While the internet may be a distraction from responsibility, sometimes it can be the best tool that people have access to. Over the years, especially as I transition from a teenager to adult, I have accumulated a list of channels I frequent to for help. In times of studying, the need for food, how to do my laundry, or advice on asking someone out, the following YouTube channels have become my life savers!

1. Vox https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLXo7UDZvByw2ixzpQCufnA

"Vox" produces well-researched, informative videos on today's news. Other uploads include information on topics like science, economics, the history of music, and more. This is the channel I watch to stay relevant with the world when I become consumed by other aspects of life. It's also a great way to find out about places or people you may not have heard of otherwise.

2. The Financial Diet

These are two girls who have learned from their financial experiences and created a business designed to help others. As someone who is entering college and being thrust into handling my own money, the advice provided in their videos makes me feel better prepared for being financially independent. In addition to student loans and side hustles, they also discuss how money is affected by relationships or *insert bid here*.

3. Crash Course https://www.youtube.com/user/crashcourse

Most have probably seen a video or two in the classroom. The channel has covered topics from world history, to study skills, to mythology. In those crunch times before final exams, where I really wish I had studied more throughout the school year, "Crash Course" has become a life saver. They perfectly summarize topics into the most concise amount of time possible. Even if I'm not cramming for a test, if I have an interest in a subject I just never got to take in as school, I can learn about it just by watching their videos.

4.How to Adult https://www.youtube.com/user/learnhowtoadult

"How to Adult" can answer any and all questions one may have about (you guessed it) adulthood. It covers the basics like how to prepare for a job interview and diversifies into specifics such as how to choose wine. If you're transitioning into adulthood and are already freaking out about responsibilities because yoy barely know how to not burn toast, "How to Adult" is the perfect channel to search for answers.

5.The Nerdwriter https://www.youtube.com/user/Nerdwriter1

Evan Puschak, the "Nerdwriter," creates video essays on politics, music, culture, and so much more. These videos remind people to question and analyze life and to think deeper about the media today. Basically, watching anything on this channel makes you feel ten times smarter and is a good exercise for your brain.

6.Thug Notes https://www.youtube.com/watchv=bZWVp_qrD8o&list=PLghL9V9QTN0i5kRAZ7SlAkHrD_0nEwoGb

Let's be honest, a majority of classic novels are a pain to read and difficult to interpret. We all use "Sparknotes" or "Shmoop" despite our teachers' pleas not to. Even they can get tiring. That is why I absolutely love "Thug Notes." It's definitely not a fool-proof substitute for reading the actual book, but "Thug Notes" provides quick summaries and analyses in a comedic manner. Each video is told by "Sparky Sweets" with heavy gangster slang thrown into the mix. Even if you actually read the book, it's still hilarious to hear the plot retold from his perspective.

7.The Simple Cooking Channel https://www.youtube.com/user/SimpleCookingChannel

Ever in need of a quick meal? Having friends over for dinner and you don't want to feed them Ramen Noodles? The Simple Cooking Channel teaches you how to make tons of tasty, easy dishes in minutes. There are tutorials for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and any other snack or meal in-between.