Cooglife Involvement 2024 by UH Center for Student Media

Issue 66 // January 2024 // Involvement Issue

EDITORIAL

COVER

WRITERS/ARTISTS

Sydney Rose Executive Editor cooglife@thedailycougar.com

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo Creative Director of The Cougar creative@thedailycougar.com

Jamie Thornton Dulce Garza Cindy Rivas Alfaro Atirikta Kumar Gauraangi Gupta Mahdiya Bhiwandiwala Len Duenas

Table of Contents: 3

Letter From The Editor

6 14

10 Orgs You May Not Know

A Look Inside Student Program Board

QUIZ: Which Campus Org Should You Join?

COOGLIFE // January 2024

4 10 18

How I Got Involved: An Essay

Juggling Bonds and Boundaries: Friendships in College Orgs

The Culture Around Cultural Orgs

Letter From The Editor to express themselves, write about articles they care about and present said work to the campus! Hello everyone! My name is Sydney Rose and I am Cooglife’s Executive Editor. Welcome to another semester of Cooglife! Happy new year! As we get a start on 2024, I see myself setting goals for where to take Cooglife and its amazing staff of writers, photographers and artists.

This issue in particular I am very excited to show you. This month is the Involvement Issue and we have so many stories highlighting all the ways students can get involved on campus, as well as the best measures to take in order to get started.

Getting involved is important because I would not be in the position I am in today As you can see, we’ve already without taking those first revamped the look of the steps of joining a campus magazine to give it a fresh organization. Throughout my spin. Plus, you get a sneak time at UH I’ve worked within peek at our new logo to the The Cougar, RHA, Glass left page here designed by Mountain and more, and I Jose Gonzalez-Campelo. Isn’t could not be happier that I it pretty? did. Not everything in this new era is about change though. We are staying consistent in being an outlet for students

Through these organizations I have made friendships to last a lifetime and built strong relationships that

can be there personally and professionally. In this issue, you’ll see other stories of those who got involved, officers of organizations that are making a difference on campus and you can even flip to the back to take our quiz in order to find out what organization might fit you best. It never hurts to put yourself out there and meet new people. College is such a fun time in our lives and getting involved is here to make that even more so. I can’t wait for you to read all of our great work and admire the art to go along with each story. As always, thanks for picking us up.

Thanks for reading, Sydney Rose Executive Editor

COOGLIFE // January 2024

In my first year

at UH, everyone told me I should join a club or organization. Since I was new to the school as a transfer student, I was nervous about joining anything, so I didn’t. However, the following year I ended up joining Cooglife and getting a job on campus which enriched my time here more than I could have imagined. My junior and senior years have been the best of my three years at UH because I got involved.

How I Go Invo t lved An E : ssay the opportunity to write a review of the show. It has also allowed me to grow as a writer and given me experience for my future career.

Writing for Cooglife has given me so many cool experiences My first article was a brownie like seeing one of my favorite recipe written by my late bands in concert and having uncle and the amount of 4

COOGLIFE // January 2024

support I received from my friends and even my bosses at work was incredible. Being able to see my work physically printed and have the people in my life read it means the world to me. I

wouldn’t have been able to do that if I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone and got involved in Cooglife. This past semester, I joined Coog Radio as a writer for their online blog and it has been so much fun. I know that I want to work in the music industry in some capacity, so having even a small amount of experience is beneficial. I’ve met some really cool people through Coog Radio and am looking forward to being even more involved in my last semester at UH. While an on-campus job isn’t necessarily an organization, I definitely view it as being involved on campus. I know that finding a job on campus can be difficult as it’s in high demand, so I feel extremely lucky. My on-campus job gave

me my best friends that I don’t know what I would do without. I don’t view them as co-workers anymore, as we hang out so much they’ve just become my friends. If I hadn’t applied for this job, I probably never would have met them because we all have vastly different majors. We have been there for each other in some of our toughest times, and I wouldn’t have them if I hadn’t gotten involved. If I could give any advice for making the most of time spent in college, getting involved would definitely be on that list.

of my college experience outside of academics, I understand why it’s pushed so much. Nowadays, unfortunately, getting a degree isn’t enough to prove competence in a field. Employers want to see applicants applying themselves outside of the classroom and doing things on their own. Finding a club or organization in a major or career path looks great on a resume and usually gives real-world experience.

