Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

In this week’s Ask The Cougar, Editor-in-Chief John Lomax, Managing Editor Cindy Rivas Alfaro and Community Assistant Editor Atirikta Kumar answer some questions about starting relationships, keeping them and how to avoid brain fog. 

I’m past the hookup phase of my life, and I want to explore something serious. Only problem is I’m not sure how to flirt with women without leaving the impression that I’m only interested in sex. How should I approach women without making them think I’m just trying to sleep with them? 

This is a struggle I feel a lot of men experience in their early to mid-twenties. First, you need to prepare yourself for a much slower process than when you were looking for something more casual. Second, you need to really take a second to think about what it is you want before you go looking for it. 

Based on how your original question was worded, it sounds like you’re gauging interest largely off of first impressions. This is fine when your intentions are purely based on physical attraction, less so when the goal is a relationship. 

You need to get to know someone at least a little bit before you decide you’re interested in them. That doesn’t mean you need to build months of friendship before you ask them out, just that you should have an idea of who they are before you decide to pursue them. 

A great way to do this is to look at the first couple of dates with someone as purely platonic. Don’t concern yourself with the ideal timing for the first kiss, or when you should invite them back to your place. These initial dates should be focused solely on determining compatibility. 

This approach not only takes the pressure off the early dating phase, it can also help demonstrate your intent to whoever you’re courting. As men, we will always have to work around the “only interested in sex” stereotype, and waiting to make a move can go a long way in showing that your interests are in the long-term as opposed to the short. 

This is usually easier said than done. Cultural conceptions of how and when to make the first move often cause men to self-sabotage relationships. A common refrain among men is that women appreciate a confident man. While that might be true, it’s important to distinguish between acting with confidence and acting on our insecurities. 

Confidence is being sure of yourself and what it is you want. This is not easy to achieve and can take years of development, self-reflection and learning. You need to sit down and think long-term: What type of person can you see yourself building a life with? Once you’ve decided on your “ideal partner” you can begin the vetting process. 

– JL

I’m currently struggling with brain fog and I feel like I’m not understanding anything going on with my classes even with all the hours of studying I’m doing. Any advice in overcoming this?

This is a great question and something I have been struggling with myself. My first and best advice for you would be to sleep. I know being overwhelmed by the end-of-the-semester responsibilities can make you question if you even need to sleep when you can have coffee. Mostly it feels like you don’t even have time for something as trivial as sleep. But as much as it pains me to say, sleep actually is important to us. 

Trust me, I have been trying to find a workaround but I have felt the best this semester after I passed out for 14 hours one day after not sleeping properly for weeks. 

Secondly, I would divide up the tasks I have and give myself a reward after each workday. Keeping a list of topics I need to study helps me immensely and at the end of each workday after I have gotten the serotonin boost of checking off my to-do list, I read for at least 20 minutes. Reading is my happy place, even reading for a few minutes helps me relax, so find whatever makes you happy. 

I would also try and take a few moments for just yourself each day. Go on a walk, do yoga or just lay on the floor for 10 to 15 minutes and try your best to block out the rest of the world. I personally like to lay on the floor with my earphones and I call it floor time. Just me, the floor and music help ground me most days. 

And most importantly, be proud of yourself, you are almost to the finish line. You got this! 

– AK

I’m a senior majoring in biology. My girlfriend is also a senior, majoring in bio-tech. My goal is to go to PA school. Her goal is to get a PhD. Our paths are divulging. If a breakup is inevitable, I’d rather do it now, to put it bluntly. I wish I could see the future, but is there any way to gauge how likely we are to break up? What steps can we take in order to prepare to face this as the time comes closer?

Hello, thanks for sending this in! I’m sorry you’re dealing with this. What do you value in a relationship, or more so, what do you value in your girlfriend? I think if you really want to be with a person, you should find a way to appease both your personal goals and your relationship goals.

It seems here that your career is something you value a lot and now, it’s in conflict with the relationship with your girlfriend. If you really want to make this work, consider choosing a school that’s closer or even trying a long-distance relationship. Maybe even take a gap year to take turns supporting each other.

If that doesn’t seem like something you want to do, then bring it up to your girlfriend ASAP. Try and be optimistic. I hate making assumptions but it seems like your mind is already set on breaking up. If there is a will, there is a way. I wish you luck with your studies and your relationship! 

