Issue 2, Volume 87

@thedailycougar www.thedailycougar.com Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Est. 1934

Issue 2, Volume 87

20 Years Later

As the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks approaches, UH faculty and staff reflect on their experiences from that historic day. | PG. 2 SPORTS UH one step closer to joining Big 12 after Board of Regents vote. | PG. 4

LIFE AND ARTS Check out today’s daily horoscope inside. | PG. 7

2 | Wednesday, September 8, 2021

NEWS

HAYA PANJWANI EDITORS & AMINAH TANNIR,

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS

NATION

20 years later, UH faculty, staff reflect on their 9/11 experiences HAYA PANJWANI

EDITORIAL BOARD

NEWS EDITOR @HAYAPANJW

On the morning of 9/11, Student Publications adviser Candy Littleton received a phone call from her coworker around 8:50 a.m.

“Turn on the TV,” her coworker said with a trembling voice.

Littleton turned on the only television in the Student Publications office located at the Valenti School of Communication and watched in shock as the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City burned.

Soon, everyone in the office gathered around. Together they watched a second plane crash into the south tower as the worst terrorist attack in the nation’s history played out on live television.

“My husband works for an airline, and I could remember that night, just cuddling next to him so so so tight, thankful he was next to me and not up in the sky,” Littleton said. “I could not stop crying when watching the news that week.”

Her experience wasn’t unique. In fact, a great portion of the UH community, along with most of the world, spent that entire Tuesday glued to their televisions.

“I mean, nothing like this had ever been seen before, you know?” Littleton said. “That was the first time something like this had happened.

“And to see it happening live in front of our own eyes. It was just so tragic.”

On the other side of the city Like Littleton, journalism professor and Houston Chronicle news editor Charles Crixell was also watching the events take place on television. As did many other instructors at UH that day, he canceled class.

Crixell, who worked in the sports section of the Houston Chronicle at the time of the attacks, remembers the chaos of that day.

“Everyone was either standing still while watching the news coverage or scrambling around trying to figure out how to approach this,” Crixell said. “I don’t quite remember what I produced, but I do remember I wasn’t covering sports that day. I produced something different and special.”

During a historic event like the 9/11 attacks, Crixell said, the structure of

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Donna Keeya

MANAGING EDITOR

Sydney Rose

In an email to the UH community, College of Medicine Dean Stephen Spann announced that flu vaccines will be available on campus starting Sept. 8.

H-E-B pharmacists will be present at the on-campus clinics providing the shots to students, faculty and staff with the University’s BCBSTX Health Select insurance for free.

“With COVID-19 continuing to spread, it is important not to forget to get your flu shot,” Spann said. “Flu season is right

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

A memorial for victims of the September 11th, 2001 attacks sits outside Student Center South | File photo

a newsroom can change quickly and dramatically.

“Sometimes when big events like this happen, the big breaking news departments always tell other departments to move out of the way. No matter what game was played last night, or what meeting was covered, big events like this are always made the priority,” he said.

Aftermath “We’re Houston. We’re a very proud city,” Crixell said. “But that week, that entire week, it was like the world was just feeling for New York City. NYC feels like the epicenter of the country, and we even went as far as rooting for the Yankees and the Mets. We’d never do that otherwise.”

That week in class, Crixell didn’t do what he had planned in class. Instead, they had a “talk day,” where everyone in all his classes just sat around and talked. Littleton took a similar approach with the staff in her office.

20 years later Littleton still tears up when talking about that Tuesday.

“Everything that followed that attack just feels like a blur,” she said. “The government’s actions were so quick, and soon, we had troops overseas. I’ve always been so conflicted about it.”

This year, UH plans to honor the 20th anniversary of 9/11 on Friday by showcasing a photo timeline exhibit near the Student Center South Theater, which can be viewed at any time.

A ceremony honoring 9/11 victims will also take place in the theater at 9 a.m., and a reception will take place immediately after.

Crixell uses it as a learning experience for his students now and reminds them of how 9/11 was an example of how newsrooms collaborate on certain world-altering events. “‘Solemn’ is the word I’d use to describe it,” Crixell said. “It was a sad, unfortunate day for history to be made.” news@thedailycougar.com

Flu shots, COVID-19 vaccine appointments available on campus AMINAH TANNIR

Ashley Gwananji

WEB EDITOR

Jhair Romero

VACCINES

NEWS EDITOR @AMOUNA.JT

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

around the corner, and now is the time to protect yourself.”

