The First Roar 2025 by The Cougar

Meet The Cougar’s Vol. 91 Staff

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 Anonymous letters will not be published.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.

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ABOUT CSM

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Live in the moment. The years go by fast.

CINDY RIVAS ALFARO EDITOR IN CHIEF @CINDYGISELLES

Welcome to the Unversity of Houston! I can’t believe it’s already that time of year. I remember how big UH looked when I was trying to look for my classes. Now, I know this place like the back of my hand.

This is my fifth year at The Cougar and my second year serving as it’s editor in chief. I graduated in the spring with a degree in journalism and a double-minor in women’s studies and phronésis.

I’m an incoming master’s student studying public history, a passion of mine fortified by my years working at the student newspaper. If it hasn’t been obvious already, The Cougar holds a very special place in my heart.

For those of you starting on this journey, I want you to savor every moment. Take as many pictures as you can, make friends with the people

in your classes and challenge yourself to do something you wouldn’t normally do. I promise you won’t regret it.

My freshman year had a rocky start to say the least, espcially with strict parents.

I’m the first in my family to get a college degree so I was navigating everything on my own.

My mother drove me to UH everyday and it felt like I was still in high school. While my friends who lived on campus stayed up until 2 a.m. eating waffles in the dining hall, I was back in my childhood home, wishing things were different.

Little did I know that submitting an opinion piece about BTS to The Cougar in September 2021 would lead me to where I am today. I went from eating lunch by myself in the Student Center to walking into The Cougar’s office with a room filled with passionate student journalists.

Things only got brighter

from there. I got a car my sophomore year and was able to gain a little more independence. I went to conferences in New York, New Orleans and Washington, D.C. with the organizations I joined on campus.

To top things off, I moved out of my parent’s house to live by myself on campus my senior year despite my parents begging for me to stay home.

(To all the students with ethnic parents out there, you know the struggle.)

So, why am I telling you all this?

It’s because I want you to discover college at your own pace. My college journey was untraditional in every sense of the word. Heck, I didn’t go to a frat party until my senior year! I was a commuter, a dormer, worked three jobs a semester and I can proudly say I made the best of my time.

And honestly, the decisions I made on my own, for myself,

were the ones that gave me the greatest life lessons.

If I didn’t take the initiative to pursue what I love— journalism—I wouldn’t have found a group of people who shared that passion.

If I settled with what my parents told me about staying at home, I wouldn’t have learned what it took to live on my own and be responsible for myself.

If some things take a little longer to achieve than others, that’s okay, too. This isn’t a competition or a race to win. Our timelines don’t have to match because if they did, life would be extremely boring.

When you find yourself overwhelmed or lonely in your first year in college, take a breather. Someone has walked that road before and they made it out OK.

So will you.

editor@thedailycougar.com

Enjoy hundreds of fun events, make new friends, and get lots of freebies! Full schedule of events at uh.edu/wow or scan QR code.

‘Paws up!’: The UH traditions that every student needs

Houston’s student section erupts in celebration of a game-changing free throw during the second half of the Final Four, Saturday, April 5, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

WENDOLEE T. GARCIA MARTINEZ NEWS EDITOR @WENDOLEEGARCIAMTZ

Life at UH isn’t just about test scores and assignments. It’s also filled with rich traditions that showcase the love and pride students have for being a Cougar.

The UH spirit stays alive with decades-old customs from the Cougar Paw to the Red Seas. Here’s a dive into the traditions and history that make UH unforgettable.

Then and Meow: The history of the University’s mascot

Shasta the Cougar has been the mascot since 1947. The University has had both a live and costumed version of Shasta throughout the decades.

In 1947, the Alpha Phi Omega fraternity purchased a

live mountain lion to keep on campus grounds. The name ‘Shasta’ was chosen via a campus-wide contest won by student Joe Randol.

Shasta I-V were taken care of by the Cougar Guard, a group of students whose responsibility was to care for and transport Shasta. From 1947-1989, Shasta was transported to football games to amp up the crowd and show school spirit. However, in 1989, Shasta V had to be euthanized due to kidney failure. From then on, a new costumed mascot holding the same name was introduced.

In 2012, Shasta VI was purchased from Washington State and brought to the Houston Zoo, continuing the UH tradition of live mascots. He was euthanized in 2022 due to a progressive spinal disease and declining health.

In 2022, Shasta VII and Louie, two orphaned cougar cubs, were adopted by UH and are the current live mascots who reside at the Houston Zoo.

Despite not having a live version of Shasta on campus anymore, the Houston Zoo offers one free admission a year for UH students to enjoy and visit their beloved mascot.

Cougar Paw: The toe-tal history

Three fingers up with the ring finger and thumb down might seem like a simple hand gesture, but its history shows true unity amongst UH students.

The Cougar Paw was first presented in 1953, but it didn’t start with UH students. On the way to a football game against the University of Texas, Shasta I’s front paw got caught on the cage door, which led to her

losing a toe. UT fans were quick to taunt her injury by holding their ring finger down to their palm during the game against UH. Although UH lost, students were able to flip the script in 1976 when the Cougars defeated the Longhorns 30-0 in their first year in the Southwest Conference. The Cougar Paw filled the stadium that day.

This cemented the Cougar Paw into UH history, highlighting that no matter what, the Cougars will never give up.

Cougar Red Fridays: “On Fridays, we wear red.”

If it’s a Friday, you better be wearing red. Students don’t have to wait until a game or event to show off their Cougar pride. That’s what Fridays are all about.

Whether you are a student, professor or alumni, wearing

WENDOLEE GARCIA MARTINEZ

red on Fridays is a simple way to say “I am a coog!”

Shasta’s Cones & More in Student Center South gives $1 ice cream scoops if you’re wearing red on Fridays.

Frontier Fiesta: The wild wild West

Towards the end of the spring semester, Fiesta City takes over TDECU stadium lot F to create a pop-up western town for a three-day event filled with activities, cook-offs and student performances.

Frontier Fiesta first began in 1939 but was halted at the beginning of World War II. In 1947-1959, the event welcomed an average of 20,000 attendees and was named the “Greatest College Show on Earth” by LIFE

Magazine in 1958. During 1959, the festivity was once again cancelled, but was revived in 1992 and has been going strong since.

The festival is an all-inclusive event with free entry for all.

Cougar Blessing

Receiving your class ring is a reflection of a milestone, but before you get to put on that ring, it receives a blessing from Shasta himself.

Every ring spends a night at the Houston Zoo with Shasta in what is known as the “Blessing of the Rings.” After the ceremony, students wear the ring inward with the UH logo facing them until graduation. Once you cross that stage, students turn the ring outward

to show that they are now part of the UH alumni family.

Homecoming

The homecoming season is exciting, with plenty of events taking place during the fall semester.

Though homecoming is famously tied to football season, it is also a week celebrating the University, its students and organizations. Each day of homecoming, there are different events for students to enjoy such as Strut Your Stuff, Banner Competition, Block Party and special performances.

Rub the Paw

In 2003, two UH alumni requested the Cougar statues

outside of Cullen Plaza. They were sculpted by Alaska-based artist R.T. Wallen.

Today, students often visit the statue to rub Shasta’s paw for luck before a game, test or any special event that needs a little bit of Shasta luck.

Once a Coog, Always a Coog

Now that you know the traditions and history that make UH, you’ll be able to keep the traditions alive during your time here.

Whether it’s putting up a Cougar Paw or wearing red on a Friday, UH traditions connect students to the legacy and pride of the Cougar spirit.

news@thedailycougar.com

CAMPUS

UH resources students should take advantage of

Consultants can help students in all stages of their writing process, whether it’s brainstorming, reading a rough draft or a final look over. With online and face-to-face options, the Writing Center meets students where they are.

