Issue 15, Volume 87

@thedailycougar www.thedailycougar.com Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Est. 1934

Issue 15, Volume 87

‘Be Loud, Be Proud’ The Spirit of Houston consists of students working to build pride at the University. | PG. 2

2 | Wednesday, April 20, 2022

NEWS

AMINAH TANNIR, EDITOR

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS

SPIRIT

Spirit of Houston defines the core of UH’s character

Responsible for drawing school spirit from the UH community are the groups under the Spirit of Houston. | Juana Garcia/The Cougar

ASHLEY GWANANJI

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @ASHXLES

Three fingers up, with the thumb holding down the ring finger in the air. The cheery rendition of the “Womp Womp” song echoing in the stadium. Splashes of red and white. A boisterous and loud chanting of “Whose House? Coogs House!”

These are experiences anyone familiar with UH’s culture is likely to see. Cultivated by years of innovation, pride and rich tradition, the University’s school spirit is unique.

Centered at the core of it are students who actively make it possible to make sure the school is heard and seen.

However, school spirit doesn’t manifest by itself. In helping to draw out the camaraderie and call students to action is

an organization called the Spirit of Houston.

An umbrella term that represents the official spirit groups at UH, it includes UH Cheer teams, the Cougar Dolls Dance Team, the UH Mascots and the band.

Members of the Spirit of Houston provide their perspectives on how they strengthen the school identity of students and alumni .

Cougar Dolls

Making themselves hard to miss in their black tights and bright red cropped tops, the UH Cougar Dolls Dance Team aims to entertain, energize and inspire the crowd with their routines.

Often found performing at halftime during football and basketball games, anticipation grows for them to make their mark on the stadium floor when it’s time.

Performing for the crowd with white and red metallic pom poms that sparkle across the room, audience members are entertained by their sharp and quick moves to an upbeat sound.

Not only do they capture the attention of the audience, but also prospective members such as marketing junior Thelma Medrano.

A longtime dancer wrapping up her rookie year with the team, Medrano said she was drawn to the organization because of what it brings center stage.

“The reason I was drawn to the Cougar Dolls is because we do a lot more hip hop, jazz, pom routines, and I was drawn to that style,” she said. “And it was such a diverse team, and that was really what caught my eye. Seeing its diversity, I wanted to be a part of it.”

Since joining, Medrano’s days with the Cougar Dolls have consisted of teamwork, active practice and utilizing time management to juggle responsibilities with school, dance and work.

“For practice, we work on team bonding and work on what’s up and coming,” Medrano said.“Usually, if we have a performance that week, that’s what we’re focusing on that week. As far as game days, you know, it’s kind of like the same thing. For basketball, we have game days during the week. And so we do school and work, and then we go straight to the game.

We get ready, and then we will just have to focus those four to five hours on game days.”

While challenging, Medrano notes how her job and coaches of the Cougar Dolls have been accommodating, allowing her to quickly adapt. Members of the team are given time off, colloquially coined as “study days,” where they take care of things they need to do, including self care.

Although it keeps her busy, the pride she carries for UH and the upholding the legacy of previous Cougar Dolls members keeps her motivated.

“It can be a lot of pressure, but it’s nice knowing that the school relies on us for that energy,” Medrano said.“Being on the dance team has provided me with a lot of memories. I’m so grateful we get the opportunity to travel with our sports teams and be a part of that audience and cheer them on. So, I definitely encourage students, if they can, to go to the games.

Be loud, be proud, because these are memories that we’ll never get back.”

Marching Band and Cougar Brass Tasked with filling people’s ears with classic UH songs, is the band. Within the Spirit of Houston, the group is composed of the UH Marching Band and the Cougar Brass.

The marching band primarily plays for football games, while the Cougar Brass plays for indoor sports events, including basketball and volleyball.

Heavily concentrated in the student section during game day or marching around the field with choreographed performances, the groups help in promoting the spirit of the University through its instruments.

Behind the scenes, plenty of time is dedicated to practicing the songs audience members anticipate, according to saxophone member and anthropology senior Owen Bradford. Practice varies day to day, with students going to classes for the day and meeting up to play afterward.

In the UH marching band, members are split up by instrument type and endure rehearsal for hours at a time before converging as the whole band.

“It’s just kind of no frills, we go in, rehearse and we’re done,” Bradford said. “And then on game day, it’s typically we get there (the stadium) six hours before the game kicks off, have a rehearsal, eat some lunch, do the Cougar Walk and then get all dressed up to head out to the tunnel for the pregame.”

SOH

Continues on page 4

Wednesday, April 20, 2022 | 3 AMINAH TANNIR, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS

NEWS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

CITY

UH Wellness helps students combat end-of-semester burnout

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF

Donna Keeya

MANAGING EDITOR

Sydney Rose

Ashley Gwananji Lisa El-Amin ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

WEB EDITOR

Sean Thomas Armando Yanez

NEWS EDITORS

ASSISTANT CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Jhair Romero Aminah Tannir Haya Panjwani

Gerald Sastra

SPORTS EDITOR

James Mueller OPINION EDITOR

Anna Baker

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Juana Garcia

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

STAFF EDITORIAL The Staff Editorial reflects the opinions of The Cougar Editorial Board (the members of which are listed above the editorial).

All other opinions, commentaries and cartoons reflect only the opinion of the author. Opinions expressed in The Cougar do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Houston or the students as a whole.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community.

