Issue 10, Volume 91

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Get to know your 2026 presidential candidates

COUGAR NEWS SERVICE

@THEDAILY COUGAR

The Cougar conducted screening interviews with all candidates running for the 62nd SGA presidency to inform the student body. The names listed are in alphabetical order.

Biswajit Sarkar & Md. Raj Kabir

Experience is the main calling card for presidential candidate Biswajit Sarkar and vice presidential candidate Raj Kabir.

Sarkar, a PhD student in information systems, was vice president of the South Asian business community at New York University, where he was an MBA student.

Kabir worked in finance consulting and at AT&T before coming to UH, where he is now pursuing a PhD in

management information systems.

“People can vote for us for our experiences and ability to negotiate because I did it a couple of times in a couple of events, a couple of years, in different university settings,” Sarkar said.

Both Sarkar and Kabir are also international students.

One of their goals is to organize a flagship event for international students to acclimate to the university, like a ‘Passport Day’ that celebrates different cultural cuisines.

“Sometimes it can be the financial or the new curriculum, bond-making, making new friends, but it can be really difficult for them,” Kabir said. “I understand what the international students think about the difficulties they face after coming to their new country. I like to be the voice for international students.”

Sarkar and Kabir also want to reinstitute weekly Wednesday lunches at the A.D. Bruce Religion Center and install microwaves and freezers in the library.

Though the majority of the student population is undergraduate, Sarkar sees being a graduate student as a strength.

He believes that the university administration will see PhD students as more credible – and may respond better.

“The undergrads don’t have a lot of experience and a lot of understanding of how the management works because they are still in the first initial year of their college,” Sarkar said. “So being a mature student, even though I’m so busy with my research work, whenever I

the 62nd SGA administration.

Sambrano is the lead organizer of Get Back SFAC, a student-run organization at UH who questioned UH’s method of appointing students to the Student Fee Advisory Committee that recommends how student fees should be spent.

Both candidates outlined several policy priorities, including public safety measures, expanded student resources and affordability initiatives.

They are both focused on connecting the student body directly with University leadership.

Sambrano cites his own experiences with SGA when he first arrived at UH in 2024 as a foundation for the policies they will advocate for.

“There was a lot of disconnect between voters and the people we elect into office,” Sambrano said. “The more I learned about what was happening within UH’s SGA, the more I wanted to be involved in helping close that gap.”

The pair highlighted that existing safety programs, such as campus police escorts, are not made fully aware to students.

“The biggest problem isn’t necessarily that services don’t exist,” Sambrano said. “It’s that there’s not enough marketing and infrastructure to promote them.”

see there are a lot of places to work on, I take that position and work for them and serve the community people.”

When it comes to safety, Sarkar and Kabir have not set up policies, but as Kabir said, he can acknowledge the problem.

“There are lots of master’s classes, finished at nine o’clock, so it’s totally dark,” Kabir said. “Some of the international students I talk to say they feel nervous when they go to the parking lot. We have to work on this so that they really feel safe.”

Joshua Sambrano & Lundan Sherrod

Presidential candidate Joshua Sambrano, a public policy junior, and vice presidential candidate Lundan Sherrod, an economics junior, are focused on policy that gives a platform to student voices while upholding new standards for

Sambrano and Sherrod aim to target this issue by utilizing their platform as SGA leaders to inform students about existing safety resources, as well as use funding from SFAC for promotional materials.

The pair also underscored the importance of students having access to a variety of food options that reflect the diverse student body. They pointed to expanding halal, kosher and other dietary accommodations as a potential focus.

“I think a lot of students are invested in seeing better things here. I’m thinking we can work with organizations on campus that have already been pushing for things like this,” Sambrano said.

Health and wellness resources for students is another issue they want to tackle.

The duo said they want to model a program used at the University of Texas at Austin that provides free menstrual products through student fees funding.

Sambrano and Sherrod’s main priorities are to allow students to be involved in nearly every action taken by the university, promoting values of transparency and accountability for the new SGA.

“It’s a priority for us to say we’re going to do something and be able to do it, even if it’s not perfect. Of course we’re going to make mistakes, and not everything is going to be a perfect slate,” Sherrod said. “Our main mission is that we’re going to be honest and to do what we say we are going to do.”

Continued from previous page

Kyra Williams & Sukaina Rizvi

Presidential candidate Kyra Williams, a political science freshman, and vice presidential candidate Sukaina Rizvi, an environmental design sophomore, believe they can make a difference for students at UH.

Williams has four years of experience as the vice president of her high school, and Rizvi is currently a member of UH’s debate team.

Their campaign developed when the pool tables at Moody Towers were supposed to be fixed by spring 2026, only for residents to still be waiting for an update in February. Williams and Rizvi became the de facto leaders of getting answers from UH staff.

“It really started with our friends being like, ‘When’s pool coming back?’ which turned into a community issue where now everyone

in the South and the North tower were fighting to get pool back,” said Williams. The issue prompted them to investigate broader communication concerns between UH staff and students. Rizvi points to this as a main concern for not only them, but the entire UH community.

“We want to be the opposite of UH staff,” Rizvi said. “Because the whole complaint is that they’re not listening. It would be hypocritical of us to do the exact same thing.”

Williams and Rizvi want to bridge this gap by creating a mentorship program where upperclassmen can support underclassmen by providing resources and information to guide them throughout their time at UH.

If UH cannot streamline better communication with its students, Williams and Rizvi want the SGA to be that lifeline, either by expanding communication efforts virtually through an app or meetings.

Both of them want to make SGA more visible to students by stepping away from the traditional forums and hosting fun, engaging events on campus. One of their plans is to possibly rent out the game room, where students can engage with their peers informally while also creating a space where students feel comfortable sharing their concerns.

