ISSUE 15
/ /
MARCH 2017
/ /
HOUSING
COLLEGE STUDENTS CAN ONLY AFFORD RAMEN NOODLES.
NOW LEASING
*Call For Details
THEMILLENNIUMHIGHSTREET.COM 1.844.877.8167
COMING SPRING 2017 VANTAGEMEDCENTER.COM 281.884.3930
NOW LEASING
*Call For Details
THEMILLENNIUMKIRBY.COM 1.844.284.9440 COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
3
L E T T E R
F R O M
T H E
E D I T O R
HOUSE OR HOME? Not too long ago, I remember sitting on my full-size bed in the comfort of my UH residence hall room listening to one of my favorite songs and hearing these lyrics: “So whenever you come back from wherever you roam, I’ll be building a house that just might be home.” As I thought about what the artist meant by saying a house only “might” be a home, and what the differences of a house and home might be, it struck me: They are not the same thing. I used to use the words “house” and “home” synonymously when talking about the space of square feet and four walls that I went to bed in every night, but as I’ve switched houses over 14 times in the course of my life, these two little words—separated by just two letters—have taken on a different meaning, just as the artist wrote in their song (“Learn How to Fight” by Besides Daniel). At the risk of sounding cheesy, let me be the first to say that this is not some essay on why “home is where the heart is,” but rather a letter to you, reader, about how to think differently about the space you currently inhabit or the space you are hoping to someday inhabit (fingers crossed for that beach house in Fiji). There are so many changes occurring at this time, and I would argue that college and the period of time right after hold the most amount of housing switches and apartment searches than any other time. We’re faced with decisions every six months or so of whether to move on campus, to move in with 4
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
someone, to sign a lease on an apartment that doesn’t allow pets (God forbid)—and all of these changes can render our viewpoints on houses and homes slightly cynical.
We don’t really care whether our rooms feel like a home because we are too busy looking for the cheapest place to simply provide us with a house. But there are so many opportunities amongst the changes and moves for you to see those four walls you sleep in every night as something a little more: A chance to create a personal art gallery with your artwork on one of the walls. A chance to put your green thumb to practice and grow flowers from that boring windowsill. A chance to finally make that Pinterest recipe and invite a group of friends over to make the whole room feel more, well, like a home. Inside these pages, you’ll find stories of people who created
their own homes, such as the LGBTQ community in Montrose and their thriving home that constituted more than a neighborhood and night clubs and colorful buildings but rather a place for solidarity in differences. You will also find stories of students here at the University who took a stand for those who have neither a house nor a home and did something about it. We’ve included stories about homes for refugees and homes for book lovers. This issue of Cooglife would be more aptly named the Home Edition, because the stories you will find inside are about more than just four walls and a roof; they are about the homes people are building, and the homes we have the opportunity to build when we take a moment and realize the difference. So here’s to building houses that just might someday be homes.
KARIS JOHNSON Executive Editor
T H E
T E A M
E D I T O R I A L
Karis Johnson, EXECUTIVE EDITOR arts@thedailycougar.com 713-743-5302 Trey Strange, FOUNDING EDITOR Karin Keller, ASSISTANT EDITOR
D E S I G N
Leah Nash, CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie Santana, GRAPHIC DESIGNER Ramiro Armendariz Erin Davis
W R I T I N G
Julie Araica Erin Davis Thomas Dwyer Erin Fehres Greg Fails Karis Johnson Karin Keller Katelyn Kenney Leah Nash Timothy Nguyen Dean Suchy Trey Strange Andrea Fernández Velázquez
P H O T O G R A P H Y
Justin Cross, PHOTO EDITOR Ajani Stewart, ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITOR
R A D I O
Sebastián Troitiño Maria Smith Alexandra Marcano
V I D E O
Corbin Ayres, PRODUCER Andrea Bonilla, HOST John Cooper, HOST Gabby Peraza, HOST
A D V E R T I S I N G
Calista Brown, SALES MANAGER csmadvertising@uh.edu 713-743-5340 Reagan Williams
@COOGLIFEMAG @COOGLIFEMAG
// COOGLIFE
WWW.COOGLIFE.COM
TOTAL LUXURY HAS ARRIVED NOW LEASING FOR FALL 2017
Grand Opening! Come join us March 8th from 12pm - 7pm for the launch of the newest student property in town! There will be free food, drinks, tons of entertainment, and some great prizes! Contact us today for more details!
AMENITIES • New Generation Club • Lap Pool with Impressive Poolside Swim Up Cabana • Deluxe Theater • Latte Café • Lounge Style Study Rooms On Every Floor • Inspiring Retail with Restaurants and Shops • State of the Art Fitness Center • And So Much More!
Apply Online Today And Pay ZERO DOWN Limited Time Offer!
3509 Elgin Houston, TX 77004 713-965-4170 livetheicon.com
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
5
CONTENT
// 13.
8. W HE RE DID T HE DISCO GO ?
16.
M A K I N G A N I M P A C T O N T H E H O M E L E S S C O M M U N I T Y
20.
18. W H E R E
D O S T U D E N T S L I V E ?
A
L I F E
A S
A N
R A
B O O K W O R M ’ S S A F E H A V E N
?
22. 23.
22.
29. “ M O V I N G I N ” G O O D I D E A ?
32.
A
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
D E A L S
S U R V I V I N G
A M E R I C A
31. THE DIFFERENCE BE T W EEN RESIDENCE HALLS AND DORMS
33. C - S T O R E
TOP FIVE THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE IN YOUR DORM
LIVING THINGS YOU C AN KEEP IN YOUR DORM
30. I S
TOP 5
28.
26. T H R O W A W A Y Y O U R H O M E W O R K
K R I B S : K H A T O R E D I T I O N
24.
I S L I V I N G O N C A M P U S W O R T H I T ?
25.
6
Here are the stories that make up this month’s issue
H O W D O Y O U F E E L A B O U T T H E Q U A D S ?
34. G E T
I N V O L V E D H O U S I N G
W I T H
B A C K P A G E : D O R M C R A F T
1 HERMAN PARK CT., HOUSTON, TX, 77021 713.741.6400
CWS APARTMENTS, LLC COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
7
Where did the disco go? Montrose unaffordable for historic community STORY AND ART BY LEAH NASH
Almost 8 years and 1700 miles apart, Houston’s own version of the Stonewall riots and uprising of the LGTBQ community involved a runner-up Miss America pageant queen and country music. The only way Texans know how. While the Stonewall riots—a series of demonstrations in New York by members of the LGTBQ community that are credited with leading the gay liberation movement—did, in fact, change a lot of what it meant to be gay in America; the progressive movement hadn’t made as much of an impact in the South. Until 1977, when Ray Hill, long-time Montrose neighborhood resident and activist, organized a protest responding to Anita Bryant, the aforementioned pageant runner up and anti-gay activist, who was set to perform at the downtown Hyatt for the Texas Bar Association. When Hill told the police about the planned protest, they asked how many people there were going to be. He said 500. They laughed. But the night of the performance, nearly 12,000 people showed up. “And that changes the whole paradigm,” Hill said. “We demonstrated and marched around the hotel where Anita was performing. Nobody inside could hear her sing ‘The Battle Hymn of the Republic.’” After the event, couples that would have usually walked with a comfortable distance between each other were walking arm in arm, Hill said. Gay florists had brought longstem flowers and handed them out to all the marchers. “On the way back, I saw two legs behind an enormous bouquet of flowers, so I went and separated the flowers and there was a police officer back there, a black female police officer,” he said. “She was crying. I said, ‘Are you having a good time?’ And she said, ‘This is the best day of my life.’”
8
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
Before the protest, the term “gay community” meant the part of town that had the gay bars, which until the ‘60s wasn’t even Montrose (the infamous gayborhood of Houston), but Midtown along Almeda Street. The migration to Montrose was marked by the restaurant, Art Wren, after Hill and his socialite friend, Paul “Dirty Sally” Stewart convinced the owner to stay open late. It provided a comfortable place for gay men to hang out and talk after going to the gay bars in Midtown and eventually led to a string of LGTBQ strongholds down Westheimer. “You build that momentum up, and suddenly we’re dealing with the term ‘gay community’ not meaning the part of town where the bars are but people, people bonded by common experience, with common goals and aspirations,” Hill said. A year later, Hill and other leaders of the Gay Political Caucus held Town Meeting I, which was a progressive attempt to create institutions to support this newly forged community. “We took diverse elements and pulled them together and created a vehicle. It was organizing institutions to sustain the gay community that had been psychologically created by Anita Bryant,” Hill said. The two legacies that came out of Town Meeting I were the Montrose Counseling Center, which is now the Montrose Center, and the Montrose Clinic, which is now appropriately named Legacy Healthcare. “We had those institutions on the ground, organizing and operating,” Hill said. “And then came the pandemic.”