Faculty and staff under the BCBSTX or other insurance need to bring the proper insurance card and their pharmacy insurance card.

University employees with Medicare Part B that are 65 years and older need to bring their red, white and blue card to the clinic.

Students covered under the University’s BCBSTX insurance need to provide their medical-pharmacy insurance card.

If students are uninsured, there will be a $25 discount rate that can be paid with cash, check, or the cash-sharing apps Zelle

and Venmo.

Students that are using another insurance plan must bring their insurance and pharmacy card to the clinic.

Moreover, the clinics are administering Pfizer COVID-19 vaccinations at no cost to the members of the UH community that haven’t received a vaccination.

To attend the clinic, you need to confirm that you have no COVID-19 symptoms, perform a pre-vaccination screening and consent to getting your temperature taken. news@thedailycougar.com

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.

studentpress.org/acp

Wednesday, September 8 , 2021 | 3 HAYA PANJWANI EDITORS & AMINAH TANNIR,

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

NEWS

CAMPUS

Campus Rec extends hours, programs added back AMINAH TANNIR

NEWS EDITOR @AMOUNAJT

UH Campus Recreation opens back to normal capacity this semester, with more to offer than in previous semesters.

Some programs are making a comeback with increased capacity as well as services that were temporarily unavailable.

“Campus Recreation has transitioned back to our pre-pandemic offerings,” said Campus Recreation Facilities and Operations Director Rachel O’Mara. “We are excited to have students participating with us in a more traditional capacity again.”

The Rec’s hours were extended Aug. 21, opening weekdays at 6 a.m. and closing at 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, closing at 8 p.m. on Friday.

Saturday hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday hours are from noon to 8 p.m.

Services making a comeback this semester include group swimming lessons, intramural soccer, flag football, pickup basketball, small group training programs and outdoor adventure trips.

Campus Recreation brings back services and programs that were temporarily unavailable over the virtual semesters. | File photo

Renovation projects that took place over the summer include a floor replacement in the Campus Recreation Wellness Center and a roof replacement.

The Gertner Field parking lot was made into another competitive field with lights, helping to support Sports Club and Intramural Sports programs.

Campus Recreation also hopes to finish a project allowing students to utilize their digital Cougar Card for entry versus

their physical card.

In regards to COVID-19 safety, O’ Mara said there would be adjustments to account for any concerns.

“Campus Recreation is a managed venue and as such, an operational plan for COVID-19 has been reviewed and approved by the University COVID Events Committee,” O’Mara said.

Heavily trafficked spaces are going to be fogged after hours and checked-out

equipment will be disinfected after each use.

Campus Recreation staff have also been trained on COVID-19 mitigation strategies.

O’Mara further said students can help play a role in the mitigation of the virus by adopting personal prevention practices.

“Proper hand hygiene, cough etiquette, stay home if you are sick and we encourage wearing a mask when social distancing isn’t possible,” O’Mara said.

Despite these policies and practices in place for prevention, some feel uneasy about going back.

Civil engineering senior Manan Bughio said he was excited to visit the recreation center during the first week of classes, but became uneasy when he saw how crowded it was.

“I think there should be limited capacity because (coronavirus) still exists,” Bughio said. “I’ll be excited if they did limited capacity, what I saw on the first day just threw me off.” news@thedailycougar.com

CAMPUS

UH premiers 2021-22 national commercial on ESPN ASHLEY GWANANJI

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @ASHXLES

In its new commercial, UH takes its signature slogan of “Whose House?

Coogs’ House!” on screens across the country to promote the University Produced by UH’s Division of Marketing and Communications, “Whose House? Coogs’ House!” centers itself on UH pride and tradition as it features different members of the UH community, including its football team, chanting the phrase.

The commercial made its debut on Sept. 4, during UH’s opening game against Texas Tech on ESPN. A notable member in the commercial is Associate Director of the Office of Global Engagement & Special Programs in the Honors College, Adrián Castillo, who stars in the opening scene yelling “Whose House?” amid a hike atop the South Rim of the Grand Canyon.