Among their other campaign goals is safety and transparency. Rizvi suggested looking into the emergency call boxes on campus to make sure they are more accessible to students. Regarding campus lighting, Williams feels like there are still some spots on campus that need a lamp post, and their goal is to fill in those gaps.

“We want to better the lives of the people who are coming after us,” Williams said. “For people who have younger siblings or friends from high school who want to come to this school. I want their experiences (at UH) to be better than ours.”

Tav Cockrell & Ian Kariuki

Presidential candidate Tav Cockrell and vice presidential candidate Ian Kariuki have their eyes set on the 62nd SGA administration.

Cockrell, an architecture and psychology senior, served as the Speaker of the Senate during SGA’s 61st administration while Kariuki, a public policy and political science junior, is the founder of UH Gents and serves as the Vice President of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Accessibility, sustainability and academics are the primary focus of their campaign. The pair decided to run for the administration to become advocates for change and be the first ones to make an initiative.

“I know for a fact that myself and Ian, we’re very experienced when it comes to leadership on this campus and University policy,” Cockrell said. “Being immersed in that environment, we understand the environment and know how to make an actionable impact.”

To accomplish their goal, they want to focus

on initiatives that can be completed or started within a year. One of the issues they want to tackle is securing sufficient academic advisors for students in each college, highlighting that every student deserves high-quality services.

“If students are not having equitable access or ease of access to those services, then they’re going to get frustrated, and that’s going to deter them from either coming here in the first place or staying at UH,” Cockrell said. “There’s a large reason why UH does not have the best alumni relations.”

Cockrell and Kariuki also want to push for transparency and involvement of students in University decisions, especially when it comes to where student fees are spent.

Other initiatives will include integration of artificial intelligence, post-college career success and improving alumni connections.

Under the sustainability pillar, Cockrell and Kariuki want to focus on improving the overall quality of campus life, adding more eating options on campus, increasing police presence during nighttime and installing metal detectors. As for parking and transportation stability, they want to improve the shuttle services and the usage of the UH Go app.

Both candidates want to change SGA and how it operated in the past, pulling from their experiences in not just student government affairs but also their leadership roles in various student-run organizations on campus.

“Another thing that’s big to us is that we think student representation does not have to come in the form of a big victory lap,” Cockrell said. “A huge vision that we want to take into SGA is continuity of the office. We want people to know that when you come into SGA and you start something, even if you don’t finish it, you can set the groundwork for the next person to come in and pick it up.”

news@thedailycougar.com

African American Studies students remain optimistic amid statewide DEI ban

KAREN WEI

NEWS ASSISTANT EDITOR

@KAREN_FEIWEI

Against all odds, students in the African American Studies department remain optimistic.

African American studies junior Dylan Earle, who serves on the AAS student advisory board, said that despite a nationwide backlash against Black history, the program remains strong.

“We have a really great support system in our community,” Earle said. “We have donor support. They’re even looking into hiring some more faculty here. I think we’re adding more classes as opposed to getting rid of them, which is good to hear.”

Last year in Earle’s African Americans in Law course, she remembers discussing diversity, equity and inclusion policies with her classmates — a conversation shaped by Texas’ ban on DEI policies at public higher education institutions.

“What we talked about was just the overwhelming consensus from the nation that DEI wasn’t needed anymore,” Earle said. “It couldn’t be farther from the truth. Because if you contextualize everything, it wasn’t that long ago. Rosa Parks died the same year I was born — she could have seen both the Shrek movies.”

Earle said it was disheartening to hear that some people are unaware — or willfully ignorant — of the role of racism in society.

“Racism has truly shaped our country and everything about it,” Earle said. “It’s affected us on every level, and I think people don’t

realize that.”

As the daughter of a pastor and a teacher, Earle participated in her high school’s Black Student Union. Now, as a member of the AAS student advisory board, she helps promote the department.

“There’s this misconception that African American Studies doesn’t make any money, or if you pick this career, you’re pigeonholing yourself in education or something,” Earle said. “That’s not necessarily true, because the thinking skills I’ve learned from African American Studies, I can apply to anything. It’s basically just thinking critically.”

Earle said her favorite class so far has been Black Liberation Theology, which focused on how the history of Christianity includes roots in racism.

“I just really fell in love with it,” Earle said. “I feel like every time I come into class, I’m

learning something new. I never get tired of it.”

Beyond the coursework, Earle described the department as a pillar for students.

“It’s been so supportive,” Earle said. “They’re the reason why I’m still here. The funds that they’ve given me are the reason why I’m still able to stay at UH. I would hope that more students would take advantage of that if they have the interest.”

African American studies freshman Genesis Lemon, also a member of the AAS student advisory board, said the department helped ease her transition from a small town to a big city.

“The department itself is such a familyoriented one,” Lemon said. “I’m just so happy that I got such a close-knit but really active part of the community. I’m very blessed that I was able to come to that.”

Lemon attended a predominantly white high school where her family was the only African American family. She said she felt frustrated by the limited history curriculum.

“At my school, it really wasn’t celebrated to learn about different minority studies,” Lemon said. “It was just what you learned in American history and that was about it.”

The national political climate did not go unnoticed by Lemon, who said she considered it when choosing to major in African American Studies.

“It did have a lot of uncertainty, but right now, I’ve never felt more supported,” Lemon said. “The department has done such a good job just making me feel very valued and very respected.”

Lemon said she is deciding between entering government, advocacy or teaching.

“Coming from the generation that I’m coming from, I think we see change in the future,” Lemon said. “But we have to educate, we have to learn, we have to fight for what we believe in. I’m really, really hopeful that things will change.”

African American Studies Week begins Feb. 23 and will coincide with Black History Month — a reflection of the optimism, celebration and hope students say define the department.

