LETTER FROM THE EDITOR UH continues to fail its students
CINDY RIVAS ALFARO EDITOR IN CHIEF
@CINDYGISELLES
It saddens me to have to write this. What happened on Friday night should not have happened. It’s the accumulation of errors the University has failed to correct regarding their safety priorities.
Time and time again, students have asked for better lighting, more security, a tigher leash around UHPD’s patrols and just an overhaul of the University’s concern for its students’ safety.
It’s fair to say that the University has not prioritized student safety at all. It is an absolute slap to the face to read a statement that said only four officers will be stationed at one garage when there are over 66 comissioned peace officers and 94 security officers available for the University’s disposal. That is unacceptable when we have four other garages filled to the brim with student cars.
The lighting project which has been ongoing since before the pandemic is not even completed yet with the lighting being nothing but subpar. So far, the University has only installed underground wiring in Zones A, B, C, D, E and F. Phase II of the construction is set to be completed by Summer 2026 but the amount of lights, security and cameras is still to be determined.
Lighting is only one issue among several that the University is taking too long to address. In the same week, two scooters were robbed and we still do not have an update on the suspect of those two incidents and whether or not they are related.
Something needs to change. It’s time for students to demand more than just empty promises from the University. UH students have already taken charge with Deeds not Words hosting a protest at Butler Plaza on Wednesday, today, at 12 p.m. There has also been the emergence of Coog Escorts who will plan a buddy system for students walking late at night. But the demands shouldn’t stop there. Students need to keep the energy going. Not just for the student who was traumatized Friday night, but for all the students who fear walking late at night.
If you or someone else wants their voice heard, The Cougar is here to amplify student voices.
editor@thedailycougar.com
Suspect arrested, students dissatisfied with UH’s response following sexual assault case
GAURAANGI GUPTA NEWS WRITER
@GAURAANGIGUPTA
Friday evening, a UH student was sexually assaulted at knifepoint on the second floor of the Welcome Center student parking garage, making it the third crime related incident this week.
UHPD informed students about the incident through an email.
The incident on Feb. 7
According to the email, the incident occurred approximately 5:50 p.m. Students received the email one hour after the incident.
The student was approached by an unknown male who brandished a knife and forced his way into her vehicle along with her.
He then continued to threaten her with the knife if she attempted to contact the police. The student was forcibly sexually assaulted by the suspect.
The name of the suspect is unknown. They are a black male with dark complexion, crew cut hairstyle, heavy build, wearing a black sweatshirt and dark-colored pants, according to the email.
There was only one suspect reported with a knife, but no vehicles connected to the incident.
“We understand the concerns of our community and want to reassure you that your safety and well-being remain our top priority,” said UH PR in a statement. “As these investigations continue, we urge all students, faculty and staff to remain vigilant. Be aware of your surroundings at all times.”
Students, parents express concerns
Students demanded accountability after Friday’s email as outrage and fear increased within the UH community.
“I never felt unsafe, especially in the Welcome Center garages since it was previously considered one of the safest places to park on campus,” said honors chemical engineering sophomore Jenna Caratao. “But now, I feel very unsafe going out alone, especially after this incident.”
Caratao was parked approximately at the same spot and went to her car 20 minutes after UHPD was informed about the incident.
At that time, she was unaware about the crime as it was not communicated to the students by then.
“It wasn’t even dark when I left the parking garage, so I cannot even
rely on daylight,” Caratao said.
Several parents have also been sharing their concerns over the safety of their children.
“I should feel confident and at ease when UH assures students that security will be added, but I do not,” said mother of psychology junior Jaleesa Gonzalez, Veronica Gonzalez. “The recent incidents make me very upset and does affect my decision to allow my child to attend a school where three crimes were committed in just under a couple of days of each other.”
In the light of the recent event, many students are coming out and sharing their stories on the UH subreddit.
Students shared their experiences where they were followed in broad daylight near the different garages.
“I also got followed once at school in broad daylight,” a reddit user commented on a post. “It’s actually scary when they chase you, I had to run into one of the buildings to lose him.”
Several of these posts were taken down by the UH Reddit mods, sparking even more concerns from students.
Earlier this week, two robberies had also occurred on Feb. 4 and Feb. 5, where one incident took place at the same garage.
Students argue that they pay over $600 for garage parking and still have to fear for their safety.
The parking garages cost more money than the ungated parking lots but seem to have the same level and quality of security, Caratao said.