In response to his question, Castillo is met with the faint reply of “Coogs’ House!” across the canyon.

How Castillo ended up on the Grand Canyon is a testament to the University’s communications and marketing team, who approached the UH alumnus with the opportunity in June.

“They presented the concept to me, which I thought was a great way to share one of our many traditions with a broader audience. I was told that my part would feature the Grand Canyon,” said Castillo.“I assumed we would

In their new national commercial, UH focuses on tradition and pride as they feature UH alumnus Adrián Castillo and others chant “Whose House? Coogs’ House?” | Courtesy of University of Houston - YouTube.

film in a studio, but I was wrong. We actually filmed it on location at the Grand Canyon. Shouting ‘Whose House?’ into the Grand Canyon was pretty exhilarating.”

Although he was not involved with the other segments, Castillo’s part took a day to film.

Aside from the football team, other members of the commercial feature nutritional sciences junior and a member of the Spirit of Houston cheerleading team Bea Caroline Sietz.

Sietz’s segment presents her in New York City’s Times Square, asking the same question as Castillo’s.

Instead of receiving a verbal response,

“Coogs’ House!” revealed itself on an illuminated billboard.

When it officially aired on game day, Castillo remembers the moment as surreal. However, even with his newfound fame, he also notes his life has not changed drastically.

“I am still the same person I was before the commercial,” he said. “I honestly did not expect many people to recognize me from the commercial, but they have.

It was rather surreal to see myself so prominently on the jumbotron at NRG during the game against Texas Tech.”

For some UH students, such as political science and government senior Henry Teccsi, the new commercial instilled an

improved sense of school pride.

“I didn’t really see much commercial promotion for the UH football team, so I definitely feel like more improvement is needed, and so it would be a great idea,” Teccsi said.

“I also think that while promoting football is a good idea, we’d do much better promoting basketball as that’s our strong suit, and so far, our performance on the football field has been lacking,” Teccsi continued.

As the football team continues playing this season, the commercial will air during each televised game. Additionally, it will air during regional and national telecasts.

With each televised appearance, Castillo hopes the national commercial will be a conversation starter.

“There are so many great things happening at the University of Houston, and I would like to share that with as many people as possible,” Castillo said.

“What I hope people glean from the commercial is that the University of Houston is the University of opportunity.”

“UH provided me so many opportunities as an undergraduate and continues to do so today as a higher education professional. And I know my story is not unique in that regard,” he continued. “I see it every day on campus and in the anecdotes students share. Our stories start at UH. From here, anything is possible.” news@thedailycougar.com

4 | Wednesday, September 8, 2021

SPORTS NEWS

JAMES MUELLER, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/SPORTS

@THECOUGARSPORTS

FOOTBALL

‘Clayton’s our quarteback’: Holgorsen sticking with Tune at QB

Junior quarterback Clayton Tune and the UH offense start deep in the Cougars own territory during a second quarter drive against Texas Tech Saturday night at NRG Stadium in the 2021 Good Sam Texas Kickoff. | Armando Yanez/The Cougar

JAMES MUELLER

SPORTS EDITOR @JDM2186

Despite Clayton Tune’s four interception performance in Houston’s 2021 seasonopener against Texas Tech, Dana Holgorsen reassured his confidence in the 6-foot-3-inch junior during his weekly news conference Monday.

“Clayton’s our quarterback and he feels responsible for the performance (against Texas Tech),” Holgorsen said. “He owns it and we’re going to work hard to get better.”

Holgorsen was pleased with Tune’s overall accuracy Saturday, as the UH starter went 27-38

passing, but also understands Tune still has work to do on eliminating the bad plays if he wants to take his game to the next level as the face of the Cougars offense.

Poor decisions have been common from Tune since he took over the UH offense in 2019, as 23 of his last 502 passes have been picked off.

Holgorsen specifically pointed to Tune’s second interception against Texas Tech where he tried to force the ball between two Red Raiders defenders, but was picked off by Riko Jeffers, who took the ball 13 yards back to the house to tie the game.

Holgorsen knows that poor

decisions like that from Tune can’t happen if the Cougars want to start winning games.

“Interception number two was inexcusable on every level possible,” Holgorsen said. “It’s what get you beat.”

