Issue 10, Volume 88

HISTORY

Lynn Eusan: Looking back at the UH icon’s life, legacy and impact

JOHN LOMAX NEWS EDITOR @THELASTLOMAX

Lynn Eusan, the University’s first Black homecoming queen, was a force to be reckoned with. A champion of equality, Eusan waged war against prejudiced institutions, racial bias and a long-established history of injustice in American culture at the time.

In honor of Black History Month, The Cougar explored Eusan’s life and legacy, from her election as homecoming queen to her untimely death at 23.

Background

The assasination of Martin Luther King Jr. led to widespread protest and renewed demands for equality now, not later. A few months later, Sen. Robert Kennedy would also be assasinated, leading to an all-too-familiar public demand for gun reform.

The nature of the times bled into every aspect of society. Here, students freely discussed topics such as civil rights, social justice and reform, subjects that just a decade earlier would draw censure and even violence from the public at large.

An editorial published in The Daily Cougar on Sep. 17, 1968, quotes an article from a recent edition of Newsweek that decried the global trend of student activism.

“From Pomona to Paris to Peking, students are turning the establishment upside down,” the article reads. “Students today are rebelling on issues ranging from food in the cafeteria to academic reform to the foundations of society itself.”

The intellectual atmosphere surrounding campus life naturally left many to question established norms, and UH quickly found itself host to the same unrest seen in universities nationwide.

Meanwhile, a coalition of Black students and white sympathizers grappled with the then prominent Greek organizations intent on maintaining their hegemony over campus.

With sides drawn and the board set, the Fall semester of 1968 would play host to a battle for the University’s future, with Eusan on the front lines.

The emergence of the Black student body

In the years leading up to her coronation, Eusan was a leading voice in the community and well known for her activism on campus. Eusan, alongside other prominent Black student leaders such as Dwight Allen, who now goes by Omowale Luthuli-Allen, and Gene Locke, formed the vanguard in the

fight to amplify Black voices at UH.

The University had only just begun accepting Black undergraduates in 1963, almost a full decade after the Supreme Court’s decision in Brown v. The Board of Education. Even then, the initial cohorts were small, and many Black students felt uncomfortable on the predominantly white campus.

In a letter to the editor published in The Cougar on Sep. 18, 1968, a student named Cheryl Hall expressed frustration with what she saw as apathy on behalf of white students.

“Many members of the Caucasian race accustomed to being one of the majority are completely unaware or unconcerned about the tremendous emotional turmoil which the black student goes through,” Hall said.

It was this sentiment that Eusan sought to address when she helped to form the Committee on Better Race Relations in 1967. Later, in the spring of 1968, the COBRR would successfully petition the University to establish a Black history course.

Eusan wouldn’t stop fighting there, however. In an article published in The Cougar on June 27, 1968, Eusan criticized the University for its decision to hire a white professor to teach the class.

“Most Black students in the course wanted a Black professor,” Eusan said. “It’s a ridiculous situation that a school the size of UH can’t find a Black man to teach the course.”

What this ultimately represented was the transformation of the Black student body at UH from a small minority to a strong community. Eusan, Allen and Locke formed the foundation for which other Black students centered around, and amplified voices calling for change.

Road to victory, war with Greeks

In 1968, change was coming, and it was coming fast. With the rise of Black nationalist movements across the U.S., the fight for civil rights took on a new, more determined approach to achieving its goals. In an interview with the University, Locke described the speed of progress in the late 1960s.

“The difference between 1964 and 1967-68 is like two different worlds,” Locke said. “Society was changing and changing rapidly. It was not gradual change in the ‘60s.”

This social renaissance put the adaptability of many legacy institutions to the test. White Greek life organizations, in particular, struggled to modernize. The vast majority still clung to a policy of segregation and most vehemently resisted integration.

This inflexibility bred dissent among Black students and others who had grown resentful of the dominance hegemonic Greek organizations seemed to hold over campus. Traditionally, sororities had dominated the race for homecoming queen, but this year was different. This year the Greeks felt genuinely threatened.

Their unease came to a head after the endorsement of Eusan in the Nov. 20, 1968 issue of The Cougar. The editorial called on students to stand for equality and prevent the crowning of yet another white Greek homecoming queen.

“If YOU do not go to the polls today or tomorrow, then YOU will be endorsing whoever a minority of hard-working campus Greeks want for homecoming queen,” the endorsement reads. “Today is the day, and this hour is the hour to exercise student power.”

