Sydney Rose Executive Editor
cooglife@thedailycougar.com
Larsha Flowers Executive Editor cooglife@thedailycougar.com
Raphael
Mahdiya Bhiwandiwala
Cindy Rivas Alfaro
Melissa Unlu
Atirikta Kumar
Gauraangi Gupta
Jose Gonzalez-Campelo
Raphael Fernandez
Cali Adams
Seles Sanches
Hey everyone!
For those who don’t know, my name is Sydney Rose and I am the Executive Editor of Cooglife Magazine. Though, that is the last time I will be typing that out as we enter a new era!
I am so excited to pass the torch to our incoming Executive Editor, Larsha Flowers, who proves each day in this job that she is perfect for this role.
In this issue, you’ll see inside the structured and phenomenally creative
Well, I guess this is where it begins.
Coogs, Coog-adjacent folk, Wannabe Coogs and Coogs at heart– to you all, I extended my warmest hello.
My name is Larsha Flowers and I am the new Executive Editor for Cooglife Magazine– saying this will definitely take some getting used to.
mind of Larsha as you read through the articles, listen to the playlist and take the quiz!
This has been a fun journey for me, but I’m so glad we found such capable hands to put this magazine into. I want to thank you all for taking the time to read.
And for that last time from me,
Thanks for reading,
Sydney Rose Executive Editor (Outgoing)
Ironically, while this graduate issue is my first, it is also my first semester as a graduate student here at the University of Houston.
semester. And who knows, after reading this issue you might consider a similar path.
I am not new to this, however; I am true to this–this being UH as I completed my undergrad here last
I will try my best to keep you just as enlightened and entertained as Sydney has, but filling her shoes will surely be a tough task.
Nevertheless, I am beyond excited for the journey ahead, and I hope you are too.
Thanks for reading this far!
Until the next read,
Larsha Flowers Executive Editor
Deciding whether to attend graduate school is a significant decision to make. For those who do decide to take their educational journeys a step further, choosing the right graduate school is even more crucial.
Our very own, University of Houston, is home to a developed graduate school, which we will explore further. As of Fall 2023, a total of 6,838 graduate students enrolled at UH.
Did you know? In 2024, 17 of UH’s graduate programs were ranked in the Top 50 graduate programs nationwide by the U.S. News and
World Report. And it gets even better…
Four of the UH graduate programs secured a place in the top ten rankings!
Three of the four programs are from the UH Law Center and one comes from the Cullen College of Engineering.
UH is home to 16 graduate schools offering around 200 graduate programs, including dual degree programs, onlineprograms and specialized certifications.
Here is a deeper glance at each of them:
The College of Architecture and Design offers a Master of Science degree in Architecture and Industrial Design as well as a Master of Arts degree in Architectural Studies. After graduation, graduates can delve into careers such as urban planners, project managers, industrial designers and roles in real estate as well.
The College of the Arts provides a master’s degree in Art History, Music, Studio Art, Theatre and Acting, Theatre Studies and more. With a creative graduate degree, graduates can explore career options in the form of writers,
Offering a range of online and in-person master’s
and doctoral degrees, every business enthusiast can specialize in their preferred field, be it Business Analytics, Global Business Leadership, Finance, Marketing, Real Estate or something else. Bauer’s motto encourages students to “treat the future as their business.”
Pursuing a graduate degree is surely one way of doing so.
The College of Education offers one of the university’s largest graduate programs. Whether it be Curriculum and Instruction, Professional Leadership, Counseling or another subject, a master’s or doctorate degree in Education is well attainable for those looking to excel in the
Besides the Petroleum Engineering graduate program being ranked ninth nationwide, Cullen College of Engineering
is also home to master’s and doctorate degrees in other engineering programs such as Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering and more.
The College of Hotel and Restaurant Management offers a Master of Science in Global Hospitality as well as Hospitality Management. It also offers a doctorate in Hospitality Administration. With these degrees, graduates will be equipped to work as entrepreneurs in the hotel industry or take on executive roles in luxury resorts, restaurants and hospitality businesses.