Putting yourself out there can be scary, but once you do it it gets so much easier. I would In my first year, I didn’t think it encourage everyone to find was that important and didn’t something that gives them a understand why everyone sense of belonging, whether pushed it so much. that’s an organization related to their major or a club However, now that I’ve seen related to a hobby. the growth that can come with getting the most out

Story by: Jamie Thornton Grapic by: Len Duenas

COOGLIFE // January 2024

NOW LEASING FALL 2024 Luxury Student Living!

Single Occupancy Rates at $699!

COOGLIFE // January 2024

UH has a variety of student organizations catering to the various skills and interests of its students. There are some widely popular organizations as well as those which are lesser known.

With the percentage of women being so low in the cybersecurity field, this organization aims to help overcome this gap to provide resources, network opportunities and success!

live on campus, are first-year students or for anyone who wants to have a fun social life.

If you’re someone who wants to go out of their way to stay unique and take the road less traveled, we have got you covered! Here is a list of 10 organizations you may have not known about.

Live Action Role Play at UH

If your aesthetic is chic and you dress to impress, then the Fashion and Business Organisation is definitely something you should check out. FAB is a professional student organization linking students of all majors with a casual or professional interest in fashion to professionals and opportunities within the industry.

Women in Cybersecurity If you want to join a community that caters to one of the fastest-growing industries, you must join this organization. It was founded to have a platform where women from diverse academic backgrounds and cultures can come together to collaborate, exchange ideas and learn from each other.

Do you want to try something fun and new? Or, are you already into role play? Then Live Action Role Play at UH is the organization for you! This organization is a LARP group that specializes and reaches out to multiple styles and organizations of play. There are options for medieval recreation, acting and creating characters or personas, exercising and numerous charitable acts.

Downtime Living on campus can sometimes become mundane and boring, especially for the incoming freshmen. If you relate with this feeling then Downtime is an organization that can help. Downtime is a student organization for those who want to make new friends during their downtime on campus. The organization hosts events for people who

Fashion and Business Organization

The purpose is to provide an outlet for students to explore the different opportunities within the fashion industry. With a strong emphasis on connecting the organization to the Houston fashion industry and beyond, FAB continues to create events, relationships and opportunities that showcase the diversity and application of fashion from a wide variety of perspectives.

Cougar Dancesport Does music make you want to dance? Do you find yourself making movements when you’re standing idle?

Photo by: Trevor Nolley COOGLIFE // January 2024

Photo Courtesy of Cougar Dancesport

schoolers to professionals working in it. Code Coogs is a computer science organization, offering team projects where members work in collaboration to create meaningful projects, host workshops for web development and technical interview preparation. It also hosts biweekly coding competitions, gives out extra credit for some computer science classes and hosts fun social events such as painting, bowling, game nights and more.

Check out Cougar Dancesport! It is a registered student organization at UH that holds weekly classes to promote Ballroom and Latin Dancing while preparing its members for Collegiate, Regional and National competitions. The current membership is $60 per person for a semester. Membership grants you access to all of 8

COOGLIFE // January 2024

the weekly classes during the semester as well as access to all workshops taught by USA DANCE instructors. The members are extremely friendly and you can join them to learn professional dance or just for fun!

Code Coogs Computer Science is one of the upcoming and dynamic fields which has a wide variety of people from high

At the end of every spring semester, the club hosts an end-of-the-year banquet to demonstrate the team projects to judges and celebrate its achievements.

Cards for Humanity Cards for Humanity is a volunteer club where students meet once a month to create and design holiday cards for special occasions that will be delivered to local nursing homes. The members will also be able to earn volunteer hours for each card they create.