Religion Center

The A.D. Bruce Religion Center is UH’s hub for people of all faiths to practice and explore spiritually. It places a large emphasis on interfaith dialogue and hosts several events for the UH community. Its most notable event is serving free lunch on Wednesdays which draws a large crowd every week. The center also hosts Mass every Sunday. It has reservable spaces for the UH community to use and is a popular spot for weddings, baptisms and memorials.

CINDY RIVAS ALFARO EDITOR IN CHIEF @CINDYGISELLES

With over 47,000 students enrolled at UH during the fall, the University has a variety of resources to make the transition into college easier. Here are a few must-visit places freshmen should go during their time at UH.

Women’s Gender and Resource Center

WGRC was established in 2004 and started off as a small cubicle before landing its own space in Student Center South. The center provides free resources to students such as menstrual products, condoms, pregnancy tests, first-aid supplies, snacks, a small selection of clothing, computers and a hang-out space.

The center also provides confidential services for students

to talk with UH staff about issues that concern them, whether it’s related to their personal, academic or professional lives. WGRC can be a good place to start with concerns, as they can refer students to community resources that can better serve them outside of UH.

Student Health Center and Campus Pharmacy

The Student Health Center is located on the second floor and offers students non-emergency medical care. Students can schedule an appointment through AccessUH using the HealthyCoog Patient Portal. Alongside its non-emergency care, UH also offers psychiatry services that can be scheduled by phone at 713-743-5149. The psychiatry clinic has boardcertified psychiatric physicians who can evaluate symptoms and determine the best course

of action. Prescriptions can be filled at the Campus Pharmacy or the student’s pharmacy of choice.

Located on the first floor of the Health 2 Building, the pharmacy sells a small selection of medicines for allergies, cold, flu and etc.

Academic

Learning Advancements

for Undergraduate Cougars of Houston is UH’s official Learning Center. LAUNCH provides peer tutoring for students who would be learning from their classmates who are at the top of their class. There are tutoring sessions for all subjects, and hours can be accessed online.

UH also has a Writing Center that provides one-on-one writing consultations for all types of writing assignments such as final papers, scholarship essays, resumes and lab reports.

Accessibility Center

The Justin Dart Jr. Student Accessibility Center is the place to go for any accommodations and support services. It provides support for students with learning disabilities, physical limitations, psychiatric disorders and temporary or permanent health impairments. Students must register with the center first before meeting with an Access Coordinator who can address their needs.

Some accommodations include extended time on exams, note-taking supports, audiorecorded lectures and accessible furniture.

All of these departments aim to provide the best experience for students at UH, and knowing they exist is the best way to make the most out of these services.

news@thedailycougar.com

The UH Campus Pharmacy provides students with their prescriptions and medicine, Monday, June 2, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

news Houston’s a buzzing city waiting for you to explore it TRAVEL

tickets. Explore local venues such as White Oak Music Hall and House of Blues to enjoy themed nights from indie to hip-hop.

Studying near campus

UH has plenty of study spots on campus, but sometimes students need a break from routine and want to try new places to motivate their studying habits.

Doshi House is walkable from the purple line and is a fully plant-based, friendly stop for vegan and vegetarian students. Campesino Coffee House is not too far either and it is a Latin-based coffee shop that offers free wifi and has outdoor seating.

The Houston Public Library Downtown is a productive space with no distractions, or students can shake things up with a breezy study session at Discovery Green.

WENDOLEE T. GARCIA MARTINEZ NEWS EDITOR @WENDOLEEGARCIAMTZ

Houston is the fourthlargest city in the U.S. and is home to 2.3 million people. Houston is often buzzing with activity, making it difficult to fully explore what the home of the Coogs has to offer. Houston is full of rich culture and industries, from space exploration to diverse cuisines. There’s plenty to discover, making it crucial to learn how to use student resources wisely to make the most out of the college experience.

Here are some tips on navigating Houston as a Cougar:

Transportation

UH students get a 50% discount on the METRO fare.

The University also offers a program called Coogs on Alternative and Sustainable Transportation, which gives students a METRO Q-Card with a monthly credit. Students must register with their student email at RideMETRO.org to apply for a student discount or to pick up a fare card.

On the METRORail, using the purple line goes through campus and connects students to Downtown, the Theater and Museum District.

Using HOV lanes as a student

When commuting to campus or simply wanting to explore the city, the High Occupancy Vehicle and High

Occupancy Toll lanes offer faster routes during peak traffic hours.

HOV lanes are open to vehicles with 2+ passengers during rush hour. Consider carpooling with another student. This will not only save time, but students can split the cost of gas and parking fees.

Students who are solo drivers can use the HOV/HOT lanes during off-peak hours for a fee with EZ Tag.

Exploring the City

In Houston’s Museum District, most museums are free on Thursdays. Hermann Park and the Houston Zoo are walkable from the METRORail.

Get student discounts on Astros and Rockets game

Staying safe while exploring

The University offers programs to ensure students’ safety while navigating the city. Download the UH Go app to track shuttles, have access to the campus map and receive safety alerts. UH also offers a free evening transportation program called Cougar Ride for students within a five-mile radius of campus.

Houston is a big city, and as any other large city it has varying safety levels. Students should walk in well-lit and busy areas during the night and inform someone of their whereabouts.

news@thedailycougar.com

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

TIPS

Here’s how to stay sane while commuting

GAURAANGI GUPTA MANAGING EDITOR @GAURAANGIGUPTA

UH is known for being a commuter school, with 85% of its students commuting to campus. This might make it easy to be late for classes, but with the right plan, you can still make it on time.

Here is a guide to help commuters navigate their commute.

Memorize routes

Learning the routes before classes begin, especially for those new to the city, is a smart way to save time. By doing this, students won’t get lost during the first

week of school, making it to the class in time.

Drive to campus and explore different possible routes a few days before classes begin to understand what traffic looks like at different times of the day.

It is also important to understand the routes within campus since UH is pretty big.

Leave early

Houston traffic can be highly unpredictable. Therefore, it is advisable to leave as early as possible. Leave at least 15 to 20 minutes early to be safe.

Being early can also provide buffer time for unexpected

delays like traffic accidents, bad weather conditions, road closures or even construction.

Know your resources

The Commuter Ambassador program assists first-time college commuter students in transitioning and understanding the routes and UH better.

It is recommended that students register for a parking permit through Access UH. Students taking classes at both the main campus and the Sugar Land campus can use the Cougar Line shuttle service. METRO also offers two direct routes to the main campus from the Mission

Bend Transit Center, where students can get discounted Q cards.

Communication

Being a commuter student can be frustrating, but students should remember they are not alone. It is helpful to talk to fellow commuters and experienced students for advice.

Learning from their tips and tricks can help students adapt to the commute schedule quickly. Try to balance out stress and maintain a positive attitude.

Drive safe!

news@thedailycougar.com

STUDENT LIFE

How to join an organization at UH

WENDOLEE T. GARCIA MARTINEZ NEWS EDITOR @WENDOLEEGARCIAMTZ

Freshman year can be an overwhelming experience for many students. College life is most students’ first time living away from home and with people they don’t know. Joining college activities and clubs helps students make friends, expand on their interests and make the best out of their college experience.

University life is about trying new things and meeting new people. That’s where Get Involved, the University’s official website for student involvement, comes into play. Students can utilize this website to explore over 500 clubs and organizations, or campus events such as homecoming.

Here’s the unofficial guide to navigating the Get Involved website:

Step 1

First things first, visit getinvolved.uh.edu and sign in using your CougarNet ID. Once logged in, fill out the preference form under Recommended Events. This will create a unique algorithm that will recommend events based on your interests.