With the Health Care Law program ranked seventh and Part-Time Law and Intellectual Property Law programs ranked eighth nationwide, law enthusiasts can obtain a
Master of Law in various branches. This will help graduates open their own law firms as well as enhance opportunities to work as lawyers for government agencies, NGOs and other reputable corporations.
At CLASS, enthusiasts in fields like Anthropology, Communication, Creative Writing, Economics, History, Kinesiology, Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology and more can pursue their master’s and doctorate degrees. As a result, graduates can unlock careers in professional teaching, research and work for non-profits as well as governments.
9. Tilman J. Fertitta
Family College of Medicine
The College of Medicine opened its doors to train the next generation of promising medical
professionals at its $80 million facility which opened in the summer of 2022.
All STEM enthusiasts can attain a Master of Science or a doctorate in areas such as Atmospheric Sciences, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Physics, Mathematics and more at the College of NSM.
The College of Nursing offers its sole program, Masters of Science in Nursing, allowing nurse professionals to specialize in distinctive areas and to help them become educators and practitioners as well.
It may be “eye-catching” for ophthalmologists to take their credentials up a notch by obtaining
a master’s or doctorate in Physiological Optics or even a Doctor of Optometry from the College of Optometry.
13.
Offering three doctoral programs in Pharmaceutics, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes and Policy, the College of Pharmacy is the place for all pharmacy graduates interested in earning a doctoral degree. Additionally, the college also offers a Master of Science in Pharmacy Leadership and Administration.
At the Graduate College of Social Work, students can earn a Master of Social Work or a doctorate. Being involved in social justice leadership, counseling, clinical social work and policy advocacy may be some career options for potential social work graduates.
The College of Technology offers a Master of Science Degree in Construction Management, Cyber Security, Engineering Technology, Global Retailing, HR Development, Foresight, Supply Chain and Logistics Technology and Technology Project Management. The various
selections of programs open interesting opportunities for those seeking to propel their careers in technology.
Lastly, Hobby School of Public Affairs provides a master’s in Public Policy or Public Administration. They also offer a graduate
certificate in Public Policy for those wanting to take a different route in their graduate school journey. There is something for everyone here at UH, be it an undergraduate or graduate program. The programs here are effectively curated to prepare its graduates to take on the world and make a difference in it.
Advance your degree, elevate your impact
Scan for more information
One of the biggest hurdles students come across when pursuing graduate degrees is the cost. Funding for the average master’s degree ranges $56,000-$75,000–an expense many cannot afford without financial assistance.
Are you still wanting to add the extra degree under your belt despite this? Here are some tips for funding graduate school:
FAFSA is a great start to funding a graduate degree. The application takes a look at the student’s expected
family contribution, cost of attendance, income and enrollment status to determine how much financial aid to award. There is the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant that provides up to $4,000 for future teachers. After graduating, recipients would have to enter a contract to teach for four years.
The Pell Grant is available to all eligible applicants and can provide up to $7,395 a year. The Pell Grant can be given for 12 terms if you are a full-time student. As a note, if you received one during your undergraduate
studies, you might only have four terms left.
FAFSA can also award up to $20,500 per year in direct unsubsidized loans and up to the school’s reported cost of attendance with a Grad PLUS loan.
Aside from FAFSA, universities have internal scholarships and grants available depending on the program. For example, the University of Houston has several graduate school scholarships listed on its website for students to apply individually.
When looking at different colleges, a simple Google search on graduate grants from the college can highlight scholarships funded by donors.
Fellowships are also another way to fund a graduate degree. These are mostly merit-based and tend to not have work requirements, unlike graduate assistantships.
Graduate Assistantships and Work-Study Programs
Graduate assistantships and work-study programs are both part-time jobs provided by either the federal government or the college. Unlike a fellowship and grant, these programs require graduate students to work in exchange for stipends.