AIDS PANDEMIC Brandon Wolf, a freelance writer for Houston’s LGBTQ magazine, Outsmart, moved to Houston in 1977 (the same year as the Bryant protest) when Mary’s Lounge—a bar known as ground-zero for the Houston LGBTQ community—was still open, when the neighborhood was still affordable, before leather bars were replaced with Europeanesque coffee shops, and before AIDS. “Empire Cafe used to be a leather dance bar. Right before AIDS hit, they had a balcony and I was there, watching 300 shirtless men just dancing their butts off, and I was just thinking ‘this is just like heaven, it just can’t last. It’s just too good,’” Wolf said. Even with the Montrose Counseling Center and the Montrose Clinic in place serving the LGBTQ community at a time when other doctors were fearful of treating patients with AIDS, Houston was still affected. And the electric and colorful neighborhood was in shock. TWIT racks, which were stands that held the bar magazine, This Week in Texas, were important sources of information for Houston’s LGBTQ community during the AIDS pandemic. “During the ‘80s and early ‘90s, the first thing someone would do when they went into a club would be to head to the TWIT rack and pick one of the magazines up and snap right to the back four or five pages, because that’s where they put all the obituaries,” Wolf said. “People were dying so fast, you couldn’t really keep up with those that you knew or had known.” WEB RISES, NEIGHBORHOOD FALLS According to Hill, the LGBTQ population in Montrose continued to increase until 1985. Not only did AIDS take a toll on the community, but the combination of rising rent prices and access to the internet in the next decade made people feel as though the safety of the neighborhood wasn’t as needed.
“I would say about in about ‘95, when the internet got popular, was when Montrose started to fall apart,” Wolf said. Wolf and Hill both communicate with most of their friends in the LGBTQ community over Facebook. A lot of people can’t afford to live in the neighborhood anymore, with many affordable apartments and old houses replaced with luxury high-rise apartments and expensive townhouses. But the internet has helped Houston’s gay community survive and grow. “People complain that Montrose has become such a gentrified area, and it has. But I kind of had to get over all that. I figured I had 20 good years to go down there when it was really fun,” Wolf said. “But after the internet, it changed me, too. I didn’t have to go out, I could do so much on the web.” ‘STILL LGBTQ AT HEART’ But for Nathan Smith, an associate professor with the Department of Psychological, Health & Learning Sciences at the University of Houston, it is hard to find a silver lining in the neighborhood’s decline. “Contrary to some stereotypes, the LGBTQ community as a whole has lower incomes and resources than our heterosexual peers,” Smith said. “LGBTQ people may have to live in less supportive neighborhoods. We know from research that living in unaffirming places is a risk factors for negative mental and behavioral health outcomes.” Montrose has been Smith’s home for all threeand-a-half years that he has lived in Houston. He is drawn by the diversity in culture, people and architecture and by the closeness of the place. Perhaps, because of this, he still has hope for the neighborhood. “There are lots of families with young children in the neighborhood,” he said. “As such, it feels less like the LGBTQ center it once did. However, there is still a vibrant LGBTQ bar scene and
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
9
Montrose houses many of the LGBTQ community service agencies. It’s still LGBTQ at its heart.” The empowerment Smith finds in Montrose is felt by others who have moved out or never had the chance to live there, and it continues to bring LGBTQ Houstonians to visit, to dance and, maybe, to live. “My hope is that more affordable options emerge and that the supportive venues in the neighborhood remain strong and vibrant,” Smith said. DIVERSITY DISAPPEARS Whether there is hope for Montrose, the fact remains that its landscape continues to change. Maria Gonzalez, an
associate professor of English at UH, sees this change as a sign of a Montrose on its way out, regardless of holdovers and history. “The wonderful diversity of Montrose is already disappearing,” she said. “We see townhouses replacing small homes and affordable apartments. We see upscale businesses pushing out small independent places. I predict that many of the traditional gay bars are going to disappear. We have already seen many of the iconic bars gone and replaced with trendy bars that are not necessarily gay.” Mary’s Lounge is now Blacksmith, a coffee shop. Empire Cafe stands where a leather bar once did. Art
1
Wren’s was replaced by Katz’s. The Chicken Coop and Midnite Sun, two gay bars from Ray Hill’s heyday, are long since gone, along with many others. “I remember sitting in Niko’s Niko’s when it was just a tiny shack of a place where no traditional family brought their children,” Gonzalez said. “My favorite Chinese food place and gathering place after meetings is gone. Baba Yega’s is now a family restaurant and not a place where all the gays and lesbians ate at and checked each other out at. The shabby office spaces and meeting places for LGBTQ organizations are now gone, many replaced by upscale office buildings and
apartments. And finally, Disco Kroger on Montrose no longer plays Disco music.” To some, there is still hope. To others, it’s hard to be hopeful in the face of gentrification. But for all who experienced Montrose, the memories remain. For Ray Hill, after the Anita Bryant protest his Montrose became the Montrose remembered today, made up of many different people. “They were black and they were brown and they were white and they were male and they were female and they were confused about their gender,” he said. “It was the panoply of who we were. Suddenly Montrose got more alive.”
2
3
4
1. High-rise apartments have replaced many of the affordable living options in Montrose. 2. Blacksmith was once Mary’s Lounge, a landmark gay bar. 3. Town Meeting I created institutions such as Legacy Healthcare to sustain the community. 4. Montrose is known for its colorful, eccentric architecture.
10
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
2111 HOLLY HALL APARTMENTS 2111 Holly Hall Street Houston, Texas 77054 (713) 799-2111
HARVEST HILL APARTMENTS
8282 Cambridge Houston, Texas 77054 (713) 799-9046
1,2, and 3 Bedroom Apartment Homes Available •Washer/Dryer in every unit •New/Renovated Interiors •Overized Closets •Cable Ready •Patios/Balconies •Public Transportation
•Fitness Center •Business Center •Hot Tub/Swimming Pool •High Speed Internet Access •Complimentary Coffee/Cookie Bar •Gated Community
UP TO 6 WEEKS FREE RENT!
Walking distance to Reliant Stadium & Metro Rail. Minutes from Texas Medical Center, Downtown Houston, University of Houston, Dining, Shopping, and Much More! COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
11
www.monarchmedicalcenterapts.com 713-338-2818
www.meliamedicalcenter.com 713-741-0570
www.lincolnmedicalcenterapts.com 713-796-1177
Great Move-in Specials! AMENITIES INNER LOOP/5 MILES FROM U OF H WOOD FLOORS GRANITE COUNTERTOPS FITNESS CENTER RESORT STYLE POOL SPA/HOT TUB
HOT SAUNA VALET TRASH COMMUNITY RESIDENT EVENTS PET FRIENDLY COFFEE BAR
BRING THIS IN & RECIEVE
A LOOK & LEASE SPECIAL OF $300 OFF ONE MONTH’S RENT & DEPOSIT WAIVED 12
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
M A K I N G A N I M PAC T ON THE HOMELESS COMM U NITY WRITTEN BY ANDREA FERNÁNDEZ VELÁZQUEZ
THE GLOBAL AID PROJECT (GAP) Driven by an eagerness to help others and make a change in society, accounting and finance sophomore Benjamin Kurian and biology freshman Lexiah Jacob decided to create the Global Aid Project in the Fall 2016. The mission of GAP is to reduce poverty in the streets of Houston. In order to do this, GAP raises money through bake sales and fundraisers to donate to organizations that build homes for the homeless. Besides monetary contributions, GAP is committed to donating clothing and hygiene products through social outreach and through family and friend donations. Students willing to donate are free to do so at GAP’s carrel space #103, located in the Student Center North. “At GAP we have a belief that we, as humans, have an obligation to help out every other person and animal that is in need of it,” Kurian said. GAP also aims to get students involved in volunteering so they can have a firsthand approach and better understanding of these issues. Currently, GAP volunteers with Stand Up for Kids, Habitat for Humanity and the Houston Food Bank. “Even though we have the word ‘global’ in our name, we figured the best way to help the world was to start in our own hometown,” Kurian said. As a way of following a global perspective, GAP has diverse outreach focus, so their work is not specific to a certain group or area.
“The benefit to this is that we can help out a plethora of people in different ways,” Kurian said. “For example, not just children in need, but women suffering from domestic abuse, animals in need shelters and homes, working on ways to improve education of women and children in third world countries.” Some of the organizations GAP donates to are: Home Aid, Habitat for Humanity, and Coalition for the Homeless, She's the First, Children's International, and National Coalition Against Domestic Violence and The Water Project. Helping out can help discover new interests, according to Kurian. “In one project I worked with Habitat for Humanity, (and) I discovered I had a passion for city planning after organizing to build homes for the less fortunate, something I probably would have never known had I not come out to Habitat for Humanity,” Kurian said. “In a way, I was blessed by that opportunity, and now I want to help other people and students discover their interests and build new friendships along the way.” GAP currently has 16 active members. “When getting people's attention, the easy part is first getting their interest.” Kurian said. “The hard part is keeping it while we promote the organization or our theme. Some days, our success rates can be low, but those future members that we do find prove to be very dedicated to the cause.” Students can get involved with GAP by attending some of their events.