Spreading the ball around between the Cougars’ receivers was also an issue that Tune needs to fix, according to Holgorsen.

Holgorsen has made getting receivers like Jeremy Singleton and Kesean Carter more involved in the offense a major point of emphasis for Tune moving forward.

“I don’t want a go-to guy.

I want multiple go-to guys,”

Holgorsen said. “Clayton’s got to do a better job of spreading the ball around a little bit.”

But Holgorsen did not put all the blame on Tune for his rough performance, but also called out the UH offensive line, saying that Texas Tech completely wore down the Cougars’ front five.

Apart from senior center Kody Russey, Holgorsen said there is a lot of work the UH offensive line has to do in order to give Tune the protection he needs.

“O-line is who the finger gets pointed at just because everything starts right there up front,” Holgorsen said. “The reality is that we didn’t block anywhere … I don’t think we

have five guys up front that can just dominate and play the entire game. They’ve never shown me that.”

Needless to say, Holgorsen knows the UH offense has a plethora of problems that must be addressed before the Cougars’ offense can execute at the high level of play he believes they are capable of performing at.

And it all starts with protection up front and Tune improving his decision making process.

“Got a long ways to go,” Holgorsen said. “We got to keep working hard.” sports@thedailycougar.com

ATHLETICS

UH regents give Renu Khator green light to pursue Big 12 membership JAMES MUELLER

SPORTS EDITOR @JDM2186

James Schillinger/The Cougar

Houston is one step closer to switching conferences after the UH System Board of Regents unanimously voted on Tuesday morning to delegate the authority to pursue Big 12 Conference membership to Chancellor Renu Khator.

“We are asking the Board of Regents to delegate authority to the Chancellor to negotiate and execute documents necessary to affect conference affiliation for the University of Houston,” said UH vice chancellor and senior vice president for administration and finance Raymond Bartlett. “As final decisions are pending, the

exact fiscal impacts are to be determined.”

With Texas and Oklahoma planning to leave the conference for the SEC, UH is one of the four schools that is expected to receive an invitation to join the Big 12 along with BYU and fellow American Athletic Conference members Cincinnati and UCF. Big 12 presidents are

supposed to meet and hold a vote to extend invitations to the four schools as soon as Friday. If approved, UH would be closer to joining a Power Five conference.

“We’re all proud to be Cougars today,” said Board chairman Tilman Fertitta as the session ended. sports@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, September 8 , 2021 | 5 JAMES MUELLER, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/SPORTS

@THECOUGARSPORTS

SPORTS NEWS

SOCCER

Changing the narrative: Diego Bocanegra and the UH soccer program’s new direction SEAN THOMAS

Senior leadership

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @SEANTHOMAS723

When UH soccer head coach Diego Bocanegra arrived in Houston in 2017 to assume the job of leading the Cougars, the program had just one winning season in the previous decade.

While Bocanegra’s first couple of years at UH had their ups and downs, the first sign of a breakthrough came during the 2020-21 season when the Cougars produced their first winning season since 2010.

Now, with the Cougars currently undefeated through the first quarter of its schedule, the start to the 2021 season seems to indicate that the program has made a full turnaround.

Core values Bocanegra credits the team’s core values, which he instituted shortly after he took over the program, for the Cougars’ success this season.

“This is three and a half years in the making,” he said. “We set a vision for the team that we are not going to compromise on our core values and get the right people and players to buy into the system. We’ve done that.”

The core values start with a positive mentality and giving maximum effort in everything

Diego Bocanegra has completely transformed the UH soccer program as the Cougars are currently on pace for their best season in program history. | Courtesy of UH athletic

the team does, Bocanegra said.

Whether on the field or in the classroom, he expects the team to give everything they can.

“It doesn’t mean rainbows and butterflies, but having the right mentality, the right attitude, the right amount of effort and energy in practice, the classroom and in games,” Bocanegra said.

“Whatever we do, we do it to our best ability. We aren’t always going to feel 100 percent. If you can only give 70 percent of your

potential, well I want 100 percent of that 70 percent.”

The last two values Bocanegra has instilled since his arrival are being a good teammate and to have fun.

“We are all in this together,” he said. “You can see if you watch our games that we fight for each other on the field, and it shows up. Being a good teammate is knowing when to hold your teammates accountable.”

