The First Roar 2021

The Cougar c/o The University of Houston Center for Student Media 4465 University Dr. Room N221 Houston, TX 77204

HOUSTON, TEXAS 5910

Sunday, August 1, 2021 | 1

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Meet The Cougar Staff: The Editorial Board

Donna Keeya, Editor in Chief

Sydney Rose, Managing Editor

Jhair Romero, Web Editor

Aminah Tannir, News Editor

Haya Panjwani, News Editor

Ashley Gwananji, Assistant News Editor

James Mueller, Sports Editor

Sean Thomas, Assistant Sports Editor

Anna Baker, Opinion Editor

Juana Garcia, Creative Director

Gerald Sastra, Assistant Creative Director

B.A. Journalism, junior U.S. Ethnic Studies minor

B.A. Health Communication, senior

B.A. Journalism | B.S. Sports Administration, junior

THE FIRST ROAR (ISSN 1) Issue Date: July 27, 2021 Published Annually The Cougar Center for Student Media 4465 University Dr. Room N221 Houston, TX 77204 ISSUE NO. 01 Free of Charge

B.A. Journalism, junior History minor

B.A. Journalism | B.A. Political Science, senior

B.B.A. Management Information Systems, junior

B.A. Art, senior Advertising minor

B.A. Print Journalism, senior Graphics Communication Technology minor

B.S. Psychology, senior Law, Values and Policy minor

B.A. English, senior Creative Work and Medicine in Society minors

B.F.A. Graphic Design, sophomore

Sunday, August 1, 2021 | 3 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Take care of yourself as you transition into college DONNA KEEYA

EDITOR IN CHIEF @DONNAKEEYA

Hello and welcome to the University of Houston. Despite all your different previous life experiences, your paths will all cross here as you enter into UH. Whether you are happy to be here or not, I hope you are able to grow and evolve during your time at our university.

This past year and a half was full of unknowns and hardships for many people, and while I don’t know what is coming next, I do know this school and city are full of opportunities that can continue to develop you, pandemic or not.

The biggest piece of advice I can offer incoming freshmen is to support yourself.

Through your ups and downs the only person who is going to be with you 100 percent of the time is yourself.

While it may be difficult, you deserve to treat yourself with all the love and respect that you grant others.

If you’re moving to campus, it may seem super scary to be living by yourself for the first time, but I can assure you you will make priceless memories that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

If you’re commuting, I truly believe you are going to gain such a strong sense of autonomy and really grow into yourself and personality outside the bubble of

previous insitutions.

Being able to support yourself during hard times will be a skill that will benefit you so much throughout life, and this is the perfect time to start practicing that.

In college you are going to fail. There are so many new experiences to try and lessons to learn, and at one point or another you are bound to fall down.

Once you realize you are going to, you will be able to accomplish so much more without the fear of failure. Shoot your shot on life and don’t hold back out of fear.

Play your best with the hand of cards life has given you and try to make the most of your college experience. Viewing the glass half full will make you so much more appreciative of continuing your education.

Go to athletic events, romanticize your walk to class, meet new people, make mistakes and then forgive yourself afterward.

You’ll have so much fun if you take advantage of the new experiences presented to you.

I can’t wait to see what the class of 2025 accomplishes. I’m manifesting nothing but the best during your time at UH. Thanks for reading and go Coogs. editor@thedailycougar.com

Editor in Chief Donna Keeya posing with Shasta.

WELCOME BACK COOGS! houstonalumni.com

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AUG.21

AUG.22

AUG.24

AUG.25 & 26

AUG.25 & 26

AUG.26

PARTY IN THE PARK

4-7pm; Lynn Eusan Park PLAYFAIR

6-7:30pm; CRWC SC WELCOME BACK

11-2pm; Student Centers EXPLORE THE POWERHOUSE

10-2pm; Across Campus CAT'S BACK

4-6pm; Student Centers GLOW PARTY

9-12am; Lynn Eusan Park

AUG.27

AUG.27

AUG.30

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

Sunday, August 1, 2021 | 5 HAYA PANJWANI EDITORS & AMINAH TANNIR,

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

NEWS

TRANSITION

Incoming freshmen anticipate return of in-person activities ASHLEY GWANANJI

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @ASHXLES

As UH continues its transition back to normalcy next semester, some incoming freshmen are anticipating the return of the University’s in-person activities.

Similar to other students at the University, the incoming freshmen spent a year of schooling online due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With events presented virtually, many missed out on high school traditions typically experienced in person, such as prom, homecoming and graduation.

Previously plagued with online meetings for events and classes, the students will experience the opposite for their first year at UH. In their plans for reopening, the University anticipates bringing students on campus at capacity by utilizing pre-coronavirus classroom capacities.

While the goal is full capacity, UH also plans to adjust as more updates about the coronavirus pandemic emerge from health experts and agencies.

Compared to other students, this year’s freshman will

experience the return of UH traditions, such as Homecoming and Weeks of Welcome, in person.

Additionally, they will experience the return of faceto-face classes, which nutrition freshman Krystel Nabbout finds helpful to her learning experience.

“I am super happy in-person classes start this year because I find it to have more interaction, fewer distractions, and more focus for a better learning environment,” said Nabbout. “I also believe I will be able to make more connections with people and create better friendships.”

Like Nabbout, freshman Saffiyah Adeyinka shares the sentiment.

“I’m very excited and nervous about starting my first year at UH,” Adeyinka said. “I’m looking forward to in-person classes because I feel like I have a better chance to know my professors and my classmates more.”

Despite returning to in-person functionalities, UH will also offer some courses in an asynchronous format for freshmen students.

The alternative format to face-to-face classes is available to

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF

Donna Keeya

MANAGING EDITOR

Sydney Rose

Commuting students make up about 85 percent of the student population at UH, so living on campus isn’t typically as common at the University.

With Houston being one of the worst cities for traffic in the country, a lot of students can feel frustrated with the long commutes they endure getting to class.

“I’ve commuted my entire college career,” said supply chain management senior Shaila Ali. “It can get super exhausting sitting in

my car for 45 minutes just to go to one class.”

For students like Ali who commute from the Sugar Land area in Southwest Houston, the day-to-day commute without traffic is about 35-40 minutes to and from the school. Taking traffic into account, that commute length can stretch to about an hour or an hour and a half.

But Ali and her friends have found a solution to commuting.

“What we do is that we gather a group of people that all live in the same area and we meet at one central location, for us, it’s our

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

Sean Thomas

NEWS EDITORS

ASSISTANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Aminah Tannir Haya Panjwani

Gerald Sastra

SPORTS EDITOR

James Mueller OPINION EDITOR

Anna Baker

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Juana Garcia

STAFF EDITORIAL Juana Garcia/The Cougar

courses historically offered during a fall semester.

In an asynchronous format, students work at their own pace, keeping in mind to submit their work at the due dates set in stone by the professor.

While some students will enroll in an asynchronous class, classes offered in the virtual format have shrunk at UH. Compared to last year, where most classes were online, most students were offered and enrolled in classes encompassing a full or partial virtual format.

The number has experienced a tremendous dip from students enrolled in courses in the face-toface format.

Although none of her classes are virtual, Nabbout believes the benefits of virtual learning depend on the student.

“I think asynchronous learning can be a major advantage or disadvantage depending on how you learn as a person,” she said.

“It is more of a self-taught way of learning … which I somewhat dislike for myself. But it is also

good if a person has a tight schedule and enjoys teaching themselves.”

Regardless of how students take their classes, Adeyinka is excited to start her UH experience.

“I’m anticipating getting to meet people and making new friends,” she said. “I’m also anticipating joining clubs and living on campus.”

As for Nabbout, she’s excited to start at UH with her best friends.

“I am so excited to take this big step in my life and continue my education at UH, especially since I am going in with my best friends and have already started meeting new people and making friends,” she said.

“During my freshman year, I am hoping to join many clubs and extracurriculars, meet new people and enjoy the college experience while keeping up with my studies and taking on challenging courses,” Nabbout added. news@thedailycougar.com

Commuting students juggle traffic, time management HAYA PANJWANI

Ashley Gwananji

WEB EDITOR

Jhair Romero

COMMUTERS

NEWS EDITOR @HAYAPANJW

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

mosque,” Ali said. “Then we all go in one car with one person who has a garage pass, because those are closer to the classes and safer, to be honest. Sometimes we’ll Venmo that person so that we all split the pass evenly.”

That method tends to work more often than not, but it requires Ali and her friends to coordinate class schedules at the beginning of the year, and makes it hard to stay involved in extracurricular activities since everyone relies on one another for the single parking pass.

Pre-med senior Farah Abbas is

also a commuting student — but does so from a shorter distance.

“I’m from the suburbs, but I moved into an off-campus apartment when I started college.

I commute from downtown to UH by car and it’s honestly not that bad,” Abbas said.

When she gets to campus, Abbas chooses to engage in some extracurricular activities and hang out with friends to fill the time between classes as well as beat traffic.

COMMUTERS

Continues on page 7

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.

ADVERTISEMENTS Advertisements in The Cougar do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the University or the students as a whole.

The Cougar is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.

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NEWS

HAYA PANJWANI EDITORS & AMINAH TANNIR,

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ACADEMICS

UHin4: Breakdown of UH’s four-year graduation program HAYA PANJWANI

NEWS EDITOR @HAYAPANJW

At orientation, freshmen and incoming students learn about a program called UHin4. There is a presentation given where these students are encouraged to take part, but don’t always know what it is.

Beginning in 2014, the program was developed by the University to have students graduate in four years’ time. With that, UH gives access to a variety of resources for UHin4 students, like priority enrollment, academic maps, course availability and the option to opt-in for the fixed-rate tuition plan.

University administrators started the program to simplify the college process, while also maintaining high quality and affordable tuition.

“Through this program, you will receive resources to help you identify and pursue a clear path for graduating in a timely manner,” said Paula Myrick Short, Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in her opening note for UHin4. “This includes four-year academic maps, degree progress tools and a fixed tuition option to assist with planning and budgeting.”

While in UHin4, students will be required to take 30 credit hours per year. If the degree plan is 120 hours, they’ll need to meet an academic adviser every semester. This

includes following the course sequence in the academic maps and remaining in good academic standing- or maintain a 2.00 GPA or above.

UHin4 perks The optional program gives students access to priority enrollment. This is a week before other students of the same classification.

Marketing senior Nina Joseph said she liked the priority enrollment component of the program.

