New SGA constitution, bylaws reshape 62nd administration
ANJALI MARTINEZ NEWS ASSISTANT EDITOR
@ANGI3_M415
The Student Government Association recently announced a new constitution and bylaws for its 62nd administration, implementing major changes in response to the policies and structure of the 61st administration.
Feb. 2 was the last day to register as a candidate and students will soon know who will be vying for their vote. The Cougar will host the SGA live debate on Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. in the Student Center Theater where students can learn more about the candidates.
A comparison of the association’s most recent constitution and bylaws shows revisions that strengthen adviser oversight, expand leadership authority and impose stricter participation requirements.
While the constitution outlines foundational principles, the bylaws list operational procedures, reflecting an effort to establish clearer governance and checks and balances within SGA.
Background
The constitutional and bylaw revisions are part of a broader effort to rebuild SGA after the 61st administration dissolved.
In spring 2025, SGA did not approve a revised constitution required for the election process, resulting in the temporary absence of the organization. University officials later worked with student representatives to restore SGA under a new
governance framework, forming working groups focused on:
‣ Clarifying leadership roles
‣ Strengthening oversight and accountability
The resulting constitution and bylaws now serve as the foundation for the 62nd administration and are intended to guide SGA operations for current and future students.
Consolidating leadership
Under the 61st administration, leadership authority was distributed across officers and committees:
‣ The speaker of the senate was elected separately and functioned primarily as a legislative officer.
‣ Executive appointments and committee operations were largely managed through internal studentled processes.
‣ Oversight responsibilities were assigned to the Senate Committee on Internal Affairs.
‣ Previous bylaws stated that “the president will have final decision on any cabinet appointment,” reinforcing presidential authority.
Under the 62nd administration, several of those functions are consolidated under the vice president, who also serves as speaker of the senate. The bylaws position the vice president/speaker as a central figure
responsible for:
‣ Supervising committee chairs
‣ Monitoring attendance
‣ Directing legislative procedures Committee leaders are now required to:
‣ Report to and assist the vice president/speaker
‣ Submit “printed, written, electronic or oral” reports on their activities
The documents also grant formal oversight authority to executive leadership and advisers, stating that “oversight of the committee may be exercised by the vice president/speaker of the senate and the adviser.”
Adviser involvement in SGA
University-appointed SGA advisers serve as liaisons between student leaders and university administrators.
Under the 61st administration, oversight responsibilities were primarily assigned to student-led bodies within the senate. The 2024 bylaws stated that “oversight of the department may be exercised by the Senate Committee on Internal Affairs.”
The 62nd administration’s constitution formally defines the adviser role within SGA. The document states that advisers:
‣ Shall be appointed by the vice president for student affairs for each branch and the Election Commission
‣ Must be full-time, benefits-eligible university employees
‣ Assist with continuity and transitions between administrations
In addition, the constitution specifies that:
‣ Committee oversight may be exercised jointly by the vice president/speaker and the adviser
‣ Certain committee chairs must meet once a week with an SGA adviser Code of ethics
The new governing documents also introduce a revised approach to ethical standards.
Under the 61st administration, ethical conduct was governed by a comprehensive
Code of Ethics that emphasized responsibility, trust and accountability. The code:
‣ Promoted ethical leadership beyond students’ time in office
‣ Prohibited discrimination and misuse of authority
‣ Required officials to provide a thorough account of student fee allocations
‣ Instructed members to vote with constituents in mind and represent the university in a dignified manner
By contrast, the 62nd administration frames ethical responsibility through firstperson statements, including:
‣ “I will think in terms of putting students first.”
‣ “I will always conduct myself with integrity.”
‣ “I will act in a trustful manner.”
The future of SGA
The revised constitution comes as student leaders and administrators prepare for SGA’s formal relaunch.
