Students feeling uneasy about safety following Moody break-in
T. GARCIA MARTINEZ
On Aug. 27, sophomore Ricardo Dyer was held at gunpoint inside his dorm in the Moody Towers.
The day before the robbery, a Rice University student, Andrea Rodriguez Avila, was found dead in her dorm room on Aug. 26. These events have been a source of concern for UH students regarding their safety on campus.
“Safety on campus is not great. We literally just had that incident where a student was held at two gunpoints,” said digital media junior Peter Kassim. “As someone who’s been living on campus for three years, we need more security.”
Kassim was coming back to his dorm after a work shift the night of the break-in incident at Moody Towers.
“There was nobody there, I walked in and didn’t even swipe my card, that’s pretty dangerous,” Kassim said.
Kassim works on campus and often has to walk back to his dorm when it’s dark. Kassim expressed frustration with having to walk in areas where the lack of lighting could potentially put him at risk of being attacked or harassed.
Lighting has been a consistent issue at the University despite attempts to remedy concerns with projects like “Walk in the Dark” and the Campus Lighting Project.
“They delayed the Campus Lighting Project so long, and there are many spots around campus with zero light where people can feel unsafe or become a victim of a crime,” Kassim said.
UH students expressed various thoughts on what the next steps should be when dealing with crime on campus.
Students communicated the need for more security and changes at the dormitories such as adding a gate around the buildings. However, some students believe adding these changes would not help in the long run.
“I feel like people are pretty tricky when they want to get something, and new rules don’t normally stop a lot,” said biology chemistry freshman Jasmine Kolar. “It just normally makes it more difficult for the people trying to follow the rules.”
Students also expressed the need for consistent security and preventative measures from the UH Police Department.
“I think UHPD does a good job on tightening security, but I feel like after a couple of months it just goes away,” said management information systems sophomore Grace Nyamapfumba.
To help avoid the anxiety surrounding crime on campus, students shared a few tips for staying safe.
Students like Kolar and Nyamapfumba advise making sure that students do not walk alone when it is dark out or throughout unsupervised areas.
UH also offers security escort services if students don’t feel safe walking alone.
“I understand why students express that they’re uncomfortable, especially living in Cougar Place, you’re walking all the way to the back,” said Nyamapfumba. “I suggest don’t look down at your phone all the time, don’t wear your headphones and just make sure to have your wits about yourself and your surroundings.”
The Cougar tried contacting UHPD multiple times but didn’t receive a response. news@thedailycougar.com
UH students react to presidential debate, political issues
JOSHUA VASQUEZ
@J0SH_VASQUEZ
The first presidential debate between Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee, took place on Sept. 10 at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The highly anticipated event drew more than 67 million viewers across the United States, according to Nielsen.
Even before the debate began, predictions and expectations were circulating widely across the nation. The stakes were high as voters looked to the debate to provide clarity on the candidates’ positions and capabilities.
“The psychology, body language and energy on display would shape the future
of our great nation,” said psychology alumnus Patrick Mueller. “God bless America!”
Throughout the 90-minute debate, the candidates tackled a range of pressing topics, including the economy, abortion, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Palestine conflict.
These issues are particularly important to UH students, who view them as pivotal when casting their vote for the upcoming election on Nov. 5, 2024.
Student Reactions
The debate drew strong reactions from UH students.
“Harris was the clear winner throughout the debate,” said construction management senior Spencer Martin. “I was already inclined to support her but her performance solidified that support.”
Martin praised Harris for her clarity and effectiveness, contrasting her approach with Trump’s, whom he felt struggled to stay focused.
While impressed by Harris’s overall performance, Martin expressed disappointment with her stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
“A simple call for a ceasefire isn’t enough,” he said. “I believe Israel has committed blatant acts against the Palestinians, which require a serious response and condemnation.”
Political science junior Denise Gonzalez echoed Martin’s thoughts, applauding Harris’ debate skills honed during her time as a prosecutor.
“Harris showed her sharpness, especially when compared to Trump, who is a businessman turned politician turned felon,” said Gonzalez.
Gonzalez also pointed out Harris’ ability to challenge Trump on major issues including healthcare and his vulnerability to manipulation by authoritarian leaders like Putin.
One of the more contentious topics of the debate was abortion, particularly Trump’s defense of state rights in the overturning of Roe v. Wade. This argument drew sharp criticism from many UH students.
“State rights aren’t always aligned with what people want or what’s best,” said electrical engineering freshman Karla Madrigal. “We never got to vote on abortion and slavery was once framed as a state rights issue too. Abortion should be nationally protected for the safety of
women and girls everywhere.”
UH College Democrats President Jonathan Alvarenga called Harris’ response to abortion impactful.
“She conveyed a clear vision for the future and a message that resonates with most Americans, especially young people: women deserve the right to choose,” said Alvarenga.
He expressed disbelief at Trump’s accusation that immigrants were eating pets, seeing it as an example of his broader pattern of misinformation.
“Trump’s vague response about healthcare, where he mentioned having a ‘concept’ of a plan, further illustrated his lack of a concrete policy,” Alvarenga said.
“These moments revealed his tendency to rely on falsehoods and divisive rhetoric rather than presenting a viable plan for the future.”
Polls and Public Opinion
A CNN poll revealed that 63 percent of debate watchers felt Harris won the debate, while 37 percent supported Trump.
However, a UH/TSU survey revealed that 49.5% of Texans intend to vote for Trump while 44.6% intend to vote for Democrat Kamala Harris. The rest of the remaining percentages intend to vote for third parties or independent candidates.
The Cougar reached out to Republican and conservative students but they declined to go on record.
news@thedailycougar.com
WENDOLEE
The emergency pole on Sept. 9, 2024. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar
REMODELING
Another UH renovation: MD Anderson Library computer lab remodeling
LUIS GONZALEZ STAFF WRITER
When the fall semester began in August, returning students noticed a change in the M.D. Anderson Library: half of the leftside computer lab on the first floor is now empty due to ongoing renovations.
“This space is being refreshed - new furniture is coming soon,” said a notice on the walls in front of the empty area when entering the lab.
The renovation has affected many students who usually study in the lab, as they must now find an available seat or computer before demands increase.
If they can’t find a spot, they resort to sitting on the floor or standing by corner tables in the empty area.
Another option is to go to the upper floors or use the adjacent lab, but a lot of students struggle to find seat availability later in the day.
“I can never depend on finding any seating on the first, second or third floor,” said strategic communications junior Mariah Torres. “I usually end up going to the sixth floor, because most of the time no one is there and I can easily find a seat.”
However, Torres mentioned that she has to be more mindful of noise levels on the sixth floor, as the study rooms there aren’t as enclosed as those on the lower floors.