“I feel like there’s not much to lose here,” Joseph said. “The main benefit to me was picking classes early because classes fill up so fast. I rarely ever had situations where I didn’t get the class I wanted, and the 15 credit hours were very manageable in my opinion.”

The academic maps make course planning easier for most students as well, by telling UHin4 students exactly when to take each course in order to graduate in four years.

The maps don’t include any sort of summer courses.

While tuition changes for almost every entering freshman class, your tuition will remain the same throughout all four years if you choose to opt into UHin4. The rate varies for each college though, so be sure to check what your specific college’s fixed tuition rate would be.

To remain in the program, it is a

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requirement for students to complete 15 credit hours a semester, and 30 credit hours per academic year. Not meeting that requirement could result in you being dropped from the program.

Transfer students are eligible for the program too. As long as they start at the

University with less than 30 credit hours.

The program is not a requirement. If 15 credit hours a semester and academic maps seem daunting or inflexible with your schedule, move at your own pace. news@thedailycougar.com

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Different types of student organizations on campus, how to get involved AMINAH TANNIR

NEWS EDITOR @AMOUNA.JT

Attending UH is part of what makes a student an integral piece in the campus community, but if they want to take it a step further, they can participate with student organizations.

Student organizations that operate out of UH are separated into a few categories, including University Sponsored Organizations, Registered Student Organizations and Affiliated Organizations.

University Sponsored Organizations University Sponsored Organizations are funded by UH student fees allocated by the Student Fees Advisory Community.

The seven USOs that operate under the umbrella of the Center for Student Involvement are the Homecoming Board, Council for Cultural Activities, Frontier Fiesta, Student Program Board, the Activities Funding Board, the Student Government Association and the Metropolitan Volunteering Board.

The Metropolitan Volunteering Board finds ways to connect UH students to the campus and the local community through volunteer activities.

Frontier Fiesta is a decades-long tradition that features many student talents over multiple days in a festival format.

The Council for Cultural Activities

promotes diversity and cultural awareness at UH through events such as the cultural marketplace, Cultural Taste of Houston and Cultural Explosion.

The Activities Funding Board is overseen

by SFAC, where they allocate funding to student organizations and events on campus related to their activities.

Homecoming organizes an annual event for alumni and students to celebrate being a part of the University’s community the week of the Homecoming football game.

Student Government Association is comprised of the Senate and the Executive branch along with the Supreme Court. SGA passes legislation and resolutions that impact the campus community.

Affiliated Organizations SFAC also allocates funds to Affiliated Organizations, which are media groups on campus independently run by students. The three Affiliated Organizations are all divisions under the Center for Student Media.

CSM includes the school newspaper The Cougar, CoogTV and Coog Radio.

Registered Student Organizations Registered Student Organizations are a bit different from USOs and AOs by not always getting funds directly allocated to them by SFAC. Any three students acting as officers along with a faculty member can register to be an RSO once they form bylaws and

Christopher Charleston/The Cougar

complete an application for approval through CSI. All of these organizations can be found under the Get Involved icon on AccessUH. Once you click the icon, it will take you to the main page where you’ll find the organizations tab.

From there you’ll be able to search for any RSO on campus and can even filter it by organization type. USOs and AOs can also be found under the icon.

Once you find an organization you like, if you click on the name, it will take you to their Get Involved page that has contact

information, applications and general information on what their purpose is and what activities they facilitate.

Their page may also include a list of their officers, bylaws and a gallery of events as well as recent news related to their activities and events.

Students will be able to speak to many of these organizations during the Weeks of Welcome, where members will be volunteering and helping freshman navigate the start of their UH journey. news@thedailycougar.com

Sunday, August 1, 2021 | 7 HAYA PANJWANI EDITORS & AMINAH TANNIR,

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NEWS

DINING

Dining commons, retail locations to expand this fall ASHLEY GWANANJI

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @ASHXLES

UH Dining is reopening some of its previously closed locations this fall.

As part of UH’s reopening process, Moody Towers and Cougar Woods Dining Commons will open, allowing students to sit and eat among each other with safety measures in place.

Moody Towers Dining Commons will reopen Aug. 22 for daily dining, while Cougar Woods Dining Commons is set to open with supplementary hours.

In addition to the dining commons being available, retail restaurants anticipate their return to campus.

Last year, some restaurants on campus temporarily closed in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Their closure subjected students to a limited number of restaurants, such as Chick-Fil-A, Panda Express, Mondo Subs and Starbucks.

However, the swift return of additional restaurants, such as Einstein Bros. Bagels in Philip Guthrie Hoffman Hall and McAlister’s Deli in the Welcome Center, leaves students like philosophy senior Stepheni Torres with relief.

“I honestly think it’s a great idea to reopen the restaurants, but with

cautious measures of course,” Torres said. “As more classes are face to face this upcoming semester, a lot of students will encounter days where they forget to pack their lunch and will need to purchase food.”

“Having these restaurants open will avoid hangry and starving students, Torres continued. “I do feel the same about dining halls as most students, like myself, like to study and eat in a different area that is not (our) room(s).”

Torres notes a change in scenery is a popular way for students to study and explore UH to build a relationship with the campus.

“Definitely find time and explore around campus,” Torres said. “Find hidden gems for secret eating and studying spots. If eating between classes, plan accordingly when finding a place that gives enough time to get to the next class. If the food spots are not all that great, I highly suggest packing lunch, and yes, there are microwaves everywhere.”

As a member of the Student Government Association, Torres hopes to implement additional restaurants on campus and encourages students’ input.

“If there are other restaurants students have in mind to add to campus, I encourage them to ask a fellow Student

Juana Garcia/The Cougar

COMMUTERS

Continued from page 5 “I have some really great friends, so I sometimes just hang out with them at their place on campus or I sometimes have meetings for my student organizations,” Abbas said. “The worst times for traffic are usually when people are getting off work, and luckily that’s when most student organizations meet.

So I go home once the traffic dies down.”

Departments like Commuter Student

Services suggest doing things like getting a job on campus, securing a parking pass early and getting involved to spend more time on campus to make the commute time worthwhile.

The University also often has special programs and events going on, so if commuters plan to stay a little longer on campus to beat traffic, they can always check out the UH Event Calendar for upcoming events. news@thedailycougar.com

Juana Garcia/The Cougar

Government Association member on how we can achieve getting more options on campus,” Torres said.

As for places for incoming students to try on campus, Torres recommends Pink’s Pizza and The Nook Cafe near the Law Center for their hunger needs.

“While I’m excited for Chick-Fil-A, I’m more excited to get back to Pink’s Pizza and enjoy a drink after a day full of classes,” she said. “My favorite thing to order, of course, is a slice of pepperoni

and Italian sausage pizza with a beer. The vibes at Pink’s Pizza are chill and a great hang-out place to enjoy time away from classes while on campus.”

“Oh, and for sure try out The Nook Cafe by the law school on campus,” Torres continues. “The coffee is great, and be sure to have a warm chocolate chip cookie. It is my go-to spot to study and snack.” news@thedailycougar.com

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NEWS

FINANCIAL AID

Financial aid helps students college costs ASHLEY GWANANJI

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @ASHXLES

As college tuition steadily rises, students express frustration concerning their education costs and financial aid.

In addition to tuition, other items contributing to the college experience such as housing, meal plans and books add to the cost.

Although there are loans, students seek or receive alternative methods of funding to cover costs.

One way students work with financial aid is to receive needbased grants sourced from federal, state, private and university entities.

Financial need is evaluated from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, a form that calculates and determines student eligibility for financial aid. Limited grant funding requires students to submit their FAFSA early to receive maximum consideration.

Another source of money for students is scholarships. Most scholarships award students based on academic merit and leadership, unlike grants.

Intensely competitive to receive, utilizing different scholarship databases helps to increase chances of students receiving one. In making the process easier for students, UH created the Scholarship Universe, an online tool to help find scholarships Additionally, the University provides information about external and internal scholarships fitting every student’s needs and interests.

One of the categories is research, to which political science juniors David Paul Hilton and Tia Hufstetler won the Critical

Juana Garcia/The Cougar

Language Scholarship.

The scholarship, facilitated by the U.S. Department of State, aims to help college students learn foreign languages for their professional development in a summer study abroad program.

As a seasoned scholarship applicant, Hilton notes the prestigious scholarship helped his understanding of the Russian language.

“I previously applied as a freshman but was rejected. So when I saw the acceptance email, I was absolutely overjoyed,” Hilton said. “Admittedly, I was a bit sad to hear that the program was virtual.

But the experience thus far has sharpened my Russian language

skills immensely, and I have felt my confidence and speaking ability grow miles.”

As for Hufstetler, the Critical Language Scholarship is one of two she has won. The second is the Herman F. Elite Scholarship from the American University in Cairo, where she will do her spring semester abroad.

The funds from both scholarships will help with her Arabic language studies.

“I got to work on my Arabic and noticed significant advances in my Arabic skills,” Hufstetler said.

“I want to apply for a master’s in international relations, with a focus on Middle Eastern studies, so this will be a huge help, not only

in my further education but my career.”

For students looking for scholarships, Hilton and Hufstetler believe networking and using the resources at UH helps. “(The Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards) and others gave me detailed and instructive critiques on my essays and application to the scholarship,” Hilton said. “I’d also recommend just asking professors, students and others for opportunities they know about in general.”

“Networking is key in college and doubly so in finding scholarships and more,” Hilton continued. “It can be intimidating

at first, but it is genuinely one of the most helpful things to do as a student, for scholarships, recommendation letters and even just a better understanding of classes.”

Hufstetler also believes pushing past mental blockages for a confident mindset is necessary while applying.

“My major tip for incoming students is to just apply,” Hufstetler said. “My main obstacle was always my mindset. However, this past year I decided to change it and apply to different programs and scholarships, even if I thought I did not have a chance.” news@thedailycougar.com

10 | Sunday, August 1, 2021

NEWS

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COVID-19

Delta variant concerns loom as fall semester nears AMINAH TANNIR

NEWS EDITOR @AMOUNA.JT

Despite the infamous coronavirus delta variant being found across Texas, UH continues its plan to hold in-person classes for the fall semester.

The variant is more transmissible than the original form of the virus. As of late June, the delta variant makes up a little under half of the cases in the U.S. and was reported in multiple Texas counties, including Harris and Fort Bend.

The University recently lifted its mask policy after Gov. Greg Abbott issued an executive order barring governmental entities from mandating face coverings.

Although the mask mandate was lifted, some students still feel the need to wear one around campus come fall.

Mechanical engineering junior Ravi Desai said even if he’s vaccinated, he’s still planning on wearing a mask on campus to further protect himself and those around him.

“With many people still unvaccinated in the state of Texas, I worry for the overall well-being of our student body and faculty,” Desai said. “I worry that a potential outbreak could not only jeopardize students returning to campus, but also the health of everyone involved.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends only unvaccinated people should wear masks or physically distance themselves when going about daily activities.

Those who are fully vaccinated can safely go unmasked, the agency recommends.

“I am confident that UH will make the best decision for its students with regard to both their health and learning,” Desai said.

Juana Garcia/The Cougar

Despite some student’s confidence in the University for keeping students safe, others aren’t so optimistic.

“I feel nervous,” said public health senior Arwa Hasnain. “I recently heard that UH wasn’t going to enforce masks, which is a bit concerning. I know I will be wearing my masks in my classes and whenever I’m not in my dorm but I have a strong feeling that the rest of campus won’t be wearing masks.”

Hasnain said she will plan on practicing other preventative

measures in class and public spaces when possible, such as social distancing.

“Until the risk of catching the delta variant is reduced, I will adopt those respective measures on campus,” said Hasnain.

In a previous statement, UH spokesperson Shawn Lindsey said the University still encourages members of the UH community to wear a mask, especially unvaccinated individuals.

As a result of coronavirus restrictions being relaxed, the

University is offering 80 percent of its courses in person, which many students are eager to return to.

“I’m honestly so glad, I had never felt so depleted of energy and motivation,” Hasnain said.

Not only were online courses a chore for Hasnain, but she also took a hit to her mental health trying to keep up.

“I am ready to resume in-person activities,” she said.

“I’m sure my classmates and friends can say the same.”

Desai echoed Hasnain’s

sentiments, saying he’s ecstatic to attend in-person events with the rest of his peers, even with the looming threat of a potential outbreak.

“Taking online classes and being away from friends was difficult to experience, as I’m sure it was for many others,” Desai said. “By being back on campus, we’ll be able to reunite with friends, meet new people, and connect with professors face-toface.” news@thedailycougar.com

Sunday, August 1, 2021 | 11 HAYA PANJWANI EDITORS & AMINAH TANNIR,

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CAMPUS

UH event capacities to steadily increase in upcoming months HAYA PANJWANI

NEWS EDITOR @HAYAPANJW

In a statement sent to students June 1, UH announced that event capacities will be expanded to 100 percent by Aug. 1.

The school plans to phase into full event capacity by allowing events to accommodate allow 50 percent seating capacity at a UH managed venue starting June 1.

The capacity will increase to 75 percent on July 1, and finally transition to full venue capacities before the start of the next academic year.

This announcement comes in accordance with the governor’s Executive Order GA-36 that prevents government institiutions from mandating masks and new guidelines on mask wearing and social distancing from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for vaccinated or nonvaccinated induvuduals.

The venues at UH included in under these new guidelines

include all athletic venues, the UH Hilton, theatre’s and performance halls, the campus recreation center and Student Center North and South.

Last spring, the University announced 80 percent of courses will have in-person delivery options in the Fall 2021 semester, many introductory courses being offered asychronously.

COVID-19 event guidelines will continue to remain in effect until Aug.1, which includes seating arrangements, queueing and check-in at all events.

“We continue to make safety our top priority and believe these new event guidelines will allow us to reestablish a dynamic university environment while maintaining our commitment to the wellbeing of the campus community,” said director of occupational health services Dawn Mopkins in the email to students. news@thedailycougar.com

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NEWS

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What to do if you’re not a big party person HAYA PANJWANI

NEWS EDITOR @HAYAPANJW

College is about a fresh start, and with that comes new freedoms including going to parties and clubs.

But, if you’re not a person who is particularly fond of the party scene, there are tons of other options for you to explore this newfound freedom and make friends.

Food, drinks and coffee Houston is known for its food, recently being recognized as a food capital of the country.

If you’re the type of person who wants to taste almost every type of cuisine without incurring the expense of plane tickets and hotel stays, Houston is where it’s at.

Start your night out in Chinatown near Bellaire and Westpark Tollway. You can grab chicken skewers and bubble tea, or you can go big and splurge on a hot pot meal and bubble tea.

Bubble tea is a must!

Next, if you’re looking for dessert, you could stop by Westheimer Street near the Galleria Mall and grab a sweet Mediterranean pastry like baklava.

If you decided to eat earlier and just want to grab some drinks, head over to Montrose where

there’s often a stand-up comedy show or even a trivia night.

Earlier in the day though, you could hit up a coffee shop like Brass Tacks or Common Bond, and read a book or get some homework done in a lively and dynamic atmosphere.

The Great Outdoors Sometimes, when you spend all day indoors attending classes, you may have a craving for some Vitamin D as a party alternative.

There are a few places around Houston that are easy to get to through a car or public transportation that could get you some fresh air. Check out Eleanor Tinsley Park on Allen Parkway or Hermann Park near Rice University. Go ahead and pack a lunch or snack while you’re there, and take a deck of cards or a ball to throw around with you too.

You can also take a walk at the Houston Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. Check out different types of plant life and flora, while also taking a relaxing nature walk.

The same works with animals at the Houston Zoo. Be sure to take your student ID with you, and you may even get a discount.

Reading and Learning If you just feel like you need a quiet space to collect your

Gerald Sastra/The Cougar

thoughts, check out any of the Houston library branches. By securing a quick membership, you have access to any book you want in the Houston area and access to a number of book signings, book clubs or even shows.

If you just want to hang out and read, the River Oaks Bookstore, Quarter Price Books or any local

Barnes and Noble store will give you a quiet space to disappear into a book.

Reading may not be your thing though, so stop by any of the museums in the Museum District.

All located near one another, you can hop between the science, contemporary arts and modern arts museums and just

learn about the history of art or the science behind everyday functions.

There are many ways to enjoy the college experience without clubs or a party. Find your niche and conquer this new chapter of your life. arts@thedailycougar.com

TRADITIONS

Official, unofficial UH traditions to participate in this year HAYA PANJWANI

NEWS EDITOR @HAYAPANJW

One of the key elements of going to a school with stellar sports teams and tons of name recognition, is its traditions. Both official and unofficial, traditions are what make going to college feel more like a community than anything else.

Off the bat, you’ll want to kick off the school year by attending Weeks of Welcome. It’ll feature the annual glow party and events like Cat’s Back, where students can meet and greet with many student organizations on campus. It’s one of the best ways to get an idea of what you want to be involved with for the next few years, and an opportunity to get a free shirt, which you’ll be getting a ton of during the school year.

After you collect your shirts, which will mostly be red, you’ll want to store them aside for Cougar Red Fridays.

As an official tradition, the University says “the color unites

us, to live and to celebrate together, and behold our individual achievements as a singular legacy of pride.”

Be sure to hold on to all those red shirts for game days, which have their own wide array of traditions.

You’ll pose for every photo and sing every game day song while throwing up the cougar paw, done by folding the ring finger of the right hand toward the palm and holding it with your thumb, while leaving the other three fingers up.

“The tradition dates back to 1953, when Shasta I, the presiding cougar mascot, lost a toe in a cage door on the way to a game,” the University said. “The opposing team, the University of Texas, mocked UH by imitating the cougar’s injury. The Cougars soon adopted that gesture as a symbol of pride.”

At the end of every game, you’ll throw up that paw and sing the alma mater along with the Spirit

File photo

of Houston.

When it’s not a game day, you’ll probably have tests and quizzes you’ll be studying for all week.

An unofficial tradition, some UH students rub the mascot Shasta’s paw for good luck. It’s

located right outside Cullen Family Plaza, in front of the fountains.

Maybe while cramming for a test, you’ll get hungry and will be willing to eat anything even though it’s midnight.

Grab some midnight Moody food from Moody Towers Dining Commons, since it’ll likely be the one of the only things open within walking distance during the late hours of your studying.

Later on in the year, you might get to experience a free live concert, variety show, carnival, performances and barbecue all on campus over the course of one weekend at Frontier Fiesta.

While it was virtual in 2020, in 2019, the UH community got a free A$AP Ferg concert.

Lastly, it is crucial to get a picture with the president and chancellor of the UH system, Renu Khator.

While she only makes appearances publicly from time to time, getting a picture with her will be a keepsake for you since she is so rare to see on campus.

Be sure to throw up the cougar paw in the picture, and post it on social media. arts@thedailycougar.com

14 | Sunday, August 1, 2021

LIFE AND ARTS

HAYA PANJWANI EDITORS & AMINAH TANNIR,

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/LIFE-ARTS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

STUDYING

Study spots available this fall for various student needs AMINAH TANNIR

NEWS EDITOR @AMOUNAJT

Spots for caffeine boosts and light snacks

Whether it’s crunch time for midterms, or you just need a place to wind down and get assignments done, there are many study spots on campus to sit down and get productive.

It’s okay if you’re in need of a little coffee, and maybe a nice muffin, and in that case there’s an abundance of places offering a place to sit and munch on your treats while studying.

If you want to admire the artsy decor and spectacular drink names, head on over to The Nook Cafe located across from University Lofts. There are plenty of tables, bean bags and outdoor seating areas that will help you grind for your exams or for your leisure.

Cougar Grounds is a short trek away from the Welcome Center Garage, inside the Hilton College, between the Student Centers and Cougar Village I. Whether you’re there for a cup of coffee or for their breakfast items, Cougar Grounds is a good place to catch a quick bite with friends and check up on some emails. There’s another location located in the Health 2 building on the second floor.

Quiet places If you’re looking for a quiet place to study and get in the zone, these are the places you might want to try.

The blue and brown wings of the M.D. Anderson Library are a ways from the noise, but are perfect for long study sessions.

There are individual study rooms for the more secluded learners in the blue wings, as well as individual cubicles that’ll help box you in from other students wandering about.

Brown wings are located on floors two through five, and blue wings are accessible on floors two through eight.

Other quiet spaces include the computer labs on the first floor, the south lab behind the service desk and the north lab on the opposite side of the entrance.

Social spaces If quiet spaces aren’t what you’re looking for, here’s some study spots that have a nice ambience for when

Juana Garcia/The Cougar

you need a little background noise.

The third floor of the M.D. Anderson Library is a designated social space where students can interact without noise restrictions, but can also stay productive.

The Legacy Lounge in Student Center South, has many tables and seating areas where students can spend their time socializing or getting work done, without all of the echoing noises from the dining area across the building.

If you get lucky, a student might even take up the piano and start playing some relaxing music to study to.

Collaborative spaces Due to COVID-19 restrictions, group study rooms at the M.D. Anderson Library are currently closed, but there are other spaces in the library that cater to larger groups.

The second floor, although it has

a stricter voice level restriction, is a good place to get together with a study group. White boards are available for students to use for collaborative work If there’s a need for a more private setting, there are study rooms on the second floor of Student Center South that are available for UH students to reserve for groups. arts@thedailycougar.com

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LIFE ANDNEWS ARTS

SOCIAL LIFE

Partying stopping in pandemic affects college experience PPLY TO BE AN SYDNEY ROSE

MANAGING EDITOR @SYDNEY_ROSEY

Before the coronavirus pandemic, a reality for many college students was long lines outside of clubs with music bumping. Now, as a year of social distancing and staying inside passes by, students reflect on how going out is a part of the college experience.

With UH being a school with a majority of commuters, the college experience can be hard to grasp for some, especially with the addition of a pandemic.

For students like public relations senior Jacqueline Rojas, the pandemic putting a stop to going out also had affected her social life.

“I think parties are simply part of college culture, regardless of UH being a predominantly commuting school, many students look forward to experiencing college parties,” Rojas said. “I personally got that out of my system during my freshman and sophomore year, but I feel for the underclassmen who were excited to experience that.”

As Rojas grew older in her college years, she did not go out to UH parties as much as just go out for drinks with classmates and friends, until the pandemic made that harder.

“Whenever the pandemic started, it negatively affected the way I’d make friends at school due to not being able to spend time

and tailgates,” said management information systems and marketing sophomore Navid Hasan. “The normal life definitely will have its perks, and I think it will be good for everyone’s mental health to go out to socialize and live life.”

Hasan agrees going out to these clubs and party events was a way to meet people and relax after a long week of classes, he said.

“UH parties and events were something I looked forward to, as they always provided me with a fun experience to meet new people and grow a friend group,” Hasan said.

“The whole process of preparing and getting yourself to a party was an adventure, and the people you meet along the way would start to become your friends.”

Juana Garcia/The Cougar Yet, the partying has not stopped with some other college campuses, Hasan said. with them,” Rojas said. school and was looking forward to trying the He is really disappointed with how people While students such as Rojas are missing experience out when she got to UH, she said. on other campuses are treating the virus and the days of their college experience before Even as far as personal UH experiences, continuing a club culture and party lifestyle coronavirus, freshmen and students just Extra Credit, a rooftop bar within walking as if nothing has changed. starting theirs have no idea what that distance from the campus, has closed amid Social lives affected by social distancing experience partying was like in a time before the pandemic. have hope of returning back to normal as the virus.

As businesses are beginning to open once going out becomes an option soon enough “I feel like my time at UH has been again, students are debating whether they and students are cautious but excited. completely different compared to people I want out as the world transitions back OF “I think I will go out, but not WELCOME TOto go THE UNIVERSITY HOUSTON ! very often,” know that went to college earlier,” said music to pre-COVID-19 times.

May said. “I’ve gotten used to just hanging education freshman Maddie May. “I feel like I “Once it is deemed safe by the (Centers out with my close friends and staying in that I haven’t gotten to learn about the UH college for Disease Control and Prevention) to go think I prefer that to going out.” traditions or get a real college experience.” out and live a normal life, I definitely look arts@thedailycougar.com May was not a big partying person in high forward to getting back into some parties

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PROFILE

A day in the life of an architecture student HAYA PANJWANI

NEWS EDITOR @HAYAPANJW

For Hines College of Architecture and Design student Maria Noguera, day-to-day life is nothing short of hectic.

As a third-year architecture student, working part-time, while juggling a full course load and serving as fraternity president, Noguera takes full advantage of the resources available through Hines College.

“The College of Architecture and Design is unique on campus in that we are one of the few schools that offers a five-year program, which then allows you to apply for your architecture license rather than having to get a master’s,” Noguera said.

She works for the Community Design Resource Center, an initiative started by Susan Rogers, a professor within the school.

The initiative works on community and city development efforts, including a recent advisory project on the expansion of the Interstate 45 Highway with Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner.

“We have also published books in the past including our latest publication called Floods which was centered around some of the hardest-hit neighborhoods in Houston after Harvey,” Noguera said. “Lately, we have also done some reporting on disparities in COVID testing and vaccine distribution in the city, and we developed a COVID-19 resource pack Maria Noguera sits in front of the UH College of Architecture and Design. | Courtesy of Maria Nogueraw last year.”

After a day at work, Noguera takes to the studio, which she is required to do before she graduates.

“Studios are the main bread and butter of our schedules,” Noguera said.

“In-studio Maria Noguera, third-year architecture student you could be focusing on anything like researching communities, developing $800 for Texas Children’s Hospital to help floor plan and section drawings, learning with their COVID-19 costs,” Noguera said. how to 3D model the designs, or doing final Members of the fraternity also started a production graphics to properly represent podcast called, “Sorry I’m In Studio, which your ideas.” gives insight into the perspective and lives of The Council for Cultural Activities is a university On average, she spends about 15 hours design students at UH. The Councilorganization for Cultural Activities is a university sponsored that promotes cultural in the studio for class. But, out of class, “On any given night we might meet to The Council for Cultural Activities is a university she estimates spending 40 hours a week brainstorm ideas about episodes, different sponsored organization that promotes cultural of awareness, diversity, and inclusion at the University minimum working on her studio projects. graphics for Instagram ads, or write a copy,” sponsored organization that promotes cultural awareness, andcultural inclusion the University of Houston bydiversity, supporting andatdiversity-related “For most, it is easier to keep up with the Noguera said. awareness, diversity, and inclusion at the University of studio when you have friends going through Noguera’s schedule seems hectic to most, Houston student by supporting culturaland andevents diversity-related registered organizations on campus. the struggles with you,” Noguera said. but she genuinely enjoys keeping up with the Houston by supporting cultural and diversity-related registered student organizations and events on campus.

Aside from her part-time job and fast-paced life she has.

US SIGNATURE EVENTS registered student organizations andCONTACT events on campus. coursework, Noguera is also president “While most people might look at my of the Clesithenes Chapter of Alpha Rho schedule and think I’m a madwoman for CONTACT US SIGNATURE EVENTS Cultural Explosion Chi on campus, a professional fraternity being a full-time student. (I also) work CONTACT US SIGNATURE EVENTS CulturalExplosion Fiesta Cultural for architecture and the allied arts that part-time, run a highly active student Cultural Carnival ofExplosion Cultures Cultural Fiesta focuses on professional development and organization and work on creative projects Cultural interpersonal growth. like woodworking and furniture refurbishing, Carnival of Fiesta Cultures Noguera has been doing her best to keep I genuinely love it,” Noguera said.

Carnival of Cultures the fraternity alive and engaging during the “Design school has allowed me to not only pandemic. develop my own feel for design but also apply “We love doing both social and it to reality.” philanthropy events like our 24 gaming arts@thedailycougar.com stream on Twitch last fall where we raised

“While most people might look at my schedule and think I’m a madwoman for being a full-time student. (I also) work part-time, run a highly active student organization and work on creative projects like woodworking and furniture refurbishing. I genuinely love it.”

Sunday, August 1, 2021 | 17 HAYA PANJWANI EDITORS & AMINAH TANNIR,

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LIFE ANDNEWS ARTS

PROFILE

AMC reopens nearly 600 movie theaters, students weigh in ASHLEY GWANANJI

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @ASHXLES

Going to the movies is making a return as the nation’s largest movie theater, American MultiCinema, opened most of its 600 locations across the United States.

Since the reopening of movie theatres, the retailer reported nearly seven million moviegoers attended their locations during the first quarter.

The boost in sales comes after AMC experienced a rough financial period in 2020 due to COVID-19.

Compared to their firstquarter results, last year’s revenue fell 77 percent, and the company reported a $4.59 billion loss.

Despite the tumultuous financial situation in 2020, the movie chain Chief Executive Adam Aron predicts favorable upcoming months for the company, accrediting this to COVID-19 vaccination rates and upcoming movie releases.

Although AMC is not opening to full capacity in order to follow

health regulations, political science sophomore Nkem Nnam believes the reopening is still too soon.

“The pandemic brought a lot of trauma, and people do not see things as they used to,” said Nnam. “I understand the need to reopen, but seeing how the majority of the movies are on streaming platforms, is there really a need for movie theaters?

However, I will say I miss the whole experience.”

An active moviegoer herself pre-pandemic, Nnam plans on not returning to the movies yet due to the new outlook the pandemic provided her.

“It is unfortunate how COVID altered our world,” Nnam said. “I do not enjoy doing the things I used to do, and I see things completely differently.

The whole rush to normalcy is throwing me off because I spent a whole year isolated from people to protect myself and others.”

“I wished the rush to make things as they were before was a lot more gradual because I am having a hard time adjusting,”

Nnam continues.

Nnam said she is so used to following protocol for the pandemic at this point that the idea of being closer than six feet to other people is scary.

However, despite her hesitancy, Nnam believes the nostalgic experience of going to the movies will draw customers in, but AMC will still experience some challenges on its road to normalcy.

“People will go for the whole experience, that is the main reason why I went, but I think it will take some time to get the crowds to how they were preCOVID,” Nnam said.

“Additionally, streaming platforms make everything more accessible to people, so I am not sure if many people will return,” Nnam added.

As Nnam believes streaming services will put AMC’s survival at risk, psychology junior Krishna Thupili describes them as nonthreatening to the retailer.

“I do think people will return to the movies,” Thupili said.

“I’m sure a lot of people miss

Moviegoing makes a grand return as AMC reopens nearly 600 of its U.S. locations. The nationwide reopening is due to COVID-19 vaccinations and upcoming movie releases. | Santiago Gaughan/The Cougar

going to the theaters and watching movies in that way instead of at home,” Thupili said. “I don’t think streaming has made movies unnecessary.

Streaming has been around for a while, including before the pandemic, and it didn’t stop moviegoers then.”

Planning to return to the movies herself, Thupili views the

AMC reopening as a good move, but still is slightly wary.

“I think as more people get vaccinated, and we continue to wear masks and social distance, opening the theaters is not a bad idea,” Thupili said. “I don’t think it’s the best idea, but I don’t think it’s super bad.” news@thedailycougar.com

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Sunday, August 1, 2021 | 19 JAMES MUELLER, EDITOR

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SPORTS NEWS

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Thick as blood: Inside the UH men’s basketball’s coaching staff’s tight bond

Kelvin and Kellen Sampson are the faces of a UH coaching staff that has statistically done one of the best jobs in turning a program around and into national contenders over the past decade. | Courtesy of UH athletics

JAMES MUELLER

SPORTS EDITOR @JDM2186

One of the first words every college athletics program uses to describe themselves is “family”, but it’s hard to find a program that better exemplifies a true family atmosphere than the Houston men’s basketball team under Kelvin Sampson.

Anyone who has ever been a part of the Cougar program will say there is something different about UH that makes it unlike anything else they’ve ever experienced.

And it all starts with the coaching staff.

Sampson family What makes the UH coaching staff so unique stems from the fact it starts from a bond within a bigger union — the Sampson family.

Kelvin, with his vast relationships with some of basketball’s brightest minds, could have chosen anyone he wanted to help him build the UH program, but he decided to stay within his own bloodline — hiring his son Kellen as an assistant coach and daughter Lauren as the program’s

director of external operations.

Having the Sampsons lay the groundwork for a UH program whose cornerstone is family was just what the Cougars needed to rise back into national relevancy.

Adopted family On top of that, the Sampsons added members of their adopted family to the coaching staff, with Kelvin hiring two of his former players from his time at Oklahoma, Hollis Price and Quannas White, to walk alongside him, helping carry out the vision for UH basketball.

“Just look at the dynamics of our staff,” Kellen said. “Obviously, it starts with Coach Sampson but I’m his son. When we were building this he trusted me to really help him build this. Then we hired two of his former players in Hollis Price and Quannas White.”

“Those are guys I’ve known for 25 years. They’re like brothers to me. My sister’s on staff,” Kellen continued. “When we say family, it starts here on the third floor in the (Guy V. Lewis Development Center) where our coaches’ offices are and we try to let that energy bleed over to our guys.”

Anthony Goldwire, who played

at UH from 1992-94, was recently named the program’s director of player development and immediately noticed how tight the UH coaching staff is when he first walked into the Guy V. Lewis Development Center.

“First of all, it’s about family,” Goldwire said. “When I first walked in you see (Kelvin) Sampson, his daughter, his son.

You got Hollis and Quannas. All these are close-niched guys that he’s been around.”

K.C. Beard was recently promoted to an assistant coach after spending the past seven years as the Cougars’ video coordinator.

A relationship with Kelvin really took off through an act that is a staple in every family — sharing a home-cooked meal.

Beard was serving as Canada’s men’s basketball national team video guy while Kelvin was the team’s lead assistant. After the first scrimmage against Jamaica, Beard was grinding away preparing film from the scrimmage while the rest of the team had a get-together.

But, that didn’t stop Beard from receiving the classic Sampson hospitality as Kelvin’s wife, Karen, brought over a plate of food to Beard and Kelvin sat down to chat

with Beard.

It was at that moment Beard knew there was something special about the Sampsons, especially the way Kelvin ran things.

Seven years later, Beard is still

by Kelvin’s side and has a frontrow seat to see how Kelvin gets the most out of everyone in the program every day. “(Sampson’s) ability to get the best out of people is truly a gift and he does it with his staff as well,” Beard said.

Kelvin has gone out of his way to build personal relationships with each member of his staff.

He painted a picture of how tight that bond is when discussing the recent promotions of Beard, as well as Price, who was just named special assistant to the head coach.

“Hollis and K.C., those guys would take a bullet for me and I’d take a bullet for them,” Kelvin said.

“That’s what makes great staffs.”

Family appeal Recruits also notice how the Cougars’ coaching staff is different from any other and it plays a big role in many of them choosing UH, including Emanuel Sharp, the nation’s No. 8 shooting guard in

the class of 2022.

“Just knowing how all the coaches talk to each other (was a big reason I chose UH),” Sharp said. “Sampson told me that (the coaches) have known each other for a while and that means a lot to me.”

The UH coaching staff ’s willingness to go to extreme limits for one another has created an environment unlike many others in college sports.

While many athletic programs across the country tend to have a major shuffle amongst their coaching staff every few years, the UH men’s basketball program’s staff has stayed relatively the same since Kelvin took over in 2014.

With the exception of Goldwire, every other person on the UH men’s basketball staff has been with the program since 2017 or earlier and they all give the same reason for why they have stuck around for so long.

“When you’re in an opportunity and environment that’s special like UH under coach Sampson, why would you be in a hurry to leave?”

Beard said. “Why would you not stay as long as you can?” sports@thedailycougar.com

20 | Sunday, August 1, 2021

SPORTS NEWS

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@THECOUGARSPORTS

VOLLEYBALL

UH volleyball rallies around Molly Gerwig’s cancer fight JAMES MUELLER

SPORTS EDITOR @JDM2186

On November 29, 2019, the highly favored Arkansas State took the court at Devlin Fieldhouse to warm up for its matchup against Tulane in the first round of the NIVC Tournament.

Playing short court to warm up the team, Brian Gerwig, the Red Wolves assistant coach, took a big swing and nailed his boss and Arkansas State’s head coach David Rehr, in the face concussing Rehr.

On top of that, the Red Wolves lost to the Green Wave in five sets — making the night a total disaster from start to finish.

Little did Gerwig know, this loss would be the reason he met his future wife, Molly.

After arriving back to campus the next day, Gerwig had a friend drag him out to another volleyball tournament Saturday morning, though Gerwig really had no desire to go.

Going to this tournament turned out to be the best decision of Gerwig’s life.

“We were up 13-10 in set five (against Tulane). All we needed to do was side-out and we would have won the game. We couldn’t side-out. We tried everything,” Rehr said. “If we would have won the game, Brian would never have made that tournament. If it wasn’t for us not being able to side-out, (Brian and Molly) never

The Gerwigs tied the knot on May 15. | Courtesy of Brian and Molly Gerwig

would have met.”

After that initial meeting, fate was once again on the young couple’s side as both ended up in Houston because of their jobs.

Brian came to Houston in 2019 as Rehr took over the UH volleyball program.

Shortly later, Molly was hired as an assistant coach by the HBU volleyball program.

Fast forward to May 15 of this year and Brian and Molly tied the knot.

Just as the stars perfectly aligned for the Gerwigs to meet, the newlyweds believe everything happens for a reason and they are exactly where they are meant to be — even after recently receiving the news Molly had been diagnosed with a rare case of stage 4 neuroendocrine colon cancer.

Molly immediately began emergency chemotherapy on Memorial Day weekend and is planning to go through four rounds before her health situation is reassessed in August.

While people would expect a couple given this devastating news to feel hopeless, the Gerwigs choose to view this situation as a blessing and approach it with a positive mindset.

From living only seven minutes away from Molly’s doctor’s office where she receives chemotherapy to having friends, family, volleyball coaches and players all across the country standing behind them, the Gerwigs feel like they are in the perfect scenario for Molly to fight this cancer and come out triumphant.

“This unfortunate circumstance has really given us a platform to reach a lot of people and connect with a lot of people that otherwise might not have made the effort,” Brian said. “It’s a blessing and I really think our whole lives have brought us to this moment.”

Rehr told Brian to completely focus on Molly’s health during this time and that he and Caitlin Nolan, another UH assistant coach, would handle all the volleyball stuff for now.

Although Rehr has a lot on his plate in getting the Cougars ready for the upcoming volleyball season, he is doing his part to help out the Gerwigs.

Brian and Molly Gerwig have decided to carry a positive mindset and view everything as a blessing as Molly currently fights stage 4 neuroendocrine colon cancer. | Courtesy of Brian and Molly Gerwig

After hearing a quad volleyball tournament will be held at Third Coast Volleyball Club on July 24 to fundraise for the Gerwigs, Rehr wanted to provide another outlet to raise money.

With the Gerwigs’ permission, Rehr created a GoFundMe page explaining Molly’s health situation and setting an initial goal of raising $5,000 to help with the medical expenses.

Rehr was quickly blown away as that goal was shattered, raising $20,000 in the first 24 hours of the launching of the GoFundMe page.

Because of the immense support, the goal has now been raised to $100,000 and Rehr has encouraged people to share the details on social media about Molly’s health situation in order to get the news out to as many people as possible.

“I’d love for you to like it. I’d love for you to donate but I also want you to share it,” Rehr said. “I want you to hit the retweet button. Put it on your Instagram story

that people can go to the link because the more people that can see it the more people that can help make an impact.”

From financial contributions to receiving goodies and restaurant gift cards to everyone who has told them Molly is constantly in their prayers, the Gerwigs have been overwhelmed with all the love and support they have already received.

As more and more people continue to rally around Molly and stand with her in this fight, the Gerwigs want everyone to know how grateful they feel.

“We love the support and positivity.

Everybody that’s praying for us, (I want to give) a huge thank you to all of them because those prayers go a long way,” Brian said. “The people that can financially help us out, it is appreciated beyond belief because these (medical) bills roll in every single day.” sports@thedailycougar.com

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MEN’S BASKETBALL

Armoni Brooks reflects on his journey to the NBA

Former UH guard Armoni Brooks (2016-19) broke the NBA record for most 3-pointers made, with 47, through his 17 games during his rookie season with the Rockets. | Courtesy of the Houston Rockets

JAMES MUELLER

SPORTS EDITOR @JDM2186

From becoming the fifth Cougar in program history to make 200 or more career 3-pointers to playing a big role in Houston men’s basketball’s path back to national relevancy, Armoni Brooks had cemented himself as one of the nation’s best shooters in line for a huge senior season — until he made the shocking decision to forgo his final year of college eligibility and declare for the NBA draft.

By leaving UH early, Brooks was taking a giant risk, potentially jeopardize his lifelong dream of playing professional basketball if he went undrafted.

A couple of months later, the clock struck midnight signifying June 20, 2019, the day of the 2019 NBA Draft, had come to an end. Brooks’ name had not been called.

It appeared as if Brooks’ gamble to leave college early in hopes of being selected by one of the 30 NBA franchises was a major mistake as his path to setting foot on an NBA floor transformed from a hill into a giant mountain.

The journey Though disappointed in going undrafted, Brooks remained unfazed and was motivated as ever to prove he has what it takes to compete with the world’s best basketball players.

The sharpshooter began to catch some eyes at the beginning of 2020 when he scored 38 and 32 points just four days apart while playing for the College Park Skyhawks, the Atlanta Hawks G League affiliate.

While the light at the end of the tunnel began to emerge for Brooks, the COVID-

19 pandemic quickly threw a wrench in his plans for the rest of 2020. It appeared Brooks would once again have to start from square one.

But just as Americans put a chaotic 2020 behind them and hoped for a fresh start, the tides began to change in a positive way for Brooks.

On January 11, Brooks returned to Houston, a city that had grown close to his heart, after being selected by the Rio Grande Vipers, the Rockets G League affiliate, in the 2020 G League Draft.

The call After averaging 16.8 points and shooting 37.5 percent from deep in 15 games for the Vipers, Brooks decided his next step was to play in a pro league in New Zealand.

As Brooks waited to board his plane to begin his international professional basketball career, he suddenly received the call he had been dreaming of his whole life— the Rockets had signed him to a twoway contract.

Brooks broke down into tears in the airport, realizing that the thousands of shots he put up, the early morning lifts, runs and everything he did in between had not been done in vain.

“I took a chance leaving college early and I believed in my heart that I was an NBA player,” Brooks said. “It was just a matter of time until it got to the point where other people began to see it. Just all the hard work that went in behind closed doors and all the blood, sweat and tears and grinding through the G-League is finally starting to pay off.”

BROOKS

Continues on page 26

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CENTER STUDENT INVOLVEMENT INVOLVEMENT CENTER FORFOR STUDENT Raising the standards: UH ATHLETICS

CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT athletics recent successes

TUDENT INVOLVEMENT CONNECT DISCOVER ENGAGE CONNECTDISCOVER DISCOVER ENGAGE CONNECT ENGAGE

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Milestones were reached as junior diver Student Center North to find out While Houston men’s basketball receives Chase Farris became the first Cougar diver 1st floor of the Student Center North Rm. 103 ollow us on social media! a significant amount of buzz from the since 2015 to have qualified for the NCAA what we have to offer!

Campus Traditions csi@uh.edu 832.842.6245 www.uh.edu/csi UH community, many of the University’s Swimming and Diving Championships. She other athletic programs have made major was joined by senior swimmers Mykenzie Get Involved today! accomplishments in their respective sports. Leehy and Ioanna Sacha. ffice Hours Mon–Thurs: 8AM–6PM, Friday: 8AM–5PM CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT Service andDevelopment Civic Engagement Opportunities Leadership Programs

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Shaun Maswanganyi took the track and field world by storm. | Courtesy of UH athletics

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Sacha made history at the NCAA Championships in the 200 Individual Medley, shattering the program record she previously set just a few weeks prior to give UH its first points at the NCAA Championships since 2014.

Track and Field Leehy added to the program milestone UH track and field team dominated on the third day of competition adding five Registeredthe Student Organization Resources 2021 season, with both the men’s points to UH’s total, the most points by a and women’s teams winning the UH swimmer since 1989.

American AthleticCENTER Conference Outdoor The historic season ended with UH FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT LeadershipChampionships Development Programs in sweeping fashion, posting the most point total in the NCAA marking the fifth consecutive AAC title for Championships since 2011, as the team the men andSocial the second conference title for finished in the top 30 in the country, the Entertainment and Events the women since 2018. highest amongst non-major conference Freshman phenom Shaun Maswanganyi programs took the track world by storm, setting UH Service and Civic Engagement Opportunities Volleyball and AAC records and posting some of the Registered Student Organization Resources NCAA’s fastest sprint times of the season on UH’s volleyball team finished with a Campus Traditions his way to being named the AAC Freshman 13-6 record overall, including a 9-1 record of the Year. in conference play, to win the AAC West Leadership Development Programs On the women’s side, graduate students Division title.

Brianne Bethel and Tristan Evelyn made The team featured a program-best five Entertainment and Social Events headlines with their sprint times in the 100- members earning AAC regular season meter and 200-meter races. honors, sophomore setter Annie Cooke Maswanganyi, Bethel and Evelyn all being named Setter and Freshman of the Service and Civic Engagement Opportunities qualified to run on the world’s biggest Year, as well as being named to the AAC’s csi@uh.edu 832.842.6245 www.uh.edu/csi stage, representing their countries in the All-Conference First Team.

Campus Traditions Tokyo Olympics.

Joining Cooke on the All-Conference First Maswanganyi will run for South Africa, Team were junior Kortlyn Henderson and Office Hours Mon–Thurs: 8AM–6PM, Friday: 8AM–5PM CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT Bethel will run for the Bahamas and Evelyn sophomore Abbie Jackson.

1st floor of the Student Center North Rm. 103 Mario Burke, who represented the Junior Torie Frederick and sophomore CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT and men’s team from 2015-19, will run for Rachel Tullos were named to the American Barbados.

All-Conference Second Team.

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From NCAA Championship appearances, postseason success and sending runners to the Tokyo Olympics, here’s how some of the top Cougar programs did in the 2020-2021 year:

CONNECT DISCOVER ENGAGE

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csi@uh.edu www.uh.edu/csi Leadership Development Programs 832.842.6245 At the Center for Student Involvement, we provide the tools Office Hours Mon–Thurs: 8AM–6PM, Friday: 8AM–5PM and Social Events andEntertainment expertise to develop student 1stleaders floor of the Student Center North Rm. 103 and organizations to become can be! Opportunities Service the and best Civicthey Engagement Check out our website or visit us in Student Center North to find out dent Campus Traditions what we have to offer! the tools student Get Involved today!

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Swimming and Diving

Golf

UH’s swimming and diving program continued to prove why it has been an AAC dynasty as the Cougars cruised to their fifth straight conference title, posted some of its best numbers in school history

Both the men’s and women’s golf programs put together strong seasons led

ATHLETICS

Continues on page 25

Sunday, August 1, 2021 | 23 JAMES MUELLER, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/SPORTS

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SPORTS NEWS

FOOTBALL

Return of electricity to TDECU Stadium in 2021

After a year of sparse crowds and little energy at TDECU Stadium due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UH football game days will feature a completely different type of energy and atmosphere with the return to 100 percent capacity. | File photo

ARMANDO YANEZ

STAFF WRITER @ARMANDOYANEZ_16

Every Houston football game day is a unique experience where the Cougar community sets aside all the stress that results from their daily lives and comes together to puts its pride and support for the red and white on full display for all to see.

Before the game even starts, the walk to TDECU Stadium is met with the sight of thousands of students, alumni and fans sporting the scarlet red and white, socializing and preparing to walk through the gates to watch the Cougars compete.

However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic carrying over into the 2020 football season, the traditional game day experience was noticeably different at TDECU Stadium.

Tailgating was not allowed. The traditional Cougar Walk where fans line up all along the sidewalks outside of TDECU Stadium to cheer on the Cougars as they walk from the team bus to the locker room was absent.

And most noticeably the cheers of a 25 percent capacity crowd, socially distanced throughout the stadium, were faint.

“Going to the football games last year felt different from what it was like during my freshman year,” said junior journalism major Lisa El-Amin. “The limited number of fans at the stadium and seeing everyone spread apart and wearing masks, you couldn’t really tell who was at the game. It just felt odd at times, to be honest.”

But gone are the days of limited capacity at TDECU Stadium as the

University announced that the 2021 football season would open to 100 percent capacity for all UH home games.

UH students and fans could not be more excited to cheer on their team with thousands of Cougars fans by their sides.

Whether it be the “Whose House?” chant, the fun and energetic “Womp Womp,” or even the traditional fight song, the songs and chants roared by a packed house of 40,000 Cougars fans takes the game day experience to another level.

From arriving outside the stadium and seeing tailgaters and hearing the beating of drums by the Spirit of Houston to sitting in their seats while cheering at the top of their lungs for the Cougars on the field, fans should expect to feel the electric energy back during game days.

The overall experience of going to a UH football game will feel closer to normal this season, as the return of a full capacity crowd, tailgates, festivities and more will encapsulate what makes Cougar football game days a tradition.

“There’s definitely going to be a sense of normalcy back in the stadium for game days,” said junior business major Ryan Rhodes. “Tailgates and fans coming back in full effect is going to make for a great season for the players and the fans. I’m very excited and I know a lot of other fans are too.” sports@thedailycougar.com

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Sunday, August 1, 2021 | 25 JAMES MUELLER, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/SPORTS

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SPORTS NEWS

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Sustained Excellence: UH basketball has become a premier program

UH basketball head coach Kelvin Sampson directs his team against the Baylor Bears in the first half of their Final Four semifinal game of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 3 in Indianapolis. | Courtesy of Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/NCAA Photos via Getty Images

JAMES MUELLER

SPORTS EDITOR @JDM2186

When Kelvin Sampson took over the Houston basketball program in 2014, Renu Khator, president of UH, had a running joke every time she attended a Cougars basketball game.

“If you’re going to watch the basketball game, make sure you wear your sneakers because you don’t know if you’ll get called on to play on the court,” Khator joked.

The reason Khator made this joke was that not only did no one show up to games during Sampson’s early years as the UH head coach, but no one really wanted to play for the Cougars either.

Khator called Hofheinz Pavillion, the home of the Cougars from 1967-2017, a “ghost town” in the early 2010s.

Former UH guard Galen Robinson Jr., who Sampson

ATHLETICS

Continued from page 21 by multiple All-Conference players to earn postseason appearances.

Sophomore Karen Fredgaard of the women’s team had the best season by far, finishing third at the

called one of the “trailblazers” for the transformation of the UH program, recalled going to Cougars games with his good friend Steve after he committed to UH and just how depressing the gameday experience was.

“There would be nobody there, (UH) would be losing,” Robinson said. “It was a terrible environment.”

Armoni Brooks, another former UH guard, who alongside Robinson, helped pave the way for the program’s rise, remembers how no one cared about the Cougars when he first stepped foot on campus.

“For a while, there was a point where no one was hearing about UH,” Brooks said. “It was almost irrelevant if anything about UH was going on.”

Despite having all the cards stacked against him when he took the job, Sampson believed that UH could become a team that wins championships as long

as the University gave him the tools necessary to succeed.

And the University delivered, providing the funds for a stateof-the-art development center and practice facility, as well as transforming Hofheinz Pavillion into Fertitta Center to provide UH fans with the best possible game-day experience.

Sampson returned the favor shortly after, delivering two American Athletic Conference titles, one conference tournament championship and three trips to the NCAA Tournament, including two Sweet Sixteen’s and most recently the program’s first Final Four since 1984.

Sampson hasn’t just built a couple of good teams, but an elite program that has jumped into the category of an NCAA basketball powerhouse.

“Every year there has been progression,” Khator said. “I would say if you look at the

last four years,(Sampson) has successfully built sustained excellence. Not just excellence, sustained excellence.”

Long gone are the days of empty crowds and zero energy at UH basketball games.

In fact, people have to be lucky to get a seat in Fertitta Center as tickets to watch the Cougars play have become a hot commodity all across the city of Houston.

Gone are the days of simply hoping to make the NCAA Tournament. Making a deep run in the Big Dance is now an expectation for UH every year.

“The expectations are now that the Cougars are going to show their colors,” Khator said. “And I call them my flying Cougars.”

All of UH’s recent successes and the development into one of the country’s premier basketball schools under Sampson stem back to guys like Robinson and Brooks, who went to play for a

UH program that nobody wanted anything to do with because they believed in Sampson and his mission.

While these trailblazers that laid the foundation have been gone from the program for multiple years now, each one still feels an extreme sense of pride and joy in what the 2020-21 UH basketball team accomplished, and believes the Cougars will reach even higher heights in the years to come.

“My junior and senior year, every time we were brought into a huddle we’d say ‘Final Four on three. One, two, three Final Four,’” Robinson said.

“That was a goal of ours.

Obviously, we came up short but to see (the 2020-21 UH basketball team) reach that goal is definitely surreal. It’s good to know that I played a part in them reaching that goal.”

AAC Championships to lead UH to a second-place finish overall.

Fredgaard was named the AAC Player of the Year along with being one of four Cougars on the women’s team to make the AllConference team.

On top of all of that, Fredgaard also competed in the NCAA Championships and became the first Cougar in program history to be earn First Team All-American honors.

On the men’s side, senior

Alexander Frances led the Cougars with a 72.55 scoring average which led to his unanimous selection to the AAC All-Conference team.

Sophomore Austyn Reily made his name known when

he became the ninth Cougar in program history to capture the Texas Amateur title by shooting 10-under over the course of four rounds in June.

sports@thedailycougar.com

sports@thedailycougar.com

26 | Sunday, August 1, 2021

SPORTS NEWS

JAMES MUELLER, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/SPORTS

@THECOUGARSPORTS

OLYMPICS

Going for Gold: UH athletes competing in the Tokyo Olympics JAMES MUELLER

SPORTS EDITOR @JDM2186

After an extra year of waiting, the Tokyo Olympics have finally arrived and Houston track and field fans will see a few familiar faces running on the world’s biggest stage in Tokyo.

Here’s a look at each UH Olympian competing this year:

Shaun Maswanganyi (South Africa) The 20-year old freshman quickly made his name known to both UH and national track fans with his breakout season in his first year sporting the red and white.

Maswanganyi dominated the American Athletic Conference outdoor season, blowing by all the competition and setting records on his way to being named the AAC Freshman of the Year. On top of that, Maswanganyi ran some of the NCAA’s fastest times on the year in the 100- and 200-meters and ended up finishing second and third at the 2021 NCAA Outdoor Championships in the two races, respectively.

Maswanganyi will compete in the 100and 200-meter dashes and 4×100-meter relay for his home country of South Africa in Toyko.

Mario Burke (Barbados) Burke was a UH track star from 201619, helping the Cougars to the 2017 NCAA outdoor title in the 4×100- meter relay while also winning multiple Barbados national championships in the 100-meter dash.

Burke was one of the many pioneers that helped lay the foundation for the UH men’s track and field team that has now won five consecutive AAC titles.

Burke will represent Barbados in the 100and 200-meter dashes in Toyko.

Brianne Bethel (Bahamas) The 23-year old sprinter did everything for the UH women’s track and field team, dominating her way to AAC’s outdoor titles in the 200-meter, 400-meter and 4×100meter relay.

Throughout the season Bethel not only put her name into the UH record books for some of her times but also ran some of the NCAA’s fastest times of the season.

In Toyko, Bethel will run in the 200-meter and 4×400-meter relay for the Bahamas.

Tristan Evelyn (Barbados) Rounding out the Cougars competing in the Tokyo Olympics is 23-year old sprinter Tristan Evelyn.

Evelyn put together a strong season,

Shaun Maswanganyi racked up many accolades during his breakout freshman season at UH and will represent his home country of South Africa in the 100-meter, 200-meter and 4×100-meter relay at the Tokyo Olympics. | Courtesy of UH athletics

winning the AAC outdoor 100-meter championship by posting the secondfastest time in program history.

Evelyn will join her fellow Cougar and

BROOKS

Continued from page 21 After the news of his signing with the Rockets broke, UH assistant coach Kellen Sampson was one of the first people to text Brooks.

Sampson told Brooks how proud he was of him as a person, basketball aside.

“Even more so than basketball, I’m just so proud of (Armoni) for believing in himself,” Sampson said. “For Armoni, he believed in himself. He’s earned the right to have confidence. He’s earned the right to have swagger. He’s put in the work to be at this level.”

The rookie season Like most NBA rookies, Brooks expected to play sparingly for the Rockets, picking up a few mop-up minutes here and there when a game was clearly out of reach — but this expectation could not have been further from the truth.

As the injury bug bit the Rockets harder and harder as the season progressed, Brooks was immediately thrust into action,.

“Just getting that experience is a thing a lot of rookies don’t get to get early in their careers,” Brooks said. “I was blessed to get into a situation where I was able to learn on the floor, playing through mistakes instead of just learning through film.”

Having to learn on the fly so quickly, Brooks had his fair share of typical rookie mistakes, but he also had a lot of high moments which culminated 17 games into his NBA career. The former Cougar broke Damian Lillard’s record for most 3-pointers made through a player’s first 17 career games, hitting 47 shots from downtown.

“I think (the 3-point record) is just a

Barbadian Burke by representing her country in the 100-meter in Toyko. sports@thedailycougar.com

testament to hard work and being blessed to get an opportunity like that early in your career,” Brooks said. “(The Rockets) signed me because of my shooting ability so being able to make the most out of those opportunities I was given and get inside the record books by doing it was great.”

Brooks finished the season averaging 11.2 points, shooting 38.2 percent from deep and 3.4 rebounds during his 26 minutes a game.

The next step While Brooks proved his ability to shoot during his short stint in the NBA as a rookie, he plans to specifically focus on developing a few other areas of his game over the offseason to take a step forward as a professional athlete.

“Definitely I need to get stronger because I didn’t realize how intense the physicality was in the NBA,” Brooks said. “(Also I’m focusing on) getting my defense on and off-ball better.”

Even though Brooks currently does not have a contract guaranteed with the Rockets for the 2021-22 season, the sharpshooter wants to remain in Houston and early indications show the organization feels the same way.

If Brooks is indeed in a Rockets uniform to start the upcoming NBA season, the UH alumnus’ ultimate goal is to continue to bring joy and excitement to a city that has given him so much.

“Being able to give back to a place I’m comfortable with and around people I’m comfortable with was big for me,” Brooks said. “(I hope) to grow my following (in Houston) and to continue to make the city as proud as possible of their team.” sports@thedailycougar.com

Sunday, August 1, 2021 | 27

UH STUDENT ORGS

NIL RULES

UH athletes taking advantage of new NIL rules JAMES MUELLER

SPORTS EDITOR @JDM2186

When the NCAA’s new NIL policy — which finally allowed student-athletes to be compensated for their name, image and likeness — went into effect on July 1, it marked a milestone that some college athletes had fought for for years.

As soon as July 1 rolled around, many student-athletes were quick to sign deals or announce their personal branding, including Houston’s men’s basketball guards Kyler Edwards and Marcus Sasser.

Edwards, who spent the last three years at Texas Tech and helped the Red Raiders reach the national championship game in 2019, experienced the hardships of not being allowed to profit off his image despite being a key contributor to one of the country’s top college basketball teams.

“Not being able to be paid, it’s been tough for every (college) athlete because they know what type of money they could make or what they could be doing instead of not making money (by playing college sports),” Edwards said. “For (the new NIL rules) to be in play for my last years, it’s awesome because you finally get to see what players really could make off their names just being popular.”

Edwards took advantage of the NIL rules,

On July 1 student-athletes became allowed to profit off their name, image and likeness as the NCAA’s NIL rules went into effect. | Juana Garcia/The Cougar

becoming the first UH athlete to do so by signing a deal with Playmaker on July 2.

“Being a part of those great teams at Texas Tech and going to be a part of a great one at UH, I know there are going to be a lot of things that come with that,” Edwards said. “A lot of deals and a lot of marketing opportunities for me.”

Sasser followed in his teammate’s footsteps, announcing he had also signed

with Playmaker as well as PSD Underwear, joining NBA stars Jimmy Butler, Ja Morant and Trae Young as brand representatives.

“It’s a win-win because I’m getting merch from them while advertising their products and helping their companies,” Sasser said.

“But at the same time, they’re helping me out while I’m producing on the court. They’re helping me out with my platform by using their companies to advertise me.”

Other UH athletes, including fotball seniors Chandler Smith and Marcus Jones, announced on their Twitter accounts they had personally branded merchandise in the works.

As more and more Cougar athletes begin to explore opportunities to profit from the NIL rules, the UH athletic department is helping athletes navigate this new landscape.

Partnered with the C.T. Bauer College of Business and Opendorse, UH athletics launched LIFTOFF, a program meant to put its student-athletes in the best position possible as they explore different opportunities to expand their platform.

As time progresses, UH athletics believes LIFTOFF will be the perfect facilitator in helping each student-athlete find the right opportunity to make money while playing the sport they love.

“As we enter a new frontier in college athletics, our goal will be to offer the best support possible to our student-athletes,” said athletic director Chris Pezman. “Our LIFTOFF program will provide each studentathlete at the University of Houston with educational tools and key resources to help them capitalize on this new era.” sports@thedailycougar.com

28 | Sunday, August 1, 2021

OPINION NEWS

ANNA BAKER, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/OPINION

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

TRAVEL

Tourists should do the research before they travel ANNA BAKER

OPINION EDITOR @ANNA2POINT0

Tourism isn’t always a good thing for locals, so research the pros and cons before you travel to a region.

Believe it or not, traveling can be unethical.

Some don’t think of taking time off to relax as a negative, but it sometimes can be.

While tourism can generate money for a region, it can also lead to gentrification, pushing Indigenous residents out. As much of the U.S. gets over COVID-19, Americans also need to think about traveling to places that aren’t heavily vaccinated. Do the research before traveling, and see if the pros for you outweigh the cons for the area.

Hawaii is a great example of a place to not travel to. Now that many people are vaccinated, thousands of people have been flying to Hawaii. A lot of tourists aren’t following safety protocols such as wearing masks, which could potentially spread new variants on the islands.

Native Hawaiians tend to fill essential worker jobs resulting in the Native population being heavily hit by COVID-19.

Native Hawaiians only make up 25 percent of Hawaii’s population but 40 percent of the positive COVID-19 cases in the region.

Of course, tourism is a big part of Hawaii’s economy, so many think it’s actually

generous of them to travel there. However, most residents think visitors should stop coming. This may be due to a number of things besides COVID-19. A lot of businesses that make money from tourism are chains like Hilton or Marriott. While they employ locals, Native Hawaiians usually fill lowincome jobs so tourism doesn’t do much to help them.

Tourism can also price residents out of their homes. This is often due to Airbnbs and mainland people buying vacation homes. A bunch of houses are now strictly for rich tourism, changing and pushing out the community. Gentrification is an issue everywhere and Hawaii is no different.

Commodifying Hawaiian culture by selling hula skirts without discussing the significance of hula or acknowledging Hawaii’s colonial past is another part of tourism. People don’t realize that although they learn fun Hawaiian words on their trip, the U.S. banned the language from being taught in schools until 1986.

Hawaii’s ecosystem can also be harmed by tourism. Tourism pushes for more new buildings to be constructed, more golf courses and more private beaches. This takes away land from the people.

People are forced from their homes to build new resorts that benefit tourists, not locals. Hawaii contains over 40 percent of

Gerald Sastra/ The Cougar

the U.S. endangered and threatened species list and tourism waste can pollute these ecosystems.

Sure, it may be possible to lessen the harm by buying from small locally owned businesses, throwing away trash and using reef-safe sunscreen. But most harmful things are built into Hawaiian tourism. Tourists are supporting a harmful industry no matter what.

Hawaii is just an example of this, but

there are a ton of other popular tourist destinations like Bali, Bora Bora, the Galapagos and more that are affected.

There are many places where travel can negatively affect the Native residents. If you want to travel ethically, research what locals say about tourism as well as the economic and environmental ramifications of tourism in a certain region. opinion@thedailycougar.com

Sunday, August 1, 2021 | 29 ANNA BAKER, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/OPINION

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

NEWS OPINION

GENTRFICATION

Third Ward should be preserved, not gentrified

Gerald Sastra/The Cougar

SUMERA SIDDIQI

STAFF COLUMNIST

Gentrification has been taking over the Third Ward, causing long-time residents to be pushed out and new wealthier residents and businesses to move in. Gentrification causes Third Ward residents to unwillingly pay the price of losing their history and livelihood.

Known as the cradle of the civil rights movement in Texas, Third Ward was a place where Black Houstonians found their voices during a time of segregation and oppression. It is a neighborhood with a rich and empowering history. However, as new buildings and companies move into the area, Third Ward residents are being pushed out of their homes and local businesses.

Houston now has a tech hub for startups and corporations called the Ion, which is a project worth millions of dollars. It is said to be the start of an innovation district right next to Third Ward. However, residents fear that this tech hub will cause Third Ward residents to be priced out by all the new residents it will attract.

It would be unfair to transform a place with such rich heritage into another uppermiddle-class neighborhood in Houston.

It’s important to note the role UH plays in the gentrification of Third Ward. Colleges create a demand for housing, causing overpriced apartments to be built near the campus. Third Ward residents, the majority of whom make less than $25,000 a year are left with little options for affordable housing, resulting in their displacement.

A third of Third Ward residents fear that they will have to relocate, according to a 2020 survey, even though many of them have well-established lives in the area,

living there for more than 15 years. These people are being pushed away from the only place they have called home and have no say in what the future of that place may be.

Third Ward is a place where people have fought and struggled to be seen.

Gentrifying it with mostly white-owned businesses would taint its position as an emblem of endurance against hardship and racial inequality.

Third Ward is also a cultural hub for many musical movements, such as blues music in the historic Eldorado Ballroom. It is the place of origin for many Houstonian artists, musicians and performers.

Unsurprisingly, 65 percent of Third Ward residents felt worried that the area’s African American heritage will be lost to gentrification.

This is a reasonable fear considering that many incoming residents of the area move there without awareness of how the neighborhood came to be, slowly leading to a history forgotten by future generations.

Although change is inevitable and Houston will continue to grow as a city, it is our responsibility as Houstonians to maintain the city’s history and preserve a place that has influenced our city’s character in so many ways.

Instead of completely erasing the past of Third Ward and forcing its residents out of it, prosperity needs to be centered around how to best help those already living there.

We should stimulate growth without throwing away the valuable lessons of the past.

Gentrification is not innovation. Third Ward and its history must be preserved. opinion@thedailycougar.com

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Sunday, August 1, 2021 | 31 ANNA BAKER, EDITOR

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NEWS OPINION

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

TESTING

Colleges abandoning standardized test scores is a good thing ANNA BAKER

OPINION EDITOR @ANNA2POINT0

Many colleges including the University have currently decided to make standardized test scores optional in the application process.

While some people are upset by this and feel like colleges are dropping their standards, this is a step in making college more accessible for all.

It’s important to know the origins of the SAT, one of the two main standardized tests that colleges use for applications. Carl Brigham created a college admissions test based on an IQ test given to army recruits created by Robert Yerkes.

The SAT later became used by Harvard to see who they should give scholarships to and then soon it became a test all colleges used.

This all seems pretty clean but unfortunately the SAT does have racist aspects. Research shows that students of color tend to have lower scores from standardized tests. This is because standardized testing has eugenicist beginnings. Carl Brigham believed that testing would show that white people were inherently superior. He was afraid of people

of color going to school with white people.

The thing is, the tests are not unbiased. They were written by white men with the purpose of failing people of color. The military test that the SAT came from was used to segregate soldiers.

The tests are also not in favor of those who are English second language students and people with disabilities. There is also a correlation between high test scores and high property values.

People who live in expensive homes can usually afford tutors, private college counselors, SAT prep courses and more. These things add up but can tremendously help students get better scores. Even practice SAT booklets can be a lot of money that some people just don’t have. It’s also important to note that high property valued areas tend to be mostly white, hence the disparity in race in test scores.

In fact, some colleges like the University of Texas decided to have a test score cut-off with the purpose of keeping out Black students. Before this, UT had an open admissions policy for white students. They changed in order to

Although AirPods are a popular Apple product, wired earbuds still continue to prevail as the more convenient and better option.

As people are in search of a new phone they are probably looking at either the Samsung S21 series or the Apple iPhone 12. It may come as a surprise that newer phones have subtracted one thing from their line of features: a headphone jack. Most of the time when people listen to music on their phone they listen through their headphones, so they shouldn’t have taken it away.

Now many people have no choice but to use wireless bluetooth headphones. Normal earbuds are much more convenient to use than AirPods.

AirPods with a wireless charging case costs $200, or it costs $160 with a standard charging case from the Apple Store. AirPods Pro costs $250 from the Apple Store. However, headphones are cheaper at a cost of around $10.

Despite headphones being cheaper, you have to replace them more frequently after a couple of months or wbecause the sound quality does not work as well.

“I prefer wireless because it is feasible to carry around,” said management information systems senior Murk Khatri.

Khatri also likes wireless earbuds because she is able to hide them under her scarf.

Wireless earbuds are small in size, so it is easy to fit it into a pocket. They are convenient in that way. It makes them easy to carry in a pocket, bag or purse.

However, they are incredibly expensive.

Even though wired earbuds aren’t as small and people have to repurchase them often, they’re still more convenient. Even if you have to buy them often, they’ll always be ready to use, instead of having to charge them all the time like the AirPods. AirPods have on average 5 hours of listening time while earbuds have unlimited time as long as they are plugged in. It is more convenient to just buy earbuds and plug them into your phone whenever you want to listen to music.

Earbuds are also more convenient to carry around. It is easier to wrap earbuds around your phone and carry them both together. If someone does not carry a bag or purse they would have to carry both their phone

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There’s also the fact that many people get test anxiety, causing them to test badly just because they’re nervous about the environment they’re in. They could have good grades but bad test scores. Of course, a lot of people may have bad grades and good test scores so they want to show that off in their application which is perfectly understandable.

This is why it’s great that right now the University is making test scores optional on their applications. This allows students

to use their best judgement as to what will make them look best on their applications. It’s understandable if places like Stanford or Harvard want to keep using them. But they also have a lot of application requirements that many other schools don’t require, like interviews.

With the problematic history and reality behind standardized test scores, its great UH will not force students to list their standardized test scores. opinion@thedailycougar.com

Earbuds are more convenient, cost efficient than AirPods STAFF COLUMNIST

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The Cougar is published every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters, and Wednesdays during the summer and online at thedailycougar.com. The Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees. The first copy is free. Additional copies cost 25 cents.

TECHNOLOGY

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and their bulky AirPod case making them less convenient.

Wireless earbuds are small in size, which can be convenient, but not when you are exercising or moving around. They aren’t connected by wire so they could be easily lost if they fall out, and with how expensive they are, it’s not worth the risk.

Apple is a good company who sells good phones with great features. However, wireless earbuds are just another way for companies to make money.

It sacrifices convenience for the ability to be labeled as new technology. They shouldn’t take something away only to make us pay over a hundred dollars for it.

Earbuds also have a nostalgic

CLOSING EDITORS

(713) 743-5350 feeling towards them. There is just something so satisfying about holding wired earbuds, and plugging it into your phone. In the early 2000s people plugged in their headset into their portable CD player, and people in the 80s plugged in their headset into their Walkman. There’s a connection to the past with wired earbuds.

AirPods are the more modern technology and do have some perks to it. But earbuds are not only convenient, they symbolize the way music used to be. This society is always looking for the newest thing, but if it is not broken why fix it? Earbuds are much better than AirPods. opinion@thedailycougar.com

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