This is a perfect organization for those students who enjoy arts and crafts while helping others and making the less fortunate feel loved.

Out in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math at the University of Houston oSTEM aims to empower LGBTQ+ students in STEM to succeed both academically and professionally while cultivating a community that values leadership, interpersonal relationships and advocacy. The core values revolve around integrity, intentionality, respect, passion and grit. The organization

understands the difficulties that come with careers in STEM while being part of the LGBTQ+ community, which is why it works to provide the tools, events, connections and advice for all members to succeed.

Animation Club If you enjoy watching animations and always wondered if you could do the same as well, then join the Animation Club. It is an organization focused on having a space for animators in Motion Design, 3D Animation and 2D Animation. Members can share their work, give and receive feedback, participate in creative challenges and

collaborate with others for animation projects.

Photography Student Association of UH The Photography Student Association of UH is geared towards connecting photographers from all corners of the campus and of all majors! It is a diverse organization with people from different backgrounds, artists of different skill levels, people who enjoy analog and digital photography as well as those who love different styles of the art! You should definitely join this organization if you want to network, share your work or simply listen to others talk about photography.

Photo Courtesy of Photography Student Association of UH

COOGLIFE // January 2024

Juggling Bonds and Boundaries Friendships in College Orgs With over 500 student organizations, UH has various clubs for students to join. It only takes three people to start a club and many students drag along their friends to be the founding members. Some end up lasting a few weeks while others gain the traction to last for years.

However, a special kind of balance needs to be created when working with friends to make sure boundaries and feelings don’t get too misaligned.

Working alongside friends toward a common goal can be rewarding and can play a big role in creating unforgettable memories.

Council for Cultural Activities

Here are some ways in which student leaders balance working with their friends.

Sarah Khan is the Director

of the Council for Cultural Activities which is known for putting together Cultural Taste of Houston and Cultural Explosion. Last year, it was her second year being a part of CCA but this time, she was the director and the majority of the executive board were people she considers friends. “It was harder for me last year to establish a clear boundary between being the director and being a fellow friend,” Khan said. “Going out with them at night but also

All photos were taken by Cindy Rivas Alfaro. Each organization participated in a photoshoot made to resemble the popularized “JCPenney Awkward Photoshoot Trend” as seen on TikTok. 10 COOGLIFE // January 2024

coming back in the morning to the same workspace, it was a bit hard for me.” Khan dealt with some drama on the executive board when members felt she was being biased or picking favorites when it came to her friends. For Khan, she found speaking to her adviser throughout it all and clarifying team dynamics were most helpful to her. She wasn’t purposefully leaving people out, she was assigning tasks based on efficiency which is vital within fast-paced student organizations. Khan started opening up to her fellow members more and went on trying to see where their strengths were in the organization. At retreats, she made members do some elevator pitches, practice on contracts and even try to send a few emails. With

this, she hoped she could find tasks and positions that would best align with the members who felt left out. “The solution was making sure they knew that I was assessing communication and relationship based on where the strength was lying with that particular individual,” Khan said. Now, in her second year being director, Khan had to start her executive board from scratch, but this time with complete strangers outside of her assistant director. With the experience under her belt, Khan feels like she’s better equipped to communicate effectively with her executive board on what she expects from them while also building meaningful relationships within CCA.

“I think it’s really nice making these connections and even after your commitment in that organization has passed, you’re still in touch with them and could rely on them for certain things,” Khan said.

Student Government Association For Student Government Association President Benjamin Rizk, it’s all about navigating the organization and connecting people to collaborate in a timely matter. It’s important to stay focused on the task at hand during work hours and not spend too much time dwelling on disagreements, Rizk said. COOGLIFE // January 2024

SGA spends a lot of time during meetings trying to reach a consensus for a bill or introducing new legislation. It becomes counterproductive when things get too personal.

is at the forefront of the 60th administration. But as with many things in life, burnout can easily catch up.