Step 2

Now, you are able to explore all the events and organizations. Click on the top left icon to open up the menu, and then click on organizations. You can look through over 500 organizations and clubs from all categories, such as: Cultural organizations: Celebrate your roots with organizations such as the Black Student Union, UH Filipino

Students Association and the Association of Latinx/Hispanic Advocates and Allies.

Academic clubs: From psychology associations to business societies, UH has organizations that cater to your major to further prepare you for your career.

Special interest groups: Join clubs based on your hobbies, such as dancing and anime. Service Groups: Help an important cause with groups like Habitat for Humanity and the Metropolitan Volunteer Program, better known as MVP. Spirit and traditions: Keep UH traditions alive and join groups such as the Cougar Dolls and the Frontier Fiesta Association.

You can search by keywords, filter by categories or just click through until you find something interesting.

Step 3

Once you find something for you, all that’s left to do is click the blue “JOIN” button on the right. Make sure to scroll down to not miss any upcoming events, such as club fairs to get more information and present yourself, or workshops to get an insight into what is offered.

Step 4

Now that you have officially joined the club, it’s time to step up. Don’t forget to show up to events hosted by the club or association and meet new

people.

Tips

Find an organization you love? Message them directly. Most organizations will have their contact information and availability posted on the Get Involved website. Take advantage of those resources and connect directly.

The Get Involved website is a doorway to opportunities found at UH where you can create the best college memories, and the best part, if you don’t find something that piques your interest, you can always start your own.

news@thedailycougar.com

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

news Goodbye fountain, hello trees: Upcoming UH projects

WENDOLEE T. GARCIA MARTINEZ

NEWS EDITOR

@WENDOLEEGARCIAMTZ

The University is welcoming its newest freshmen class amidst a major transformation unfolding on campus.

During their first semester at UH, incoming students will notice that some areas around campus are closed off with construction zone signs. This is due to the ongoing projects that UH has planned. Here’s a rundown of the projects and their impacts on campus life.

Centennial Project

In anticipation of the University’s 100th anniversary, UH has begun what is being called the Centennial project.

The $43 million project will redesign key areas on campus, such as the Cullen Plaza fountain, which was removed in June, and University Drive.

University Drive

University Drive served as one of the main entrances on campus but will now remain permanently closed to vehicular traffic and will be renovated as a pedestrian-

first passageway connected to Cullen Performance Hall.

This implies that University Drive will be blocked off by gates, and all vehicular traffic will be relocated.

Campus shuttle stops such as Cougar Ride and Cougar Line will be relocated to the Welcome Center North Garage.

Drop off, pick up and loading/unloading zones for Student Center South/ North, M.D. Anderson Library, Ezekiel W. Cullen Building and Cullen Performance Hall will be redirected to 20-minute zones in lots 1B and 1E, accessible from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Visitor parking will be available for long-term loading and unloading.

Cullen Plaza Fountain

The Cullen Plaza Fountain, which was located between E. Cullen Building and Charles F. McElhinney Hall, has been demolished and is closed off to the public.

This area is in the center of campus and will be repurposed to promote community gathering and hold events. The changes

will include seating areas for students and will create shade by adding trees.

In this zone, Farish Hall will also be demolished and will be fenced off.

Wilhelmina’s Grove

Wilhelmina’s Grove, adjacent to Cullen Family Plaza, will have numerous trees planted along the pathways and will add a covered stage and a water feature.

Loop Road

Loop Road from Cullen Blvd to Entrance 18 will be transformed to create

a pedestrian-first pathway and will undergo an upgrade in the drainage system to improve water runoff and walkability. These renovations are set to be completed by the end of 2025.

Certain walkways around campus will be impacted due to the construction; however, the University has ensured ADA-compliant walkways will be set around the construction zones.

Students can see updates on the University’s Centennial Project Notifications website.

news@thedailycougar.com

A rendering of the Centennial plaza | Courtesy of the University of Houston

A rendering of Wilhelmina’s Grove. | Courtesy of the University of Houston.

ATHLETICS

Looking ahead: Cougar programs enter

SPORTS STAFF

For some UH teams, opening day is just weeks away. For others, a long offseason lies ahead with time to rebuild, retool and refocus.

Kicking off our fall preview coverage, this section includes highlights of Cougar teams not otherwise mentioned, showcasing what they have accomplished and what’s to come this upcoming 2025-26 season.

Soccer: Camryn Alberigo

What’s new: Houston soccer is aiming for a fresh start under new coach Ben Williams, the 2024 Southland Conference Coach of the Year

from Stephen F. Austin. Since joining the Big 12 in 2023, the Cougars have managed just three conference wins, but they have retooled their roster with 11 transfers who bring a wealth of experience with over 300 games played and a combined 190 career starts including 11 conference titles from their previous programs.

What to expect: Williams brings in four transfers who played under him last season, including 2024 Southland Conference Defender of the Year senior Ella Morgan and midfielder of the year junior Ava Shannon, giving Houston a core group already familiar with his system. The group will face its

former team on Sept. 7 before opening Big 12 play against Cincinnati on Sept. 18.

Volleyball: Camryn Alberigo

What’s new: Houston volleyball is looking to get back to the NCAA Tournament after recording a losing record for the first time since 2019, coach David Rehr’s first year with the program. Redshirt senior middle blocker Kellen Morin, who played a key role in Houston’s tournament runs in 2022 and 2023, is set to return from an ACL injury that sidelined her for the entirety of last season. Houston also welcomes nine newcomers,

including four transfers and five freshmen, as the Cougars reshape their roster and culture ahead of the 2025 season.

What to expect: Houston will look to determine its next defensive anchor to replace three-time conference Libero of the Year Kate Georgiades. Senior Alana Torres-Rivera, who spent three seasons behind Georgiades, and freshman Tara Greenberry, a top-50 recruit from the class of 2025, are both in position to take on the role. With a mix of experienced returners and fresh talent, the Cougars are aiming to climb back into Big 12 contention.

WHAT’S

NEW

Continues on page 20

Houston freshmen dive head first into summer practice

CAMRYN ALBERIGO

SPORTS EDITOR

@CAMRYN.ALBERIGO

Before they even stepped on campus, Houston’s four freshman recruits were already connected. As they watched Houston fall to Florida in the National Championship, they decided on a new shared mission.

“All of us were on a call after and talked to each other, like, ‘We need to take it one step further. We need to win it,’” freshman guard Isiah Harwell said. “So I mean, we’re just all on the same page. We need to lock in and get back to that spot.”

A deep NCAA Tournament run does not begin in March. It starts in the early mornings of June.

That is when Harwell, center Chris

Cenac Jr. and guards

Kingston Flemings and Bryce Jackson began getting a crash course in toughness, unselfishness and accountability.

For freshmen, that means adjusting quickly to the unforgiving expectations that come with wearing a Houston jersey and being part of one of the nation’s top recruiting classes.

But talk about rankings ended the moment they arrived in Houston.

“I mean, we’re all talented kids, but the number you were ranked in high school doesn’t matter at all anymore. We’re not even a recruiting class anymore. We’re a part of the team,” Flemings said. “That number has kind of gone out the window as we continue

trying to get better and be as good as we can be.”

Under coach Kelvin Sampson, there are no shortcuts.

No Cougar is exempt from the grind, whether it’s full-body VersaClimber sessions, sprints on the baseball field or early morning workouts during Houston’s two grueling four-week summer sessions.

The weekly schedule includes individual position workouts on Mondays and Tuesdays, a shooting day on Wednesday and “No Turnover Thursday,” when players who commit three turnovers in practice are sent running.

Fridays are known as “plug in the gaps” or “connect the dots” days. That is when Sampson

steps in more directly. Until then, most of the instruction is led by assistant coaches and trainers. But that does not mean Sampson is not watching.

