Living on campus can be a journey of self-discovery that includes resident halls that turn into homes and friends who turn into family, but the transition of new schedules and routines becomes difficult to manage when students return home after graduation or for vacation.

Each break, students head home to spend time with loved ones and to escape the stress of college life, but many are finding that flying back into the nest is more overwhelming than an essay or group project.

“The hardest part for me was losing my independence,” said supply chain senior Andres Soler. “During the semester, I can do what I want, when I want, but at home, I’m back under my parent’s rules.”

Students aren’t alone when dealing with a change in routine. Parents also must adjust to their children, who often feel entitled to continue living their college lifestyle.

Nutrition junior Macy Ramos revealed the impact that returning home has on her mother.

“I can tell that my mom gets a little stressed when I come home. She’s always happy to have me back, of course, but I come home a different person,” Ramos said. “It takes a toll on her. I feel I can handle myself now, but some parents don’t like to let go.”

Students find going away for college a challenging and enlightening experience that unlocks hidden potential and provides a new sense of ambition. However, they find it difficult to hold onto that identity under the roof of their parents.

Accounting alumni Jamil Memon explained how he dealt with the dilemma and the reason why going home can be a burden.

“I figured out that there are two of me. There is the dorm Jamil, and there is the one that comes home,”Memon said. “You have to tone down the college lifestyle during winter and summer, even though it’s very difficult. Once you taste freedom, you never want to leave it behind.”

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Surveys by Water Quality and Health Council tackled myths on pool safety. Tests proved that the clarity of pool water doesn’t indicate cleanliness, and chlorine doesn’t turn hair green. Several precautions can be taken to prevent diseases. | Kayla Stewart/The Daily Cougar

Taking a dip in the pool can help Houstonians cool off from the heat of summer, but swimmers should be aware of myths and facts about pool safety.

One of these myths is the belief that swimmer’s red eye is caused by excess chlorine in pool water. Research conducted by the Water Quality and Health Council stated that, in fact, red eyes occur when nitrogen, found in urine and sweat, mixes with chlorine and creates irritants called chloramines. Improper pH balances are also a common cause of red eyes.

Assistant director of aquatics Rachel O’Mara is primarily responsible for balancing chemicals in both pools at UH. O’Mara uses chlorine and muriatic acid to disinfect and keep the pH levels balanced.

“We have a cleaning and maintenance schedule that the aquatics staff is responsible for completing daily,” O’Mara said. “This includes everything from vacuuming the pool to hosing down the deck and cleaning the windows in the sauna. It’s a comprehensive list that ensures all areas of the natatorium and leisure pool get cleaned and maintained.”

O’Mara discussed cryptosporidium, a disease intolerant to chlorine, and advised swimmers not to spit, swallow or spout pool water. She also suggests showering before and after swimming to prevent spreading germs and diseases.

A recent Mason-Dixie survey discovered that 52 percent of people believe public pools use urine-detecting chemicals. However, no such product exists.

Having to wait 20 to 30 minutes after eating is another common belief, but it has been proven to be factual. According to Duke Diet and Fitness Center, the body sends blood to the digestive tract to help digestion, but swimming immediately afterward causes a lack of blood flow to the arms and legs that creates cramps.

“I always wait 20 minutes after I eat before I swim,” sports administration junior Mark Sandoval said. “My food is still digesting, and I don’t want to get cramps.”

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More students are beginning to discuss the differing opinions of steroids and how they affect athletic integrity. | Wikimedia Commons

Many athletes are turning to steroids to obtain their goals of turning professional. According to research conducted in 2012 by the University of Minnesota, 60 percent of steroid users said professional athletes influenced their decision to use performance-enhancing drugs, and about six in 10 users believe that professional athletes have the right to use steroids.

Kinesiology junior Mark Agholor does not approve of professional or student athletes using steroids.

“Using steroids to enhance your performance takes away from the competition,” Agholor said. “It takes all the fun out of watching sports knowing that someone has an unfair advantage.”