– CRA

editor@thedailycougar.com

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“Ask The Cougar: Building, breaking, brain fog” was originally posted on The Cougar

Stephen Sanchez gave an electrifying performance Friday night at White Oak Music Hall. | Cindy Rivas Alfaro/The Cougar

On a cold, rainy Friday night, an assortment of people dressed in 1950s attire gathered at White Oak Music Hall to listen to eccentric old soul, Stephen Sanchez. 

Known for his single “Until I Found You,” Sanchez takes listeners back to the days when rock ‘n’ roll and the blues were intricately intertwined to form one of the most romantic eras in music. 

In September, Sanchez came out with his album “Angel Face” which he feels is an accumulation of these old-school inspirations and passions. 

“The accidental, you know, playful attempts at writing a ‘50s love song came in the form of ‘Until I Found You,’ and then a more intentional attempt came with this new record,” Sanchez said. “It’s just something that feels like I’ve been working on my whole life.” 

Sanchez has been compared to Elvis Presley and Elton John. The latter of whom he got to perform with on the Pyramid Stage in England during this year’s Glastonbury Festival.

The similarities are uncanny, especially when he performs his songs like “Shake” which really takes the crowd back in time. It was one of the easiest songs to write for him and perform, considering he said he wrote it in the shower before going into the studio. 

When it comes to performing the song, Sanchez isn’t afraid to twist and turn. As he shuffles his feet across the stage, he brings a taste of the past to the crowd that electrifies the air. 

Sanchez creates an undeniable synergy between himself and the audience when he takes the stage. This was on full display Friday night as the crowd at White Oak Music Hall mirrored the singer in excitement and attire — with many attendees clad in suits, fine dresses and Golden Age-style fedoras. 

But just as Sanchez’s music can electrify a dance floor, he also has a strong selection of slow, heart-wrenching ballads sure to bring a tear to the eye of the most stoic of listeners. 

“No One Knows,” which he sings and co-wrote with Icelandic singer-songwriter Laufey, is a devastating song about how love can tear people apart rather than bring them together. It’s one of Sanchez’s favorite songs on the album. 

Laufey was not present at the concert, but Sanchez still can’t believe he was able to write a song with such talented, influential people. 

“‘No One Knows’ as far as the sentimental bits would have to be my favorite, and having Laufey be a part of it is unbelievable. Having written the song with my musical heroes like Lord Huron band has been such a tremendous influence in my life,” Sanchez said. 

Despite just releasing his album and currently on tour, there is not a time when he’s not thinking about music. Music is everything to Sanchez, and there are several other songs that didn’t make it on the album. Not because they were bad, but just because after the album was finished, more were written just for fun. 

“There are definitely some that will show up somewhere else,” Sanchez said. 

arts@thedailycougar.com 

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“Stephen Sanchez brings Golden Age nostalgia to White Oak Music Hall” was originally posted on The Cougar

José M. Hernández signed books at Arte Público Press for people who attended the private reception. | Cindy Rivas Alfaro/The Cougar

Hundreds of people gathered at the Student Center South Theatre on Friday for a Latino empowerment event sponsored by Arte Público Press, League of United Latin American Citizens Council 60, UH LULAC Chapter and Amazon. 

The event featured a Q&A with José M. Hernández, a book signing and a screening of his biopic “A Million Miles Away,” which showcased his journey from farmworker to astronaut. 

During the Q&A portion, he answered questions about perseverance, Latinos in STEM and his continuous involvement in the space industry.

“When you see astronauts go up in space, you see seven of us typically on the space shuttle, but there’s an abundance of people on the ground that make that possible,” Hernández said. “If we want to stay at the forefront, we have to engage every segment of our society, which means Latinos, African Americans, any people of color, women.”

Hernández attributed his success not only to his support network, but also to his genuine belief that he would some day travel to space. He didn’t wake up one day and step on a rocket, it took many years of rejection, determination and improvement before he could finally call himself an astronaut. 

“Each time I got rejected, at least the first six times, I wasn’t too concerned because I  knew I’d pick myself up again,” Hernández said.

After 12 years at NASA, Hernández retired to focus on his family. From there, he founded Tierra Luna Cellars where he owns a vineyard with his father and produces wine. He owes his success to the encouragement he received from the people around him, especially his father. 

