Senior midfielder Juliet Moore in NCAA college game, Sunday, Sept. 1 in San Marcos Texas. Moore recorded Houston’s first hat trick since 2016.| Courtesy of UH Athletics
Senior midfielder Juliet Moore completed the hat trick, the first for Houston soccer since 2016 and the eighth in program history in the Cougar’s win over Texas State on Sept. 1 in San Marcos.
The game was still a tough matchup for Houston and started with a stalemate with both teams playing great defense. Then, on a fast break, sophomore midfielder Aryanna Jimison made a pass to split the defenders. Moore faked to get the Bobcats goalie out of the net, which set up an easy score to get the Cougars on the board in the first thirty-first minutes of play.
A short time later, the Cougars could set up downfield, where Moore had a great tap-in to give her the second goal of the night. The Cougars went into the half with a 2-0 lead.
The Bobcats came out hot in the second half with help from a free kick from sophomore midfielder Victoria Meza. Meza had a header to get it right past the Cougars goalie in the fifty-first minute of play.
The Bobcats got the ball on their side again taking on two defenders. Junior forward Mady Soumare had beautiful dribbling to get the equalizer 2-2.
Freshman defender Kayla Smith found Moore for her first career assist and allowed Houston to take the lead in the 60th minute.
The Cougars have won the last three straight contests and are now 3-2-1. They will face UCF on Sept. 12 at 6:00 pm.
The cast calls themselves, “MomTok,” a group that originally rose to fame from their collaborative content on TikTok, and later shocked the nation with a swinging scandal in 2022. While many may be tuning in tomorrow for Taylor Frankie Paul, the MomTok member who broke the swinging story on TikTok, understand that you’ll be met with the truth about these women and their inner lives.
What a statement to make — that swinging is not even the most interesting thing about this all too familiar group of Mormon ladies.
Cast Response to Church’s Statement
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Newsroom released a statement titled, “When Entertainment Media Distorts Faith” alluding to the upcoming premiere of the show.
“Some portrayals are fair and accurate, but others resort to stereotypes or gross misrepresentations that are in poor taste and have real-life consequences for people of faith,” the statement read.
When asked about the Church and its members who call MomTok a “gross misrepresentation,” Matthews called the article, “a little bit of a jab,” and defended “MomTok.”
“We don’t claim to be spokespeople for the Church,” she said.
Engemann solidified her standing with the Church.
“I’m a faithful member of the church and I strive to do the best that I can but at the end of the day, whatever criticism comes from that has nothing to do with my belief in God,” she said.
However, Affleck said she sees the show as an opportunity to spread the word of the gospel.
“A lot of good is going to come from this show, just the fact that people are curious about the Church is a win,” Affleck said.
Families Can be Together Forever
Layla Taylor, a recent divorcee, commented on the correlation between the Church and women feeling stuck in marriages.
“They definitely encourage ‘Have babies, stay home, take care of the house, keep the family together.’ Divorce is something that’s not very encouraged in the Church, but I’m an advocate for being happy,” she said.
During episode five of the show, audiences will see Taylor throw a divorce celebration with all of MomTok.
The Secret Lives of Mormon Men’s Egos
In episode six and seven, Affleck and Paul were faced with relationship turmoil, when a MomTok Las Vegas trip, joined by Affleck’s husband, Zac Affleck, and Paul’s boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, turned into the two couples in heated arguments.
Taylor recalled the events that led to Zac and Jen Affleck on the cusp of divorce.
“It’s hard because every relationship has different dynamics, whether that’s having an issue with jealousy, being more protective, we just don’t know what that dynamic is, and I think we did learn it that trip,” Taylor said.
Zac Affleck’s actions on this Vegas trip were met with distaste by MomTok’s members.
“I think some of the things he did say to Jen were extremely inappropriate,” Taylor said about the situation.
The Afflecks were not the only ones facing issues within their relationship. Taylor Frankie Paul and her boyfriend, Dakota Mortensen, joined them, which came as no surprise to the rest of the group.
Taylor added insight to the frequent couple dramatics between Paul and Mortensen.
“They’ve always had a fiery relationship. I feel like that was nothing out of the blue for us when Dakota reacted that way,” Taylor said.
Sisterhood?