The research also showed that 65 percent of steroid users are willing to use pills or powders, if it guaranteed athletic success, regardless of health hazards.

About 57 percent said they would continue to use steroids even if it would shorten their lives.

Education senior Ashley Willett said she would not use steroids even if they would not be a threat to her health.

“I feel like it’s cheating,” Willett said. “College athletes should not use steroids, especially if they’re intending on going professional. If they can’t handle college sports without steroids, they certainly can’t make it while they’re under the public eye as a professional.”

UH has created many resources and programs to help guide students in the right direction. The wellness center holds workshops, outreach events and campaigns to promote healthier lifestyles.

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Public relations firm, Grass is Greener, was founded by public relations senior, Secunda Joseph, to connect small businesses, artists and non-profit organizations. Joseph launched her company with the #MondayMorningMediaMadness event that brought several local business owners. | Courtesy of Grass is Greener

With dreams of becoming an entrepreneur, one UH student hosted a kick-starter event July 1 at the Museum District Bistro and Lounge to promote her own public relations firm.

Grass is Greener was founded by public relations senior Secunda Joseph, who plans to make history with her firm.

“I know that with this agency, I’m not looking to make money. I want to change the world — I want to rebrand the world,” Joseph said.

Joseph began her journey after listening to a lecture from her online Media and Society class instructed by associate professor Beth Olsen, and felt her prayers had been answered.

“I was studying, and I had been praying for a long time. When Beth described what it takes to have it, it was like she described me up and down, and I was so excited,” Joseph said.

Joseph was able to get an internship with Traé Magazine through her African American Studies minor, it’s where she began to see a future in public relations.

“I still work for the magazine, but now I work with them as a client. I went from working as an intern to working in PR and being a part of it, to actually (having the magazine as) my client,” Joseph said.

The #MondayMorningMediaMadness event gathered several people from all types of businesses and professions to network together, all representing potentials clients.

“My ideal client would be artists, small business owners and nonprofits,” Joseph said.

Joseph credits UH for helping her in many ways, including the way she named her firm.

“I’m on campus, and I’m walking. It was one of the days where the weather is perfect — one of the two days of the year where it feels like fall, but it is probably spring. It felt so good. The grass is green, and I just said to myself, ‘the grass is greener,’ and I just knew,” Joseph said.

Joseph believes there’s always beauty to be seen — it just needs to be communicated.

Joseph’s #MondayMorningMediaMadness event officially launched her firm and it also allowed others to support her, like alumna Heather Davis.

Davis, who graduated in 2011, found her own success after opening her bakery Sweet Luxuries.

“You have to be a self starter. You have to motivate yourself when no one else can (and) I’m here to support Secunda,” Davis said.

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The percentage of students who return to college who are more than 25-years-old, continues to increase as the older UH commuter population expands.

The UH Statistical Handbook reports that 3,496 out of 40,747 students enrolled at UH in Fall 2012 were first-time college students. According to the Commuter Student Services, 85 percent of undergraduate students are commuters. Several students at UH have families and jobs to juggle outside of school, but persevere to earn their degree in the process.

Mayuri Palmer, a 30-year-old public relations senior, served in the U.S. Army after high school to earn money for college.

“When I graduated high school, I wanted to go to college but didn’t have the money. I was the first person in my family to go to college and didn’t know how to navigate the financial aid process,” Palmer said. “I thought the best thing I could do was join the military. I joined the army specifically to earn money for school.”

Palmer chose UH because of Jack J. Valenti School of Communication’s reputation and manages time between her 5-month-old daughter, husband and home.

“It is pretty difficult to manage my schedules. My husband works two jobs, so he’s not always available to take care of the baby. I don’t live too far, so my commute is fairly painless until I have to find parking,” Palmer said. ”I tried parking at ERP my first day, but I got motion sickness from the shuttle that I didn’t even make it to my classes.”