The following day, another editorial titled “Papers Fly?” claimed that many Cougar newsstands were left pillaged shortly after delivery. While blame is not directly assigned, the thinlyveiled suspicion directed towards UH Greeks borders on outright accusal.

These suspicions were all but confirmed in an issue published two days later, when Interfraternity Council Vice President Reggie Hirsch said he would be turning the matter over to campus authorities.

Despite attempts at reconciliation with the UH student body, white-dominated Greek life at UH continued to face scrutiny. Letters to the editor decrying fraternities for alleged racist behavior were commonplace. One, submitted by David Johnson several days after Eusan’s victory, lambasted Greek life for what he saw as a long-standing pattern of discrimination.

“Since you Greeks seem to be so anti-Black, I would suggest you and your queen-candidate retreat to Mississippi,” Johnson said. “There you can together with other narrow-minded bigots.”

In many ways, the bickering that dominated much of the editorial and letter to the editor sections implied an anti-Greek sentiment more than a pro-Black one. Greek organizations were painted as “the man,” and their campaign against Eusan only encouraged students to stand against what was now seen as a war against a racist, antiquated power structure.

On Saturday, Nov. 23, 1968, Eusan made history.

People’s queen

Fall 1968 was a good time to be a Cougar. During halftime, in what turned out to be a 100-6 blowout

victory for the Cougars over Tulsa, Eusan was crowned homecoming queen.

“What made me the happiest was that Blacks on this campus got together so well to push this through,” Eusan said. “They have not been that much together on any issue before.”

While Eusan acknowledged the significance of being the first Black homecoming queen, it wasn’t at the forefront of her mind. For Eusan, the joy of simply being homecoming queen was enough.

“Many people think I should feel different because I’m Black, and this victory is symbolic, but I feel just as anyone would feel, black or white, - happy,” Eusan said.

Eusan saw her victory as a combination of factors. Negative public opinion towards Greek life, a desire to appease Black athletes and one simple but powerful truth about the University as a whole.

“We aren’t prejudiced,” Eusan said. “It’s simply a reaffirmation of what the University has been saying all along.”

Death and legacy

Eusan’s accomplishments did not end with her queen title. She continued to fight for Black rights at UH until her graduation in 1970. She went on to work for a local paper, Voice of Hope, serving the Fifth-ward area.

In September of 1971, the unthinkable happened. Eusan allegedly accepted a ride from a man named Leo Jackson Jr. Shortly afterward, Jackson ran a stop sign, colliding with the vehicle of

an HPD detective. Eusan’s body was found in Jackson’s backseat and had wounds consistent with self-defense, according to a JET magazine article.

The family and friends of Eusan had faith that justice would soon be served. Jackson had 14 prior arrests for rape, assault and armed robbery.

His defense? She stabbed herself.

Detective D. L. Collier said that Jackson claimed Eusan suddenly started “screaming and stabbing herself in the back.”

In a shocking turn of events, the jury voted to acquit him on all charges. No one else was ever charged in the case, and Eusan’s death remains a mystery to this day.

Her death may be a mystery, but her life serves as a model for social activism in the face of institutional oppression. Eusan’s relentless approach to effecting change fostered progress from the bottom up, a task many before her had tried and failed to accomplish.

Eusan’s legacy would be memorialized in 1976 when the Board of Regents approved the naming of the campus park in her honor. Her legacy, however, goes far beyond a green space. The life of Eusan endures through the student body, our values and our commitment to diversity.

Speaking to The Cougar, Eusan once remarked that she’d like to be remembered for “the cause of justice and equality for all people in this society.”

On Saturday, Nov. 23, 1968, Eusan made history when she was crowned homecoming queen. | Courtesy of UH Library Special Collections

UHPD incident with theatre students sparks outrage: ‘Vests won’t change the color of my skin’

JOHN LOMAX NEWS EDITOR @THELASTLOMAX

In early November, a UHPD officer pointed his weapon at a student who a witness mistakenly believed was assaulting a woman on campus. The lead officer arrived to find what was reported to be an assault was actually a rehearsal.

The incident has sparked outrage among students across campus and has only been compounded by the School of Theatre and Dance’s solution to the issue. Their answer? Distribute brightly-colored vests to students, so UHPD knows not to shoot them.

