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News

Campus forum gives outlet for wisdom 
from the 'Real World'

by JENNIFER EARLY
The Daily Cougar

Cast members from past episodes of MTV's The Real World will talk to UH students about youth-oriented topics at 7 p.m. tonight in the University Center's Houston Room.

The former cast members will be available for a meet and greet session with the audience. Students can interact with the cast in an open forum and question and answer segment.

Cast members scheduled to appear are Jamie Chung from the San Diego season, Syrus Yarbrough from the Boston season, José Tapia from the Key West season and Melanie Silcott from the Philadelphia season.

Kevin Covington, novelty and comedy chair of the Student Program Board, one of the groups that sponsored the event, said the cast members will touch on a variety of topics.

"(Cast members) will talk about relationships, adoption, abortion, sexuality, diversity and conflict resolution," Covington said.

The former reality television stars will share their thoughts and advice about issues that affect today's youth. The speakers will use their experiences on the show to illustrate the topics they will address.

Chung was portrayed as the most levelheaded cast member during the season she was on the show. She struggled to incorporate her Korean heritage into her life. 

Yarbrough sparked heated debate during his season for dating the mother of a child he cared for at an after-school program. Yarbrough has participated in three installments of The Real World spin-off show The Real World/Road Rules Challenge.

Tapia dealt with the impact of hurricanes Rita and Wilma during his season.

Silcott was perceived by her roommates as critical during her season and had on-camera verbal fights with some of them.

The Real World, a reality series that began in 1992, features a group of seven individuals in their 20s from different countries and backgrounds living and working together in a major city. The series showcases cast members' different reactions to the world.

Co-sponsors of the event are the Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council and Houston Alumni Organization.
 

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