SECOND THOUGHTS: Why I find inspiration in our mascot, the hawk
A school mascot is supposed to be one that encourages belonging and invokes a sense of pride. Whether a university has sports teams or not, when a school selects an animal as its mascot, there generally is a consensus that said animal should be one that has attributes that would make people want to wear and represent that animal as their mascot.
One thing I enjoy about UHCL is its well chosen and worthy mascot: a hawk. I find there is much to enjoy from the idea of being a hawk. For me, the hawk fits as a mascot for UHCL in many ways.
The red-shouldered hawk (among many other hawks) is a common sight on campus. Those visiting campus are likely to spot a hawk flying or perched on a power line on campus. The hawk is truly the ruling bird in the nature preserve our campus is on.
But then of course there are the actual attributes that make the hawk an animal that inspires me. The hawk is a focused animal. Hawks have long been symbols for determination, clarity and focus, protection, confidence, quick wittedness, decision making and partnership. Hawks rank as some of the most intelligent birds.
Hawks are also fierce birds, widely considered one of the most dangerous birds in North America. Despite their smaller stature, they are not animals to mess with, as they are quite the hunters. The red-shouldered hawk in particular makes up for its small size with its courageous attitude. They do not hesitate to even fight humans if it means defending their nests.
On a truly remarkable note, hawks are birds of prey and fit into the category of birds that are known as raptors. Birds are the only living descendants of dinosaurs, so if one is ever in doubt about the idea of being a hawk, just remember your mascot is basically a dinosaur, and that is pretty cool if you ask me.
Such characteristics exemplify why I have pride in being a hawk and why such an animal inspires me in my everyday life as a student, scholar and writer. I channel my inner hawk whenever I encounter daily challenges and obstacles and when a situation calls for me to be patient. Just as the hawk sits or flies waiting before it strikes its prey, I try my best to be patient and know what I want will come to me. It will only come if I am able to work hard and overcome obstacles and threats. This is something hawks know as they hunt for prey, make their nests and start their families.
Hawks have keen eyesight, and as both a scholar and journalist, I have often felt myself channeling my inner hawk as I have to see through the challenges that are hurled through me every day. As someone who focuses on the bigger picture, the hawk is a fitting mascot for me as it soars through the skies, seeing the whole forest rather than the trees, all while keeping an eye on its targets. Every day is a chance for me to grow and reach new heights, and what better animal to inspire me than one that moves through the skies every day?
When one drives or walks through the UHCL campus, it is not uncommon to see a red-shouldered hawk. While some may not think much of such a sight, it always makes me feel proud to know this is the animal that represents my school. UHCL is not perfect, but it did right in choosing a fitting and appropriate mascot that I find inspiration and pride in. If my fellow Hawks consider the nature of their mascot, I am sure they can find inspiration in this wonderful avian wonder being their mascot as well.