Domonique Champion, the student who was mistakenly believed to be attacking his rehearsing partner, has attended UH off and on for more than 10 years and is pursuing a master’s degree in acting and theatre. When he saw the officer bearing down on him with his gun drawn, he knew immediately it was a matter of life or death.

“It was generations of instinct just thrust upon you, and the only thing that I could do is drop to my knees and yell: ‘We’re rehearsing!’” Champion said. “ It wasn’t until I heard the voice of a Black sergeant that I finally felt at ease.”

The witness who reported the crime said Champion was armed. The supposed weapon was a folded piece of white paper, which he was holding in plain view above his head. Champion said the officer initially believed it to be a 3D-printed weapon.

The incident aside, the vests provided to prevent future incidents were seen as a slap in the face for students like theatre senior Brandon Sanders. Sanders quickly took the issue to social media, where it has since gained traction on platforms such as Twitter and YouTube.

“A bright green vest will not change the color of my skin,” Sanders said. “I saw it as the utmost disrespect. These vests aren’t bulletproof. All they do is make me stand out.”

Sanders learned about the incident when he was handed a vest on his first day back in class. He felt blindsided and took the issue to the UH faculty. He demanded they inform the student body by sending out an alert to all students enrolled.

While the School of Theatre and Dance has held several

meetings for concerned students, Sanders said they had revealed more issues than they have solved. Most notably, in a video posted to his YouTube, UHPD Chief Caesar Moore said his department had not even been informed of the vest situation.

“When I talked to the dean, there were a lot of things that came to light that I wasn’t happy about,” Moore said. “The green vests. I didn’t agree with that. I didn’t approve of that. I didn’t know about that.”

Moore described it as a “horrible miscommunication” between UHPD and the School of Theatre and Dance. For Moore, the issues lie at the administrative level.

“There may need to be some discussion about how higherlevel decisions are made to ensure greater inclusion,” Moore said. “If that inclusion and equality are not perceived to be there, then that trust is not there.”

Despite his procedural objections, Moore recommended students wear the vests for the time being.

For Sanders and many other students at the School of Theatre and Dance, the vests represent a much bigger issue, one of representation.

“There is no person of color on the School of Theatre and Dance faculty at all,” Sander said. “ How can your administration look like all white people when the demographics of your student body do not reflect that?”

Sanders ultimately sees the

vests as the type of solution only those with the ignorance and privilege of not having to worry about the color of their skin could concoct. For him, the lime-green vest is a symbol of deep-seated institutional failure.

Champion echoed Sanders’ concerns regarding racial representation. While he generally likes his professors and believes they are qualified, he questions the extent to which the University prioritizes diversity within its staff.

“I can’t help the fact that the faculty is white. They’re good at their jobs. They teach good shit,” Champion said. “But I know there are people out there who look like me who can do it just as well.”

Since the incident, Champion has struggled with posttraumatic stress disorder and suicidal ideation. He has had difficulty eating and suffers from frequent panic attacks.

“I was struggling with suicidal ideation,” Champion said. “I kept seeing this image of a gun and almost hoping something would happen to me. I realized it was because I was carrying this survivor’s guilt with me.”

Champion’s survivor’s guilt stems from the pattern and history of police brutality directed toward Black Americans. He was lucky, Champion said, but many others that look like him have not been so lucky. The fatal beating of Tyre Nichols at the hands of Memphis police officers has only made it more difficult.

The moment the officer

pointed his gun at him, Champion felt he was handed a responsibility. Where before his primary concern was completing school, now a cause has been thrust upon him. One which he’s not entirely sure he has the strength to carry.

“There’s this societal expectation to be strong, to keep pushing. To keep going,” Champion said. “But I am physically, mentally and emotionally spent, and I don’t know how much more of myself to give to make sure that, whatever this is supposed to be for, actually ends in success.”

Years of fighting, generations of struggle, and still an issue lies latent at the core of American society. Champion, already contending with issues at home and academic stress is now expected to shoulder the burden of a cause that began hundreds of years before his birth.

Yet he is not alone. Students and friends like Sanders have given fuel to Champion’s sputtering flame and have stood up alongside him to demand better from the administration. What they want is simple: Better. They are tired of institutions failing them, tired of being swept under the rug and tired of fighting a seemingly endless war.