Key dates in the election timeline include:
‣ Feb. 2: Deadline to register as a candidate
‣ Feb. 4: Mandatory candidate information session
‣ Feb. 9–March 5: Campaigning period
‣ March 2–5: Voting
‣ Feb. 17: SGA debate
‣ March 28: Mandatory all-day retreat
‣ April 1: Start of the 62nd administration
“When the SGA returns, it will do so with a clear mandate and a stronger foundation,”said a University spokesperson in a statement to The Cougar. “UH students can expect their student government to maintain a focused mission: representing and legislating in the best interests of the student body, serving as a meaningful avenue for student expression and responsibility, and operating in a way that is credible, functional and worthy of trust.”
news@thedailycougar.com
Abbott expands list of banned technologies at UH
KAREN WEI
NEWS ASSISTANT EDITOR
@KAREN_FEIWEI
Twenty-six technologies have been prohibited for Texas state employees and devices under an order issued by Gov. Greg Abbott on Jan. 26. UH students were notified through a University-wide email sent on Jan. 27.
“Rogue actors across the globe who wish harm on Texans should not be allowed to infiltrate our state’s networks and devices,” Abbott said in a press release. “Hostile adversaries harvest user data through AI and other applications and hardware to exploit, manipulate and violate users and put them at extreme risk.”
One of Abbott’s stated goals in expanding the prohibited technologies list is to protect Texans’ privacy from the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party.
All newly prohibited technologies are artificial intelligence or manufacturing companies based in China, with the exception of online retailers Pinduoduo and Shein.
UH students and employees are prohibited from conducting University business, including accessing email accounts or posting on University social media, on any devices including personal devices.
Faculty members may request exceptions
if they are teaching a course that requires the use of these technologies.
This is not the first time state-level directives have flagged technologies as potential security risks.
In Dec. 2022, Abbott issued a directive banning TikTok from state-owned and state-issued devices in response to what he described as the “threat of the Chinese Communist Party to infiltrate the United States.”
The ban drew mixed reactions from students and quickly became controversial, according to The Cougar’s past coverage. news@thedailycougar.com
Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar
Lily Huynh/The Cougar
Effects of Abbott’s H-1B order unclear as UH sponsors less than 100 visas
@CINDYGISELLES
Gov. Greg Abbott ordered all Texas state agencies and public universities to halt the issuance of H-1B visas on Jan. 27. The order seems to have come from an initial fallout with Texas A&M University after it failed to provide The Dallas Express with public records showcasing how it used its foreign worker programs.
UH is one of the universities affected by this order, and as of fall 2025, 144 out of 3,517 of its faculty are of international origin.
The estimated number of H-1B visa holders
CAMPUS
employed in a typical year is fewer than 100 employees across the institution. According to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the University sponsored 92 H-1B visas in 2025, which is just 2.6% of UH’s faculty population. It is an increase from the 83 H-1B visas UH sponsored in 2024.
“The University of Houston has received the governor’s request for information regarding the H-1B visa program and is reviewing it carefully,” said a University spokesperson. “We will provide the information through the appropriate state channels and will follow any guidance issued by state leadership. The University remains
committed to complying with all applicable state and federal laws while supporting its academic and research mission.”
Abbot ordered public universities to provide information regarding current sponsors, how many new and renewal petitions they submitted in 2025, the countries of origin of the visa holders and job descriptions. Abbott also demanded documentation that shows the effort of giving Texans an opportunity to apply for each position before universities submitted petitions to sponsor for visas.
State agencies and public universities will be unable to initiate or file to sponsor a
nonimmigrant worker under the H-1B visa program without the written permission of the Texas Workforce Commission until the end of the next legislative session on May 31, 2027.
Abbott’s reasoning for the order is “to ensure American jobs are going to American workers.”
The same reasoning was given by President Donald Trump when he implemented the H-1B Proclamation on Sept. 19, 2025, that required a $100,000 application fee for prospective workers looking to enter the U.S. under the foreign worker program.
UH has historically covered the standard federal H-1B filing fees when sponsoring employees, like many other public universities, but the University has not sponsored a visa involving a fee at the $100,000 level. Fees vary depending on the type of petition and federal requirements at the time.
