Thrive - Fall 2023

Oct. 30, 2023

CONTENTS 6

GroupX Builds Confidence

10

Eating Healthy: Recipe for Cajun Seared Chicken

12

Clubs Offer Social Connection

13

Quiz: What On-Campus Group Should You Join?

14

Alumni Advice for Underclassmen

16

Benefits of Journaling

18

Students Prosper with Financial Center

20

Emotional Support Animals Provide Solace for Students

23

Good Vibes Playlist

Cover photo by Wyatt Richardson | Cover model: Morgan Thiessen

CHERRY CREATIVE LEADERSHIP

STAFF

EMMA BAYENS Creative Director

RHIANNON JOHNSTON Video Editor

BAILEY BRUSH Creative Director

JT STEELE Advertising Manager

DESIGN Abby Nash Sarah Thompson Brittany Wiseman

WRITING Emma Dock Izzabella Glinn Carson Muscutt

NICOLE JOHNSON Design Editor

WES ORANGE Advertising Adviser

WYATT RICHARDSON Photo Editor

SAM OLDENBURG Cherry Creative Adviser

PHOTO Kira Coleman Emily Cross Maddie Hall Shannon Moritz Savannah Philpot

ADVERTISING Alex Cissell Nick Fowler Keelin Davis Kayla Heath Abby Loftus Julia Steinmetz

PANDORA BOOTH Writing Editor

EDITORS’ LETTER Dear Readers, We are so excited to introduce our first special section of the year, Thrive!

As students, we know that college can be an overwhelming whirlwind. Amid classes, extracurricular activities and social events, it's challenging to create a work-life balance. But through those challenges comes an opportunity for personal growth.

In this issue, we strive to bring you valuable insights and stories that empower you to flourish in all aspects of life. From growing your financial success to nurturing your mental and physical health, thriving is far more than just surviving. From building social connections to fueling your body with nutrients, we’ve dived into an array of topics that cover the core aspects of living a fulfilling, well-balanced life on the Hill.

We encourage you to engage with the content, share your thoughts and take action in your own life. Use these stories as a guide for personal growth and self-improvement.

Thriving in college goes farther than getting good grades and making new friends; it’s about embracing a balanced life that empowers you to achieve your goals.

Sincerely, Emma Bayens and Bailey Brush Cherry Creative Directors

EMMA BAYENS

BAILEY BRUSH 4 | THRIVE

There is no health without mental health www.oakhavenpsychiatry.com

(270) 935-5117

730 Fairview Avenue Suite A5, Bowling Green, KY, 42101

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GroupX Builds Confidence Story by Emma Dock | Photos by Shannon Moritz

Freshman Madison Roberts lifts dumbbells during a Tuesday morning cycling class.

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Jess Arlinghaus leads her cycling class through a morning ride with the help of ’80s music.

Want a new workout routine?

Try GroupX!

GroupX is an on-campus resource, at WKU Preston Center-Campus Recreation & Wellness, that offers different types of free exercise classes for WKU students.

They offer a wide range of classes from Aqua Fit, a class full of water aerobic conditioning exercises, to Cycle Fusion, a class that blends work on and off the stationary bike.

Jess Arlinghaus, a senior GroupX instructor from Burlington, describes GroupX as a fun environment for anyone to come and be comfortable in their body and with fitness.

Arlinghaus said she loves the confidence that the program gives her and how it makes her feel, both physically and mentally.

“I started working out during COVID,” Arlinghaus said. “After a while, I started to love the confidence working out gave me. Now, I want to help people achieve that same passion and confidence I get when I work out.”

Cycle Fushion is one of many workout classes hosted by GroupX. To learn more about what GroupX has to offer check out their website, www.wku.edu/crw/healthfitnesslab/groupx/.

She said that GroupX offers many physical and mental benefits to attendees.

“Constantly working out and getting into that repetitive nature helps build up muscle in your body. It can also help a lot with blood flow and stress,” Arlinghaus said. “Mentally, it can help take your mind off things and clear brain fog.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical activity is important for protecting physical and mental health.

“Regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles and improve your ability to do everyday activities,” according to the CDC. Eleri Gesler, a graduate assistant at Campus Recreation and Wellness from Murray, said GroupX is special because of the instructors and the environment they help build.

“GroupX is different because it provides that upbeat, positive environment that is different from other intense workout

classes,” Gesler said. “It is special because many of the classes on our campus are taught by students. Working out is less intimidating when it’s with a peer.”