“I want the students to be informed, and I want them to know how much power they have,” Sanders said. “Because they need to understand that their lives are at risk.”

EDITORIAL BOARD

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Donna Keeya

MANAGING EDITOR

Jhair Romero

WEB EDITOR

Denise Miller

NEWS EDITORS

John Lomax

Lisa El-Amin

SPORTS EDITOR

James Mueller

OPINION EDITOR

Cindy Rivas Alfaro

PHOTO EDITOR Felipe Harker CREATIVE DIRECTOR Jose GonzalezCampelo ASSISTANT EDITORS Anh Le

Armando Yanez Logan Linder Starns Leland

STAFF EDITORIAL

The Staff Editorial reflects the opinions of The Cougar Editorial Board (the members of which are listed above the editorial). All other opinions, commentaries and cartoons reflect only the opinion of the author. Opinions expressed in The Cougar do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Houston or the students as a whole.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250 words and signed, including the author’s full name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; send them via campus mail to STP 4015; or fax to (713) 743-5384. Letters are subject to editing.

GUEST COMMENTARY

Submissions are accepted from any member of the UH community and must be signed with the author’s name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Commentary should be limited to 500 words. Guest commentaries should not be written as replies, but rather should present independent points of view. Deliver submissions to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@ thedailycougar.com; or fax them to (713) 743-5384. All submissions are subject to editing.

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Advertisements in The Cougar do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the University or the students as a whole. The Cougar is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. studentpress.org/acp

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

MEN’S BASKETBALL

After years of ‘selflessness,’ J’Wan Roberts’ time is here

JAMES MUELLER SPORTS EDITOR @JDM2186

J’Wan Roberts didn’t score a single point in Houston’s 2021 Final Four run.

He pulled down only one rebound in four total minutes on the court in the 2021 NCAA Tournament, two of which came in the Cougars’ tournamentopening game against Cleveland State and the other two against Baylor in the national semifinal game.

To the outside, Roberts’ contributions to Houston’s 2021 Final Four run appear trivial, yet Kellen Sampson still gets chills when talking about the role the 6-foot-7-inch forward played that March into early April.

Why?

To Sampson, UH likely does not go on its historic NCAA Tournament run without Roberts willingly embracing a new role that would not result in him seeing the court much.

“His selflessness is a big reason we went to the Final Four,” Sampson said. “He was averaging 12 or 15 minutes a game before Fabian (White) came back off the ACL. He selflessly stepped aside to let Fabian have those minutes because he knew it would help the team.”

Landing on UH’s radar

In a random back gym in Las Vegas during the summer of 2017, Sampson sat to watch a player on former Texas Longhorns star and eight-year NBA veteran TJ Ford’s select basketball team.

The UH basketball assistant coach left the gym impressed with what he saw — not by the kid he went to scout but rather by an under-the-radar forward from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“I walked away loving J’Wan,” Sampson said. “I just loved how hard he played, his motor. He seemed to get a fingertip on every ball. He was so fluid athletically. He changed directions so quickly. How he changed directions and moved was different for somebody that size with that length.”

Just a couple of years prior after Roberts had finished eighth grade, he rolled the dice and moved from the tiny island of St. Thomas to the Central Texas city of Killeen to live with his aunt to further his basketball career.

While Roberts says the competition on the islands was at a high level, he knew playing basketball there could only take him so far.

“I left the islands just to get more exposure,” Roberts said.

“I was playing against the same people every time. I didn’t really have anything else to prove.”

Additionally, Roberts wanted an opportunity to play against bigger players because things came easier to him growing up as he always towered amongst his competition on the court at home.

“I was always the tallest person among my competition, so it wasn’t as hard for me to make a certain amount of points, get a (certain) amount of blocked shots,” Roberts said. “I used to take advantage of that and I wanted to move just to play against more competition, taller people.”

Following Roberts from afar, Sampson watched Roberts have what he described as a “monster season” during his junior year at Shoemaker High School, prompting the UH coaching staff to take another trip that summer to watch Roberts play.

This time, UH head coach Kelvin Sampson, who called Kellen “the best I’ve ever had at identifying kids early that can play for us,” went with his son to South Carolina to watch Roberts play in the Peach Jam, the world’s top amateur basketball tournament.

Though undersized playing center at only 6-foot-6-inches, Roberts averaged a doubledouble and led the event in blocked shots at the age of 16.