This can limit students’ ability to discuss assignments or participate in virtual classes, but seating is almost always available.
“It’s a quiet floor so I have to be extra careful of how loud I am,” Torres said.
Many students prefer the library as a common study place because of its availability of computers, printers and its quiet environment.
CAMPUS
Currently, what’s left in the computer lab are the same computers, relocated to the remaining half of the lab, a reduced Bring Your Own Device section, now down by three-fourths, three printer stations and study rooms.
The Bring Your Own Device area, where students bring their laptops and use the optional monitors, fills up much more quickly due to its smaller size.
Many students rely on the campus’ computers to study, and by noon, all the computers in the computer lab are typically occupied.
This forces students to either borrow a laptop or search for a computer somewhere else on campus.
Students have high expectations for the remodel and hope for a better study area with proper seating again.
“I don’t mind the remodeling in the beginning of the semester, but I wish they gave us more chairs in the meantime,” said computer science sophomore Tommy Truong.
At the library, he chose to sit in the empty area to study with his studying partner.
“I hope there are more chairs and tables available, even if they don’t include computers,” Truong said. “I just want more places to sit.”
Fortunately, there is clarity regarding the purpose behind the remodel.
According to UH Libraries Interim Dean Christina H. Gola, the renovation aims to better accommodate student needs, as usage data indicated that computer usage levels did not meet the average demand.
“UH Libraries usage data showed that the computer labs located on the first floor of MD Anderson Library were not
being utilized to its capacity,” Gola said. “As part of our regular computer upgrade cycle, we consolidated computers and printing to a capacity that aligned with usage levels.”
This consolidation will allow improved support, by adding a computer lab support desk within sight of all computers and printers, Gola said.
The new academic year introduced a record-breaking class of new freshmen of about 6,200 students.
The remodeling process will meet the higher demands by adding more computers, seats and furniture for studying.
“Our refresh of the first floor will add new seating options for students and
we will gather further feedback on their preferences to inform future updates,” Gola said. “We want our spaces to continue to evolve with student needs and preferences.”
Remodeling has been widespread across campus this year, with projects including the protective measures at Agnes Arnold Hall, the renovation of the UH Entrance 14 driveway near Cullen Boulevard and updates at the Rec Center. The Centennial Project is one of the larger projects the University is pursuing.
Administration expects the library renovations to be done by the end of September.
news@thedailycougar.com
‘I feel suffocated’: Students share concerns about seating crunch
NINA MARTELL STAFF WRITER
@N1NAVICTORIA
As the University grows in population, space on campus for students does not. Whether it is finding places to sit, study or relax in between classes, students are burdened with long waiting lines or crowded rest spaces.
The most frequently visited places to study on campus are Student Centers North and South, and it is rare to find open seating for study sessions.
“Looking for places to study is very aggravating considering the more comfortable places on campus are always crowded,” said public health sophomore Hannah Ortega. “While studying in these spaces, I feel suffocated, and sometimes the Wifi crashes making it impossible to get work done in these study spaces.”
Students like Hannah are constantly struggling to find seating in common areas across campus. Regardless of them using these seats to kick back and relax, the majority use these common areas for academics.
“It takes me around two to three hours to study,” Ortega said. “I need these spots for a good amount of time, and I’m probably there for even longer if the atmosphere is distracting.”
Considering the amount of time students
need to do schoolwork and this year harboring the biggest freshman class in UH history, the seating availability is not accommodating.
To address these challenges, the Student Government Association shed light on what the path forward would be to tackle the limited seating crisis and still give a quality experience to students.
“There is not an initiative taking place at the moment, however, SGA is always striving to listen to student concerns,” said Sen. Sahar El Hoderi. “This issue has also been affecting me because even as a senator, I am also a student and working with student organizations.”
El Hoderi believes that not only are the common areas overpopulated but even booking rooms for events are always reserved.
Overpopulation is also affecting campus organizations needing to utilize these spaces for clubs, meetings and events.
These scheduling conflicts and limited spaces for student activities reduce the overall quality of student engagement, ultimately delaying the ability of organizations to prosper.
“In the long term, there is the Centennial Project, which is focused on planting more trees, making artificial shaded areas and outdoor spaces that are study-friendly,” Ortega said. “This plan focuses on creating
more outdoor hangout spaces which gives students variety in seating availability.”
However, while these plans beautify the campus and offer more quality study spaces, these changes would only apply within comfortable weather.
UH being a campus located in Texas, people on campus are typically experiencing warm and humid temperatures with thunderstorms and rain being common. Additionally, a bigger issue is the preparation of making new spaces.
“These spaces are aimed to be welcoming and inviting to students,” Ortega said. “However, these may contradict if these spots
are overcrowded as well and are no longer appealing to students.”
While the Centennial Project will offer more spaces and seating on campus, approaching this problem head-on is not easy. As of right now, the only solution for this would be collecting data on which spaces should be focused on.
With this information, the University should be able to make informed decisions on ensuring current and future students are offered access to revamped campus seating spaces.
news@thedailycougar.com
Students at the Student Center North on Sept. 10, 2024. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
The M.D. Anderson library on Sept. 6, 2024 | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
SOCCER
Cameryn and Casey Maddox: sisters by chance, teammates by choice
CAMRYN
ALBERIGO SPORTS EDITOR
@CAMRYN.ALBERIGO
Few athletes get the chance to play collegiate soccer, and even fewer get to share the field with a sibling.
That unique experience became a reality for Houston soccer’s junior forward Cameryn Maddox and freshman midfielder Casey Maddox when they were both named
FAMILY
starters during the Cougars’ opener against Texas on Aug. 15.
“We know each other on the field and can work well together,” Casey Maddox said.
“It’s been great knowing I can play with someone I share great chemistry with on and off the field.”
The sisters trained together growing up and played high school soccer at Shiloh High School in Snellville, Ga.
In 2022, the Generals finished with a 13-6 record and snapped a lengthy playoff drought.
“Our team wasn’t the best, so it was a challenge,” Cameryn Maddox said. “Our great chemistry allowed us to show our other teammates that it is possible to work together and be successful.”
The following season, Cameryn Maddox departed to play soccer at the University of San Diego, where she led the Toreros in scoring with three goals and two assists during her freshman season.
Meanwhile, the younger Casey Maddox committed to joining Houston during her junior year of high school.
It wasn’t long before Cameryn Maddox entered the transfer portal and felt inspired to compete as a Cougar for her sophomore season.
“It was a no-brainer choosing this school,” Cameryn Maddox said. “I knew it would be cool to play soccer with my sister again.”
Cameryn Maddox arrived in Houston for its inaugural Big 12 season.
She played a monumental role in UH’s 6-0-1 start to the 2023 season and scored seven goals across the Cougars’ first seven contests.