“The only requirement to join GAP is a passion to help people,” Kurian said. “We thought it wouldn't make sense to stop fellow students from trying to improve our society as having things such as a GPA requirement. There should be no prerequisite for helping the homeless and people in need.” Homelessness is not something that should be taken for granted. “One of the main problems we face is that it is simply overlooked because everyone in Houston is so used to seeing homeless, they don't give them a second thought. We, as a society, have to realize not only is it a problem, but we can actually do something about it.” CAMPUS KITCHEN PROJECT (CKP)
What started as a class project for a class, ended up in the creation of an organization dedicated to combatting food waste and ending hunger: The Campus Kitchen Project (CKP), a service learning program for students , which is part of the UH Bonner Leaders program housed within the Honors College at the University of Houston. In order to get involved, Honors College students apply to participate. CKP currently has 20 active members, and the organization was launched in 2015 by a Bonner student, Brinda Penmetsa, together with Naina Sakruti, Joshua Monsivais, and TJ La. Since then, CKP has recovered and delivered over 13,000 meals. “CKP is empowering the next generation of leaders to implement innovative models
for combating hunger, developing food systems and helping communities help themselves,” said pre-business freshman Kevin Singh. Students recover food the dining halls on campus would throw away, and deliver it to close to 400 residents of New Hope Housing, a low income housing initiative in Houston. Singh shares what it has meant for him to be part of Campus Kitchen: “Campus Kitchen has been an enormously rewarding experience for me. I remember entering the Bonner Program and being faced with all these great, productive projects; however, Campus Kitchen just spoke to me. Ever since a high school student, I was interested and saddened by the effects of poverty, especially concerning food. Most of us have never experienced actually being hungry. We throw away food all the time," Singh said. "Campus Kitchen tackles this issue by taking uneaten food from the dining halls and delivering it to residents in the Third Ward. After seeing how grateful and happy the people we serve are, it is insane to think about how wasteful we are as a society. Now, I tend to finish everything on my plate wherever I go. Food waste is a major issue, and I’m glad Campus Kitchen is helping to bring awareness to it.” FOOD RECOVERY NETWORK (FRN)
It was during biology senior Yash Desai’s freshman year at UH, when he was eating in the campus dining hall, that he saw perfectly good food being COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
13
14
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
Baptist Student Ministry and the Latter Day Saints Church. Off-campus donation sites include several homeless shelters, in-between homes and children's programs including Star of Hope, Loaves and Fishes, Saint Joseph’s Church, Victoria Ministry, Knowles-Te-
to give nutritious foods. “When we have bread, when we have Chinese food, when we have fresh produce, we mix it with the quantity we donate so that way they are getting enough carbohydrates, enough fats and enough sugars,” Desai said. “That way they are getting
“
Everyone can do this. It is just that a lot of restaurants don’t. Starvation is an issue we shouldn’t have in Houston when you have this many restaurants throwing out food, but it is still there, which sucks.”
“
tossed out, and this was when realized he wanted to make a change. At the time, there was no organization on campus that donated food, so in Spring 2014, Food Recovery Network (FRN) became the first UH student organization to be dedicated to fighting hunger and food waste.. The mission of FRN is to unite and call students to help and fight food waste–taking leftovers, surplus food, waste from restaurants, vendors or any location that has food waste nad giving it to those in need. FRN gives what is donated to homeless people, churches, shelters or other entities who demonstrate basic nutritional needs. “In the past two and a half years we have recovered over 31, 000 pounds of food,” Desai said. FRN has over 300 members in the mailing list, and over 150 different members have volunteered every semester. FRN does not require any membership fees to join the organization, just a willingness to stop hunger. On campus, food is recovered from Kim Son, Panda Express, Jimmy John’s, Taco Bell and from meetings or events held on campus by diverse organizations. In addition to these recoveries, FRN also works with the athletics office and recovers leftovers from the football games. Off campus, FRN works with Panera Bread, Slow Dough Bakery and East Side farmer’s market to recover surplus food before the restaurants throw it away. Currently, FRN is working on recovering food from Einstein’s Bagles' off-campus locations and YES Prep school system by the end of the February. All volunteers get the material needed to collect the food, and they are provided a free, ServSafe certification, which happens twice a month and trains interested volunteers on how to handle food properly. If it is an on-campus recovery, the donation sites are the Catholic Newman Center, the
- Yash Desai, FOOD RECOVERY NETWORK menos Place apartments and Agape Development. In order to determine which donation center will receive more food, the amount collected and the capacity of the establishments are considered so that there is no waste. FRN often donates to the soup kitchen, Loaves and Fishes, which is outside the Minute Maid Park to donate and serve. “There is a really large homeless community there, and so we go there, drop off the food and sometimes we help serve the food,” Desai said. “Anywhere between 50, 60 to 100 homeless people would come for every single meal, and (we will) help serve that meal to the homeless community directly.” FRN also has is an indirect involvement when it comes to helping the homeless community. When the United Muslim Relief (UMR) does Project Downtown, where they make sandwiches and drive around Houston to distribute the sandwiches to the homeless communities, FRN assists them by providing them food they collect. The Third, Fourth and Fifth Ward are food-desert areas, and it is complicated for their habitants to access grocery stores. For FRN, it is important
nutritious food without having (to) rely on junk food as being donated or canned food as being donated that are really high in fats.” Desai said the beginning of FRN was not easy. There is a lot of paranoia from restaurants and donation sites when it comes to accepting or giving food because they are afraid they will be sued if somebody gets sick, according to Desai. “Everyone can do this,” Desai said. “It is just that a lot of restaurants don’t. Starvation is an issue we shouldn’t have in Houston when you have this many restaurants throwing out food, but it is still there, which sucks.” To join FRN, email the group at foodrecovery.uh@gmail. com, or feel free to attend one of their weekly meetings at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in the University Center. METROPOLITAN VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (MVP)
As a way of raise awareness on hunger homelessness, the Metropolitan Volunteer Program hosts events that include documentaries, workshops and guest speakers. In order to connect students with the cause, MVP actively volunteers in The Beacon, a homeless shelter in Down-
town, where students serve them meals and wash their laundry. Mathematics senior Chris Pinto heads up these volunteer efforts as the president of MVP. “Houston has a very large homeless population and it is also very diverse,” Pinto said. “Most cities have homeless veterans, homeless elderly people. But Houston actually has a very large homeless LGBTQ community, a lot of single mothers and families, veterans, elderly, a lot of special needs and disabled people. MVP also partners with the student-led Wesley Foundation, which makes care packages on campus to later go to downtown and provide them to homeless people. Service night is a volunteer opportunity that started as a pilot idea in April 2014 in order to bring a volunteer opportunity to campus. Now it is a regular event. During its start, around 20 to 30 students attended and now, there are 90 to 120 attendees per night. Twice a month on Wednesdays, MVP hosts service nights, where students make sandwiches that are given to the homeless on the same night. From the budget MVP receives for being a fee-funded organization, around seven percent is used to finance service nights. Students do not have to fulfill requirements in order to get involved with MVP. “We don’t have a formal process,” said Pinto. “We accept everyone because we don’t want to turn someone away from volunteering, plus we are a free resource, since everyone pays tuition, everyone is a member.” To become an official member, students can log on in Get Involved via Access UH. “A lot of the times people assume that the homeless are people older than us who have messed up somewhere down the road, (but) we are really trying to remove that stigma and just expand people’s perspective and awareness on what homelessness actually is and what it looks like in Houston,” Pinto said.
Verdir AT HERMANN PARK
LUXURY APARTMENT HOMES
BREATHTAKING CITY VIEWS INCREDIBLE LOCATION
SCHEDULE A TOUR TODAY! (713)481-5655
WWW.VERDIRHERMANNPARK.COM
2380 S MACGREGOR WAY HOUSTON, TX 77021
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
15
A DAY IN THE LIFE: WHERE DO STUDENTS LIVE? BY KARIN KELLER // ILLUSTRATED BY RAM ARMENDARIZ
Choosing where you live can heavily effect your school experience and how you interact with others. Each unique living situation comes with its own set of positive and negative, and everyone has their own personal decision— what might be positive for one could be negative for the other and vice versa. I, for example, live relatively far from campus and end up missing out on a lot of things with my friends, as well as trying extremely hard to curate my schedule to avoid rush hour at all costs. On the flip side, by living at home I get to see my family basically everyday, and I live in an extremely safe neighborhood. When choosing where to live its important to consider all your options and deliberate on what you
prioritize whether it be distance from campus, price, area or something different all together. Then again, there are some things we can all agree on—like whether you live on campus or as far as Katy, getting to class in the morning can be a pain, especially for those dreaded 8 a.m. classes. This prompted me to ask four different people with four different living situations and varying distances from campus why they live where they do. For the purposes of this article, they will all remain anonymous, but rest assured that they are real people and these are there reasons for living where they do. Hopefully, this will help you find the perfect place and put things into perspective if you were looking to move into any of these areas.