“For quite the price tag, I would expect there to be more safety measures in place,” said marketing senior Rammel Miranda. “Kind of makes you wonder where all that money we’re paying is going.”
There is an active demand from students and parents to increase safety measures by the University, especially since the campus holds evening classes.
There is an expectation from UHPD to increase their presence and especially after recent events, students’ safety should be number one priority, Miranda said.
Students like Miranda and Caratao also mentioned how it would help students to have personal self-defense equipment like pepper spray, however it can come at a high price for many college students.
“I strongly believe that it is the University’s responsibility to ensure the welfare of the students
by tightening security, adding increased surveillance to areas of the campus and even illuminating areas that are dimmer during the night,” Miranda said.
Recent arrest of the suspect
The University released a statement informing students about an arrest that matches the suspect’s description on Saturday morning.
“UHPD arrested the suspect last night near the scene,” the statement said. “We are unable to release anything further at this time, including the identity of the suspect, as this is an ongoing criminal investigation.”
According to the statement, UHPD has four officers assigned 24/7 patrols at the Welcome Center garage, and the UH Executive Steering Committee on Safety and Security is meeting to develop a comprehensive plan with both immediate and long-term strategies.
While students and parents feel a little relieved that the suspect was caught within 24 hours, they are not satisfied with the University’s reaction and the late communication received.
UH needs to send an alert to all students as soon as it is reported, so that students know as soon as possible and be on the look out, Veronica Gonzalez said.
“It is mind boggling, they are only increasing security in one section when we know we have problems all across campus,” said pre-business freshman Adil Baig. “They’re just doing this in their response to what happened specifically at Welcome Center garage to alleviate the concerns for users of that garage, but not campus-wide.”
Petition stopped, protest scheduled
As of Friday night, a petition
was circulated within the UH community demanding more safety precautions on campus.
However, Saturday morning students started to figure out that the petition has been taken down. According to the petition, it was taken down because of inappropriate content.
“It is a clear response from the University that they don’t really care about the students’ opinion on campus,” Baig said. “They make some vague statement that they’re going to solve the issue, but really they’re just trying to bury the issue deeper and deeper.”
After much protest online, the petition was back online by Saturday late evening.
Deeds not Words at UH has organized a protest on campus in response to the latest incidents. The protest will be held at Butler Plaza today from 12 p.m.
Resources
for students
Students should avoid walking alone and create a buddy system when traveling at night on campus. An unofficial student organization Cougar Escorts was created following the incident that offers a buddy system from 6 p.m. to midnight. However, since it is not an official student organization, make sure to use it at your own risk.
Counseling and Psychological Services is also available for students seeking additional help. They provide amenities like crisis support, group-therapy and single session therapy. Students can also visit the Student Health Center for a sexual misconduct forensic exam at no cost.
The Women and Gender Resource Center provides a safe space to have conversations and sexual misconduct support services.
news@thedailycougar.com
The Welcome Center garage on UH’s main campus becomes the center of a recent sexual assault case. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
Report card: 61st SGA administration fails students, barely makes the grade
GAURAANGI GUPTA, ANNA MONROE, CHRISTOPHER GEE
NEWS EDITOR, SENIOR STAFF WRITERS
@GAURAANGIGUPTA
, CURLY._.TOP11, CHRISTOPH.3R
Editor’snote:Whilethereporting containedinthisarticleisobjective, eachgraderepresentstheopinionof TheCougar’sSGAsection.
As the 61st Student Government Association administration led by President Diego Arriaga and Vice President Austin Craig comes to an end, it’s time to look back on their campaign promises and the progress they made to accomplish them.
Arriaga and Craig promised to prioritize three things: cheaper parking, a safer campus and increased support for students.
However, there were several challenges to these promises, including impeachment recommendations, controversial firings, a mandate from the Division of Student Affairs and the SGA’s competency as an organization.
Since Nov. 6, 2024, SGA has been on a mandate that has prevented them from running as an organization. This has caused several setbacks and prevented them from passing any laws or resolutions. To add on, elections for the 62nd administration are postponed until further notice.
SGA’s efficiency: D-
During the administration, the SGA’s effectiveness as an organization dwindled and came to a near-complete stop.
The beginning itself started with chaos when one of the first sessions of the 61st administration’s meeting was disrupted when Arriaga alerted senators of an active campus threat, which turned out to be false.
The following weeks witnessed several controversies ranging from the possible censorship of a senator, a walk-out to invalidate voting, Senate leaders being found guilty of overreach of power, the resignation of former Speaker of the Senate Sebastian Ballesteros and the improper handling of the Student Fee and Advisory Committee candidates.