“To know your history is to learn your history, to know all about it, even the good and the bad and the ugly,” Lemon said. “That’s how we learn. That’s how we forgive. That’s how we heal. And that’s how we do better for the future.”

news@thedailycougar.com

graduation

FEATURE

Life after grad school: Finding peace in the in-between

JOSHUA VASQUEZ STAFF WRITER

@_JOSHUA_VASQUEZ_

For students, graduation feels like a finish line. Caps fly, photos are taken and the next chapter is supposed to begin immediately. But for Larsha Flowers, life after graduate school looks less like a straight path and more like a season of reflection, patience and growth.

Flowers, the former executive editor of Cooglife Magazine, earned her master’s degree in communications in December 2025. Unlike the bright-eyed optimism she felt after finishing her first undergraduate degree in 2019, this graduation came with a different mindset shaped by experience, setbacks and resilience.

“I feel like I could overcome anything now,” Flowers said. “Graduating right before COVID the first time was the worst possible time. Jobs were disappearing overnight. This time, I wasn’t scared in the same way. I had already been through uncertainty.”

That first post-college experience changed how she views life after school. Instead of feeling rushed to have everything figured out, Flowers now sees graduation as a transition rather than a destination.

The biggest surprise was how much the difficult season during undergraduation prepared her for this one, Flowers said.

“Back then, I questioned everything,” Flowers said. “Now I navigate this season differently. It’s more peaceful.”

However, one moment made the reality of graduation truly sink in. During her final week of classes, Flowers sat between buildings on campus watching students walk to lectures and study for finals.

“I realized this was the last time I’d be in

ACADEMICS

an ecosystem like this for a very long time,” she said. “When you finish undergraduate program, you think you’ll come back for grad school. But when grad school ends, it feels final. I just sat there for a while taking it all in.”

While many assume graduate school is simply a continuation of undergraduate education, Flowers described it as a completely different experience driven by independence and self-direction.

It’s not professors lecturing with slides but rather a discussion. Students lead conversations, challenge ideas and shape their own research, becoming real self-starters, Flowers said.

Her research focused on mindful digital storytelling, a niche that now defines how she markets herself professionally.

“I can position myself as an expert in mindful storytelling because everything I studied centered on that,” Flowers said. “Graduate school helped me turn a passion into a specialization.”

Still, the transition into the workforce hasn’t been without challenges. While networking with professors and campus professionals has opened doors, the job search remains a process.

“What helped most was learning how to build relationships,” Flowers said. “That’s something I didn’t fully understand during undergraduate.”

Beyond résumés and portfolios, Flowers said grad school reshaped how she views success and identity.

“In the U.S., what you do becomes who you are,” she said. “But in many other cultures, your job isn’t your identity. Now I focus more on my character, how I show up in the world, not just my title.”

Her leadership experience at Cooglife also played a major role in preparing her for professional life. Overseeing more than 60 writers, photographers and designers gave her hands-on management experience rarely available to students.

Balancing graduate coursework with magazine production forced Flowers to master time management and problem-solving.

“I had never managed that many people before, it taught me how to communicate with different personalities, make executive decisions and stay disciplined with deadlines,” Flowers said. “No one tells you exactly what to do in grad school. You set your exam dates, choose your committee, design your research. Cooglife was the same way. You’re given a responsibility and expected to lead.”

For undergraduates preparing to graduate, Flowers offered practical advice rooted in her own pivots and career exploration.

“Try internships or jobs aligned with what you think you want to do, but also try something completely different,” she said. “Sometimes you only like something because it’s all you’ve known.”

She also warned against rushing into graduate school simply because a job hasn’t come through.

“Graduate school shouldn’t be a consolation prize,” Flowers said. “You need to know what you’re passionate about because you’re steering that journey yourself.”

Perhaps the most important lesson she shared was learning to separate personal dreams from outside expectations.

Flowers wishes someone had told her that there would come a point when she should stop caring so much about what her parents or society expects.

“At the end of the day, the only constant in your life is you,” Flowers said.

Now, as she navigates the waiting season between graduation and her next professional step, Flowers is embracing the present rather than rushing toward the future.

“You can plan for tomorrow, but you don’t know what tomorrow will look like,” she said. “Find joy in today. Work on who you are, not just your résumé.”

For students standing on the edge of graduation, her journey offers a reminder that life after school isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about growth, patience and learning to trust the process.

Sometimes, it’s about sitting quietly on campus one last time, watching the world move forward and realizing that a new chapter doesn’t have to begin with all the answers in hand.

news@thedailycougar.com

Get to know about the different UH programs

CELENE BOURESLAN

STAFF WRITER

SENIOR

For most students, spring semester is the best time to begin researching postgraduation schools or programs.

Here is a list of accredited graduate programs available at UH.

C.T. Bauer College of Business

The Bauer College offers graduate students a wide range of domestic, online and international programs.

For its traditional programs, the college offers three MBA options and seven Master of Science options.

For its MBA programs, Bauer College offers an Online MBA, a Professional MBA and an Executive MBA. Its M.S. degrees include accountancy, business analytics, finance, management information systems, marketing, real estate, sales and supply chain management.

Cullen College of Engineering

Cullen College is known for its strong reputation and graduate outcomes. It offers one of the largest selections of graduate

degrees, providing students with expansive education.

Its prominent M.S. degrees include chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, materials engineering, mechanical engineering and petroleum engineering. As of 2025, the M.S. in petroleum engineering and chemical engineering ranked No. 7 and No. 31, respectively, in the U.S. News & World Report Best Graduate Schools rankings.

UH Law Center

The Law Center is home to two of the nation’s highest-ranked graduate programs: part-time law and health care law. Part-time law is an evening program designed for working professionals who wish to earn a juris doctor. Health care law is a master’s degree focused on policy analysis of the legal aspects of health care and biotechnology.