Palmer’s balancing act becomes hectic with commuting and she noted that her lifestyle differences make class projects and study groups difficult.

“Being older than most of my classmates and having different responsibilities makes it a bit more difficult. Usually, they don’t want to meet until late, but I have to be home to put my baby to bed,” Palmer said. ”I don’t mind hosting study groups at my house, but most of the time people want to study on campus. I could bring my daughter because she’s likely to sleep through the study session, but babies seem to make some college students nervous or scared.”

Adriana Segura, a 37-year-old public relations senior and mom of two, returned to UH to earn her degree.

“I was working and kept getting promotions, but the salary wasn’t catching up because I didn’t have a degree. It’s also a personal goal of mine; I want to be an example for my kids,” Segura said. ”My priority is my kids, but I’ve learned that I really have to maximize my time whenever I can. I stay up a lot to get things done for school.”

Segura also balances her children, a household and baseball schedules, and she has a different solution to the parking and commuting issue.

“It takes me a maximum of 20 minutes to get to school. I get rides from my dad, so that I don’t have to park,” Segura said.

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For their overnight, two-day orientation, incoming freshmen take tours of the campus, learn about traditions and explore clubs and organizations at Cougar Carnival. While they were on campus we asked a few of these new students what they are most excited about in attending UH. Here are their responses:

“I want to spend lots of time around this huge campus. Everyone says college is unrestrictive, and I’m ready to embrace it.”

— Partic Patel, electrical engineering freshman

“I’m looking forward to having a fresh start and meeting as many new people as possible around the campus.”

— Kyle Tormollen, undeclared freshman

“I’m excited about the diversity of the University. I want to maximize my college experience.”

— Sidney Williams, biology freshman

“I’m excited to join the cheer team and to start a new chapter of my life at the college level.”

— Annslee Davidson, undeclared freshman

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The 2013 Orientation Team leaders dedicate their spring and summer semesters to encourage and welcome incoming freshmen. | Courtesy of Rebecca Williamson

Shifting from the comforting walls of high school to a 667-acre campus can be overwhelming and exciting for incoming freshmen, but a team of  leaders dedicate its time and energy to create a fun, safe and welcoming environment for freshmen.

The Orientation Team consists of unique leaders, who act as guides for all freshmen and transfer students to make sure they have a seamless transition into the new social, academic and cultural community. O-Team leaders take pride in making every orientation a motivational experience with campus tours and enrollment information.

Personnel Director Reecha Martis shared the influence behind her membership and the importance of developing enthusiastic leaders early in their college careers.

“The team at my freshman orientation was extremely helpful. Watching them work sparked my desire to give something back to UH,” Martis said. “Young people listen to other young people, and developing leadership skills in college is how you stay three steps ahead.”

Nutrition junior Cynthia Orobio commended her superiors for their hardwork.

“Our team directors, Tara Boyle and Rebecca Williamson, deserve all the praise,” Orobio said. “They inspire us each and everyday by working extremely hard to organize events and make all necessary preparations.”

Orobio also relayed advice for new students.

“Join organizations and get involved as much as you can,” Orobio said. ”Everyone at UH is friendly, so don’t be afraid to ask questions and meet with your advisor regularly.”

Math junior and O-Team leader Jessica Rodriguez revealed her greatest obstacle as a freshman.

“The hardest part for me was being on my own, especially at a huge campus like UH. In high school, there’s always someone pushing you,” Rodriguez said.

“In college, you’re responsible for shaping your own future, but we’re here to make the transition as smooth as possible.”

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For several companies, online shopping sales provide more income than its in-store sales. The online shopping industry is rising as store owners try to implement strategies to pull shoppers including exclusive in-store sales. | Kayla Stewart/The Daily Cougar

What was once an all-day experience traveling from store to store is now accomplished with a few clicks of the mouse, and revenues from online shoppers are overcoming in-store sales.