On Nov. 6, 2024, the SGA was delivered a mandate by the Division of Student Affairs to write and pass a new constitution and set of bylaws.
“In its current state, the SGA is unable to effectively serve the student body, and immediate action from them is necessary,” said Associate Vice Chancellor and Associate Vice President of Media Relations Shawn Lindsey in a former interview.
This mandate does not allow the SGA to address any other affairs until the mandate has been addressed. This includes hosting SGA’s 2025 elections, filling vacant positions and passing legislation.
Since the mandate was first delivered in early Nov., only the
bylaws have passed, meeting the bare minimum threshold of 20 votes.
The SGA has overseen UH’s fall 2024 and spring 2025 semesters for 20 weeks, but the administration has only been fully operational for 11 of them.
Another challenge the organization faced in its effectiveness was the Internal Affairs Committee’s recommendation for the impeachment of Arriaga and Craig.
“The committee wants to recommend that with the lack of effective leadership and the possible disorganization, the Senate considers the impeachment of the current president and vice president,” said former Sen. and former IAC chair Anahi Ortega.
This recommendation came in response to the controversial firing practices by Arriaga and Craig, where one member of the executive branch was terminated while another was given the option to resign.
This resulted in the resignation of former Director of External Affairs Khushvir Chahal, leaving the Executive Branch with three out of seven positions vacant.
Additionally, the SGA almost lost its Speaker of the Senate Tav Cockrell, who threatened resignation.
The Senate attempted to nominate Arriaga and Craig for impeachment at a meeting scheduled for Jan. 17.
However, it was canceled due to the current ongoing mandate from the DSA. 15 Senators of the SGA had signed the recommendation.
Arriaga’s administration lost three executive branch members, almost lost its Speaker of the Senate and drew impeachment nominations supported by 15 senators that were unable to be passed because of a several weeks old mandate the organization has not fulfilled.
Cheaper parking: F
For All Cougars ran on a platform that heavily advertised parking improvements, the main focus of which was cheaper parking.
“We’re going to make a commuterfriendly campus when you vote For All Cougars,” said the official Instagram post of the party on Feb. 14, 2024.
Their campaign included interviews with students highlighting the cost of parking and trouble finding parking spots.
“The good thing that came out of the Transportation and Parking Advisory Committee, was that the increase for this next fiscal year should not be relatively much at all in terms of cost for students,” said Chief of Staff Daniela Gonzales. “Parking sadly has to increase, as it does every year.”
Prices will still increase for UH
students. For the 2026 and 2027 fiscal years, tier three parking zones B and C and tier four parking zones A, D, E, F, G and H are projected to have an increase in prices.
Despite campaigning on a platform that heavily advertised cheaper parking, there has been no significant decrease on parking prices.
Parking prices will increase in the coming fiscal years and are due to be at an all-time high because of future upgrades and renovations.
“We came in here gung-ho on decreasing parking, but found out it’s a lot more complicated than it looks,” Arriaga said. “We’ve accomplished a lot that we set out to do. There’s a lot on the parking side of things I’d like to see happen.”
With the efforts of TPAC, a new option for UH students commuting between the main campus and the Sugar Land extension was introduced.
A new Fort Bend County line was made available after unanimous approval from the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, and the service costs $4 for a one-way ride.
The organization also worked on relaunching the sexual assault initiative, which they completed successfully with a $63,235 donation from the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
The funds would go to sexual assault awareness events, selfdefense items and Counseling and Psychological Services.
Although it has yet to be active, it would relieve SA victims from the financial burden of a report and provide more support.
UH had several high-profile incidents over the course of the 61st Administration, including an armed robbery in Moody Towers, two scooter thefts and a recent sexual assault.
UH’s annual security report for 2025 will be published on Oct. 1, and will measure SGA’s impact on creating a safer campus more in depth.
Legislation: D-
Around this time last year, the 60th administration had passed 13 bills and was heavily criticized for lacking in legislative efforts. At this time, the 61st administration has only passed three.
The current administration only passed two Student Government Bills and one University Bill, according to the official website.
SGBs effect change within the Student Government. The first bill outlined the SGA’s Fiscal Year budget for 2025, and the second expanded the SGA’s Sheila Jackson Lee Emerging Leaders program.
The singular UB passed by the SGA established a committee providing oversight of a
Memorandum of Understanding, a non-binding agreement between SGA and UH athletics.
