Grad School Guide 2019

ISSUE 34 // SEPTEMBER 2019

GRAD SCHOOL GUIDE

LETTER From the Edit

Hello everyone!

Welcome to our grad school edition! You’re probably wondering why Cooglife, an undergraduate student lifestyle magazine, would base a theme around that. In the beginning, I did too. But in all fairness, it’s always important to look at your post-graduate options, and graduate school happens to be one of them for many.

I personally would love to go to graduate school. It’s been on my list of post-graduation plans to further research and study the things that I am passionate about. If you’re not thinking about graduate school, or have absolutely no idea what you want to do post-graduation, it’s okay! You don’t always have to know right then and there, but it is good to know that you have options to look into.

Here’s what makes this edition a bit more unique— our diverse content this time around isn’t just focused on the ins and outs of graduate school; it shows the creative and fun side of it as well in the life of graduate students. Don’t worry though, we still have you covered with tips and advice!

Beyond the grad school stories, this edition has a mix of everything— from entertainment, food, love, and even current a airs. Cooglife has themes, but as an editor and someone who uses media as a platform to self-express, not every single one of our stories is going to always be about them— and I think that’s totally okay. It’s what makes our publication diverse, and a wonderful platform for student writers and contributors to express themselves and create great content without limits.

If grad school has been on your mind, or it’s something you’re interested in, I hope that this edition gives you some positive insight. If it’s not your cup of tea, that’s alright! If you’re reading this magazine, I hope you enjoy the content as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you.

If you ever have any questions or comments, or you just want to say hi, you can always email me at cooglife@thedailycougar.com. I’d love to hear from you! Additionally, If you’re interested in contributing as a writer, feel free to reach out to me as well. It’s our writers who make our publication even possible, and we’re always looking to grow our team.

Don’t forget to keep an eye out for our content online as well!

Love,

Ambarina Zenab Executive Editor

Graduate school: advice and things to think about

Written by Ambarina Zenab

Graphics by Jiselle Santos

If you’re thinking about your post-graduate options, there are a lot of factors to keep in mind when it comes to grad school. From selecting a university and program, submitting applications, and narrowing down your choices, the process can be overwhelming. I’m still an undergraduate student, but going to graduate school has been something I’ve always wanted to do. In the meantime, I’ve been looking into it and getting the hands-on scope from my friends who have gone through or are currently going through the experience.

If you’re in need of some insight or pointers, here’s my guide of all the useful information and suggestions I’ve collected to help with the graduate school process.

What to do now as an undergrad or recent graduate student:

If you have some time before graduate school applications roll around or are still fresh into college, there are some things you can do to make yourself stand out when the time comes.

Have an idea of what you want from a program, and where you would want to go so that your options are open but not overwhelmingly extensive.

Build up on extracurriculars and job experiences that are relevant to your program and interests. Leadership in these areas is also a padded bonus.

Work hard in your classes. Having good grades can really boost your competitiveness in terms of application acceptances and funding.

Applications

This is the point in time where you should have a pretty solid idea of what you want your focus to be in. From there, you can narrow down to schools that have

the programs you are looking for.

Visit these schools and make sure you show you’re serious about the program.

Research your schools that are of interest, and make sure to reach out and contact the faculty you want to work with. For you to be accepted, a professor has to be willing to be your advisor and work along with you, and in the case that it doesn’t happen, your application will be rejected. By taking the first step, you can gauge whether or not a certain school is feasible for you. Furthermore, make sure you read the work of faculty before selecting to get an idea of their interests and focus.

Keep in mind all deadlines and requirements.

If you are planning to go to grad school the following year, begin prepping for your applications in advance by researching requirements and working on them.

As soon as applications open, begin working on them. You should aim to submit your application at least two weeks before the due date. Better safe than sorry.

A majority of schools require the GRE, a writing

sample, and letters of recommendation. Make sure you allot enough time to study if you have to, and take care of all of these documents.

Polish your CV and resume. Being a more competitive candidate can raise your shots at acceptance and funding. Don’t forget to include relevant work and extracurricular activities, as well as instances of leadership.

If you have published work in a journal, a big project, or anything noteworthy along those lines, make sure to include it.

Make sure to add in if you are currently doing work or projects, or developing skills relevant to your program.

Look into how funding will work for you. Check out the funding offered by the graduate university and its program,and see its availability and competitiveness so you can plan from there. Look into external scholarships as well.

“It: Chapter 2” film review

Written by: Michael Taggart

Editing and layout by Ambarina Zenab

An

Pennywise, played by Bill Skarsgard, is back to scare us all in the second chapter of the IT revival. However, what few issues the first chapter had are sadly only multiplied or made worse in this installment of the series. With a run time of almost three hours, director Andy Muschietti’s closing piece in the series is weighed down by uneven pacing and new side stories-- making the conclusion of the lovable Losers Club feel bloated.

The Review

There is a running joke throughout the film where a grown-up Bill Denbrough’s (now played by James McAvoy) is a famous author who is seemingly is unable to write a favorable ending for any of his books. Unfortunately, this seems to become a self-fulfilling prophecy for the movie itself. Muschietti’s decision to include more facets from the book such as the Ritual of Chud only seem to bog the film down. Whereas the CGI often appears so bad that it turns what are supposed to be intense horrifying scenes into downright comical clips straight from an Evil Dead film. The famous scene in the Chinese restaurant is one example of this; cutting from poor CGI to awful jump-scare reactions by the cast make this beloved scene laughable. Normally comparing a director’s style to that of Sam Rami would invoke praise, but in this case it does quite the opposite. While the start of the film does its best to ingratiate the audience with the adult versions of the Loser’s club, it fails to establish the same emotional connection the audience had with the younger crew from the first film. The few flashbacks that are in the film bring back the child actors but only make you miss them even more.