When asked about the support found through her divorce in this group, Taylor referred to the group and said, “These girls have become like sisters to me.”
But not all have not found such warmth within the sisterhood.
The most apparent drama was sparked between Whitney Leavitt and the rest of the group.
Jennifer Affleck, Layla Taylor, Jessi Ngatikaura and Demi Engemann (Photo courtesy of Hulu)
In our interview, Matthews recalled a MomTok function where Leavitt turned up after a messy blowout, leading to the group questioning Leavitt’s character.
“It was like a garbage fire, train wreck, like the worst. I talk a lot with my face, most of us do, other than people who have a lot of botox, but my face really said it all,” Matthews said.
#MomTok has proven to be important to these ladies, and they’ve made a whole television series about it, but Engemann cares deeply about the values of MomTok members.
“We don’t need to always be pinned up against each other, being compared there’s beauty in rooting for one another and supporting each other,” Engemann said.
While “Barbie” movie worthy bonds were witnessed throughout the season, such as the one between Taylor and Engemann, frenemies were formed along the way.
Scandals and friendship can all be found in, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” so Utah, grab your Swig drinks and get ready to watch some reality television tomorrow on Hulu.
Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.
Colorado State football has always had a great game day atmosphere. In this article, we highlight what you should and shouldn’t do when attending a CSU football game so you can have the best possible time when cheering on the Rams.
Do:
1. Bring your student ID
If you’re a student, when you claim your free football ticket, it will be automatically loaded onto your Ram card. Security will scan your ID to redeem the tickets to get you into the game.
2. Bring clear bags
You will not be allowed into the stadium with any bags that are not transparent. You will be sent back if you try and bring in a bag that does not meet the requirements. If you are not sure what counts, check out Canvas Stadium’s bag policy.
The greatest advantage you can give the Rams is your voice. Loud atmospheres help create pressure on visiting teams that can give the Rams a slight edge over their opponents. The greatest tradition a college can have is its fight song, and CSU has one of the best. It’s fun to sing, and it gets you hyped. It’s so great that sometimes I listen to it in my car on the way to work.
4. Get funky, and dress funky.
It’s fun to get wild and wear some funky outfits while watching a game. Go grab some weird sunglasses and funny hats for game day to stand out and be someone. It also is the best way to get on the jumbotron if you desire.
5. Get into your seats early.
If you want the best seats in the house, you have got to come early. Front-row seats don’t last forever. By showing up early, you also get a better chance at being selected to participate in promotional events during the game like the beer-for-a-year field goal or the T-shirt toss to win money.
Don’t:
1. Leave early!
The average school gets about six home games a season. This means that the typical four-year student gets about 24 home games in their college career. That means you should take advantage of this opportunity while you have it and get your money’s worth. Remember, memories last a lifetime.
My biggest regret of my CSU career is leaving after a pick six to put CSU down by three scores to Boise State with five minutes left in the game. Shortly after I left that game, CSU pulled off the biggest comeback in school history and won the game on a Hail Mary. Don’t miss out like I and a lot of other fans did. You will regret it.
2. Be obnoxious.
Remember you are surrounded by thousands of people, and nobody likes a party pooper. Be mindful of those around you and how close they are to you. If you don’t pay attention to your surroundings, you could smack or get smacked by a wild arm.
3. Throw items at opposing teams.
You may get mad at times, but throwing things only hurts you and our Rams. Last year during a game against Air Force, fans threw snowballs at Air Force players and coaches. It may have seemed funny at that moment, but it led to a 15-yard penalty on CSU.
4. Don’t assume the weather will be perfect.
We live in the state of Colorado, which is known for its random weather. You can have a sunny 65-degree day and a snow storm the next day. Games can get cold quickly, so pay attention to the weather, and dress accordingly. Remember, frostbite and heatstroke suck.
5. Don’t get kicked out!
If you are removed from a game by security, it can lead to a yearlong ban from all CSU athletics events. You will not be able to attend basketball games, volleyball matches, football games and more.
The Daily Trojan features Classified advertising in each day’s edition. Here you can read, search, and even print out each day’s edition of the Classifieds.
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On August 19th, Love Island USA concluded its sixth season with the highly anticipated reunion episode. Amidst confrontations and confessions, there was concern for the mental health of contestants following the Villa, as many have become victims of online bullying.
