Issue 01, Volume 79 — Life and Arts

The Daily Cougar

LIFE +ARTS

Falling for arts Find out what you missed and what there’s to look forward to | page 2

Students share campus spots they love Your go-to guide of where to eat, study and relax | page 6

EDITOR Paulina Rojas EMAIL arts@thedailycougar.com ONLINE thedailycougar.com/arts

The Daily Cougar

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FINE ARTS

Texas Music Festival filled June with tunes

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orldwide musicians competed and performed in the 24th annual Immanuel and Helen Olshan Texas Music Festival, hosted by the Moores School of Music from May 31 to June 29.

—Tuhin Dey/The Daily Cougar

Blaffer bids summer exhibitions goodbye After two months of success, Texan sculptor, international painter close solo galleries, leaving colorful strokes Nora Olabi Staff writer

University Eye Institute

Summer break has reached its end, students are preparing for another semester, and the Blaffer Arts Museum is bringing in fresh faces for the fall and bidding a formal farewell to last semester’s exhibits.

Contemporary artists like Texasnative Andy Coolquitt and Pamela Fraser both showed their work in Blaffer this summer for the first time.

An international sculptor, Coolquitt commandeered the museum’s first floor for his show “Attainable Excellence,” mixing retro light displays with an assortment indiscriminate debris.

At the same time, Fraser’s “The Fourth Dimension was Ha-Ha, in Other Words, That it is Laughter” occupied the second floor with a series of whimsical paintings. Her approach, similar in many ways to constructivism, experimented with color theory and linguistic anthropology to create graphic and iconic pieces.

Computer science graduate student Tejas Shah said he admired this CREATE continues on page 3

STAFF Section Editor Paulina Rojas See the difference ...See the best

Contact Lenses

Assistant Editor

Optical Boutique

Complete Eye Care

The UEI provides a wide range of eye care services & products. Proper sun protection, along with early diagnosis & treatment of eye problems, is the best way to maintain good vision throughout your life.

Monica Tso

Copy Editors Amanda Hilow, Ivania Rivas

Copy Chief David Bryant

Closing Editors Natalie Harms, Mahnoor Samana

Cover Photographer Monica Tso

Contact Information

To schedule a comprehensive eye examination call 713.743.2020; for contact lenses call 713.743.2015 or visit www.uei.uh.edu. Open to the public, Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

4901 Calhoun (near the corner of Calhoun & Wheeler) free patient parking

Email: arts@thedailycougar.com Phone: (713) 743-5302

Monday, August 26, 2013 // 3

The Daily Cougar

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$5.45

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(2) Chef entrées-of-the-day, an egg roll & a side of fried rice available everyday from 11AM–2PM

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Pitcher of Beer » Now accepting Cougar Cash and Flex Dollar » Conveniently located across from campus » Take out & dine-in » Lunches & dinners $5.95 & up » Over 60 different dishes » Vegetarian menu available » Dishes prepared hot, fresh & just the way you like it.

In his first solo exhibition displayed from May 18 through August 17, Texas sculptor Andy Coolquitt used trash to create art at the Blaffer Arts Museum. | Monica Tso/The Daily Cougar

continued from page 2

new solo exhibition.

“I think Fraser deals with very simple figures,” Shah said, “but the most amazing part is that she is using different colors.”

Coolquitt’s curator, Rachel Hooper, held her first professional lecture and Q-and-A, presenting her curatorial work in “Jsut That Way,” which enhanced the audience’s understanding and appreciation of Coolquitt’s unconventional methods

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guests to listen to the artists and curators and immerse themselves in the creative experience.

Blaffer’s reputation for fostering avant-garde contemporary art has attracted several visiting lecturers, scholars and performers.

Moving forward into the next season, Blaffer patrons can anticipate the Sept. 6 opening of “Feast: Radical Hospitality in Contemporary Art,” which will feature 25 distinguished artists including Marina Abramovi, Lee Mingwei and Tom Marioni. arts@thedailycougar.com

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and materials.