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

Juana Garcia/The Cougar

LISA EL-AMIN

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @LISAELAMIN17

In light of some end-of-semester pressures, UH Wellness shares ways to combat stress for many students who are experiencing burnout.

Assistant director of wellness programs Brittani Clark shared that the term “burnout” is used to describe constant workplace stress not managed well.

But, t doesn’t apply to other experiences in life, according to the World Health Organization.

“It is possible for students to feel burnout from their job due to being overwhelmed, stressed or anxious in their personal and academic lives and vice versa,” Clark said. “Burnout is characterized by feelings of energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from one’s job, negative feelings towards one’s job and feeling a lack of accomplishment at work.”

Towards the end of the semester, students may feel exhausted due to several pressures such as the desire to perform well academically, high expectations and other obligations that can overwhelm

them, Clark said.

Students feeling stressed and overwhelmed can face a variety of symptoms including sleeping too much or not enough, trouble concentrating, lack of motivation, lowered immune functions, restlessness and irritability.

“As a college student, it’s hard to prioritize school with the stress of having to pay for tuition and bills, so therefore, I have to put in more hours at work,” said pre-business junior Kritika Manik.

“Finding a balance is hard. but I think setting aside specific days and times for schoolwork is helpful.”

In order to combat the feeling of burnout during the semester, Clark goes on to share tips that can be included in a student’s routine.

“It’s important for students to take care of themselves before the stress and exhaustion set it,” Clark said. “Be sure to get at least seven hours of sleep every night, eat well balanced and colorful meals, use a planner to stay on top of tests and due dates, put self-care time on the calendar, get regular physical activity even if that just means speed walking between classes, reach out for help when you

need it and take time to really enjoy our beautiful campus.”

Aside from adjusting to a routine, some students believe that on-campus opportunities can help combat stress and find a manageable school and work balance.

“To me, burnout is when students are eagerly waiting for a change of pace from the semester,” said English senior Gerardo Vasquez. “Solutions I can imagine include things such as more on-campus employment opportunities, or introduction of mini-semesters throughout the spring and fall semesters.”

The UH Wellness Program encourages students to take advantage of the resources on campus such as CAPS or attend stress-free finals events to combat academic pressures.

“I think all students should remember that we’ve all been through a largescale, shared trauma,” Clark said. “It’s so important, now more than ever, to invest in your health and well-being, practice self-care even when it isn’t easy and give yourself and those around you grace.” news@thedailycougar.com

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

ADVERTISEMENTS Advertisements in The Cougar do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the University or the students as a whole.

The Cougar is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.

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4 | Wednesday, April 20, 2022

NEWS

AMINAH TANNIR, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

CAMPUS

Cougar Closet tackles clothing insecurity in UH community AMINAH TANNIR

NEWS EDITOR @AMOUNAJT

Cougar Closet, a new service on campus, is aiming to help tackle clothing insecurity among students, and it all started from the passion of a rising graduate.

Public health senior Kelechi Iroegbu had just helped gather over 2500 articles of clothing in support of Star of Hope. Along with the teamwork and effort of his fellow residential advisers and residents across campus, a clothing drive was hosted in February 2020.

This wasn’t enough for Iroegbu though. In the weeks after the initiative, he started thinking that the campus in itself is not immune to clothing insecurity.

“I know, there’s people on campus that could benefit from having clothes,” Iroegbu said. “I feel like it’s almost overlooked.

I figured there has to be a way that I can replicate this, but have it implemented to benefit our students.”

By May 2020, Iroegbu had typed up a proposal for this idea to become a legitimate resource on campus, Cougar Closet.

Iroegbu’s biggest challenge wasn’t creating the proposal or the budget for his project, but having to compromise to make it happen.

“I wanted a lot when it came to Cougar Closet,” Iroegbu said.

“I wanted my own space (and) I

SOH

Continued from page 2 A member of the band throughout his time at UH, Bradford joined with several playing experiences under his belt from high school.

His high school band instructors were once members of the Spirit of Houston, which further influenced his decision of auditioning and playing for the organization for the past

wanted all of these different things.

I guess that hurdle was not being able to get everything I wanted, and still bringing Cougar Closet to life on a tight budget.”

Aside from the budget being tight, COVID-19 put a wrench in Iroegbu’s plans, only recently allowing the closet to be open to the campus community.

“I would say COVID had a huge part in it being delayed until now,” Iroegbu said. “It just wasn’t the right time, to be honest. A week before I even got all the racks and everything I had to do the clothing drive. Imagine doing that clothing drive in the midst of the pandemic when cases are rising, that would have been crazy.”

Regardless of the hurdles he had to go through, the payoff was worth it to see students being able to utilize the resource he created, Iroegbu said.

“This is just so surreal,” Iroegbu said. “Coming up with this proposal two years ago and now seeing it come to life and seeing what I wrote down unfold in front of my eyes, it’s crazy.”

The response to Cougar Closet has been overwhelmingly positive with parents, UH faculty and even faculty at other universities reaching out to donate as well as students grateful for the closet, Iroegbu said.

Even after he graduates, Iroegbu hopes that the closet doesn’t

four years.

Since joining, Bradford has had the pleasure of channeling the school pride he feels through the music he plays. The aspect of being and feeling involved, whether it may be in games or pep rallies, motivates him to dedicate his all to what he does.

