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The COVID-19 pandemic has surfaced societal issues and how they affect the Hispanic community

The mental health of young Hispanics in the US, which is already at risk due to religious and cultural stigma and inequalities in health care, now faces new challenges as they are further marginalized during the pandemic.

Making up 23% of the initial job loss during the pandemic, around 150,600 Hispanics faced unemployment in January 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Directo
Medium •

Cultural, Religious, political factors play into the increase in mental illness in Young hispanic…

Between religious and cultural stigma and ever-changing political climates, the Hispanic immigrant community encounters constant roadblocks in their journey to improving their mental health.

According to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the young adult Latinx/Hispanic community is experiencing an increase in serious mental illness (SMI) from 4% in

Traducción Hansel y Gretel- Translation Hansel and Gretel

1.Hace muchos años, había un leñador. Vivía en los adentros del bosque con su esposa. Ella era una mujer amable y gentil. Tenían dos hijos: Hansel y Gretel. La familia no tenía mucho dinero, pero su hogar siempre era acogedor y calientito y los niños siempre tenían sopa y pan que comer. Nunca pasaron hambre. De repente un año, hubo un invierno espeluznantemente frío, y la madre de Hansel y Gretel se enfermó y falleció.

2.Pasó el tiempo y eventualmente el leñador se casó con otra mujer, pero ell
The Cougar •

The Divided States of America: it is time for us to heal

It seems like most of the world sighed with relief when it was announced that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are projected to become the next president and vice president, respectively.

However, there are still people, including President Donald Trump, who are in disbelief of the election results.

The nation has been divided for too long, and it has grown more distant over the past few years. Although we are a nation derived from unity, we
The Cougar •

Being politically active should continue after Election Day

Presidential elections are over and regardless of the result, your civic duty is not over. Yes, voting is one of the pillars of democracy, and it is one of the best ways to voice your opinion, but there’s so much more you can do.

Staying politically active between election cycles ensures that you are up-to-date about current issues and will therefore make informed decisions come the next Election Day.

Signing petitions, contacting publ
The Cougar •

Combating online learning's side effects

As we start our third week of online learning, most of us have realized the immense difference between a traditional classroom and Zoom university.

There are pros and cons for each one and reasons to love one over the other, however, this online delivery method has universal side effects on students’ productivity and health.

If you opted to exclusively take online classes, whether synchronously or asynchronously, odds are that you are lacking motivation and are struggling to stay focused, whic
The Cougar •

The latest social media challenge is promoting lazy activism

Over the past few weeks Instagram has been flooded with black and white photographs of women captioned “#ChallengeAccepted” or “#WomenSupportingWomen” with the goal of spreading female empowerment and overall positivity.

However, social media “challenges” can often create a false sense of activism and eventually diminish the efforts of a cause.

While this particular “challenge” or social media trend is not intrinsically bad, after all it is intended to spread positivity, it is insufficient to
The Cougar •

This Fourth of July was different, rightfully so

This Fourth of July felt different. As we grow up, we joke that Christmas doesn’t feel like Christmas or that as we get older the things we enjoyed as children just don’t have the same charm.

I think this Fourth of July was no different, except that instead of finding out Santa Claus was actually my parents, I began to educate myself on the issues that Americans face today.

The Fourth of July felt off this year, because I realized that the idea
The Cougar •

Juneteenth: Educate yourself on this day of remembrance, reflection, celebration

I vaguely remember the five minutes my junior high Texas history teacher used to explain to us the meaning of Juneteenth. I remember it, because I thought it had a cool name, not because of its historical significance.

The importance of the Fourth of July and the year when Christopher Columbus touched American land were reinforced every school year, but only once did I hear about Juneteenth, and we barely spoke about
The Cougar •

It is OK to take a break from social media

Social media has become a powerful tool over the years, and right now it seems to have a central role in activism, particularly in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.

From viral videos that show police brutality to spreading awareness over racial injustice, social media has become an outlet for oppressed voices to speak, and has also provided people who are unable to protest due to health concerns the opportunity to participate in this revolut
The Cougar •

A one sided narrative and how we got to where we are now

Although the protests happening around the world seem to be a result of the tragic and unjust death of George Floyd, his death was simply the straw that broke the camel’s back.

America has been controlling the U.S. history narrative for more than 400 years; a show where white people act triumphant and hardworking in the front of the stage, while minorities do the heavy lifting behind the scenes.

Admittedly, hard work is not race exclusi
The Cougar •

Face masks are a sign of solidarity

As Texas begins to reopen and we attempt to get back to normal, the use of face masks, which is intended for safety, has become a polarized political issue.

Protests arguing that the order requiring all Harris County residents to wear face masks in public is unconstitutional began in late April and continued throughout May. Other states are also seeing protests over face mask usage.

It is understandable that people would protest for their right to be in control of their bodies and don’t want t
The Cougar •

Although at times inconvenient, online education has a small silver lining

Although online education may be more convenient for some students, I cannot wait to go back to a traditional classroom setting.

I wholeheartedly believe online classes were the best option available, and I am thankful for all of the UH faculty and staff that accommodated students and eased them into online learning.

But, there were some courses that did not translate well into an online class; they were designed for a
The Cougar •

With social interaction on pause, it's time to prioritize our mental health

It is time to focus on mental health as decreased social interaction, disrupted routines and uncertainty have severely affected us in unprecedented ways.

Pandemics, as it turns out, are, for most of us, incredibly stress and anxiety inducing. However, it is important to note that the coronavirus pandemic is affecting everyone differently.

Some are experiencing anxiety for the first time and have found comfort in produ
Transitions 2020 •

Understanding FAFSA: Tackling it like a pro

Maybe you are a first generation college student, maybe you have never heard of FAFSA before or maybe you are just a little confused on how financial aid works. No matter what boat you are in, I think we can all agree that a bit of help can’t hurt.

First, I think it is important to explain what FAFSA is. Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a fancy title for the application that determines if you qualify for financial aid from the government.
Medium •

Five lessons for Snapchat news shows

Social media have changed the journalism game. They have made it easier to reach audiences and to inform them of developing news, however, they have also made it possible for fake news to infest the public.

Like any other development and technology advancement, social media have their advantages and some disadvantages. An incredible example for this duality is how reporting through social media allows audiences to have more control over what is being reported, which can either be really benefic
Medium •

COVID-19 becomes a surprising advocate for social issues in the US

Health insurance coverage, minimum wage, access to basic commodities: all are issues being forced into the limelight by the coronavirus pandemic.

While the nation adapts to COVID-19 safety measures and the consequences of this pandemic, empathy and advocacy are beginning to surge as social issues that polluted American society are coming to light.

As the number of confirmed cases in the U.S. continue to rise, the nation’s heal
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