Blaffer educational curator Katherine Veneman said Hooper’s discussion provided an additional dimension.

“Her talk shed a lot of light on the exhibit,” Veneman said. “It helps all the visitors and viewers.”

These two exhibitions, which closed mid-August, brought Blaffer’s summer workshops to fruition.

A $4,500 grant from The Edward and Betty Marcus Institute for Digital Education in the Arts helped the museum revamp its tours with the integration of new iPads to allow

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a perfect combination!

You are cordially invited to attend the

Fall 2013 Convocation Special Guest

President Renu Khator Keynote address will be delivered by

Ted Estess

Founding Dean of The Honors College

Thursday, August 29, 2013 Dessert Reception at six o’clock in the evening Program begins at seven o’clock Grand Ballroom Hilton University of Houston Hotel

TheHonorsCollege.com/convocation

4711 Calhoun Road 713.741.0702 (opposite Calhoun Lofts) Mon–Sat 11AM–9:30PM

THE DAILY COUGAR

®

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4 \\ Monday, August 26, 2013

STUDENT LIFE

Textbook prices stump students Andrea Sifuentes Staff writer

Here To Serve International Students, Research Scholars and Faculty.

Provides services and information pertaining to: t 64 *NNJHSBUJPO MBX t 'JOBODJBM "TTJTUBODF t $PVOTFMJOH "EWJTJOH t *OUFSOBUJPOBM 'SJFOETIJQ 1SPHSBN t 0SJFOUBUJPO t *OUFSDVMUVSBM 5SBJOJOH t "SSJWBM 4FSWJDFT

International Student Counselors also serve as cultural guides for international students and scholars by connecting students with appropriate ofďŹ ces and resources both on and off campus.

302 Student Service Center 1 (713) 743-5065

Comment on our articles

www.issso.uh.edu www.facebook.com/UH.internationalservices

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THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM

Before the start of every new semester students face a serious dilemma. As they look through their schedules, they wonder whether they should buy or rent their textbooks.

American Enterprise Institute says the prices of college textbooks have increased faster than the price of tuition.

According to the National Association of College Stores, a single book can cost up to $300, which is a hard hit, especially for students who are working their way through school. For most students, the battle of buying versus renting has more to do with the cost and how much it benefits them financially. “When renting became available, it was the less expensive option. I would always rent my books,� said alumna Maritza Acosta. “It really paid off because once the semester was over, I no longer needed the book and the sell-back price was only about a third or fourth of the price you originally paid for it. Renting was the most beneficial option.�

It can also be beneficial to shop around to find the best prices and look at sell-back prices to help your decision, like health senior Marc Vazquez. “I rent my books because they tend to be cheaper, but every time I look around Amazon and Barnes & Noble and the school website to see what the best deal is,� Vazquez said. “I also look at the sell-back price on Amazon because they give you the most money back.�

Varah Thorton, a staff member of the UH Bookstore, gave a few suggestions to make the decision of renting versus buying easier for students. “If you are in science or business classes, look very carefully at books you need, and decide if you will need them in the long run,� Thorton said.

However, Thorton noted that for the humanities, renting is a better option because many of the books can be found for free elsewhere or will not be needed after the class ends.

Thorton also suggested renting e-books, especially since they allow students to print from them. “With e-books you can either print a certain amount of pages per semester or a certain amount of pages per 30 days. It really just depends on how big the book is,� Thorton said. “If you’re renting an e-book, all you need is a computer to download the free Nook app or get to the Nook website and access your books. ... Renting tends to be the best option.� arts@thedailycougar.com

Monday, August 26, 2013 // 5

The Daily Cougar

FINE ARTS

A-List photographer takes first Julia Davila Senior staff writer

While photographically capturing the love shared between two people on their special day is an undeniably difficult task, studio art senior Elisheva Golani has clicked her way to recognition for doing just that.

The Houston A-List is an annual competition in which Houstonians vote for their favorite competitor in 124 categories.