“Other than being in the student section, there is no other way to support the University than being in the band because you’re at pretty much every event,

Armed with years of experience playing saxophone, UH Cougar Brass member Owen Bradford (center) helps in bringing school spirit to UH musically. | Sean Thomas/The Cougar

After proposing his idea of Cougar Closet in May 2020, public health senior Kelechi Iroegbu is finally able to open the doors to the campus community. | James Schillinger/The Cougar

lose momentum and continues to serve those on campus, and possibly the greater community through HISD. If Iroegbu gets accepted into his desired program at UH-Clear Lake, he plans to expand the closet to help students

on that campus as well.

“I know we’ll have an impact here and at UH-Clear Lake, but I think it’s huge to target the youth,” Iroegbu said. “Students in these elementary schools, middle schools and high schools,

they’re the ones that can really benefit from this. Building that self esteem, building that self confidence at a young age, I believe is huge.”

doing things that aren’t even athletics related,” Bradford said.

“We’re involved in the football games, we’re involved in the basketball games and you’re making a difference because you’re making the sounds, you’re injecting some excitement into the game and you’re showing what it means to be a true fan of the program,” he continued.

experience as the mascots as fun.

Filled with opportunities to meet with other well known mascots, create content for the University’s social media and make notable connections with people, Shasta and Sasha said these moments make the job memorable.

“The fun opportunities that you get to be a part of (with) this team are absolutely the best parts,” Sasha said.“ We got to participate with huge mascots like Toro and Orbit and stuff regularly because our team is put together by Megan (Brown), our coach, so well that these people want to work with our team, which is super cool to be a part of and experience.”

Maintaining public appearances is a big part of the job, where it requires plenty of energy from the performers. On all day events like game day for football and basketball, all hands are on deck from those in the suit and out of it.

“Well for me, you really just have to love it,” Shasta said.“ When you are tired, you kind of have to like, think of things that could be

lost without you, if that makes sense. So for me, you don’t know what impact you could not be having when you are taking your break. And so the longer you’re out there, the more people you interact with, the more likely that you’re having a bigger impact in that way.”

For Sashta, he views wearing the suit as an honor. As someone who actively looks at ways to tie in the attributes of the University’s spirit with the mascot, he cherishes the work he does.

“The responsibility kind of follows you, like in suit and out of the suit,” Shasta said. “There definitely is an expectation of Shasta and Sasha to be in places and to raise that school spirit.

It’s funny that even when they’re not dancing, or doing their thing, I feel like they still raise school spirit despite being there. Like if Shasta and Sasha are at an event, it immediately makes it more prestigious. You know what I mean? They just liven up the party.”

Shasta and Sasha Typically found at University events, UH mascots Shasta and Sasha are UH personified.

Whether it may be showing its dance moves on TikTok, starring in a comedy sketch or posing with kids for a picture, the mascots aim to bring an experience to people by building positive connections.

With a team of people working to bring the cougars to life, only a select few can know of those behind the uniform. As part of a tradition, the names of the performers are kept anonymous until graduation day.

Despite living in a modern day “Gossip Girl,” some of the performers describe their

news@thedailycougar.com

news@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, April 20, 2022 | 5 AMINAH TANNIR, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/NEWS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

NEWS

FINALS

Houston’s e-cigarette ban favored by some students, faculty MALACHI KEY

STAFF WRITER

Last month, Houston City Council passed the proposal to ban vaping and electronic cigarettes in public spaces, with some students and faculty supporting the law.

Effective immediately, the ban brought vaping and e-cigarettes under the same laws that already restrict cigarette smoking in certain areas, such as enclosed public spaces and seating areas.

While there has been some debate on the subject, experts like clinical sciences professor Dr. Camille Leugers said the evidence about the harm of e-cigarettes is clear.

“While vaping is thought to be less harmful than conventional cigarettes it is not safe,” Leugers said. “The vapor from e-cigarettes contains small molecules which can damage the lungs of smokers and increase the risk of heart disease.”

While e-cigarette vapor is less harmful than cigarette smoke, the aerosol is still likely to contain a number of harmful substances,

Gerald Garcia/The Cougar

Leugars said, citing the Centers for Disease Control research.

While many students agreed with the health aspects and implications of the new law, some questioned whether enacting stricter bans was worth the cost of limiting someone’s ability to use e-cigarettes.

“I’m for it if it does cause problems with people breathing in secondhand smoke,” said political science junior Shawna Campbell.

“Although, the more we restrict people from doing things, the more freedoms we have taken away in the long run.”

Other students were more

positive about the ban, despite them being e-cigarette users, noting how this goes along with preexisting laws regarding tobacco products.

“I vape from time to time, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the law,” said information systems management junior

Mykyta Rudskyi. “You used to be able to smoke in airplanes or restaurants, but people change.

We decided to make spaces more comfortable for everyone.”

This law was in line with how smoking regulations have evolved, and emphasized the effectiveness of similar measures on the habit of smoking, Leugers said.

“The regulations of smoking indoors, referred to as ‘clean indoor air laws’, reduced the impact of secondhand smoke on nonsmokers,” Leugers said. “Not only that, but they were also associated with a decreased prevalence of smoking.”

Leugers noted the rise of e-cigarette use in adolescents, and expressed hope that the legislation would make a serious impact on the reduction of its use.