“The first open gym, it’s like he came in like the Boogeyman,” Flemings said. “We were hooping, he wasn’t in the gym. Out of nowhere, he comes in and starts running somebody.”

It’s no secret to Sampson that high expectations make everyone work a bit harder.

“One thing we don’t have to worry about this time of year is attitude and effort,” Sampson said. “Freshmen are scared. They don’t want to screw up. They don’t want to get fussed and cussed out.”

The demands are

steep, but shared experience has forged a strong connection among the freshmen.

“It’s a great thing to know that there’s people behind me going through the same thing I’m going through and that I have somebody to push me,” Jackson said. “I got three guys back here that’s always pushing me. I’m pushing them. It’s a great thing to have.”

Houston’s culture is written in sweat, bruises and floor burns — marks that show who’s willing to dive for a loose ball.

The highest-ranked freshman class in Cougar history is not skipping out on orientation They are using it to prove they belong.

sports@thedailycougar.com

Freshman Chris Cenac, Isiah Harwell, Bryce Jackson and Kingston Flemings on June 6, 2025. | Raphael Fernandez and Oscar Herrera/The Cougar

BASKETBALL

Healthy habits with Bishop, Petewon

ALEJANDRO COMPEAN

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

@ALECOMPEANNN

For Houston men’s and women’s basketball, the road to a long, physically demanding season begins in those summer mornings before the sun’s glare is cast over the Houston horizon.

It’s their freshman orientation, where they’re introduced to the expectations and healthy habits necessary to succeed at the college level.

Though full-time students aren’t asked to take part in double-overtime thrillers or grueling Big 12 schedules,

every week brings its own set of challenges academically, which requires them to be at their very best, health and nutrition-wise.

Enter Alan Bishop and Leila Petewon, who serve as the strength and conditioning coaches for the respective programs.

Both Bishop and Petewon have backgrounds as studentathletes, crediting their college strength and conditioning coaches as motivators for their desire to inspire studentathletes to become the best versions of themselves.

For each player to perform at their absolute best, proper training, rest and nutrition are essential. While the meals consumed by these studentathletes may differ from those

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of the average student due to the increased energy expended, the ingredients remain consistent for almost everyone.

Balanced meals fuel players both before and after games, and they can have the same effect on students throughout a college semester.

So what does a healthy, balanced plate actually look like?

According to Petewon, it incorporates a lot of whole foods, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, fiber and fat. micronutrients, vitamins and minerals are also important, and if you “let your micronutrients drive your

HEALTHY HABITS

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RESIDENTIAL HALL ADDRESSES

BAYOU OAKS (BO)

RESIDENT’S FULL NAME BO, MAILBOX # [ ] 5063 CALHOUN ROAD HOUSTON TX 77204-7005

UNIVERSITY LOFTS (UL)

RESIDENT’S FULL NAME UL, MAILBOX # [ ] 4200 MARTIN LUTHER KING BOULEVARD HOUSTON TX 77204-7004

COUGAR PLACE (CP)

RESIDENT’S FULL NAME CP, MAILBOX # [ ] 4016 CULLEN BOULEVARD HOUSTON TX 77204-7006

COUGAR VILLAGE (CV1)

RESIDENT’S FULL NAME CV1, MAILBOX # [ ] 4385 COUGAR VILLAGE DRIVE HOUSTON TX 77204-7002

COUGAR VILLAGE 2 (CV2)

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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Next great rebuild: Matthew Mitchell’s mission

MICHAEL CARRARA STAFF WRITER

@MICHAELCOALE.TCS

Coach Kelvin Sampson led Houston men’s basketball to two Final Fours, a national title game and the most wins in men’s college basketball since 2020, leaving President Renu Khator wondering:

“Why shouldn’t we have our women’s basketball program exactly where our men’s basketball program is?”

Khator brought this issue to light after the women’s program compiled a .418 winning percentage over the 11-season tenure of coach Ronald Hughey, consisting of a .167 winning percentage in Big 12 play two seasons into its conference tenure.

The signal for change came after a 2024-25 campaign that saw just one conference win, which came in the form of a ranked upset. Enter coach Matthew Mitchell, who, upon being hired, acknowledged Houston’s rich basketball culture and signaled a new era for the program. He stressed the

HEALTHY HABITS

Continued from previous page

macros, you’re pretty much going to hit your balanced needs,” Bishop said.

Micronutrients are all the vitamins and minerals the body needs in small quantities to function properly, while macronutrients are the ones the body needs in large amounts to grow and recharge.

It’ll ensure one gets what’s needed throughout the day and keeps the diet as close to Mother Nature as possible.

“If you can chase it and kill it, or if you can grow it and pick it, I think it’s usually pretty good to put into your system,” Bishop said.

Avoiding foods that are

importance of using the game as a vehicle for self-excellence and success beyond the court.

“The number one priority for us is the city,” Mitchell said. “The city of Houston is an epicenter of top-notch basketball talent, and I want every player to know that Houston is a place where they can come and play at the very highest level, chase championships, chase being their very best, get an incredible education and build a life that prepares them for their future.”

Mitchell wasted no time in beginning roster construction for the 2025-26 season after Houston was left with just three returners from last year’s team. Houston utilized the transfer portal to welcome senior guard TK Pitts from SMU, graduate forward Amirah Abdur-Rahim from Texas A&M and senior guard Briana Peguero from Troy, a homegrown talent.

Mitchell’s aggressive approach to roster-building was also central to his turnaround at Kentucky, where he compiled a 303-133 record over 13 seasons

“far away from what Mother Nature intended,” or at least using them sparingly, is also key. However, that can prove to be a challenge in college, given the access students have to numerous fast food places around campuses.

What meals can students prepare to energize them for the day? Bishop and Petewon weighed in.

“A meal that starts with protein, I am an advocate of animal-based protein, if you have an issue with that for moral, ethical, religious reasons, more power to you, but I would highly recommend you start every plate with animal-sourced protein, which will also typically include

and became the winningest coach in program history. He led the Wildcats to 10 20-win seasons, seven 25-win seasons and one 30-win campaign.

A two-time SEC Coach of the Year, Mitchell’s teams collected nine NCAA Tournament appearances in a 10-season stretch consisting of five trips to the Sweet 16 and three to the Elite Eight. He coached five SEC Player of the Year selections and six eventual WNBA draft picks, including guard Rhyne Howard, who was selected by the Atlanta Dream first overall in 2022.

After a five-year retirement from coaching, Mitchell stepped back into the leadership circle with Houston still close to his heart. A connection that dates back to watching Astros games on TV via satellite in rural Mississippi and taking family trips to the Astrodome.

Now, the mission to elevate Houston women’s basketball to the same level of success as the men’s program both inside and outside Fertitta Center rests in Mitchell’s hands. In the age of NIL, the women’s

healthy fats,” Bishop said.

After that, Bishop recommended completing the building process with fruits, vegetables, and healthy sources of carbohydrates, such as potatoes, rice, grains and similar foods. Nuts and seeds are also beneficial as healthy fats.

“I know very few people in this world who got sick by eating just a little too many salmon and blueberries,” Bishop said.

Petewon co-signed Bishop’s recommendations and noted the importance of healthy fats, nuts, fruits and vegetables.

“Those are great to have throughout the day in class, in between classes, I think it’s

team still lags far behind in funding and visibility, even though both programs share the same facilities. It might take something just as bold as Sampson’s 2016 megaphone tour, when he walked campus urging students to attend games, unaware a legendary rebuild was already underway.

“I know everybody’s talking about our men’s program as one of the greatest rebuilds,” athletic director Eddie Nuñez said. “But I’d love to sit here a couple of years from now or even whenever that time comes to say that we were part of the two greatest rebuilds in college basketball.”

sports@thedailycougar.com

just as important not to kind of deprive yourself throughout the day and eat one big meal at the end, so making sure you’re consistent with your meal times,” Petewon said.