Another glaring misstep in the film is how criminally underused James McAvoy and Jessica Chastain are. Having two actors of their caliber in the film would have you hoping to see intense and emotional scenes where their acting skills could shine. However, James McAvoy’s character, Bill, is set off on a weird side plot involving a small boy from the town that reminds him of his younger brother Georgie . Jessica Chastain’s character Bev on the other hand seems to only exist to play the designated “scream queen” of the film. The adult version of Beverly is a shell of her younger more badass self, growing up to marry an abusive controlling man just like her father. And that’s where Jay Ryan’s character Ben comes in-- the once chubby new kid who falls in love with Beverly is now a handsome but lonely architect. Despite 27 years since the first chapter, Ben is still hopelessly in love with Beverly. She however, cannot remember that it was Ben who wrote her that beautiful poem since the group’s memories being tampered with after leaving the town of Derry.

James Ransone who plays Eddie Kaspbrak acts as the comic relief, nervously overreacting to the events of the film and often chickening out when it comes to accomplishing their mission. Andy Bean who plays Stanley Uris has small but powerful role in the film, often inspiring the Losers to push forward and defeat the mad clown.

Rounding out the rest of the Losers Club are Mike Hanlon, played by Isaiah Mustafa, and Richie Tozier, played by Bill Hader, who are the shining stars of the film. Isaiah Mustafa becomes the narrator for the film. If you’re wondering why you seem to know him but can’t

insight on the characters and story line of the sequel to “It”.

place it, it’s because you might know Isaiah as the “Old Spice Guy” from the commercials. At the start of the film, Mike begins to round up the club once Pennywise awakes from his slumber 27 years later and starts killing again. While Bill’s character may have been the leader in the first film, Mike takes up the charge and is the one who keeps everyone focused on their promise to kill Pennywise. Unlike the other characters, Mike never leaves Derry and remembers everything that happened and this puts him on edge- making him desperate to kill the clown terrorizing his town. Mustafa plays Mike’s desperation to kill Pennywise and end things once and for all. Toeing the line between the passionate keeper of their promise and possibly a man who has been driven mad by his constant fear of the killer clown’s return, Mustafa stands out in the crowd of mundane performances. Although Mustafa puts on a good performance, it is Bill Hader who steals the show. His performance is elevated by the fact that of all the Losers, his is the only one with an overall story arc. We first see him struggling with the events of his past as his memories return to him. Then as he deals internally with the struggle of being his true self after Pennywise reveals that he knows Richie’s deepest darkest secret. Hader not only provides comedic laughs but also heartfelt moments of sincerity as he embraces who he really his by

the end of the film.

The Breakdown

Chapter Two lives in the shadow of the first film, as do the adult actors who are outshone by their younger counterparts. Poor pacing and an over bloated story hold the film back from greatness. The subpar CGI turns what should be terrifying scenes into awkwardly comedic parodies of what they could have been. Director Andy Muschietti’s closing installment doesn’t quite hit the mark on what should have been an epic conclusion to a cult classic. 7/10 – Good

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Are the United States and China heading towards military conflict?

Written by Nasser Hassoun | Editing and layout by Ambarina Zenab

The rise of China causes an impact that many analyze as a discombobulating issue for the United States and their allies. For this past century, the United States has arguably been considered the world superpower and the maintainer of international order. The idea of another sovereign state such as China expanding global influence in regions like the South China Sea and their recent construction of a military base in Djibouti strikes American military personnel as an assault over global hegemony. However, will the rise of China inevitably create military conflict between the two nations? The United States values power and security; thus, any competition that threatens their national interests will encounter reciprocity of equal measure.

A seemingly unstoppable rising China on the course for collision with the United States is a fear in the international community. China has recently constructed the largest navy surpassing the United States. From a neorealist approach to the situation, the United States will be put in a security dilemma as they attempt to match China’s growing navy. During the Obama administration, China had promised the United States that they would not employ military assets to artificial islands along the south china sea. However, in recent years, Chinese officials have acknowledged the deployment of missiles militarizing the islands. The United States must not trust China since the nations seems willing to do whatever it takes to secure their self-interests. If the Chinese continue to escalate their influence and produce naval assets, the United States will have no choice but to find a solution to mitigate China’s asymmetric advantage. Either the United States will run into an arms race to halt the Chinese global advance, or the nation will respond in a neoliberalist fashion calling upon allies such as Japan and South Korea for collective security measures.

