Cooglife Welcome to Houston 2021

COOGLIFE // August 2021

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August 2021

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Five underrated things to do in Houston

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Straight outta Houston

9-10 Prove you’re cool by visiting these five art exhibits and museums 11-12

How to spend a day in Houston’s Chinatown

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Best alumni-owned restaurants in Houston

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Things I wish I knew as a freshman

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QUIZ: Which Houston activity-filled day fits you best?

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FAREWELL: One last letter from the current editor

EDITORIAL

Vegan eats in the H

Autumn Rendall, Outgoing Executive Editor McKenzie Misiaszek, Incoming Executive Editor cooglife@thedailycougar.com

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COOGLIFE COOGLIFE // August 2021

COVERS

Juana Garcia, Creative Director of The Cougar

creative@thedailycougar.com

WRITING

Sydney Rose Yidan Ren Sofia Gonzalez Anna Baker Claudette Vega Jeana’e Jackson Shawn Owens

SOCIALS cooglife @cooglifemag @cooglifemag

EDITOR’S LETTER Hey there readers, Autumn here.

I

cannot beLIEVE that it has already been an entire year since

Hey readers, it’s McKenzie!

T

his is my first letter as Executive Editor and so the first

the last Welcome to

thing I want to say is thank

Houston issue, my first

you to Autumn for entrusting

one as Executive Editor of

me with Cooglife. I guess

Cooglife.

I should introduce myself.

Even on a regular year

Hi y’all, I’m McKenzie. I’m a

I am so proud of our city,

graduate student majoring

this University and everyone that’s a part of the Houston

in curriculum and instruction. When I went here for

community, but since March 2020 that pride has somehow

undergrad, I graduated with a bachelor’s in broadcast

managed to grow even more. For last year’s issue, my goal

journalism, which is how I met Autumn and started

was to show the wonderful things our city and University

working at The Cougar. I remember back then wondering

still had to offer even in the midst an awful pandemic.

how whoever ran Cooglife compiled a whole magazine,

Though that goal is still there, this year we hope to

and let me tell you, it’s hard. Between layout, coming up

welcome UH students back to campus and Houston

with story ideas and getting stories from my writers, I can

after a year of remote learning. We’ve got plenty of

say that I’m happy with this edition.

guides to things to enjoy in the city, amazing restaurant recommendations, love letters to Houston and more.

This issue is my last as Cooglife Executive Editor,

I can already say this issue is probably going to be my favorite in terms of content. I love Houston, I literally have a tattoo of the skyline on my ankle. From the

and reader I hope that you enjoy it with your whole

internationally recognized food scene we have, to the

Houstonian heart.

cultural phenoms that claim this city as their home, there

I’ve written an official farewell letter on page 20, but for

is so much to discover about this city. Even I, a native

now I would LOVE to introduce you to the next Executive

Houstonian, am still finding new places and things to do. I

Editor of Cooglife Magazine, the absolutely lovely

am so proud to call this city my home

McKenzie Misiaszek. Take it away McK!

By the end of this issue I hope I never hear any of y’all say there’s nothing to do in Houston.

Thanks for reading, Thanks for reading, Autumn Rendall, Outgoing Executive Editor

McKenzie Misiaszek Incoming Executive Editor COOGLIFE// August // August 2021 COOGLIFE 2021

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PARTY IN THE PARK

4-7pm; Lynn Eusan Park PLAYFAIR

6-7:30pm; Lynn Eusan Park SC WELCOME BACK

11-2pm; Student Centers EXPLORE THE POWERHOUSE

10-2pm; Across Campus CAT'S BACK

4-6pm; Student Centers CANDLELIGHT

8:30pm; Cullen Family Plaza GLOW PARTY

9-12am; Lynn Eusan Park

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SEP.1

SEP.1

SEP.2

WOW DAY OF SERVICE

12-5pm; Student Centers CAGE RAGE

6-9pm; TDECU Stadium CULTURAL TASTE OF HOUSTON

11-3pm; SC North

COMMUTER KICK-OFF

11-2pm; Butler Plaza GREEK-A-PALOOZA

4-6pm; Lynn Eusan Park INFRARED

7-11pm; Student Centers

ACTIVITES

Five underrated things to do in Houston but it’s worth the drive. The boardwalk has amusement rides, games, restaurants, WRITING BY SOFIA GONZALEZ shops and a PHOTOS COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIA COMMONS view of the water. The ith the school all-day pass is $25 — great year starting for college students on a and the weather budget. With the abundant cooling down, it’s time for amount of things to do students to roam around here, the fun quite literally Houston again with their never stops! friends. The city has so much to offer, and is home Smither Park to plenty of underrated gems. Here’s a list of some Located just five minutes away from the University of my favorite places that of Houston is this I think don’t get enough beauty. For all those who attention anymore: appreciate art and local artists, this is the spot to go, and it’s also the spot if you love taking aesthetic Instagram selfies.