This MOU was established in 2015, at the request of the 51st SGA administration.
Arriaga’s party, For All Cougars, has barely impacted student life or created campus change through direct legislation.
Not only have they passed an abysmal amount of bills, they have been unable to pass any legislation besides attempting to repeatedly pass a new constitution and set of bylaws since Nov. 6, 2024.
However, that being said, the 61st administration has passed several impactful resolutions.
Arriaga’s administration passed 19 resolutions that express an opinion of the Student Government as a whole. Notable resolutions include SGA’s “Divest from Death.”
This resolution requested the Board of Regents to hear and vote on a proposal to divest the University from companies that provided material or finances to Israel.
The BOR did not advance on this bill; however, pro-Palestine students felt represented by the SGA.
Arriaga’s administration also passed a resolution advocating for increased funding for the Keeland Design Lab, which suffered from budget cuts.
According to the resolution, the facility is crucial for students fostering real-world skills.
By advocating for increased funding, they helped keep one of UH’s few remaining maker spaces well-funded and accessible.
During their first summer session, they also passed a resolution condemning UHPD Chief of Police Ceaser Moore following the arrest of two students on campus, because of an encampment organized by SJP HTX.
Campus involvement: D-
The organization did a commendable job in spreading awareness of the importance of
voting registration and early voting. They managed to get Beto O’Rourke on campus, organized the screening of the Presidential debate, organized the “Know your Ballot” event and provided rides to the polling booths on election days. They organized the annual End the Stigma event to promote mental health awareness and back-to-school and parking citation drives.
Apart from this, the organization was caught up among themselves, leaving no time to organize other activities and not to mention, the numerous vacant positions all year long.
The president and the vice president even failed to show up at the city council meeting in July 2024, where several UH students were advocating for the canceled METRO project.
Overall Grade: D-
The 61st administration has not only failed to fully realize its campaign promises but has been incapable of even fully operating as an organization since the beginning. It has been a term marked with controversial firings, impeachment recommendations and a mandate from DSA.
To add, the administration has not been able to resolve the mandate for the past nine weeks, despite meeting repeatedly to read over and vote on it.
With this administration, we do not even know if the SGA will host elections before next semester.
It is fair to say that the SGA had moments of success. However, given the administration’s significant power, a few positive outcomes should not be the standard expectation.
With all of this considered, it is The Cougar’s SGA section’s decision to grade the 61st administration at a D-, just a grade above failing. news@thedailycougar.com
Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar
MEN’S BASKETBALL
sports Tough love: Houston navigates grueling Big 12 grind
CAMRYN ALBERIGO SPORTS EDITOR
@CAMRYN.ALBERIGO
After navigating a relentless Big 12 schedule, No. 6 Houston men’s basketball finally has a chance to breathe. A four-day break between games is short by most standards, but it’s the most time Houston gets during its journey through the 20-game conference slate, which presents 10 straight weeks of twice-weekly matchups.
“I’m not saying it’s the Bataan Death March, but it is a grueling schedule for college kids,” coach Kelvin Sampson said. “We all have the same issue.”
The transition
This season, the Big 12 transitioned from an 18 game league schedule to a 20 game slate that runs from the end of December through the second week of March. With Big 12 schools as far west as Utah and as far east as West Virginia, playing in three time zones in a short period is the norm.
Although the league has plans to move back to a shorter league slate next season, teams are feeling the effects heavily.
“Everybody is going through it, so nobody has any disadvantages or advantages, but it is tough,” Sampson said. “When we go to an 18 game schedule now studentathlete welfare will come into it,
but if it was up to the powers, they wouldn’t do it.”
The Cougars opened the season with a condensed nonconference schedule. Extended breaks between games, some as long as eight days, left Houston eager to return to the court. However, those sporadic 11 games in November and December quickly gave way to the relentless demands of Big 12 play, where the intensity, consistency and demand only escalated.
A grueling stretch
To start February, Houston faced a grueling stretch of four games in 10 days. After returning from West Virginia, the Cougars had just two days before taking the floor against Texas Tech, where they suffered their first conference loss in an overtime battle.
By Tuesday, they were in Stillwater, Okla., followed by a trip to Boulder, Colo., to continue their undefeated Big 12 road record. A day later, they returned home for a showdown with Baylor, marking their second of four Saturday-toMonday turnarounds this season.
The challenges won’t let up anytime soon. Beginning Saturday with No. 13 Arizona, Houston embarks on another brutal 10-day stretch, featuring four games, three of which are against ranked opponents.