BAYOU OAKS: 11-MINUTE WALK Why do you live at Bayou? I’m the Vice President of Social Standards at Delta Gamma so I have to live at the house in Bayou, and it’s convenient. What influenced you to move there? Because of my position it makes sense. If you could, would you choose to live in Bayou Oaks? I would probably move if I could, previously I lived in the apartments at Bayou, but I would prefer my own apartment or something less outdated. What’s the best part of living wthere? It’s relaxed, and I live with all my sisters, which is nice because I always have someone to grab lunch or study with. What's the worst part of living there? It can be a far walk from class and the buses are nearly never on time, so it can be inconvenient when you're in a rush or just want to get some extra minutes of sleep in.
THE VUE ON MACGREGOR: 17-MINUTE WALK Why do you live at the Vue? It’s close enough to campus where it’s basically on-campus living, but it doesn't have the same restrictions dorms have. What influenced you to move there? Most of my friends live there, so it just made sense to move in with them. If you could, would you choose to live at the Vue? I would probably move into one of the houses next to campus if I had the option. What’s the best part of living there? It’s really close to campus and you can basically do whatever you want, which is nice. There’s definitely more freedom. What's the worst part of living there? The people who work there are horrendous; nothing ever gets fixed or resolved and if it does, it gets done poorly, which just means they have to do it again. 16
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
THE MEDICAL CENTER: 10-MINUTE DRIVE Why do you live in the Medical Center? It’s one of the safest areas close to UH, so it just made sense. What influenced you to move there? My friends had previously lived there, so when I moved in with them they were already acquainted with the area and raving about it. If you could, would you choose to live there? I don’t think I’d choose to live anywhere else. What’s the best part of living there? The best part of living there is how close it is to all the popular areas in Houston like NRG and Midtown. What's the worst part of living there? The worst part is that although it is safer, it can sometimes be dangerous, so I do have to be cautious.
KATY, TX: 35-MINUTE DRIVE Why do you live in Katy? I’ve lived in Cinco Ranch since I moved to Texas, so it was more of my parent’s decision than mine. What influenced you to move there? I stayed home because dorms never really appealed to me and it seemed like a waste of money given I could just drive. If you could, would you choose to live in Katy? Maybe around Memorial or Rice, they’re nice areas that are way more central. What’s the best part of living there? It’s insanely safe and the cost of living is cheaper, plus everything you need you can find within a five-mile radius of my house, which is nice. What's the worst part of living there? I’m so far from all my friends, and it’s a pain to drive into town everyday. Moreover, going to midtown is more trouble than it’s worth because I’d have to find somewhere else to stay or be the D.D.
Secure your housing today for Fall 2017!
PRIVATE BEDROOMS & BATHROOMS AVAILABLE FULLY FURNISHED WITH LEATHER-STYLE FURNITURE
APPLY ONLINE TODAY AT CULLENOAKS.COM
AMENITIES FOR A FIT & HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ACADEMICALLY-ORIENTED ENVIRONMENT INDIVIDUAL LIABILITY LEASES & ROOMMATE MATCHING AVAILABLE
4600 Cullen Blvd | 713.748.3707 Amenities are subject to change. While supplies last. See office for details.
JG 115 792643
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
17
A BOOKWORM'S SAFE HAVEN
M U R D E R
B Y
T H E
B O O K
WRITTEN BY ERIN FEHRES PHOTOS COURTESY OF MURDER BY THE BOOK
The Best Vue on This Side of the Bayou!
Apartment Amenities LIVE
Efficiency 1,2 and 4 bedroom apartments - shared accommodations also available
SLEEP Queen size beds with pillow tops in
private bedrooms CHILL Spacious, fully furnished living rooms with
50” flat screen TV, sofa, lounge chair, coffee table and end table COOK & DINE Full kitchens with dishwasher/dispos-
al, full refrigerator, microwave, oven/stove PEACE OF MIND Individual leases - you are only
responsible for your rent and not the rent of your roommates CONVENIENCE In-home washer and dryers,
Modern Student Living
walk-in closets, on-site management and maintenance staff, covered parking garage STYLE Granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, wood-look flooring, track lightings
Community Amenities THE VUE DECK 5th floor lounge area with
foosball, basketball shoot game, kitchen and flat screen TVs. Spacious covered outdoor deck overlooking campus and views downtown
LIVE AT: 4459 N MacGregor Way | Houston, TX 77004
281.888.5570 campusvueapartments.com
18
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
FIT
State-of-the-art fitness center with state-of-the-art tanning beds
WET
Resort-style swimming pool with in-water lounge chairs, water volleyball net and surrounding Acapulco deck lines with palm trees
These days, it’s rare to stumble upon a bookshop that isn’t part of a large corporation; in fact, I can only name a few off the top of my head in the entire city of Houston. In a generation dominated by online purchasing, the avid reader struggles to find communities where fellow bookworms gather to purchase and discuss books. Murder by the Book is one of the remaining few bookshops that is not only privately owned, but hosts events for readers of the primary genre it caters to— crime fiction. Opened in 1980 by Martha Farrington, a mystery fan herself, Murder by the Book began as a way for Farrington to share her love of the genre with the people of Houston. In 2009, McKenna Jordan, a former customer-
turned-employee, took over ownership of the bookshop. With a large variety of crime fiction sub-genres available, including thrillers, police procedural, espionage and even children’s novels, this store seems to have something for everyone. Although Murder by the Book primarily focuses on crime fiction novels, it is not a bookshop that limits itself to one genre. According to John Kwiatkowsi—the store’s event coordinator— they often stock books recommended by members of staff, even if the book is not a crime novel. The owner and staff at the bookshop are dedicated to bringing its customers good reads, no matter the genre. In keeping with its small
community feel, Murder by the Book hosts multiple author signings per week, featuring local, first-time and New York Times bestselling authors. In 2016, they hosted 149 in-store events featuring 179 authors. These signings are not limited to authors of the murder mystery genre—a quick check of their upcoming events calendar will show a wide variety of authors. While it is completely free to listen to an author speak, the store does require that you purchase the author’s most recent release in-house in order to have it singed. They also offer signed books in-store and online if you are unable to attend an author’s event, but still want a signed copy of your favorite book. In addition
to these events, Murder by the Book hosts a monthly book discussion club where readers can gather to discuss their favorites. These discussion groups meet on the third Wednesday of every month, and these monthly discussion topics can be found on their website. Located less than a mile from Rice Village, this gem of a bookstore boasts a cozy, yet spacious, interior packed to the brim with books. It is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Whether you are a fan of the crime fiction genre specifically, or just an avid bookworm in general, Murder by the Book is absolutely a must-visit bookstore.
Apply for Fall 2017 Housing Don’t just live on campus, BE on campus!
Log on to accessuh.edu and click myHousing to sign up! COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
19
Kribs: Khator edition
WRITTEN BY KARIS JOHNSON // PHOTOS COURTESY OF UH MEDIA RELATIONS
Have you ever wondered where our beloved Chancellor and President Renu Khator spends her off-time, no matter how minuscule that amount of off-time is? Where does she go home
to? Does she have any dogs or cats? While we are not able to answer the last question, there is a definite answer to the first: Khator resides
at 1505 South Boulevard in the Broadacres subdivision of Houston—or simply, at the Wortham House. This extensive estate and home was donated to the University of Houston in 1980 for the purpose of housing the university's presidents, but there is a longer history of this home. Frank Sterling, a fledgling oil tycoon, completed construction of the house in 1927—the same year UH was founded. After an attic fire and reconstruction of the second and third floors, the Sterlings converted the third floor space of the massive Italian-Renaissance-style home into a full ballroom. The years between 1927 and 1938 saw the Sterling family home as a stylish and eccentric addition to their oil wealth, but in 1928 Frank Sterling died. This left the estate to his family, who, after a decade, decided to donate the house to the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. While the Museum held the house for several years, it eventually was sold to Gus and Lyndall Wortham in 1950, when it was renovated to become a Medi-
20 COOGLIFE
// MARCH 2017
terranean-style home. The Wortham family wanted a grander house, and worked on re-doing it stylistically until 1951, when a gas explosion caused the house to once again catch fire, destroying most of the home. One of the only original aspects of the house that was left after the fire is the Italian tile in the main foyer. This, however, did not deter the Worthams from rebuilding and living in the house again, and they enjoyed their time there for 25 more years. In 1976, Gus Wortham passed away, leaving Lyndall Wortham the house until she also passed away in 1980. This is when the house first made it's debut into the UH family. The Wortham Foundation gifted the house to the University of Houston in 1980 in response to Lyndall Wortham's desires for it to be made a part of the UH system. Lyndall Wortham served eight years of service on the board of governors for UH, as well as 15 years as a UH regent beginning in 1963. The Wortham family also donated $1
million to the university in 1975, which was used to build the Lyndall Finley Wortham Theatre. The ďŹ rst UH president to live in the Wortham house
was Dr. Charles Bishop, and today, Chancellor Khator resides in the impressive home. The Chancellor’s contract requires that she live there, and even though there are often events are
hosted at the home, it is a private residence and not a public building. Here are some photos of the Wortham House as it stands today, and we apol-
ogize that there are no other photos available (we all know it'd be cool to see Khator in her Cougar Red pajamas and house slippers, but that's not going to happen any time soon).