In the spring of 2024, Casey Maddox
arrived in Houston and quickly immersed herself in the Cougar culture, thanks to the relationship she spent years crafting with her sister.
“Siblings don’t always like to listen to each other, but I am so glad I can show her the ropes and get her acclimated,” Cameryn Maddox said. “When she first arrived, I could prepare her for things that the other players might not have been ready for yet.”
As the girls have grown, they feel better equipped to play together and share an even greater appreciation for each other’s skill sets.
“When we were younger, we used to argue a lot on the field, but as we have become more mature, we work even better together,” Casey Maddox said.
Now, the bond between the girls runs deeper than wearing Cougar red; they possess a rich understanding of each other that began long before they thought of playing together at the collegiate level.
“It has been great knowing I have someone here who I am very close to and can always talk to,” Cameryn Maddox said. “We haven’t played together in a while, and it’s been great to be together again and play with family.”
sports@thedailycougar.com
Family support plays big role in first generation students’ success
WENDOLEE T. GARCIA MARTINEZ STAFF WRITER
@TOP444CIO
First-generation college students make up 44% of the student body at UH. These students are the first in their families to pursue a four-year college education.
For many, this implies figuring out the application process and the challenges that come along the way by themselves.
Despite their family not being able to help during their college experience, they are still a shoulder to lean on and a source of motivation for these first generation students.
“Being a first-generation student shows my resilience. Due to my upbringing, I have been put against every trial to get to university,” said political science and communications freshman Valerie Erazo. “To be a first-generation student means to beat all the odds, break generational curses and continue to build knowledge.”
The college application process combined with FAFSA, is usually the first bump in the road that often leads to students feeling unmotivated and anxious about college which leaves them with doubts about graduating.
These struggles usually start in high school since most students come from families with no prior knowledge of extracurriculars or advanced placement classes that are helpful to be able to stand out in college applications.
The FAFSA process requires students and their parents to answer a series of complicated questions, most of which have to be answered by parents who often don’t understand the questions.
This past year, FAFSA made changes to their application process claiming it would be simpler, however, these changes have caused parents lacking permanent legal status to be discriminated against.
“FAFSA was difficult to fill out, due to it being discriminatory towards my family and I had a difficult time understanding how to apply to college,” Erazo said. “I wasn’t sure how extracurriculars worked and I didn’t have access to AP classes in high school, so I came into college with zero credits.”
Despite these challenges and demotivating situations, Erazo has everything figured out now and is enjoying student life.
For any student, nothing compares to the support their parents and families can give them during college.
“I came across a lot of issues regarding planning and I didn’t really have anyone to go to for advice,” said education sophomore Celina Madrigal. “Most times I have to figure it out on my own and asking faculty for advice could never be the same.”
Through these hardships, firstgeneration students still felt the need and determination to work hard and achieve a higher education.
For students like Erazo and Madrigal, all of this is a result of watching their parents struggle and start from zero to give them a good life and open up opportunities.
For the most part, first-generation students have seen their parents work long hours to make ends meet.
Along with the stories of struggle and childhood dreams, parents have helped students realize the importance
of attending college and having the opportunity to live out the aspirations their parents could only ever dream of.
“The stories about their childhood and knowing their past has inspired me,” said studio art junior Keren Lopez. “Just in general hearing the stories about how they couldn’t even complete a high school degree because they needed to work in order to help their family out: that inspires me to complete my university path.”
Though college can be challenging and there are other hardships outside of college that students have to learn to manage, succeeding is not impossible.
Having a community and family to lean back on when things get rough is important, especially for first-generation students who can at times feel alone and anxious about their future.
Family is the biggest backbone of a student’s education.
First-generation students often look up
to their parents and are grateful for their guidance and support.
Moreover, students also have the dedication to make their parent’s feel their sacrifices were worth the troubles.
“All the hard work, the long commutes, the long nights studying, is nothing compared to what my parents did to allow me to be in the situation that I am now,” said kinesiology senior Pedro LopezSanchez. “Everything I do is for them.”
Apart from family and emotional support, UH also offers resources to help first-generation students navigate college stress-free such as the Center for Student Empowerment and Career Springs.
The faculty and staff have helped UH to be accepted into the First Generation Forward Network along with 429 other colleges and universities.
news@thedailycougar.com
Casey Maddox (left) and Cameryn Maddox (right) pose at the University of Houston Athletics Alumni Center. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
Lily Huynh/The Cougar
How UH students deal with homesickness
@CHRISTOPH.3R
Homesickness is a common problem for college students.
While homesickness can’t be controlled, it is still possible to manage reactions and cope with it. To avoid booking the soonest flight home, read more on how students from all walks of life combat homesickness:
Call home
Simply phoning home can serve to remind a student they’re not alone.
Computer science freshman Jay Castelan, whose family is out of state, phones home every night.
“Me and my parents talk everyday over the phone,” Castelan said. “It helps me feel less
TRICKS
homesick because it reminds me I always have someone supporting me from the sidelines.”
During these calls, he describes his day and gives his parents a rundown of what’s happening in his life.
This helps him to process new events, de-stress and feel like he’s with his family while still advancing at UH.
Find family in your friends
Biology junior Sina Jafari is heavily involved on campus and experienced homesickness. What all students can do to help relieve homesickness is to meet people, Jafari said.
“You can meet people anywhere, it can be at a lecture hall, the dormitory, even lines in the dining hall,” Jafari said. “You’ll find people are much more receptive than you think and
everyone’s looking to find new friends.”
A close friend group can serve as family and transform campus into a home away from home. They can be a support network and a shoulder to lean on in tough times.
Stay distracted
By staying occupied, students have less time to think about home and can settle into campus life more easily. This helps create a sense of belonging similar to what a student might feel at home.
“There’s so much to do on campus that most of the time you’ll never have to go far for anything to pass the time,” Jafari said. “Join clubs, organizations, go see plays football games and hangout with the people around you.”
Visit home whenever you can
While this may temporarily relieve feelings of homesickness, it may help to comfort students and remind them that they’re not alone.
As someone raised in Houston, family isn’t far off, but Jafari still feels the weight of being away from home.
“I try to visit a couple times a month, but I don’t stay for the weekend,” Jafari said. “People can do whatever though, and you shouldn’t feel bad about having a dorm and staying at home sometimes.”
Process feelings
Pushing feelings to the side will only allow them to fester and come back later to hurt.
They need to be processed properly and mindfully.
Students should take time to meditate, to go on walks and engage in mindfulness. UH offers a variety of resources for students, such as CoogsCARE, which provides mental health resources.
Additionally, students may access Counseling and Psychological Services to speak with therapists and process their feelings with a professional.
