Issue 1, Volume 89

EDITORIAL BOARD

EDITOR IN CHIEF

John Lomax

MANAGING EDITOR

Cindy Rivas

Alfaro

WEB EDITOR Frances Cavanaugh

NEWS EDITOR Robert De La Garza

SPORTS EDITOR Starns Leland

EDITOR

Malachi Key

A look at the impact, changes coming to UH

PHOTO EDITOR Anh Le

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jose GonzalezCampelo

ASSISTANT EDITORS

Logan Linder Regan Grant Riley Moquin

STAFF EDITORIAL

The Staff Editorial reflects the opinions of The Cougar Editorial Board (the members of which are listed above the editorial). All other opinions, commentaries and cartoons reflect only the opinion of the author. Opinions expressed in The Cougar do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Houston or the students as a whole.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250 words and signed, including the author’s full name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; send them via campus mail to STP 4015; or fax to (713) 743-5384. Letters are subject to editing.

GUEST

COMMENTARY

Submissions are accepted from any member of the UH community and must be signed with the author’s name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Commentary should be limited to 500 words. Guest commentaries should not be written as replies, but rather should present independent points of view. Deliver submissions to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@ thedailycougar.com; or fax them to (713) 743-5384. All submissions are subject to editing.

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ROBERT DE LA GARZA NEWS EDITOR @REALNEWSROBERT

While students were away this summer, the 88th session of the Texas Legislature passed a series of bills that could significantly impact higher education in the state.

Bills signed into law include one that prohibits studentathletes from participating in sports that don’t align with their gender assigned at birth. Another banned diversity, equity and inclusion offices, training and statements, and a third bill hopes to overhaul tenure.

“The impetus for this legislation is a new focus by Republican politicians on higher education due to the perceived “wokeness” of professors and students, and anti-conservative, anti-white bias,” said assistant political science professor Michael Kistner.

According to Kistner, Texas legislators were determined to increase educational polarization to combat the apparent wokeness that is widely seen in campus culture.

Senate Bill 17, which banned diversity, equity and inclusion offices at all Texas universities, has also created some controversy. The University has yet to provide details on the future of departments like the Center for Diversity and Inclusion and other offices such as the LGBTQ Resource Center.

“To comply with SB 17, there will be changes to UH System

policies and it will necessarily impact CDI and the LGBTQ Resource Center and require a reconfiguration of departments, employees and their scope of work,” UH spokesperson Shawn Lindsey said. “We will continue to work with impacted units to ensure compliance while maintaining our focus on student success.”

As of now, CDI is still functioning and hosting events, however, they will likely be forced to cease all operations entirely or must change their focus drastically, according to Kistner.

Kistner also said there’s been growing concern among faculty and administration about securing grant money for research because many grants are tied to DEI requirements. Another unknown is how students will respond.

The University plans to make additional announcements of an implementation plan for CDI and the LGBTQ Resource center which will be presented to the UH System Board of Regents Wednesday, Aug. 2, according to Lindsey.

The state House watered down the passed version of SB 18, which now allows university governing boards to revoke or grant tenure at any time. The original bill sought to completely ban faculty-tenured positions at public universities in the state.

“It remains to be seen whether these modifications — or the

threat of full revocation of tenure in the future — will have a negative effect on faculty recruitment,” Kistner said. “Personally, I have had conversations with fellow academics who have major reservations about ever applying for a Texas job for these reasons.”

Senate Bill 15, or what Abbott deems as the “Save Women’s Sports Act,” bans transgender athletes from competing in sports that match their gender identity, and was ceremoniously signed into act Aug. 7, and can be expected to be in effect immediately.

According to UH spokesperson Chris Stipes, as a Texas state agency, the University is obligated to comply with Texas law, including SB 15., and he doesn’t believe this will directly affect any current student-athletes.

The banning of TikTok on all Texas-issued government devices was not passed this legislative session. Instead, it came as an executive order that was passed unilaterally by Gov. Abbott last January but should still pique the interest of students who plan on using the social media app while on campus.

“Students can still access TikTok on campus on their personal devices,” Stipes said. “However, it is banned on all state-issued devices, per the governor’s orders.”

Finally, before the beginning

of the legislative session, Texas public universities asked for additional money on top of the in-state funding and in return would freeze tuition for undergraduates until 2025. The extra funds would be granted only on the condition of passing both Senate Bills 17 and 18. They were later given $700 million in extra funds to be used to expand research activities but included the additional caveat of SB 17 and 18.