According to Henry Wang, founder and President of the Center for China and Globalization in Beijing, China has no interest in destroying the world order, as the United States has established. Firstly, China has benefited from globalization and trade; hence, why disrupt a platform that serves the nation’s interest? However, China hopes to construct new international

structures such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). AIIB is a multilateral organization whose task and purpose is building infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region. The logic of learning and creating purpose/cause from experience is the concept of constructivism. China wants to construct a world based on the fabricate that is already established. A Chinese superpower appears different than the neorealist perspective of power coming through military might and achieving spheres of influences through securing assets in different regions. China is gaining power in an unorthodox manner, using soft power to their advantage by establishing more than 500 Confucius Institutes around the world- teaching Chinese culture and language. An additional stretch can be seen by holding smaller countries accountable for debts to bid them to China’s will. Western theorists have trouble explaining China’s foreign policy, which may lead to misunderstanding of the nation’s intentions, thus creating an escalation for conflict with America and its allies. The United States values power and security of its assets; thus, any competition that threatens their national interest will encounter reciprocity of equal measure. The United States seems to be falling into a trap. Thucydides trap occurs when a rising power threatens to displace the ruling power. It was quoted by the historian Thucydides that “It was the rise of Athens and the fear that this instilled in Sparta that made war inevitable.” The United States is falling into the footsteps of history as it has no concrete strategy to moderate the expansion of Chinese global influence. Thus, creating possible military escalation solely on paranoia and the pride of being displaced as the world’s superpower has been the nation’s reaction.

Graphic by Jiselle Santos

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The great chicken sandwich discussion

Written by Sydney Rose

Editing

Chicken sandwiches and their ratings from our favorite local fast food joints.

If you’re like me, you’ve heard all the hype surrounding the new Popeye’s chicken sandwich. If you’re also like me, then you haven’t had the chance to try it yet. As a person who pretty much only eats chicken sandwiches when they go out to eat, I might just be the most qualified person to judge where to get the best chicken sandwich. If we must wait out this country wide shortage before getting to try the notorious Popeye’s sandwich, we can at least weigh our other options.

Chick-Fil-A

First, we have the Chick-Fil-A original sandwich. Considering that Chick-Fil-A primarily sells chicken as their food product, I would expect their chicken sandwich to be top notch. It’s pretty minimal with just the chicken and the pickles, but for some reason, this franchise really knows what their doing if the constantly long drive-thru lines are any indication. Considering this sandwich serves as my lunch at least twice a week, I have to rate it a 4 out of 5 stars. But the spicy chicken sandwich is a whole different story…

Raising Canes

Another chicken centered eatery whose sandwich can stand the test of time is Raising Cane’s. The locations to this fast food joint aren’t as easy to find as the previously mentioned Chick-Fil-A, but once you hunt one down, you get to try the widely talked about Cane’s sauce. The sandwich itself has the sauce lathered on the inside of the bun which pairs nicely with their homestyle chicken. Only because I don’t go there as often as other chicken places, I have to give it a solid 3 out of 5, because in the end, it’s just three Cane’s tenders on some bread.

McDonald’s

I can’t really have a discussion about fast food menu items without mentioning the chain restaurant that everyone thinks of first. With the iconic golden arches, comes a chicken —Continued on Page 21

and layout by Ambarina Zenab

Photo courtesy of Asphaze from Wikimedia Commons

Photo from Sydney Rose

Photo courtesy of J. Reed from Wikimedia Commons

Grad school: in the lens of entertainment

Writing by Sydney Rose | Graphics by Jiselle Santos Editing and Layout by Ambarina Zenab

Plenty of students in graduate school probably aren’t seeing the entertainment and fun parts of it all as they just start getting the workload for this semester. Yet, we have plenty of examples in pop culture from the big screen to the small that show us characters who may be a bit more entertained with their grad school experience than the average student.

A Grad School Story

Everyone loves a feel-good chick flick, or at least I know I do. When we look at a movie like Legally Blonde, of course the first thought isn’t going to be remembering that the whole thing is set during Elle Wood’s grad school experience. In Reese Witherspoon’s performance, we forget that Elle is living the graduate school life at Harvard Law.

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Reboots seem to be all the rage in Hollywood nowadays, so we have not just one, but two movies based on a group of students going through med school. In Flatliners we have a film set around aspiring doctors who are going through the graduate school experience while dealing with some effects of the

afterlife in both the 2017 and 1990 versions. Going back to the 90’s era, one character that you may have forgotten about is Ross Gellar from FRIENDS. He may have been your sixth favorite friend, but the man was educated all the way to having a PhD and being a paleontologist-- which was a running joke on the sitcom. Though his actually earning of the graduate degree wasn’t discussed throughout the series, at least we know Ross has been through it. A slightly more modern sitcom with yet another grad school character is the classic How I Met Your Mother. Ted Mosby was an architect and a professor at Columbia University, so it was safe to say he was well educated. There are open internet forums discussing the logistics of Ted’s degree and career, saying that he only ever got a BA and somehow managed to become a professor, but there are plenty of fan drafted theories to back up that he was, in fact, a graduate student. I personally have not seen every season of this show, but my mom and her friends are quite the fans. If you know about Orphan Black, then you’ve heard about how actress Tatiana Maslany portrays fourteen different clones with different personalities

and backstories. One of the clones played is Cosima Niehaus, a grad student completing her PhD in Experimental Evolutionary Developmental Biology. Even though this isn’t a part of the show’s main plot, it’s essential to her character and makes this clone more relatable to others going through the graduate school process while watching. As far as real life as we can get, we have next The Social Network where Jesse Eisenberg plays a very real person, Mark Zuckerberg. In the time of which the movie is set, Zuckerberg is actually going through graduate school. Granted, his experience as an up and coming tech and social media genius may make his experience differ from the average grad student, it’s still a realistic enough portrayal on Hollywood’s end. College overall is seen on the screen as one big party: where you’re always hanging around with your friends and for some reason, no one is ever really in class.