Positions sponsored under H-1B are highly specialized, require advanced expertise and support the University’s teaching and research mission. Some of those positions include roles in several fields, including STEM-related fields, information technology, research and laboratory roles, postdoctoral research appointments and other highly specialized academic or technical positions.
The University’s Division of Research website states that it aims to “foster impactful collaborations with leading institutions worldwide, and cultivate the next generation of leaders to address the pressing challenges of the 21st century.”
With UH’s goal to become a Top 50 public university, the full effects of these orders and proclamations are still to be determined. news@thedailycougar.com
Lunar new year event highlights Vietnamese culture
WENDOLEE GARCIA MARTINEZ NEWS
EDITOR
@WENDOLEEGARCIAMTZ
The Vietnamese Student Association and the Residence Halls Association hosted a Lunar New Year celebration featuring student organization tabling, live performances, free food, drinks and merchandise.
The event celebrated Vietnamese culture while creating a space for students from all backgrounds to learn, connect and celebrate.
Authentic foods commonly served during Lunar New Year were provided, including fried rice, orange chicken, cauliflower and beef and broccoli. To accompany the dishes, VSA and RHA partnered with Kim’s Teahouse Tapioca and Mogu Mogu, offering three different boba and drink flavors.
“We partnered with the University’s vendor, Chartwells/Fresh Fork, to ensure the food met campus guidelines while still representing Lunar New Year culture as thoughtfully and authentically as possible,” said VSA vice president of internal affairs and marketing junior Thea Nguyen. “We hope everyone truly enjoyed the food and drinks provided.”
The celebration also included cultural dance performances that blended traditional Vietnamese music with modern choreography.
Dance director for VSA and strategic communications sophomore Han Hoan said the event played an important role in representing Vietnamese culture.
“Because I’m from Vietnam, this event definitely helped to share my culture,” Hoan said. “Having my organization come and perform helps raise awareness of our culture and promote the Lunar New Year.”
Attendees said the event offered more than just entertainment. Students believed
the celebration allowed them to learn about a different culture while spending time with friends and making connections with other UH students.
“It’s good networking, even just coming in and learning about other students’ associations and cultures is a great way to meet people on campus,” said psychology sophomore Maria-Fernanda Lobato.
“Especially if you’re a commuter, having events that aren’t too late at night makes it easier to socialize.”
Apart from UHVSA, multiple other student organizations and campus programs also tabled at the event, including the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Modern and Classical Languages program, allowing attendees to learn more about campus groups.
“An event like this helps bring Asian people and others together,” said president of SASE and computer science senior Emily Nguyen. “We don’t get many tabling opportunities, so this event is a great way to celebrate Asian culture and talk about our organization.”
news@thedailycougar.com
VSA performs for RHA’s Lunar New Year event on Tuesday Jan. 27, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
CINDY RIVAS ALFARO
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Lily Huynh/The Cougar
Sweeping up Cincinnati: No. 10 Houston defeats Cincinnati 76-54, improving their record to 18-2
DANIEL CONTRERAS
SPORTS EDITOR
@DANTHESPORTMANS
Houston basketball faced off against the Cincinnati Bearcats on Jan. 31 at the Fertitta Center, with Houston ultimately winning the game with a score of 76-54. The rematch between the two teams led to a high-scoring game for the Cougars, with the Bearcats ultimately falling short near the end.
The game showcased Houston’s work throughout the season, with both offense and defense strong, crushing any momentum Cincinnati could make. The game also showcased different players, with multiple Houston freshmen
and sophomore players having doubledigit minutes and showing off what they’ve learned from head coach Kelvin Sampson.
Game Recap
Throughout the first three minutes of the game, Houston would lead 12-8 after a critical steal from Houston freshman forward Chris Cenac Jr., putting themselves in an early lead that kept building.
Despite the lead, Cincinnati attempted to make an offensive comeback, scoring five points to put themselves back in the race for the lead with a score of 16-13 with Houston still leading. However, Houston would keep scoring, putting the Bearcats back in a 12-point deficit at a score of 27-15.
