stay awake during their work days while my Communications major (obviously not the most conventional) allowed me to spend the days of my internship interviewing high profile celebs at a major magazine. Win!

With that being said, we say “suck it, high paying jobs!” and have compiled 5 majors that put you on the path to career awesomeness.

1. Floristry: Cuyamana College in California offers this program.  Essentially a combination of botany and art, this major exists within the Ornamental Horticulture department.  Students pursue their Associate of Science degree by learning everything from planting flowers to designing wedding arrangements.  (Side note: where can I find a program that teaches me to devour…err…create Edible Arrangements?  If someone can find me one, I’m THERE.)

2. Arts and Entertainment Management: Drexel University’s Westphal College of Media Arts and Design is just one of the places where you can find this exciting major.  At Drexel students can choose a specialized concentration.  Depending on this and an individual student’s skills and interests, graduates can go on to become agents, managers, artistic/creative directors, and more.

3. Viticulture and Enology: Think an Ivy League education and alcohol are mutually exclusive?  Then you obviously haven’t heard of Cornell’s program.  Viticulture and Enology is basically just a fancy term for the study of wine.  Students within this major take courses that promise to make them experts on all things related to vino. I have to warn you, though – if you’re caught slappin’ a bag of Franzia with your dorm mates, you might get booted from the program.

4. Cartooning: It’s not exactly a college major, but this program is seriously cool.  For students who can’t see themselves in a traditional university setting but would still like to develop their skills after high school, The Center For Cartoon Studies is a god send.  One and two year certificates are offered, as is a Master’s program.  An education is Cartooning teaches all the essentials of the craft: from storytelling to drawing.  This institution, located in Vermont, promises to create master cartoonists, qualified to work at a variety of major media sources.

5. Film and TV Costume Design: FIDM offers this course, which not only teaches the fundamentals of design, but also includes plenty of info on how to navigate the industry and deal with other professionals. Who knows?  If you’re a fashionista in the making, this may be the very thing that could turn you into the next Patricia Fields (the super successful costume designer for Sex And The City.)  I mean, how much fun would it be to dress Blair Waldorf week after week?  This is one program that could definitely lead to an exciting career.

Of course, if you really want to have a fun career, there’s always Michigan….

Do I sound bitter?  That’s because I am.  As a recent graduate, I’m experiencing a lot of what my elders are talking about.  Yes, I’m unemployed.  Yes, I’m an intern.  And yes, I will be paying off my student loans for the next thousand years.  But, unlike Mom and Dad, I’m not writing my generation off just yet.  Here’s why:

We’re pretty freakin’ smart. In numbers exponentially greater than previous generations, we’re earning college degrees and seeking even higher education.  Add the fact that we’re tech-savvy and hip to social networking and you might just say our generation revolutionized the way humans interact.  Next time you catch your mom getting her Facebook fix, tell her Mark Zuckerberg was just 20 when he launched the site from his dorm room in 2004.

We’re ballsy. I believe the term “disrespectful” has been tossed around quite a bit in regard to the spawn of the Baby Boomers.  Now, I’m not about to defend Kanye’s stage manners (and lack thereof) or the oft-terrifying rap stylings of Eminem, but I will say that young people today know what they want and aren’t afraid to be outspoken about it.  We engage politicians, confront campus officials, and know how to protest like it was Vietnam all over again.

We give back. In a move that was practically insisted upon by our parents, high schools the nation over require students to complete community service hours.  Thing is, even after we graduate from the minor leagues, we continue helping out in college and beyond.  Building houses, rescuing stray animals, cleaning up natural disasters- we’re there representing in huge numbers.

We’re hopeful. Don’t let anyone tell you this is a minor point.  The fact that we can be the target of so much scrutiny and stereotyping while still sticking it out in this terrible economy speaks volumes.  I don’t care if I sound like a motivational speaker; it’s important to stay positive and keep looking for a job/working hard at your job even when there’s someone telling you you’re lazy and over privileged.  I think we’re doing just fine.