LOOKING FOR A NEW PLACE TO CALL HOME? Metro 5514 allows you to live near it all. We feature 1 and 2 bedroom apartment homes conveniently located near the Medical Center, University of Houston and Downtown with easy access to I-45 and the 610 loop. All accessible by Metro rail, which is located directly across the street from our community. For your comfort our features include 9 foot ceilings, bay window dining areas and spacious kitchens. We are also pet friendly however, breed restrictions apply. Please call to schedule a tour today!
OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday CLOSED
5514 Griggs Road, Houston, TX 77201
metro5514.com
844.623.7113
Metro5514Apts065@myLTSMail.com COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
21
LIFE AS AN RA
Depending on who you ask, the term “Resident Adviser” can have a couple definitions. If you ask non-RAs, they’re normally the ones who say we're "those people that bust all the parties on campus." If you ask an RA to define their own job, they’ll probably tell you that it’s a job involving building a community that students are proud to be a part of.
BY THOMAS DWYER
RAs at each residence hall are like their own families. BY THOMAS DWYER
“
“
CONTEST + GIVEAWAYS /SAVOYAPARTMENTS
@SAVOYAPARTMENTS
Amenities: o o o o
Fitness Center and Outdoor Grill o Pet Friendly Washer and Dryer Included o Awesome Resident Events Clubhouse with FREE Wi-Fi o Spacious Closets and Storage Resort Style Pool with Sunning Deck
GOT A QUESTION? CALL OR TEXT
savoyapartments.com 844.852.7890 22
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
I wanted to be an RA since I was in high school. My good friend Meghan Galvan (a current RA at Cougar Village 2) was a year older than me, and was hired as an RA by the time I had graduated high school and decided to live on campus at UH. Seeing what my friend did and how much she seemed to enjoy her job as an RA really inspired me to apply to be one at the end of my freshman year. At first I got waitlisted, but after one stressful week, I was contacted to be an RA at Cougar Village 1 and immediately jumped at the opportunity. Ever since, I haven’t stopped enjoying my role as an RA in my community. Specific RA duties have slight variations from residence hall to residence hall (for the love of god, don’t call them dorms here). Being an RA is no walk in the park. You’re in charge of several dozen residents—not only to make sure that they can live with each other and be civilized about it, but also to ensure that that they can get involved in the things that they like here on campus and get the most out of their college experience. Floor events are held monthly by individual or groups of RAs in an effort to cultivate a sense of community in the building. They range from academic skills workshops to a pizza party study break to a safe sex event hosted with a campus partner. One of the less glamorous parts of the job is having to log interactions and filling out timesheets. Like any other university, ours loves
metrics—especially the Student Housing and Residential Life department. I personally struggle with this aspect of the job because it’s always something that I forget to take care of until the day it’s due. It is certainly tedious to fill out the same form ten times, but I understand that that the university wants to be able to see what it is doing a good job at and what it is struggling with so that it can try to make the campus a better place for future students. Along with that, you have to be on call several times each semester. On calls involve remaining in the residence halls and acting as the emergency contact for any incidents or problems that may arise in the building. They are typically chaotic or disconcertingly quiet, with a happy medium being a rare occurrence. Even so, on calls can still be fun because it's a good bonding moment between you and whomever you share the on call with at Cougar Village 1, because two RAs are on call each night. Another perk of the job is the people you meet. All RAs have to attend training sessions at the start of each semester. During these trainings, RAs get to meet and mingle with coworkers from other buildings. One thing about RAs is that many of them are highly involved in other organizations, so it opens up the door through networking for many potential opportunities. More specifically, RAs at each residence hall are like their own families. The Residence Life Coordinators that are in charge of each building are like the head of each family and the RAs are all like siblings to each other. I can say without a doubt that there are no other groups that I belong to that I share such a strong bond with. I’m good friends with aspiring petroleum engineers, family development majors, accountants and above all, excellent human beings and role models.
PERSON ON THE STREET
Is living on campus worth it? BY KATELYN KENNEY
HAVE YOU EVER WANTED TO TRADE IN YOUR ECONOMY PARKING PASS AND HOUR-PLUS TIME IT TAKES TO FIND A SPOT FOR A COMFORTABLE ROOM IN AN ON-CAMPUS RESIDENCE HALL? HERE IS WHAT SEVERAL STUDENTS SAID WHEN ASKED, “IS LIVING ON CAMPUS WORTH IT?”
“It’s worth it for the social aspect of being able to be around more people all the time. It’s hard to make a network otherwise, especially if you live far out and drive yourself.” CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SENIOR // PHILLIP REID
”
“I like how easy it is to get to and from classes, but I also don’t like having to live with people.” MUSIC EDUCATION SOPHOMORE // ZAC REYNOLDS
“It’s super close, and I don’t have to deal with traffic or driving because I don’t have a car. It’s just good for scheduling; I’m in a club.” BIOCHEMISTRY SENIOR // KRISTIN HEDTKE
“
I do. It’s certainly not the most luxurious living, but it’s welcoming and conveniently located. Buy a bike though.
”
HISTORY JUNIOR // CHARLIE JONES
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
23
”
TOP FIVE X things
you shouldn't have in your dorm
WRITTEN BY GREG FAILS
Whether it’s keeping my dog at the dorm for a weekend, microwaving popcorn at 3 a.m., or setting up a drum set in the main living area, I’ve always played fast when it comes to housing privileges. There are just so many things to do (excluding homework and other boring things like that), and so little time. A quick skim through the student housing guidelines, though, enlightened me to a few antics that—currently— aren’t technically against the rules. So here is a list of five things you are technically allowed to do (i.e. are not illegal or against the housing code), but that you probably will be better off avoiding. BREW BEER While UH’s alcohol policy has plenty of rules about possessing, furnishing and distributing the devil’s water, there’s a curious lack of clarity on the topic of micro-brewing.
1.
That probably means they’re okay with it, right? 24
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
//
“GREG, PEOPLE CAN’T LIVE LIKE THIS.” THE SE ARE ACT UAL WORDS THAT HAVE BEEN SPOKEN TO ME BY A PREVIOUS ROOMMATE AT MOODY TOWE R S .
While the hobby may seem intimidating and expensive, you can actually give it a shot for as low as $30 with gallon brew kits that you can make in your closet. (Disclaimer: Make sure you're at least 21 years old before trying this one. Underage drinking is one thing that is definitely illegal). RUN A BETA FISH FARM As someone who’s covertly kept their furry friend on campus, it’s a shame that all the rules allow (outside of service animals) are fish in a small aquarium.
2.
They never specify how many aquariums and fish though. If you liked the little girl from "Sign"’s glasses-ofwater-all-over-the-room aesthetic, why not replicate it with some colorful fish to boot? Who knows, maybe you can start charging for people to visit your in-room aquarium. (Side note: Not sure if charging for visits to an aquarium in your room is legal or not).
3.
BUY AN INFLATABLE JACUZZI While resident guides specify the maximum size for fish tanks, there aren’t really any guidelines for non-fishrelated water receptacles. With that in mind, have you ever had the urge to slowly simmer yourself in hot water, but didn’t want to expend the energy to walk to the Rec? Well, you’re in luck. For a few hundred dollars you can get your very own inflatable Jacuzzi. Slice up a few cucumbers and treat yourself to a spa day. Just don't let the party get out of hand; this should be more of a "me time" party.
4.