Bocanegra believes the

current record that the team has indicated that the team has been holding to their core values and that the team is all in both on the field and in the classroom he says.

“We focus on those four core values in everything we do,” Bocanegre said. “That’s why we’re doing well on the soccer field, and that’s why we have the best GPA in the athletic department,” he said, boasting UH soccer’s 3.71 team GPA last spring.

Senior leadership has been a key part of the team’s growth and success to this point as well, with the team’s captains getting praise from Bocanegra for their leadership and embodiment of the core values.

“Our two captains, Cassidy Formanek and Emma Clarke, they both lead in different ways and have different personalities,” he said. “Between the two of them, the entire team resonates. They embody the core values in their own way.”

Formanek and Clarke are seniors who have been with the program all four years of their collegiate careers and have been with the team for the entirety of Bocanegra’s turnaround of the program.

Though the 2021 season is still young, Bocanegra believes the team is headed in the right direction due to these values.

UH soccer is off to its best start since 2016 and on pace for one of the best seasons in program history.

“I’m more excited to see us continue on this path,” Bocanegra said. “Adversity is going to come.

There’s going to be some difficult games ahead, but I think we’ll be ready for it.” sports@thedailycougar.com

VOLLEYBALL

UH volleyball’s confidence fueled by core leadership group JAMES MUELLER

SPORTS EDITOR @JDM218

Down two sets to none in the season-opener, it appeared as if a rocky start to the 2021 season was in store for Houston volleyball.

But the Cougars remained unfazed, filled a poise that is unique to the 2021 team.

“The calmness on the court was far different from anything I’ve ever experienced,” senior middle blocker Isabel Theut said. “There was never any point where we got real tight. We stayed really lose the whole game. We kind of knew.

We were like we’re going to win this. There was never any doubt.”

UH volleyball head coach David Rehr saw the same thing, sensing no fear or panic despite the less than ideal start to the opening two sets of the season.

Rehr believes the unshakable

Senior middle blocker Isabel Theut . | Courtesy of UH athletics

confidence the Cougars showed to open the season with stems from a strong group of core leaders. This includes Theut,

junior outside hitter Abbie Jackson, junior middle blocker Rachel Tullos and senior libero Torie Frederick.

Over the offseason, this experienced group of leaders took things into their own hands.

From getting the team together putting in extra practice time on the court to hanging out and bonding with each other as much as possible, UH volleyball’s core group of leaders did everything to ensure the chemistry and camaraderie would be up to par when the season started.

“We’re giving them more responsibilities to how to run the team, letting them have more input of how we run the team,” Rehr said. “I think that’s going to be how we are going to get to that next level because of their leadership along with their play.”

All the extra responsibility

assumed by the team’s core leaders put the Cougars in a position to overcome any situation they may encounter throughout the year. It immediately came into play in the final three sets of the seasonopener.

Not only did the Cougars win three straight sets to complete the comeback against Lipscomb, but they went on to defeat Oregon State and Oklahoma the next day to go 3-0 and win the Oklahoma Invitational —turning what was shaping up to be a complete disaster into as perfect of a start the team could have scripted.

“When your team knows they can come back from something, then they know that they’re always in the fight,” Rehr said.

“Especially (when it comes) against an NCAA Tournament

team and two Power Five schools.

If you can prove yourself against them then you’re going to be fine.”

UH rode its hot start into the next weekend, once again stringing together three straight victories over Mississippi State, McNeese State and LouisianaMonroe to win the Flo Hyman Collegiate Cup and improve to 6-0 on the year.

The successful first two weeks of the season have served as a boost of confidence, as the Cougars proved to themselves they have the capability of overcoming any form of adversity they may face throughout the season.

“I’ve never been on a team that’s been that calm and confident through that much adversity,” Theut said. sports@thedailycougar.com

6 | Wednesday, September 8, 2021

OPINION NEWS

ANNA BAKER, EDITOR

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/OPINION

CORONAVIRUS

UH needs to stop hosting crowded events, take COVID-19 more seriously

i

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ABOUT THE COUGAR 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.