According to its website,

If you’re itching to explore Houston and the surrounding areas, there is no shortage of things to do. From the heart of the city to the coast and bay you’ll find thrills, history and beautiful sights.

W

Kemah Boardwalk This is the perfect place for thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies. It’s on the outskirts of Houston,

over 300 individuals have contributed their art to this park. It showcases the creativity and diversity that Houston is home to.

Smither Park is also a free attraction, which makes it that much better for us broke college students.

Hermann Park Japanese Garden Another Instagrammable spot is the Japanese Garden located right off of Hermann Park. This is often an overlooked area, but it can be accessed through the heart of the

park. I feel like this place is almost always missed by people visiting the park. I myself didn’t walk into this garden for the first time until 2020, and I’m Houston born and raised. It’s a hidden gem with flowers, waterfalls, bridges, a stone path COOGLIFE // August 2021

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ACTIVITES

and traditional Japanese architecture. It’s free to the public and is dog friendly (but only to those on a leash).The best of both worlds!

Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern Located under the city of Houston, the cistern was originally a drinking water reservoir built in the early 1900s. In 2010, it was rediscovered during Buffalo Bayou’s park project. Now that it is repurposed, it’s an area for the public to see and appreciate the history of Houston through their history tours. The cistern also currently has an immersive artwork

experience, “Time No Longer,” that will be open to the public until December 12, 2021. For those who might need a relaxing day, the cistern offers sound healing meditation that you can go to every Saturday at noon, and tickets are $15.

To purchase tickets and find more information, you can visit Buffalo Bayou’s website. The cistern is a place that is often overlooked, as most people decide to stay above ground, but this place is worth checking out!

San Jacinto Monument To follow the trend of looking into the city’s

history, take a trip down to La Porte. Just about 20 minutes out of Houston is an important place that signifies the birthplace of our great state. This is often a place Houstonians don’t think to visit, but it’s not only a fun activity, it’s also a great learning experience. Those who visit can take a 500foot elevator ride to the monument’s observation deck — here is a great view and the history lesson.

Whatever you decide to do with your return to campus, don’t forget to take time off of your studies to explore the city.

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COOGLIFE // August 2021

UH.EDU/SSE

H

Straight Outta Houston

ouston often gets swept under the rug as one of the lifestyle meccas of the U.S., but it’s time for us to highlight all of the greatness that this city has to offer.

When I think of the greatness of Houston, one iconic person comes to mind. We immediately win the battle of great things to come from a city because the Queen herself was born and raised here.

Beyoncé is one of Houston’s treasures, and Houstonians everywhere take great pride in the fact that we can say that we live in the city that one of the most influential artists of all time is from.

She has been a staple in the music industry since the late ‘90s and her presence has continued to be seen decades later. Houston in general has produced so many amazing artists in the music industry, which is something that we can’t ignore.

Megan Thee Stallion rose to fame on social media when she started posting freestyles around 2015. She

CULTURE

If you’re not from Houston you may not realize how many great people and trends have come from, or were popularized, in the fourth largest city in the country. It’s time people recognize Houston for the cultural hub it is.

BY: SHAWN OWENS

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia commons

Photo via Instagram

Photo courtesy of Trevor Nolley/The Cougar

possessed a new energy that we were not seeing in female rap at the time. It was ultra feminine, but at the same time holding the

swag of male rappers like Bun B and Pimp C. As Houstonians we all love Queen Bey, and Meg has always spoken about how much of an influence she was on her.

They collaborated on the Grammy-winning remix of “Savage,” where Houston is referenced all throughout the song, down to the single’s cover art.

This is obviously what Lizzie McGuire meant when she said this is what dreams are made of.

To close off the greatness in the music industry, we can’t skip over another iconic queen. Lizzo might not have been born here, but she has the right to call Houston home. She’s even a fellow Coog!