While that may be accurate for some students, it doesn’t always seem that lighthearted when you step into the real world. Sometimes it is nice to get a taste of characters having it easier than you, and sometimes it’s just downright dissatisfying. Nonetheless, there are so many stories about life in grad school out there in the world, and these actors and actresses have definitely lived that experience on screen and in real life.

Great Name. Downtown Address.

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) serves the educational needs of America’s fourth largest city. As Houston’s second largest, public four-year university in the heart of Downtown, UHD provides students life-changing educational experiences with unparalleled opportunities to conduct research and participate in community-centered learning, coupled with flexible scheduling and an award-winning faculty. We offer bachelor’s degrees in 44 areas of study and 8 master’s degrees in five academic colleges.

As industry evolves, more and more working professionals in Houston are realizing the tremendous value—and greatly enhanced earning potential—a master’s degree can provide.

We understand that our students have busy lifestyles—jobs, families and more. To accommodate, UHD provides a variety of class offerings on weekdays, evenings and weekends, as well as 18 fully online degree programs (15 undergraduate/3 master’s). From face-to-face instruction at the Downtown campus or one of three satellite locations, UHD degrees and classes are offered completely online or a combination of the two. With one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas, UHD’s competitively priced tuition and fees makes the pursuit of higher learning affordable and accessible.

POINTS OF DISTINCTION

• Two nationally ranked online programs—Bachelor of Applied Arts & Sciences in Applied Administration and

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• Home of Houston’s largest MBA program since 2014

• Federally designated Minority- and Hispanic-Serving Institution & Military Friendly School

• Industry-aligned degrees in data analytics, data science, health and behavioral sciences, nursing, social work, geosciences, biotechnology, chemistry, mathematics, criminal justice, technical communication, nonprofit management, criminal justice, rhetoric and composition, and teaching.

Industry Demands Advanced Business Skills

We know that degrees and individual coursework must align with industry needs. For this reason, UHD has reinvented the Master of Business Administration (MBA) with its Corporate Fellows Program. Thanks to a powerful combination of sound business theory and practical application, the Marilyn Davies College of Business’ MBA program offers a ‘team-teaching’ approach by collaborating with private industry to ensure that every MBA class is taught by a professor and an industry executive.

Graduate Certificates: Meet Individual Student Needs

For individuals who are not ready to commit to a full MBA program, but want graduate-level training to improve their skills, UHD offers eight AACSB-certified graduate certificates. After earning a Graduate Certificate, students may enter UHD’s MBA program— no GMAT required—with nearly half of all coursework completed.

Data Driven: Cutting-Edge Technology & Emerging Fields

The College of Sciences & Technology’s Master of Science in Data Analytics. With the emergence of Big Data and the need to manage vast quantities of information to find innovative solutions in fields—from life sciences to oil and gas to healthcare to education to banking/finance to countless other industries. A master’s degree in data analytics is an excellent complement to a foundation in technology, science, engineering and other business arenas.

Another high-demand field is the Master of Security Management (MSM) offered in the Davies College of Business that equips students with the knowledge and skills to lead the continuously changing security and cybersecurity environments. This degree program is designed for individuals who have a vision of their future in the security and cybersecurity.

With more than 50,000 Gator alumni and counting, UHD alumni excel in fields ranging from medicine and business to science to humanities.

UHD is recognized nationally for its community engagement programs that link classroom academics with opportunities to serve people and agencies in Greater Houston and around the globe. UHD Gators help shape the city’s workforce—home of Gator Grit—ready to take on our city, state, nation and the world.

Learn more at uhd.edu/admissions/graduate

Great Name. Downtown Address.

The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD)—the second largest university in the fourth largest city—provides busy professionals with in-demand degrees, skills and leadership abilities that today’s industries have come to expect.

UHD has one of the lowest tuition rates in Texas. Design your future from an academic program that sparks your passion.

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MS)

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Master of Arts in Non-profit Management (MA)

Master of Arts in Rhetoric and Composition (MA)

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The new laws of the land in Texas: Are we affected?

Written By: Tyler Campbell

Graphics By: Jiselle Santos

Beginning on September 1, hundreds of new laws went into effect in Texas. Amongst these new regulations, there are a few that stand above the rest in terms of their impact on college students. Depending on your views, you will either love or hate these regulations. Young people are more affected by politics than some may think. From inappropriate text to changes in restrictions of certain weapons, here are a few of the bills passed that will have an affect on college life and young people in general.

Transferring Credits

I know that I am not the only student that has transferred to the University of Houston from a two-year college. When making a move, there always seems to be several course credits that don’t transfer over. Two-year colleges are inexpensive, so it makes sense to start there and work your way up. In 2017, students, parents, and the state spent about $60 million on classes that would not transfer, according to the Texas Coordinating Board of Higher

Education. The Texas Coordinating Board of Higher Education oversees all of the higher education institutions in the state. Senate Bill 25 requires universities to make a list of recommended courses for all of their majors. This will give students a layout and timeline of classes that should be taken. Additionally, it requires that universities detail all nontransferable credits to the board and the Legislature by March 1 every year. This bill will ensure that we students avoid wasting what limited funds that we have.