During times such as midterms or finals being consistent with meal times and getting the necessary nutrition matters even more.

It not only impacts how players handle those highstress moments in big games, but also students when a grade is on the line.

“Eat healthy all the time and you’ll probably get the results you’re trying to achieve,” Bishop said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

Coach Mitchell | Raphael Fernandez/ The Cougar

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sports

FOOTBALL

Fresh start, same tradition: New era under Fritz

ASHTON GRISSOM

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

@ASHTONAGRISSOM8

Houston’s football program is built on the foundation of rich tradition and culture that dates back to when the University first began.

From the days of Houston’s only Heisman winner, Andre Ware, leading the offense to Ed Oliver earning the AAC Defensive Player of the Year, Houston has long produced legends and achieved many accolades.

Since its founding in 1946, the Cougars’ football program has evolved through decades of changing play styles and now competes in one of the top conferences in the country.

The program has produced college football legends, including Case Keenum, David Klingler, Patrick Edwards, Andre Ware, Ed Oliver, Tank Dell and many more.

Houston’s move to the Big 12 Conference in 2023 showed its commitment to competing at the highest level. The Cougars went 4-8 overall and 2-7 in conference play in their debut season, which led to the hiring

of new head coach Willie Fritz.

In Fritz’s first year, Houston showed some improvement, picking up key wins against TCU on the road and Kansas State at home. This fall, the Cougars begin their 2025 season with a Thursday night home game on Aug. 28 against Stephen F. Austin.

Three Friday games will highlight the season: home against Colorado on Sep. 12, away at Oregon State on Sep. 26 and away at UCF on Nov. 7.

Other key games include the Bayou Bucket Classic at Rice on Sep. 6, Family Weekend featuring the ‘Houston Blue’ uniforms against Texas Tech on Oct. 4, Homecoming against Arizona on Oct. 18 and Senior Day versus TCU on Nov. 22.

Houston will also face the defending Big 12 champions, Arizona State, in Tempe, Ariz., on Oct. 25.

Fritz made major changes this offseason, hiring two new coordinators. Austin Armstrong will lead the defense after coaching at Florida, and Slade Nagle will take over the offense after working with Fritz at Tulane. The staff was also

aggressive in the transfer portal, adding several talented players.

The Cougars welcome back 60 returners and 52 newcomers, with the most significant addition being junior quarterback Conner Weigman from Texas A&M. He was once a top 25 high school recruit and brings a wealth of leadership and experience.

“Conner is a great young man, and he has probably already learned everyone’s name on the team,” Fritz said. “That is the

kind of leadership you look for, especially from a quarterback.”

Houston ranked last in the Big 12 in offense last year, so the staff brought in five offensive linemen to improve protection and depth. They also added senior running back Dean Connors from Rice, who totaled over 2,500 yards and 22 touchdowns in his career.

“My running back room here is awesome, and they have done a great job welcoming me in,” Connors said. “Our offense looks fantastic.”

The defense, which ranked fourth in the conference last season, added nine transfers. Senior defensive back Latrell McCutchin Jr. will return as a key leader for the secondary.

“We are excited about the guys we have added and they fit our culture,” Fritz said. “I really think they all can help us out and contribute.”

With a new look roster and renewed energy sparked by a competitive offseason, Houston is ready to make a statement in the Big 12.

sports@thedailycougar.com

Coach Willie Fritz motivating the UH football team during their morning practice, Thursday, April , 2025, in Houston. | Brianna Garcia/The Cougar

Quarterback Conner Weigman during the Spring Football game, Saturday, April 19, 2025, in Houston | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

sports

WHAT’S NEW

Continued from page 14

Tennis: Michael Carrara

What’s new: Houston

tennis has won only one Big 12 conference match and is coming off a last-place finish in the Big 12. Coach Katarina

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Adamovic will seek the later stages of the program rebuild. Adamovic wasted no time in utilizing the transfer portal,

welcoming the additions of junior Petja Drame from FIU and senior Chems Doha Zeghlouli from South Alabama. Additionally, she tagged UT Tyler’s coach Chris Wootton as an assistant, along with Santa Strombacha as a graduate assistant, fresh off her playing career.

What to expect: Adamovic plans to use Houston’s first conference win, a 4-2 win over Cincinnati in its 2025 home finale, which broke a 12-match losing streak, as a key stepping stone towards improving its win totals across all match stages.

Swim and Dive: Alejandro Compean

What’s new: Houston swim & dive is coming off its most

WHAT’S NEW

Continues on next page

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WHAT’S NEW

Continued from previous page

points tallied (16) at an NCAA Championships appearance since 2010 and a third-place finish at the Big 12 Swimming and Diving Championships. Looking to close the gap nationally and in-conference, head coach Tanica Jamison has added two international recruits in freshmen Cansu Canki, from Istanbul, Turkey, and Isabella Tramontana from Vila Velha, Brazil. The Cougars also welcome sophomore transfer Alexia Duncan from the University of Utah.

What to expect: Jamison, entering her fifth year at the helm, has kept Houston in contention for a Big 12 swimming & diving title, with second and third-place finishes the past two seasons. Despite strong individual results, improved relay performances could be key to Houston capturing its first Big 12 championship.

Golf: Ashton Grissom

What’s new: Houston men’s golf wrapped up its season at the Urbana Regional, which was the 11th NCAA regional under head golf director Jonathan Dismuke, who is now entering his 17th season at UH. The Cougars have been aggressive this offseason, signing junior Enrique Karg, who has two years of eligibility remaining and played for Utah State, and senior Kevin An who competed for Oral Roberts for the last two seasons. Dominic Green also joins the roster for his redshirt freshman season and freshmen Matt Pawly, Jakub Janda and Jayk Altic will play their first seasons as Cougars.

What to expect: Houston faces an important offseason with the loss of its leader, Wolfgang Glawe, who graduated in the spring. The

Cougars finished fourth in the Big 12 Conference this season and have already made two transfer portal moves in preparation for next season. Without Glawe and senior Laurenz Schiergen, a pair of returning Cougars, redshirt junior Hudson Weibel and junior Chi Chun Chen, will see increased roles this upcoming season. Houston will have a chance to climb the conference standings this season, but with the loss of important seniors it will be a difficult task to compete in the conference.

What’s new: Houston women’s golf finished its 2024-25 season at the Columbus Regional, where it narrowly missed a team spot to the NCAA Championships. However, senior Moa Svedenskiöld qualified for the individual championships and was just the third Cougar in program history to qualify. The Cougars also welcome new associate head coach Cabe Waters to the staff after previously coaching at Limestone, Georgia Southern and Missouri. With the season ending and three seniors on the roster, expect Houston to reload with young talent for the future.

What to expect: Houston women’s golf is faced with the loss of redshirt senior Brooke Morales and senior Hyeonji Kang. The Cougars will have to make some moves in the transfer portal to rebuild their roster for the start of next season. Even with losing key players, Houston has a strong core of veteran golfers for this upcoming season. Senior Natalie Saint Germain, senior Alexa Saldaña, junior Maelynn Kim and Svedenskiöld were all important to their success last season. With the addition of key pieces out of high school or the transfer portal and with the leadership of the upperclassmen, expect Houston women’s golf to

improve this season.

Baseball: Michael Carrara

What’s new: Houston baseball, coming off a 30-25 overall campaign in its first Big 12 tournament appearance, looks to improve its stance in the conference and better its resume in coach Todd Whitting’s final season on his current contract. While athletic director Eddie Nuñez issued a statement declaring his support for the program with the implied condition of it being a prove-it year for him, Whitting welcomed senior transfer catcher Dylan Maxcey from Texas Tech to satisfy depth at the backstop, and the return of the team’s offensive triple crown holder in outfielder Xavier Perez for his redshirt junior season. Additionally, with the departure of pitching coach Woody Williams, Whitting tagged coach Matt Gardner, who held 12 years of experience as an assistant at Texas Tech, including four trips to Omaha, to fulfill the role.