Online shopping is a rapidly growing industry that is expected to reach $248.7 billion by 2014. Whether its clothing, accessories, electronics or books, people are purchasing their necessities online. 5+Design, a firm in Hollywood, is determined to revitalize shoppers by creating upscale shopping communities with restaurants, bars, clubs and luxury condominiums. 5+Design partner Michael Ellis, has new in-store shopping trends that offer shoppers an exclusive offline experience.

“If you create a space that plays on the needs of the people, it’s as if the area has grown from out of their community and has been there all along,” Ellis said.

In order to compete with the abundance of online sales, retail businesses are starting to get creative and offer deals that can be redeemed only inside the store.

“I always buy things online,” said advertising senior Ameet Jani. “I don’t have to spend money on gas driving to the stores and online tends to have more variety”.

Because of the spike in online sales, in-store retail has taken a hit. During the past few years, many stores have closed because of competition with online companies.

“You get better discounts online”, said corporate communication senior Megan Bates. “Plus you can do it wherever you want. I have over 70 shopping apps on my phone, and when I get bored, I shop”.

Bates wouldn’t want to live in a world where everything was online only, and she believes that people will continue to find a need to shop in-stores.

Advertising senior Alma Alling receives emails with exclusive in-store sales.

“I don’t think the future of shopping will be any different than it is now. I still like to go to the stores; it’s retail therapy,” Allings said. “Plus, if I am buying a big ticket item, like a TV or furniture, I want to be able to see it in person and touch it”.

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As an artist who is no stranger to reaching icon status by exceeding beyond musical expectations and being caught dead center in the eye of the media because of controversial hiccups, Kanye West will always be someone who constantly keeps people talking about him and with his recent release of the sixth studio album entitled “Yeezus,” there’s certainly a lot of chatter to be had.

Right of the back, it’ll be easy to find a lack of wholeness of the album. In “Yeezus,” Kanye tackles a few socioeconomic issues and events pertaining to his personal life, his relationships with women specifically. The concept also seems to be plainly laid out in both of the tracks “I Am A God” and “On Sight,” each of which talks on deity-like attributes; after so much success in with his artistry, West believes that he’s a god of hip-hop.

However, these two songs and the rest of the album doesn’t seem to hold tight onto such a bold statement. If a god were to make a rap album, the lyrics and production wouldn’t sound so half-witted and unmotivated like it does on “Yeezus.”

The album’s lyrics takes up two sides of the coin. On the first side, you have songs like “New Slaves,” which hark on socioeconomic statuses in America, drawing distinctions between the history of African-American slavery and how West thinks that the ethnic group has been lowering themselves to slavery by buying into the materialistic outlets created by white people. “Black Skinhead” branches off of “New Slaves,” taking bits of certain details that contain these issues and pitting them alongside braggadocio wordplay. Even with the clever lines about the Trojans and Romans and the introspective take on how West is a menace destined to rise again, the song is a still a far cry from topping some of his best works included in his previous album.

However, the set of verses on these tracks is all it has going for it in the lyrics department. Every other track emits some of the most underdeveloped and rushed collage of rhymes that West has ever been known for. Compounded with such a horrid hook delivered by Chief Keef, “Hold My Liquor” is the weakest effort that West has ever put on a track. While the song gives a glimpse of some variant of a relationship that West has when he’s intoxicated, the lowly-motivated wordplay fails to paint even a blurry picture. The album loses some points with “Send it Up” as well. The annoying siren and drums in the beat production is ear-wrenching, and West sounds like he’s either falling off on his penmanship or that he had done so much in the past already that he just doesn’t care to delve deeper anymore.

Only two songs from “Yeezus” are spot-on, one of which is the “Blood on the Leaves” track, coproduced by Carlos Broady and TNGHT. The melodic Nina Simone sample soothingly starts off the song, followed by pulsating bass, drums and horns. The lyrics are interesting as well — a relationship filled with a lot of regrets and a lot of drug consumption.