Motivate yourself
Students should reflect on why they’re in college, their purpose and their goals and aspirations.
Remembering these reasons can help them manage homesickness and stay focused on their academic and personal objectives
“I use it to my advantage and as motivation,” Castelan said. “I’m getting an education to make them proud.”
A students’ purpose may come from a variety of sources, and remembering this purpose can make a huge change in feeling homesick.
Let it pass
Ultimately, being homesick is a wound that only time may heal. Allowing time to process feelings, settling in and getting used to college life is the quickest way to feeling better.
Students should do their best to get involved, stay active and motivate themselves in college while they let their feelings pass. news@thedailycougar.com
Tips to maintain healthy relationships with your family in college
GUPTA
GAURAANGI
NEWS EDITOR
@GAURAANGIGUPTA
College life is hectic and difficult. Surviving becomes even more difficult if students have been with their families all throughout their lives.
From international students to in-state students, missing families is a pretty common phenomenon. Here are a few tips to fight through separation anxiety and feeling lonely:
Regular communication
While college schedules can be very jam-packed, it’s essential to maintain regular communication with your parents.
Calling them once a day and checking in will help students feel connected and make them feel like there’s someone who has their back.
It provides emotional support and students can share their big and small moments. This will also enable a sense of safety for the parents as well.
Consider their perspective
College brings a lot of independence for students and an equal amount of anxiety for their families. Parents tend to get extra worried and concerned about their children once they leave for college. This can lead to paranoia and misunderstandings on both sides. To avoid such situations, it is recommended
that students listen to their concerns and try to make them feel heard and respected.
Students might not agree with their perspective but listening to their concerns will reassure them. It is also important that families know how to contact their children in case of emergencies.
This could involve sharing important contact information like a roommate’s phone number or the address of a close friend.
Practice time management
Developing time management skills is important for both studying and spending time with your family. This will help
students stay up to date with their work while having dedicated time for their families.
Plan for holidays, birthdays or special family gatherings well in advance and create a schedule together. This will give them emotional comfort that their child still thinks about them.
Scheduling also makes it easier to stay in touch despite busy routines.
Create new family traditions
This is really important especially for international and out of state students. It’s very common to have old, family traditions and being in college sometimes denies the liberty to continue them. Therefore, it is essential to start making
new traditions. Make use of technology to the fullest and ensure your family knows you still value the traditions.
Whether it’s a virtual movie night, sending postcards or celebrating milestones with video calls, new traditions can help maintain a similar closeness.
Practice boundaries
It is okay to feel homesick but, it is equally important to maintain healthy boundaries while also respecting theirs. It is okay to have an expectation that they are always one call away, however, that might not be the case all the time.
Students shouldn’t let their parents have high expectations and make it clear when they’re available to talk and when they need space for studying or social activities.
Embrace the distance
It is difficult to accept the distance from home. It can feel overwhelming and the urge to just give up is unavoidable. However, it is important to embrace the distance and accept college life. This will make the transition process easier and make the families feel better too.
Students should take this time as an opportunity to grow into themselves and learn more about who they want to become in life.
news@thedailycougar.com
Lily Huynh/The Cougar
Lily Huynh/The Cougar
sports Houston handily reclaims Bayou Bucket, a piece of history
CAMRYN ALBERIGO
SPORTS EDITOR
@CAMRYN.ALBERIGO
On Sept. 9, 2023, a failed two-point conversion in double overtime snapped Houston’s seven-game winning streak in matchups against the Owls and led to Rice celebrating with the Bayou Bucket on their home turf.
Head coach Willie Fritz played that video to motivate his team to take back the hardware.
“I told the guys this is a big ball game,” Fritz said. “Rice has it circled. We need to have it double-circled. That’s how we practiced all week.”
The Cougars’ commanding 33-7 win will now take its spot in history as the Bayou Bucket will return to UH, exactly 50 years after the first matchup.
In 1974, Houston defeated Rice in the first Bayou Bucket Classic, a term coined by the Touchdown Club of Houston to pay homage to the bayous that cross the city.
Houston and Rice sit only 4.6 driving miles apart, the closest distance between two Football Bowl Subdivision schools.
For 50 years, the nearly annual encounter has granted one worthy team bragging rights and the Bayou Bucket trophy, which resides with the champion until the next meeting.
The piece of hardware stands nearly three feet tall and includes engravings of the scores of the previous matchups.
Saturday’s contest marked the 46th alltime meeting between the programs and the 43rd since the rivalry was officially named the Bayou Bucket Classic. The team’s first played in 1971 as members of the Southwest Conference.
The matchup has been interrupted three times, including 1996-98, 2014-16 and 2019-20.
Currently, there are no plans for Bayou Bucket games after the 2025 season.
Historically, Houston has won 34 games
against the Owls and lost a lone five at home. This year’s dominant win marked the Cougars’ eighth straight home victory against Rice.
From the get-go, Houston set out to make a statement and snap their five-game losing streak dating back to Nov. 4, 2023.
The Cougars got on the board with a 65-yard rushing touchdown run from junior running back Stacy Sneed. Houston would haul in more points on their next drive thanks to a 75-yard punt return from Junior Mekhi Mews.
The first-half slaughter wasn’t done yet as senior quarterback Donovan Smith threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to junior wide receiver Stephon Johnson to make it 20-0.
Smith capped off Houston’s scoring in the second half by rushing for two touchdowns that gave the Cougars a 33-point lead.
The Cougars’ offense put on a show as usual in matchups with Rice. UH has scored 31 plus in its last 15 consecutive matchups against the Owls.
Contrary to last year’s upset, the defense held down the fort and built on last week’s strong showing against then No. 16 Oklahoma, in which the Cougars held the Sooners to 16 points.
BAYOU BUCKET
Continues on next page
The Cougars celebrate with the Bayou Bucket trophy after defeating Rice on Sept. 14 at UH. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
NIL, the transfer portal are changing college sports
ASHTON GRISSOM STAFF WRITER
@ASHTONAGRISSOM8
On almost every broadcast, podcast or sports-related medium, a player’s name, image and likeness are among the hottest topics alongside transfer portals. NIL and the transfer portal have transformed collegiate sports by giving athletes endless possibilities in their athletic experience and changing the landscape of college athletics. What is NIL?
NIL is an acronym for name, image, and likeness, which is an easy way to summarize a very complex topic: how collegiate athletes can monetize themselves outside of school. Many sports fans are confused by this because collegiate athletes have never been able to be paid to play collegiate sports until July 1, 2021, when the NCAA met and agreed to change the rule so athletes could earn compensation for their efforts.
Athletes can sell themselves by signing autographs, selling their merchandise and signing NIL deals with companies, local businesses and even big corporations that often have athletes appear in advertisements. In addition, they post their brand on social media, and in return, the athlete will receive compensation.