“When your father as a 10-year-old tells you, you can do something, you believe it,”  Hernández said. “So, I knew as a 10-year-old, that’s what I want to do. That’s what I’m gonna do. And I knew the key to it was to go to college, go to graduate school, get a good job related to space and eventually I will get there.”

Hernández grew up in Stockton, California where he farmed crops with his family. After watching Gene Cernan on his Apollo 17 mission on TV in 1972, he was inspired to pursue his own dreams of becoming an astronaut. He applied for NASA’s training program 11 times before being accepted on his 12th try.

Before the movie screening began, Hernández attended a private reception at Arte Público Press where attorney and UH alumni Graciela Saenz, LULAC Council 60 President Rachel Cevallos, founder and director of Arte Público Press Nicolás Kanellos and other LULAC members were in attendance.

During the movie, there were several moments where the crowd erupted into applause. One was when he was finally accepted into the space program and the other was when he walked into his wife’s restaurant, Tierra Luna Grill, in his NASA uniform.

After the Q&A session ended, Hernández headed outside the theatre to sign over a hundred books and take pictures with the attendees. He said he would not leave until all the books were signed.

“It’s important to be out in person so they can see me,” Hernández said. “They don’t just have to watch me on TV or read the book. They can say ‘allí está.’ He’s telling me with his own words how he did it.”

news@thedailycougar.com

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“From migrant worker to NASA: Former astronaut featured at Latino empowerment event” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

As you enter your first year of college, undergraduate research might be the last thing on your mind. However, if this is something essential to your career or interests you in any way, it’s important to know that UH has a variety of resources available at your disposal. 

Incoming freshmen should use their first year of college to get to know not only what interests them in terms of study but their professors as well. With UH being such a large campus, it might be hard to stand out from the crowd. 

Ask questions, send emails and make your presence known in class. Let professors know what topics and areas of research you’re interested in because it might vary depending on your major. 

STEM majors might be looking for positions in labs or conducting research on live subjects. Liberal arts majors might take on a more book-heavy route by spending hours in libraries or archives. 

One thing that ties them all together is that you’d be bringing something new to the table and writing up a thesis proposal. You might not solve the “issue”, but you’d be providing a new outlook or an advancement to your field. 

By finding professors specific to your field or major, you’re giving yourself the necessary tools to get started on research. Professors are the number one resource for potential research opportunities as they usually forward emails to their students on upcoming programs. 

Alongside getting to know your professors, check out the Honors College and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Major Awards. 

The Honors College provides a smaller classroom experience with up to 20 students per class and a closer relationship with professors and students. 

It’s also home to the undergraduate research office which has a ton of research programs for students with no experience like the Houston Early Research Experience (HERE), Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) and Provost’s Undergraduate Research Scholarship (PURS). 

These programs are open to all students and do not require you to be a part of the Honors College. However, reach out to an Honors advisor or professor to be added to the email list that periodically sends new and upcoming research outside of UH.

One thing to remember throughout this process is not to undersell yourself while looking at these opportunities. The worse thing that can happen as you apply is rejection and rejection is just another synonym for redirection.

Many of these programs are meant for first-time researchers and are the groundwork for connections and network building.

Taking the leap is all it takes.

news@thedailycougar.com

Two UH students have died at Agnes Arnold Hall in the past five weeks, leading to an outpouring of grief across campus. | Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

We’re heartbroken. 

On Monday, a fellow University of Houston student died on our campus, just over a month after another one of our peers died in the same place: Agnes Arnold Hall. 

It’s difficult to quantify the grief that has washed over the UH student body in the last few weeks with these losses. Much of that anguish has turned into an outcry of frustration and anger about why this happened again.

The Editorial Board believes UH has not done enough to make students feel safe, protected and heard on campus. Its investments in student mental health have been paltry, and if its copy-and-paste response to this tragedy is any indication, it’s clear the University hasn’t learned from its past mistakes.

Let’s start with Agnes Arnold Hall. 

Since it was constructed in the ’60s, the building’s open-air concept has been a concern for many on a campus where most structures are conscious of student safety.

The building has effectively been shut down for the semester, with classes (except for those in the auditorium classrooms) and activities being relocated elsewhere on campus.

But why did it take so long? 

This isn’t the first time a student has died there. It happened in 2017 when most current UH students were still in middle and high school. And again last month. 