TURN YOUR ROOM INTO A BALL-PIT Don’t want to deal with the inevitable disaster that would be wrought by dozens of gallons of hot water being spilled across your floor, but still want to make your room as inconvenient to walk across as possible? Simple solution: Macgyver
yourself a ball pit out of tarp and an excessive amount of colorful plastic balls. If it’s not blocking the doorway it’s probably not a fire hazard. Make sure that you don't mind sleeping in said ballpit, because things can get out of hand relatively quickly with over 1,000 plastic balls in your living space.
5.
MICROWAVE A LEFTOVER FISH DINNER If you hate the people you live with, go ahead and try this one out. They're guaranteed to make a big deal, and there is no real argument for them when it comes to snitching to your RA. I mean, what are they going to say? "My evil roommate is hungry and wanted to eat his leftover fish fillet from Moody?" Nothing illegal here, just pretty gross. Also, make sure that if your roommate took some advice from this article and started a beta fish farm, that you are not, in fact, eating one of their beloved beta.
THROW AWAY YOUR HOMEWORK On average, a person will create about four pounds of trash a day, or one and a half tons a year. If we exclude the entire UH student population and just look at the 6,000 or so students that live on campus (according to the UH website), they generate about 24,000 pounds of trash every day. About 18,000 pounds of that should be recyclable according to the EPA, but only 7,200 pounds actually gets recycled, if national statistics hold true. College campuses have long been bastions of progressive ideals, including sustainability and environmentalism. According to UH’s Office of Sustainability website, our sustainability initiatives started ten years ago in 2007. In 2008, the UH campus received a D on the
Campus Sustainability Report Card administered by the Sustainable Endowments Institute. Since then, our campus has been steadily implementing more and more green-friendly programs, including things like outdoor recycling bins, a community garden, recycling efforts at dining halls and perhaps most notably: The installation of 70 water bottle filling stations on campus, which has saved over 1.1 million plastic bottles from being used, according to the sustainability website. UH uses the Sustainability Tracking, Assessment and Rating System (STARS) administered by the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) to track it’s improvements in sustainability. According to the
WRITTEN BY C. MCRAE PEAVY ART BY RAMIRO ARMENDARIZ
sustainability website, in 2015, UH became the first Texas university to earn a gold rating. Despite this, according to the STARS report, UH disposed of 3,461.85 tons of waste in a landfill or incinerator, while only 758.8 tons were recycled. Statistically, over 2,954 tons of that trash was recyclable, but only a fraction of that made it to recycling plants. Currently, only six of the nine residence halls on campus at UH have active recycling programs. Bayou Oaks, Cullen Oaks and Cambridge Oaks do not have recycling bins. Recycling bins in the six residence halls that have recycling programs are on every floor, usually in the trash rooms. There are also bins in the lobbies and outside the buildings.
//
According to the City of Houston website, the city accepts aluminum and tin cans, envelopes, home and office paper, mail, newspapers, phone books and magazines. The UH facilities services site lists these things as well as glass, milk cartons, batteries and plastic water bottles as acceptable recycling items. Sustainability starts with individuals, and considering the amount of waste students produce, it is our duty to reuse these materials as much as possible, instead of sending them to rot in a landfill. All it takes is a short walk to the recycling bin.
Westchase Preserve Apart. homes range from $600$1280
Elevating Standards is more than just a tagline Our goal is to provide and elevate standards of service. Find new standards of living at Ascension managed properties. Ascension properties will cater to your needs inside and outside of your apartment home. Apartment homes range from $600-$1280. Westchase Estates 713-974-3185 Westchase Grand 713-781-9340 Piney Point At Westchase 713-782-9092 Sheffiled Square 281- 493-2290
Deluxe Community Amenities: •Sparkling Pools •Exclusive Gymnasiums •Barbeque Areas •Laundry Facilities •Newly Renovated
Conveniently Located to: •Shopping Centers •Fine Dining •Recreational Parks •Schools
10615 Meadowglen Ln, Houston TX 77042, Phone: 713-785-8097, Fax: 713-785-8407 COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
25
LIVING (LEGAL) THINGS YOU CAN KEEP IN YOUR DORM ROOM It seems to me that there have been some recent issues regarding pets being illicitly kept at the residence halls on the University of Houston campus. No worries though, I am here to
When I wake up in my room at Cougar Village 1, I look around at all the different animals in my room and I greet my friends. First, I say hello to my fish, Maximus Gladius. Then, I look around and I say good morning to my wonderful cat, Desmond, and to my tiny bunny, Hoppy. After that I say “wazzzzup” to my three red foxes and my one arctic fox (whose name is Wolfy). Finally, I pick up Wally the Walrus and Polka, my multicolored llama, and give them both hearty handshakes—definitely not hugs. Am I an inconsiderate and policy-breaking resident? Or just a guy that has one real fish and probably too many stuffed animals? Definitely the second. WRITTEN BY DEAN SUCHY
clear up the rules for you. According to Section 3.34e, in the Student Code of Conduct: Possession of a pet with the exception of a fish, service animal, or comfort animal is considered prohib-
// ILLUSTRATED BY RAMIRO ARMENDARIZ
ited. I know that anyone who has an illegal pet living with them in their room on campus, is thinking “What? I totally did not know that. Now that this policy has been easily and clearly laid out for
me by this incredible writer, I will follow the rules.” I really appreciate that compliment and your compliance with rules, but seriously, Coogs: That is a policy that
Sup? ;) Here at school. So I saw their looking for a copy editor at the cougar
T E G R O F T DON’
Don’t you mean they’re?
Also, The Cougar needs to be capitalized. Yep. You would be perfect for the position Sign up on Get Involved
UPCOMING DATES & DEADLINES 3rd Installment Payment Due...........................................March 13 Spring Session 5 Payment Due..........................................March 15 Book Loan Payment Due.....................................................March 20 Spring Session 6 Payment Due..........................................March 31 Last Day to Drop a Course with a "W"..............................March 31
UH Enrollment Services
26
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
EnrollatUH
facebook.com/thedailycougar
thedailycougar
@thedailycougar
we have agreed to uphold and some of us just choose to blatantly disregard. I am only talking to residential Coogs, but I would bet that some of you living off campus aren’t following the animal rules there either. So, take heed and at least acknowledge that you are breaking the rules. The good news is that there are some living things that the wonderful people at the housing office will allow you to have. The first one is a fish. I’ll take a quick pause for you to say something rude about how lame fish are. (…) Fish are unequivocally great. I do not know what that word means, but I know that it means that fish are awesome. They are easy to take care of, they do not make any noise, they have an easy diet of fish pellets and they are very cheap. Now, to make this clear, you are not allowed to drop a Tuna fish—the beef of the
28
400+
INFINITE
sea—into a 50-gallon tank. You can have that classic two gallon tank. My fishes Blub Blub and Maximus have both served me well, and have been very fun to take care of and kick it with. If your only relationship with fish is solely next to some chips, I understand. There are some other options for animals or organisms you can have in your room. Student Housing and Residential Life (SHRL) allows students to live with their service animals as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act. It is always great to see animals working hard to assist their owners. SHRL also allows students to have emotional support animals. College can be an extremely difficult time for many students, and needing emotional support is nothing to be frowned upon. Searching for ways to help increase your own mental wellbeing is an accomplishment in
itself. There is a process that students have to follow to get permission to have an emotional support animal. To find the exact process you can search “Housing Resource Guide UH.” The basics are that you need it to be approved at the Center for Students with disABILITIES Office, then agree to follow some other rules regarding the care of the animal, and finally fill out housing paperwork. If you think that this is something you want or need, please do not hesitate to go through this process. Finally, for all you students out there that think you are ready to take care of animal, think again. There are more responsibilities than you think, especially for the emotional support animals and service animals, but even for a fish, too. Do not forget that you are allowed to have plants in your
room as well. You can plant a little seed and watch it grow into a beautiful flower, or you can take care of some sort of herb to enhance your cooking experience. I am in no way referring to that kush—or any other drug outlawed by state or federal law—but something like parsley, basil or mint. I have also done this before and it is surprisingly fun, and you will become oddly attached to a plant, or in my case, Delilah (of course I sang the classic White T's song to her). Personally, my dream is to have a real cat, dog and even a fox one day. Not only is a college campus not the place to start this dream, I am unsure if I am truly ready for all the responsibility. Even if you are, I would ask that you follow the policies and go through the proper channels if you do need a service or emotional support animal.