Self-Defense Weaponry

In north Texas, a woman was arrested for carrying a self-defense cat keychain. This cat keychain had sharp edges at the ears. The woman’s case was dismissed, but this situation led to legislation being filed to lift the ban on brass knuckles and similar weapons. These weapons have been illegal for over 100 years. House Bill 446 is following in the footsteps of a bill passed in 2017 that allowed knives to be carried in public. This law may prove to be a double-edged

sword. On one hand, we can better protect ourselves, but on the other, we may need more defending.

Raising

the Legal Smoking

Age Texas is now the 16th state to raise the legal age of smoking from 18 to 21. Aside from those enlisted in the military, we will have to wait a few years longer before we can smoke cigarettes and use tobacco products. Senate Bill 21 is an attempt to keep young people from picking up this addictive habit. It will be difficult to enforce, but if you are under 21- your right to indulge just went up in smoke.

Unsolicited Nudes

If you are tired of receiving unsolicited sexually explicit pictures, then this new law is for you. This new regulation prohibits the sending of unwanted sexual photographs. If sent without consent, senders can be charged with a Class C Misdemeanor and fined up to $500. House Bill 2789 applies to texts, social media, dating apps, and even emails. Particularly, women are often bombarded with these inappropriate images. Many

Editing and Layout: Ambarina Zenab

have accepted it as a part of dating, but this kind of sexual misconduct will no longer be tolerated in Texas. You may want to think twice before giving an unwanted peep show.

Doubling Down on Hazing

Stricter hazing regulations have now been passed in Texas. Senate Bill 38 holds more accountability on the universities. There is now immunity granted to anybody that voluntarily reports any incidences

of hazing. Universities are also now held responsible for informing their students about hazing policies 14 days before the beginning of spring and fall semesters. The universities must notify students of the disciplinary actions resulting from hazing. These disciplinary actions need to be enforced within 3 years of the incident. Finally, the bill restricts forced alcohol or drug consumption. Any amount of alcohol that would intoxicate

a student cannot be forced upon them.

University life is already stressful as it is. Between maintaining classes, homework, exams, and social life, students don’t need any additional stress added to their plates. Hopefully, these new regulations will help to make life a little easier and better for college students.

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UPCOMING EVENT: Bowling for Bauer

UPCOMING EVENT: Bowling for Bauer

Join us October 31 and learn more about Bauer’s Graduate programs!

Noon-2 p.m. | Location: UH Game Room in the Student Center

Join us October 31 and learn more about Bauer’s Graduate programs!

RSVP Online at bauer.uh.edu/bowlingforbauer (RSVP Deadline: Oct. 25)

Noon-2 p.m. | Location: UH Game Room in the Student Center

RSVP Online at bauer.uh.edu/bowlingforbauer (RSVP Deadline: Oct. 25)

Continued from Page

Photo courtesy of Checkingfax from Wikimedia Commons

sandwich with just as much power to its look.Of course McDonalds is typically known for its Big Mac, but the Crispy Chicken Buttermilk Sandwich really does things that some other chicken sandwiches cannot. Maybe it’s just because the sandwich reminds me of my childhood, but it’s a solid 4.5 out of 5 in my book. The artisan roll paired with the special sauce and the tomatoes really did something for the fast food chicken sandwich game. Not to mention that their specialty chicken sandwiches do not disappoint. I tried the new tomato mozzarella sandwich as part of their around the world special, and besides the overflow of onions they layer on, it also deserves a 4.5 out of 5.

Wendy’s

One of my personal favorite fast food joints has to be Wendy’s (not that I go eat fast food that often I swear…) and after having tried almost every chicken product they could give me, I can vouch for the fact that nothing can taste better after a late night or a workout than the Wendy’s 4for4 with the Crispy Chicken BLT. When I tell you that I practically lived off of those in high school, there is no exaggeration. When you’re eating the sandwich part of the whole ordeal, it makes you forget about how bad it is for you (even if the aforementioned Big Mac is twice as much as this) and you get yourself lost into the mixing flavors of bacon, tomato and crispy chicken. For the simple fact that this sandwich is such a fulfilling meal and I can go back wanting more, it is a solid 4.5 out of 5.

Whataburger

I’ve never really gotten into the excitement that seems to generate around Whataburger. Even though I would join my fellow students after a high school football game back in the day, I only ever ordered the Whatachick’n sandwich twice. The first time, it was relatively okay, but I wasn’t the biggest fan of the wheat bun. Thus, the next time I got it and asked for a regular bun, but there was just something that was still off. No, I can’t really put my finger right on it, but from now on I stick to the chicken tenders over the sandwich when I end up in a Whataburger. Just for the lack of experience and the innovating not helping the situation, I would give it a 2.5 out of 5. Now that I think about it, it might have been the WhataSauce that was causing the problem…

Overall, you may be wondering why no chicken sandwich had reached a perfect 5 out of 5 on my impromptu scale. Well, I hate to say that I have yet to try the perfect chicken sandwich from a fast food chain. Sure, I have had plenty of sandwiches made from actual sit-down restaurants that I could define as a five, but I’m still waiting on a quick and easy meal that’s just as good.

Photo courtesy of Jonesdr77 from Wikimedia Commons

Intimacy and love in a healthy relationship

Writing by Anushka Mandot | Graphic by: Savanna Smithson

Editing and layout by Ambarina Zenab

A

short story, personal anecdote, and a little two cents on the idea of how we portray love.