Apparently not all of you agree with us, though.  The Wall Street Journal is reporting that only 63.5% of those aged 18-29 believes college is a good investment. Somewhat more shocking is that 61.5% of those over 65 agree that college is a worthwhile experience.  These numbers have dropped significantly since 2009- from 76.7% and 82.1% respectively.

Given the current economy, it’s not difficult to see why young people regret or want to avoid strapping themselves with hefty student loans.  But for people who went to college over forty years ago, have they not enjoyed receiving a significantly higher paycheck?  Or working in a field that requires a degree?  Do they think that spending four years among other educated young people, sharing ideas and growing together as a generation, isn’t important?

I know we often talk about the more lighthearted highs and lows of campus life, but the truth of the matter is that colleges genuinely benefit those who graduate from their hallowed halls.  Between tailgating and hooking up, five days a week you’re sitting in a classroom actually learning something and working towards a degree that will help you earn almost double what you would with only a high school diploma.  Prior to reading this study, I would’ve felt this is the point at which you’d all be shouting “Duh!”, but I question that now.

College is considered an investment for a reason.  While you may be feeling the financial strain of debt now, know that down the road you’ll make out better than your non-degree-toting counterparts.  The jobs you receive will likely include a more complete package of health benefits, your salary will be higher, and frankly you won’t be working at Baby Gap until you’re able to retire at 75.

I realize college isn’t for everyone, and I’m not suggesting you force it to suit your lifestyle.  But if the reason you’re reconsidering four years of bunk beds and communal bathrooms is because of the bleak job market we’re dealing with now, perhaps you need to think again.

Wake up, babe.  This isn’t dreamland.

The “real world,” as some of you may have found out, doesn’t really care if you want a career or a steady salary.  It doesn’t matter if you went to Harvard or Podunk Community College- record numbers of graduates are finding themselves jobless these days.  If you want to throw a statistic out at mom and dad (because of course you moved home after school) tell them this:  Not only are you competing against 1.6 million other degree-toting candidates, but the Huffington Post says the youth unemployment rate is at 19.6%, the lowest on record since 1948.

Take my friend Matt Grant.  Okay, he’s not really my friend but aren’t we all brought together by hard times?  Anyway, Matt went to Ohio State University, graduated in 2009.  He was a chemical engineering major and scored three internships as an undergrad.  Basically, Mr. Grant’s a smart guy.  Please, ask me what he’s doing now.  Go ahead, ask me.

He is a waiter at a Clarion Inn.  And that’s the best job he could find after a year of searching!

Well, friends, when life hand you lemons, isn’t it best to add tequila?  Here’s a little sunshine to cut through all the doom and gloom of being unemployed.

1.  I’m going to state the obvious and say that if uber-qualified Matt can’t find a job, don’t sweat it if you can’t either.  The numbers don’t lie; these are genuinely tough times for everyone, so cut yourself a little slack.

2.  Now you can squeeze out one last summer vacation. Wake up late, peruse the Internet for jobs poolside…there are worse ways to get by.  Plus you’ll have a great tan for when you eventually do get that amazing career.

3.  Think of this downtime as the perfect opportunity to prepare for the busy schedule of a working woman.  Fill your days with appointments!  1:00 Starbucks date with the BFF, 2:30 mani/pedi, 5:00 happy hour…

4.  Network!  Go to the mall often enough and eventually the sales people will start to recognize you.  Be kind to them and maybe they’ll give you their family discount.  You are, after all, still living on a college-size budget.

5. Those tennis lessons you always wanted to take?  Go for it!  Want to help out in your community?  Volunteer!  Have an itch to travel?  I see a mother-daughter road trip in your future!  When you’ve got extra time on your hands, you might as well do whatever you’ve always wanted to.  While snoozing a little longer in the morning is good some days, think of ways you can keep your head in the game, stay positive, and have a really amazing answer when those future employers ask you, “What have you been doing since graduation?”

Money!