Other LL.M. degrees include energy, environment and natural resources law, health law, intellectual property and information law, international law, tax law

and U.S. law.

College of Education

The College of Education is nationally accredited for the quality of its online programs and its speech-language pathology program.

As one of the programs in the department of communication sciences and disorders, the

master of arts degree prepares students for careers as speech-language pathologists. Online programs at the college include a master of Education in administration & supervision, higher education and special populations. news@thedailycougar.com

UH project helps young children with mobility disabilities

WENDOLEE T. GARCIA MARTINEZ

NEWS EDITOR

@WENDOLEEGARCIAMTZ

For computer and systems engineering PhD student Jesus Rodriguez, engineering isn’t just about software and code, it’s about giving back to the community.

Rodriguez works on a project called P-LEGS, the Pediatric Lower Extremity Gait System initiated by Jose Luis Contreras-Vidal, the principal investigator of the project. He works specifically on a robotic exoskeleton designed to rehabilitate young children with mobility disabilities.

Originally from Mexico, Rodriguez moved to the U.S. during middle school, returned to Mexico to complete his bachelor’s degree and later decided to come back to the U.S. to pursue graduate study.

After his mother told him about a new

LETTER

scholarship offered by Mexico’s Federal Electricity Commission at UH, Rodriguez began researching the University and came across the P-LEGS project. Right at this moment, he knew he wanted to work alongside Contreras-Vidal.

“Helping people is something I want to do the rest of my life, and so I applied to the University specifically to work on this project and to work with Dr. Contreras,” Rodriguez said.

The coin flip

Rodriguez originally studied neuroscience but realized he did not see himself spending the rest of his life doing laboratory work.

Despite having various interests, he narrowed his choices to computer science and engineering. The decision, however, was not meticulously planned.

“I knew I liked coding, so I thought, what can I do with coding? Either computer science or engineering,” Rodriguez said. “So I flipped a coin, and well, engineering won.”

A calling rooted in community service

Acts of service have been embedded in Rodriguez for as long as he can remember, from helping strangers and family members to volunteering in his community.

In Mexico, he volunteered at a children’s museum where he taught kids about science, history and culture.

From demonstrating electrical experiments to giving lessons on climate change, he saw firsthand how education and engagement could light up a child’s eyes, Rodriguez said.

He describes himself as an introvert, but Rodriguez pushes himself to connect with others when it means making an impact or bringing a smile to someone’s face.

“When it’s for somebody else, when it’s for making people smile, I put my energy into it,” Rodriguez said. “Even if I drain all my social battery.”

The P-LEGS project

The P-LEGS exoskeleton is built to assist children with conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida or spinal cord injuries.

Traditional physical therapy focuses on one aspect of movement at a time, such as knee motion or balance. Rodriguez explained that the exoskeleton is designed to imitate movement at the hips, knees and ankles, allowing children to practice full gait movements simultaneously.

A goal of the exoskeleton project is to create a more accessible and affordable alternative to existing systems that can be used both in clinics and at home, helping families who struggle to transport their children to hospitals.

The device will be first used in the clinics and then at home, so kids can benefit from both.

“One of the things that we learned from those enrolled in the study is that some children’s families find it really hard to get to the hospital,” Rodriguez said. “But those children deserve the right to be able to move. We want the price to be affordable. We want it to be as accessible as possible.”

The team is currently conducting a pilot study to test the device with both neurotypical children and children with mobility impairments. The data collected will help the team work toward FDA clearance.

Many children with mobility disabilities reside in Houston, and through this project Rodriguez hopes to improve not only a child’s life but also the community that surrounds them.

“What I really want to see is the same thing that I saw back when I used to volunteer at the museum in Mexico, children’s faces lighting up, seeing their own selfimprovement, endurance and improving the things that they couldn’t do alone before,” Rodriguez said. “That will not only impact the kids, but also the parents, the sisters, brothers and their extended family. It’s an improvement that fuels the soul.”

news@thedailycougar.com

Letter: What to expect as an incoming graduate student

GAURAANGI GUPT

MANAGING EDITOR

@GAURAANGIGUPTA

As a soon-to-be graduate myself, I know how daunting and crucial the decision was to go to graduate school instead of working full-time.

However, it is also important to understand why making the right choice matters. After all, you’ll be spending money and investing either one to two years toward your degree.

Here are some things to expect when jumping into graduate school.

Staying back in college

For the longest time, after making the decision that I’ll pursue my Master’s of Science in Marketing at UH, I felt the biggest wave of imposter syndrome. So much so, that I wouldn’t even say it out loud.

The biggest worry that comes along with going for a master’s program is that you’ll be back in college while your friends go on to do other things.

However, it took me some time to realize that what may feel like a setback is actually an accomplishment. I’ll be adding a new degree to my professional life. Not everyone gets a master’s!

Better career opportunities

One thing to always keep in mind is that by furthering your education, the chances of getting a better job increases. This is a big one for me personally.

Most companies these days prefer candidates who have both experience and at least a second higher-level degree, like a master’s.

Therefore, always remember you’re doing this to become a better candidate for all recruiters out there. Having a master’s is already making you stand out.

More

independence

Being a graduate student can give you more independence compared to being an undergraduate students.

Depending if you are going to the research route or not, you have the opportunity to choose what niche aspect of your field you want to specialize in. Assignments are relatively less, but they do become longer and are tied to your professional career.

The projects are more open-ended and require you to do self-directed research, instead of following rubrics.

Graduate school will teach you how to manage time properly and prepare you for life outside of college.

Professional growth

This is the time when you start making

more meaningful connections, if you weren’t already doing so during your undergraduate course.