The Wildcats, who are neck and neck with Houston in the conference standings, are the first test before Houston takes a short trip to Arizona State. Following that, Houston hosts No. 10 Iowa State on Feb. 22, before a rematch with No. 12 Texas Tech on the road on Feb. 24.
“February is a grind,” Sampson said. “It’s the hardest month. You can feel the finish line, but you can’t see it yet. And then you know what’s coming next.”
Houston plays Cincinnati at home on March 1, before a quick turnaround to face No. 17 Kansas on March 3. The regular season ends with a trip to Baylor on March 8. The Big 12 Tournament begins the next week, ahead of the NCAA Tournament.
Health matters
Practice time is limited, and days away from the court are even harder to come by.
“We get treatment and are careful,” said graduate forward J’Wan Roberts. “(We do) anything to get our bodies right.”
The Cougars have a plethora of resources, including fluids, nutrition, hot and cold tubs, massages and rest to battle fatigue, but pain and injury remain a challenge.
Redshirt junior guard Emanuel Sharp missed games against Oklahoma State and Colorado
with a nagging ankle injury, which allowed redshirt sophomore guard Terrance Arceneaux, the Cougars’ leader in minutes off the bench, to enter the starting lineup.
For Arceneaux, returning to a full workload after suffering an Achilles injury last season has not been easy.
“I haven’t played this long in a season since being in college.
With this many minutes it’s been challenging,” Arceneaux said.
“But I have been doing a good job taking care of my body, and just
trying to attack every day to get better.”
Each day presents a chance for Houston to embrace the grind. Fatigue is part of the battle, but the Cougars welcome the challenge.
“This is the most taxing, most physical part of the season, but it’s also the most fun,” Sampson said. “They would rather do this than be sitting for eight days, I promise you.”
sports@thedailycougar.com
The locations of Houston men’s basketball away games in the order they occur. | Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar
Houston guard Terrance Arceneaux rises from the floor and triumphantly flexes after a successful bucket against OSU during the second half of an NCAA college men’s basketball game, Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar
BASEBALLL
From heartbreak to hope: Houston seeks Big 12 redemption
ASHTON GRISSOM
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
@ASHTONAGRISSOM8
A new college baseball season is here, and the Houston Cougars are gearing up for another year in the Big 12 conference.
“With a lot of new guys in the program, it has taken some time to adjust,” junior outfielder Brandon Bishop said. “We have figured out what we want to do as a team this season and have become close.”
With the shifting landscape of the conference and a roster full of new talent, the Cougars are looking to rebound from a challenging 2024 season.
Entering their second year in the Big 12, Houston will look to improve upon its 26-28 overall record and 7-21 conference record from last year.
With a mix of transfers and freshmen joining the roster, the Cougars have built their lineup to compete in this new-look conference.
Key offseason moves
Coach Todd Whitting is entering his 15th season at Houston and has made serious moves in the offseason to add to the roster.
The Cougars welcome back senior outfielder and pitcher Malachi Lott, who transferred from Sam Houston State in the offseason. Lott played his first two years of collegiate baseball for UH until he transferred.
“I felt like it was God’s plan to decide to return here,” Lott said.
The two-way player has made a significant impact in both programs and is set for a breakout year in 2025.
Houston’s most significant move was acquiring three players from Blinn College, who won the 2024 NJCAA National Championship Bishop: junior infielder Cade Climie and junior infielder Connor McGinnis.
The addition of Climie, the preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year and NJCAA World Series MVP, is one of the most exciting changes.
Climie was a standout hitter at Blinn College and had a .394 batting average and 20 home runs last season, making him a force to watch in the Cougars’ lineup.
According to D1Baseball. com, he is the No. 64 player in the 2025 MLB draft projections. His experience will be valuable as Houston seeks to improve its offensive production.
“I’ve been through a lot, and I know what it takes to win,” Climie said. “I am trying to do the same things that gave us success at Blinn and bring them here and do even better.”
Houston’s other additions, Bishop and McGinnis, were key
contributors to Blinn College’s championship run. Bishop brings a wealth of experience, having spent time at Texas A&M before a standout career at Blinn.
“At Blinn, I was a team leader, and I look to carry over that leadership here,” Bishop said. McGinnis, a former Region XIV Player of the Year, adds to Houston’s talented infield and will be a key piece in the Cougars’ success.
Incoming freshman
The Cougars also addressed their needs in the 2025 class by adding six players out of high school.