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Donna Keeya Sydney Rose Jhair Romero COVER

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Center for Student Media uh.edu/csm

ABOUT CSM Students attending Cat’s Back event in the Student Center South Houston Room. | Haya Panjwani/The Cougar

ANNA BAKER

OPINION EDITOR @ANNA2POINT0

Now that many students have in-person classes again, UH kicked off Weeks of Welcome like they traditionally do: with multiple crowded events. Given the continuous rise in COVID-19 cases on campus and in Texas overall, UH throwing all these events is irresponsible.

Unsurprisingly, UH’s Weeks of Welcome events during the first week of the semester were very crowded. They’ve always drawn crowds in years past, but this time, the crowds came during a pandemic in a place that doesn’t require masks or vaccinations.

At Cat’s Back, UH’s event to connect with student clubs and organizations, crowds of people lined up on Student Center South’s second floor waiting to get into the various rooms.

“The (Student Center) is practically like a mini airport at this point,” said sophomore architecture major Alberto Delgado.

Some students disagreed with the logistics behind how the programs were held.

“Especially during COVID-19, they could have set it up better instead of just having everyone in one tiny space,” said psychology junior Samana Beidoun. “I just ( felt) like it’s super clustered in here and unsafe.”

Other events such as Glow Party and Party in the Park drew big crowds as they’ve done in years past.

“I feel disappointed because it’s kind of encouraging people to get together as

COVID-19 cases are rising,” said human development and family studies junior Brian Banh. “I understand you want to have the full experience for the students here, but there are other ways you can do it.”

UH hosted these events that are known to be attended in high numbers during a pandemic when they are unable to enforce masks or vaccines. It’s unfortunate that the University cannot mandate vaccinations and masks due to Gov. Greg Abbott’s executive order. However, there is nothing in that order that states that universities are required to host crowded superspreader events.

Unsurprisingly, there have been over 200 COVID-19 cases at UH since the first day of school with an average of 22 cases reported per day within the past week, according to the UH positive case dashboard. The majority of these cases are on campus exposing students to the virus.

UH has tens of thousands of students in classes. Many are unmasked due to there being no mandate. It won’t take long for COVID-19, especially the more contagious delta variant, to spread.

UH overall has been very relaxed regarding COVID-19 guidelines in many departments. Student Housing and Residential Life have three different operating levels based on COVID-19 safety ranging from least cautious to most. According to their website, SHRL is currently practicing the least cautious operations level.

Meanwhile, Harris County considers the COVID-19 threat a Level 1 threat which

means it’s the most dangerous.

This is unsurprising as Houston’s Texas Medical Center’s ICU bed availability is running out according to their website.

There are so many beds being taken up that the medical center has had to send patients to hospitals hundreds of miles away as reported by the Associated Press.

Texas’s medical system as a whole is struggling to care for the rising number of COVID-19 patients. This is not only due to the lack of beds but also the nursing shortage.

The University is being very relaxed with its COVID-19 policies while the state is struggling to give its citizens medical care.

The Texas Medical Center can’t take much more.

Of course, face-to-face classes likely play a part in the case numbers rising, but the Weeks of Welcome events certainly didn’t help. The goal this semester is to have in-person classes but if cases keep going up, UH may not have much of a choice but to put classes online. The University needs to figure out if it cares more about having in-person classes or having recreational events.

UH is taking a back seat to let students decide whether they want to spread COVID-19 or not. It shouldn’t give students a choice to crowd at school-sanctioned events.

If the University can’t enforce masks or vaccinations, it shouldn’t be holding large events and should overall take COVID-19 more seriously. opinion@thedailycougar.com

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Wednesday, September 8 , 2021 | 7 HAYA PANJWANI EDITORS & AMINAH TANNIR,

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/LIFE-ARTS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

LIFE ANDNEWS ARTS

FASHION

UH students use passions to start their businesses ASHLEY GWANANJI

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @ASHXLES

As part of the college experience, students often discover passions and expand them into something bigger.

For some UH students, their passions combined with their entrepreneurial spirit lead to the start of their businesses.

As the owner behind Klawzbysteph, biology junior Stephanie Briggs takes manicures to a new level by crafting innovative designs on acrylic nails.

From a classic french tip to a bold ombré design, Briggs does it all, using her artistry to cater nail art within the Houston area.

Along with being the owner of her business, she juggles many responsibilities to keep it afloat, including managing a site to schedule potential customers and producing content for marketing using pictures of her designs on clients.