She became the first Black female R&B singer to hold the highly coveted number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 since Rihanna’s 2012 hit “Diamonds.”

We’ve got Beyoncé, Meg and Lizzo, but they’re not the only queen’s hailing from H-Town. The G.O.A.T. Simone Biles is also a Houston native. With a total COOGLIFE // August 2021

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CULTURE

of seven Olympic medals and numerous other world championship wins, Biles is arguably the greatest athlete to come out of Space City.

Not only is Houston the breeding grounds for greatness, there’s also so much to do here. If you’re an art lover like me, there are a multitude of museums, art galleries and street art to see around the city. Another way that art presents itself is through fashion, and as a Houstonian I whole-heartedly say we take credit for this cowboy boot trend that’s everywhere in pop culture at the moment.

Being that I am a fashion lover, I couldn’t write this piece without talking a bit about the way this city has influenced fashion in pop culture. Sometimes the butt of jokes, Texas gets a rep of being a honky-tonk, cowboy boot wearing, lacking sophistication type of place.

From childhood, I have seen Stetson hats plastered in my grandfather’s closet, and under those, the most outrageous alligator cowboy boots. It’s a part of our DNA. Every year Houstonians flock together to celebrate our multi-week holiday, known as the Houston Rodeo. Here, we see this fashion trend take center stage.

Would you believe me if I told you that it’s now a trendy thing to wear cowboy boots in the summer with cut-off denim shorts? Nothing screams Texas more than that! Just scroll through your Instagram feed and you’ll undoubtedly see a few people wearing cowboy boots in a way our grandparents would scoff at. But what our grandparents don’t see is that this trend is giving all that it needs to give taking basic looks to the next level.

I look around at this city and it seems as though my appreciation for it has evolved as I’ve grown. Everytime I see the Houston skyline it reminds me just how much greatness has come from here. This city is just as iconic as New York or Los Angeles, and it’s time people recognize that.

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Prove you’re cool by visiting these five art exhibits and museums Have you been to all the major museums and murals in Houston? Are those getting boring or simply not quirky enough for you? We compiled a list of outof-the-norm places for those who have seen almost everything Houston has to offer

By Autumn Rendall

O

ne of the many amazing things about Houston’s arts and culture scene is that there is plenty of it, but as we all know some options are a lot more popular to visit than others. If you’ve found yourself bored of visiting the same museums over and over again, or you really want to impress someone by taking them to a cool exhibit they’ve never seen before, this article is for you. Here are five unique or underrated Houston museums and art installations you should pay a visit to ASAP: National Museum of Funeral History (415 Barren Springs Drive) Whether you’re a history buff or someone who’s interested in all things macabre, the National Museum of Funeral History is an absolute must-visit.

From an assortment of coffins, hearses and lessons on the history of embalming, mourning and cremating, this museum has

everything you need to know about the various ways humans go about practicing death-related ceremonies. The museum is also host to fascinating exhibits on the death of popes, presidential funerals, Japanese funerals, jazz funerals of New Orleans and much more. Admission is $10, and check out their website for operating hours and more information.

Art Car Museum (140 Heights Blvd) If you’ve ever made your way over to the Heights, there’s a good chance you’ve driven past this wonder of a museum and thought about how

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cool the building, but even more so the car out front, looks. It’s no secret that car culture is an important staple of Houston, but did you know that art car culture has also been the source of decades worth of local joy? The Art Car Museum, founded by artists James and Ann Harithas, is a free museum open Wednesday through Sunday (by appointment only) that is home to various cars decorated in a variety of objects and designs related to different themes. In addition to the art cars, visitors can also view the current collection of photos and paintings on display as well as other decorated wheeled items like bicycles, roller skates and motorcycles.

The Orange Show (2401 Munger St.) Visiting the Orange Show feels like stepping into another world that celebrates all things related to oranges.

This huge folk art installation that pays tribute to the fruit is a stunningly unique

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COOGLIFE // August 2021

maze-type structure made of found objects, brick, steel and concrete. Each piece of this monument was singlehandedly hand-placed and painted by the late Jefferson Davis McKissack, a Houston postal worker, between 1956 and 1979.

The Orange Show is home to a wishing well, stage, museum, pond, oasis, a gift shop and many other interesting areas to check out. The monument is open for tours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and admission is $5.