Most of the workstudy programs and assistantships are usually related to the field of study students are pursuing, so it’s also a great way to gain experience while paying for your education. More often than not, these jobs can be found through
the University’s job portal–UH students can visit Career Pathway via AccessUH or seek out an adviser who can help them find a job that fits.
Many students don’t know employers can fund their graduate school through tuition reimbursement; It just depends on whether the company offers it or not.
For students who want to work and study at the same time, researching companies willing to invest in education is vital.
When bringing it up to an employer, explain the return on investment and highlight your skills as a current employee. This can open doors to graduate funding opportunities.
Around 14% of Americans hold a master’s degree with 61.7% being white, 18.9% of them being Hispanic or Latino, 9.5% being Black and 4.9% being Asian.
The socio-economic disparities between those who hold a master’s degree could be remedied if more students were aware of the financial resources available to them.
It is okay to not understand the graduate school application process or how to pay for it, but know there is nothing embarrassing about reaching out for help!
If you have a professor or someone in your desired career field whom you look up to, reach out to them and ask for guidance. Often, these conversations can lead you to more opportunities you did not come across in your own research.
Remember, graduate school can also offer new connections and skills to bolster your career; therefore, make sure to start navigating its funding as soon as possible!
Sitting at a piano in the Moores School of Music practice room, onlookers can find doctoral student Tugce Ozcivan playing a tune. As a doctoral student and pianist at the University of Houston, Ozcivan embodies determination and mastery in her craft.
After encouragement from her family, Ozcivan’s musical journey began early, working part-time at a conservatory during her high school transition. Ozcivan’s passion for music has always been clear, driving her educational journey spanning decades.
“I’ve been deeply immersed in the professional world of music,”
Ozcivan said. “Since childhood, I’ve always wanted to pursue a doctorate;
my mentors followed this path, and I’ve been inspired to do the same. Working with different mentors and learning as much as possible is vital. In our profession, the educational journey is long.”
Ozcivan pursued her undergraduate degree in piano performance at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University in Istanbul, Turkey, with a year spent at Conservatorio di Musica Santa Cecilia di Roma in Italy. She then continued her master’s in music performance at Central Michigan University before embarking on her PhD at the University of Houston.
Along with her performances and concerts, Ozcivan also balances various assistantship roles.
“I currently serve as a teaching assistant at the University of Houston, where I teach group piano classes to non-piano majors. These are students who play other instruments but must learn piano as part of their curriculum. I also perform with the Aura Ensemble,” Ozcivan said.
Balancing the responsibilities of a doctoral student and performer means her days are far from routine.
Her daily and weekly routines vary significantly. Along with a heavy course load and teaching duties, her afternoons are filled with rehearsals and teaching sessions. Mornings are dedicated to practicing piano at school, followed by classes or TA duties around midday. In the evenings, if necessary, she dives back into her studies, working on papers or assignments.
This rigorous schedule often leaves little room for personal life, but Ozcivan emphasizes the importance of finding a work-life balance.
“Taking time for yourself is crucial to staying productive. Since I’m involved in the arts, I make a conscious effort not to detach from life,” Ozcivan said. “Attending exhibitions, concerts and cultural events, going out during the week, and not neglecting exercise, diet and social life are all vital for doctoral students, and I prioritize them to maintain my balance.”
Despite the demands of her academic and musical commitments, Ozcivan remains vigilant about her mental health and the risk of burnout.
“Protecting mental health and avoiding burnout is not often discussed but should be. I’ve experienced burnout, which is why I now place great importance on balance. When we focus on enjoying the process rather than just the outcome, burnout tends to decrease,” Ozcivan said. “Preparing for a concert, exam or competition can be intense, but the key is to enjoy the journey rather than just aiming for the final hour of performance.”
Through all the challenges and demands of her doctoral journey, Tugce Ozcivan’s story is one of dedication to her art and a testament to the power of balancing passion, discipline and well-being—elements that contribute to the enchanting lives of the artists we admire.
Story By: Atirikta Kumar
With the start of the Fall semester, students begin the quest for internships.