You will meet people who will have a plethora of different experiences and stories. Some of them might already be working a full-time job while pursuing their master’s.

This is your chance to build those connections and get to know how the professional world actually works.

Student-professor relationship, research opportunities

During your graduate journey, one big

benefit is that professors don’t see you as students anymore.

They consider you young professionals and future colleagues; therefore, the discussions and expectations change as well.

They become your mentors, industry connections and even the key to various research opportunities.

Overall, going to graduate school can provide plentiful opportunities and a way for you to stand out from the crowd. news@thedailycougar.com

sports

MEN’S BASKETBALL

More than wins: Kelvin Sampson’s legacy on the court and beyond

MICAH CLAY & DANIEL CONTRERAS

SPORTS EDITORS @MC_5ONE | @DANTHESPORTMANS

Houston’s head coach Kelvin Sampson has cemented himself as one of the greatest coaches in college basketball. Recently, he was named a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, where he could potentially join Phi Slama Jama pioneer Guy V. Lewis on the wall. With numerous accolades, Sampson has showcased his dominance throughout his coaching career.

Alongside his accolades, his legacy continues off the court with his contributions toward organizations that make the future a better place.

Sampson has supported many causes throughout his time with the Cougars, with the most recent being Coaches Against Cancer, child literacy and #Eracism.

Coaches Against Cancer is a collaboration between the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches. Its goal is to empower coaches and communities to join the fight against cancer and spread awareness. Sampson wore a pin supporting this cause during Cincinnati’s game on Jan. 31 and spoke about the organization during the press conference. He shared how his two grandmothers, mother and uncles died of cancer.

“I’m proud to wear this badge because it’s going to touch all of us at some point,” Sampson said. “ Whether it’s us personally or someone close to us, maybe a family

MEN’S BASKETBALL

member, maybe a friend. Early testing is important.”

At the same conference, he also wore a pin advocating for child literacy and highlighted a recent trip he took to a school in the Third Ward, where he was happy to see so many bright, intelligent children.

“There are a lot of kids that don’t have access to books,” Sampson said. “If you have a child that can’t read, read to them. Him or her. And if you have a child that’s old enough, instead of getting them a video game, get them a book.”

Lastly, #Eracism is a movement focused on ending racism, and Sampson has

continually brought up how important it is to start conversations about racial injustice, regardless of how uncomfortable it can get.

“Eracism is an easy support for me because I grew up in segregation, and it’s something that we have to continually work at and have conversations about,” Sampson said.

Sampson wore a shirt and shoes that promoted this cause throughout his game against UCF on Feb. 4.

Throughout his career in Houston, two things have always stuck with Sampson, and those are his consistency and his empathy. Sampson feels fortunate to be a

head coach with the platform to be able to help other people.

When asked about why he supports these causes, Sampson pointed toward the genesis of what coaching is, which is that you don’t coach for yourself; you coach to help others.

Sampson has accumulated over 800 wins and led teams to more than 20 NCAA tournament appearances. He has been to three Final Four appearances, a National Championship appearance and is one of 15 coaches in NCAA history to lead four or more teams to the NCAA tournament.

Sampson’s accolades do not stop there, as he has won AP Coach of the Year twice, Big 12 Coach of the Year twice and four AAC Coach of the Year awards. He was also the coach of the USA Under-21 national team and won a gold medal in 2004.

When he was asked what it meant to be a finalist for the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, coach Sampson didn’t talk about wins or success but talked about the people who helped him through his journey. “I’m here because I had some great players, outstanding coaching staffs, Karen (Sampson), and my mother and father,” Sampson said.

With all of these accomplishments in mind, Sampson has not only gotten Houston’s basketball team to victory, but he has also changed the culture and the future of the program. And while he stays with Houston, we can only imagine what he will do next.

sports@thedailycougar.com

No.3 Cougars defeat Kansas State 78-64 in conference play

MICAH CLAY SPORTS EDITOR @MC_5ONE

The No. 3 Houston Cougars battled the Kansas State Wildcats in their only regular-season game and won 78-64 on Feb. 14 at the Fertitta Center.

The series against this team was tied 5-5 until the Cougars dominated the Wildcats in this game. Additionally, Houston collaborates with the One Piece College Basketball US Voyage.

Houston started the game by grabbing the first lead of the game, but Kansas State was quick to answer.

The Cougars went on a five-minute scoring drought and 0-5 on their field goal attempts. Kansas State took advantage and would go on a 9-0 run.

Senior guard Ramon Walker Jr. would end the run just for another run to ensue for the Wildcats, as they went 6-0. However, senior guard Emanuel Sharp would hit a 3-pointer and give the Cougars life as they narrowed Kansas State’s lead down to four.

Houston denied the Wildcats any points for over two minutes, went on a

6-0 run and claimed the lead from Kansas State.

Both teams fought back and forth, trading blows, but Houston stayed resilient and widened the lead by five points due to a 3-point splash by senior guard Milos Uzan.

The first half ended with Houston going on a 13-0 run and having possession of the lead 33-19.

While both teams talked it out, a special halftime show by the Spirit of Houston performed songs from the popular anime One Piece and gave away free One Piece-themed shirts.

The second half started in Houston’s favor, as they continued to show Kansas State why they are the No.3 in the country.

The Cougars would not look back, as they continued to dominate on offense and defense. The Wildcats tried to outrun Houston, but the Cougars ran faster and would go on to win 78-64.

Sharp made his name known with 23 points, two assists and three steals.

Senior guard Kalifa Sakho destroyed Kansas State’s spirits on defense with five

Houston guard Emanuel Sharp (21) dunks the ball against Kansas State during the second half of an NCAA men’s college basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 in Houston, Texas. | Oscar Herrera/ The Cougar

rebounds and two blocks.