What to expect: With an influx of program resources, the Cougars, in order to clinch their first NCAA tournament bid since 2018, will look to elevate their series win totals over the top half of the conference, while improving team metrics both offensively and defensively and maintaining the health of their roster.

Softball: Camryn Alberigo

What’s new: Chrissy Schoonmaker, the 2022 Atlantic 10 Coach of the Year with George Washington University, looks to elevate a Houston Softball program that has won eight Big 12 games since joining the conference in 2023.

What to expect: Houston will rely on the transfer portal to help reestablish its culture under Schoonmaker as the program seeks to bounce back from a challenging

season. The In the Big 12 the Cougars finished second-tolast in fielding, last in pitching, recording a conference worst 5.37 ERA and ranked eighth in hitting. Offensively, the departure of two-way star Brooke Wells, the team leader in hits and home runs, leaves a major hole in the lineup.

Track & Field: Ashton Grissom

What’s new: Beginning in the fall, a new House vs NCAA settlement goes into effect, which limits the roster cap to 45 athletes. With the new limitation in roster size, coach Carl Lewis and staff are faced with a new challenge and will have to strategically assemble the roster for the upcoming season. New horizontal jumps coach Jim VanHootegem joined the Cougars in June and is a three-time national assistant coach of the year and previously coached at Texas A&M and Oklahoma.

What to expect: On the men’s side, sophomore Cayden Broadnax had a breakout season, winning the Big 12 title in the 100-meter with a 10.15. Freshman Germain Smith-Mata followed closely, clocking a 10.18 and becoming one of four freshmen to qualify for regionals. Sophomore Antrea Mita tied the NCAA’s second-best high jump last season at 2.21m and was named Big 12 Athlete of the Week. After finishing third in the Big 12, with key returners and Lewis’ leadership, the Cougars are poised for further improvement this season. The 2025 women’s team featured 33 freshmen and, for the first time since 2017, didn’t qualify any athletes for the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Now with more experience and rising young talent, Houston is aiming to compete with nationally ranked programs.

sports@thedailycougar.com

Welcome New Cougars,

The Honors College

uh.edu/honors

As you make your plans for the next four years and beyond, you have many options of courses, majors, and minors. The Honors College at the University of Houston is a resource to UH students of all disciplines. As you explore your new campus home, we hope you’ll stop by for a visit — M.D. Anderson Library, second floor, up the spiral staircase.

A vibrant hub of engaging coursework, rich student life, and co-curricular programming our Honors College is one of the top honors programs in the nation. Students of all majors benefit from personalized advising, small, discussion-based classes, and engaged faculty focused on teaching and mentorship. We invite you to participate in our learning community.

Throughout the year, the beautiful Honors Commons hosts a variety of events, lectures, readings, and activities that are free and open to the campus community. Students interested in exploring the broader context of their chosen major can round out their degree plans with an interdisciplinary honors minor, such as Medicine & Society, Energy & Sustainability, Politics & Ethics, Leadership Studies, or Creative Work.

The Honors College also offers co-curricular opportunities designed to enhance every major and prepare students for real-world challenges. We encourage and support community engagement, study away and abroad, and undergraduate research. For example, UH students in any course of study are encouraged to participate in funded, faculty-mentored research and to learn about applying to nationally-competitive fellowships such as the Fulbright, Rhodes, Marshall, Goldwater, Truman, Phi Kappa Phi and many others. Study abroad with Honors faculty, compete with the UH Speech and Debate team, Model United Nations and Model Arab League, and build your online resume with the ePortfolio course. Our full menu of offerings has something for everyone. Find out more about these and other opportunities online.

Have a great semester, and Go Coogs!

Heidi

Appel

Dean, The Honors College

life and arts

Things we wish we knew as freshman

Get out of your comfort zone. College is where you can find out the best and worst parts of yourself. There are so many doors to be opened at UH, and I encourage you all to make the most out of your time here. You’ll be surprised at what’s waiting for you.

Go to the Den! Catch at least one basketball and football game at the Den. Take lots of pictures! Investing in iCloud for your college journey is worth it. Enjoy and embrace every moment! It’ll be over even before you know it.

Make the most of your college journey. Join the clubs that interest you, go to campus events and don’t be afraid to talk to new people and make friends. When it comes to academics, don’t stress out too much and make sure you are planning accordingly to give yourself time for fun and self care.

Go get the college experience. During this period of life, there will be so many opportunities for everything. Take advantage of trying new things and meeting new people. Try the club that you thought was weird or take the class you think is too hard. A door is open at every turn, it’s up to you if you want to open them.

Never say no to an opportunity; learn to put yourself out there! You never know what avenues might await you! College is an amazing time to unlock new passions and find communities for them. Come with an open mind and don’t be afraid to say hi to a stranger! College is about building yourself up in all areas of success. Find a reliable group of friends and go to at least one game of any sport with them. Use the Rec, library and any other resources available to you as a student. Work hard, head to The Den and, of course, read the Cougar!

Don’t limit yourself to just the organizations or opportunities that align perfectly with your career plan. College is the perfect time to explore new interests. Try activities that excite you and you might discover a passion you have never considered before.

Do not hesitate to join student organizations. In college you should never put off on good opportunities. If you have genuine interest, it’s better to take that leap now and be able to meet like-minded people with similar passions and goals as you. Having those friends would also help make the transition from high school to college easier.

Cindy Rivas Alfaro Editor in Chief

Gauraangi Gupta Managing Editor

Wendolee T. Garcia Martinez News Editor

Anna Monroe Opinion Editor

Lily Huynh Creative Director

Raphael Fernandez Photo Editor

Camryn Alberigo Sports Editor

Alejandro Compean Assistant Sports Editor

Making college your home away from home

APRIL BADMUS

SENIOR STAFF WRITER

@ITZ_APRULLL

Hi! Welcome to the first issue of April’s Angle for the 2025-26 academic year!

As an out of state student, I know the nauseating feeling of homesickness all too well.

While I was extremely excited for my first year away from home, I also knew I’d feel the absence of my home, the comfort of my family and most importantly the food.

Now that I’ve survived my first year as an independent adult, I have a few tips to share.

Feeling comfortable is essential

One of the most important things to have in a new space are comfort items.

As I was preparing to leave Georgia, I made sure to collect almost all my comfort items like my favorite stuffed animals, my beloved weighted blanket, Hello Kitty alarm clock and many

more trinkets.

Finding food, friends

Another thing I prioritized when moving to Houston was finding a piece of home in a new place. Being Nigerian, food is a huge part of the homely feeling.

I did extensive research to find Nigerian restaurants near the campus and I surprisingly found many!

So, when I need that little taste of home, I can always count on food to ease the homesickness feeling. Houston is an extremely diverse city so I’m sure this applies to other cuisines too!

Another way to find a piece of home is to find people you

can talk to about your feelings, whether that means they are also away from home or that they just understand.

This relationship will help you feel less isolated. I found a lot of people who are also out of state students.

Be thankful

Ensuring that I’m using the opportunity to its highest extent, taking advantage of all the new experiences I get to have while being away, reminding myself about my goals and the reason I’m away from home always brings me comfort.

news@thedailycougar.com

Incentives will be withheld at closing for new accounts closed within six months. If funds are unavailable at the time of closing, the account will be overdrawn and the account holder will be held responsible for repayment. O er valid through December 31, 2025. SMS Texting: Messages and data rates may apply. See our SMS Texting Terms and Conditions for more information available at www.shellfcu.org.