Looking for a new internship can be daunting, but it is an essential part to build a resume during your undergraduate career. Networking by making connections within your field, polishing your resume and writing a good cover letter are all essential parts of looking and landing an internship.
Students should start making networking connections by reaching out to professors, classmates, alumni and professionals they’ve interacted with during undergrad, said assistant director of University career services at UH Sugarland and Katy Arrianna O’Quin.
“Networking isn’t just about asking for opportunities; it’s
about intentionally building relationships. Attend career fairs, university events, or join student organizations, as these spaces can lead to internship opportunities or introductions to potential employers,” O’Quin said.
Platforms like LinkedIn can also be invaluable to make connections with professionals in your field and connect with them.
After you connect with professionals in your field, ask them if they are available to meet for a coffee or a quick phone call. Also, consider a reverse interview and ask them any questions you may have. Connecting with people in your field can provide invaluable insight and may help you with your internship search.
Additionally, your resume is arguably the most important tool when looking for an internship. The resume should be clear, concise and tailored to the specific internship you are applying for.
It is important to include and highlight relevant coursework, projects and part-time jobs or volunteer experiences that demonstrate transferable skills, O’Quin said.
“Start with a strong summary statement, followed by sections on education, experience and skills,” O’Quin said. “Use bullet points to describe your accomplishments, focusing on effective action verbs and measurable outcomes.” It is important to keep your resume to one page, especially for entrylevel roles, unless instructed otherwise.
While the resume is important, the cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself beyond it. It is important to tailor a cover letter for each specific role you’re applying for because it’s also an opportunity to express your enthusiasm and communicate your career goals, O’Quin said.
After polishing your resume and cover letter, apply to as many internships as you can. The more you apply to, the better your chances are of getting an interview.
After applying, the hopeful next step is getting an interview.
An interview is your chance to impress the interviewer and make your impression on them. This is the place where you want to stand out as the ideal candidate for the role.
“Preparation is key to acing anything in life, especially an interview. Research the company, its culture and the role you’re applying for,” O’Quin said. “Practice answering common
interview questions, and have specific examples ready that highlight your skills and achievements.”
Be prepared before walking into the interview room. Know your resume inside out, be ready to answer questions about your experience. Also, ask the interviewer thoughtful questions, as it shows engagement and genuine interest, O’Quin said.
It is important to dress professionally and have a copy of your resume with you. Additionally, if it is a virtual interview, test your technology and make sure your surroundings are clean and proper.
Furthermore, do not forget to email a thank you note to your interviewer after. It shows genuine interest in the role and is a great way to show appreciation for the interviewer’s time. It can also help you stand out and make a positive impact on the hiring manager.
After months of applications
and interviews, landing an internship is a feat worthy of celebration.
The work does not end there, however.
Your first internship is an opportunity to learn and grow. Be proactive—ask questions, seek feedback and show initiative, O’Quin said.
“You won’t know everything right away, and that’s okay. Focus on being dependable, adaptable and willing to contribute,” O’Quin said. “It’s also important to observe the company’s culture and communication style.”
During your time at the company, focus on building relationships with your colleagues. These people are professionals in your field with years of experience. They can provide you with guidance and potentially become mentors.
“Most importantly, embrace the learning process and take notes on what you enjoy and what areas you may want to explore further,” O’Quin said.
Story by Gauraangi Gupta, the ultimate playlist curator
A love for music is one thing many students have in common. It is a widely popular method of relieving stress, concentrating while studying and even starting a topic of discussion. Candidly, having headphones on all the time, especially while walking, is a symptom of being a student. So, turn the volume up for this one!
Here’s the ultimate grad school survival playlist:
1. “Hard to Concentrate” by Red Hot Chili Peppers (2006)
When you’re trying to study amidst distractions, “Hard to Concentrate” by Red Hot Chili Peppers comes to your rescue. The music is gentle, and the rhythms create a low, stress-free environment for concentration.
The mellow pace sets the vibe right and calms the mood. The ironic title is also relatable if you’ve been feeling heavily distracted lately.