“You have never surprised me!” Olivia said.

“Never! C’mon, I got you a bedspread on your birthday from Walmart. Even you were there. You forget and then blame me!” Ben said.

“Exactly my point, I was there. How can it be a surprise, then? And, bedspread. Seriously! That’s what I get for being born!” Olivia snapped.

These guys have always made each other’s “special” days special by having a particularly memorable night. A night of sarcasms, “Oh! that’s the best you can come up with?” snaps, taunts, “I am done with you!” and a pillow barrier is their idea of fun. There are no kisses. No hugs (none that was ever seen). No “baby-ing” each other, no Instagram posts crowded with heart-emojis and passionate quotes from Google search. No verbal apologies. And then, suddenly in the mornings, both of them are ready to rock the world with no visible aftermath of the night. I mean, was it a drama? I would need an apology or I would give one, if I think it was my mistake- preferably hand written with correct punctuation to even be on speaking terms with him again. Now, here they are, giving no subtle hints about the previous night. Olivia cooking breakfast, packing his lunch, and Ben getting ready for work.

“Mom, I need to write about love and intimacy in a relationship for an essay. I need to get some practical experience,” I said.

“All in due time, my hasty little girl. As far as the essay is concerned, write about me and your dad” my mom suggested.

Laughingly, I replied “Mom, seriously! Did you hear the topic? It’s about love and intimacy and not about whocomes-up-with-better-comebacks.”

“If you only have one small cupcake in your fridge after a long day and your partner asks for it as well. What would you do?” my mum asked.

To sound mature and kind, I said, “I would still share” (cupcakes over boyfriend, anyday).

“Would you give him a bigger half? Don’t try answering. I know you wouldn’t. Well, your dad would say that he hates cupcakes and is not hungry” my mum declared. “Yes, I understand that our relationship and our “love and intimacy” doesn’t fit in your definition and it’s okay. Everyone has a different definition and your dad fits perfectly in mine. He does come home late; you guys remind him of my birthday, but he never forgets to wish my mom. He wouldn’t compliment me but his eyes sparkle when he introduces me to his colleagues. We are aware of each other’s insecurities. I know him better than himself and he, well, he doesn’t know my favorite movie or favorite color but he

knows when I am missing my sister. He would simply call her and then give it to me. So, my girl, let me know about the guy to whom you want to give the entire cupcake to.”

There have been poems composed, songs developed, dramas performed on the theme of love and relationships. I think love, as an emotion, is like a plant. Its roots need trust, the branches depict intimacy, communication, faith and acceptance. And its leaves… well they are different for every individual. For one group, it’s a candle light dinner on every anniversary. For military personnel, it’s the mere presence of the loved one. For corporates, its an hour without a single email. For senior citizens, a listening ear for their retro love stories. My parents have been developing their leaves in the last 20 years and are still going on good (touch wood)! Intimacy in a relationship is as subjective as milk in coffee; it’s a different version for everyone.

“You forgot garlic and ketchup. I texted you the grocery list! Everything, I only have to do!”, Olivia snapped. Ben winked.

Reading again for fun

Writing by Anna Baker | Graphic by Juana Garcia

Editing and layout by Ambarina Zenab

Do you remember how excited you were when the next Magic Treehouse book came out? I know I do. Do you remember the last time you were excited for a book? I don’t.

When you ask people why they don’t read for fun anymore, the answer you often hear is that school ruined reading for them. With all the assignments that came with books, it’s easy to associate reading with grades. Not to mention the need to pay attention to style and themes. In general, just pulling a story apart for the sake of analysis can be a stressful chore. Because of this, it’s hard to see reading as fun again.

I recently got back into reading for fun, and here are some tips I learned:

1. Use eBooks.

eBooks have plenty of perks. They are digital for one, so they don’t bring clutter with them as print books do. Seeing how many pages you have left can be stressful, but eBooks don’t make you as aware of page numbers due to their on screen nature. You also can change the font size which is helpful since small fonts can make books look like unfriendly seas of letters. eBooks give you the freedom to customize your reading experience. There’s no need to buy a Kindle to read eBooks. There is of course a Kindle app, as well as Apple Books. For classical works, there are often digital copies online for free. All in all, digital books provide a good alternative to print books for aspiring readers.

2. Use Audiobooks.

Sometimes even an eBook is still too similar to reading for school. With audiobooks, you get the perks of eBooks while also not even having to physically read. You can listen to stories while also not worrying about clutter or page numbers. While just listening and doing nothing else can make you brain wander off and miss the story, this means that audiobooks are great for menial tasks. These tasks include playing games on my phone, folding clothes, driving, walking, exercising, or simply doodling. Depending on what the action is, listening to an audiobook can help a productive task be

more fun.

Thankfully, there’s a multitude of audiobook resources. There is Audible.com, which has a wide variety of genres, often available for a free trial with some youtuber’s promo code. There is Librivox.org, a website full of public domain audiobooks. You can get anything from Greek philosophy to German Erotica on there, all for free! There is also Youtube, where you can find audiobooks such as Game of Thrones, all of course, for free. With their benefits and wide availability, audiobooks are certainly worth a listen.