Although reality television is entertaining, becoming too invested can cause viewers to blur the lines between fiction and non-fiction, unfortunately dehumanizing participants.
The season took the summer by storm, amassing millions of weekly viewers and propelling the show from moderately successful to extremely widespread. Such unprecedented attention and new eyes brought contentious conversations that producers and cast members did not prepare for.
Love Island has a reputation for contestants facing mental health struggles after production.
Four individuals who appeared on the show, unfortunately, have taken their own lives. They make up the larger pool of former reality TV show cast members who have been unable to cope with newfound fame.
For many, struggles began while they were on the show. Showrunners create an isolating, controlled environment where contestants do not have contact with the outside world for months.
Additionally, they are prohibited from having their phones or any internet access, leaving them unaware of how viewers perceive them.
Throughout the season, numerous contestants expressed concerns about looking stupid on national television and even believed America disliked them.
Islander Leah Kateb, who spoke about frequently visiting the on-site psychiatrist, said she believed her family was embarrassed by her participation and hated her.
Producers and editors often prioritize entertainment over contestants’ well-being. As the genre continues to grow in popularity, shows are competing for the attention of viewers and the easiest way to catch the audience’s eye is with drama and animosity.
To successfully create drama, there must be a villain. Nobody is a saint, much less those under constant stress and living in an inescapable bubble, but producers often showcase numerous outbursts to create the narrative of a contestant being a bad person. This is harmful, as it ignores the complexities of humans and presents the individual as a one-dimensional antagonist.
Often, these harsh moments are edited out of context or provoked by producers. Viewers, however, are inclined to take everything they see on-screen as factual. This creates a polarizing relationship between fans and contestants and makes it difficult for the participants to defend themselves.
While there should be boundaries concerning fans voicing their opinions, audience interaction is often encouraged.
Many shows have embraced a viewer voting element, where the audience can decide who may be eliminated, control challenges and even have their thoughts appear on the show. For contestants who have no contact with the outside world, this creates a misrepresentation of how people view them.
The demand for reality TV, producer influence and viewers harassing contestants poses the question of how far is too far for entertainment.
Drama in these circumstances is inevitable and makes the show more intriguing, but it also has consequences. Unlike actors portraying fictitious characters, there is no separating the person on-screen from their real-life self.
Indulging in reality TV as a guilty pleasure and judging people from the comfort of one’s home is relatively harmless. Expressing malicious opinions to said individuals is not.
Love Island USA’s recent popularity presents an opportunity for boundaries to be drawn and allows viewers to reflect on their relations with cast members. While they are here to entertain, contestants are responsible for being the brunt of harassment and apathy.
Anaya Baxter is an integrated communications junior who can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com
The Gophers volleyball team started their 2024 season playing against two top-five teams at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. The Gophers split the tournament one and one, losing their first match against Stanford and then defeating the back-to-back defending national champions, Texas, the next day.
Brookfield Wisconsin’s Mckenna Wucherer sealed the match with a kill for the Gophers on Monday.
“My family was in one section, I had friends from high school in another section,” Wucherer said. “Really just admiring where I was and who I was with.”
The Gophers outlasted Texas in a five-set match. The back-and-forth battle saw the maroon and gold drop set one 25-22 before winning sets two and three. The Longhorns won set four in a dominant 25 to 13 fashion, but the Gophers held off Texas in the final set, winning 15-7.
Wucherer tallied 12 kills while Julia Hanson led the team with 19 kills, tying her career best.
Zeynep Palabiyik dawned the white jersey for the first time in her Gopher career as the team’s starting libero. The Turkish Gopher contributed a career-high 22 digs against the Longhorns.
Gophers head coach Keegan Cook said the win over Texas instilled belief in the team.
“It’s a statement to each other, you’re trying to teach a team to believe in themselves and to believe before something happens,” Cook said. “Something happens when we win, belief comes real and you can feel it.”
Monday’s win was the first Gophers victory against a No. 1 ranked opponent in five years.
Gophers Redshirt senior Melani Shaffmaster said this game was proof they are not the same team as the previous season.
“I don’t think I really have words,” Shaffmaster said to Fox Sports1. “We finally proved ourselves that we’re not the same team we were last year. We have a lot of really great people here with us.”