2. “On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons (2012)
Graduate school doesn’t mean you’re in adulthood–lacking permission to enjoy life. This is still college. Enjoy it.
“On Top of the World” by Imagine Dragons is the perfect choice whenever you’re hanging out with friends or having a little soirée.
It is groovy, uplifting, positive and motivational.
3. “Good News” by Mac Miller (2020)
Many students in graduate school also work full-time jobs. This tends to get stressful and overwhelming. For such situations, “Good
News” by Mac Miller is a mellow, reflective song to play and vibe to. It addresses the struggle of balancing stress and mental health. The rhythm can help reduce anxiety.
The soothing music could help you to feel positive and to connect with yourself emotionally.
4. “Pump It” by Black Eyed Peas (2005)
If you’re stuck in traffic while going to school or heading back home, this is the best song to kill the bad vibes off!
The fast pace and highenergy beats create a great combination for an immediate energy boost. Make this a go-to song for shaking off negative feelings.
It can also help feel confident and can serve as a great motivator when you’re feeling down!
5. “Fix You” by Coldplay (2005)
Adulting isn’t easy. One day you might be stressed out, feeling lonely or going through a break-up. “Fix You” by Coldplay is a great choice in such situations.
It is an emotional track, giving comfort and a hope of healing, even when everything feels like it’s broken and not fixable. It reminds the listener that it’s okay to feel hurt and vulnerable. Change is inevitable and accepting it is going to make the process easier.
6. “Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna (2007)
Working out and exercising every day is important to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle while in graduate school. “Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna is a great choice for cardio sessions.
With its infectious beats, it’s also a go-to choice for dancebased workouts. It keeps the energy high and encourages you to keep going.
7. “Calm Down” by Rema & Selena Gomez (2022)
This is the perfect song for winding down during breaks or post-study sessions. It really helps you calm down!
Its mellow beat and gentle energy make it a great choice to help calm your nerves, release your stresses and preserve your energy levels.
by Cindy Rivas Alfaro, quizmaster!
College life is hard, and it’s even harder without an emotional-support water bottle. As you move on from your undergraduate years to a graduate one, embrace this change with open arms, but also, invest in the perfect water bottle to make it better.
Which will it be? Take this quiz to find out!
What time do you wake up in the morning?
A. Before the sun rises
B. On-time
C. Five minutes before class
D. I sleep in
What kind of stickers do you keep on your water bottles?
A. Motivational stickers
B. No stickers
C. Cute animals
D. Random ones Your friend wants to go out for drinks but you have an assignment due. What do you do?
A. Tell them no, and complete your assignment
B. Tell them you have drinks at home, and invite them over
C. They have to convince you, but you eventually say “yes!”
D. Let’s go get drinks!
What color is your water bottle?
A. Neutral
B. Dark
C. Pastel
D. Bright
Where did you decide to go to grad school?
A. The best of the best
B. The most convenient one
C. Close to home
D. Far from home What would your friends say about you?
A. Hardworker
B. Calm and collected
C. Caring
D. Life of the party
Mostly As
Stanley: You get work done! People always applaud how determined you are in classes, and this water bottle reflects that. You have a lot of self-restraint and are able to stay focused despite the world’s occasional attempts to throw you off course. Yet, you still make time for the people you love.
Mostly Bs
Yeti: You are logical! You don’t stress. You have everything figured out basically. You know what you’re going to be doing two weeks from today. Even though you probably love your current emotional-support bottle, the Yeti mug is for you. You can carry your coffee or soup in that tiny thing–practical and compact just like your schedule.
Mostly Cs
Hydro Flask: You go with the flow and try to be there for the people you care for the most. Grad school is a time for you to grow, but you make sure you’re having lots of fun while at it! People are drawn to you for always wanting to help others and that makes you happy.
Mostly Ds
. Owala: You really value social spaces and meeting new people! People always wonder how you can go to all the happy hours and socials yet still make it to class the next day. You have probably gone through a few Owalas already–one might even be dented, so it must be time for a new one!