“I’m pleased to note that Houston is working to improve the quality of our indoor air, and I hope that the new legislation reduces the prevalence of vaping in our city,” Leugers said. news@thedailycougar.com

6 | Wednesday, April 20, 2022

SPORTS NEWS

JAMES MUELLER, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/SPORTS

@THECOUGARSPORTS

FOOTBALL

‘Mr. Irrelevant’: Behind Grant Stuard’s rookie season SEAN THOMAS

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @SEANTHOMAS723

The 2021 NFL Draft was down to the final selections and the curtain began to close on former UH football linebacker Grant Stuard.

It was the final pick in the draft that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Stuard 259th overall in the seventh round. After a long training camp and a preseason of proving himself, Stuard was named to the official 53-man roster.

But the process wasn’t as simple as it may have seemed.

Mr. Irrelevant With numerous free agent offers already on the table, a call from the Buccaneers appeared to be just another offer after the conclusion as an undrafted rookie.

“I was getting calls throughout the end of the draft with multiple teams trying to make those deals with me but, then I got the call from the Buccaneers thinking it was just the same thing.” Stuard said.

The Buccaneers, who at the time were the reigning Super Bowl champions, informed Stuard that they would be taking him with the final pick in the draft, dubbing him with the infamous title of “Mr. Irrelevant.”

“They asked, ‘do you know where you want to go in free agency?’,” Stuard said. “And before I could respond, they said ‘you don’t have to worry about it, we’re going to get you with this last pick.’”

Stuard was unaware of the running gag that was “Mr. Irrelevant” when he got drafted, but he didn’t really care because, in the end, he was one of just 259 players who were selected that night.

“I didn’t really know anything about the whole ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ thing,” Stuard said. “I was a bit confused, but I was just happy to be the pick. On the backend, it gave me a lot of positive publicity and opportunities.”

One of those opportunities was an Uber Eats commercial that aired throughout the 202122 NFL season.

Chip on his shoulder For Stuard, being called “Mr. Irrelevant” only motivated him more coming into the NFL, but playing with a chip on his shoulder was nothing new to him.

The underdog mentality

Former UH Linebacker Grant Stuard was taken with the 259th pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, which happened to be the last pick, and dubbed him the infamous nickname of “Mr. Irrelevant”. But. the name only motivated him more going into his rookie season. | Courtesy of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Stuard had was originally fostered during his time at UH. Before being named a team captain and to the AllConference First Team in 2020, he was originally the “last choice” for the Cougars.

“I didn’t get an offer from Houston until a week and a half before signing day, a big reason was that they had guys at my position who de-committed,” Stuard said. “I was coming into UH understanding that I was their last choice.”

That same feeling of being the last option was resurrected on draft night and Stuard said the chip on his shoulder remains.

“It was the same thing coming into the Buccaneers facility, I knew there were guys they thought were more valuable than I was,” Stuard said. “Even though I’m grateful they got me, there’s still that chip on my shoulder.”

Stuard felt being last put him in a grey area between the drafted and undrafted players, leaving him on an island of confusion as to where he belonged and who he could really relate to.

“From all the drafted guys you’re still looked at as the last

guy, as if you’re not as important and you’re just somebody that’s got to do everything in their power to make the team,” Stuard said. “But at the same time, you don’t really go with all the undrafted guys because you still got drafted. I have to keep working hard and understand that I have to earn it every day.”

Special impact Stuard has hope that his underdog mentality in the NFL provides the same results as it did when he first began at UH. There he was able to get on the field immediately thanks to his efforts on special teams, despite being a last-minute offer.

“I was the first freshman on the field out of my recruiting class at UH and it wasn’t because I played defense or took a starting position, but because I was going to give maximum effort and block my butt off on kickoff return,” Stuard said. “It was a similar thing when I got to the NFL, I didn’t earn a starting position during the preseason but I earned a position on special teams.”

Stuard made his name known on special teams for the Buccaneers, he not only led the

team in tackles but Stuard also ranked third in the NFL overall in that regard.

The focus UH put on special teams during Stuard’s time with the Cougars is what he feels gave him an edge coming into his rookie season, crediting former UH coaches James Casey and Blake Gideon for instilling the importance of special teams play.

“They let it be known that there (are) guys that have a professional career from playing special teams, that’s probably the biggest thing that gave me an edge over everybody,” Stuard said. “Those competitive special teams drills that we took a long portion of practice to do are literally what I’m doing on the field in the NFL now.”

Leader to learner Stuard’s impact on special teams provided him a place on the team where he felt comfortable enough to voice himself as a leader like he once did at UH, but it took time to get that privilege with the Buccaneers.

After gaining enough respect to be a vocal leader at UH, Stuard had to hit a reset button

and earn it all over again when he got to the NFL. “It was just a big adjustment because my coach would tell me I’m a rookie and I just need to shut up and learn,” Stuard said.

“I had to get it under control and get some games under my belt before I could start leading and guiding people.”

The leadership habits built at UH couldn’t directly translate to the NFL yet, Stuard recognized that he had to prove himself first.

“I had already built up so many habits being a leader at Houston, it was almost like I had to break them,” Stuard said.

“My body was tensing up to not say things in certain instances when I wanted to lead or answer a question during a meeting, it’s not my question to answer.”

It wasn’t until after Stuard began to garner some attention and respect through the special teams play that he was able to display his leadership and vocal style of play.

“I eventually started to make some plays and garner some respect amongst my peers and I

STUARD

Continues on page 5

Wednesday, April 20, 2022 | 7 JAMES MUELLER, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/SPORTS

@THECOUGARSPORTS

SPORTS NEWS

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Jamal Shead’s sophomore shine, impact on UH men’s basketball ARMANDO YANEZ

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @ARMANDOYANEZ_16

With no foresight on what would become of the 2021-22 UH men’s basketball team, sophomore guard Jamal Shead became a highlight and key piece to the Cougars’ success this last year.