Antonina Clementi, a junior from Lafayette, Louisiana, said she has attended GroupX classes before and stands by them completely.

“For beginners and those interested in GroupX, I would advise starting at your own pace and gradually increasing the intensity. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek assistance from the instructors; they are there to help,” Clementi said.

“Consistency is key, so make sure to attend regularly, and most importantly, have fun – it’s a journey worth enjoying.”

Clementi said she encourages students to partake in GroupX because of the community it has.

“GroupX is more than just an exercise program; it’s a community that fosters healthy living and friendships,” Clementi said. “The support and encouragement you’ll find here extend beyond the gym, making it a holistic lifestyle choice for those seeking to improve their physical and mental well-being.”

Preston Center hosts GroupX classes Monday to Friday in the dance studio and the natatorium.

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SPONSORED BY MED CENTER HEALTH

Is it Anxiety, or am I Just Overwhelmed?

How to know the difference

College students often find themselves overwhelmed as they juggle the demands of homework, assignments and exams alongside the responsibilities of daily life, leading to stress and a constant battle to maintain a delicate balance.

College is an exciting time for students.

While making new friends, trying and learning all sorts of new things can be amazing, it can also be a demanding time filled with challenges students have never faced.

For the first time in a student’s life, they might be living on their own, away from their families and support systems and facing heavy academic workloads.

Oftentimes, these new challenges can 8 | THRIVE

feel overwhelming. If left unchecked, these new stresses can lead to increased anxiety and possibly depression.

“This phase of life change brings a lot of freedom and a lot of challenges for students in a short amount of time,” said Miranda Bonner, psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner at Med Center Health’s WKU Health Services. “Many students are away from home; they’re having to figure out a lot of things on

their own for the first time. They don’t have the familiar sources of support that they did while they were in high school.”

According to the National Library of Medicine, anxiety or depression presents itself in about 20% of college students, so knowing the signs and symptoms of these disorders is important in helping students recognize a growing issue.

“The difference between anxiety and depression is what symptoms students

SPONSORED BY MED CENTER HEALTH

Tips to Help Manage Stress in College GET ENOUGH SLEEP! Not sleeping enough, or not getting quality sleep can have serious effects on your mental health.

Sleeping well can lead to having better memory recall, a clearer mind and a better mood.

EAT WELL!

Med Center Health at WKU Health Services on campus offers WKU students, faculty and staff a full range of services including primary care, X-ray, lab, immunizations, screenings, mental health services, physical therapy and more. Students can call WKU Health Services at 270-745-2273 to schedule an appointment.

are experiencing,” Bonner said. “With anxiety, the student may present with feeling on edge, chest discomfort, muscle tension, irritability, excessive worry and difficulty with sleep. With depression, they may present with feelings of sadness or hopelessness, appetite changes, loss of interest in their favorite hobby, depressed mood and/or suicidal thoughts.”

Experiencing moments of increased stress is unavoidable in college, but there are things you can do to help manage and eliminate some stress in your life.

There are also small things you can do each day to help feel your best.

“Some simple coping mechanisms to deal with daily stress can include: taking a walk outside, talking with a friend, exercise, journaling or listening to calming or uplifting music,” Bonner said.

Most college-related psychological stress happens in the first year of college. Receiving the proper treatment can make all the difference for students in both their academic success and overall well-being while in college.

“Everyone has a bad day sometimes, and that’s expected,” Bonner said.

“Students may feel overwhelmed from

time to time, and that can be normal in college, however, if students start to feel that most days they feel down, depressed, or hopeless, or excessively anxious, and that symptoms are difficult to control, then it’s time to seek help.”

Students can call WKU Counseling Services at 270-745-3159 or WKU Health Services at 270-745-2273 for an appointment.

Eating a nutritious diet while in college can be a challenge, but a balanced diet can really help you feel your best and improve your stress levels.

SET REALISTIC GOALS FOR YOURSELF! College will likely present a busy schedule, so make sure you’re managing your workload and setting realistic goals for yourself.

Pick a class schedule that will give you enough time to study and be social. Don’t get too hard on yourself if you’re not getting A+ grades on every assignment, and don’t be afraid to talk to your professor if you’re struggling with an assignment or a topic.

AVOID PROCRASTINATING! Pushing off that five-page essay that isn’t due for another two weeks sounds great in the beginning, but it’s so much easier to work on it a little at a time, rather than trying to write it all the night before it’s due.

Habitual procrastination can lead to increased levels of stress and a lack of sleep.