Eclectic Menagerie Park (Take 288 South, exit W Bellfort Avenue) A southern drive down 288 is always interesting because of this majestic collection of huge handmade metal sculptures at Texas Pipe and Supply Company’s Eclectic Menagerie Park. This assortment of huge steel creatures such as a giant spider, hippo, eagle, King Kong climbing a skyscraper and over 20 more are visible from the road, but take a friend with you so they can safely take pictures while you continue being a safe driver.

Most of the pieces are created by local artist, contractor and designer Ron Lee along with light metals artist Mark Rankin.

Twilight Epiphany Skyspace (Suzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavilion, 6100 Main St.) Created by artist James Turrell, this beautiful installation gives visitors an opportunity to contemplate the absolute wonder that is the Earth and sky.

Located on the Rice University campus and designed for music performances, around dawn and dusk every day (except Tuesdays) an LED light sequence is projected onto the ceiling that changes its color and compliments the changing light in the current sky. To plan your visit, find information on parking and learn more about the history of Twilight Epiphany visit their website.

CULTURE

How How to to spend spend aa day day in in Houston’s Houston’s Chinatown Chinatown There are pockets of culture everywhere you look in Houston. None may be stronger, or larger, than an area of west Houston, a.k.a. Houston’s Chinatown.

BY: YIDAN REN

H

ouston’s Chinatown, primarily located on Bellaire Boulevard bounded by the Westpark Tollway to the north and Beechnut to the south, is an extremely diverse community filled with a variety of interesting shops, restaurants and things to do.

Though this neighborhood is best known as “Chinatown”, it is not only limited to Chinese influence. This place has a rich history and cultural impacts from across Asia, including but not limited to Vietnam, India, Pakistan, China, Korea, Malaysia, Japan and more.

Here’s a look at some of the great ways you can spend a free day, or night, in this wonderful area.

Restaurants Just within Dun Huang Plaza, there’s the popular

restaurant Tiger Den as well as Banana Leaf that serves authentic Japanese and Malaysian cuisine in a small, family-friendly eatery.

A go-to place my friends and I love is Hokkaido, a sushi restaurant you can enjoy at an affordable price. We also recently discovered Okome Don, a poké place that I never knew existed!

If you’re looking for more of a snack than a full meal, Chung Chun Rice Hotdog and Two Hands Seoul Fresh Corndogs provide some of the best Korean hotdogs out there — wonderful, Instagram-worthy corndogs that are way more than your typical hot dog stuck between a piece of sliced bread.

For desserts, if you’re craving something icy on a hot summer day, there’s Aqua S (originally from Australia) and Snowy Village that serve soft-serve ice cream or shaved ice that should satisfy your sweet tooth. If you’re more of a pastry shop person, 85 Degrees or Six Ping sell great bread and cakes, and they are perfectly paired with a drink from the nearby Tom N Toms Coffee. Cafe 101 is also in the same plaza if you’re looking for a place with more of a trendy, party vibe instead of a

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CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT family-friendly restaurant.

And of course, you cannot forget about boba milk tea. There are tons of options you can choose from in Chinatown, but some of my favorite spots to hit are Gong Cha, Kung Fu Tea, Share Tea and Yum Cha.

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FOOD

Best alumni-owned restaurants in Houston

The University of Houston has roots all over the city. Nowhere is it more prominent than the restaurant business. Here are only a few of the alumni owned restaurants around the city.

WRITING AND PHOTOS BY MCKENZIE MISIASZEK

I

’m not going to lie, I hate the term “foodie.” Sadly, if we broke down the definition of one, I might fall into that category of person. I love good food, and I’m pretentious about it sometimes. That’s why I’m always in someone’s ear, trying to influence the next place they should eat.

Now, dear readers, I’m going to do that for y’all, but with a bit of a University of Houston twist. Here are some of my favorite restaurants (and one brewery) that are owned by UH alumni.

Mandola’s Deli Often referred to as “The Deli”, Mandola’s Deli originally opened in 1975, and then branched to their current location off Cullen and Leeland in 1977. In 2008, the owner’s son joined his dad after graduating from UH’s Hotel and Restaurant Management program. Now, the store is decked out in UH gear and even offers a 10 percent discount to UH students who bring in their 14

COOGLIFE // August 2021 COOGLIFE // August 2021

Cougar Card.