The Cougars finished the season with a 32-6 overall record, were crowned American Athletic Conference regular-season and tournament champions and capped the year off with an Elite Eight run.

Shead, a role player off the bench during his freshman season, started 31 games with most at point guard after starting junior guard Marcus Sasser was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a toe injury that required surgery on his left foot.

However, the setback for the Cougars became an opportunity for Shead to step up and put his game on full display.

“Coach [Kelvin Sampson] always preaches to be ready and have that next up mentality,” Shead said. “In that moment, that’s what I was. I was ready to step up into my role.”

The Manor native arrived on Sampson’s squad as a stellar player defensively, yet Shead lacked the offensive skillset to gain more playing time his freshman season.

After one season in the books, the 6-foot-1-inch guard addressed his game in the offseason before his sophomore shine.

“You know just staying in the gym,” Shead said about his offseason preparation. “Getting countless reps up, countless shots up. That’s all basketball really is. Just got to rep up what you’re doing and get really good at what you do. You know, just not turn the ball over, become a better ball handler, just things like that.”

Shead’s improvement during his freshman year and offseason can be attributed to the Cougars’ hard-working practices, including a talented guard group in former

STUARD

Continued from page 4 was able to lead where I thought I could, like within the special teams room,” Stuard said. “I did my best to be a vocal leader and an energizer bunny and lead by example anytime I’m on the field. I tried to find the role the team needed and if I could provide that, I just wanted to do the best I could.”

Locker room inspiration Like any rookie, Stuard

UH players DeJon Jarreau, Quentin Grimes and Sasser.

“I would say my offense got better and it mainly was because I got to practice against the number one defense every day in practice you know,” Shead said about his development. “Those guys made me tremendously better, and I tried to do the same thing with them.”

Throughout the season, Shead produced impressive performances in the absence of Sasser, often taking control of the game and running possessions to his best ability.

With a depleted roster and lack of depth after Sasser and sophomore guard Tramon Mark were ruled out for the rest of the season, the Cougars were well overlooked come tournament time, often falling on the upset radar for the opening rounds.

“Everybody counted us out, but we just stayed together,” Shead said. “We didn’t focus on the media and the fans because you know, when you lose, a lot of people have a lot to say but when you win it’s still the same way so it doesn’t really affect us so we just tried to stay together.”

Shead averaged 15.0 points in four games during UH’s Elite Eight run in the NCAA Tournament.

A year before then, Shead saw a combined 14 minutes through three games coming off the bench during the Cougars’ run to the Final Four.

His improvement through one year proved true for the Cougars in the NCAA Tournament as his impact was crucial in all games.

“Yeah you know, it’s a dream come true,” Shead said about playing meaningful minutes in the NCAA Tournament. “I believed in myself and if you just believe in your work, it can come true.

That work just paid off and I was blessed and fortunate to be in that position.”

Heading into his junior season with two years of experience at UH under his belt, Shead now adds a

learned a lot from his teammates. Sharing a locker room with the likes of seventime Super Bowl Champion Tom Brady or a veteran line-backer like LaVonte David gave Stuard all the motivation a young player could ask for.

“Being in the same locker room as them has been eyeopening,” Stuard said. “It’s been inspiring meeting some guys because they’re just regular people, it’s been inspiring and lets me know I can achieve the same things they’ve achieved

Jamal Shead started 31 games for the Cougars during the 2021-22 season. | Sean Thomas/The Cougar

leadership role to his baggage.

With Sasser declaring for the NBA draft and graduates Fabian White Jr., Josh Carlton, Kyler Edwards and Taze Moore all moving on in their respective careers, Shead now becomes one of six players heading into their third year with the program.

The path is now open for Shead to help lead the new group coming in, but he trusts that the culture coach Sampson instilled in the program will also aid the players arriving and coming back.

“I’ve thought a lot about that, but you know our culture will be that for those younger guys just like it was for me,” Shead said.

“You learn by just being around us every day. Everything that goes on, how hard we work, everything is just going to become natural just by being around us every day.”

His development from his first to the second year was notable, but Shead knows that there is still

more work to be done.

Heading into this offseason, Shead still believes that he can improve in more ways in order to be the best product he can for the Cougars next season.

“I can be more consistent with my shooting,” Shead said about how he plans to improve for his junior season. “Like you said, I had a pretty good NCAA Tournament but before that, I wasn’t really shooting the ball well. I just got to be more consistent with my shooting and have less turnovers you know. I was pretty high in assist-to-turnover ratio, but I know I can do better.”

Shead’s mentality rings as true as the team philosophy to stay the course, stick together, play hard and win games, all while proving the doubters wrong along the way.

“Every year somebody leaves, every year something happens where a lot of people count Houston out, and we’ve done a

good job of just proving them wrong every time, so that’s just what I’m most looking forward to,” Shead said.

The offseason is still too fresh to determine what the 2022-23 UH men’s basketball team will look like with transfers and recruits coming in next season, but expectations will be high for coach Sampson and the Cougars after four consecutive Sweet 16 appearances and back-to-back runs to the Elite Eight.

Personal development matters to Shead as much as every other player on the team, but his main goal is to earn another opportunity to showcase his skills and play in high-level games alongside his teammates.