Happy Tax Day! I know it’s not the best day for those of you who have to hand your hard-earned money over to the government (perhaps a free donut will help?), but some of you might be lucky enough to be getting some cash back. Hooray! If you’re anything like me, you were so excited at the prospect of having triple digits in your bank account that you started spending that money before you even got it.

Good for you! Stimulate that economy! Treat yourself to something wonderful. Just don’t let all the excitement blind you. Below, 5 things you shouldn’t waste your money on. Seriously.

1. A boob job
If Heidi Montag’s mega-jugs aren’t enough to turn you off, maybe this woman can convince you. Sure, four boobs for the price of two seems like a deal, but, uh, it’s four boobs. I’m pretty sure most people get by with two. Instead, try the Victoria’s Secret Miraculous push-up bra. It really does add two sizes (and not two extra boobs) and it’s much, much cheaper.

2. A tanning package
I too am trying my darndest to keep my Spring Break tan from fading before bikini season. But with recent reports that indoor tanning ups the odds of melanoma by more than 50%, I’m opting to save my cash and my skin! A healthier and cheaper alternative? Jergen’s Natural Glow lotion and Tantowels. They really work!

3. Harem Pants
With all that extra cash burning a hole in your bank account it’s tempting to splurge on designer duds that you couldn’t normally afford. But just because the fashion mags claim something is “in,” doesn’t mean you should go spend your hard-earned tax dollars on it. I mean, really, fashion editors? I don’t care if these genie pants are by Marc Jacobs and Jean Paul Gaultier, they are UGLY. Let’s all be fiscally responsible and stick with last year’s skinny jeans, K?

4. This skirt
Do I even need to say it?

5. Anything you see on an infomercial
Infomercial products are tempting, especially when it’s 3:30 am, you’re drunk and you’ve got a few extra hundred bucks to burn. Resist. I don’t know you, but I’m pretty sure you don’t need a tool to help you wipe your ass, a blender that sounds like a vibrator, or a Bumpit (unless you’re preparing for a summer in Seaside Heights).

Graduating is almost like watching Paranormal Activity; it’s just plain terrifying.

Because of the current economy (read: in the toilet) many of us are making some pretty rash decisions when it comes to choosing majors and getting the ball rolling on our futures. Students are trying to do whatever they can to get ahead of their peers, often choosing majors early in order to get a head start on internships, jobs and other experiences valuable to an attractive resume. Some schools are even getting rid of their “useless” majors – like Philosophy – in favor of majors that will actually get students some jobs – like Business.

But is being so totally focused and career minded in college really the right way to go?
Some people don’t think so.

Besides specializing in “Ramen Cuisine,” college is an essential time to focus on your career. I mean, that’s why we’re here, right? It often feels that you haven’t even unpacked your bags into your tiny dorm room before your academic advisor is pressuring you to declare your major, and fast. And it makes sense; money is tight and it’s important to get moving on a path that will secure a successful job in the future.  Unless you want to live in your parents’ basement with the family pet, college is the key to jump-starting your life.  Declaring your major early gives you more experience in the field and the opportunity to rope in an internship right away. All things that will eventually make you more appealing to that HR guy in the suit.

At the same time, though, maybe this isn’t the only aspect of college we should be focusing on.

Is getting a job the only reason people get a college education? And is a business student who only knows statistics, finance and how the banking industry works really the most appealing job candidate? What happened to being well-rounded? To being multi-dimensional? That was really important during the college application process, so why not now? Even more, how are you supposed to know what you want to do if you’ve never given anything else a chance? College is a time to explore. To learn. To try new things and find your path. Not to choose the major that makes the most money and hope you can survive it.

College, if you take advantage of all the opportunities it has to offer, opens more doors than Inconsiderate Ian did for you on your last blind date.  It also happens to be the last time you’re really given the freedom to explore such a wide variety of options. I get that we’re all desperate to nab those highly coveted jobs post graduation, but that doesn’t mean we have to lock ourselves into a box just yet. Nor that doing so is the key to success.

So, what do you think? Are we wasting our time on those art and religion classes? Should we be more focused on our trade?