FIND A STRESS OUTLET!

Miranda Bonner is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner at Med Center Health’s WKU Health Services.

Exercising is a great way to relieve stress, as is hanging out with friends, watching your favorite show or meditating. Find whatever works best for you, and make sure you’re setting aside time to decompress!

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Eating Healthy Photos By Maddie Hall | Text by Pandora Booth

Louisville junior Harrison Boso chops brussels sprouts to prep for his meal. Boso said these check off the vegetable food group for his recipe.

Harrison Boso 12 | THRIVE

Harrison Boso, a junior from Louisville, said he enjoys making easy, nutritious meals. He is a nutrition and dietetics major and said simple is best when it comes to cooking a healthy meal at home. Boso said he does not cook often, but when he does it is something easy and quick that hits all of the major food groups, such as the recipe he provided for chicken with potatoes and brussels sprouts.

Cajun Seared Chicken and Parsley Pesto with Roasted Potatoes and Brussels Sprouts 30 minute cook time 2 servings

Ingredients 1/2 pound petite gold potatoes 2 cups brussels sprouts 5 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons garlic salt 2 1/2 tablespoons pepper 1/2 tablespoon paprika 16 ounce chicken breasts 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning 1 cup fresh parsley 1 tablespoon garlic 1/2 tablespoon salt

Pesto! Presto!

Recipe 1.

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Preheat the oven to 425 F. Quarter potatoes and brussels sprouts.

In a mixing bowl, toss the quartered potatoes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon garlic salt and 1 tablespoon pepper. In a separate mixing bowl toss the quartered brussels sprouts with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/2 tablespoon paprika.

Spread potatoes and brussels sprouts in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

While the vegetables are baking, season chicken breasts on both sides with Cajun seasoning, remaining garlic salt and 1 tablespoon pepper.

Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts to skillet and sear about 5 minutes on each side, or until internal temperature reaches 165 F. In a food processor or blender, combine remaining olive oil, fresh parsley, pepper, garlic and salt. Blend until pesto is a smooth consistency.

Serve the seared chicken with a drizzle of parsley pesto on top and the baked potatoes and brussels sprouts on the side. Enjoy your delicious meal!

Steaming Chicken THRIVE | 11

Clubs Offer Social Connections Story by Carson Muscutt | Illustrations by Sarah Thompson

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Bowling Green, wanted to join a club but had no idea what was on campus and didn’t find any mention of a Dungeons and Dragons club anywhere on the Registered Student Organization directory. Frank and a few underclassmen started a club of their own during the fall 2022 semester, with Frank becoming the public relations director for the club.

Frank said during their play meetings, many groups will split off with their dungeon masters and have a blast 4 playing table-top, role-playing games.

They said the Dungeons and Dragons club serves as a space to hang out with friends.

They said the club has so many people from different departments that students are sure to meet others with similar interests.

Everyone has a scheduled time to not think about homework and have a fun time with each other, Frank said.

“Some people come in and bring their friends; some people make new friends with the club, and I met my partner making the club,” Frank said.

Within one year, the club has welcomed over 150 people and is continuing to grow rapidly, Frank said. Since school has resumed this fall, many new members have joined and have formed meaningful bonds with other students, Frank said.

Film club and the Dungeons and Dragons clubs are just a couple of the many clubs students can join if they are struggling to put themselves out there on campus. To find out more information about these clubs, visit the club directory on the WKU website or find flyers for club meetings and events around campus.

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As incoming students advance toward college life, many may struggle with making new friends and adjusting to a life away from home. This can have an impact on their mental health, and may cause them to feel lonely and depressed which is why Counseling Center staff counselor Katie Knackmuhs recommends clubs to students dealing with isolation.

“I encourage them to try new clubs or social outings, even if they don’t think it’ll be successful or they’ll make their next best friend,” Knackmuhs said. “Being around others improves our mood and increases our chances to practice socializing as well as increases the likelihood of making a meaningful connection.”

Knackmuhs said that curing loneliness isn’t as simple as some may believe and that it can be as detrimental to mental health as smoking or drinking. She said social connection is an antidote to mental health disorders.

“Due to the pandemic, many college students have missed out on vital years of forging relationships and practicing social skills to make connections more seamless,” Knackmuhs said. “So when they’re forced to connect, it feels too vulnerable 8 or awkward, thus they shy away from connection, perpetuating feelings of loneliness and isolation.”

Knackmuhs said connecting with other students on campus through clubs is a good way for students to combat this feeling of isolation.