Any NIL deal an athlete agrees to has to be approved by the university and reported to their compliance department, but
BAYOU BUCKET
Continued from previous page
“We did a good job on calling the defense throughout the game, with a good defensive staff,” Fritz said. “These kids are executing the plan. We are dialed in right now defensively.”
Fritz used the final minutes of play to allow athletes further down the depth chart to get some action and protect his top players.
Rice mounted a 70-yard scoring drive, which created an avenue for the Owls to narrowly fly away from the first Bayou Bucket
universities do not have to report the deals in full to the NCAA. Instead, the university has to provide deidentified data over these deals to the NCAA twice a year.
A collective is an organization specifically designed to help these athletes through the NIL process. This group comprises university alumni and supporters who help raise money through donors and boosters. They then work with these athletes and assist them with signing NIL deals. Almost every Power Four school has at least one collective, and many schools have multiple. Every SEC school now has multiple collectives for their athletes, and many other conferences are not far from joining them.
The NCAA’s goal for NIL was to give players a way to earn compensation for their achievements without universities directly paying them. The idea was to allow athletes’ performance and work ethic to dictate how much they would earn outside of sports.
Following the first few years of testing for this new NIL era, things went differently than intended. Since there is no cap or limit on how many NIL deals an athlete can sign or how much an athlete can make off these deals, the amount of money these young adults make is limitless. While the average athlete makes a reasonable amount off of NIL, the stars of the sport have entered a new level of pay for their efforts.
shutout in nearly 35 years.
Just a week ago, Rice defeated Texas Southern University 59-7. This week the page turned in a sub-optimal way for the Owls as they were on the receiving end of the worst Bayou Bucket loss since Houston defeated Rice 48-14 in 2003.
Houston’s defensive unit put the offense in positions to score and kept the Owls at bay for the majority of the contest.
Sophomore linebacker Jalen Garner intercepted a ball from
NIL has now blurred the lines between college and professional sports. Athletes might stay in college in college for extra years because they make more money in college than they would professionally. Another major problem is that minimal loyalty remains in college sports. If athletes are unsatisfied with their NIL situation at their current school, they can almost instantly find another university to meet their financial requests through the transfer portal.
The NCAA’s challenge now is implementing an NIL system that does not interfere with the recruitment of athletes or alter the prevalence of transfers throughout the transfer window. A direct correlation exists between where most highly rated transfers choose to go and the amount of NIL a school can offer.
What is the transfer portal?
Before implementing the transfer portal, transferring schools was a long and tedious process. It would take weeks to even months to approve the paperwork to get accepted to transfer to another university for sports. This doesn’t account for the time it takes to reach out to new schools and their coaches. Overall, the previous system was a dreaded process for both parties, and officials needed to address several issues.
The league’s solution to this problem was the transfer portal. The NCAA established the transfer portal on Oct. 15, 2018, hugely impacting college sports. The NCAA designed the portal as a tool for athletes and universities to make the transfer process more transparent and efficient.
It takes the form of a database in which an athlete submits their name and when they intend to transfer. Coaches from every university can access the database, and communication between coaches and athletes can commence.
This new system saves time for athletes and coaches, but several other groups also benefit from this change.
Coaches, athletes, and university groups involved in the transfer process all highly praise the new system’s efficiency
The transfer portal has benefits to be excited about; however, there is still a lot of controversy regarding the portal.
The main issues are decreased loyalty and school pride. Athletes are making an eye-popping amount in college sports causing transfers to emulate professional
Rice’s junior quarterback E.J. Warner, which put Houston within a yard of a touchdown.
“We are a dominating defense,” Garner said. “No matter the obstacles or who we are going against, we are going to dominate.”
The Cougars allowed just 159 yards, the fewest Houston has allowed since a 2021 matchup with Grambling.
Four key tackles came from junior defensive back Latrell McCutchin Sr., before he was hit
free agency.
UH
NIL fundraisers
There have been several fundraisers set up all around the country for the sole purpose of raising NIL money for athletes.
The Cougars men’s basketball team will participate in one of these events called the Players Era Impact Tournament this November in Las Vegas, Nev. Houston will face Alabama, Notre Dame and Rutgers. There are up to one million dollars in NIL opportunities for the athletes. In return, the fans can enjoy tailgates and several outdoor activities outside the stadium and get autographs from their favorite players.
Another way NIL money is raised is through trading cards. A company named ONIT has been approved to sell trading cards for every FBS team of all sports. Every pack has 14 cards and has a chance of special inserted cards such as signed cards from the athletes. Sixty percent of the money raised from these trading cards goes directly to the athletes.
Coach’s Sampsons thoughts
Houstons men’s basketball coach Kelvin Sampson has been at the forefront of accepting and adapting to the world of NIL.
“This is not something that you can agree with or not agree with. It has nothing to do with it,” Sampson said. “That would be a very ignorant take on it. You better understand it. It’s here to stay.”
Now that players are receiving compensation for their athletic efforts, the same will be expected in the future.
“We are all new to this. We are not 10-year vets in NIL,” Sampson said. “Every month information comes out, and we have to ask questions that ensure we are doing it the right way.”
Sampson clearly illustrates that everyone is getting used to these new developments, and it will take time and several adjustments to settle into the NIL and transfer portal era.
The emergence of the transfer portal and NIL has completely changed the landscape for the foreseeable future by giving athletes a way to sell themselves and opening up opportunities through the portal. While many athletes will benefit from the ability to monetize themselves, there are still many roadblocks to overcome in this new system.
sports@thedailycougar.com
with a targeting ejection that ended his night. Senior outside linebacker Bradon Mack and senior defensive back Hershey McLaurin chipped in four tackles of their own.
Rice was 0-11 on third downs before converting their first with just over five minutes left in the game.
“I have been on the other side I know what it feels like. They were demoralized,” senior linebacker Michael Batton said. “We were so much more athletic than them.
We took their soul. It’s a rivalry game; that’s what we planned to do.”
Houston imposed its will on the Owls and returned the Bayou Bucket to UH.
Now, a video of the Cougars celebrating with the trophy might make its way to the Rice locker room before the 2025 matchup, as the teams look to build on the rivalry that holds a rich history, 50-plus years in the making. sports@thedailycougar.com
Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar
Coach Ryan Elvin, Cougars’ new graduate assistant
MAANAV GUPTA
STAFF WRITER
@MGSPORTSTALK
In the second round of the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Ryan Elvin helped the Houston Cougars men’s basketball team save their season. With four starters fouled out and a game where Texas A&M hit a buzzer-beater three to force overtime, it was the walk-on that made the clutch free throw to help send UH to their fifth straight Sweet 16.