Those include five freshman pitchers: Danny Carcello, Kendall Hoffman, Connor Osier, Chris Perez and Logan Reid. Freshman infielder Jackson LaLima rounds out the class for UH.
Houston had a clear focus when signing this class: to reload their pitching rotation with young talent and add a key utility player in the infield.
Veteran returners
The Cougars lost their top three hitters last season and have enough returners and new talent to fill in the gaps.
Junior catcher Kenneth Jimenez will be a key piece to this Houston
squad with his solid defensive year last season and is respected around the conference. He made a huge offensive impact as he led the team in on-base percentage (.476) and finished fourth on the team in batting average (.295).
Junior infielder Coby DeJesus is also another player to watch this season. The Diboll, Texas, product can play third base and second base but primarily stays at shortstop.
He had an impressive 2024 season defensively with a .957 fielding percentage and only five errors. He also swung the bat well, finishing with a .267 batting average and 36 hits in 2024.
A Houston pitcher to watch this season is junior pitcher Michael Benzor.
He appeared in 19 games last season and did not allow an earned run in his first 11 outings. Opponents only batted .184 against him last season, and he managed a 3.21 ERA.
For Houston to succeed, these returners and several others need to be the cornerstone of this program.
Big 12 landscape
The Big 12’s No.1 and No.3 teams, Oklahoma and Texas, have departed, leaving the conference wide open for new contenders.
Houston will face familiar foes in addition to newcomers Arizona State, Arizona and Utah, who joined the conference this season from the PAC 12.
Despite these changes, Oklahoma State remains the favorite to win the conference. The Cowboys, who received nine first-place votes in the preseason poll, will be the team to watch this season.
With four first-place votes, Arizona is another top contender, and TCU, which ranked third in the poll, should also remain competitive.
West Virginia, Texas Tech and Arizona State round out the middle of the pack, but Houston’s 2025 season will be defined by how well they can compete against these teams and take advantage of matchups where they are favored.
Houston’s challenge
Houston enters the season ranked 11th in the Big 12 preseason poll, but its favorable schedule, the influx of talent from high school and the transfer portal could make the Cougars a surprise contender.
Facing powerhouse teams like No. 1 Texas A&M on May 6 and No. 7 Oregon State on Feb. 19 will test Houston, but if they can
perform well in these challenging games, they could rise in the standings.
Final thoughts
Houston could be one of the sleeper teams of the 2025 season.
While they’re not expected to contend for the conference title immediately, the addition of talent through transfers and new recruits could propel them to a middle-tier finish.
A strong run in non-conference play, especially in games against ranked opponents, could give the Cougars momentum heading into the heart of the Big 12 schedule.
The 2025 season presents a challenging yet promising opportunity for the Cougars to establish themselves as contenders in the Big 12.
As the team enters a new season, a combination of veteran leadership and fresh talent sets the stage for a promising spring.
The Cougars will open up their season with a three-game series against Minnesota beginning Feb. 14 at Schroeder Park.
A month after opening day, UH will begin Big 12 play on March 14, against Texas Tech at home. sports@thedailycougar.com
Houston’s Malachi Lott pitches against the San Jacinto Raven during an NCAA college fall ball baseball game, Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Houston, Texas.| Oscar Herrera/The Cougar
opinion
COUPLES
Corporate greed should not define Valentine’s Day gestures
PARKER H-B
OPINION EDITOR @ALASTFAIR
It’s that time of the year again-when couples gear up for grand gestures, cute dates and the seasonal section of every store turns bright pink and red.
While Valentine’s Day is a cute occasion, it also creates a financial incentive for companies to exploit, and consumers shouldn’t fall for it.
Romantic relationships are a very important part of life, and Valentine’s Day provides a good excuse to do something nice for a partner. Of course, there is nothing inherently wrong with this, but it’s worth reflecting on the corporate greed surrounding the holiday.
This year, according to the National Retail Federation, Americans are projected to spend a whopping $27.5 billion on Valentine’s festivities. The majority of this money will go towards things like jewelry, flowers and candy.
While these common romantic gestures are a sweet sentiment, sellers often raise their prices on these items to justify stocking special Valentine’s-themed products. This trend has grown since the COVID-19 pandemic, with supply chain disruptions driving costs up every year
DATING
since.
Compounding the issue is a mass societal pressure among couples to give gifts. Due to this, it’s common to neglect the price tag on an item just for the sake of getting something at all, especially if one waits until the last minute.