“Honestly, I’m just looking forward to getting the chance to show the world what we can do again,” Shead said.

because we have the same blood and skin, we’re both human beings.”

Having someone like Brady on the team, who has accomplished so much while not necessarily being the most physically gifted showed Stuard that there is more to being a successful NFL player than just raw talent.

Stuard said David has been the most inspirational for him, due to the similarities the two share as far as measurements go and since he’s been a successful at Stuard’s position for so long.

“The biggest inspiration to me has been LaVonte David because he’s somebody who has similar size and speed to me, but just maximizes his entire body on his technique, his effort and his mental,” Stuard said. “That’s why he’s been able to play so many years.”

the grind and make the team again next season, building on what he started his first year and cultivating it.

“I really want to take everything I learned and keep moving forward and really just try to keep doing the same things and elevate them as much as I can,” Stuard said. “I just want to make this team again next year, I want to help them win more than I did this year and be more effective.”

What’s next With Stuard’s rookie season in the books, a lot was learned and a role on the team has been established for himself.

Stuard hopes he can continue

sports@thedailycougar.com

sports@thedailycougar.com

8 | Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Pam Francis Photographs Exhibition Hosted by the Welcome Wilson, Sr. Family

APRIL 19–26, 2022 BLAFFER ART MUSEUM Blaffer Art Museum at the University of Houston is proud to present the first museum exhibition of distinguished Houston-born artist and photographer Pam Francis (1954-2020). The exhibition, titled Pam Francis Photographs, will be presented in the Joanne Guest Wilson Gallery of the Museum, and will run from April 19—26, 2022. This exhibition is curated by Guest Curator, Christine Starkman in collaboration with Steven Matijcio, Jane Dale Owen Director and Chief Curator, Blaffer Art Museum. Pam Francis Photographs has been generously loaned from the Welcome Wilson, Sr Family.

This exhibition spans 30 years of Francis’ art practice from 1987-2020, assembling over 100 photographs and collecting artifacts that include the artist’s camera, selected slides, contact sheets, CDs, films, and ephemera.

Throughout her career, Francis presented a sustained, eloquent, and insightful exploration of portraiture. She was fearless, bold, and clearly communicated the vitality she derived from her subjects.

Museum Hours Tues–Fri, 10am–5pm Sat–Sun, 12pm–5pm Mon, Closed

120 Fine Arts Building University of Houston Houston, TX 77204

ADMISSION IS ALWAYS FREE

Wednesday, April 20, 2022 | 9 ANNA BAKER, EDITOR

THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM/OPINION

OPINION NEWS

@THEDAILYCOUGAR

STATE

Medical marijuana needs to be expanded in Texas

i

The Cougar

thedailycougar.com

ABOUT THE COUGAR The Cougar is published every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters, and Wednesdays during the summer and online at thedailycougar.com. The Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees. The first copy is free. Additional copies cost 25 cents.

COPYRIGHT No part of the newspaper in print or online may be reproduced without the consent of the director of Student Publications.

ISSUE STAFF CLOSING EDITORS

Donna Keeya Sydney Rose Jhair Romero COVER

Gerald Sastra

i

Center for Student Media uh.edu/csm

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

Juana Garcia/The Cougar

ATIRIKTA KUMAR

STAFF COLUMNIST @ATIRIKTAKUMAR

Medical marijuana is a drug used to treat a number of conditions but it is still heavily restricted in this country and state. However, Texas should expand its availability in order to give patients the treatment they need.

There are many studies that show that medical marijuana, also known as medical cannabis, can be used to treat many medical conditions such as epilepsy and seizures, HIV/AIDs and Alzheimer’s disease and others, according to Mayo Clinic.

Despite being proven helpful in treating many medical conditions and being legalized in over 36 states and District of Columbia, medical marijuana is under restrictive legalization in many states, including Texas.

In fact, Texas has some of the most restrictive laws for the use of medical marijuana.

Texas’s Compassionate Use Program which was first passed in 2015 and later expanded in 2019 and 2021, allows the access to low levels of

tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, in low measures.

Last year the Texas legislature passed HB 1531, which expanded the prescription of the drug to include all forms of cancer, just not terminal, as well as the use for post-traumatic stress disorder. Although the house had voted to increase the THC levels to 5 percent, the senate brought it back down to 1 percent.

Chronic pain was also not included in the bill, even though science has shown how effective marijuana can be for pain relief.

Marijuana can be very effective for things like pain relief. Studies have shown that the substance may be a valid alternative for painkillers like opioids. According to Mayo Clinic, opioids can lead to addiction and marijuana is far less addictive, so legalizing it could be extremely helpful.

Their guidelines are very rigid whereas in a state like California, medical marijuana can be used as long as people can prove their symptoms like

back pain affect them negatively.

Some may scoff at California’s looseness with its laws, but it allows more people to get access to treatment.

The low THC levels are a problem as well. While low levels are useful for many people, many patients may need a higher dose. Most states have much higher percentages for medical marijuana THC content, usually in the fifteen percent range, according to Pain News Network.

Restrictions on the levels of drugs can be a hurdle for doctors to provide their patients with the right care. The amount of medicine required by the patient should be set by doctors, not lawmakers.

Texas’ program also only allows people to get their prescriptions from certain dispensaries and physicians.

There are approximately only 254 doctors that can prescribe the use of medical cannabis, according to the Compassionate Use Registry of Texas, in a state with more than 29 million people. There is an unequal

balance of doctors who can prescribe and the number of people who need medical marijuana.