It seemed like a full circle moment for the 6’1 former guard who started the last home game of his UH career. As Elvin was honored pre-game during the senior ceremony, the familiar chant, “We want Elvin,” echoed across Fertitta Center.
Elvin stays humble about his background and skill set as the underdog and hardest worker.
The recent UH graduate is well known as a Houston fan favorite. Head coach Kelvin Sampson used the word “program favorite” to describe him.
“I love Ryan Elvin. I wish every team I coached had Ryan Elvin on it,” Kelvin Sampson said.
After a memorable career as a player, Elvin announced he would be joining the staff as a graduate assistant.
“Coaching is something that I always wanted to get into and played into which college path I decided to take,” Elvin said.
“It’s a blessing playing four years here and being able to be a part of some great teams, meeting all the fans, being around great players, great teammates and coaches,” the new graduate assistant said. “It’s special to start a new journey in a familiar territory and a program that made me into who I am today.”
Elvin could have gone to a Divison II or Division III school and spent more time on the court. Instead, he chose to be a walk-on at UH after initially meeting with assistant coach Kellen Sampson the summer before
his senior year of high school.
Elvin reached out to both Kellen and Kelvin right before the end of his playing career about his future. Elvin always desired to take on a basketball coaching role.
“When the opportunity came, we talked about it, and they offered me the opportunity to be a GA here at the University of Houston. I’m extremely thankful they did that,” Elvin said.
The Round Rock, Texas, native received plenty of advice from Sampson on how to go about his career. Sampson wanted him to enjoy the time as a player and make the most of that stage of his life.
“They said try to play for as long as possible and enjoy that because your playing career is something you never get back. You can coach for the rest of your life, but you know you only have a small window to play,” Elvin said.
When it comes to coaching advice, it becomes a different perspective.
“They told me welcome to the dark side. coach Sampson really just told me to be grateful for the opportunity,” Elvin said.
Elvin is in the middle of his graduate program, which he started last year. It worked out for him because he’s in the second half of it, which makes the classes less demanding. The program works around him, and all his classes are online.
Elvin has completed most of the program by taking advantage of the time he has after work or at the moment, where not much is going on during the weekend.
He plans on completing his master’s degree in management and leadership by May 2025.
“You gotta sacrifice some time, stay up a little later in order to get everything done,” the graduate assistant said.
How would Ryan Elvin be as a coach? It’s a different role, but his job is to supplement the assistant coaches and help serve as an
his teammates,” assistant coach Kellen Sampson said.
“Ryan carried himself in such a way that nobody questions his loyalties. I think Ryan has already transitioned into the coach role, and our players don’t question that he’s not their brother for life. At the same time, he’s Coach Ryan now.”
The men’s basketball program always saves a graduate assistant spot for a former player or manager. Leadership in Houston set up the opportunity for Elvin early on in his career.
“We just laid it out for him; if this is what he wanted to do, this is what the expectations would be. And he more than lived up to his side of it,” Kellen Sampson said.
UH men’s basketball made it clear they would always support Elvin in whatever he wanted to do moving forward. No matter what, he would have been allowed to come back as a graduate assistant.
“He earned that with his character, the type of teammate he was, the leader he was, he exemplified all of the characteristics of a really good coach when he was a player,” Kellen Sampson said.
extra voice for Kelvin Sampson .
“I am probably not the one that’s going to do all the yelling and stuff at this stage of my career,” Elvin said. “I am a mediator sometimes. I just tell the guys this is what the coaches are trying to get through to you, and I try to get them to grasp the message.”
Overall, the move from player to coach has been smooth because of Elvin’s leadership capabilities.
Being a part of the program helped make Elvin’s transition easier, as it takes away some of the learning curve and he can just focus on coaching.
“One of the things that’s really helped Ryan is that he was so respected amongst
Initially, Elvin was more reserved when he was younger, but now his voice is louder and he has found his footing. Sampson mentioned being authentic as a coach is how people will follow you.
“He’s really comfortable in those shoes, and he’s doing an awesome job of being himself every day, and our guys are responding to that in a powerful way,” Kellen Sampson said.
As the program looks to have another successful year and make strides in March, Elvin will continue to get a front-row seat and have a part in the magic the Cougars craft on the court.
“It’s a dream come true to get back to the program that gave me so much,” Elvin said.
“I really look forward to it.”
sports@thedailycougar.com
Ryan Elvin charges in as the Cougars compete against Pennsylvania State University on Dec. 30, 2023. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar
Ryan Elvin plays in a contest against University of Louisianna Monroe on Nov. 6, 2023. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar
POLITICS
Staying indifferent is not the answer to politics
ANAYA BAXTER OPINION ASSIST
@ANAYABAX
Time and time again, it seems every election is deemed the most important of its era. It’s possible that either the country keeps getting worse every four years, or that sentiment is overused. Regardless, America is in a fragile state as necessities continue to be unaffordable and our tax dollars actively fund a genocide.
One would assume that with such high stakes, citizens would be eager to cast their ballots. That is not the case for everyone, whether due to a lack of understanding, burnout or pessimism.
Neutrality no longer has a place in politics. It has long been a poor excuse that allows personal comfort to override the people’s responsibility to advocate for themselves and others. Now, political indifference stands in the way of Americans exercising their rights to democracy.
Despite seemingly endless commentary and media coverage, NBC News reports that only 64% of eligible voters are highly interested in the 2024 election. The study was conducted before President Biden dropped out of the race, bringing nationwide attention to Democratic Nominee Kamala Harris. However, the record low still shows the threat
EDUCATION
of Americans opting out of political participation.
Eligible voters choosing to skip out on election day is understandable on the surface. Few politicians truly represent the average citizen and even succeed in showcasing agreeable morals. Along with the trying times of the past years, hopelessness is an easy path to fall down. However, a decision will have to be made. Refusing to vote will not fix individual or large-scale problems, nor will it hold officials accountable. In fact, it may lead to the more harmful of the “lesser evils” winning.
Choosing not to vote does not signal to the government that they need to do better, it tells them they can continue to operate as they please.
At no point in history has effective change come from silence. Boycotts, protests and political engagement bring about change — staying at home does not. Politicians are not mind readers. For there to be accurate representation and clear reflections of societal values, demands must loudly be declared.
Subscribing to the myth of one vote being unimportant becomes dangerous when millions of people adopt the mentality. Uncasted ballots could change the outcome of entire elections and the course of the country’s future.
The privilege of voting should not be taken for granted. Millions face difficulties despite their desires to participate, whether through inaccessible poll locations, restrictive laws or other forms of voter suppression. It is a disservice to suffrage activists, as well as everyday citizens denied their rights, to be passive with such a powerful choice.