“He got every rebound,” Kelvin

Sampson said. “Not the 7-foot kid everybody’s drooling over, J’Wan got. Every time they shot and missed, J’Wan got it.”

With his performance, Roberts left no question in the Sampsons’ minds that he was a perfect fit for the UH program.

“(We) knew right then and there he was the one for us,” Sampson said. “We blocked everybody out from about July (2018) on. He was our No. 1 target.”

Roberts’ Aug. 31, 2018, official visit confirmed that UH was the place for him. He committed two days later.

Practicing patience

Waiting was the name of the game once Roberts arrived at UH.

Roberts spent the 201920 season using his redshirt, which he admits was difficult at times. But instead of hitting the transfer portal like so many young student-athletes that don’t play much or at all choose to do, Roberts remained confident in the UH coaching staff ’s plan for him.

“My freshman year when I redshirted I was kind of frustrated but I knew my time was going to come,” Roberts said. “So I didn’t force anything, I didn’t rush it, I didn’t pout or anything.”

The 2020-21 season tested Roberts’ patience once again. Just as Roberts began to establish a spot for himself in the Cougars’ rotation, Fabian White Jr., the

winningest player in UH program history, returned from an ACL injury that was supposed to have sidelined him the entire season.

With only one spot, Roberts made what Sampson has described as one of the most selfless moves he’s ever seen since he began coaching. Instead of fighting with the coaching staff for those minutes, Roberts accepted his head coach’s decision to give the minutes to White.

UH’s first trip back to the Final Four in 37 years followed.

“It allowed us to explode,” Sampson said. “It doesn’t happen if J’Wan isn’t OK with it.”

While Roberts’ minutes shot up during his sophomore season, he still played second fiddle to White. Still, Roberts’ mentality remained the same.

“Sometimes, it’s just all about being patient,” Roberts said.

“Sometimes, it’s not going to be how you want it to be but that (doesn’t give you) the right to quit. Just stay down, keep working and your time’s going to come.”

Long-awaited arrival

While Roberts waited and waited for his moment, Sampson’s message to the UH forward remained the same.

“When you get your moment, swing your sword,” Sampson said.

“Don’t leave it in its holster.”

Nearly three years after he first arrived at UH, Roberts’ big

moment finally arrived on Feb. 22, 2022.

Tied at 74 with 5.4 seconds remaining in double overtime at Charles Koch Arena in Wichita, Kan., Roberts slipped behind his defender. UH point guard Jamal Shead saw his teammate wide open and threaded the perfect pass which Roberts emphatically threw down with two hands to shock the Shockers on their home court.

“When he got the gamewinning dunk last year at Wichita State he’s never looked back,” Sampson said.

Fast forward to the present and Roberts is an integral piece to one of college basketball’s top teams. Starting in each of the Cougars’ 22 games to this point in the season, the forward from the U.S. Virgin Islands leads the Cougars in rebounding, pulling down seven boards per contest, and is third on the team in scoring, averaging 9.9 points per game.

“I just waited for my time, and now it’s here,” Roberts said.

Sticking the course when things don’t go exactly how an athlete wants them to go has become rarer in the era of the transfer portal, but for Roberts it has paid off greatly.

“I’ve recruited a lot of kids and coached a lot of them, there’s not many I love more than J’Wan Roberts,” Sampson said.

sports@thedailycougar.com

After entering the year with one career collegiate start, J’Wan Roberts has started in each of UH’s 22 games this season. | Anh Le/The Cougar

SOFTBALL

UH has eyes set on big year in final season in the AAC

ARMANDO YANEZ ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @ARMANDOYANEZ_16

In less than two weeks, the Houston softball team will begin its 2023 season in what will be its last in the American Athletic Conference.

Finishing last season with a record of 27-27-1 and a trip to the AAC tournament semifinals, the Cougars are looking to leave one final stamp in the American before the program makes its transition into the Big 12 next season.

Head coach Kristin Vesely enters her seventh season with the team, one that she believes can create noise to start and as the season progresses.

“I think we’re in a really good spot,” Vesely said. “As long as we lean into and continue to compete, which has been a pretty common theme for us. Just making sure that we’re focused and that we’re prepared so that we can have that confidence that comes with being prepared for opening weekend.”

A new season brings new faces to fill those who have come and gone, and despite the changes that come every offseason, the Cougars’ clubhouse sits confidently in believing that this season will bring some special moments for the program.