There are also delays in the prescriptions getting to the patients who need it, according to Express News. The various restrictions that such as wait time and cost, are leaving many Texans to still purchase from illicit markets and import these drugs from surrounding states, that have much better access laws.

The state also excludes many conditions such as chronic pain from its list of approved conditions. Chronic pain accompanies many different medical diagnoses so Texas may be leaving people out who could really benefit from medical cannabis.

Full legalization of medical marijuana would not only be beneficial for those who need it to help treat medical conditions such as chronic pain but will help grow the economy by making more jobs. opinion@thedailycougar.com

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

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10 | Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Wednesday, April 20, 2022 | 11

LETTER FROM THENEWS EDITOR

Transitioning into the new editorial board DONNA KEEYA

EDITOR IN CHIEF @DONNAKEEYA

Each year, The Cougar’s outgoing and incoming editors in chief get together to write a joint letter DONNA informing our KEEYA readers about EDITOR IN CHIEF the upcoming leadership change.

Last year I had the privilege of participating in this tradition as I began my term. Now, as I begin my second year as editor, I want to take a moment to reminisce and appreciate the journey here.

Last May, this editorial board started as a group of student journalists who had spent the last year working remotely.

Having met each other only a handful of times, it was a great summer developing the team and beginning our transition back to in-person work.

I’ll never forget the 10-hour workday to make The First Roar or the board first bonding at XLR. Our Twitter account also got verified this summer, which was my biggest goal for the year. I like to look at it as an early sign that it was going to be a great year.

Beginning our full office operations this fall, I’m proud of our staff for making the newsroom a home. At the core, student newspapers exist to train future journalists with vital skills to take with them into the professional

Refuse to let emotional situations influence how you handle your money, health or contractual matters. Put your energy where it will have the biggest effect and ensure that you maintain a stellar reputation.

Choose practicality over risk, and make changes that help you excel instead of limiting what you can do to get ahead.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Don’t trust anyone to invest or take care of matters for you.

Handle sensitive situations with compassion, but don’t pay for someone’s mistake. Do what’s best for you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Get all the details,

world. Above all, I strive to make The Cougar a place for students to learn and experience working in a newsroom.

Thank you so much to all the section editors for training and developing our staff. The work you’ve done is invaluable, and I hope you know you have taught people skills they will use for the rest of their lives.

It’s important to acknowledge the work our paper has created over the past year, and the highquality news we have produced.

In my humble opinion, Houston is one of the most magical cities in the world, and I’m very proud of our staff ’s ability to tell its stories.

Our campus and city are full of news, The Cougar will continue to cover it to the best of our ability.

Aminah, Ashley, Lisa and Logan, thank you so much for your commitment to the news section. Each of your unique perspectives and personalities translates smoothly into the stories you write, and it’s been a pleasure editing your work. To the A names, I’m so excited to see where post-grad life takes you. You’ll do big things. To the L names, I’m glad to be working with you again and see what else you’ll accomplish at The Cougar.

James, Sean and Armando.

Y’all truly keep me on my toes. It’s so hard to fathom your passion for sports, and it’s so evident in your writing. Brace yourself for next year because I will be getting redemption for my March Madness bracket.

Anna Baker, thank you for being you. Your presence in the office

then proceed with diplomacy.

The wrong move can cost you more than you want to give up.

Observation and discipline will help you overcome temptation.

Don’t risk your health or wealth.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Taking care of business will help you get attention. It will be challenging to please everyone, so target your market carefully. Put your energy where it counts, and make changes based on facts and wisdom.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Don’t believe everything you hear or invest in something because of someone else. Protect your money, possessions, health and position.

Dedicate your time and effort to

has been so peaceful and calming.

Gerald and Juana, y’all are some of the best artists I know, and it’s been such a dream to have you.

Senator, you keep us young. Thank you for being such a cooperative and talented photo editor.

Sydney, thank you so much for

always being adaptable and open to change. It is appreciated in the unpredictable newsroom. Jhair, thank you for knowing the answer to everything. Your abundant knowledge has been crucial to The Cougar time and time again.

Moving into the next editorial

board, we will continue to deliver accurate, relevant and timely information to the University community. It’s been a pleasure to serve you all, and I can’t wait to do it again. editor@thedailycougar.com

Cooglife executive editor McKenzie Misiaszke, editor in chief Donna Keeya and sports editor James Mueller in New York during The Cougar’s annual trip to the College Media Association convention in March.

self-improvement.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Accept the inevitable, and you’ll find a positive way to move forward. Unexpected benefits are heading your way. Be patient and work with what you have; good things will happen.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -Simplify your life. Put your energy into self-improvement, raising your qualifications and heading in a direction that makes you feel good about yourself. Avoid joint ventures. Do your own thing.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -Take control and make decisions that improve your position, not someone else’s. A change will help you gain respect and support.

Embark on something that motivates you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Maintain discipline, and avoid overdoing, overspending and overindulgence. Put a strategy in place, and work diligently to achieve your goal. Reset your attitude to focus on moderation and simplicity.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Call a spade a spade, and stick up for truth, justice and making the world a better place. Be a role model, and you’ll turn heads and make a name for yourself. Do what’s right.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Confusion will set in if you let others meddle in your life. A

conscious effort to make a positive difference will help you maintain your reputation and ward off negativity.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Put your emotions on the back burner and your energy into doing what you do best. Focus on getting ahead, not going into battle with someone trying to get a rise out of you. Concentrate on selfimprovement and personal gain.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- You’ll learn the hard way if you trust someone to do things for you.