The Cougars made a statement with their dominance, poise and tempo against the Kansas State Wildcats.

Houston hopes to maintain their dominance in the next game against the

No. 1 team in the country, the Arizona Wildcats, on Feb. 21 at the Fertitta Center.

sports@thedailycougar.com

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No. 2 Houston Cougars looking to win against No. 4 Arizona Wildcats

MICAH CLAY SPORTS EDITOR

The No. 2 Houston Cougars are inviting the No. 4 Arizona Wildcats to the Fertitta Center on Feb. 21. This matchup carries many implications, including a chance for Houston to be first in the Big 12 conference.

The Cougars enter this matchup with dominance, poise and determination against Arizona, who brings speed, tempo and explosive power.

However, Arizona lost two games in a row against No.9 Kansas on Feb. 9 and No. 16 Texas Tech on Feb. 14, which could bring their confidence down in this game. Houston has been hot, winning six games in a row, including wins against No. 16 BYU, UCF and TCU.

Players to Watch:

Both teams have extraordinary players who can turn the tide of this game.

For the Cougars, freshman guard

Kingston Flemings has been electrifying this season. The projected No. 5 overall pick in the 2026 NBA draft averages 17.1 points, five assists and a steal per game. Flemings’ talent, veteran-like decision-making and athleticism will be a major threat to Arizona.

Senior guards Milos Uzan and Emanuel Sharp are known for being the backbone of this team.

They both knock down tough shots, facilitate the game and provide exceptional

defense. Their experience and decisionmaking will be a factor in this game.

Finally, freshman forward Chris Cenac Jr. and junior forward Joseph Tugler are the rebounders and the cornerstones of this elite defense.

Cenac averages eight rebounds per game, while Tugler averages five rebounds and a block. Their height, physicality and dominance near the rim are unmatched.

For Arizona, freshman guard Brayden Burries leads his team with 15.7 points per game. His poise, confidence and athleticism elevate Arizona to the next level.

Additionally, senior forward Tobe Awaka is the defensive pillar for the Wildcats, averaging 9.6 rebounds per game. Awaka takes rebounds and confidence from opposing teams with his height, dominance and defense.

This game could decide who will lead the Big 12 conference: the No.2 Houston Cougars or the No.4 Arizona Wildcats. Houston thrives in chaos, tempo and defensive intensity.

Meanwhile, Arizona looks to overwhelm its opponents with speed, patience and dominance on offense. This game comes down to who can consistently score, step up in the spotlight and apply the basic principles of basketball.

sports@thedailycougar.com

Solving Health’s Greatest Challenges

Breaking records: Houston Softball opens season undefeated

@DANTHESPORTMANS

Houston Softball completed a series of games for the Houston tournament at Cougar Softball Stadium from Feb. 5 through Feb. 7. They won all four games in their first major tournament of the season and established 800 total program wins, a major milestone for the team.

The Cougars would go on to play the Houston Christian University Huskies and the Fairfield Stags back-to-back, showing their dominance and confidence in every game they played.

Major players for the Cougars throughout the tournament include Sophomore

outfielder Ariel Redmond, who had six runs on six hits with one home run, sophomore infielder Madox Mitchael, who had four runs on four hits with two home runs and sophomore infielder Maddie Hartley, who had two runs on six hits with two home runs.

Tournament Recap

For their first opponent, Houston faced off against the HCU Huskies throughout the first two days of the tournament, winning both games by a combined score of 15-1.

In the first game, the Coogs dominated with an 8-1 win, scoring three home runs

and posting a .385 batting average, their second-highest so far.

The second game of the series continued in the same way, winning with a score of 7-0 and preparing themselves for their second series against Fairfield, winning both games against HCU in dominant fashion.

For their second opponent, Houston played against the Fairfield Stags, having a close first game and a dominant performance in their second game, winning both games by a combined score of 12-3.

In their first game, it seemed Houston’s momentum had slowed, as Fairfield was 2-1 after the fourth inning. However, after a crucial double from Mitchael, Houston would score two runs to put themselves in the lead and win the game 3-2. After

their first game, Fairfield would collapse, giving up nine runs in their next game, losing to Houston 9-1.

What’s Next

Houston Softball prepares for its next major tournament on Feb. 12, which is the Houston Invitational. It will feature the Pittsburgh Panthers, Lafayette Leopards, Penn State Nittany Lions, Michigan Wolverines, and the Incarnate Word Cardinals.

All of the games will be at Cougar Softball Stadium, where Houston Softball looks to build upon its success and defend its home turf.

sports@thedailycougar.com

An ode to Black musicians: How they fought discrimination with music

ALAN ZAMORA SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Music history is Black history. Filled with the pioneering jazz musicians of the 1930s and 1940s, to the sensual Soul artists of the 1960s and 1970s and the bold Hip-Hop creatives of the 1990s.

Innovative, emotionally charged and intellectually poignant are a few words that describe many of the great African American Musicians. The intellectual and cultural exchange of music has been a pivotal tool to help tear down racial barriers, influence and persuade in the fight for civil rights.

The history of African American musicians shows that cultural influence precedes political change and that, without

the social leverage gained by many Black musicians, the fight for civil rights would have been a much longer, tougher battle.

Creating leverage

Nina Simone, at just 12 years old during her first classical recital, watched as her parents were forced into the back to accommodate white patrons. Nina then promptly refused to perform until her parents were moved back to the front. Even at such a young age, Nina Simone understood the universal truth that talent is a form of social influence.

African American musicians were trailblazers in promoting a culture that was less prejudiced and discriminatory, both directly and indirectly. Many African

American musicians, like Duke Ellington, were the first to be allowed in segregated spaces as entertainers.