House Joint Resolution three was created from an existing research fund and later reconfigured into the Texas University Fund. Lawmakers provided an additional $3 billion to help relaunch the funds.

The Texas University Fund will grant around $3.3 billion to four different universities across the state, the University of Houston, Texas Tech, Texas State, and the University of North Texas.

HJR3 will be on the election ballot this Nov. to give voters the ability to decide on the bill’s future. If it is passed, UH is set to receive $48 million, the most money in the first year.

University of Houston

Chancellor Renu Khator said UH plans to use the money to expand research facilities and purchase state-of-the-art lab equipment. The University plans to hire 150 faculty pursuing grants in energy and health innovation, according to the Texas Tribune.

news@thedailycougar.com

OPINION

The Cougar is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. studentpress.org/acp

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

CAMPUS

Expansion of CAPS, updates to Agnes Arnold coming this year

ATIRIKTA KUMAR

SENIOR STAFF WRITER @ATIRIKTAKUMAR

A semester after two students lost their lives to suicide at Agnes Arnold Hall, the UH community is still healing. While steps have been taken to bolster mental health on campus, some students still have their reservations.

Back in June, the University announced a plan which included expansions to mental health services and renovations for Agnes Arnold Hall. Still, students criticized what they saw as a sluggish response from administrators.

“Like many others, I felt pretty deeply impacted by the loss of both of the students last year,” said psychology junior Alexis Boehmer. “I hadn’t known them personally but having had my own struggles with mental health and watching the unfortunate lack of an initial response from administration really stuck with me.”

The University has since allocated $38 million for renovations at Agnes Arnold, which is home to 450 classes weekly and has been closed since March.

“I know administration and finance did everything in its capacity with the little time it was given to renovate the building, safeguard it, provide for employees to ensure that’s done,”

said Student Government Association President Benjamin Rizk. “Although it was an unfortunate wake-up call, they’ve been called to action and they’ve been executing since and then we’ll continue to execute for years to come.”

staffing needs at CAPS by offering more competitive compensation and filling vacant positions. The University will also be adding college-specific counselors for each school, with at least three starting at the beginning of the fall semester.

8% of the student body,” wrote President Renu Khator in her June update.

The University will be allocating space for CAPS at the student center and is hoping to add a location there permanently, Khator said.

The administration developed the plans based on recommendations from a special task force that was assembled in April and an external review of current services.

UH also underwent an audit process from mental health officials at Ohio State University, the University of Central Florida and Arizona State University to improve services here.

The permanent solution, planned for some time next year, is to install vertical cabling, which will replace the temporary fences. Additionally, the perimeter security fence will remain in place for the duration of the school year.

UH also plans to expand Counseling and Psychological Services — the University’s primary mental health service. Students should expect to see signs with information pertaining to mental health resources and hotlines on campus.

In addition, the University has hired a vendor to provide 24/7 mental health support services to students and will be enhancing this program in September.

UH has also taken steps to address

“On paper, these changes sound amazing,” Boehemer said. “If UH follows through on all of this then I think this is a great stepping stone towards improving mental health on campus.”

The failure to be proactive in CAPS’ approach to engaging students was one of the leading concerns at the student protest in March. Currently, only four percent of the student body utilizes campus mental health resources, a figure the University thinks should be larger.

“One significant takeaway for me was that we should not be satisfied by serving those students who come to CAPS but follow a “best practice” to double the number of the student body served to

While the University has only implemented a part of what the task force advised, it is considering all of their recommendations, UH spokesperson Chris Stipes told the Houston Chronicle in June.

With a plan in place and tragedy hopefully in the rearview, Rizk said he feels the University is once again on the right course.

“I would honestly commend the efforts in many regard,” Rizk said. “I wish it happened earlier, but I can say that UH has confidently and stridently been going like a train at trying to solve all these issues.”

news@thedailycougar.com

“Like many others, I felt pretty deeply impacted by the loss of both of the students last year.”

Alexis Boehmer Psychology junior

UH Football: Players to watch this season

RILEY MOQUIN ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @RILESMOQUIN

UH football’s inaugural season in the Big 12 conference is underway, bringing heightened competition and expectations for head coach Dana Holgorsen’s team. A lot has changed for the Cougars since their 8-5 final season in the American Athletic Conference. Stars have departed, experienced transfers have entered and much of Houston’s depth chart for the impending season remains a mystery.

