Issue 1

THE RESIDENCE LIFE INSIDER

FEBRUARY 2026

HOUZINE

ISSUE NUMBER #1

MAGAZINE

DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS MONTH’S EVENTS

CREATIVE VOICES INSIDE

SMART SHORTCUTS

INSIDE ACADEMIC SUPPORT

Who are you when nobody’s watching?

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HOUZINE TEAM EDITOR’S NOTE THE INSIDER SCOOP RESIDENCE LIFE STAFF HIDDEN TALENTS RESIDENT ASSISTANT - APPLY NOW! SPOTLIGHT OF THE MONTH ACADEMIC INSIDER QUICK ON-CAMPUS TIPS + SCREENTIME SUGGESTIONS

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PLAYLIST OF THE MONTH

2 3 4-5 6 7 8 9- 10

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Photos by Carol Mora

HOUZINE TEAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

COPY EDITOR

ANDREA REYES

JENNIFER SOLIZ HOUZINE PHOTOGRAPHER CAROL MORA CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ANISA HYDER RENATA BERMUDEZ MAGAZINE DESIGNER ANDREA REYES

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Photo by Carol Mora

WELCOME! Photo by Carol Mora

Dear resident, Welcome to the very first digital edition of Houzine. This is a new chapter for our community.

Houzine was born out of a love for the vibrant life we share together: the stories, the art, events, and the everyday moments that make residence life at UTEP so unique.

In this and every upcoming issue, you’ll find the latest news from Housing and Residence Life: important reminders about your room, updates on upcoming events, and feature projects that showcase creativity and the spirit of living together.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Houzine is not just a magazine, it’s a space to express your voice. We invite you to read, share and even contribute to future issues.

With appreciation, Andrea Reyes.

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THE INSIDER SCOOP CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S EVENT: SNOW MUCH FUN

“Snow Much Fun” is one of the biggest Housing and Residence Life events, and it took place just last week on Wednesday. Students were diving into the snow, Resident Assistants were helping and serving food to residents, and our professional staff was available to answer questions. The night was cold but vibrant, and our Houzine team was there capturing photos and chatting with residents.

If you plan to live on campus for the 2026–2027 Academic Year, make sure to attend this event when it returns in Spring 2027. Don’t miss your chance to slide into the snow!

Andrea Reyes - Editor-In-Chief

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News - Events

Photos by Carol Mora

Confused about room selection? Our staff is hosting info sessions happening at these times to guide you through the process: February 17th, 4:00pm - 5:30pm February 19th, 5:00pm - 6:30pm February 20th, 2:00pm - 3:30pm Room selection appointments will be posted on the resident portal beginning February 16th.

For details specific to your classification, visit our Housing website under the “Future Residents” tab, then click “Apply Now”. There you’ll find your exact room selection timeline.

Completing this process is essential to secure the room that best matches your preferences. And remember: any questions you may have can be answered by our staff or by calling the front desks!

HOUSING APPLICATIONS 2026 - 2027 The application for the next 2026-2027 A c a d e m i c Ye a r i s a v a i l a b l e o n t h e R e s i d e n t Po r t a l . A p p l y n o w t o s e c u r e your spot!

Remember that: Students who live on campus are most likely to graduate on time.

H i g h e r G PA’ s !

Be early to class with no long commutes.

S a v e m o n e y: g a s a n d c o m m u t i n g c o s t s a d d u p q u i c k l y.

Make new friends and attend fun events hosted by our amazing Resident Assistants!

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Andrea Reyes - Editor-In-Chief

Photo by Carol Mora

ROOM SELECTION

RESIDENCE LIFE HIDDEN TALENTS Featuring original poetry from our Residence Life team

“One Day The Moon Will Shine Again” There was a time When a little girl Used to dream big Her dreams were bigger than the moon She looked up every night But one night The moon disappeared No sight of it The little girl wondered in pain What happened?

And where did she go?

By Renata Bermudez, Desk Assistant

“Husk” you are broken your moms weathered hands whisper to you you are broken the cracks in the cement tell you, while you pick the dandelion from its grasp you are broken the seeds seem to agree they flitter away with the breeze you are the husk that was methodically pulled off the corn your grandmother used to feed you you are the empty air canister your grandmother passed with. you are empty as much as you are broken (but) your hands are still soft

By Anisa Hyder, Resident Assistant

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RESIDENT ASSISTANT: APPLY NOW! If your love for the community and our department is growing, becoming a Resident Assistant (RA) might be the next path in your college life!

A Resident Assistant is a student leader who inspires others through their actions. They are required to live in on-campus housing to help build community within our three properties: Miner Village, Miner Canyon, and Miner Heights. RAs assist residents with their personal needs and support their academic growth. Additionally, they help with administrative duties at the front desks.

In this job, you will learn how to: Manage your time.

Resolve conflicts.

Respond to crises.

Strengthen decision‑making skills.

And more! Open to ALL majors!

Requirements: Maintain a minimum cumulative and semester GPA of 2.5 Be a full-time enrolled student at the University.

Not be enrolled in more than 16 credit hours per semester.

Attend mandatory training in August and January if offered the position.

Ready to make a difference? Scan the QR code to start your application on Handshake.

Photo by Carol Mora

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SPOTLIGHT OF THE MONTH Highlighting the individuals who make our halls shine!