This vanguard of African Americans indirectly challenged many racist preconceived notions. Their displays of technical brilliance in music stood in sharp contrast to the prejudiced expectations of how African Americans should act.

Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday’s performances were more than just music; they were a conversation. A conversation about how African Americans were no different and didn’t deserve to be discriminated against.

Furthermore, through their musical performances, many African Americans gained wealth and popularity, enabling them to refuse performing in segregated venues. This would have been unthinkable to anyone living in the Jim Crow era, but musicians were such valuable assets that it allowed African Americans privileges of a much later time as they broke barriers of who had financial and societal power.

Soft Power

Music has always been a tool for advocacy. For African Americans during the civil rights era, it had more purpose than just simply pushing for political change, as it was used as an honest recount of their struggles.

Many songs, such as Nina Simone’s “Four Women” or Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit,” presented the chilling reality of life

in slavery in a particularly frightening way. It leaves no room for anyone to deny the injustices that African Americans faced.

For the people who didn’t witness these cruelties on a daily basis or chose to minimize and ignore discrimination, it shone a light on a part of society that many people did not want to address. This music served as a form of soft power in the fight for better and equal rights, as it increased sympathy for the plight of African Americans.

What made music so effective in these circumstances stems from its ease of portability for people of all races. Black people could not usually enter white people’s spaces, but music had the power to infiltrate any space, even ones that were segregated.

Political changes and policies follow the way of the times. If America didn’t have musicians who pushed for societal change, the task of integration and tearing down racial barriers would have been much more grueling.

The trail left by African American musicians laid the foundation for many artists to learn about how to use their platform to advocate for their own social causes. Music is a frontier for societal culture, with African American musicians often being raiders against discrimination and the prejudice that lingers within it.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Why are we having a midlife crisis in our 20s?

UMNIYAH AL-AZZAWI STAFF WRITER @UMNIYXH

Gen Z holds themselves to higher standards with pressure to always achieve more. This isn’t your ordinary “I don’t know what I’m doing in my life” mentality that people have always had in their 20s. Self-pressure, along with unrealistic expectations from social media, is leading people to have midlife crises far too early.

The beginning

The typical midlife crisis has always been between the ages of 40 and 60. However, now people are experiencing the effects two decades earlier. There are constant feelings of self-doubt, wasted potential and depressive episodes. These symptoms are in character for people who have lived a good chunk of their lives, but people in their 20s are experiencing these calamities too early.

It feels as though no matter what setting people are in, whether that be school, work or just hanging out with friends, everyone wants the next best thing. That’s not to say growth is bad, or that everyone should feel perfectly content where they are at all times. But there needs to be a balance between wanting to do better and appreciating where you are.

Free time

We’ve collectively lost the plot because this generation has begun associating how busy they are with how successful they are.

The less free time you have does not equal the more accomplishments you have. It is easy to get addicted to the high of achievement, but when there isn’t anything more to “achieve,” it feels like failing.

Social media plays a huge role in this mindset. People believe that if they can accomplish many things in one day and before a certain age, everyone else should, too.

Not only is this mindset close-minded, but also a privilege to have. Some people’s 24 hours consist of multiple jobs, taking care of family members and other duties the average person doesn’t have to worry about.

Overexposed

One reason the midlife crisis is happening so early is that social media exposes us to more content than our brains can process. Rather than only knowing what your close friends and family are doing, you can open Instagram and see multiple people you’ve barely talked to posting their lives.

With graduation season around the corner, this is causing the comparison mindset and debilitating stress to seem endless. People are stressed about their next move; some have already graduated and are struggling to find work in their field or fighting to get into grad school. Our environment is not a reflection of the hard work that earned our degree; you can find peace and still succeed. It is normal to take a gap year or some time off. In fact, you are more likely to graduate with a higher GPA if you take a gap year.

What’s not normal is feeling like you have already failed at life when you’ve yet to really start.

It is so easy to get caught up in social media comparisons and let setbacks stop you from growing. There needs to be a balance between wanting to do better and not hurting yourself mentally in the process. Your 20s are meant to be lived, not felt as though you have already failed.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

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To gain student trust, SGA must be transparent

KELSLEY WILLIAMSON

STAFF WRITER

@KELSEY_WILLIAMSON_

Student representation and advocacy will always be important. It can be difficult to determine whether the University administration is hearing our concerns and listening. The way to ensure that our voices are being heard is through the Student Government Association.

History of the shutdown

Last year, the 61st administration of SGA shut down after they failed to pass a new Constitution. They were originally put under a mandate to rewrite their bylaws and constitution on Nov. 6, 2024. After the mandate was lifted,

students didn’t approve the rewritten document.

On April 2, 2025, Vice President of Student Affairs Paul Kittle sent an email to students about the shutdown. The email stated that they will reestablish the SGA to better serve students moving forward.

UH’s administration is trying to show us its dedication to rebuilding SGA to be less corrupt and more representative. However, SGA has had a rocky history, which makes it hard to trust that the new organization and leaders will actually advocate for us students.

The 61st administration was overall ineffective in benefiting our campus due to their internal conflicts. SGA was able to operate fully about half the time

due to the mandate, but they also had other controversies, such as multiple unfilled positions and the recommendation for impeachment of the president and vice president. These issues were a result of the 60th administration’s changes made in the Spring of 2024, according to the administration. The changes that were made mostly had to do with shifts in power.

When it came time to vote for the new Constitution in the Spring of 2025, the document had continued to lack student representation.

Trust in SGA moving forward

For approximately a year, SGA had significant difficulties providing for us, which could be attributed to issues that arose with the election code, bylaws and the Constitution. Moving forward with a fresh start will not be successful if we can’t trust the organization.