If you’re craving Italian food without all the drama of an expensive, fancy restaurant I’m begging you to try Mandola’s Deli. When I eat there it’s what I imagine I would’ve eaten growing up if I were Italian. All of the meals I’ve eaten there feel like a warm hug. Pasta and pizza are my obvious favorites, along with their wide variety of po’boys, but if you’re a stronger person than I, they also have an array of different salads.

100% Taquito You can never go wrong with Mexican food. 100% Taquito actually started as a school project by Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship students.

In the summer of 1996, Marko Garcia started selling tacos out of a trailer, and in 1998 the restaurant moved to its current storefront where it remains wildly successful.

100% Taquito aims to replicate the authentic Mexican food of Mexico

City, where Garcia grew up until he moved to Houston at the age of 8. From tacos, quesadilla and sopas, to salads and tostadas, they have a little bit of everything, unless that everything includes queso as we Texans think of it. There is no yellow cheese on the menu, because it isn’t traditional to Mexico.

Otherwise, if you’re looking for a taste of traditional Mexican street food, 100% Taquito is the place to find it.

8th Wonder Brewery This may be the most popular spot on this list, as long as you’re over 21. Here, among the photo opportunities like the We Love Houston sign and the giant Beatles statues, you’ll find an enormous selection of brews.

Many of the beers are Houston inspired, including the Dome Faux’m, Weisstheimer and Cougar Paw - Red Ale. This makes sense considering the owner, Ryan Soroka, a Houston local, got both his MBA in business and M.S. in hotel and restaurant management at the University of Houston in 2013. Fun fact: A portion of the proceeds from the UH-inspired beer benefit scholarships at the UH Hilton College.

twist, the menu for BB’s was inspired by owner Brooks Bassler’s grandmother, Maw Maw. I grew up on Cajun food and I can absolutely say that gumbo, boudin and red beans and rice are sacred to me. BB’s menu does not disappoint. With the multitude of options and the real Cajun flavors I can honestly say there’s something for everyone.

Don’t even get me started on their “beverages.” Raspberry margaritas? Yes, please!

Pro tip: Ask for extra rice with your gumbo, just trust me.

Landry’s OK hear me out, I know Landry’s isn’t technically a restaurant, but I couldn’t make this list and leave out Tilman Fertitta. Possibly one of the most notable UH alumnus, even the basketball arena is named

after him. Landry’s owns so many restaurants, including Saltgrass, Rainforest Cafe, Joe’s Crab Shack, Bubba Gump Shrimp Company and so much more.

While I do want to stress that I want y’all to support more local businesses, technically all of these restaurants fall under the umbrella of being UH-alumnus owned.

BB’s Tex-Orleans This restaurant also came from a Wolff Center alumnus, and now has 10 locations across Houston. Serving Cajun foods with a Texas COOGLIFE // August 2021 15 COOGLIFE // August 2021

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FOOD

Vegan eats in the H Vegan food doesn’t always have to be a salad or tofu. A lot of the time it’s a mix of colorful veggies and delicious meat substitutes. With as many restaurants as Houston has, there’s never a shortage of yummy, animal product free places to eat.

Here we break down some favorite vegan restaurants in Houston.

WRITING AND PHOTOS BY JEANA’E JACKSON

T

he opportunity to experience vegan cuisine is becoming more popular in various communities across the world. As a member of the vegan community here in Houston, I think Houston is home to some of the finest vegan restaurants for

Dental care on campus!

Routine dental exam Teeth cleaning Crowns Fillings

anyone interested in trying something new.

The wide array of vegan eateries in Houston is something all cities should strive to. Often, I’m asked if there’s any food that I miss since transitioning to being vegan, and honestly, there really isn’t. I find myself able to fulfill any craving I have with the options accessible to Root canals me.

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COOGLIFE // August 2021

If anything, eating vegan food allows me to indulge in some of the best food I’ve ever tasted. The diversity of the city is reflected well in the foods found here, and there is a vegan

restaurant for every palate.

From Mexican to Middle Eastern and spanning a wide array of different types of dietary needs, there’s a little bit of everything for everyone.

When you have this many options, you have hundreds of opportunities to give different varieties of vegan foods a chance.

Here’s a list of three vegan restaurants that I think deserve a visit! Their food is absolutely amazing, and I consider these options to be some of my favorite vegan eats here in the city.

Cascabel My top favorite! Known for their Mexican food, Cascabel is a popular favorite among the vegan community. Their wide range of options on their menu allows guests to experience amazing tacos, unmatched quesadillas and yummy tostadas.