In the last few minutes of the first half, Cincinnati would attempt to lower the deficit back down, but Houston remained dominant on the offensive side of the ball, scoring two major three-pointers from Houston sophomore guard Mercy Miller, keeping Cincinnati at a 12-point deficit with a score of 32-20 at the end of the first half.
After halftime, Houston would retain their offensive dominance, scoring five points in the first two minutes of the game and keeping the Bearcats at bay with a 17-point deficit.
Houston freshman guard Kingston Flemings would lead the team on defense with four rebounds and five assists, while Cenac Jr. would continue his consistency with the Cougars on offense with 13 points and two steals. Houston senior guard Milos Uzan also held major records, having two rebounds, five assists, 16 points and two steals, making him dominant on the court.
Cincinnati attempted to cut down on its 16-point deficit halfway through the second half, but multiple missed shots and overthrown passes allowed the Houston defense to continue having the ball in its possession, widening the deficit to 24 points at the ten-minute mark.
These offensive mistakes from the Bearcats led to 19 total turnovers throughout the whole game, one of their highest throughout the 26’ season.
“We ended up in some precarious positions, and they’re (Houston) quick with their hands to the ball,” said Cincinnati’s head coach Wes Miller. It showed how dominant Houston was in capitalizing on Cincinnati’s turnovers.
Despite this, Cincinnati would attempt to rally back into the game with multiple three-point shots, but Houston kept stacking on their massive lead, which allowed them to close out the game 76-54.
The Cougars had multiple players on the court late in the game, with Houston
freshman guard Isaiah Harwell having 13 points and Mercy Miller helping the team by scoring 7 points and 3 rebounds. Houston also had the biggest point advantage in recent memory, with their latest high-scoring game being against Arizona State.
What’s next?
Houston prepares to host UCF at the Fertitta Center on Wednesday, Feb. 4, and travel to No. 13 BYU on Saturday, Feb. 7, taking a minor break in between games to rest up and take advantage of their rest time.
Against the Bearcats, Houston now has a 14-game winning streak against Cincinnati, with Cincinnati now being 0-6 in road games. With this win, Kelvin Sampson also moves to 11-0 against Wes Miller, showcasing the dominance in
Sampson’s coaching.
Comparing player stats from the past two matchups, Houston had more points in this game, but had the same amount of steals and fewer rebounds than in the last game, which was on Jan. 3. There was also more diversity in scoring, as Miller and Harwell scored more points and had more minutes on the court compared to their last showing.
Overall, Houston improves to 18-2, securing their No. 10 ranking and preparing for the future games ahead as the season begins its halfway point in February and March, and with this win, fans and players alike are confident in the team and are ready for whoever comes next.
sports@thedailycougar.com
Houston guard Emanuel Sharp (21) hits a jump shot against Cincinnati guard Day Day Thomas (1) during the first half of an NCAA men’s college basketball game on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Houston, Texas. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar
Houston forward Chris Cenac Jr. dunks the ball against Cincinnati, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, January 31, 2026 in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar
Houston guard Kingston Flemings (3) dribbles the ball to the net, during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, January 31, 2026 in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar
Houston guard Kingston Flemings (3) celebrates a layup with Joseph Tugler (11), during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game, Saturday, January 31, 2026 in Houston, Texas. | Gillian Wisniewski/The Cougar
Set sail with Houston basketball as One Piece joins the Cougars at the Fertitta Center
DANIEL CONTRERAS SPORTS EDITOR @DANTHESPORTMANS
UH vs. Kansas State game on Feb. 14 at the Fertitta Center will be a treat for all Cougars and One Piece fans.
The official One Piece Instagram account made a post on Jan. 19 that shocked the college basketball world. The post announced their college basketball voyage, where fans of the Houston Cougars, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Illinois Fighting Illini, Rutgers Scarlet Knights and St. John’s Red Storm will be able to view special shows featuring the cast of One Piece, with custom themes and promotional items for both students and spectators alike.
One Piece is a manga series created by Eiichiro Oda in 1997, featuring the Straw Hat pirates and their adventures to far-off lands in search of a treasure known as the “One Piece.” It has garnered a lot of fame in the modern day, with Toei Animation celebrating the long-running One Piece anime’s 25th anniversary and a Netflix show that will release its second season in March 2026.