Competing in a category with 115 adversaries, Golani was selected by the voters as best photographer. She also was a third-place finalist of 41 for best children’s photographer.

“The fact that I won best photographer proves to me that my artwork is being noticed and appreciated,” said Golani.

At 22 years old, the wedding and portrait photographer said she fell in love with the idea of freezing a moment in time and that she is astounded by the things she can create herself.

“I can create a scene, capture it and make it last forever,” she said.

Hughston Ellis has served the UH community for eight years and says that there is no other job he would rather be doing. | Nora Olabi/The Daily Cougar

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF

A university bus driver Nora Olabi Staff writer

The wheels on the bus roll smoothly through the obstacle course streets of campus and the driver hardly thinks twice about it as his instincts kick in. He’s driven down these roads every day for more than five years.

For Hughston Ellis, who drives

the outer loop bus from 2:30 to 11:30 p.m., seeing the students lulled by the rocking of the bus as he ensures their safe arrival is a duty he takes pride in.

“It’s an important job for me to get people to their vehicles,” Ellis said. “So there is a big relief in there, also for them, because they DRIVE continues on page 10

Photography has been a life long passion for studio art senior, Elisheva Golani.

After winning the Houston A-list Award and shooting many weddings, she is proud that her work is noticed and appreciated. | Courtesy of Elisheva Golani Golani said photography has been a life-long passion for her. She turned her hobby into a business two years ago with the creation of Elisheva Golani Photography, which she said budded “almost accidentally,” introducing her to new people and places to photograph and taking her as far as New York.

Golani said graduation is just around the corner, and after throwing her cap, she plans to dedicate her full attention to the business

and eventually have her photography published.

“I always strive to get better, whether it’s with my photography, marketing or customer service,” Golani said.

Hoping to do more styled photo shoots, which allow her to plan every detail of the photograph according to her exact vision, Golani described the preparation CAPTURE continues on page 10

ALL SHOWS $15 with student ID *price available one week prior to concert date

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BEETHOVEN 7 PLUS RACHMANINOFF September 26, 28, 29, 2013 Matthew Halls, conductor

The Daily Cougar

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SPOTS STUDENTS LOVE Sabrina Lloyd, Monica Tso Staff writer, arts assistant editor

Whether it’s the fountains by the Cullen buildings, the patio at the Cougar Den or the Starbucks in the UC Satellite, every student has a favorite spot on campus.

The UC Satellite is a favorite spot for many students to eat lunch, study and play games.

It offers tons of food choices such as Chick-fil-a, Smoothie King, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut. Media studies junior Hunter Lewis loves to hang out in the TV lounge.

“I always get sushi and hang out by the TV’s. It’s a nice airconditioned spot where I can eat my lunch and study for my next class”.

Other favorites include Cougar

UC SATELLITE

Grounds that offers assortments of breakfast pastries and coffee, and Subway located by the UH Recreational and Wellness Center .

Aside from the old hangouts, UH is proud to announce two new delicious additions to campus, The Nook Cafe and Cafe 101.

Cafe 101 is located across from the Calhoun Lofts and offers an Asian fusion cuisine including sushi, speciality teas, bubble drinks and dessert. It also offers great lunch specials for students.

While traveling across campus, tune into the top ten hottest albums of summer with genres varying from hip hop to Japanese funk to alternative rock.

“I like to eat lunch in the Satellite. It’s close to a lot of my classes, convenient and I love the Chick-fil-A and the Pizza Hut.”

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- Paulette Osamor, biology senior

arts@thedailycougar.com

EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS “I love to eat breakfast at Einstein Bagels. It’s good and has lots of chairs and tables so I can hang out with my friends.”

— Dawn Hancock, psychology senior

CULLEN FOUNTAINS “I always relax at the huge fountain in front of the Cullen Building. It’s beautiful, calm, serene and a great place to just relax.”

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CLASSROOM AND BUSINESS BUILDING “I study in the new CBB building near the business school.

I always go to the fifth floor because it’s a really quiet room that has large windows with a great view.”

— Steve Perez, business administration masters student

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— Clement Agho-Otoghile, political science senior

COUGAR GROUNDS “I love to eat at the Cougar Grounds. They have great coffee and great prices on food. I love their kolaches.”

— Ugo Okoronkwo, health senior

Graphic and photos by Monica Tso

Monday, August 26, 2013 // 7

The Daily Cougar

TOP 10 SUMMER ALBUMS Compiled by Bryan Dupont-Gray

10. “Canal & Richvale” Filipino-Canadian rapper Russell Llantino, or D-Pryde, made his mark in the rap scene with enormous Internet buzz. He delivers dark, introspective tracks alongside radio-friendly bangers. Hip-hop fans should keep their eyes peeled on this up-and-coming artist.

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Listen to: “Lifted,”“Nightmare” and “Chinatown”

9. “Demi” Demi Lovato has matured and much of that has flawlessly seeped into this album. The pop and rock themes on “Demi” are strong. It also helps to note that Lovato doesn’t hold back on addressing some of her past demons in this project. Lovato is an artist who brings beauty and importance to her songs through past struggles.

Listen to: “Heart Attack,”“Neon Lights,”“Never Been Hurt” and “FIre Starter”

8. “The Universe Made of Darkness” People who find Michael Jackson songs a thriller may want to lend their ears to Tesla Boy, a Russian new wave band, and its recent full-length LP released in May. Coupled with some electronic and atmospheric synths, Tesla seems to be one of the most slept-on bands that plays still today.

Toro Y Moi and STRFKR fans are sure to appreciate this gem.

M.D. ANDERSON LIBRARY “I am always studying at the M.D. Anderson Memorial Library.

They have tons of tables and places to study where I can study with my friends and classmates.”

— Sarah Brinkley, psychology junior

CAFE 101 This new Asian fusion eatery has yet to be reviewed by Cougars since it doesn’t open until September. Stop by later to form your own opinion.

Listen to: “M.C.H.T.E,”“Split” and “Stars”

7. “Collapsible Lung” Don’t be fooled by Relient K’s pull away from their punk-rock roots. The band offers great experimentation with guitar sounds and deep lyricism.

Their switch to incorporate a pop-rock sound in this album should be praised for its well-driven, beautifully written song choices.

Listen to: “Don’t Blink,”“Boomerang,”“If I Can Take You Home” and “Sweeter”

6. “Paracosm” After listening to Washed Out’s new album, you’ll feel like you traveled back to the 1970s. The album sounds like a psychedelic rollercoaster ride, filled with sensual chords, hip-hop drums and cloudy vocal effects by Ernest Greene. The album’s song transitions are seamless. Its production is top-notch and provides an atmosphere that listeners can get lost in.

Listen to: “It All Feels Right,”“All I Know,”“Paracosm” and “Weightless”

5. “Nanda Collection”

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After a huge success with “Pamyu Pamyu Revolution,” Kyary has become an international artist who has broken through the language barrier and managed to appeal to everyone. The album features repetitive melodies, chiptune sounds and high-octane dance tracks. Under the production of Yasutaka Nakata, every song is downright addicting.

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Listen to: “Invader Invader,”“Fashion Monster” and “Furisodeshon”

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COUGAR DEN

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“The Cougar Den is my favorite place to hang out.

It’s a nice loose environment, very laid back and a good place I can enjoy time with my friends.”

— Terrence Jackson, computer engineering senior

4. “Random Access Memories” Daft Punk’s album is sonically astounding, dreamlike and full of messages and out-of-this-world imagery. The two-man crew definitely had some influence from Sade and Above and Beyond while composing this album, but it remained their own stylistically. The fusion between dance-pop and jazz has never sounded better.

Listen to: “Lose Yourself to Dance,”“The Game of Love” and “Get Lucky”

3. “Born Sinner” “Born Sinner” has taught listeners that there are both good and bad sides to the spoils of fame. The album’s production and the features from TLC, Jhené Aiko and Kendrick Lamar are solid. Cole is a great storyteller and a fine lyricist, but he needs to bring more energy. This solid album deserves a place in your “summer jams” playlist.

Listen to: “Runaway,”“Forbidden Fruit “ and “Let Nas Down”

2. “Magna Carta Holy Grail”

RECREATIONAL AND WELLNESS CENTER

The always-confident and always-prominent Jay-Z put out a great summer rap album. The themes of faith and slavery pervade the album, and Hov let listeners get inside his head. The production on some of these tracks is to die for.

Listen to: “Picasso Baby,”“Oceans,”“Heaven” and “Nickel and Dimes”

“I like to work out in the Rec Center. They have all the equipment that I need and places where I can play sports with my friends.”

— Thomas Lonjaret, electrical engineering senior

1. “Watching Movies with the Sound Off ” Lyrically, sonically and aesthetically, Mac Miller has improved more than any other rapper who released a project this summer. His album sounds nothing like the cheesy rap artist we’ve heard before. Miller brings everything together with some of his best lines, harboring an introspective take on his latest challenges.

Listen to: “I’m Not Real,”“Objects in the Mirror” and “Aquarium”

The Daily Cougar

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TECHNOLOGY

Smart phone apps help busy students Cara Smith Staff writer

Since the invention of smartphones, the world’s approach to technology has been revolutionized, and countless applications have been created to enhance productivity.

Re g a rd e d a s a n i n t e g ra l , a l m o s t n e c e s s a r y, p a r t o f students’ daily lives, smartphones aren’t designed as only distractions.

Productivity applications have turned smartphones into tools for helping students make accomplishments, which will come in handy throughout the year as students struggle to keep their heads above water in their studies.

Mobile applications also affect how educators approach the classroom.

“The emerging future context is going to be more and more ‘appintensive,’” said Andrew Hines, human development and consumer sciences lecturer.

“As educators, we can try to fight it, but I don’t think we’ll win that battle, nor do I think it’s the right battle to fight. Instead of trying to ban phones or apps, we need to think about how we can incorporate them into our teaching.”

These four free iOS- and Android-friendly apps could improve students’ efficiency, but downloading productivity applications is only the first step. Students should dedicate

time and energy to integrate these applications into their daily routines.

Mint.com Centered on generating a customized budget, Mint.com is a user-friendly guide to confront students’ budgeting issues.

“This is a great application that can help anybody, regardless of how much financial knowledge they have,” said finance junior Niccolo Buchelli.

Mint.com uses a monthly overview of the user’s spending to determine a profit or deficit at the end of the month. Its minimalistic layout can sync with an account from virtually any bank.

Any.DO At first glance, Any.DO appears to be the average task manager.

However, with its ability to categorize tasks based on priority, it provides the user with push-notifications and integrates a contact list to any task, which could be useful for group projects.

In February, Omer Perchik, CEO and founder of Any.DO, told Mashable, a Scottish-American news and technology website, that users create an everlasting list of things to do. Once they have too many tasks, though, they never look back.

“I’m a huge procrastinator,” said journalism junior Taha Ali. “This app is a blessing for me. It really helps me manage my time well

Many productivity apps have helped students stay focused and turn their phones and tablets into tools for success. Recently, educators have changed their opinion on technology in classrooms. | Aisha Bouderdaben/The Daily Cougar when there’s a lot on my plate.”

Adobe Reader The Adobe Reader mobile application proved itself to be more dynamic and user-friendly than its computer-based counterpart.

It allows users to mark highlights directly on the document and features a handy scrubbing feature to quickly browse through the pages of any lengthy text.

The user can also annotate their content using either a paintbrush or basic textboxes. Getting emails from your professor with nine Adobe attachments has never been more approachable.

CamScanner CamScanner is an ideal application for students who exchange handwritten notes in class. The app automatically compresses

the notes into a PDF file. It adjusts the photo’s brightness and contrast to create an easily readable document.

“Half the hassle of sharing notes is getting them to the other person,” said communications junior Nida Chaudhry. “This app makes that process so much more convenient.” arts@thedailycougar.com

TRAVEL

Students break cultural barriers, explore new lands Andrea Sifuentes Staff writer

Whether it’s Europe or South America, everyone has the urge to travel, at least occasionally, and the Office of International Studies and Programs helps students satisfy that craving while earning college credit.

Anthropology senior Stefanie Cruz had this urge and studied international management and Portuguese in Florianópolis, Brazil.

“I chose to study abroad because I realized that as graduation was inching closer, I still hadn’t done something adventurous enough to break the predictable routine of my academic career,” she said.

Cruz said she was surprised by how much she experienced on her trip.

“I knew I was going to see beautiful beaches and get to know breathtaking culture, but I also got to witness the largest riots in Brazil’s

Anthropology senior Stefanie Cruz traveled to Florianópolis, Brazil to study international management and Portuguese.

There, she was Immersed into the South American culture. | Courtesy of Stephanie Cruz history, protesting crime, corruption, poverty and growing inflation,” she said.

She said her time in Brazil allowed her to appreciate the small, yet important, aspects of life.

“Living in such conditions, you realize you take a lot of little things for granted,” Cruz said. “I had to get

used to cold showers because there was no central heating, which also meant that there was no air conditioning during the day. Getting sick was also far more difficult to handle than I imagined — mainly because playing charades with the strictly Portuguese-speaking pharmacists was not always guaranteed to get you the right medicine.”

Cruz said she missed home but that she had an amazing adventure.

“It was very hard to say goodbye to a country that taught me so much about myself and to the people who shared so many experiences with me, both good and bad,” Cruz said.

“I will never forget this trip or what it took to make it possible, and I promise it will not be the last.”

After setting a meeting with study abroad advisers, public relations and advertising senior Meagan Hanson was enthusiastic. Having thought she GLOBAL continues on page 9

Monday, August 26, 2013 // 9

The Daily Cougar

SUBS SO

FAST

YOU’LL FREAK! Public relations and advertising senior Meagan Hanson studied in Heredia, Costa Rica over the summer. Although she had hoped to relax at the beach, her stay in the mountainous city was enjoyable. | Courtesy of Meagan Hanson

GLOBAL continued from page 8

would spend time at the beach every day, she chose to study in Heredia, Costa Rica, but her experience differed from her expectations.

“It turned out that the city I stayed in was in the mountains,” Hanson said. “At first, it was hard. I was living in a house with strangers and no air conditioning. However,

ON CAMPUS Saturday, August 24 – Last day to visit Texas-native artist, Andy Coolquitt’s exhibition, “Attainable Excellence,” at Blaffer Art Museum.

Monday, August 26 – The Christian Science Organization presents “The Healing Effects of Your Prayers” in the Olberholtzer Hall Room 3A.

Wednesday, August 28 – Explore organizations, play games and get Coog gear at Cat’s Back from 4 to 7 p.m. in the Recreational and Wellness Center.

Thursday, August 29 – Student Program Board is hosting a free showing of “Fast and Furious 6” from 7 to 11 p.m. at Lynn Eusan Park.

Visit the Study Abroad Fair to learn about opportunities from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rockwell Pavilion in the M.D. Anderson Library.

Friday, August 30 – Blaffer Art Mueseum hosts the opening reception to“Feast: Radical Hospitality in Contemporary Art” from 6 to 9 p.m.

my host family was amazing. My host mom was so great and loved to feed me every hour.”

A weekend trip sparked Hanson’s favorite moment of her stay.

“We went to the beach and stayed at a hotel in the rainforest,” Hanson said.

“I was sitting on the balcony and all of a sudden, I saw a monkey walking across the branches in the trees. Then a whole family started migrating across the trees. I was in amazement the whole time. They

were literally four feet away from me.”

Hanson struggled with the language barrier and was forced to explain herself in Spanish.

“It was hard not to speak naturally to my host family, but I had a great experience,” Hanson said.

“I was excited to come home and sleep in my bed and to be in AC. However, I really do miss living in Costa Rica.” arts@thedailycougar.com

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DRIVE

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know they’re going home and they can relax on the bus.�

Ellis has worked as a bus driver for more than 30 years and has been at the University for eight of those years. He reminisced about all the students that have come in and out of his bus and his life. “I see them graduate and go on — and the new freshmen come and after so many years they graduate and go on — and I stay here, still going around in circles,� Ellis said. “The way life is, I’m taking left and right turns, they’re taking left and right turns, but we’re both going in the same direction into the future.�

Interacting with different people of varying ages and backgrounds on a day-to-day basis can be a challenge for even the most keen culture aficionado, and it seems to be on the daily menu for UH bus drivers. But Ellis relishes those moments. “The most exciting part of my job would be probably ... listening to the students; what they have (to say). They’re very opinionated about different things, especially the international students with our culture,� Ellis said. “It’s very interesting exchanging those ideas with them. It’s just so stimulating. The student body is so diverse and so what I am trying to focus on is effectively communicating.�

Bus drivers not only care about their student passengers; they seem to be sympathetic to the plights of all UH students. When Ellis found a man attempting to steal a chained bicycle across from the Lamar Fleming Jr. building, he felt it was his duty as a driver to immediately notify the UH Police Department. Within a minute,

Students depend on buses to navigate around campus, and bus driver, Hughston Ellis, hopes to bring smiles to their faces. | Monica Tso/The Daily Cougar they were on the scene; the perpetrator was caught in front of the old McDonald’s on Elgin Street, according to Ellis. “As a whole community here, the bus drivers and everybody else, we need to watch out for each other and keep working together,�

Ellis said. “You just never know when somebody might need your help.�

Ellis takes pride in helping his fellow man and has a strong connection to UH’s student body. Even when students go through tough times during the semester, he tries his best to console them. “A lot of students, they just want to vent — like they had a bad day or something like that. I don’t have the answers for them, but just to listen to them makes them feel better,� Ellis said. “Then all of a sudden they start calling me by name and I’m really shocked and I just call them brothers and sisters.�

During the past few years, the University has made changes to

the transportation system. They’ve added new Cougar Line shuttles and started the Cougar Trax system that offers real-time GPS tracking of the UH buses. All of these additions have made for all-around positive experiences for both the drivers and students. “I’m just so happy we have equipment on par with a Tier One university now,� Ellis said. “I’m just so happy because it makes it easier to deal with all the students.

It’s really enjoyable though — very enjoyable.�

For Ellis, waking up in the morning and going to work is one of the most enjoyable experiences.

The feel of the tires on the gritty asphalt, the small twists and turns in the over-sized bus and, most of all, the students keep him satisfied and enthusiastic about a brighter tomorrow. “I love it,� he said. “I would never do anything else in the world.� arts@thedailycougar.com

CAPTURE continued from page 4

required to shoot a wedding — events meaningful not only to the bride and groom, but to their families and guests, as well.

She said she strives to honor the months a couple spends dreaming, planning and preparing for their big day. “I try to capture emotion and love. I think of creating portraits as creating artwork,� Golani said. “I am always nervous about shooting weddings until I start.

Then, all of my nerves go away. As soon as I start shooting, I am in my element, and I am confident with my work.� arts@thedailycougar.com

Monday, August 26, 2013 // 11

The Daily Cougar

We want YOU to Minor... in MEXICAN AMERICAN STUDIES

CENTER FOR MEXICAN AMERICAN STUDIES (CMAS) 323 Agnes Arnold Hall, University of Houston For more information contact Lcano@uh.edu or call (713) 743-3133

12 \\ Monday, August 26, 2013

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