Led by seasoned veterans in graduates catcher Kati Ray Brown and pitcher Kenna Wilkey, UH knows what it wants to accomplish this season as it prepares for its season opening game against Virginia.

“I think what we’re trying to do as a staff is really hammering,

competing and doing the small things well,” Vesely said.

“Making sure we’re as ready as we can be. First weekend out is always a feel of what we see. Personality in practice might not be the same as when the lights come on. Trying to put them in challenging situations to see if anything changes with adversity and then really trying to make sure we’re prepared on the field.”

Brown, who is entering her fifth season with the Cougars, stands as one of the leaders remaining after former stars

Becca Schulte, Rock Benavides, Aspen Howie, Hannah Todd and Bethany Busch all graduated at the end of last season.

Standing as one of five potential starters returning from last season’s field, Brown is impressed with what she has seen from this roster.

“We definitely have maturity on the team,” Brown said. “We have a lot of returners so that’s going to be really good for us for this upcoming season. We have a lot of girls that have seen the pitchers in conference, so that’ll set us up for success. I also see a lot of excitement with the girls. We have a lot of transfers this year, so this is like a new beginning for them. They get to write their own story at Houston, so there’s a lot of excitement.”

Wilkey, entering her sixth season in college and her second at UH after transferring in from Northwestern in 2022, stands at the forefront of a new look pitching rotation, one that holds potential to pose a threat in the AAC.

“I think we have a lot of depth now,” Wilkey said. “I feel like a lot of people who weren’t used last year are going to be a big part of this year and help make an impact. Everyone has been contributing and doing their part so I feel like that’s what is going to be the big key for us this year.”

Standing firm with a home

as people,” Vesely said. “They are fantastic teammates, and that’s something that’s always prideful as a coach. For us, they’ve set some goals and we’ve talked to the staff. Where we want to be is in the regionals and in the postseason, so I think that’s really important to them as they go out the doors leaving the program better than they found it.”

Through six seasons with Vesely at the helm, the Cougars have finished below .500 only once back in the 2021 season.

Finishing exactly at .500 last season with Vesely sitting at a 166-133-1 overall record with the Cougars, the team remains bought in to Vesely’s philosophy and will look to return to winning ways this season.

“We want the trophy, for sure,” Vesely said. “Fourth place seems a little disrespectful for the preseason poll, so it gives us a little chip on the shoulder and a little bit more reason to try and take the title. Not that we needed it, but it adds fuel to the fire.”

record of 18-15 last season, UH struggled on the road as it donned a 5-7-1 record away from home.

This season, the Cougars open the season with 16 games through three tournaments, all on home soil before heading out on the road for 16 games, a challenge UH will hope to take on with more success than last season.

“For us it’s just being consistent,” Vesely said. “Whether we are in our own beds or on the road, making sure we have the same mindset. Standard doesn’t waver based on location. That’s something we’ve been consistent about. We get to open at home, have a couple of home series and home tournaments and then we get on the road for all of March. We’ll learn very quickly what we’ll look like in conference.”

From the circle to home plate, Wilkey and Brown will be crucial not only on the field, but off the field in helping guide this new Cougars team. In search for leadership, Wilkey and Brown serve as the experienced veterans with 11-combined seasons between the two.

Through the course of the season, their impact will also be a factor not only in how far the Cougars go this season, but where the program stands heading into the Big 12 in July.

“What I’ve seen from leadership is that they’re leaving

The message stands as far as expectations for the team, but individually, Vesely has always carried one signature message for the players throughout the season.

“Be the best you. Be the best version of yourself and that’s something we don’t ever waver from. Regardless of where we are at in the season, you have to be the best version of yourself. We want to be contagious people in the best positive light.”

For the players, the message translates to their own expectations outside of the record and numbers.

“Everybody’s answer is that they want to leave it all out on the field,” Brown said. “I feel like I’ve already been doing that, but for this last season, I just want to make sure that I’m having fun every single pitch.”

sports@thedailycougar.com

SOFTBALL SCHEDULE PREVIEW

Houston Invitational

Feb. 9 vs Virginia (6 p.m.)

Feb. 10 vs South Dakota State (3 p.m.)

Feb. 10 vs Lamar (5:30 p.m.)

Feb. 11 vs Nebraska (3 p.m.)