Agnes Arnold Hall’s notoriety has even spawned crude and tasteless campus euphemisms. Despite campus culture widely associating this building with death over the years, UH waited until now to address it.

This brings us to the University’s response.

After UH posted a statement to social media on Monday offering condolences and pushing on-campus psychological services, many students were quick to point out that it was incredibly similar to the statement the school released after last month’s student death.

Some were also critical of the photos used in the posts in front of the statements, which were seen as a way to disguise them and not interrupt the school’s social media feeds.

An empty statement accomplishes nothing. But rearranging that same statement in the wake of another tragedy and expecting no one to notice shows that you don’t care.

Students speaking out against UH’s response to an on-campus death is nothing new. After the 2017 incident at Agnes Arnold Hall, one student criticized the University for not acknowledging the death to the UH community.

“People are carrying on like it’s just another day and are treating this situation like it’s normal,” another student said in 2017.

The Editorial Board is also concerned that the University is peddling its Counseling and Psychological Services in the wake of these deaths despite its history of not sufficiently investing in CAPS and not prioritizing mental health.

In 2016, a Texas Tribune investigation found that CAPS was by far the most understaffed program of its kind in the state’s universities.

These issues have persisted, even as academic pressure on students has mounted. 

“I wouldn’t waste my time going again because they don’t put the effort to help in the long run,” one student told The Cougar in January.

The International Association of Counseling Services recommends college counseling centers have at least one full-time professional staff member for every 1,000 to 1,500 students. That ratio at CAPS is now one full-time staffer per 2,122 students.

At the root of the program’s issues is funding. More than half of the CAPS budget is used to pay their 22 staffers, leaving little for expansion or improvement. CAPS also suffers because it’s funded through student fees, which can fluctuate drastically from year to year due to the economy and enrollment.

Just last year, the Student Fees Advisory Committee, the body that doles out these funds, warned that University-wide budget cuts could be coming because of these factors.

We’re glad to hear that the school is establishing a task force on mental health, but it’s too little too late for those our community has already lost.

In recent years, UH has poured plenty of time and resources into making this University better and improving student life.

For example, the school’s Cougar Promise initiative gave low-income students access to higher education; its interim grading policy saved many students from academic ruin in the early days of the pandemic; and projects such as the new medical school and The Quad have expanded student life across campus.

On the national stage, UH has celebrated milestone after milestone, including the impending move to the Big 12 Conference, one of its best men’s basketball teams in a generation and a renowned business school. 

Everyone at UH benefits from these achievements and investments, but when students continue to die in broad daylight on our campus, what does any of that matter? 

The attention and resources that have been dedicated to building UH into a so-called academic and athletic powerhouse must also go toward maintaining the well-being of its students.

What could possibly matter more?

We end by urging our peers to be loud about their concerns and to fight for the difference they want to see. 

During these difficult times, remember that you are not alone and that there are family and friends who care for you. The Cougar strives to be there for its community and has an open door for anyone who needs it. 

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“How many students must die before UH does something?” was originally posted on The Cougar

Laila Blair, UH women’s basketball’s leading scorer, was held to two points in Houston’s loss to ECU in the AAC Tournament championship game. | Andy Hancock/American Athletic Conference

The UH women’s basketball team lost a 46-44 heartbreaker to East Carolina in the AAC Tournament title game, missing a chance to automatically qualify for the NCAA Tournament.

The Cougars’ defense was on display in the first quarter. UH held ECU to 1-for-17 from the field, taking an 11-2 lead after the first quarter.

UH led at halftime 23-16. Senior Tatyana Hill led the team in points with seven, while junior Kamryn Jones followed with five points of her own.

The Pirates came out of the half ready to play. East Carolina outscored UH 14-7 and tied the game 30-30 at the end of the third quarter.

The fourth quarter was a slugfest. The teams were scoring on each side, keeping it close. However, East Carolina closed the game on a 6-2 run to come out victorious in a 46-44 nailbiter.

Jones finished the game with 13 points. Both senior Bria Patterson and Hill followed with 11 points.

UH ended the season 15-16 overall and 10-5 in the AAC.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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“UH women’s basketball collapses in AAC title game, misses out on NCAA bid” was originally posted on The Cougar

A disclaimer was displayed on the big screen inside Student Center South at UH after dozens of Mexican soccer fans were heard using a homophobic chant during a World Cup watch party. | Anh Le/The Cougar

Dozens of fans at UH packed into Student Center South on Wednesday afternoon to watch Mexico’s pivotal match against Saudi Arabia, but many of them turned heads after a homophobic chant notorious among Mexico soccer supporters was heard multiple times.