The cocktails Cascabel

offers are also high on my list of things to try when visiting for the first time.

Whether it’s savory, salty or sweet, their drink selection is highly recommended with options for everyone!

Depending on the day, the restaurant offers

specials on cocktails, which is a nice option to have for celebrating with family, friends or just with yourself.

Green Seed Vegan Green Seed Vegan is a plant-based restaurant that offers live foods, juices and COOGLIFE // August 2021

17

UH

smoothies. This restaurant is 100 percent vegan, soyfree and offers gluten-free options.

friends with an array of diets.

I recommend trying the simple hummus or avocado I recommend trying the hummus, which is full of Cali, a tasty burger with flavor and nice to have as chicken-fried cauliflower, an appetizer before a meal. arugula, red onions, pickles, Both are listed as vegan on tomato, mayo and spicy the menu. aioli on a whole wheat bun.

Another favorite is the kale The Mother Earth bowl is a salad. It is a refreshing side favorite of mine that I love to add to any meal! to eat for lunch. The dish is filled with ancient grains, Flower Child sweet potato, portobello This restaurant offers mushroom, avocado, vegan, vegetarian, paleo cucumber, broccoli pesto, and gluten-free options. charred onion, leafy greens, Flower child is a great red pepper miso vinaigrette place to go with family and and hemp seed.

Flower child also has various protein options for those that are looking to add vegan or non-vegan proteins to their meal. I recommend adding some tofu to the Mother Earth bowl to bring it all together!

I highly recommend all of these restaurants when trying vegan eats for the first time. Houston is home to many other vegan restaurants like these and each offers a great chance to introduce plant-based options to family and friends!

I e n w a k s a fre s h i w I s h gs ampus, or new to Housto c m o t n i w n a e i n n n h e gene n i g h r t s f y ’ T o o l u u u f n d e o n e r d a y a h to kn l, If o a re a w e ans don’t think tw ther ran Houstoni ice ab that out. vete things to know as a w e f a ne w s just e r t u de a e nt.

He r BY: ANNA BAKER

O

rientation does a great job of preparing you for your freshman year, but sometimes things get skipped over or you simply forget in all the excitement. Here are some things I wish I knew when I was a freshman at UH. Campus life One thing I wish I knew

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COOGLIFE // August 2021

when I started here as a freshman is that there is a lot to do on campus for very cheap. Many freshmen don’t have cars when they first start here and it may seem like a struggle to find stuff to do. Thankfully,

the University of Houston has a lot to offer on campus in terms of the arts. The

Katherine G. McGovern College of the Arts always has a show or two going on. Specifically, the Moores School of Music has shows all the time, almost every week.

Our music school is one of the best in the state so their shows are worth seeing if you like music. Tickets are about $10 for students and they have guest artists a lot, so you can get cheap tickets to see professionallevel shows! We always hear about the sports on campus, but the arts are definitely impressive, too.

One thing I didn’t realize at first was that we have our own art museum in the art building! The Blaffer Art Museum puts up art by one artist at a time, often having art installations. They showcase a variety of artists and it’s free to students.

It’s a small museum, so it doesn’t take up too much time. If you’re bored and have a half hour to kill, it’s definitely worth the visit.

One thing I wish I knew about earlier is the pond on campus. It’s tucked in a corner of campus, next to the Architecture and Engineering buildings. I never had classes over there, so I never saw it until I was strolling on campus and was totally surprised.

It’s a small pond with a little bridge and it’s totally adorable. It’s a great place to visit if you like scenic walks or a place to take photos.

City life Something I wish I knew about Houston as a city is that it’s considered a food capital of the country. If

I wasn’t eating food from the dining hall or Student Center, I was usually eating from nearby fast food places. Little did I know that Houston has such a diverse restaurant scene. Houston has a lot of great Thai, Vietnamese, Tex-Mex, Italian, and fusion restaurants. You can get a sense of the type of restaurants in Houston by going to the variety of Houston food trucks that come on campus. They have everything from Asian to Mexican to Mediterranean to Southern comfort to fusions of multiple! If you can spare some cash, I recommend trying out new restaurants when you want to eat off campus.

Weather I’m not originally from Houston so I was totally blindsided by the crazy weather here. After the big freeze last February, I realized that anything can happen in Houston. I would suggest always having some emergency supplies like canned foods and bottled water if you live on campus.