The Gophers started last season ranked No. 7 in the nation, but after finishing with a 17-13 overall record, the Gophers went unranked into the NCAA tournament and lost to Creighton in the second round.
Shaffmaster credits the confidence going into the 2024 season to a tight-knit team.
“We have a lot of depth,” Shaffmaster said. “It took the whole entire team to beat Texas.”
Wucherer said Cook reminded the team how good they are.
“He said ‘I think we go into a lot of matches thinking of who’s across the net, and not really Minnesota volleyball,’” Wucherer said. “We need to remember who we are.”
The Gophers lost to No. 5 Stanford on Sunday in five sets. The Gophers led 2-1 after three sets but ultimately lost 3-2 after dropping the last two.
What ultimately ended up knocking the Gophers down was their 23 service errors. The team also had eight fewer kills than Stanford.
“Learned some lessons fast,” Cook said. “Showed some competitive character in our second match versus Texas.”
The Gophers will continue their ringer of ranked opponents when they play No. 23 Baylor on Sept. 6, followed by TCU on Sept. 7 in the Big Ten/Big 12 Challenge in Waco, Texas.
Volleyball fans will have to wait until Sept. 10 for the team’s home opener against St. Thomas.
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The University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD) reported that a suspicious package was found outside of Walter Library, 117 Pleasant St. Wednesday afternoon in a SAFE-U alert sent to students and faculty at 4:24 p.m.
UMPD reported they evacuated the building at 4:44 p.m. and asked students and faculty members to avoid the area until further notice while police moderated the situation.
Nearly twenty minutes after evacuation, UMPD reopened Walter Library and the surrounding area, reporting that campus police found a suspicious device they determined not to be a threat.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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The University of Utah has initiated a pilot program guaranteeing admission to the U for all high school students in four Utah school districts with a 3.5 GPA or higher.
Named“Utah Direct,” the program begins testing this year in the Canyons, Davis, Granite and Provo school districts and starts its outreach to students when they are in 9th grade by sending them letters of encouragement.
“Utah Direct is a really powerful message to our most at-risk students,” Granite School District Superintendent Ben Horsley said in a press release. “The message is ‘We see the great work that you’re doing, you have incredible potential and we’d love to see you become a member of this fine institution and brighten your future.’”
Steve Robinson, vice provost for enrollment management at the University of Utah, said the U is offering guaranteed admissions to a little over 5,000 students, but “only a fraction” will end up enrolling.
“It’s unclear what this will mean in terms of enrollment trends,” he said. “We hope to see an increase in enrollment from students in the targeted districts, but there’s always a possibility that it may not turn out as expected.”
Robinson said he has not yet spoken to housing about potential changes for next year’s process but added that since many of the high school students enrolled in the program live in close school districts, they might commute, meaning student housing may not be an issue. However, the impact Utah Direct might have on parking also remains uncertain at this time.
“Certainly, the university is trying to grow, and if there’s more growth, there will be changes in various areas such as parking and housing,” Robinson added. “There could also be impacts on class availability, academic advising and other support services.”
Utah Direct students will be offered the same merit scholarship opportunities as other new and incoming students if they complete the streamlined application process by Dec. 1.
“One reason we ask them to do this is to ensure they’re fully considered for scholarships,” Robinson said. “We also need to know their intended academic major because, while we offer the guarantee of admission generally, we need to know if they want to study political science or mechanical engineering. This information helps us … determine their eligibility for scholarships.”
Robinson added that scholarships for current students will not be directly affected, and everyone will continue to have the same scholarship opportunities at the U.
Additionally, the U has started theArches Scholarship program for students with a 4.0 GPA who live in rural Utah counties. The scholarship gives students $15,000 per year and an extra $13,700 if they live on campus.
Choose a graduate program wisely because it will have a long-term impact on your professional, personal, and career. You must consider several essential criteria to make the best decision when faced with several possibilities. You may make this crucial decision with confidence by reading this article, which examines five vital considerations in selecting a graduate program.
1. Academic Reputation
Assess the Program’s Academic Standing
The academic standing of the institution is the first consideration for potential students when evaluating graduate programs. A school’s academic standing can tell you about the quality of education you will receive, the experience level of the teachers, and whether or not there are any opportunities for future employment.