The five selected schools have their own schedules and timings for their shows, as only some games have the exclusive halftime show.
Throughout the night, fans can expect a huge amount of fun on and off the court, as many events and giveaways are planned to occur. During halftime, there will be T-shirt tosses featuring the star character Luffy with a special design featuring the location of where the game took place.
BASKETBALL
For example, if you manage to get one at the Houston Cougars game, it will feature Luffy with a UH logo, which will be a prized possession for many fans. Also at these events, there will be giveaways for student season ticket holders who get a free T-shirt and casual fans will be able to get a special poster and a promotional
card for the One Piece trading card game featuring Luffy himself.
Overall, the announcement has broken the college basketball landscape as many fans scramble to get tickets to view this once-in-a-lifetime event. The voyage seems to be a major brand move for the series as well, as other popular series
and franchises may copy this tactic and offer their own halftime shows for college basketball.
Whether or not One Piece is something ticketholders enjoy, the night will definitely be one to remember. sports@thedailycougar.com
Preview: Cougars looking to continue win streak against UCF
MICAH CLAY
SPORTS EDITOR
@MC_5ONE
The No. 10 Houston Cougars are welcoming the UCF Knights at the Fertitta Center on Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. The UCF Knights beat No. 11 Texas Tech on Wednesday, Jan. 31, at the Feritta Center. Houston enters the game with a 22-10 all-time record when facing the Knights, which includes a 10-game win streak in the series. The Cougars have been dominant at home and on the road against UCF, boasting a 10-4 home record and an 11-6 away record.
While Houston leads the series overall, the recent matchups between the two teams have been close. Last time these teams played each other, Houston barely walked away with a 69-68 road win. Although UCF is unranked, they have the size, speed and determination to beat everyone they play.
Players to watch
Both teams have key players who can turn the tide in this game.
For the Cougars, freshman guard
Kingston Flemings has shown consistency, awareness and patience against his opponents. Despite being a freshman, Flemings plays like a veteran and makes the correct reads against his opponents.
Senior guard Emanuel Sharp knocks down tough shots, gets comfortable fast and handles pressure. His decisionmaking against elite defenses will be a key factor against UCF.
Freshman forward Chris Cenac Jr. is making a name for himself in these last few games. His height, length and physicality give Houston a reliable big man that can block shots and get rebounds. Cenac Jr. has shown flashes of becoming an elite interior guy for the Cougars.
For UCF, senior guard Themus Fulks will be a problem for the Cougars. Averaging 14.6 points per game and 7.2 assists, Fulks can deliver the ball into the net and to his teammates.
Additionally, senior forward Jamicheal Stillwell is the defensive mastermind for the Knights, averaging 8.1 rebounds per game. Standing at 6’8, the forward takes
rebounds whenever he wants and is the heart of the defense.
Although Houston has the edge, the Big 12 has shown that any team in the conference can beat the top teams in
the country. It will come down to the fundamentals, key decision-making and toughness for either team to win.
sports@thedailycougar.com
Lily Huynh/The Cougar
Houston’s starting 5 sit on the bench to start off an NCAA basketball game against the West Virginia Mountaineers, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Houston Texas. | Matthew Guzman/The Cougar
opinion
POLITICS
A mayor in disarray: Whitmire leaves Houstonians disappointed
ALAN ZAMORA SENIOR STAFF WRITER
“Everyone should be smiling this morning because the people of Houston are smiling, because they’ve elected a mayor who is going to listen to them, a mayor who is known for solving problems,” Mayor John Whitmire told his audience during his inaugural speech.
Two years have passed since John Whitmire made this triumphant statement during his inauguration as mayor. Looking back at this, once a hopeful moment in Houston history has led many Houstonians, including me, to crease our mouths into a frown.
His term of office has been encompassed by an attitude of dismissiveness, bureaucratic inadequacy and regressive policies. This leaves many Whitmire voters, such as myself, regretting their voting decision.