I would also suggest carrying an umbrella with you everywhere you go. Even if there doesn’t seem to be a cloud in the sky, Houston will surprise

you.

Resources As a freshman, I wish I knew about the UH Reddit page. Many people don’t know about it or just don’t use Reddit but it can be very helpful. If you have a question about something regarding financial aid, tuition, registration, orientation, etc. chances are, it’s been answered there.

People also sell textbooks, look for roommates, ask for advice and post funny memes about the school. It can also just be a great place to rant about whatever is going on. As great as UH is, we all have time when we need to complain.

Hopefully this information helps you have a great freshman year!

COOGLIFE // August 2021

19

QUIZ

QUIZ: Which Houston activity-filled day fits you best?

Whether you’re a newcomer or have lived here for years and never got a chance to explore what all this city has to offer, figure out what plans in Houston best fit you.

WRITING BY SYDNEY ROSE AND GRAPHIC VIA CANVA

1) How much do you enjoy the outdoors?

A) I love it! I love exercising, eating and just doing everything outside if I could B) On good days I’ll hang out outside just to chill and enjoy nature C) It depends on the weather, it can’t be to hot or too cold D) If something I want to do is outdoors I’ll go, but I feel indifferent about it E) I hate the outdoors, not a fan

2) What kind of food experiences are you looking to have?

A) A wide spread of options is always nice, although sometimes I just like a home-cooked meal B) Finger foods that are easy to eat while doing an activity C) A sit down restaurant is always nice D) I love the food from food trucks or drive through places that are quick and easy E) I’m never too worried about food, I’ll eat anything

3) How spontaneous would you say you are?

A) I can go with the flow pretty easily, but I like some things planned out 20 COOGLIFE

// August 2021

B) I enjoy getting tickets and set times to go to things that I can add to a calendar C) I like a loose schedule of how the day is going to go D) I’m very spontaneous I will make plans the day of or the car ride there E) If you say we’re leaving to go somewhere in ten minutes I’ll be ready in five

4) How do you usually get around Houston?

yet D) I mostly know the popular attractions of the city, nothing local E) I have never really been around more than one or two parts of Houston

6) When you have down time, what is something you enjoy doing?

A) I walk or bike pretty much everywhere if I can B) I use the Metro or ride the bus C) I Uber if the place isn’t too far so I don’t pay for parking D) I park somewhere and I walk the rest of the way E) I drive pretty much everywhere

A) Spending quality time with a friend or family member catching up B) Watching TV or a movie C) Drawing, painting, reading or other creative hobbies D) Cooking or learning to make some new snack E) Online shopping

A) I have pretty much figured out my way around the city, no GPS needed B) I know Houston pretty well, but I’m still discovering different areas C) I’ve heard about plenty of places, but haven’t been to them

A) I really enjoy afternoon, maybe around lunch time B) I am an evening person, about when the sun sets C) I am definitely a morning person, starting the day early D) There’s just something about the middle of the night…

E) When it first gets dark outside at night is my favorite

5) How much of Houston have you explored before?

7) What time of day is your favorite?

RESULTS: Mostly A’s: A picnic in Buffalo Bayou or Hermann Park with some friends, maybe even take some

time to stroll around the trails or bring a bike to ride. After a picnic spread on the hill and taking in the scenery, take your blanket and stop by the Miller Outdoor Theater for a show.

Mostly B’s: A visit to the Houston Zoo during the day and exploring the city using the Metro rail

system. The zoo is a fun way to start off a Houston day before hopping on the rail and exploring all the fun stops along the way. If you’re still feeling adventurous towards the end, see if you can catch a baseball game at Minute Maid Park.

Mostly C’s: Hop from exhibit to exhibit in the Museum District for a taste of culture and excitement.

There are many galleries within the Houston area, including the Menil Collection, as well as the popular museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts that you can take the time to walk between and see all the exhibits. While in that area, feel free to check out a nice restaurant to have dinner at afterwards.

Mostly D’s: This is a sign you should explore the food truck options and nightlife near the Montrose area. Even if your goal is to get a dish from every food truck down Montrose, that can be a day in itself, and by the time you’re done, you can check out any of the thrift shops, tattoo parlors and nightlife scenes for some entertainment.