Lily Huynh/ The Cougar

TIPS & TRICKS

Backpack essentials for incoming students

JOSHUA

VASQUEZ

NEWS ASSISTANT EDITOR

@_JOSH_VASQUEZ_

The first semester of college brings excitement, challenges and new experiences for students.

Whether they have just graduated from high school and moved away from family or are commuting to campus for the first time, students often face long days filled with classes, meetings and study sessions.

Having the right items packed in your bag can help feel prepared and comfortable as freshmen navigate this new chapter

Water bottle

A reusable water bottle is one of the most important items to carry, especially during Houston’s hot and humid summer months. Staying hydrated helps students stay alert and focused throughout the day. Another option can also be to add hydration boosters like Liquid IV to water for an extra dose of electrolytes.

Basic school supplies

Pens, pencils and a notebook are useful for jotting down notes or ideas during lectures. Many students also prefer using digital modes of taking notes like a tablet or

an iPad to reduce the usage of paper. This also makes it easier to maintain and keep a record of the notes taken.

A laptop is another must-have for completing assignments, checking emails and accessing online class materials. Phone and laptop chargers are equally important so devices stay powered during classes and study sessions.

Personal hygiene, health products

Students often spend many hours on campus, therefore packing essential toiletries can help stay fresh and comfortable. Items such as deodorant

for quick reapplication, sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer, hand cream and sunglasses are all practical additions.

Students can also keep a small pouch with pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil in case of headaches or minor aches that can arise during a long day.

A light sweater is also another smart item to pack. While it may be warm outside, classrooms and lecture halls are often cold due to strong air conditioning. Having an extra layer can help students stay comfortable during class.

news@thedailycougar.com

A backpack ready for a successful semester, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar

Here’s why I moved over 600 miles for UH.

CAMPUS ANNA MONROE OPINION EDITOR @CURLY._.TOP11

For certain dreams to become reality, uprooting and moving over 600 miles is necessary.

I come from a small town in the Texas Panhandle that had more farmers than schools in the area. Seeing cowboys riding their horses to the nearest Dairy Queen is not just a thing in the movies. The town itself seemed to be in its own bubble, and families who had been living there since the 1800s still flourished.

With that, limited resources are available for finding connections when everyone

From The Cougar archives

already knows everyone.

For my case, writing and the pursuit of valuable journalism became more than a dream. It had to become my reality. As much as the panhandle is my home and where my heart will

stay, I could feel my feet getting stuck. If I wanted to gain the experience I needed, I had to leave.

As one of the most diverse cities in the U.S. and home to several leading news stations,

Houston was the obvious next step for me. This boom town is a hub for workaholics and dreamers, so the possibilities were endless for what lay in my path.

UH drew me in because of their strong academics and the wide range of opportunities. I hadn’t even taken a tour yet— much less accepted—when I committed myself to the university. I knew that my future lay there and never doubted that gut feeling.

From the moment I stepped onto campus, I could tell

WHY I MOVED

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Get connected: There’s power in networking

SOCIAL ANNA MONROE

OPINION EDITOR @CURLY._.TOP11

Now that students have made it into college, it’s time to overcome one of the most feared aspects: making new friends.

There is real power in the connections people make at universities.

Isolation is a common feeling

Going to a university with over 42,000 students may cause feelings of invisibility or being swallowed by the crowd. Between a packed schedule and a brand-new college life, even having the idea of talking to new people is hard. Feeling alone in a loud group where everyone seems to know each other is a common college feeling as well. Breaking the barrier of isolation is hard, but rewarding once the fear is overcome.

Community leads to connections

College was designed to be more than just a place for education, but also for

WHY I MOVED

Continued from previous page

students were very driven, beyond the level I was used to. Each held their own reasons for being successful.

Whether the end goal was creative freedom or being rich, students had inspiration that kept them fueled. To this day, I can feel it on game days, walking into class and especially in The

business. Everyone knows someone who knows someone, especially at UH.

Through socializing, whether that be an everyday ‘hello’ to a classmate or a conversation with a professor, the opportunities are endless.

The advantages of networking might not be instant but with a little bit of confidence, your network can lead to an unexpected opportunity down the road.

Beyond networking for career opportunities, being outspoken or active in class can help your personal growth.

For example, volunteering to start a study group for an upcoming test will offer new insights into problems.

But without one person offering to come together, those connections might have never happened.

In tough moments, collective thinking makes a difference.

Communities promote mental health

Mental health is one of the most important aspects in a college student’s life. Having a support group or simply having people to talk to can help

battle feelings of loneliness, anxiety and stress.

When a campus feels huge and overwhelming, having a group where students can feel seen makes all the difference. Studies have shown that through finding companionship, even a person’s physical health can be improved.

When looking for communities, students want to look towards clubs and groups where people have a common interest. More often than not, people will find good friends while discussing a similar interest.

Having friends beyond the academic circle will promote a feeling of belonging. At UH, there are groups for just about everything.

From student-run dance teams to student car clubs, there is something for everyone. The best way to find a group is through any social media, like Instagram and Reddit.

Finding connections on campus can feel lreally nervewracking. However, building the community is how you make it home.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Cougar newsroom.

In the past year, I have learned lessons that have made me a better journalist than I could have ever learned 600 miles away. The University and the city are to thank for that. These social hubs are filled with connections and stories that are unfathomable to others. You could be an electrical engineer major, and your greatest connection is the person sitting next to you on the bus. All it takes

is a little conversation, and your path is completely altered. This aspect is very close to my heart because what makes UH remarkable are the individuals who accompany it. With every new corner on campus comes a new life story and lesson we can all listen to. Coming from a smaller town, I can now truly understand how our greatest asset is the people we meet. Without the people I work with

in the newsroom, I would never have had important experiences for my career. Without UH, I would not be here writing this. Applying to this school was one of the best decisions I have made in my 20 years of life. I have met inspiring people and had experiences that my 17-year-old self would never have believed.

news@thedailycougar.com

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

STUDENT LIFE

opinion People say college is scary. Not really.

ANNA MONROE OPINION EDITOR @ CURLY._.TOP11

your future best friend can be.

The idea of college is always thrown at students like a final boss they have to conquer, hyping up the experience to be big and bad. When in reality, it is less intimidating than people think.

Compared to the high school experience, finding friends is a lot easier in college. Communities at UH are much more diverse and welcoming. The endless number of GroupMe’s, clubs and Instagram pages are filled with people excited to start their new life. For freshmen, checking out the @uh2029class on Instagram can be a good start to see who

Everyone is navigating some separation from home, whether that be a 40-minute commute or years spent abroad as international students. This search for a safe place is common among most college students. In turn, you find that safe place through the people you meet. From organizations like The Cougar or gathering places like the M.D. Anderson Library, there will be a place you can call home. The idea that classes will leave you drained and make it impossible to pass is only slightly true. Classes can be hard, but not unachievable. Freshmen are not going to be left in a helpless position. There are a handful

of tutoring facilities such as LAUNCH, Knack tutoring, CASA and the Writing Center. So, take full advantage of them because

they are there to help you.

COLLEGE ISN’T SCARY

Continues on next page

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

Enjoy the journey, there is no deadline to graduate

ANNA MONROE

OPINION EDITOR

@CURLY._.TOP11

Traditionally, incoming college students are expected to finish college in four years. However, with changing education systems, it might take a little bit longer.

Nowadays, students can take up to six years to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Unrealistic expectations

The expectations of college students are ever changing due to the non-negotiable of having multiple jobs, internships and more schoolwork every semester. 70% of college students work an average of 30 hours per week, according to studies.

With the additional clubs, extracurriculars and internships, there is hardly any room for social life, much less a mental break. Of course, juggling these all-too-real expectations is different for everyone, but it is common nonetheless.