Here’s a sneak peak of some of UH’s most promising players.

Quarterbacks

Uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position in the Third Ward was resolved at the team’s Fan Day on Saturday when head coach Dana Holgorsen declared junior Donovan Smith the “clear-cut starter.” Smith, a transfer from Texas Tech, replaced Clayton Tune as Houston’s QB1.

Sitting behind Smith in the QB room are junior Lucas Coley and sophomore Ui Ale, the latter of whom Holgorsen described as “somebody to keep an eye on” at Saturday’s Fan Day.

Running backs

Excitement for the return of running back Alton McCaskill, a star for the Cougars as a freshman in their 2021 campaign, was foiled by his transfer to Colorado earlier this year.

In spite of the loss, there is confidence among Houston coaches and running backs that the room has depth and versatility entering 2023.

One of Houston’s Big 12-seasoned transfers, junior Tony Mathis Jr., has already made an impact on the team.

“(He has brought) maturity,” running backs coach Mike Jinks said of Mathis. “He has played a lot of football. He’s a tough kid, a serious kid.”

Mathis brings experience to a relatively young Houston running back room. Two of the other standout backs for UH include sophomores Brandon Campbell and Stacy Sneed, both of whom received their first

touches last season. All three will hope to make an impact on the field for the Cougars.

“The energy is good,” Campbell said of the running back room. “It’s all light in there. We’re really close, we’re a unit.”

Wide receivers

Star wideout Nathaniel Dell may still be in Houston, but he has departed the Third Ward for NRG Stadium.

The massive hole left behind by Dell has no shortage of pass-catchers vying to pick up the slack, with a combination of experienced transfers and younger faces aiming to make an impact at the position.

In the transfer category, junior Joshua Cobbs joined UH from Wyoming, while sophomore Stephon Johnson came to the team from Oklahoma State. Sophomores Matthew Golden and Samuel Brown headline the list of young returnees hoping to make the leap to the next level in 2023.

“The biggest thing about our group is they’re very coachable,” said Wide Receivers coach Daikiel Shorts. “They work extremely

hard

Tight ends

With four-year starter Christian Trahan gone, the role of starting tight end for UH is wide open.

Junior Logan Compton, Sophomore Matt Byrnes and redshirt freshman Bryan Henry lead the list of returning faces at the tight end position, while the team added senior Mike O’Laughlin via the transfer portal from West Virginia.

Tight ends and inside receivers coach Corby Meekins spoke positively of the tight end room in training camp, shying away from identifying any one or two players who would be starting at the position though praising the experience O’Laughlin brings to the position and room.

Offensive line

Offensive Line Coach Eman Naghavi entered his first season during what he described as his “dream school.” A native of Katy, he said the offensive line was significantly different from how it looked in the spring.

“We’ve brought a lot of new guys in here,” said Naghavi. “We’ve created a lot of depth, and the guys have really taken to the coaching.”

Junior Patrick Paul and senior Jack Freeman, both experienced members of the UH offense, are near-certain starters on the offensive line.

Outside Paul and Freeman, Naghavi signals towards ongoing competition for starting roles.

“A lot of the guys just got here in the beginning of June,” Neghavi said. “We’re still just trying to see these guys mesh.”

Defensive line

‘Sack Ave’ is coming to the Big 12. Or at least that’s what head coach Dana Holgorsen seems to think.

Despite several big-name patrons of Sack Ave departing the program, this year’s Houston defensive line aims to pick

up where Derek Parish, Logan Hall and company have left their mark over the last few years.

Junior Nelson Ceaser is one of the returnees hoping to step into the spotlight in 2023, alongside transfers David Ugwoegbu and junior Brandon Mack. Other names fans should watch include junior Chidozie Nwankwo, redshirt freshman Anthony Holmes Jr., and junior Nadame Tucker.

Linebackers

Houston’s linebacker room is led by seniors Trimarcus Cheeks and Malik Robinson, both veterans of the program and familiar names to UH fans. Cheeks enters his second year at UH while Robinson returns from a torn pectoral muscle that ended his 2022 season prematurely.

Senior Hasaan Hypolite is also returning for his fourth season with the program, while junior Jamal Morris returns for his second season.