engaging departments and programs staff dedicated to student success ways to transform challenges into opportunities
Your #UHSuccess is defined by you! Find out more at uh.edu/dsaes
UHDSAES
UH_DSAES
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
27
SURVIVING AMERICA
REFUGEES, CHURCH BUILD COMMUNITY TOGETHER STORY AND PHOTO BY TREY STRANGE
28
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
to give a last name, lives in an apartment complex in west Houston with 24 other families who are taken care of by First United Methodist Church—but having a home in the U.S. does not mean that struggles have ended. “The war has changed everything in our lives,” Majid said. “The beautiful city turned into something damaged.” ‘THE RIGHT THING’
In October 2015, the government at the helm of Texas decided they didn’t want Syrian refugees to be resettled anymore through the federal program. Kristen Jones, the well-traveled director of
ministries for First Unitthem to the U.S. arrived, ed Methodist Church in they had two weeks to Houston, quickly made an prepare for the trip. Their unorthodox decision: If the brother was scheduled for a government was allowing later date; now, the instabilpolitics to block the way ity of ISIS in Iraq has creatfor Syrian refugees to ened a security alert, leaving ter Texas, then it was the her brother in the country, church’s job to help them. unable to leave. In December Back at First of the same United Methyear, the first odist Church, family arrived. not all the “I think this is members of “For us, it’s not a political church exactly what Jesus her issue. It’s an were keen on issue about has called us to do.” the idea of our faith and helping Muswhat’s the lim refugees - Kristen Jones, DIREC- settle into right thing to do,” Jones said. TOR OF MINISTRIES AT FIRST Houston. Still, Today, Jones said, UNITED METHODIST CHURCH they have remembers of the church mained supwork with the portive and non-profit she has not Catholic Charreceived any ities to build a community pushback. for the refugees and im“I think this is exactly migrants, who are all from what Jesus has called us to Syria or Iraq. do,” Jones said. In April 2016, a famiFROM BAD TO WORSE ly from Iraq arrived, and In 2013, Majid and his four the oldest daughter, Linah brothers were arrested Al-Maliki, emerged as a for, he said, no reason. The leader in building the comstress of this caused his munity for the refugee families. Today, she and her 70-year-old father to have a stroke and die, and police sister float from house to officers struck Majid’s wife. house, checking on famiMajid was held in a cell with lies and coordinating the 17 people, where he said exchange of furniture and officers pointed guns at kitchen appliances to suit him, knocked his teeth out, the needs of each family poured scalding water on in the apartment complex. him and tortured them with They translate when a refuelectrical shocks. gee needs to go to a doctor Eventually, Majid was or get their driver’s license released and the family or apply for a job. “Everybody has my phone moved to a camp in Jordan called Zaatari, which has number,” Al-Maliki said. in recent years become Al-Maliki’s family left well-known because of a Iraq when her brother, who documentary called “Salam worked as a security offi Neighbor.” cer for Haliburton, applied Majid said the place was for immigration years ago. not suitable for humans to When the letter admitting
“
“
The year is 2011. It is before the uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt and the rest of the Arab World, and Majid lives a seemingly normal life with his family in Bosra, the ancient city south of Damascus. It is before the government’s crackdown on civilians and protesters, so Majid happily runs his restaurant from 6 a.m. to midnight and loves his work. Most importantly, it is before the war that just a few years later would rip to shreds the state of Syria, killing thousands and causing a massive refugee crisis on a global scale. Today, Majid, who preferred not
live in. His family was only able to go to the bathroom twice a day, and it was a 30-minute walk before sunrise and after sunset. Water seeped into their camp at night. Once, their son awoke freezing. They had to light candles around him to keep him from succumbing to the cold. “People moved back to Syria because it was so terrible,” Majid said. After a month, Majid and his family moved from the camp to another Jordan city, where they stayed and interviewed for refugee status in the United States in a process that took two years. ‘NEVER FORGET’
Syrian refugees may face a war in their country, terrible conditions in refugee camps, separation from family members and negligence from global leaders, but for Marwan Al-Saleh, one of the most difficult
in Kuwait before moving home to Syria in 2007, where he worked on cars. When he lived in Syria, he used to think about moving to the United States for economic opportunity. Now, he is here but much of his savings remain in his home in Syria. “It’s too expensive,” AlSaleh said. Some of Al-Saleh’s neighbors have moved to Nebraska, saying that housing is cheaper there and the cost of living is easier to afford. He doesn’t want to move, Linah Al-Maliki and her sister, Mays, translate for members of the Iraqi but since he cannot afford and Syrian refugee community in the west Houston apartment complex to feed his family on his where they live. They help people get their driver’s licenses, tutor chil- $8-per-hour job, he thinks it dren and attend doctor’s visits with their neighbors. might be a necessary sacrifice. If so, he said he will find parts of resettlement is sur- a $300-per-month stipend viving the United States. it hard to leave Jones, who for assisted living lasted Unlike Majid, who has has become a dear friend to for half a year. But the food only lived in Houston for him and his family throughstamps given to him are one month, Al-Saleh has not enough for his family of out the process of resettlelived in the same aparteight, and soon his wife and ment. ment complex for more “I will never forget her,” he will have to be taken off than a year. He was given Al-Saleh said. “(She) gives us the program, he said. $2,000 when he arrived and Al-Saleh lived for 14 years reason to stay.”
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
29
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RESIDENCE HALLS AND DORMS
WRITTEN BY DEAN SUCHY
res·i·dence hall (’rez(e)dens hôl) n. An exciting place for students to learn, grow, diversify. Of or pertaining to a positive atmosphere where one has the opportunity to make friends and grow personally.
dorm (dôrm) n. A large, dismal building made for containing college students. Often described as boring and lonely. Of or pertaining to a negative connotation of what college living is like.
Let’s say you are out with your friends and you went to the hottest club downtown. Between the non-alcoholic drinks and the classical dancing, you are having the night of your life, however, it’s just about to get better.
ment (comparable to the disappointed dog meme). What could you have possibly said wrong? You read all the signals correct, or at least you thought you did. It looks like you are about to get your answer as that beautiful mouth opens and says, “Do you mean your residence hall?”
You made eye contact with the sexiest (insert gender here) you have ever seen. After some brief dialogue about the economic crisis in Venezuela, you both
know what’s about to go down tonight. You are not usually this forward, but you turn toward this perfect specimen and say, “Hey, wanna go back to my dorm?" The music switches to Adelle, the people around you turn their heads in disgust and the flashing lights stop to spotlight your almost-lover's face. There is no smile, not even a frown; rather, it is only disappoint-
If you have ever worked in housing, you know exactly what I am talking about. If you do not, I am here to explain what the hell that long and relatively mediocre story is about. The places that students live on campus, such as Cougar Village 1 or Moody Towers, are not referred to as dorms by the people that work in housing. Instead, they are called Residence Halls. In doing my highly intensive research for this article, I found an old news article from Administration and Finance regarding this very topic. It states that staff has previously used acronyms to describe this difference. “For example, “DORM” stands for “Dismal Ordinary Room of Mine.” “RESIDENCE HALL” stands for "Really Exciting Sensational Individually-Designed Enlightening New College Experience that Houses an Abundance of Life and Love.” Although this seems like a silly difference that should
30 COOGLIFE
// MARCH 2017
just be ignored, I do not think it is. The connotations that are associated with certain things can change our perception of them greatly. Imagine if someone had the nerve to suggest that you name your kid Tom or Herman, after all we have been through with that man. The same goes for our living spaces. A dormitory is defined as a nothing more than a large bedroom for a number of people. After living at Cougar Village 1 for almost three years now, I am able to say that this not true. I have grown with people around me, built relationships with people of completely different cultures, religions, sexual orientations then my own, helped people get through tough times, attended lots of different programs and felt that I am home even though I am hundreds of miles away from California. So my experience here has shown me that it is not just where I sleep at night, it is much more. Not everyone one will feel this way, and that is fine. However, if University of Houston wants to strive to make these places where we live something like my experience, it will start by calling them residence halls.
PERSON ON THE STREET
“I don’t live on campus, but I think it would be a better idea to remodel the Quads’ current condition rather than completely demolish it. It would probably be cheaper and easier. I’m just glad they’re doing something about it because that place is old. Hopefully, the new dorm won’t be too expensive; maybe I’ll even move into that dorm.”
BY TIMOTHY NGUYEN
One of our school’s oldest buildings is being put to rest, and is to be reborn into a new dormitory for students to enjoy–or at least live in. There are many mixed feelings in this decision, as evident when asked the simple question, “How do you feel about the Quads?” to a few fellow Coogs.
”
“
“The Quads were old and dingy anyways, I’m glad they are doing something about it. It’s pretty much the worst dorm at UH. Like, that is the last choice in dorms anyone would get. It’s relatively cheap though, but considering its condition, there’s a reason why.”