So the feeling that time is pressing like a can crusher is widely known.

Life changes

No, a student is not falling

COLLEGE ISN’T SCARY

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Additionally, there are resources that aren’t provided by the University. Students will have to go out for themselves for things such as creating study groups and building relationships with the people in their major. Getting help from fellow classmates will make all the difference in the world. One of the best resources are the people you meet, as we all bring different experiences and skills we can all learn from.

behind if they take more than four years in college and no, that is not uncommon. Therefore, you’re not alone.

The new “successful graduation rate” set by colleges across the U.S. has been moved to six to eight years. Still, most universities pressure students to finish in four years. Yet, we all know that life happens and other factors can affect how long it takes to graduate.

It could be a health scare, changing a major, putting family as a priority or simply needing a break. Whatever the reason may be, that should not cause a student to feel like a failure or unmotivated.

The idea that a student has to complete their degree in a certain amount of time can be damaging to a student’s mental health, especially if their circumstances don’t align with the expectations of a college degree. School can be done in multiple different ways, from taking one class every semester to 12 hours in a semester. Of course, this is a conversation that needs to be had with an academic advisor to find a solution that best aligns with your needs.

Give yourself grace

With every overwhelming aspect, it is not a crime for students to give themselves grace. Mental health is a very important factor in the success of every student’s college journey. So, giving the mind a break is necessary.

Whether this means cutting back on a class and graduating in five years instead of four, it will not shatter anyone’s academic success. This also leaves room for students to focus on academic material in class instead of rushing through all the assignments.

School is meant for learning and growing, so this extra

time can give opportunities to appreciate the content of different classes. Giving grace to a packed schedule will improve overall health, thus leading to better grades in school without the constant pressure. Adding another year will also allow students to have a life outside of school. Enjoying college life with friends and events will leave students with unforgettable memories.

A student is more than a college work machine, but a person, too. It is human to go out and have fun, even if that means adding another semester.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

We are all confused here, so finding other people to help work out problems will make your life so much smoother.

If you have ever felt lost or left behind compared to your classmates, congratulations! You are one step closer to becoming a full-fledged college student. With our course schedule taking over our lives sometimes, things can feel suffocating and overwhelming. College students are stuck with being

treated like children with adult responsibilities, so even our expectations are confusing. This place is between a rock and a hard place, and all too familiar position.

We are diving headfirst into one of the most transformative stages of our lives. No tour or pamphlet can prepare us for the endless unknown possibilities. Being lost still means you’re going somewhere.

This new chapter can be very

intimidating, but this is not an adventure you should be scared of. People like to twist the idea of college into something dreadful, but it’s all up to how you decide the narrative. Take hold of your future with a tight grip because you are going nowhere but up!

Anna Monroe is a junior journalism major who can be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

STUDENT LIFE

opinion Academic validation does not define who you are

ANNA MONROE OPINION EDITOR

@CURLY._.TOP11

While college is a journey of being independent and having fun for many students, it could also be their favorite competition.

Battling for the best grade, fighting for the finest internship and getting applauded for being top in the class are some of the things that motivate them to work even harder.

Traditionally, academic validation was a good motivator that kept students running toward goals to get positive reinforcement.

College is one of the most academically strenuous times in a student’s life so being stressed is normal. Students would find encouragement and the will to keep going through the acknowledgment of their hard work in classes and through their mentors. Finding academic validation would even stem from

making loved ones proud.

But at some point, the hunger for validation through academic success can become dangerously threatening. This motivator to keep working hard would turn to obsession and eventually reverse the traditional positive impact.

While academic validation may look and feel great, this generation has students searching for self-worth in those approvals.

Studies have shown that 80% of college students fall victim to depression, negative self-worth and overall decline of health when striving for academic validation.

This correlation between negative self-worth because of a bad grade has harsh outcomes. The constant need to be better does not prepare students for failure and rejection, making them fall into the traps of being a perfectionist.

Academic anxiety affects 74%

of university students, showing a decline in working memory and affecting their academic accomplishments. Social life, grades and health can all fall down due to this obsession, just like a domino.

For incoming college students, it is important to acknowledge that academic validation is not everything and does not define the identity of a student.

Grades and marks in classes are simply defining the work done, not the person behind the work. Creating a new mindset is essential to help balance mental health with a successful education.

To help break away from this mindset, focus on outside academics and pursue hobbies. Students should focus on holistic development rather than just sticking to their books.

It is also important not to run behind the concept of validation itself. Do what you love for yourself.

In most scenarios, people don’t like to fail or get rejected. In college, it will happen more than once. But failing means someone is growing and learning from mistakes. When a bad grade pops up on the screen, it is normal to feel hurt. Afterwards, just take a moment and learn how to improve. A bad grade does not mean a student is a bad person.

Another way to help break away from the validation of academics is to focus on learning the material. Stress and pressure from classes can cause students to dissociate, even after reading the material over and over.

A break or two will help rejuvenate the mind and ease stress.

When your mind has been running and the pressure becomes too much, it’s time to take a break.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

Transfer students often face difficult transitions

Understandably, students from this background find themselves continuing this line of thinking, viewing their final years as preparation for employment rather than a chance to immerse themselves in school.

Transfer students find themselves in a unique position where, according to credit hours, they are upperclassmen, but socially are on a similar playing field as freshmen. Even if they are not as bright-eyed and familiar with higher education, they are still experiencing UH for the first time. This dynamic can be confusing and foster feelings of being left behind.

ANAYA BAXTER

marks a new start for them.

FORMER ASSISTANT OPINION EDITOR @ANAYYUH

Each semester, UH welcomes thousands of transfer students to campus. Leaving behind their former institution to continue their education prompts feelings of both excitement and anxiety.

Unfortunately, the thrill of admission tends to fade when preparations for the school year start. Receiving an acceptance offer is only the beginning of several challenges awaiting new students, and this is especially the case for transfer students.

Transfer students are just as unique as their educational journey. Some come with an associate’s degree under their belt, experience from another four-year university or a renewed motivation for learning. Whatever the reason, the fall semester

Academic troubles also present themselves in the form of “transfer shock,” a phenomenon common among transfer students within their first couple semesters.

Following the transition from one institution to another, these students often struggle with their classwork. Familiarizing oneself with their new environment, managing expectations and overwhelming emotions add to the difficulties that coursework already brings on.

Transfer shock is not a permanent phenomenon, but the ramifications of transferring schools can be long-term. These students often take longer to earn their bachelor’s degree than those who began at a four-year school. Along with inspiring frustrations and delaying post-graduation pursuits, this

can be financially strenuous. Transferring to a new university is just as taxing emotionally as it is academically.

It can be difficult to find one’s footing in a place seemingly so well-established. Peers who have curated their friend groups and learned the school culture appear to be miles ahead.

Settling down becomes increasingly difficult when feelings of impermanence settle in. For students, particularly those entering as juniors or seniors, it can be hard to feel grounded in a place they know they will not reside in for long.

Community colleges are commonly presented as stepping stones for four-year universities. Students are motivated to do their best in hopes of pleasing future admissions officers.

The complexities of leaving behind one school for another deserve recognition. It is no easy feat to enter unknown social and academic spaces, and it’s even harder to thrive and find a sense of belonging. Despite challenges, the first semester as a transfer student is an incredible opportunity for growth and discovery. It’s all too easy to let excitement die down and succumb to dread, but holding onto that enthusiasm could be a lifeline.

Building a support system, getting involved on campus and opening up can ease students’ anxieties and make their transition enjoyable. If anything. it’s admirable to see the dedication transfer students have to further their education. UH is filled with so many untraditional students, and it’s a no brainer that UH creates graduates who face change head on, rather than run from it.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar