Who are you when nobody’s watching?
Photos by Carol Mora
HOUZINE TEAM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
COPY EDITOR
ANDREAREYES JENNIFERSOLIZ
HOUZINE PHOTOGRAPHER
CAROLMORA
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
ANISAHYDER RENATABERMUDEZ
MAGAZINE DESIGNER ANDREAREYES
by Carol
Photo
Mora
WELCOME!
Dearresident,
WelcometotheveryfirstdigitaleditionofHouzine.Thisisanewchapterforourcommunity.
Houzine was born out of a love for the vibrant life we share together: the stories, the art, events, and the everyday moments thatmakeresidencelifeatUTEPsounique
In this and every upcoming issue, you’ll find the latest news from Housing and Residence Life: important reminders about yourroom,updatesonupcomingevents,andfeatureprojectsthatshowcasecreativityandthespiritoflivingtogether.
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,shareandevencontributetofutureissues.
Withappreciation, AndreaReyes.
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!
AndreaReyes-Editor-In-Chief
Photos by Carol Mora
ROOM SELECTION
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 Academic Year is available on the Resident Portal Apply now to secure your spot!
Remember that: Students who live on campus are most likely to graduate on time. Higher GPA’s!
Be early to class with no long commutes.
Save money: gas and commuting costs add up quickly
Make new friends and attend fun events hosted by our amazing Resident Assistants!
RESIDENCE LIFE HIDDEN TALENTS
Featuring original poetry from our Residence Life team
“One Day The Moon Will Shine Again”
Therewasatime
Whenalittlegirl
Usedtodreambig
Herdreamswerebiggerthanthemoon
Shelookedupeverynight
Butonenight
Themoondisappeared
Nosightofit
Thelittlegirlwonderedinpain
Whathappened?
Andwheredidshego?
By Renata Bermudez, Desk Assistant
“Husk”
youarebroken yourmomsweatheredhandswhispertoyou youarebroken thecracksinthecementtellyou, whileyoupickthedandelionfromitsgrasp youarebroken theseedsseemtoagree theyflitterawaywiththebreeze youarethehuskthatwasmethodicallypulledoffthecorn yourgrandmotherusedtofeedyou youaretheemptyaircanisteryourgrandmotherpassedwith. youareemptyasmuchasyouarebroken (but)yourhandsarestillsoft
By Anisa Hyder, Resident Assistant
RESIDENTASSISTANT: APPLYNOW!
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 decisionmaking 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.
SPOTLIGHT OF THE MONTH
Highlighting the individuals who make our halls shine!
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 footstepsandwashiredasanRAin2021.Shortlyafter,shewaspromotedtoAssistantCoordinator.
”I love helping people, and especially moving into a new city, I wanted to have a position that allows me to engage with otherswhileI’mhelpingthem,andalsomakingnewfriends”,Onzuressaid.
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!
AndreaReyes-Editor-In-Chief
Photo courtesy of Kasandra Onzures
YOUR FIRST LOOK AT THE RESIDENTIAL ACADEMIC SUPPORT LAUNCH TEAM!
ACADEMIC INSIDER
InthefirsteditionofTheAcademicInsider,wehighlight thenewteamsupportingresidentsacademically,starting with:
JenniferSoliz,whoiscurrentlyamaster’sstudentinthe EnglishandAmericanLiteratureprogramhereatUTEP, isservingHousingandResidenceLifeasanAssistant Coordinatorundertheacademicinitiatives.Herofficecan befoundinMinerCanyon,Copper210.
Themissionofherdepartmentistosupportresidentson theiracademicjourney.
”Wewantthemtocarryonoverwhatevertheylearnfrom us,whetherit’stherestoftheiracademicjourneyhereat UTEP,orifit’sfollowingthemintheirprofessional development”,Solizsaid.
Ifyouhaveanytypeofacademicrelatedquestion, whetheritisneedingassistancefindingacertain departmentatUTEPorhavingdifficultieswithaclassor paper,Jen’steamwillleadyoutotherightroute
Butnotonlythat!Academicworkshopswillbehosted throughoutthesemester,includingnote-taking,time management,résuméandcoverletterbuilding,and internshippreparationevents.
JenniferSolizisavailableMondaythroughWednesday from10amto3pmandcanbereachedat jnsoliz@miners.utep.edutoscheduleanappointment.
Paulina & Alan, Jen’s RA’s team.
ACADEMICINSIDER
Alan Castillo - Rehabilitation Sciences
PhotobyAndreaReyes
PaulinaOrejel-MechanicalEngineering
“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.”
“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 theyhaveregardingschoolandcampusresources,andguidethemintherightdirection. 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,Jenandherteamareheretosupportyouracademicsuccess.
LITTLE TIPS THAT MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE: QUICKON-CAMPUS TIPS!
PhotobyCarolMora
SCREENTIME SUGGESTIONS
SPIRITED AWAY (2001)
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 tolockin!
AttendRAevents even if it’s just for the snacks, you’ll meet people and hear about resources you didn’tknowexisted.
Take a screenshot of your class schedule and keepitonyourphone’slockscreen,thisprevents youfromgettinglostonthefirstdayofclasses.
AndreaReyes-Editor-In-Chief
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.
© 2001 Studio Ghibli / Toho
Scan the google form!
After The Storm KaliUchis,Tyler,TheCreator, BootsyCollins
Hoy Ya No Soy Yo GustavoCerati,DanielMelero
Lamento BolivianoLosEnanitosVerdes
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!
Even a bad day it’s just 24 hours.