Of course, this isn’t to say couples shouldn’t indulge in Valentine’s Day. Small gestures and gifts are a great way to remind someone that they’re cared for, and a night out or a sweet letter can mean just as much as an expensive present.
The real issue lies in the holiday’s commercialization. Beyond the problem of marked-up expenses, companies capitalizing on the holiday creates inauthentic, short-lived gestures that tend to lack meaning.
When given the choice between something like an evening out or a homecooked meal and a cheap, pink colored box of chocolates, most will choose the option that takes less effort and time.
Again, this isn’t necessarily the buyer’s fault, but it is something that companies feed off of in order to take advantage of the average consumer. Thus, the fees customers are paying for those heartshaped boxes and bouquets of roses will only continue to rise.
All of this begs the question: What should consumers do to enjoy Valentine’s Day without being preyed upon by corporations?
For starters, re-evaluate what romantic gestures should look like. Forgetting until the last minute and grabbing something small on the way home is one thing, but it pays to put time into planning something that would really make a partner happy.
There are a variety of date spots throughout Houston and on campus
that couples can spend time at, and even a simple night at home can be very meaningful.
Expressing love for one’s partner comes in many forms, and it’s the thought that counts more than the money put into a gift. A little effort goes a long way, and instead of buying into corporate greed, take a chance this year to find something different.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
Relationships are already difficult enough without judgement
ANAYA BAXTER
OPINION ASSIST
@ANAYABAX
Being in one’s twenties is arguably one of the messiest parts of life. Navigating adulthood, college, potential careers and other changes are overwhelming. This era is further complicated when it’s shared with a romantic partner.
Love in early adulthood looks different for everyone. Some are hung up on their high school ex while others are planning to walk down the aisle. Each path has its struggles, and it is important to refrain from judging others and letting them judge you, too harshly.
Romance is a beautiful thing that gets muddied with expectations, of which young people have many. From Hollywood movies to romance novels, people have learned to dream of a partner that caters to their every need. Unfortunately, people are not onedimensional beings who exist only to satisfy their significant other.
Fictional stories often gloss over hard times such as conflicting schedules, values and life plans. If they are mentioned, they are resolved by the end of the story and normalize a rare happy ending.
The twenties are the decade of selfexploration and growth. An interest at twenty-one may be boring by twenty-three.
Likewise, the future one envisions after graduating college may starkly contrast their goals as one approaches thirty.
These changes can feel liberating, individually, but straining to a shared connection. Outgrowing a partner is common and might be for the better, and relying on support from others and sharing one’s heartbreak can help ease sadness.
Whether single or taken, bonds outside of romantic partners are essential. Not only are they a safety measure, but they also create a stronger sense of well-being.
Friendships serve as another space to share memories, feelings and love. One’s love for their friend, though, can create
unfavorable opinions towards their friend’s significant other.
It is worth considering what friends need to know about one’s romantic life. A small disagreement with a partner may be excusable, but friends, may not be forgiving. News of a fight could serve as evidence that the pairing is not meant to be.
Not having friends and partners on the same page can cause a divide between all parties. Friends judging significant others can make a partner feel uncomfortable and isolated. Likewise, disapproving friends can create judgment and secrecy in once-loving bonds.
People must also be cautious to not become the person responsible for harsh opinions. It is all too easy to assign definitive labels to fragments of a story.
If one hears of an incident that paints a relative stranger in an unfair light, then advocating for breaking up may seem like the right answer. However, only focusing on bits and pieces ignores any nuances and complexities.
Relationships are ever-changing, and no era reflects that more than one’s early adult years. From struggling to accept love to unintentionally hurting people, many mistakes come from close bonds. Being hurt and hurting others is inevitable. While this does not excuse harm, it does give room for understanding. Judgment can easily be passed, but it is possible to offer opinions without damaging other relationships.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
Lily Huynh/The Cougar
Lily Huynh/The Cougar
life and arts
ADVICE
April’s Angle: Learn all about self-love, finding the one
APRIL
@ITZ_APRULLL
Hi, and welcome back to another 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! You can submit questions or opinions through the link in the April’s Angle highlight on @ thedailycougar or message me personally.
Practicing self love this Valentine’s day
Before I get into the lovey dovey stuff I need to stress the importance of self love over anything else. This valentines day everyone– whether in a relationship or not, needs to practice acts of self love. Here are some ways you can do that. Treat yourself. I love a little sweet treat, this is a small way to make yourself happy and to enjoy the little things. This could be grabbing some ice cream from the market or trying out a new coffee shop, either way allow yourself time to enjoy a little treat. I’m sure you deserve it.