The chant, which includes a homophobic insult and is typically aimed at opposing goalkeepers, was shouted throughout the match, even after a disclaimer was displayed on the big screen inside SC South.

“Please refrain from using offensive language,” the screen read.

One student centers staffer confirmed that the disclaimer was put on the screen after the chant was used earlier in the match.

“The University of Houston stands firm on the values of diversity and inclusion, and the chants heard during the World Cup watch party at the Student Center do not represent the University of Houston,” said UH spokesperson Chris Stipes. “We are a place where individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs can express themselves. The chant used by some fans of Mexico’s national team is offensive to many, and we encourage our campus community to demonstrate civility and respect for those around them when expressing themselves.”

Although UH “does not condone or endorse hate speech,” it has no power to ban it on campus. Its anti-discrimination policy, which used to cover harassment such as “epithets or slurs,” “negative stereotyping” and “denigrating jokes,” was revised earlier this year after the school was sued by a conservative group.

The chant has long been controversial and has landed the Mexican Football Federation in hot water in the past. The federation has been sanctioned several times, according to The Athletic, and has had to play home matches without fans earlier this year because of it.

It has even led to FIFA, the soccer world’s governing body, opening an investigation into Mexico after fans used the chant in the country’s opening World Cup match against Poland on Nov. 22.

Although the Mexican federation has enacted a zero-tolerance policy that includes banning fans for five years for using homophobic remarks, some activists have said more needs to be done to prevent the chant.

news@thedailycougar.com

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“Mexico fans at UH use homophobic chant during World Cup watch party” was originally posted on The Cougar

An architectural model of Stephen Power Farish Hall circa 1969. Demolition of the asterisk-shaped College of Education building is set to begin in 2025 to make way for the Centennial Plaza. | Courtesy of UH

For years it’s been known the University will demolish Farish Hall to make way for its ambitious Centennial Plaza, but UH has backtracked on plans to replace the College of Education’s home with another building, a school spokesperson said.

With Farish Hall set to be razed beginning in 2025, the College of Education will not be housed in a new facility, as President Renu Khator had proposed in her 2020 fall address, and instead will be relocated to McElhinney Hall and the Science Building, UH spokesperson Chris Stipes said.

The demolition and relocation are all part of the University’s grandiose centennial master plan, a proposal to build a memorable first impression of UH for visitors, improve campus walkability and increase the amount of green space by overhauling the area between the Ezekiel W. Cullen Building and McElhinney Hall to create the Centennial Plaza.

“Yes, it would mean building a new building for the College of Education on a new site,” Khator said in 2020 of the plans to revamp the UH campus.

But, after “weighing many factors, including funding and space availability on campus,” Stipes said, the University found the plan to be impractical and scrapped it.

It had long been speculated that a potential new College of Education building would anchor a portion of campus near the intersection of Cullen Boulevard and Wheeler Avenue.

The education college’s move also comes after the University received $40 million in funding from the Texas Legislature to build a new facility for the Hobby School of Public Affairs, which is currently housed in soon-to-be-renovated McElhinney Hall.

The Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management and Moody Towers, both dedicated in the early 1970s, circa 1971. Farish Hall, not pictured, came at a time of major campus expansion. | Courtesy of UH

Farish Hall, which came at a time of steadily increasing enrollment and major campus expansion, was first occupied in 1970 and has been the College of Education’s headquarters for over half a century.

But the asterisk-shaped structure has long been considered an eyesore in an area of campus dotted with older art deco-style buildings and the Cullen Family Plaza’s fountains.

The historic E. Cullen and Roy G. Cullen Buildings, some of the most iconic on campus, will soon anchor the area unimpeded as UH prepares to drastically change campus in the years leading up to the centennial.

After UH released renderings of the Centennial Plaza on social media Wednesday, some in the UH community were glad to see Farish Hall go.

INTRODUCING CENTENNIAL PLAZA: As we approach 100 years of the University of Houston, we’re excited to share a sneak peek at the vibrant future that lies in the heart of our campus.

2027 can’t come soon enough! pic.twitter.com/eJDNkgUdzU

— University of Houston (@UHouston) October 13, 2022

“It’s amazing how much more beautiful that space could be just by getting rid of Farish!” said one user, a graduate of the Class of 1996.