Mostly E’s: A good ol’ trip to the Galleria is in the cards for you. There is so much more to do there

than just shop, like check out some of the restaurants, go ice skating at the rink, or check out the Fomo Factory and take lots of pictures. When all is done there, continue the fun by checking out some shops near River Oaks.

COOGLIFE // August 2021

21

FAREWELL

One last letter from the current editor Hey there readers,

I

have to be honest, I’m a little bit nervous about finding the right words to perfectly say goodbye to my time here as Executive Editor. At the risk of sounding hyperbolic, working at Cooglife Magazine was truly nothing short of amazing, and the time between now and my first issue at the beginning of last year has gone by so incredibly quickly. However, I’m thrilled to see how this publication continues to grow, so I’m going to try my best to give it a proper farewell.

Confession: When I first came on as editor I had ... absolutely no idea what I was doing and was terrified out of my mind to start. Before Cooglife, my media experience was based in hard news reporting. So, even though I was a pro at AP style, the thought of having to layout a spread in a magazine was a whole new ball game that I was sure I was going to strike out on.

However, even with this initial fear, the biggest lesson I ended up learning here was that you can accomplish anything if you just put in the work. I spent so long preparing for the first issue, and when the time finally 22 COOGLIFE COOGLIFE ////August August2021 2021

came to submit the work my team had created — I was so proud to show it off. Every issue since then I felt more and more confident in my skills and excited to try out new ideas, and as of now I am so proud of the editor and creator I have become.

In my opinion, the importance of a life and arts magazine at a college cannot be overstated. Students need a space where they can speak up about what they’re passionate about: whether that’s media, culture, spreading wisdom or anything else under the hot Houston sun. This magazine has also been a place where students interested in media have been able to learn and grow in their field. I am so proud of each and every one of my writers, and it’s been an absolute joy getting to read their stories each week and hear their amazing ideas for Cooglife. I have many wonderful memories here, but my favorite has to be each time a writer has come to me with an idea they are excited to write and working with them to get it published.

As I start a new chapter of my life, I am genuinely so excited to see where Cooglife is headed. The publication’s new editor McKenzie Misiaszek is a brilliant, creative and amazingly dedicated person, and

I could not be leaving the magazine in better hands.

Just in the last year, Cooglife has grown so much, and I have no doubt that it will exponentially continue that path with the great McKenzie leading the charge.

Heads up: I am about to begin my thank you’s to various individuals, so here’s an incoming sappiness warning:

being the best coworkers and supervisors I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I could write an entire 10-page essay about how great Lawrence, Chris, Marina, Pam, Alex and Ms. Leona (bless her) were to me over the last year, but I legitimately think I would start crying (the curse of being a Pisces), so I’ll leave this short and sweet: thanks so incredibly much team, and Marina is right … Tarantino IS overrated.

Thank you to each and every one of my amazing team of writers. You all have put out so many entertaining, emotional, fun and beautiful stories that have made Cooglife into what it is. Without you, there would be no magazine, and your hard work cannot be overstated.

Lastly, thank you to the University of Houston for providing Cooglife with the space and opportunity to exist. I love this University with everything I have, and it has been a gift being able to pour that passion into a project that aims to serve the amazing people that are the UH students.

Thank you to Juana Garcia, Creative Director of The Cougar, for creating so many GORGEOUS graphics, covers and illustrations for Cooglife’s print and web editions. Your work has defined the last year of the publication, and your talent is why many of our readers have had their attention caught by the magazine. You are an absolute treasure of a human.

Anyways, if you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading and as always …

Go Coogs, Autumn Rendall Outgoing Executive Editor

Thank you to Jo’Tavia Norbert and Tyriana Terrell, my fantastic assistant editors I was so incredibly fortunate to have over the last year. The continuous creativity and amazing work from you both had me always confident that there was going to be something great out in Cooglife that week. I could not have made many issues and our wonderful website without y’all.

Thank you to the students in Coog Radio, CoogTV and The Cougar for working with Cooglife to give us advice, get the word out about writing opportunities and collaborate on story ideas. Anytime I reached out, someone was always willing to help me at the drop of a hat, and it was amazing having a wonderful support system by my side.

Thank you to everyone at MediaMate for always making me feel informed, welcomed, and excited about the next issue or event at hand. I have never once had to stress about the advertising and marketing needs of Cooglife, and for that I am eternally grateful for all of your team’s hard work.

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COOGLIFE // August 2021