Although she uses marketing to attract all customers, Briggs notes being a student at UH places her at a unique advantage.

“I promote my business through various social media apps such as Snapchat, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. I also promote on campus with business cards as much as I can, ” said Briggs.

“Being a student at UH has been immensely helpful to the vitality of my business due to the influx of people, and the amazing environment is definitely an opportunity for business.”

How she started Klawzbysteph includes her longtime passion for being a nail tech

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Choose intelligence, and you'll maintain a dependable reputation. Ensure the work you do represents what you are trying to accomplish and you'll get the results you want.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- A trip down memory lane will confirm your thoughts regarding home, lifestyle, health and happiness. Take action to ensure that you do what you can to uncover every option available to you.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Stand up for your rights, and make your voice heard.

Participate in events that offer insight into what's possible. Make the most of your time and effort.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec.

and last year’s quarantine.

“I started my business one year ago during quarantine when COVID-19 came into the picture because we were required to stay home, I had so much time on my hands. I decided to pursue my passion of being a nail tech, which is something I have been pushing off for a long time,” she said.

“My perfectionist personality inspired me to do nails because I knew if I started, I would be amazing at it.”

Like Briggs, other UH students, such as media production sophomore Kendalynn Thomas, took advantage of the coronavirus pandemic to create their businesses.

Using the extra time she had and her love for clothing, Thomas created ADIACLOTHINGANDCO and adiacustomsinc, a clothing company inspired by streetwear, Y2K and vintage fashion.

“I first began during the pandemic, when I got a little extra money and a lot of extra time and decided to invest into something that I had been thinking about for a long time,” said Thomas. “I was inspired by local streetwear brands like Swag Boy, and I hated the fact that there were not a lot of affordable good quality streetwear brands that made clothes for everybody.”

Since starting their businesses a year ago, Briggs and Thomas have juggled their responsibilities with school, especially as classes occupy more of their time than usual.

“It’s honestly been difficult to balance school and a business because school always comes first. Additionally, you have to stay up

to date with trends and continue to make new clothes if you want your brand to grow.”

Thomas said.

While difficult to balance, Briggs and Thomas eventually found a solution making it easier for them to juggle both activities.

“Balancing school and practicing my craft at first was very challenging, and when school resumed in fall 2020 it was something I had to make time for along with homework,” Briggs said. “As time went on with trial and error, I found a schedule that

21) -- Dissect what others do and say, and you'll realize you have just as much to offer. Focus on getting ahead, outmaneuvering the competition and doing your best. Romance is favored.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- You'll face opposition that will be difficult to beat if you haven't done your homework.

Don't share too much. Home improvements and financial maneuvers are in your best interest.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Move forward in secrecy until you feel fully prepared to disclose your intentions. A financial gain looks promising. Handle loved ones with care and compassion.

Romance is encouraged.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20)

-- Look at logistics, then make a smart move. Keep your expenses down, and pay attention to what's important to you. A change in direction will give you the boost you need.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -Make plans that will allow more time to work alongside people who value what you have to offer.

A commitment will help stabilize your life. Romance is encouraged.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Focus on what interests you and how best to use your skills to accommodate your dreams.

Refuse to let stubbornness or challenges stand between you and what you want to achieve.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -Learn from experience, and don't reveal your intentions. Network

Kendalynn Thomas created a clothing company inspired by streetwear, Y2K and vintage fashion. | Courtesy of Kendalynn Thomas

works perfectly for both me and clients.”

As she continues building Klawzbysteph, Briggs leaves behind advice for other UH students on their entrepreneurship journey.

“When pursuing your passions, there will always be rough times, times of doubt, and even times when you want to give up,” Briggs said. “However, my advice is to push through because, in the end, it will be worth it doing something you love.” arts@thedailycougar.com

and attend seminars that will give you a platform to show off what you know and can do, and you will outshine anyone who challenges you.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Ignore negativity, take charge of your happiness and distance yourself from anyone who says or does something to disrupt your life. Make personal growth and physical improvement your priorities.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Study the economic changes taking place, and adjust the way you handle your financial affairs.

Keep up with the trends, and position yourself to step in as others become dinosaurs.

-Astrograph by Eugenia Last

8 | Wednesday, September 8, 2021