Research Rankings: Seek graduate program rankings released by respectable institutions and associations. Although rankings shouldn’t be the only factor considered, they do provide a standard by which to compare academic quality.
Faculty Credentials: Look into the credentials and accomplishments of the professors. Leaders in their industries, like professors, can provide invaluable networking and mentoring opportunities.
Alumni Success: Analyze former students’ professional paths. Promising alums frequently have solid academic support and extensive professional preparation.
One industry expert notes, “A program’s reputation often reflects its commitment to academic excellence, providing students with a rich learning environment and valuable career prospects.”
2. Curriculum and Specializations
Evaluate the Curriculum and Available Specializations
Your graduate study experience is built upon the curriculum. Make sure the program fits your career and academic objectives by taking into account the following:
Course Offerings: Examine the available courses to ensure they cover the topics and abilities you require. Seek a well-rounded curriculum that integrates theory and application.
Specializations: A few programs offer concentrations or specializations in particular fields. These might offer a more in-depth understanding and proficiency in a particular area. A program with distinctive or well-regarded expertise, for instance, can provide access to new or niche markets.
Utilized Prospects: Seek opportunities to use your knowledge through research projects, internships, or collaborations with businesses in the field.
If you want to stay motivated and meet your long-term goals, it is essential to choose a program whose curriculum challenges and interests you.
3. Location and Campus Resources
Consider the Location and Campus Amenities
The general experience you have might be greatly impacted by the location of your graduate program. Here are some things to think about:
Urban vs. Rural: Decide whether you would rather be on a campus with a busy atmosphere or a tranquil setting. Each has its benefits and can influence your way of life and employment prospects.
Resources on Campus: Check the accessibility of resources, including career services, libraries, and research labs. A well-equipped campus can improve your educational experience and offer crucial assistance.
Community and Culture: Consider the community and culture on campus. Participating in a welcoming atmosphere with a range of viewpoints can enhance your personal and academic development.
Imagine yourself in a prime urban campus setting, surrounded by influential businesspeople and with endless networking opportunities just steps from your classroom. Your employment prospects can be significantly enhanced by such an environment.
4. Financial Considerations
Analyze Cost and Financial Aid Options
A graduate degree may require a large financial outlay. It’s critical to comprehend the associated expenses and investigate your choices for financial aid:
Fees and Tuition: Calculate the program’s overall cost, including additional costs for supplies, books, and tuition and fees.
Cost of Living: Consider the housing, transportation, and personal living expenses in the program’s location.
Financial Aid: Explore scholarships, grants, assistantships, and loans. Utilize resources like Lawrina for a comprehensive letter of intent for school form to apply for scholarships or specific programs that offer financial assistance.
Budgeting: Create a budget that accounts for all possible out-of-pocket costs and revenue streams. You can manage your debt and prevent financial stress by making long-term financial plans.
You can seriously lessen your financial load and increase your ability to concentrate on your studies by obtaining money through assistantships and scholarships.
5. Career Outcomes and Networking Opportunities
Examine Career Prospects and Networking Potential
For many graduate students, advancing in their jobs is the ultimate goal. As a result, determining how the program will affect your employment chances is essential:
Job Placement Rates: Examine the program’s employment placement percentages. Good career services and strong industry ties are frequently linked to high placement rates.
Alumni Network: A strong network of former students can be pretty beneficial for finding contacts and employment. Getting in touch with accomplished alumni can help you advance your career and provide you with valuable insights.
Industry Partnerships: Students who participate in programs involving industry leaders frequently get hands-on training and job placements.
For example, numerous accomplished graduates of esteemed schools frequently return to provide current students with job, internship, and mentorship opportunities, thereby establishing a helpful professional network.
Conclusion
Choosing the right graduate program is a critical decision that requires thorough research and thoughtful consideration. By focusing on academic reputation, curriculum and specializations, location and resources, financial considerations, and career outcomes, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your personal and professional goals.
Remember, embarking on this journey with a clear understanding of what you seek in a graduate program can pave the way for a rewarding and successful academic experience. Take the time to explore your options, seek advice, and use resources like Lawrina for a letter of intent for school form to streamline your application process. Your future success begins with the choices you make today.
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