Feb. 11 vs Virginia (5:30 p.m.)

Feb. 12 vs Deleware (12:30 p.m.)

Houston Classic

Feb. 17 vs Washington (3 p.m.)

Feb. 17 vs Morgan State (5:30 p.m.)

Feb. 18 vs Hofstra (3 p.m.)

Feb. 18 vs Morgan State (5:30 p.m.)

Feb. 19 vs Washington (12:30 p.m)

Veteran pitcher Kenna Wilkey is expected to be one of the anchors for the UH rotation in 2023. | Sean Thomas/The Cougar

The UH softball team has high expectations walking into its final season in the American Athletic Conference.. | Sean Thomas/The Cougar

All games are at Cougar Softball Stadium

Four-day workweeks should be implemented in society

CINDY RIVAS ALFARO OPINION EDITOR @CINDYGISELLES

A four-day workweek should be the new normal as it is the first step toward reconstructing the harmful work culture that affects employees all over the country.

Workers in U.S. are stressed now more than they were in 2020 with stress levels reaching an all-time high. Low pay, production prioritization and long hours contribute to this stress and it only grows when no efforts are made to change the system.

Many workers are unhappy with their working conditions and would like more freedom in their lives.

On average, Americans end up working an extra month of work per year. Whether it’s a push from their employees or an attempt to make ends meet, the work culture in America pushes the agenda that people are machines meant to work and not do anything else.

This is something that needs to change.

The way capitalistic societies are built are to profit off of ‘hard work’ yet only a certain few will have that work pay off in the end.

A new term that emerged called chrononormativity explores how society uses time as a measurement to push our bodies to the limit and achieve success through socially constructed means that not everyone can achieve.

For example, once you turn 18, you’re expected to go to college, or by 25 you are expected to have a stable job, a significant other and possibly a home. By 60, you are meant to retire.

All of these are learned through what society deems to be acceptable chronological milestones.

Nowadays, people are achieving different milestones at different stages in their lives which does not match the model society has thrusted forward.

Race, gender, nationality, class, sexuality and other demographics all play a part in when and how people achieve these milestones as

not everyone is given the same opportunities.

If someone falls out of line, they are urged to get back on their feet or else fame shame, stress or belittlement by others.

No one pauses to question why you have to accomplish things by a certain age or why the solution is to continue following a timeline that does not align with everyone’s personal goals or aspirations.

The same could be said about the classic five-day workweek. Working 40 hours or more a week is just not sustainable anymore, especially if the pay stays the same while other prices continue to rise.

There once was a period of time where the six-day work week and no labor laws was the norm but with persistent activism, things changed.

There needs to be flexibility when it comes to how much time you should spend working in order to improve not only the human condition but to lead fulfilling lives.

Society is heavily focused on pushing out max productivity

from people rather than recognizing that they are individuals with their own personhood outside of the workplace.

During the pandemic, the work culture drastically changed as a majority of employees transitioned to remote work. Working from home became the new ‘normal’ for society and it was one of the first moves that made people realize that there could be a change in the workplace.

If remote work was possible, the push for a four-day workweek did not seem so far away.

In 2022, 4 Day Week Global implemented a trial to try and implement a 32-hour work week which gained positive responses. Out of all the employees, 97 percent of them wanted to continue the trial as stress, burnout and fatigue levels declined throughout the six months.

Companies were later asked if they would like to continue the trial and out of the 27 who filled out the final survey, 18 were

positive about continuing.

Just from this trial, it proves that change is long overdue with how much time people spend at work when they should be spending it doing something else.

States like Maryland are already pushing toward a fourday workweek as they realize the benefits that come with the decision.

A four-day workweek would not only ease the burden off of many workers but also give them more time to pursue personal endeavors that are not possible with the highly demanding fiveday work week.

The pandemic, although a disastrous period for many, showed that adjustments can be made if circumstances change. If remote work was able to be implemented, a four-day workweek is soon to follow.

Once people have a taste of what it’s like to live without the strict, never-ending cycle of America’s capitalistic society, there is no going back.

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

JOHN LOMAX & LISA EL-AMIN, EDITORS

Dear Denise 11: long-distance relationships, parents

DENISE MILLER WEB EDITOR @PAPERBAMBI

In The Cougar’s bi-weekly anonymous advice column, I talk about worldwide love and the fear of disappointing parents.  To submit your questions for future issues, click the Dear Denise button on our home page.