Cutter Gonzalez, a conductor at the Moores School of Music, shared the sentiment, saying, “​​The demise of Farish Hall and a new campus open space is exactly what I needed to brighten my day.”

For another Twitter user, the realization of the impending demolition was emotional.

“Farish Hall will be gone,” said Laura González, a bilingual education senior. “Thank you for the beautiful memories and bonds from my classmates, my besties and wonderful professors.”

news@thedailycougar.com

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“Farewell, Farish Hall: College of Education’s home to be demolished in 2025 — but not replaced” was originally posted on The Cougar

Ramen and milk tea are just a few of the menu items offered at Domoishi. | Sydney Rose/The Cougar

Domoishi is the new eatery on Martin Luther King Boulevard, replacing Azza Cafe. This restaurant advertises menu items such as ramen, poke, wings and tea.

Domoishi has been a topic of conversation amongst students, leading some of The Cougar staff members to try the food and give their thoughts.

Lisa El-Amin (Assistant News Editor)

My list of favorite meals includes ramen and poke, so trying Domoishi’s menu was a must. I heard a few mixed reviews, which intrigued me to try it for myself. I should add that the inside of the restaurant is very pleasing to me with the bright and open layout.

After debating between the menu options, I ordered the spicy tonkatsu ramen and added chicken. Included in the ramen are a variety of standard yet delicious toppings such as boiled egg, green onions and fish cakes.

To me, the noodles had the perfect amount of chewiness and paired with the toppings, it made every bite satisfying. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the broth, so I’d say the brown sugar boba has to be my favorite before their spicy tonkatsu ramen.

The cost of the menu items is a bit high in my opinion and they currently don’t accept cougar cash so this isn’t something I would splurge on daily but trust I will be a regular customer for the boba and poke.

Overall, the staff is kind and the service was fast as well as organized. I expect Domoishi will receive a lot of business and I can’t wait to try the other menu items.

Rating: 9/10

Logan Linder (Senior Staff Writer)

As a vegetarian, there were enough options available to satisfy me at Domoishi. Tofu is available and can be substituted for meat in the ramen and poke bowls. Unfortunately, their appetizers are lacking as only french fries, edamame and vegetable spring rolls are available.

Aside from the boba, my favorite part of Azza when it was in this location was the kimchi fries and sadly, Domoishi doesn’t seem to have anything similar.

As for the wings, I hope they decide to add vegetarian options soon because I’d love to try their spicy soy garlic wings. For boba, they have essentially unlimited options. I’ve tried two different combinations so far, coffee milk tea with brown sugar boba as well as peach berry tea with mango jelly. Both were delicious, but I would definitely order them less sweet next time.

I’m determined to taste every tea and topping available until I find the holy grail of boba. I do wish the price was lower, as it costs an extra 75 cents per topping added to the drink. Sometime soon I see myself visiting Domoishi at least once a week to order boba and spring rolls.

Rating: 7.5/10

Sydney Rose (Managing Editor)

I went into Domoishi with good expectations as I have been vying for a new boba place since Azza closing, and came out pretty satisfied with the results!

I ordered the shrimp shumai for an appetizer, which I enjoyed, but in only getting six pieces, I definitely wanted more. For the main meal, I got a customized poke bowl, and as someone who could eat poke for every meal if that was socially acceptable, I have to say I loved it.

There were so many different options for toppings (which I obviously got them all) and there was a variety of ways you could customize your own bowl.

To top everything off, the main reason I wanted to try this new place was for the milk tea. I ordered the coffee milk tea with brown sugar boba and it was a great mixture. I picked the “regular” sweetness option, which I may have to go to a less sweet alternative next time because it was a little too sugary for me.

Overall, the environment of the place is very nice and I definitely see myself going again to try some more poke bowl combinations as well as sample the ramen. My only qualm is the price as everything seemed a lot more expensive than Azza or other Houston milk tea and poke bowl alternatives I have had.

Rating: 8.5/10

arts@thedailycougar.com

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“The Cougar Reviews: Domoishi” was originally posted on The Cougar

Presidential candidates Brett Bonneté (left) and Joshua Martin (right) are asked questions about the rights of students and recent news events at the 2022 SGA presidential debate. | Katrina Kujawa/The Cougar

The Student Government Association presidential candidates faced off in the 2022 presidential debate Friday night, with two of the candidates attending in-person, and the candidate of THE BLACK COUGARS submitting an online statement as to why Micheal will not be attending the debate.