Defensive coordinator Doug Belk spoke highly of Morris during training camp.

“He has developed as a linebacker,” Belk said. “He played safety when he was at Oklahoma. He has gained 15-20 pounds since he has been here.”

Belk also singled out sophomore Treylin Payne, whom he described as one of the team’s most talented players.

Defensive backs

Returning for his third year at UH, senior defensive back Alex Hogan is poised to step into a leading role within the Houston defense after his 2022 season was cut short by a knee injury.

“I kind of took it personally,” Hogan said of his injury. “I was upset that I got hurt, so it feels good to be back and going, playing with my teammates.”

The Houston secondary is bolstered by a handful of veteran transfers including senior Malik Fleming and junior Isaiah Hamilton.

Hamilton, a Houston native and transfer from Texas Southern spoke of the competitiveness within the UH squad.

“At TSU, there’s competition there,” Hamilton said. “But when I came over here, it was like everyone wanted to compete at the same level.”

Other fresh transfers to Houston include senior Brian George and sophomore A.J. Haulcy. In terms of familiar faces, sophomore Jalen Emery senior Noah Guzman are potential impact players to round out the Houston secondary.

Special teams

In terms of kickers, Houston has three names — all new to the program.

Junior Cooper Hamilton is a transfer from Eastern New Mexico, junior Jack Martin is a transfer from Alabama and freshman Joseph Kim is entering his first season of collegiate football from Lawton High School.

Senior Gavin Gately and sophomore Jacob Garza are both likely to see action as Houston’s long snappers.

sports@thedailycougar.com

Fans will get to know many new faces on the UH football team as it enters a new conference. The Cougars will enter the Big 12 a stunning 42 new scholarship players after a bevy of graduates, transfers and NFL draft picks departed after last season. | Courtesy of UH Athletics

and that’s all we really care about.”

Junior quarterback Donovan Smith was named the Cougars’ starting quarterback by head coach Dana Holgorsen. Smith transferred from Texas Tech after the 2022 season and beat out last year’s backup Lucas Coley. | Courtesy of UH Athletics

STUDENT CENTERS

CONFERENCE RESERVATION SERVICES

The Student Centers is a place where students can relax in-between classes, grab food & participate in various events throughout the year Our Conference & Reservations team is eager to help you or your organization reserve meeting & event spaces. With 2 facilities & 19 event spaces, you’ll be sure to find a place where you belong.

CREATIONSTATION

Student Centers’ graphic design & print shop, CreationStation, offers a wide range of services including design, printing, lamination & passport photos.

GAMES ROOM

The Games Room offers bowling, billiards, table tennis & other amusement games! It ’s available for individual or group usage for open play & by reservation.

SHASTA’S CONES MORE

Stop by Shasta’s Cones & More, a student-run ice cream shop featuring a number of ice cream flavors, candy & beverages.

Follow us @uhstudentcenter to stay up-to-date with the latest news & events happening throughout the year!

FOOTBALL

Vegas trips and firetrucks: inside the UH offensive line’s 2023 offseason

STARNS LELAND SPORTS EDITOR @STARNSLELAND

Any team that wants to compete at the collegiate level needs to be able to adjust, both on and off the field. This year, UH football will need to be especially quick to adapt as it faces new challenges and hardened competition in the Big 12.

At the center of that equation is the offensive line, the oft-unnoticed heart of any successful team. Tasked with making a team of new and returning players, the Cougars’ O-line has faced its fair share of challenges adapting to changing circumstances.

Building bonds

When quarterback Donovan Smith came to UH from Texas Tech last spring, sixth-year senior center Jack Freeman IV was hesitant to befriend the man he will be sending snaps to in 2023.

“I didn’t really know how I felt about Donovan when he first got here,” Freeman said of Smith, who was recently named starting quarterback by head coach Dana Holgorsen. “I didn’t talk to him for about a month and a half.”

Freeman had spent almost the entirety of his collegiate career snapping to Clayton Tune, the team’s leader and signal-caller for the better part of five years, and was hesitant to start a new relationship with a transfer who beat the Cougars in overtime. However, once the ice was broken with Smith, the pair immediately warmed up to each other.

“We’ve been best friends ever since,” Smith said after a recent practice. “(We’ve been) hanging out every day.”

Smith and members of the O-line took a trip to Smith’s hometown of Las Vegas, even taking in a UFC Fight Night and meeting the promotion’s president Dana White. It was an important chance for the unit to bond during an offseason that was fast-moving and fast-changing.