“It got to the point where my body was just like ‘No.’ So I would say my body found “It’s not worth the time or the the work-life balance for me,” energy to try to group people Rizk said. “My stubborn head into categories in your head will make me try to do things of who’s your friend and but now I’m realizing I really who’s your enemy. You’re have a limited amount of going to have to work with time.” everyone,” Rizk said. Rizk focuses a lot more on With such a tight deadline what he can accomplish to get as many things done rather than setting unrealistic as possible in a single year, goals that leave him feeling Rizk said it comes naturally to defeated. He makes separate work from personal sure to reach out to life. Accomplishing initiatives people in his cabinet

Stay Connected Subscribe to The Cougar’s Newsletter

Follow The Cougar on Social Media

@thedailycougar

12 COOGLIFE // January 2024

@TheDailyCougar

whom he can rely on to get the work done. Just like Khan, he focuses on the strengths people bring to the table to maximize efficiency. Despite all the work-focused things, he still leaves time to hang out with people outside of the SGA office, even calling his house the unofficial “campaign headquarters” where SGA folks can hang out. “I’m just trying to find people who will actually advocate the best way,” Rizk said. “So that’s what I’ve learned now. Just

knowledge of responsibilities, how much time you have and filtering out people a lot more.”

Metro volunteer Program Omar Castanon is the Director of the Metropolitan Volunteer Program and he finds working with friends in an organization doesn’t even feel like work when you’re surrounded by your favorite people. “I’m really fortunate enough to be in this position to be working with people that I truly care about,” Castanon said. “I think it’s really impactful to meet other people who are also just as passionate as me.” However, it was difficult for Castanon to feel comfortable in the beginning as a first-

generation college student. A little imposter syndrome settled in within him as he was surrounded by people much older than him who seemed to know what they were doing. In moments when he felt overwhelmed or burned out, he made sure to remind himself why he was there in the first place. “I never saw somebody who looked like me, spoke Spanish or somebody Hispanic or Latine in these positions of leadership when I was growing up,” Castanon said. “My work is having an impact on somebody and I can be that role model for somebody else.”

photoshoot, Castanon feels grateful to be able to have friends around him in his organization where he can do funny things like that. Even though it can get stressful sometimes when a majority of the work is done behind the scenes, he said it’s worth it. “I’ve been able to have these friendships and make these connections with so many great people,” Castanon said. ”It just reminds me that it really doesn’t feel like work because I’m with the people I love and they also love what they do.”

Reminiscing on the COOGLIFE // January 2024 13

AL o St ok u Pr de Ins nt id o Bo gr e ar am d

St or bh iw Ma y B an hd y: di i w ya al a 14 COOGLIFE // January 2024

organization dedicated to hosting programs and events for students throughout the year, bringing everyone together in an inclusive, Here warm and most importantly, at fun-filled environment. UH, student “The main message of SPB is to enhance the student experience at UH by organizations providing inclusive events are the heart that bring the University of the University, community together,” said creating a safe SPB President Samantha space for everyone Sadeghi. “SPB aims to cater to feel welcomed in a to every student on campus, large community. staying connected to their wants and needs while Among these organizations offering an opportunity to get are some universityinvolved in campus life and sponsored and housed meet new people through by the Center for Student entertaining activities.” Involvement. What makes these organizations different Let’s dive deeper to learn from the others is being more about SPB, what is funded by student fees done on a weekly basis, what and have a common goal being a member is like, what of enriching the lives of it gives to the University, students at UH every day. what goals the organization has, how its members Today, we are going to envision the future of SPB take a closer look at and what makes it fun. one such student-feefunded organization, When asked what a normal the Student week in the SPB organization Program Board. looks like, SPB Special Events Chair Nancy Cristobal talks Created in about how each officer takes 1985, the responsibility to help plan Student events and check up on eah Program other’s progress. Board is an “Chairs have committees that they communicate with weekly that help with planning their events and get

input from,” Cristobal said. “We also try to keep in touch with all our members on GroupMe by checking up on them and updating them on upcoming events throughout the week.” Like many other organizations, the SPB gives out volunteering opportunities to UH students since it hosts multiple events throughout each semester. Many students benefit from these volunteering opportunities as they get to work in a dynamic atmosphere and meet new people. Heeya Paul is an example of a student who has benefitted from volunteering at the SPB.