In a debate lasting less than 45 minutes, Brett Bonneté of Conscious Coogs and Joshua Martin of ForTheStudents #ChangeSGA had chances to tell the student body their goals and concerns if they were to be elected.

Opening statements

After a moment of silence for the current events in Ukraine, a video of vice-presidential candidate Derek Layne of ForTheStudents #ChangeSGA was shown, as the vice-presidential debate planned for Thursday was canceled.

Alexis Boehmer of Conscious Coogs gave a statement regarding her time at UH and how it has shaped her views through SGA, noting that she also wants to improve the infrastructure of the University.

Introduction

Bonneté, current SGA chief of staff, stated they have been preparing for this moment throughout their entire college career. Bonneté hopes to light the same spark in students that he had when entering UH.

Bonneté also explains how their party includes members from all backgrounds, including being the only party with two graduate students.

Joshua Martin began by commending Bonneté for their previous engagement and commitment in SGA, as well as continued to say he aims for this debate to focus on issues as opposed to insults.

Martin briefed the audience on his policies and actions and elaborated on how he wants to raise the University’s graduation rates and improve sexual assault resources on campus.

A haiku from Micheal of THE BLACK COUGARS was displayed in the placement of an opening statement.

Planned questions

In the first question of the debate, Bonneté explained how they plan to complete the lighting project that has been going on for multiple years.

Martin explained how he plans to represent marginalized groups, stating how he believes all LGBTQ+ students deserve rights. Martin aims to work with members of the Texas legislature to show support to the community.

Bonneté answered how they plan to push for diversity in their administration.

“Numerous people have cited that you and other people in SGA strategically said not to vote for me,” Martin said in rebuttal.

When Martin has asked students if they can name what SGA has done, most of them come up empty-handed and this is something he wants to change, he said.

“We want to invite students to the senate chamber so that they can know and voice their concerns about what’s going on in the student government,” Martin said.

The recall election last semester called for questions regarding the transparency of SGA.

“The recall elections shaped me because we need to understand that you really need a platform that is united in their morals and values, and that is exactly what Conscious Coogs stands for,” Bonneté said.

General questions

Bonneté began by naming what the current administration has completed that he helped work on, including the addition of free menstrual products and his plan to remove strobe lights in the arcade for students who might have visual impairments.

Martin wants to introduce a point system, where students will be rewarded for becoming more involved in the University.

Bonneté describes what he believes the average student looks like, citing the amount of diversity he sees around campus on a daily basis.

“Your average student comes from multiple, different sources of diversity,” Bonneté said. “We’re the second most diverse university in the nation and I believe that’s what makes SGA and our campus so incredibly interesting.”

When asked about the recent lawsuit against the University, Martin explained although he condemns hate speech, the First Amendment gives students the right to express their opinion.

“It’s relatively alarming that you don’t take a more functional stance on the fact that those students are being attacked, students like your fellow cabinet member,” Bonneté said in rebuttal.

In Bonneté’s next question, they name groups of students who they believe have been attacked recently and state how they find it disheartening that some people believe transgender and LGBTQ+ people do not have a place in the University.

Martin wants to create unity between SGA and the students, something that he believes his administration will achieve.

Bonneté rebutted the statement, detailing student involvement seen between the SGA and other members of the University.

Crowdsourced questions

In a student-asked question, Bonneté said the goals he hopes to achieve are for not only minority groups but also the entire student body.

When asked about the current legislation surrounding transgender rights, Martin wants to work with the student government in Texas and the Texas state legislature to show that they will protect trans rights.

Closing remarks

Ending with their closing remarks, Bonneté applauded Martin’s party and team for showing their support for him tonight. They also voice how knowledgeable the debate was for them and how they are grateful for the chance to speak.

Martin urges students to vote for him and his party if they haven’t been satisfied by their previous campus experiences.

Voting

Voting begins Feb. 28 and is lasting through Mar. 4 on GetInvolved. Three students who vote will be randomly chosen to win a Nintendo Switch.

news@thedailycougar.com

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“SGA 2022 presidential candidates debate student rights, previous recall election” was originally posted on The Cougar