SGA’s full purpose is to be the voice for students. They are supposed to be involved in campus life, advocate for concerns, listen to what we have to say and demand change from the administration for the sake of UH and our student body.

The way to earn students’ trust is to be fully transparent.

SGA needs to do a better job of providing as much information as possible. Especially since they have been inactive for about a year, most freshman and sophomore classes likely know little about them.

There should be greater encouragement for students to be involved and informed about the SGA and its activities. In the election for the Constitution, only 457 students voted. With only two official emails sent, many students weren’t informed about it or didn’t know how much it mattered to them.

The SGA election season has already begun. While campaigning already began on Feb. 9, voting for the 62nd administration will last from March 2-5. I doubt that many students were aware of these key dates.

SGA are our representatives. They give us a voice and serve as our direct point of contact with the administration. To continue to improve UH in every aspect, we must be able to trust them fully. There needs to be more communication and transparency. We deserve to be excited, hopeful and have confidence in SGA and their advocacy. We shouldn’t have to be doubtful about the relaunch. opinion@thedailycougar.com

You may have to bend this year to get to where you want to go. Don’t put yourself into a bind due to fear of failure or concern about what others may think. Trust your instincts, follow your heart and do what soothes your mind, body and soul. Desire requires direction and discipline.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) Ð- High energy will lead to satisfaction. Distance yourself from people who waste your time or don’t support what’s meaningful to you. It’s time to focus on the areas of life that matter to you.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20)

Ð- Compassion and gratitude will pave the way to victory. Open your heart to the people who matter most to you. Honesty will help resolve issues that keep you awake at night.

ARIES (March 21-April 19)

-- Discipline and ingenuity can turn a mediocre life into something spectacular. Be present and kind. Don’t lose out on an opportunity due to fear.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20)

-- Look for the good in everything and everyone. How you make others feel will determine the reaction you get. Concentrate on being and doing your best, and inspire others to do the same.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20)

-- Your discipline and hard work won’t help if you surround yourself with takers, users and abusers. The backup and support you get will determine the outcome.

CANCER (June 21-July 22)

-- Competition will be fierce, and how you present yourself will make a difference. Someone you encounter will offer

more than you expect. Your charm and intelligence will help seal a deal.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -Set high standards and do your best. The impression you make will set the stage for what’s to come. Act like a pro, and others will treat you like one. It’s what you do that counts.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Ð- You’ll get a glimpse of what’s possible if you are observant and open to suggestions. A networking event will provide some interesting options that you can tweak to fit your objective.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) Ð- Unusual people, professions and pastimes will attract your attention and raise your awareness. Once you see how something begins to unfold, you’ll gain insight into how to use what you discover

EDITORIAL BOARD

EDITOR

to fit your needs.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) Ð- Opportunity is within reach; all you must do is use your skills, knowledge and experience to network your way to succeess. Self and home improvement, along with social interaction, will help structure what’s next.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) Ð- Be the one to make choices. Refuse to let anyone dictate what’s next. Walk away from emotional mind games and people who cause you grief. Take the path that is most inviting.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Ð- A change of pace and space will do wonders for your emotional health. Refuse to let anyone limit or discourage you from striving for what excites you most. Make a wish list and pursue your dreams.

ISSUE STAFF

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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

ABOUT THE COUGAR

The Cougar is published biweekly on Wednesdays during the fall and spring semesters and online daily at thedailycougar.com. The Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees. Copies of The Cougar are free.

COPYRIGHT

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

ABOUT CSM

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

CENTER FOR STUDENT MEDIA (713) 743-5350 csm@uh.edu www.uh.edu/csm

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ACROSS 1 Big name in elevators 5 ___ Lanka 8 “Me too” 13 *“Titanic” star 15 One who eschews animal products 16 Like the arrangement of the squares numbered 56, 59 and 62 in this puzzle 17 Not ruling out 19 Small dog’s warning, perhaps 20 And so on, briefly 22 Astros, on MLB scoreboards 23 Brew such as Firestone’s Mind Haze

*Overcome an intimidating crowd

Give a new ’do to

German luxury car

Night, in Napoli

Milk measures

51 Name that sounds like a car

55 In with 56 Like some exams

57 Regard as 58 Telehealth service for men

59 *Bangle for a lower joint 61 Actress de Armas of “Ballerina” 62 Ice sheet

18 Wall socket

21 “Dawson’s Creek” network

23 Baghdad’s land

24 Lima’s land

25 Where 23-Down is 27 Wyo. neighbor

28 Bookstore category

29 Person who may prefer to keep it platonic, for short

31 Big draws for Florida game fishermen

35 What many sad songs are in

38 HS math class

44 Airplane seat class

46 Pop star Olivia who debuted with the No. 1 single “Drivers License”

47 “So-o-o funny”

Vowelshaped beam

Gel 43 Fuss in front of a mirror 45 Miles ___ gallon 47 *Rhyming pair of lines in iambic pentameter

63 Like some customs 64 Egg layer 65 Statuette first awarded in 1949 66 Rockhound’s banded find 67 Pro-___ (certain golf tourneys) 68 Routes 69 Fetch DOWN 1 Gave the nod 2 ___ chi 3 “Don’t call ___ comeback” 4 Big name in video games 5 Wicked

6 Genetic compound

7 Speck of land

8 Large wading bird

9 It precedes Oct.

10 Get old 11 Searches that may involve bloodhounds

12 Chant 14 Fret

39 Triple ___ (orangeflavored liqueur)

41 Small Java program

48 Top rap artist in terms of album sales 49 Brutus, Cassius, et al.

50 Carrier with hubs at SFO and LAX

52 Chamomile pouch

53 Corona competitor

54 Brunch dish

59 ___ mater

60 Boast

62 Not many Universal Crossword Edited by David Steinberg February 18, 2026