But no matter how often I search “high-paying magazine job” on Monster.com, or how many fake ads I peruse on Craigslist, the harsh reality is that our economy still kinda sucks…and finding a job (where I don’t have to take off my clothes…) isn’t easy for anybody. Even a charming, well-educated woman like myself.

But don’t fret, my collegiate friends! Earlier this month the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicted the top 10 industries that will GAIN jobs in the next decade. If you think you would enjoy changing old people’s diapers, filing medical records or serving the “Rise and Shine” breakfast on a regular basis, you might be in luck. Even jobs that involve helping other people find jobs made the list!

Who woulda thunk?

It’s a little too late for me to change my major to “Hospitality Management,” but for those of you still in school (or thinking about changing your major/your entire life plan), I would heed this advice. Job security is hard to find these days, so if that’s what you’re after you just might consider putting those journalism dreams on hold and put in an app at your local Target.

At least that’s what the experts say.

Class all year? FML.

[It's pretty obvious that the average CollegeCandy reader has some very strong opinions. Opinions that she likes to share with everyone on the site. We love a strong woman, so we thought we'd give her a real forum to discuss her thoughts, feelings, and perspectives. Every Friday I'll be featuring a hot topic (like what is cheating!) and leaving it up to you, the readers, to duke it out. So, read it and get your debate on in the comments section below!]

There’s been some debate recently about increasing the number of days public school kids have to spend in class, and while you may be thinking “man, I’m glad I’m not in high school anymore,” think again. Colleges, especially public ones, generally follow the patterns set up by lower levels of schooling, which means that if they cut back on summer, you could kiss it goodbye too.

I’ll give you a moment to go find a paper bag to breathe into.

Proponents of adding school days to the calendar – including President Obama and the Education Secretary – note that American kids go to school fewer days than other countries, the same countries that tend to do better in math and science than we do. And, they claim, adding days has proven effective in some places in the U.S.  Loathe though I am to say it, they do have a point. Test scores do rise in schools that have longer school days and years.

They also point out that summer can really hold kids back academically, with many of them forgetting things or taking extra time at the start of the year to get back to the level they were at before the vacation (exhibit A: my Calculus grade last fall). Kids from poorer families get hit especially hard because their parents don’t have the opportunities to keep them enriched through things like museum trips or new books, so they fall behind even further than the rest. And it is true that our system is based on a time when most families were farmers and needed the kids around to help with the planting in summer – a system that most of us just don’t live under now – so summer isn’t really needed, it’s just something we’re used to.

Still, there are some good reasons to avoid adding on to school time. For one thing, even though Americans go to school fewer days than some other countries, we tend to be in school more hours, even than the countries that outscore us! (Could that mean there is another reason for our falling scores? I think so.) Also, in a time when we constantly hear about how kids are growing up too fast, that they need to play outside more and are under too much pressure, giving them what is essentially a 9 to 5 job probably isn’t going to lighten the load any.

And, as we’re still in the middle of some serious economic times, it’s definitely worth noting that keeping schools open longer not only adds to the school’s costs, but it also takes money away from vacation based industries that rely on the summer trade, like camps and resorts. Let’s face it, that camping trip doesn’t sounds as good when you have to struggle through Chem lab with a hangover and sunburn on Monday.

And let’s not forget: summer is awesome. Isn’t that enough to keep it around?

So whether it’s just  for solidarity with the little kid you used to be or the ramifications it might have on your class schedule, what would you pick? Would you be willing to give up a few days of free time to finally understand what ax+bx-y=r means (Nothing! They’re LETTERS!)? Or would you rather keep your break and forget about being top on the international education pile?

Would this schedule change even make a difference? Duke it out, CollegeCandies, duke it out.

Pregnant woman gets pregnant AGAIN.

Um. I have no words. This is disgusting.

The army gets its  first female drill sergeant!

Wait. Which Kardashian is getting married?!

Cray cray Kelly Bensimon will be taking it all off for Playboy.

Hipsters will save the economy (or at least PBR).