Political engagement should not stop after presidential elections, either. Engaging with local governments and staying informed is just as important and brings about the most visible payoff. Further, participating in smallerscale governmental practices will ease overwhelming feelings that arise when the whole country turns its eyes to the biggest event.
Being politically aware is not as daunting as it seems. In a digital age where information is widely accessible, there are endless ways to get informed. From tuning into a podcast episode to reading an article, news can be accessed anywhere and in any form to cater to various learning styles.
There is no doubt that the American government and politics as a whole, are complex and often uncomfortable. That does not mean that it should be abandoned. Someone will be on the receiving end of their cruelty if there
is no collective effort to hold officials accountable.
In a sense, being politically informed is a “choose your hard” situation. It is hard to learn about tragedies and feel powerless or to discuss them with others. It is also hard to watch the country regress and strip away fundamental rights without trying to do anything.
It is hard, year after year, to watch another election pass and be forced to go with the motions. So, choose your hard. Make that decision so that the change you desire can come just a step closer to fruition.
Politics impacts everybody, whether by choice or force. No one is immune to the political process, so ditch the indifference and make your voice heard.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
There’s no shame in taking a gap year despite concerns
PARKER HODGES-BEGGS
OPINION
With the 2024-2025 school year underway, it’s a certainty, as it is every year, that plenty of students have begun doubting their decision to come to college. Higher education is a big undertaking, both mentally and financially. Many choose not to pursue it immediately after high school, and plenty of those who do it later decide it’s not for them or take a break in the middle of their studies. This is called a gap year, and while many will claim it’s a bad idea to take one, there are a multitude of reasons to do so.
Studies have shown that, despite
contrary beliefs, students who have taken gap years are more likely to graduate on time than those who haven’t. In addition to this, these students often report higher satisfaction with their careers and mental health.
This is likely due to the fact that those who take that break have the time to assess themselves and their outlook on school and life in general, whereas those who neglect that time are thrust straight into the stress of studying in a new environment.
There’s also the issue of financial struggles, which many are not prepared for before going to school.
An unfortunate reality for many students is that they’re not ready to dish out
thousands of dollars to a university, and they don’t realize it before the pressure to commit to a career path forces them into massive amounts of debt.
It’s also worth mentioning that what many people, particularly worried parents, think a gap year constitutes is a far cry from what it actually entails.
Despite concerns that gap years will lead one to become lazy or party too much, surveys have shown that those who take them often use that phase to expand their cultural knowledge, explore career opportunities and join volunteer organizations.
These are all very beneficial ventures that overall increase the likelihood of individuals finishing college and finding the path that works best for them.
Strangely enough, it’s not uncommon for students in other countries, specifically within Europe, to take a break from academics before pursuing a degree. During this period, young scholars will set aside a year or two to travel or work. This is done in the hopes of gaining real world experience and following their passions before reentering an academic setting or joining the workforce.
In the United States, though, the concept of a gap year is often shunned and discouraged.
Of course, the sort of adventures that
are suggested for gap years are often financially improbable for those who have just graduated from high school. 18 year olds with minimum wage jobs can’t feasibly travel to another country to “find themselves” before locking down on school or their careers.
While college is also a large financial strain, it’s much easier to justify going into debt in the pursuit of education than it is to spend thousands traveling across the world in what some would consider a waste of time.
In reality, that “waste of time” could be the difference between being adequately prepared and completely bogged down by the unexpected mental and financial burdens of higher education. Going to college is a big decision, and one that many, if not most students are not as prepared for as they may think. Despite the claims of many that gap years are wasteful, it’s important to take the time to consider whether or not college is for you. Whether this leads to grand adventures across the world, or simply finding somewhere to settle in and save up, no one should feel ashamed for allowing themselves downtime in between education.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar
Eman-Ghacham/The Cougar
Elevator Days: Your friendly neighborhood indie-pop band
would jam,” Mendoza said. “Then we played a house show for fun and got hooked.”
Elevator Days isn’t just a rising local indie-pop band, but is actually composed of UH’s very own students and alumni.
The band previously performed at Frontier Fiesta last spring and are now all set to kick off their Texas tour in November.
The tour will begin on Nov. 10 and they will be hitting Dallas, San Antonio, Austin, Houston and possibly performing in San Marcos and College Station.
The band members
The band members include lead singer and rhythm guitarist Ethan Mendoza, lead drummer Samantha Cotrofeld, bass guitarist and backup vocalist James “Sunny” Garcia and lead guitarist Kevin Young.
While Mendoza is a marketing senior and Cotrofeld is a kinesiology junior, Garcia and Young are both UH graduate students.
Mendoza recalled how it was funny as he met all the other bandmates at UH. He met Young during an accounting class and Cotrofeld through a common friend.
At the time, Garcia was living at Cullen Oaks and met Mendoza through a common friend who went to UH.
“I had a friend that would come to my dorm and make music,” Mendoza said. “Then we would head over to Sunny’s place to get the music produced by him and make big ideas.”
They were all close friends and had known each other for years before deciding to launch themselves as Elevator Days.
“They knew I always wanted to make music and after Sam got a drum set we all decided that we
Introduction to music
Apart from UH being a common ground for the artists, another common point was how they all had musical history dating back to their parents.
Garcia had always been influenced by music and would have guitars everywhere at his home.
“My dad and mom have always been heavily involved in the music scene. My dad has been in a band ever since he was my age,” Mendoza said. “And he’s even now in the church band and 80s cover band and my mom did the same.”
Young would pick up his fondness towards music because of his father who bought him a guitar at the age of about 14. His father was a lot into music and even ran a radio station.
“He would be playing all these cold songs that we would never hear before,” Young said. “Kind of annoying at first but it kind of rubbed off on me.”
For Cotrofeld, her father also was in a band that he started and Elevator days even played with them in Sealy, a little ahead of Katy.
Her father played the guitar before he went to the army. It’s also how he met Cotrofeld’s mother through the band.
He also encouraged her to learn keyboard in junior high however, they didn’t have a keyboard and offered percussion instead.
“So I was like, okay, I guess I’ll do percussion. So I never wanted to do it,” Cotrofeld said. “But then it was kind of cool, I liked it through junior high and decided to continue in high school.”
While Garcia’s parents were not involved in the music industry as professionals, his father played
becomes difficult to manage, according to the bandmates.
However, their passion towards producing music and humble bonding with each other makes it possible for them to practice every now and then.
“We just try to find a lot of late nights and early mornings,” Mendoza said. “We also try to find areas in between where we can just fit as much schoolwork as possible.”
While Mendoza and Cotrofeld try to manage school work with band practice, Garcia and Young struggle with the Houston traffic. Despite these issues, the band agrees that while it is a lot, as long as they stay organized, it works out well for them.