3. Read whatever!

The most important thing in all of this is to read what you want. In school, there’s pressure to read certain books. While I do think there’s merit in reading comprehension and analytical skills taught in English class, it’s unfortunate that students can get the idea that some books are better than others. Sure, 1984 is an influential novel, but don’t choose it over your favorite romance fantasy series, just because it’s a “classic”. If you force yourself to read a novel because you feel like you should, you probably won’t enjoy it. Go read the most edgiest teen vampire comic book there is. Who cares? Have fun!

Remember, reading should be enjoyable, so find what works for you. If all else fails, there’s no shame in reading an old Magic Tree House book. Maybe you’ll find magic in reading again.

Snail-mail Storytelling:

A graduate student’s passion project turned into a creative company

Writing by Raven Wuebker | Photos courtesy of Alex Kurkowski

Editing and layout by Ambarina Zenab

In the digital world we live in today, sending mail through the post office is not as common as it once was. The mailbox now has a negative connotation associated with it due to piling bills or junkmail that usually ends up in the trash. However, what if checking the mail could become enjoyable again?

Alex Kurkowski had the same idea when he decided to turn his passion for art into “mailbox movies”. Kurkowski is a former Rice University student who has recently graduated with a Masters in Business Administrations. Graduate school can appear to be daunting and stressful, with little to no time to pursue passion projects- let alone starting a business. Yet that was not the case for Kurkowski, who was an MBA student at the time he decided to pursue his project. During his second year in the MBA program, almost by accident, he created a company called Tellinga.

What once started as a fun way to stay in contact with family and friends, soon became something that the whole Houston community could enjoy. “For my friends and family, it was always a way to stay connected and create fun, personalized stories so they could look forward to checking their mailbox every day,” said Kurkowski.

Tellinga is a customised set of stories and illustrations that is sent through the mail, right here in Houston. The stories are personalized for a particular person or a family that receives it. Each story is different and is based off specific details given by the customer when ordering Tellinga. The illustrations that appear with the stories are hand-drawn by the employees, much like a comic book.

What makes Tellinga interesting is the stories are spread out over a series of days. When a customer orders their stories, they first pick the length of story

as well as the rating and genre. Stories could range from one day, one week or two weeks. The longer stories are sent out every other day for a week or two weeks and are sent out a little at a time. Depending on the length of the story, the customer will receive a one, three or six-part story. Per Kurkowski, this method “provides that old level of eagerness and anticipation of looking forward to checking your mailbox every day”.

After the customers choose their preferred story length, they upload a picture with a few details of what they would like— continues on next page

To the left is an example of the “One Day” story. The comic was drawn by artist Donovan Johnson. The resulting artistic story is based on the two dogs in the real photo named Luna and Cricket. In the artwork, the two labs are chasing squirrels together.

Above is an example of the “One Week” story. There are 3 illustrations that are sent throughout the week to the customer. In the first image is the original photo of Tim and Sarah. In the following images, artist Michelle Tran recreates their love story through her illustrations. In the first image, the couple is on their first date. In the second image, Tim is proposing to Sarah. In the third, the two are excited for their baby boy who is on the way.

the story to be about. From there, the artist starts designing the personalized greeting card. The artists that design the illustrations for these stories are students from the University of Houston and Rice University.

Tellinga employs about 22 university students with art associated majors. “Young and struggling artists across Houston now have a new way to express themselves and give back to the community,” according to Kurkowski. This is a great way for student-artists to earn handson experience in the art world while still earning their

degree. Families can now go on epic adventures without leaving the comfort of home. For Kurkowski, this project “gives people the chance to be a character of their own mailbox story”. Tellinga also proves that even in graduate school, it is totally possible to for students to pursue passions and make them into a profitable company. With just a simple greeting card, Tellinga brings back the idea of mailing cards again, and provides inspiration for creative, entrepreneur-minded students to follow their personal projects in their graduate school years.

The University of Houston Law Center

The University of Houston Law Center (UHLC) is a dynamic, top tier law school located in the nation’s 4th largest city. UHLC’s Health Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Part-time programs rank in the U.S. News Top 10. Our students learn to “think like lawyers,” and commit to seeking justice for all. Our alumni work at the top of the profession in private practice, government service, business, the judiciary and public interest.

The Law Center’s mission is to provide an excellent, high quality, and affordable legal education to students of diverse backgrounds, enabling them to develop the skills necessary for a successful career; and to serve as a hub for innovative, high-quality research and legal scholarship, which contribute to legal education and fuel important policy discussions on the global, national, state and local level.

In addition to its prominent national reputation, the Law Center benefits from its location in the City of Houston. Established in 1947, the University of Houston Law Center is the leading law school in the nation’s fourth-largest city – a global hub magnified by its thriving and diverse cultural center. The Law Center embraces Houston, home of America’s energy industry, the Texas

Medical Center (the largest in the world), and NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Houston is also one of the nation’s leading job creators and provides a home to more Fortune 500 headquarters than anywhere in the country outside of New York. Comprised of a wealth of national law firms, smaller practices, government agencies, non-profits, and corporate legal departments, Houston promises abundant legal opportunities for our graduates. The UH Law Center is one of Houston’s strongest partners in the city’s success.

UHLC offers one of the broadest curricula in the United States and is cited as a “best value” in legal education. The school boasts leadership from nationally and globally recognized faculty who offer expertise in fields such as health law, intellectual property, business commercial law, immigration law, antitrust, international law, energy and environmental law, tax, family law, constitutional law, and clinical education. They are highly credentialed and have published articles in top law journals as well as books and treatises. In addition to holding the J.D. degree, the faculty has LL.M.s, Ph.Ds, M.B.As, and master’s degrees in other disciplines.