BUSINESS ACCOUNTING SOPHOMORE // HUMZA SOHAIL
PHILOSOPHY JUNIOR // ALAN GUEVARA
GET REC’D
Lifeguard CERTIFICATION COURSE
CONNECT WITH US UHRecreation
REGISTRATION
MARCH 10–12 APRIL 21–23
MARCH 8 APRIL 19
COST $225
Farmer’s Market Bike Ride
*Register at the CRWC Welcome Desk
UHRecreation UHRecreation
APRIL 1, APRIL 8 *
UH Recreation
$15 Student $20 Non–student
Registration Deadline: 3/27, 4/3
uh.edu/recreation
INTRAMURAL SPORTS LEAGUES / TOURNAMENTS
For detailed information for all intramural sports offered this Spring, visit uh.edu/recreation or log on imleagues.com
Register by: 3/23 at 3pm
Registration: 3/20 – 4/17
Basketball Skills Competition
UHCampusRecreation
Golf Doubles
#
#UHREC
DATES OFFERED
Ultimate Frisbee
”
HOTEL/RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT JUNIOR // ANNABEL FULLER
PSYCHOLOGY SENIOR // JAWAD CHARAFEDDINE
“
How do you feel about the Quads?
I used to think the Quads were quite dingy and shabby, however, after I went inside, I witnessed how homey and cozy it seemed. It’s weird how starting next year there will be a huge empty space in the area. I don’t know what they will do with the Quads but I hope there will be a new dorm in it’s space.
“I’ve never dormed, let alone seen what the dorms looked like. I do know, however, we need more affordable dorms on campus since there are many students who want to dorm, but rather commute because the room and board is too expensive. I think the dorm that replaces the Quads should have more options, rooms, and provide more opportunities for students who want to live on campus.”
Register by: 3/29 at 6pm
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
31
C-STORES SAVE THE DAY BY KARIS JOHNSON // ILLUSTRATION BY ERIN DAVIS
Whether you live on campus or just find yourself in need of a snack between mid-terms, the Cougar Express Markets (or C-Stores) have a few deals and food options that range from excellent to great, depending on your Cougar Cash supply, of course. The C-Stores on campus are located in Cougar Village 1, the University Center South, Calhoun Lofts, Cougar Woods and the Satellite, so it’s safe to say that wherever you find yourself on campus there should be one of these gems close by.
While UH Dining Halls are often scrutinized for their lack of options, the C-Stores step in to save the day. Here are several of their best options, deals and offerings. VEGAN ICE CREAM, COOKIES We all know that finding vegan or vegetarian options on campus is difficult to say the least, but the C-Stores boast up to four flavors of ice cream as well as Divvies brand cookies that are all vegan. So, if your sweet tooth is just as strong as your convictions, fear not: The UH campus C-Stores have your
back. Choose from a selection of Ben and Jerry’s ice cream or a plethora of Divvies cookies and leave with your sweet tooth satisfied and your convictions intact. COFFEE, TEA BAR Don’t feel like making the trek to Starbucks only to pay $4 for a cup of coffee? The C-Stores on campus supply various coffee roasts and tea bags at a premium price, and it’s all self-serve. There are more than five flavors of tea including peppermint, Earl Grey and chai. If you’re in need of a stronger potion, the coffee featured is house blend, medium roast and even extra black double shot for that needed pick-meup early in the morning (or late at night, we don’t judge). So, save a few bucks and make your own cup of coffee or tea on the way to class. FRESH FRUIT, VEGETABLES Driving half an hour off campus to pick up some bananas and asparagus can seem like a hassle, so there are better options for finding your daily dose of fruits and veggies. Most of the campus C-Stores keep seasonal fruit and vegetables in stock, and while the prices may seem high, it beats driving to HEB if all you wanted is a small bunch of produce for the week. And if one C-Store doesn’t have what you’re looking for, odds are that another one will. Now, there are no more excuses for not eating your veggies. SMOOTHIES, MILKSHAKES Besides the healthy options they provide, the C-Stores also offer their fair share of comfort
32
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
food, including milkshakes and smoothies. The F’Real Milkshake and Smoothie machines offer a myriad of ice cream and fruit flavors including Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, Cookies and Cream, Mango and Cappuccino. And they’re fun to make, too. While we cannot recommend indulging in more than on F’Real per week (fine, per day), they are on this list for a reason. RADICLE JUICES So, maybe you’re not vegan, but do you spend your fair share of money supporting local businesses and healthy alternatives? Even if the answer to that question is no, Radicle Juices are so delicious you won’t care that they’re $5 a bottle. As a business startup created by a UH alumnus, Radicle Juices are available for purchase in most C-Stores. And if you somehow find yourself away from any C-Store location, the owner and operator himself often sells these refreshing juices from a stand at different locations around campus. NON-DAIRY MILK OPTIONS There have been changes made over the last few years in the campus C-Stores, and one of the greatest is the addition of non-dairy milk and milk products to the stands. Whether you’re lactose intolerant or simply looking for a vegan alternative, the C-Stores have your back with several dairy-free options such as coconut milk and soy milk. In addition to being better for you, these non-dairy products also taste delicious and are great for baking.
GUIDE: HOW TO GET INVOLVED WITH HOUSING WRITTEN BY ALEX MEYER PHOTO COURTESY OF KAYLA FISCHER
Housing opportunities on campus go far beyond a place to sleep. With organizations such as the Residence Halls Association and their Hall Councils, the National Residence Hall Honorary and Desk/Assistant Resident Advisors, students can gain extraordinary experience working among their peers to serve the University and add to their own resumes.
RHA Executive Board. Members also deal with concerns in the residence halls and serve as a go-between for residents. Students can get involved and join RHA by submitting an inquiry to rha@uh.edu.
NATIONAL RESIDENCE HALL HONORARY The honorary serves individuals on a more personal level, advocating for the interests and welfare of students by providing opportunities for their personal and professional development. The honorary also recognizes students who have vastly contributed to University housing by serving initiatives and the RESIDENT HALLS overall community on campus. ASSOCIATION, HALL COUNCIL They recognize the top 1% of This association was established student leaders on campus, to represent all of residential individuals who have made an life on campus, and according effort to exhibit exceptional to their website, it’s purpose is leadership. to “create a constructive and positive educational and social Students can learn more about environment.” Members of RHA working for NRHH by heading to coordinate hall councils to foster their web page on Get Involved, positive efforts in policy, leader- which is accessed via your ship and programming with the myUH portal.
RESIDENT ADVISORS/DESK ASSISTANTS As a resident advisor, students provide support and help to other students in the residence halls in order to maintain a healthy environment. Issues may arise, which RAs help to find solutions for. SHRL highly values the following ideals in their RAs: Commitment, passion and dedication. RAs will be challenged in terms of patience, time management, organization and relationships, so it is important to consider the amount of time and energy they will be investing in this job. The RA mission statement is, “A diverse community of students, staff, and faculty who foster student success in living-learning environments by building relationships, promoting engagement, and leading with an ethic of care." Those interested in serving as an RA or a DA (Desk Assistant) can fill out an application on Get Involved.
BRING THIS AD WITH YOUR STUDENT ID AND RECEIVE $350 OFF OF YOUR MOVE-IN COSTS • Beautiful pool with large sun deck • Conference rooms and business center available 24 hours per day • 24 hour cyber café with free wifi and lounge space • Online resident portal
• Pet friendly with lots of green space for your four legged family member • Large spacious apartment homes - 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms available - All homes have granite countertops and stainless steel appliances • Free Parking
6301 Almeda Rd, Houston TX 77021 • 713.449.8400 • www.villasathermannpark.com COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
33
As many of you know, the beloved (or not-so-beloved) Quadrangle Residence Hall will be torn down at the end of this Spring semester. It has seen countless students inhabit its walls, and while it may be one of the oldest buildings on campus, there is some part of us that is sad to see it go. But before we say our goodbyes at the end of this semester, we wanted to give you the opportunity to play architect for a day. What would you turn the Quads into if you were in charge of the renovation project? Take a pen, pencil or whatever other writing utensil you have available, and design your own renovated Quadrangle below. We know we have some architects and art students out there who could do an amazing job if placed in charge of the project, but we want you to get crazy and creative with this. Show us what you’d like to see in that big, rectangular empty space next year.
34
COOGLIFE // MARCH 2017
7
HELP US CELEBRATE THE BEST OF HOUSTON & UH
TUESDAY, APRIL 4TH, 11 A.M. - 2 P.M., STUDENT CENTER CIRCLE DRIVE
facebook.com/cooglife
@cooglifemag
@cooglifemag
HOUSTON
3/5 Little Simz 3/10 Houston Burlesque Fest Kick Off Party 3/12 Ha Ha Tonka • 3/17 Toni Romiti 3/19 Colony House 3/20 Joey Purp
THE BOX OFFICE AT REVENTION MUSIC CENTER OR CHARGE BY PHONE AT 800-745-3000
All dates, acts and ticket prices subject to change without notice. A service charge is added to each ticket.
SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER FOR SPECIAL OFFERS AND PRESALES 520 Texas Ave Houston, TX 77002 www.ReventionMusicCenter.com