“

Since the end of the 2022 season in the Independence Bowl, the Cougars have experienced an unprecedented amount of turnover. 42 new scholarship players came through the squad, and the O-line was caught right in the middle of it. The veteran core of Freeman, Patrick Paul, Tyler Johnson and Tank Jenkins has navigated six new faces on the O-line, a new position coach and a new starting quarterback, all while preparing for a new conference.

“We’ve had to adjust a little bit, having the same O-line coach and quarterback for the past four years,” Paul said. “Going into the spring, we just had to kind of gel and get to know each other.”

A breath of fresh air

Their new coach, Eman Neghavi, also

brought a much-needed jolt of energy to the group since being introduced as O-line coach and run game coordinator back in January.

Characterized by Holgorsen as “about as O-line as O-line gets,” Neghavi got his start at Katy High School under Texas high school football legends Mike Johnston and Gary Joseph, even marrying into the latter’s family. After several coaching stops, Neghavi coached an O-line at Tulane that boasted one of the country’s top rushing attacks, even upsetting No. 10 USC in the Cotton Bowl thanks to 305 yards on the ground and four touchdowns.

After returning to where it all began in Katy Texas, Neghavi’s energy has impressed players and fellow coaches alike.

“He brings a lot of juice every day,” said senior guard Tank Jenkins. “Even if you’re tired or exhausted, he brings the juice, and it excites us.”

“That’s just the way I am. I don’t like to sit back there,” Neghavi said. “I told them today that I’m in the trenches with them. So when you watch practice, I should be drenched in sweat like these guys.”

When it comes to adapting an O-line to new surroundings, a solid center is key to a smooth transition, Neghavi said.

“The older guys have kind of taken leadership of the room to help it kind of progress,” Neghavi said. “Anytime you got an experienced center, it helps your offense, especially when you have a new quarterback back there.”

Sharpening the tools

Along with building chemistry with new coaches and quarterbacks, the O-line spent the offseason building strength to get ready for the leap in athleticism coming in its new Big 12 opponents. At the head of those efforts

was strength and conditioning coach Darl Bauer, who coined the Cougars’ offseason program as the “Warpath.”

“He emphasizes a lot to do with not only dumbbell or barbell strength but sheer physical strength,” said junior guard Tyler Johnson. “So during the offseason, we have a lot of competition where we just go against each other.”

Right before the start of fall camp, Bauer surprised the whole team by bringing a firetruck to campus from the Houston Fire Department.

“It was the last workout we had before fall camp,” Johnson said. “We’re gassed thinking the workout’s over. Then we see a firetruck.”

The team broke into groups of four and took turns pushing the truck to see who could move it 40 yards the fastest.

“The hardest part is the beginning; getting that traction,” Johnson said. “You have to really look to your left and right and be like, ‘Are these guys on my left and right really going to give it their all as much as I can?’”

It was a bonding activity for the entire team, but for offensive linemen like Johnson, it was a harbinger of things to come for the group in 2023. In a big new conference with big new challenges, the O-line will be leading the push for the Cougars.

“We’ve got to put the team on our back, no matter what, whether it’s a game or off the field,” Johnson said. “That’s what being an O-lineman is.” sports@thedailycougar.com

Headed by a core of experienced returning players, the Cougars’ O-line had to navigate an offseason full of reshuffling to get ready for the 2023 season. Veterans Jack Freeman IV, Patrick Paul, Tyler Johnson, Tank Jenkins and Reuben Unije will likely shoulder the load of the Cougars’ offense in its first season in the Big 12. | Courtesy of UH Athletics

Senior right tackle Reuben Unije, whose playing time has been sporadic in his first three years in the program, will now play a critical part as a starter for the Cougars. Unije has made eight starts so far in his collegiate career. | Anh Le/The Cougar

We’ve got to put the team on our back, no matter what. ”

Tyler Johnson, Junior

offensive lineman

It’s important to challenge what you believe

One of the best things about being a Coog is getting to interact with a diverse student body. With students hailing from over 137 countries, you’re likely to run into ideas and traditions from all over the world. As you navigate these experiences, it’s important to stay open minded.

The University is host to everything from Palestinian advocacy groups to bible studies from multiple Christian traditions, as well as unique experiences like the opportunity to watch a staged recreation of traditional Nigerian weddings.