Dear Denise, I’m talking to this guy that lives halfway across the world, and he wants me to visit him, but I’m scared. What do I do?

Hey, friend. I think you flying halfway around the world to meet him is a bad idea if you have just started talking.

In the same way you wouldn’t meet up with a stranger super quick if you don’t know them in America, definitely don’t do it outside the country.

I know a friend who did something similar, but she did not make it just about the guy. The visit was also a girl’s trip.

If you have never been to this country, maybe use the effort you are spending on getting there for good.

Make a list of places you would like to see and restaurants you would like to visit.

This way, just in case things don’t go as planned, you can still make the trip worth it.

Stay safe!

I’m worried my parents aren’t happy with the career path I’ve chosen, but it makes me happy. What do I do?

Now, this is a good question. Am I qualified to answer this? I’m not sure, but I’m going to try.

I completely understand not being in the STEM community, and as a public relations major myself; I’m all too familiar with the doubt others have about my future success.

Firstly, I’m so happy you have been able to identify a career that makes you happy. So much of our independent adult lives are surrounded around work, so it’s extremely important to do what you love. The joy you get from that is what’s going to motivate you to continue. I know it’s probably hard to act against the wishes or expectations of your parents, but if you feel it’s the best for you, then they will have to be okay. At the end of the day, your parents will not

be holding your hand and making decisions for you forever. You have to mature and make choices that benefit you, and that may not be the popular decision.   Have a sit-down conversation with your parents and let them know you understand what you have gotten yourself into and that you are looking for their support throughout this new transition period in your life. Good luck!.

arts@thedailycougar.com

thedailycougar.com

ABOUT THE COUGAR

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ISSUE STAFF

CLOSING EDITORS

Donna Keeya

Jhair Romero

COVER

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo

Center for Student Media uh.edu/csm

ABOUT CSM

The Center for Student Media provides comprehensive advisory and financial support to the university’s student-run media: The Cougar newspaper, CoogTV and COOG Radio.

Turn your dream into a reality this year. An imaginative mind can determine how to use your skills, experience and knowledge to improve your life. Focusing on financial matters will deter you from overspending. Don’t get into a power struggle. Know what you can do and move full steam ahead.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Pay attention to details, update documents and read the fine print when dealing with official or sensitive issues. Stay on track, let people come to you and do your research.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -Certain suggestions will make you question your next move. Call on those you trust to offer sage advice. A quick change of plans will deter someone from getting in your way.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

-- Don’t let a power struggle deter you from forging ahead. Stand tall, do your thing and leave nothing to chance. Precision, attention to detail and confidence will be your keys to success.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) --

Don’t jump too quickly. Assess situations and masterfully make your way forward. Call the shots instead of being at someone else’s beck and call.

It’s time to let your light shine.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) --

Timing is critical when dealing with people who want to stand in your way. Get ready to dodge negativity and outsmart anyone who interferes with your plans. Keep your eye on the target.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

-- Try something new. Use

your skills to outshine the competition. Don’t be afraid to be different or embrace change. How you move forward will determine how well you do.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Wipe that serious look off your face. You can have whatever you want if you use your charm to get others to help you. You’ll gain the respect and backup required to get things done.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

-- If you hesitate, you’ll miss an opportunity. Timing is crucial; seize the moment and reach your next goal. It’s time to expand your mind. Attend networking or social events and work the room.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -Choose your words wisely to avoid being left out. What you do, not what you say, will help you stand out and give you the

means to take the lead. Put your energy where it counts.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -Embrace whatever comes your way. Take on responsibilities that raise your confidence and put you back on top. Refuse to let anyone put you down or take control. Be a leader.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Don’t follow someone when you should be doing your own thing. Put your energy where it counts and nurture meaningful relationships. Build a loving environment.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)

-- Keep your dialogue simple, to the point and very convincing; you’ll get the reaction you want. A change at home will be the pick-me-up you need to appreciate what you have..

- Eugenia Last

Part of the Student Life portfolio in the Division of Student Affairs, the CSM is concerned with the development of students, focusing on critical thinking, leadership, ethics, collaboration, intercultural competence, goal-setting and ultimately, degree attainment. ultimately, degree attainment. While our students are engaged in producing and promoting media channels and content, our goal is to ensure they are learning to become better thinkers and leaders in the process.

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