Continued on next page

COOGLIFE // January 2024

“As a member, you get volunteering opportunities and freebies. In my experience, I volunteered at many SPB events since my sophomore year,” Paul said. “During the Commuter Cook-Out event, I helped out plenty of students to check in. There were hundreds of students – that event was packed!” Major Events Chair Ada Martinez highlighted how the organization contributes to the university. “We provide a wide variety of free events for students to partake in where they can branch out, get involved, meet new friends or even make long-lasting connections,” Martinez said. “For freshmen especially, it can be nerve-wracking for students to break out of their shells and meet new people.” Martinez further added attending events at SPB is a great first step that can help people make new friends and be involved in UH organizations in the time they spend at the University. Some of the notable events hosted by the SPB during the fall semester included the Commuter CookOut, Cougar Con, Movie Night, Pumpkin Palooza, the Homecoming Concert featuring Sean Kingston 16 COOGLIFE // January 2024

and Winter Wonderland. All of these events had a sizable audience and helped students take a break from their rigorous schedules. Everyone likes to feel a sense of belonging when they join a new community. The fact that students get to be a part of student-led events and work in an involved environment is what makes SPB a fun organization for students to join. Considering the diversity of events hosted by SPB, there is something for everyone and is also a unique opportunity to make lifelong connections. “The number of fun

interactions makes SPB fun to join for students; through all the events, students leave their comfort zones and be a part of the variety of events that SPB hosts,” said Cinema Chair Faiza Murtaza. “When I joined as a student, what attracted me to SPB was the welcoming and involved feeling I would get when I was a regular officer.” Based on the current success of the events hosted by the SPB, it is no surprise to predict the future of the organization looks brilliant and bright. Vice President of Membership Catherine

Cedillo-Moreno shared her idea of SPB’s future and her vision for the organization in the years to come.

Speaking of how the future looks like for the SPB, here are some of the upcoming events being held by the organization that you certainly want to keep an eye out for:

“In the future, I hope SPB’s membership increases tenfold, and students will be able to join the organization and know that they will gain event planning skills,” CedilloMoreno said. “From there I hope to see members become officers and ensure that they maintain a welcoming environment for all students who are looking for a community.”

MLK Movie Night January 25th from 7 – 10 PM in the SC South Theater

Cat Cafe This is directly aligned with the goals of the organization as a January 30th from 4 – whole, which is to cultivate an environment where students 6 PM in the Ballroom can meet new people and make long-lasting memories.

Stuff-A-Bear February 15th time TBD in the Houston Room Besides these events, there is also going to be ‘SPB Week’ from Feb. 12-16, so stay tuned for an announcement on a week’s worth of SPB events!

COOGLIFE // January 2024

The Culture Around UH Cultural Orgs sTORY bY: aTIRIKTA kUMAR On a campus with more than 37,943 students, from various backgrounds and ethnicities, cultural organizations at UH go a long way for students in making friendships and finding a home away from home. Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., and most of the University’s student body comes from various backgrounds. To give the student body a space to learn more about the various cultures and raise awareness, the Council

18 COOGLIFE // January 2024

for Cultural Activities hosts multiple events to expose students to different cultures and promote diversity among the student body. “We give a platform for different organizations to come and showcase their cultures and learn more about other cultures,” the

council’s director Sarah Khan said. “And so that helps in building that sense of community where you’re learning together on learning different things about each other.” The council holds multiple

events for students throughout the year such as the Carnival of Cultures and Cultural Explosion. The carnival was an interactive DIY-based event where people would come and make a trinket of each continent with the idea that students would learn about a new culture with things. They make themselves and take home a trinket that holds traditional significance, Khan said. “Culture explosion is a platform where students come and showcase their traditions, like dances or songs folklores, so it really gives that sense of community where you can come and learn more about everybody else and support your own culture,” Khan said. Accounting and MIS junior and the Vice President of External Affairs at Indian Student Association Dheeraj Mulani said ISA provides a space for students to have a

sense of belonging. “I think it plays a great role in fostering the community on campus, especially with a new community,” Mulani said. “The University of Houston has a really large, Indian American or just like Indian population student population.” The association holds multiple events throughout the year such as Daniya Dhamaka and movie nights throughout the year, the events open to all the students on campus are an opportunity for students to have fun while being college students, Mulani said. At one of the many events that ISA hosts every year, after going to an event his freshmen year on campus, Mulani said it helped him make friends and give him a community on campus.

made some great friends from that day and they’re still my friends to this day. So, it definitely would, you know, vary per person. But I say it can definitely say with certainty that ISA does make an impact when it comes to fostering a community here on campus.” As an international student, Khan said she holds a special place in her heart for cultural heritage and the significance of traditions and being a part of an organization that connects people on campus, makes her “overjoyed” to be the director. “I think it’s a very enriching experience because I truly feel so happy when I see people coming together at CCA events and finding new friends or just learning something new about a different culture,” Khan said.

“My freshman year on campus, I had gone to an ISA event,” Mulani said. “I

COOGLIFE // January 2024 19

QUIZ: Which Campus Org Should You Join?

Story by: Dulce Garza Graphic by: Len Duenas 20 COOGLIFE // January 2024

Struggling to find the perfect org for you this semester? Look no further, let this quiz get you started on the right path. With an endless selection of interests to explore on campus, let these five questions narrow your options down to something unique to you!

Q1: How competitive are you? A. A healthy medium, gotta have good sportsmanship! B. I do my own thing. C. Not at all. I just want to be a part of something fun! D. Very. If there’s a first place, I’m winning it! E. I’m more of a team player.

Q2: Your best friend’s going through a breakup. How do you cheer them up? A. Get their blood flowing and go on a walk or a run! Get them out under the sun. B. Take them out to the new local bookstore you’ve been eyeing. Who knows, maybe diving into a different world might help them forget about their current one! C. Watch a ridiculously, lovey-dovey, corny show/movie together. Ice cream and all! D. Listen to them. Be their shoulder to cry on. Nothing’s better than a mediocre at-home therapist! E. Make them a playlist they can pour out their feelings to while listening. COOGLIFE // January 2024

Q3: You put on a study video. What kind is it? A. People study? B. Insert X scenario here playlist. I’m in my main character moment. C. Study with me at a cafe! Soft piano covers of pop songs in the background. D. Study with me: Pomodoro method. White noise ASMR. I’m locked in. E. Classic Lofi Girl, always. Can never go wrong.

Q4: What was your role in the school play? A. The comic relief! B. The director. C. The star! D. The side character everyone loves more than the lead. E. I handled publicity.

22 COOGLIFE // January 2024

Q5: What are you listening to? A. Sports radio. B. Sound effects to this video game I’m playing. C. The most recent artist comeback, of course! D. Classical. E. Indie rock.

RESULTS MOSTLY A’S – Tennis Club Always the life of the party and brimming with energy, it seems like it’s about time you find yourself a fun way to let it out! Get yourself a racquet and enjoy the sun! MOSTLY B’S – Creative Writing Club Traveling to other worlds on your own can be a bit exhausting, so why not join others on their journey? With the Creative Writing Club, you’re sure to find a space with endless possibilities! MOSTLY C’S – Hallyu Club Centered around appreciating that of Korean Culture, Hallyu welcomes any and all students eager to participate. With monthly events, their very own dance team, book club and study dates, don’t be shy to join in on the fun! MOSTLY D’S – Chess Club Alright, alright. You’re a classic. I respect it. Chess match next Sunday? MOSTLY E’S – CoogTV All my music/production/film bffies, I got you! Not only immersive and student interactive, CoogTV proves as an experience for those ambitious in their creative craft.

COOGLIFE // January 2024 23