EDITORIAL
ISSUE STAFF
drums when he was younger.
Gracia was even taught how to play the piano when he was just seven years old by his father. He started playing guitar when he was nine years old because of his best friend who was playing at that time and was also in a band in middle school.
“I just randomly started picking up stuff, and then I started producing when I was like 15,” Garcia said. “I wanted to do hip hop beats.”
The name
According to the bandmates, the name does not really have a real meaning and it is actually a lyric from one of their favorite bands, the Backseat lovers.
To them, it feels like a really good statement describing what it’s like to be a part of a chaotic youth.
“People always like to look back and say how great it is to be young but it’s also very challenging with a lot of ups and downs,” Mendoza said. “We like to refer to this as your elevator days.”
The band dynamics
Since half of the band has graduated while the other half is still in school, the practice session
“As long as we’re having fun on stage, it’s all that matters,” Garcia said.
The band will also be working on a very packed schedule during the Texas tour as well, since it will be the finals season for Mendoza and Cotrofeld.
“We actually have a wild plan for that, Sam and I have an exam on the 13th so we scheduled our offday then so we will play a show on the 12th in San Antonio,” they said. “We will then drive all the way back to Houston the next morning, take our exam and book it to the show in Austin.”
Future plans
Apart from touring in November, the band wants to start throwing events for different UH organizations and at places closer to campus, promoting the music scene in Houston.
As of now, they are navigating through school and work, trying to take it easy.
During summer, the band was heavily involved and played their first headlining set at White Oak Music Hall and even got to record at San Jacintos main studio.
Lucky for Houstonians, the band will be making it a free show. news@thedailycougar.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250 words and signed, including the author’s full name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; send them via campus mail to STP 4015; or fax to (713) 743-5384. Letters are subject to editing.
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The band memebrs posing fot The Cougar on April 25, 2024 | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
GAURAANGI GUPTA
The members showing their Coog spirit on April 25, 2024. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
April’s Angle: How to mantain friends in college
APRIL BADMUS
STAFF WRITER
@ITZ_APRULLL
Hi! Welcome to the very first issue of April’s Angle, where I share my thoughts on everything from fashion and beauty to college life and beyond. If you have questions or need advice on any topic, I’m here to help!
Let me introduce myself: I’m April! I am an 18-year-old freshman here at UH, I love all things pertaining to the mind and lifestyle. I am a psychology student, so you know I love pretending to know it all. I enjoy chatting with my friends and giving advice, so feel free to ask me anything. You can submit anonymous questions or opinions through the link in the April’s Angle highlight on The Cougar’s Instagram or message me personally.
Q: How do I make friends and maintain them?
The simple answer is to be yourself and put yourself out there. The better answer is not so simple.
Trying to make friends can be incredibly difficult and such a humbling experience, especially on a campus filled with commuters and people who seem to already have their freshman-year friend group.
Seek people out
My first piece of advice is to actively seek people out; So many of my friendships blossomed from a compliment. If you see
Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar
someone with a pair of shoes you like or a style you’re inspired by, tell them!
Nine times out of ten, it will spark up a conversation. If it doesn’t, don’t be discouraged. Follow it up with a question.
A simple “What’s your name?” should set off a series of backand-forth pleasantries that you can shape into your first interaction with a new friend!
Be open-minded
Another very important aspect of making a friend is
understanding that new people come with new ideas and perspectives.
Be open to sharing about yourself, be a good listener and appreciate what others share with you. Remember, there’s someone for everyone.
While you may not click with every person you try to talk to, there is at least one person on this campus who’s waiting for someone like you.
Make time for friends
You’ve made a friend, how do
you keep them? I can say from experience that maintaining friendships is all about constant effort into the relationship.
Research suggests that it takes roughly 200 hours of time with someone to become best friends. It might sound like a lot, but it’s very achievable.
Make an effort to spend time together outside of where you first met; this should be a priority after that initial conversation.
For example, if you meet someone in your math class, try turning them into a study buddy,
then a going out friend. This will help you build a connection that extends beyond just your class. If your math friend stays just a classmate, what happens when the semester ends and you no longer see them regularly? You might lose touch. So, make an effort to grow your friendships and make it a part of various aspects of your life.
With these tips, I’m confident you’ll find and keep your new college bestie!
news@thedailycougar.com
Evaluate your life, dreams, hopes and desires, and act accordingly. You are ready for change, but whatever you pursue must be well-thoughtout and executed precisely. Once you have a plan, it will lift your spirits and help you release stress.
Get out, test what’s available and proceed with confidence and the knowledge to reach your goal. Spend your time, energy and money wisely.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
-- Put solid plans in place before making a move. Listen, learn and evaluate instead of following the crowd. Explore what makes you happy and build confidence and a healthy lifestyle. Romance is favored.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov.
22) -- Dig in and continue until you are satisfied with the results. Use your imagination and skills, and you’ll be happy with what transpires. Don’t waste time or energy worrying about things you cannot control.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22Dec. 21) -- An opportunity is only worthwhile if it helps you reach your goal. Don’t sign up for something to please others when you need to put yourself first. Focus on self-improvement and personal growth.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Take a close look at your expenditures. Don’t let your emotions lead you astray. Plan your actions and make the necessary changes, and it will ease stress and
push you in a healthy direction.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) -- Pay attention to your schedule, routine and lifestyle. How you deal with your money, health and relationships will determine what unfolds and how others treat you. Be open to trying something new.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20)
-- Pursue your dreams. Your discipline and hard work will pay off, encouraging you to believe in your abilities. Refrain from letting outside influences control you. Change begins with you.
ARIES (March 21-April 19)
-- Refrain from falling into a trap set by someone looking for an argument. Channel your energy into home or
self-improvement or sorting through clutter and clearing a path to a simpler, less complicated life.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20)
-- Do whatever is necessary to figure out your next move. Travel, knowledge and experience will be crucial. When in doubt, ask an expert to weigh in on your dilemma. A practical approach will offer reasonable solutions.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
-- Rethink every choice you make to avoid an impractical decision. Someone will try to push you in a direction better for them than for you. Being a follower will cause friction. Let your intuition guide you.
CANCER (June 21-July 22)
-- Explore the possibilities and look for an opening that
will allow you to use your skills to your advantage. A proactive approach to health and well-being will pay off. Handle financial and medical issues yourself.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -Broaden your horizons, make new connections and expand your awareness. Listen, learn and figure what’s best for you. Don’t attach yourself to someone else’s dream. Follow your heart. Romance is on the rise.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Set high standards, cover your tracks and keep your plans to yourself. Don’t allow uncertainty to put you in a vulnerable position. Be observant and cautious, and look out for your best interests.