And while interacting with students from other backgrounds can be thrilling, it can also be challenging. You might experience ideas that might make you uncomfortable or clash with the ideals you were raised with. It can be scary at first but leaning into that discomfort is how people grow.

Your gut reaction to some of these experiences might be disgust or confusion, but in many cases this reaction is nothing more than your brain processing new information. Familiarity can feel like safety, so anything outside of the ordinary can feel like a shock to your senses.

But instead of shying away, you should consider asking why someone believes what they do, or why certain practices are important to them.

CHALLENGING BELIEFS

Continues on page 10

Your personal beliefs might not change, but you may just gain a newfound appreciation for how that person sees life. Every person’s life experience is different, and assuming you understand how everything works is a great way to shut out some potentially beautiful interactions.

Having an open mind goes beyond just trying the occasional new food, however. In some cases, it can mean challenging your own deeply held religious or political beliefs.

For many, these beliefs are held so strongly that challenging them can seem like losing a part of who you are. Ethics, traditions and beliefs are frequently tied to strong memories or bonds with family. Especially in an unfamiliar environment, it can be tempting to double down.

But at its core, college is about learning, and that includes learning about other people. For many students, especially those from less diverse communities, this might be their first time being exposed to deeply impactful ideas.

And in the process of learning about other people, you might find you end up learning a lot about yourself too. Some college students end up finding whole new career paths, hobbies and even spiritual ideas.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, sticking to the same ideas and people you’re familiar with can end up creating an echo chamber. Ideas that are never

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo / The Cougar

Take a breath: The first few weeks aren’t that bad

MALACHI KEY OPINION EDITOR @MALACHISKEY

Let’s not beat around the bush: The first few weeks of school can be intense. Whether you’re brand new to the school or the most super of seniors, it’s easy to get lost in the sauce. But as we head into a brand-new school year, you should do your best to not stress too much.

The truth is you are far from the only one feeling this way. Professors are human too. Just like you, they’ve been enjoying a long “brain break” over the summer and are probably just as nervous if not more.

Your teachers want to be liked as much as you do, and the first few weeks are most likely going to be a bit of an adjustment period for everyone. Most of your classes are likely to be full of reading through syllabi and goofy “get to know you” type games.

However, some students might not be so lucky. If you’re in a more intense major, you might be reading hundreds of pages while your friends are playing icebreakers. STEM majors especially can face an immense amount of stress even at the beginning of the year.

If you’re headed to med school, slacking off is not an option. Take your GPA seriously, but don’t forget that your professors are there to help you, even

in the hardest majors. Most classes drop grades, so these first few quizzes aren’t likely to set your grades back permanently.

Remember that college is a marathon, not a sprint. Take a deep breath, list all the important due dates in your planner, and do your best to take each assignment one at a time. Ask for help now rather than the last week of the semester.

At the end of the day, your mental and physical health matters more than your productivity, and rushing right at the start of the semester is a recipe for burnout.

Now is the perfect time to set good habits, both for productivity and relaxing. Good habits start small, and experts say they’re built best when tied into existing routines. Putting your classes in Google calendar and finding space for routines can make a world of difference.

For example, you could find time in your schedule to turn your brain (and your phone) off and center yourself, even if it’s only for 30 minutes. On the more productive side, study groups can be a fantastic way to stay on top of classes and make new friends.

Speaking of new friends, you should consider trying out any student organizations that look interesting to you. You might not have time later in the semester, so this is a great chance to

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

get involved before you’re drowning in assignments.

The hard parts of classes tend to come later, so there will be plenty of time to be stressed come midterms. And if it really does become too much, there is no shame in dropping a class.

College can be equal parts rewarding and crushing, and many times the only thing you can do is choose how you react to what’s thrown your way. So why not start this semester off right?

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Fit Fest 8/28

6 - 8 pm | SC Houston

Join us for an evening full of tness activities and giveaways! We will have instructor-led Zumba, yoga, and more to kick o your semester!

Job Fair 8/29

4 - 7 pm | CRWC

Bring your resume and interview on-site. Hiring Lifeguards, Group Fitness Instructors, Personal Trainers and more!

Rec Fest 8/31

4 - 7 pm | CRWC

The ultimate event to kickstart your semester!

Get your FREE T-shirt, food and giveaways, try out demos, enjoy in atable activities, groove to music, connect with sport clubs and more.