Speak kind affirmations to yourself. Every morning I tell myself at least 3 things I’m good at
or proud of, doing this is a small way to brighten up my day and set the tone. Being kind to yourself should always be a priority, in every situation and every tough decision you encounter you need to remember to be kind to your mind, it is the only one you have.
Showing love to your partner
There are endless ways to show love to your partner this love season, but you know them best. Go with your gut.
Think about your partner’s love languages, from physical touch to words of affirmation and everything in between. Be sure you’re tapping into the things you know will make them happy, spend extra time with them, buy their favorite items, and just try to be present with them, after all it is the season of showing love and appreciation. If you need inspiration for some gift ideas, Pinterest is always a good resource! You can find the most niche items that’ll make you partner of the year.
Q: How to find love on campus, I’ve tried dating apps but hated them…
Finding love has no exact recipe, especially in college. I
would tell you the basic things like “it’ll come when you least expect it” or “Just put yourself out there more” but I know how frustrating that can be to hear, so instead I’ll say prepare yourself, your love is coming but in the meantime make sure you’re the person you want to be, ensure that you have the traits you crave from a partner. I truly believe that there is someone out there for everyone, but when they finally come into your life, it’s easy to stand in your own way due to fear or other factors so make sure you’re prepared. As for how to actually find this person, here are the top 3 ways people have met their partnersmaybe this will inspire you. In first place, dating apps. Of
course, I know how daunting and unfortunate dating apps can be but give it a shot! You really never know what could happen, it could be love at first swipe. ;)
Secondly, some people have met their partners through mutual friends and social gatherings at school or work. So maybe this is your sign to make more friends! This might just increase your chances of finding the one through a friend of a friend.
And finally, a chance encounter (a personal favorite). I know these situations are near impossible to contrive so my advice is to be true to yourself everywhere you go, you never know who might be watching. news@thedailycougar.co
EDITORIAL
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.
ABOUT THE COUGAR
Share your vision with those close to you, and the input you get will help you determine what’s possible. Take precautionary measures when dealing with joint ventures and budgets. Implementing safety measures will also weed out anyone trying to take advantage of you. Spend more time building a solid base and measuring the possibilities.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Refurbish what you already have, and you’ll feel good about your environment and what you accomplish. Refuse to let others rain on your parade. Do what suits you best.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Set a goal, and don’t stop or jeopardize your chance to reach it simply to accommodate someone else. The improvements you make will facilitate what you need to produce undeniable results.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Change only what’s necessary. Taking on too much or putting someone else’s battle first will diminish the progress of projects that mean the most to you. Be bold and be very clear about what you want. Allow yourself space to find calm and you will expierence a huge change in perspective.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Keep the momentum flowing and refuse to let someone’s negativity or uncertainty stand in the way. Let your charm win you favors. Don’t hesitate to rise to the occasion. Be confident in your skills and success will follow.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Look for the best path forward and set your sights on convincing others to see things your way. Be confident in your ability to create impactful change. A positive and in-depth discussion will help you fine-tune your path.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Put your energy where it counts, and you’ll gain the strength, courage and drive to
reach your target on time. Let your creative imagination lead the way and take care of your responsibilities. You will see an improvement in mental and physical health and have the courage to overcome challanges.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Live with what you’ve got, save time and money, and ward off opposition. Impulsive spending can quickly turn into a problem if you aren’t careful. Do what’s best for you and don’t take others opinons too seriously. Focus your attention inwards and work on your communication to find success.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Emotions and secrets will be counterproductive if you neglect what’s important to you. Spell out what you want for those who cannot see what’s right in front of them. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- An open mind will help you expand your awareness and pick and choose the best way to use your attributes to get ahead. Charm, intelligence
and networking will play in your favor. Look out for opportunites for growth as you follow-through with your goals.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Take one step at a time, ask questions and refuse to alter what’s working efficiently. Take the plunge and use your skills to produce something unique. It’s time to market yourself.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Travel may be necessary to explore more possibilities. Whether it’s a physical, mental or emotional trip you’ll be taking, the result will be a learning experience. Trust your instincts, not someone else’s suggestion.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
-- Refuse to let change lead to debt. Look for cheaper ways to make your life better. Choose to work on self-improvement, health and meaningful relationships. You cannot buy love, but you can earn it.
The Cougar is published biweekly on Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters and online daily at thedailycougar.com. The Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees. Copies of The Cougar are free.
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