The UH Law Center also utilizes more than 80 part-time and adjunct instructors from the Hous-

ton bar, one of the most sophisticated and diverse bars in the country. Together, they generate a rigorous, enriching curriculum for approximately 600 full-time J.D. students, and more than 100 LL.M. students each year.

The UH Law Center’s influence extends locally, nationally and internationally, encompassing business, legal and education communities. The international activities of its faculty include hosting visiting professors, publishing articles in foreign journals, and participating in international symposia and conferences.

UHLC consistently attracts students with strong credentials. The students come from across the United States and more than a dozen countries and hold multiple degrees, including the M.D., Ph.D., MPH, and M.B.A. They are also racially, ethnically and linguistically diverse.

The UH Law Center’s dynamic alumni work at the top of their profession in private practice, government service, business, the judiciary and public interest.

UHLC remains committed to empowering future generations of law school students to achieve their dreams and become ethical and effective advocates for their clients.

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

LAW CENTER: PATHWAYS TO LAW SCHOOL

The University of Houston Law Center offers many options for University of Houston students to attend law school.

3+3 Undergraduate/Law Dual Degree Program

The UH Law Center offers a 3+3 Program in conjunction with the University of Houston Honors College. The program allows UH Honors College students, who are Liberal Studies majors, to earn both an undergraduate degree and a law degree in just 6 years. LSAT required. For more details, visit uh.edu/honors and click on “programs and minors.”

UHLC Express (Available Fall 2021)

University of Houston undergraduate students may be admitted to the Law Center without an LSAT score. Students must have an ACT or SAT at or above the 85th percentile. Students must also rank in the top 10% of the undergraduate class or earn a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or above through six semesters of academic work. No LSAT required. Taking the LSAT will disqualify you from this program.

Traditional J.D. Program

Students can also attend law school through the full-time J.D. or part-time evening program. LSAT required. For more details, visit law.uh.edu/admissions

Preparatory Resource

Pre-Law Pipeline Program

The University of Houston Law Center offers a Pre-Law Pipeline Program, designed to attract and encourage undergraduate students from low income, first generation, and underrepresented backgrounds to pursue legal careers. Students admitted to the 3+3 or the UHLC Express program may be admitted to the Pre-Law Pipeline Program. The eight-week residential summer program helps undergraduate students prepare to meet the demands of law school. For more details, visit law.uh.edu/pipeline.

IS GRADUATE SCHOOL IN YOUR FUTURE?

IS GRADUATE SCHOOL IN YOUR FUTURE?

A soulful night with Daniel Caesar

HOUSTON IS ONE OF THE LARGEST EMPLOYERS OF ENGINEERS IN THE WORLD.

HOUSTON IS ONE OF THE LARGEST EMPLOYERS OF ENGINEERS IN THE WORLD. ASK ABOUT THEGRE WAIVER!

ASK ABOUT THEGRE WAIVER!

Information:

Kelly King

Information: Kelly King

Kn ing ent l. .

Kn ing ent l. .

http://www.ee.uh.edu

http://www.ee.uh.edu

Writing and photos by Ahmed Gul

Editing and Layout by Ambarina Zenab

Grammy Award winning Daniel Caesar took the world by surprise through his soulfully adorned and original R&B vocals, echoing the rich sounds of gospel. The Toronto-raised singer’s career started when he was 17, after he felt that “he had no choice but to pursue his calling”. Since then, he has amassed a strong fanbase, including a long list of celebrities like Kylie Jenner, Stevie Wonder, and Joe Jonas. More notably, two of his songs have made it on Barack Obama’s top songs of 2017, and one song on his summer 2019 playlist.

Daniel Caesar’s album debut, “Freudian”, released in August 2017 and peaked at #6 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums just one month after its release. Since its release, the album has gained over one billion streams collectively. The album’s lead single, “Get You” has brought over 250 million streams on Spotify. His song “Best Story and photos continued on back

Part” received his first Grammy Award in 2018 for “Best R&B Performance” and has since garnered over a half a billion cumulative streams. Both songs are certified double platinum by the RIAA.

To this day, “Freudian” remains a fan favorite. In June 2019, Caesar returned with a surprise album, “Case Study 01”, which peaked at #3 on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums. Artists like Pharrell Williams and John Mayer are featured on the album as well.

Alongside the album release, Caesar announced his 2nd headlining tour, “CASE STUDY 01: TOUR”. The tour kicks off on July 20th as he visits major markets across Asia, US, and Canada, before concluding in Vancouver on November 28th. Artist Koffee will be joining him as a special guest opener during his tour.

Caesar performed at Revention Center in Houston on September 4th, marking his third consecutive year performing in Houston. The line for his show wrapped around the block as fans eagerly awaited to hear the singer live. Caesar opened his show with the first track on his record, “CYANIDE”. Throughout the show, the crowd sang along to songs from “Freudian” and his new album. The crowd went wild over hearing favorites like “Best Part”, “Blessed” and “Get You”. Daniel closed off the show, but quickly returned for an encore to perform “Japanese Denim”. Daniel closed off with kind words to the city of Houston, blowing one final kiss to the crowd and walked off stage.

At only 24 years old, it is safe to say his career has only just begun, with years of music to look forward to.