Disappointment
Whitmire was supposed to be a hopeful page-turning moment in Houston’s history, a candidate who, on paper, seemed worthy to lead the fourth-largest city in America. He represented Houston in the Texas legislature for 50
years, was the longest-serving member of the Texas Senate and served on many important Senate committees.
During Whitmire’s campaign, he emphasized that his mix of experience, pragmatism and efficiency was the right approach for Houston. He also argued that his background and connections in the Texas legislature could bring real change.
This resonated with me and many other voters who felt the Sylvester Turner administration was passive in enacting meaningful change in the city. Whitmire ultimately succeeded, garnering 64.4% of Houston’s total votes.
Two years later, the bright, vivid picture of Houston that many voters envisioned had faded, painted over by the gray reality of Whitmire’s time in office.
Whitmire’s actions and behavior over the past two years have contradicted much of the agenda he outlined in his speech and campaign. Instead of being understanding and attentive, he has been disengaged and dismissive. Whitmire has struggled to take a practical approach to raising taxes amid Houston’s $227 million budget
deficit. As tough a decision as it might be, his cuts to METRO funding and reduction of city administration leave him very short-handed on other options to reduce the deficit.
Leadership failures
Unfortunately, Whitmire has rolled back on his promise not to divert drainage funds, investing in the demolition of buildings. This is a problem for many Houstonians. A survey of voter priorities for the mayor ranked infrastructure in the top three at 73%, with drainage and water supply included.
In addition, Whitmire has been evasive about I.C.E’s involvement in Houston, tiptoeing around the issue and leaving Houston residents uninformed. A well-explained statement from Whitmire can clarify what powers his administration has in the matter.
Most importantly, Whitmire does not possess the qualities that a public servant, much less a mayor, should have: understanding and adequately articulating his actions.
When faced with the question of efforts to recall him, he described the efforts as “silly,”
dismissing the recall as petty rather than addressing the concerns of his constituents.
Voters regret
When I cast my mayoral runoff vote on that early November day for Whitmire, I did not foresee myself making a mistake. Whitmire convincingly argued that pragmatism and progress could coexist, that his reputation showed he could bring real change to the city. Sadly, he was just that, convincing. Whitmire was not as
outspokenly progressive as I would hope a candidate would be, but I was willing to overlook my qualms, given the limited change that previous progressive administrations produced and the unimpressive lineup of opposing candidates.
Whitmire’s mayoral term teaches a valuable lesson in politics: ideas of realism sound good when faced with the opposing option of strict idealism, but they can lead to the worst of both.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
The slow death of Snapchat: Nostalgia keeps a fading platform alive
CAROLINE BOUILLION STAFF WRITER
There was a time when Snapchat was the best platform to communicate with people. The platform thrived on spontaneity. Conversations felt private and everything was about the now. People had streaks that reached the thousands and the fear of screenshotting a message on Snapchat was and still is a genuine concern for many users.
The simplicity that once defined the app was replaced by clutter,
ads and features that few users asked for. As social media evolved, Snapchat tried to grow with it.
Snapchat’s identity crisis
I drifted away from the app this semester. I stopped using it once I realized I never used the app with intention. Days passed without tapping the icon. When I do open it, I do so only to keep the few streaks I have left, then close it again.
Snapchat, once a leader in communication, has fallen into an awkward middle ground – not quite
messaging, not quite social media. Yet many users haven’t deleted the app. Instead, they keep it for one reason: memories.
The cost of memories
Snapchat Memories allowed users to save their “Snaps” in a private folder, rather than having them disappear after 24 hours. Now the app is limiting how much content users can save before prompting them to upgrade to Snapchat+. While the price may seem small, it reflects a larger trend:
platforms monetizing nostalgia. What once felt like a free space to exist and share memories with friends now quietly charges users to preserve their past.
For many, deleting Snapchat isn’t an option. Doing so risks losing years of photos that were never backed up elsewhere. The app becomes less of a social tool and more of a storage unit – one that users pay for emotionally and financially.
Every monthly fee reinforces the idea that memories are something to be maintained, managed and protected behind a paywall.
When Snapchat stopped being Snapchat
The very feature that made the app unique – disappearing content – has been replaced by the pressure to record and save everything. Users are no longer living in the moment; they are archiving it.
There is also an emotional cost. Opening memories can feel like stepping into a time capsule. Old friends, ended relationships and forgotten places resurface unexpectedly.
While nostalgia can be
comforting, it can also be painful. Snapchat’s “1 Year Ago, Today” reminders often bring back memories users did not ask to relive. Still, those memories remain, quietly stored and challenging to let go of.
I have thought about deleting my account more than once. But every time, I think about the photos saved there – pictures with people who have passed, dorm room pictures, moments I never downloaded anywhere else.
I downloaded Snapchat in 2016. Deleting the app would mean losing pieces of my life I didn’t realize I’d stored in one place.
Charging users to keep their memories revealed how social media has shifted from a platform for connection to a platform for collection. Snapchat once promised moments that would disappear. Now, it asks users to pay to remember them.
For many, that is why it still sits there – unopened, unused but impossible to delete.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
SOCIAL MEDIA
Nina To/ The Cougar
Lily Huynh/ The Cougar
life and arts
April’s Angle: Making vision boards more than an aesthetic
APRIL BADMUS
WRITER
SENIOR STAFF
@ITZ_APRULLL
Hi! Welcome to another issue of April’s Angle! I’m April, a second year political science and psychology double major. I share my thoughts on everything from fashion and beauty to college life and beyond. If you have any questions or need advice on any topic, I’m here to help!
How to make your vision board a reality
We all know of the yearly vision board craze, a tradition I’ve come to love and appreciate for its ability to put the year ahead in perspective. Every January, vision boards bloom across bedrooms, dorm walls and Pinterest feeds; photos of dream jobs, toned bodies and passport stamps stare back at us like promises. But by March, many of those boards fade
into the background and become decor — aesthetically inspiring yet quietly ignored.
Vision boards are a fun way to set goals for yourself. Realistic or not, they can help you prepare for the year. Now, like any other fun activity, there is also a not-so-fun side of vision boards.
Creating and keeping a vision board can very quickly turn into a reminder of the goals that seem so unattainable. The truth is, a vision board alone won’t change your life.
I say this not because I doubt the power of manifestation, but because clarity without action is just decoration. If you want your vision board to become real, it has to move from the wall into your daily decisions.
Be specific in your goals
Most vision boards fail to
motivate because they’re vague. Emphasizing words like “success” or “happiness” feels fitting in the moment, but they don’t tell you what to do when you find yourself overwhelmed with work and turning to doomscrolling. Instead, ask yourself, “What does this actually look like in my real life?”
If your board says “financial freedom,” does that mean saving $5,000 or paying off a credit card? Maybe even learning how to invest?
If it says “be productive,” does that mean submitting every assignment two days before the due date? Or dedicating a workday every week? Specific visions create measurable actions. Vague goals create wishful thinking.
Make your vision board visible — but make your plan unavoidable
Keeping a vision board visible is a great idea, but pairing it with systems that don’t rely on just vibes is an even better idea. Calendars, checklists, alarms, anything that allows you to hold yourself accountable are necessary. Getting an accountability partner might add some structure to your plans.
Act like the version of yourself you want to be
One of the most powerful shifts in self-improvement is identity. Instead of asking, “What do
I need to do?” focus on asking, “Who do I need to be?” Because nine times out of 10, asking “what” will lead to indecision and confusion, while asking “who” can help you hone in on your priorities.
Someone who values themselves sets boundaries, someone who wants excellence prepares even when no one is watching and someone chasing new opportunities stops saying no out of fear.
Small, identity-based actions make the biggest difference in self-improvement. Start channeling the person you want to be and stop wondering what could be.
Update the board as you grow
Know that it’s okay for goals to change, you are meant to outgrow your vision board. Check in with your board regularly and ask, “Does this still reflect who I want to be?” If not, don’t be afraid to make changes. Dreams evolve as you do.
At the end of the day, your vision board isn’t magic. It reflects what you desire, but you’re the only one who can bring it to life. So make the board, obsess over the details and dream boldly. Just don’t stop there — the magic is in the action you take after the pictures.
news@thedailycougar.com
WENDOLEE T. GARCIA MARTINEZ
EDITORIAL BOARD
EDITOR
Look for opportunities and jump at every chance you get to engage in something that excites you. The people you encounter this year will help shape your future. Trust your instincts, and question what others want you to contribute. Strive for balance and integrity, and you’ll discover your bliss.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Be open to suggestions but verify information before initiating change. The precautions you take will ease your mind and encourage you to trust your instincts.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20)
-- Take a moment to evaluate every angle of sensitive situations. Partnerships will require special attention and thought to maintain balance. A close friend will shed light on your life.
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
-- Slow down and make your life less stressful. Don’t take on too much or make promises you’ll regret. It’s time to revise your routine and hit the reset button.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
-- Take a moment to breathe and to chip away at what burdens you most. Be the one to dictate what you will and won’t do. Life is about choices, and it’s time to do what’s best for you.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -Stretch your imagination, and you’ll come up with a winning situation. Act fast and on your own behalf. The change you initiate now will help you expand your skills, outlook and connections.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Discipline and followthrough are everything.
Structure your day to ensure you reach your goal. Refuse to let your emotions run the show when practicality is necessary.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Be aware of what you know and where you fall short. It’s never too late to learn something new or to venture down a path that can enrich your life. Communication is the route to resolving unfinished business.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)
-- Refuse to let anyone play with your emotions or talk you into something you’ll regret. Consider what’s real and what’s manufactured by people looking for a handout. Protect your assets.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
-- Interacting with people who stimulate or teach you something new will help you map your way forward. Live and learn as you go,
and something magical will manifest.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Take your time; be the witness, not the instigator. Life is about choices, knowing what’s important and following through when the time is right.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Keep the momentum flowing, your eye on your target and your energy on physical action. Let your mind entertain unique alternatives, and you’ll come up with a new and exciting way to use your knowledge.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19) -- When opportunity knocks, recognize what’s available and act. You have plenty to gain if you are willing to adopt lifestyle changes. Rethink your financial position and how you can use your skills.
ISSUE STAFF
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Really, really
Word before “neutral” or “nonconforming”
Skillet or wok
Universal Crossword
Edited by Taylor Johnson February 4, 2026
58 Corn units 60 “Life of Pi” director Lee 61 Stereotypical sources of corny jokes 63 Crosspromotion 65 A Jedi master he is
Thus
Course after trig, usually
Part of a full house
Poems of praise
Vogue rival 74 Shade source
1 Roam (about) 2 Chilean fan’s cheer 3 Place for a bubble bath 4 Large bird with relatively tiny wings 5 Prefix for “gravity” or “matter”
6 Lost out on an opportunity (In this answer, note the first letter and the last 3 letters)
7 Current unit 8 Pooh’s pal 9 Acts unknowledgeable (... the first 2 and the last 3 letters)
10 *
11 Including imperfections (... the first 2 and the last 2 letters)
12 UFO pilot
13 Oyster’s gem
21 Great Lakes people
23 Cherish
24 Source of syrup
25 To no ___ (without success)
26 Harbored resentment (... the first 2 and the last 3 letters)
27 Anger
29 Cash dispenser
33 “Schitt’s Creek” actor Levy
35 This evening, on a marquee
37 Home ___ (Lowe’s competitor)
38 Like a crafty person
41 Choose
44 Affectionate letters in American Sign Language
46 Narrative shape
50 Mother Teresa, for one
52 TikTok
upload
53 Digital greeting
54 “The ___ Is Right”
56 Cairo’s country
59 Close securely
62 “Help us!” letters
64 Dealing with a bug, perhaps
66 Gondola propeller
67 Yahtzee cube
68 “___ you hearing this?”
PREVIOUS PUZZLE ANSWER
Breaking Down Barriers by Natalie Tran and Sean Ziebarth