Photo courtesy of Kasandra Onzures

Kasandra Onzures is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology, after graduating in Rehabilitation Sciences here at UTEP. Her first experience with Housing and Residence Life came in 2020, when she moved into Miner Canyon as a freshmen. Inspired by her Resident Assistant at that time, she decided to follow in those footsteps and was hired as an RA in 2021. Shortly after, she was promoted to Assistant Coordinator. ”I love helping people, and especially moving into a new city, I wanted to have a position that allows me to engage with others while I’m helping them, and also making new friends”, Onzures said.

Among her achievements, Kasandra attended a Student Leadership Conference, SWACUHO (SSCL) during 2023, where she made lasting memories with fellow RA’s, experience that allowed her to learn, grow and become the student leader she is today.

We also asked Kas for her recommendations on movies or shows for residents: ”I’ve been watching Yellowstone. I recommend it for people that are more into country life and the ranch lifestyle.

It’s pretty much about a guy who owns a land in Montana, and he has a ranch on it, and it's about him trying to keep the ranch while everyone’s trying to take it away from him. He even becomes governor and all these things” She also recommends Spirit (2002), one of her favorite movies.

We thank Kasandra for her time and for sharing a piece of her story!

Andrea Reyes - Editor-In-Chief

Spotlight

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YOUR FIRST LOOK AT THE RESIDENTIAL ACADEMIC SUPPORT LAUNCH TEAM! ACADEMIC INSIDER In the first edition of The Academic Insider, we highlight the new team supporting residents academically, starting with: Jennifer Soliz, who is currently a master’s student in the English and American Literature program here at UTEP, is serving Housing and Residence Life as an Assistant Coordinator under the academic initiatives. Her office can be found in Miner Canyon, Copper 210.

The mission of her department is to support residents on their academic journey. ”We want them to carry on over whatever they learn from us, whether it’s the rest of their academic journey here at UTEP, or if it’s following them in their professional development”, Soliz said.

If you have any type of academic related question, whether it is needing assistance finding a certain department at UTEP or having difficulties with a class or paper, Jen’s team will lead you to the right route.

But not only that! Academic workshops will be hosted throughout the semester, including note-taking, time management, résumé and cover letter building, and internship preparation events.

Jennifer Soliz is available Monday through Wednesday from 10am to 3pm and can be reached at jnsoliz@miners.utep.edu to schedule an appointment.

Paulina & Alan, Jen’s RA’s team.

Andrea Reyes - Editor-In-Chief

Academic Insider

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ACADEMIC INSIDER Alan Castillo - Rehabilitation Sciences “I’m a Residential Academic Support (RAS) for Miner Canyon. I’m located in the Copper Building, 2nd floor study room, where I help students with information about campus resources and support them however I can. My goal is to make this space feel welcoming and comfortable for all students.

Starting in the spring semester, we’ll also be hosting two academic-focused events each month.

“I enjoy working out (usually at the UTEP Rec Center), drawing, watching anime, following football (Go Dolphins!), playing video games, and I recently started learning guitar.”

Photo by Andrea Reyes

Paulina Orejel - Mechanical Engineering “As a Residential Academic Support, my goal is to help students succeed academically and connect students with campus resources. Help them with any type of question or problems they have regarding school and campus resources, and guide them in the right direction.

In my free time I like to go to the gym either alone or with friends, I like to hang out with my friends either outside of school or if we have the chance during school, we hang out in the campus library. I like drawing when I'm inspired (I usually draw cars), and watch shows on Netflix.”

Together, Jen and her team are here to support your academic success.

Andrea Reyes - Editor-In-Chief

Academic Insider

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LITTLE TIPS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE: QUICKON-CAMPUS TIPS!

Photo by Carol Mora

Miner Canyon residents, if the library feels too far, remember that there are study rooms at almost every west and east corner of the floors in Copper and Whispering Springs. Take advantage of them when you need a quiet place to lock in!

Attend RA events even if it’s just for the snacks, you’ll meet people and hear about resources you didn’t know existed.

Take a screenshot of your class schedule and keep it on your phone’s lockscreen, this prevents you from getting lost on the first day of classes.

Andrea Reyes - Editor-In-Chief

SCREENTIME SUGGESTIONS SPIRITED AWAY (2001)

© 2001 Studio Ghibli / Toho

Your screentime shouldn’t only be for social media. If you haven’t yet, we invite you to watch the film Spirited Away (2001).

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki, it tells the story of Chihiro, a young girl who finds herself in an abandoned amusement park with her parents, but this isn’t any ordinary park, it’s filled with mysterious spirits and magical beings! Curious to see how Chihiro’s journey ends? You can stream this film on Netflix.

Quick on-campus tips + Screentime Suggestions

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Scan the google form!

Photo by Carol Mora

After The Storm Kali Uchis, Tyler, The Creator, Bootsy Collins

Hoy Ya No Soy Yo Gustavo Cerati, Daniel Melero

Lamento Boliviano Los Enanitos Verdes

Out of Time The Weeknd

Luna Zoe

PLAYLIST OF THE MONTH

We’re starting a new tradition: each month Houzine will feature a student-curated playlist. Scan the Google QR code to submit your favorite track, and it might get featured in next month’s Houzine issue, along with your name!

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Even a bad day— it’s just 24 hours.

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THE RESIDENCE LIFE INSIDER

HOUZ

@utepreslife UTEP Housing and Residence Life housing@utep.edu

CHECK OUR HOUSING WEBSITE FOR UPDATES

HTTPS://WWW.UTEP.EDU/STUDENTAFFAIRS/HOUSING/

NEVER MISS AN ISSUE!

MAGAZ DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS MONTH’S EVENT

CREATIVE VOICES INSIDE

SMART SHORTCUT