Take charge of your life, learn all you can and refuse to participate in something questionable. Patience and prudence will pay off..

- Eugenia Last

12 | Wednesday, April 20, 2022

PARTING WAYS NEWS

Outgoing editorial board members say goodbye to The Cougar In honor of The Cougar’s last print issue of the academic year, our outgoing editorial board members have taken a moment to reflect on their time at the newspaper.

Sydney Rose, Managing Editor My time at The Cougar has been such a large part of my college experience.

This office is the place where I spent most of my hours, where I met many of my close friends and where I developed a love for writing and editing.

Saying goodbye is almost unimaginable as I haven’t spent a semester away from this office or this amazing staff before, and going to a whole different country to study abroad next semester feels unreal.

I have learned so much about myself and what I want to do with my life after college just with the opportunity to be around like-minded individuals and go through the ranks. Starting off my freshman year as a senior staff writer in the news section to where I am now as the managing editor has been quite a journey.

One that I will appreciate more than anyone knows. I’m so grateful for everything I got to accomplish here. I love you all and don’t miss me too much! XOXO, Sydney.

Aminah Tannir, News Editor It’s hard to put into words how writing at The Cougar has transformed my college experience.

Starting out as an eager staff writer, I was excited to be able to inform the campus community about important issues, especially at the start of a pandemic.

My time there quickly snowballed into something much greater when I started writing as an assistant editor and finally as a news editor. I have been able to cover the topics I’ve been passionate about such as COVID19, initiatives at the College of Medicine and the groundbreaking research happening on campus.

Whether it was faculty, students or staff I had a great time meeting new people and interacting with members of our campus community to tell their stories.

Aside from writing, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to meet some of my closest friends.

They’ve helped me not only

Juana Garcia/The Cougar

develop as a writer but as a person and will have me look back on this experience without any regrets.

It’s been an honor writing for The Cougar and the UH community. I’m gonna miss y’all, good luck!

column and providing the most unhinged advice.

As I finally move into the next chapter in my life as a #ForeverCoog, I will truly miss you all. Thank you so much for everything. Love y’all!

Ashley Gwananji, Assistant News Editor

Anna Baker, Opinion Editor

Juana Garcia, Creative Director

The Cougar has been an invaluable experience for me. It was a fantastic outlet for my writing and a wonderful learning opportunity. While having to switch between MLA and AP style as both an English major and opinion editor was sometimes a challenge, I’m so grateful for my time here.

The Cougar has opened up opportunities for me to write about things I’m passionate about such as the University’s need to expand HyFlex classes and the attack on LGBTQ rights in this country. Writing about these topics has only made me a better communicator and I know that I will take these skills wherever I end up in the future.

The thing I appreciate most about The Cougar has been the people. I had a lot to learn when I became opinion editor and I can’t thank the rest of the editorial board enough for what they’ve taught me. Whether I needed help finding a source or clarifying information, I knew I could count

The Cougar shaped my college experience and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities from this organization. I would not have guessed that a simple application for a graphic designer position would lead me here as a creative director today.

I am truly honored to have helped create graphics and covers for both The Cougar and Cooglife.

This organization was a great way to practice and better my skills as an artist and a leader, which will help me in the future.

I enjoyed working with a team of wonderful artists and minds to put out content for this newspaper.

What I loved the most while being here was the people. I met some lovely people and I will not forget the talented leaders from my time here. There was never a dull day while working at the office, a place full of open and creative voices.

It has been a wild journey and I am grateful that I stuck around for it. This work environment made this a wonderful first job and I can not thank The Cougar enough. I will miss my time here! Take care!

Howdy, y’all! My time at The Cougar has been amazing from start to finish. It’s incredible to know that my hobby of writing has contributed to something greater than myself. This organization has allowed me to fully express who I am behind the tap of my laptop’s keyboard.

In return, I’ve spent working hours with some of the amazing and talented people I also consider my friends. While I enjoyed writing and delivering stories, I mainly enjoyed interacting with people within the UH community. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting and talking with the most interesting and impactful individuals.

Without The Cougar, I wouldn’t have been able to meet a member on the Forbes “30 Under 30” list, a former reality tv star and a wellknown basketball player for the Knicks. However, I will admit some of the most interesting individuals I’ve met have been through “Ask Ashley.” It’s been an honor running my little anonymous advice

on the people around me.

I always looked forward to coming to work everyday and I hope I can find the same enjoyment and community in the future.

Gerald Sastra, Assistant Creative Director I can proudly say that my experience working at The Cougar has been life-changing.

I have grown so much these past couple of years and that is thanks to the supportive and friendly environment.

The Cougar was the first student organization that I joined and it is an incredible establishment with even more incredible people.

As a graphic design major, I can say that it was a great outlet for me to develop my skills in design, both technically and conceptually.

Seeing my work around campus was an indescribable honor, and I was able to have a weekly regimen to practice my skills from the weekly prompts and requests.

I am super honored to have worked with a team of super talented and driven writers, designers, and many other people here who I will miss very much. The relationships that I have made will be something that I will cherish for my entire life.

I hope that our work has made a positive, lasting impact on campus.

I wish the best of luck to the future members of the editorial board!

Thank you all, It’s been a pleasure working with all of you! ##