Night Hike 9/16

Stargazing & S’mores!

Register by 9/13 @ myrec.uh.edu. End the night with a sweet treat of s’mores by the re, with new friends after a relaxing exploration in Brazos Bend. Perfect for those who want an easy-going hike or want to take a break from city life.

$50 - Member

Strengthening the Pride

CHALLENGING BELIEFS

Continued from page 8

truly challenged can end up becoming flimsy and repetitive.

Sometimes this can be as tame as only having friends that like the same music, but echo chambers can end up doing a lot of harm. For example, completely failing to engage with people from different political ideologies can create deep division between groups.

Keeping an open mind is important for students of all political backgrounds, even at a mostly liberal university. Everyone holds their beliefs for a reason, and sometimes finding out why they hold that belief can make you see someone as a human being instead of an enemy.

This doesn’t mean you have to engage with people that are actively hostile or cause you emotional distress, of course. But as you head into a new year, think about your background.

Would your beliefs be the same if you were raised in a different environment? Just like you, many of the students around you are actively challenging what they know about the world, even if they don’t show it externally. Showing some grace can go a long way in building friendships.

Regardless of where you came from or where you end up, college is one of the last chances you may have in life to engage with so many different ideas.

As you enter the workforce, you’re likely to increasingly find yourself surrounded by people extremely similar to you. Trying out new things can be difficult, as you must put more time and energy into locating unique people to engage with.

So don’t waste these four years. This is your opportunity to see the great diversity of experiences that make being human so beautiful.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

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ISSUE STAFF

CLOSING EDITORS

John Lomax

Cindy Rivas Alfaro

COVER Jose Gonzalez-Campelo

Trust yourself, and you won’t be disappointed. Build a solid base and clear any influences that are inconsistent or causing doubt. Leave nothing to chance and oversee everything that has meaning to you. Ask questions and map out a course to help you achieve your dreams. Protect your heart, health and happiness from anyone trying to lure you down the wrong path. At the same time, don’t be afraid to embark on new adventures.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22)

-- Tidy up loose ends that can set you back. Rethink your lifestyle and pay more attention to how you present yourself to others. Be a leader, and you'll discourage anyone trying to throw you off your game. Show no mercy and don’t let anyone stop you from being your best self.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

-- Elaborate, but do not make promises you can't deliver. A change that improves your health and emotional well-being will help you distance yourself from temptation. Hold yourself accountable and make sure not to let anyone in your life down. Your loved ones are relying on you to lead the way.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)

-- Someone funny, endearing and helpful will increase your awareness regarding how to make your life better. Enrich your lifestyle by saying no to whoever tries to dominate you and your choices. You have the heart of a mountain lion, don’t let anyone get between you and your goals.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22)

-- Use your intelligence to market yourself, and a positive turn of events will unfold. Interviews, updating your skills or sending out your resume will point you in a new and exciting direction. Consider picking up a new hobby that will enhance your professional portfolio.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21)

-- You can talk all you want, but you will fall by the wayside, and your skills and talents will go to waste, unless you act. Actions speak louder than words; do your part, and

don't look back.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

-- Don't let anything expire or leave you without a safety net. Look for investment opportunities, but don't take on a financial burden. Keep life simple, healthy and affordable.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19)

-- Say no to anyone trying to waste your time or take advantage of you. Someone will use compliments to tempt you into taking on too much. Nurture your relationship and protect your heart.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20)

-- Refuse to let anyone take advantage of you financially. Play to win, and use your skills in a unique manner that targets trends and puts you a step ahead of the competition. Don’t be afraid to step on the heads of acquaintances and bad friends.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

-- Practice makes perfect, and once you choose a course of action, you will find it easier to look forward instead of living in the past. Recognize your skills and add to your qualifications. Be aware of social distractions, traps and other time-wasters — the coming weeks will require your fullt attention.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

-- Overreaction or poor behavior will cost you. Use your intelligence, courage and strength of character, and you will bypass making a mistake. Control your emotions and secure your position.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

-- Execute intentions with stamina and finesse. Your actions will stand out, positioning you for bigger and better things. Believe in yourself. Personal gain and self-improvement are apparent.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

-- Listen to your heart, not to someone trying to take advantage of you. Align yourself with those with something worthwhile to contribute. Learn from experience, and opportunity will follow.