“Bound 2,” however, holds the heaviest weight out of the two because the song is highly reminiscent of the vintage, college dropout-esque West that many are clamoring for. With the looping of a very sexy, soulful Norman Whiteside sample and verses that give insight to a heartfelt give-and-take relationship, the track feels like both a blessing and a curse — an excellent finish to an unorthodox album, but also with the disappointing realization that there should have been more tracks resembling this type of flavor in the album.

There are huge Daft Punk influences on this album in terms of the instrumentals that West flows on. A lot of them harbor the heavy bass sounding, electronic-house style, but the outcome for some of these tracks just sound muddy, murky and unappealing. There’s no secret or hidden agenda to this album; from the unsavory look of the cover to the huge lack of depth and creative ends to some of the song, the entire project feels rushed and poorly executed.

West is known for stepping out of the box and being successful in doing so, but this isn’t one of those times where he succeeds. Contrary to popular belief, “Yeezus” isn’t omnipotent nor almighty as the album title suggests. It is rather a confusing, hodgepodge mess of a last ditch effort to garner some buzz and attention. West could do better, a lot better.

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North Carolina’s emcee J. Cole’s breakout mixtapes alongside his “Cole World: The Sideline Story” merited him to be a competitor in the rap game, but as with every project that he’s involved in, a certain lack of star power hinders his chances at achieving main event glory.

Whether or not the lack of “umph” lies in the pressure of being under Jay-Z’s Roc Nation record label or the negative stigma of being famous is up for debate. What Cole does infer in “Born Sinner” is just that: a constant back and forth between knowing what to do with the spoils of fame and being able to balance them for the sake of taking care of what really matters.

Cole comes out swinging haymakers with “Villuminati.” The song sets the tone off on the right foot, with some edgy and daring lyricism regarding homosexuality and different spectrum of politics — one being his stance in hip-hop and the other regarding President Barack Obama and Japan. The double-time flow is beautifully combined with some solid production by Cole himself and beings to create the distinction between the good and evil parts of Cole’s prominence.

“Land of the Snakes” and ”Chaining Day” are superb tracks reinforcing this theme, the first of which takes some quick jabs at Cole’s flashback of having sexual relations before church and having deserted a past lover because of the fame, only to find out that the woman doesn’t care much for him even when he’s back in town.

“Chaining Day” talks on Cole’s spending habits geared toward flashy jewelry instead of buying a house for his closest family members.

With an exquisitely executed hook from Kendrick Lamar, “Forbidden Fruit” is a swift uppercut of simple, yet smooth lyricism displayed from Cole as he raps about losing his innocence and how a lot of material things have a way of coming and going.

Arguably the best on “Born Sinner,” “Let Nas Down” describes Cole’s confliction after hearing how the rap legend had negatively responded to “Work Out,” a radio friendly song featured on his previous debut album. Alongside the sultry horns that guide the background instrumental, this song is one of the few showcases of heartfelt emotion. The fact that Nas simply disliked one of his radio hits simply crushed him.

Compared to some of his previous projects, Cole has structured himself around a theme that he can stick to, and it helps that he has a backing of some superior, grade-A production, so there’s some points for that. However, throughout much of the album, he does have the tendency to not put any power behind his words, just as a boxer would reinforce his power in his punches.

This is not necessarily to say that he’s monotone, rather his witty comeback lines are simply without any emphasis or power. Evidence of these lacking attributes can be seen in tracks like “Trouble” and “Sparks Will Fly.” There’s great presentation and feel in both, but not much else. It’s also important to note that these tracks are simply throwaways from his “Truly Yours 3” EP.

This is the main reason behind Cole’s midcard standing. While his lyricism and beat choices on “Born Sinner” nothing about any of these tracks come off as exhilarating, which brings down the essence of the entire album.

Listeners who have been through this path before with Cole will find the same emotional detachment in this new 21-track experience in “Born Sinner.” While many may come for his excellent use of wordplay and style, they can’t deny that there’s a huge deficiency of delivery and flair.

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