Students at WKU can join one or more of the 350 registered organizations at WKU ranging from Greek life to volunteerism to art and science clubs, according to the WKU Registered Student Organizations directory.

Katie Thompson, a junior from Metropolis, Illinois, joined the film club as soon as she began attending WKU. Upon arriving at college, she thought making friends was going to be much harder than it turned out to be. Luckily, a primary goal of the film club is to help people build relationships with each other, Thompson said.

“Most of the people in the club already have close bonds with each other simply because it is built into the program,” Thompson said.

Thompson said club members connect through their shared love for movies and filmmaking. Although she said she is busier and can’t be as involved as she used to be, the film club has been a great social outlet for her over the years.

After transferring to WKU, Becks Frank, a senior from

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What On-Campus Group Should You Join?

Start

Quiz by Pandora Booth

Do you enjoy socializing and being a part of a community?

No

Yes

Do you have a passion for a specific hobby, cause or interest?

Are you looking for a group that combines social activities and community service?

Yes

No

No

Yes

Are you interested in meeting others who share your specific passion?

Greek Life

You enjoy socializing, want a tight-knit community and are open to a mix of social activities and community service. Lucky for you, WKU has 34 sororities and fraternities that are sure to give you that feeling of sisterhood or brotherhood! Here you will have an enriching and lifelong experience that will feel just like a second family.

No

Yes

Yes

You have a love for a specific hobby, cause or interest and want to connect with like-minded individuals about your passion. Here you can broaden your horizons and explore the vast spectrum of interest clubs WKU has to offer! Some interest clubs you may want to partake in include the Dungeons and Dragons club, the ceramics club or the chess club.

No

Are you looking to enhance your professional skills and boost your career aspects?

Yes

Interest Clubs

Are you looking to gain valuable experience while giving back to the community?

Leadership & Volunteerism You’re interested in giving back to the community and gaining valuable experiences. Here you can participate in the Dynamic Leadership Institute, alternative breaks and student-led fundraising events. Your strong desire to give back to the community and make a positive impact on the world will be harnessed here!

No

Professional Clubs

You are focused on your long-term career goals and professional development. These clubs focus on providing you with an array of resources and opportunities to support your future success! Some professional clubs you may want to be a part of include Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization, Student Government Association or Women in Science and Engineering.

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Alumni Advice for Underclassmen

Story by Emma Dock | Photos by Shannon Moritz | Illustration by Abby Neltner

College may be a hard experience for new students to navigate with balancing classes, a social life and homework.

However, students may find that advice from others who have been in their shoes not so long ago, can help them navigate this time in their life.

Crystal Bufano, an academic adviser for the Ogden College of Science and Engineering and WKU class of 2022 alumna, said that participating in things on campus helped her figure out her path for the future.

“While in college, I had no idea that this was where I would end up,” Bufano said. “I came into college wanting to be a lawyer, but after a few semesters I realized that was not really what I wanted to do. I only found what I wanted to do in the future by participating in things during my college experience.”

She said her time as a resident assistant during college allowed her to be more involved which bettered her college experience.

“I was an RA on campus for two and a half years, and I would say that was the best thing I did to form some connections and gain some experience,” Bufano said. “Being an RA allows you to meet so many different people around campus including students and staff- members.”

Alexis Shaffer, an academic adviser for the College of Health and Human Services and WKU class of 2022 alumna, said students should take advantage of resources in the Academic and Career Development Center when they start looking for careers.

“Make connections! Utilize our free service with the Advising and Career Development Center to get help building a resume, interview advice, etc. with our career coaches,” Shaffer said. “Apply for the job even if you do not feel like you would qualify. Good employers look more into you as a person and what positivity you can bring to the company rather than what is just on paper.”

Shaffer said students should also make a LinkedIn profile to show off accomplishments and goals to companies.

Ryan Jones, an academic adviser for the Ogden College of Science and Engineering and WKU class of 2019 alumnus, said making connections throughout college is essential.

“I would say just reach out,” Jones said. “It doesn’t always have to be like an in-person conversation. Just a courteous email can go a long way.”

Jones said that the advisers at the Academic Advising and Career Development Center work there because they want to help students. He said he wants to give advice he wished he had gotten as a student.

Bufano said students should venture out and try as many things as possible:

Alexis Shaffer, a 2022 WKU graduate, began working at WKU in July after grauating with an undergraduate degree in health care administration and a graduate degree in student affairs in higher education.

traveling to new places, talking to new people and getting out of their comfort zone.

“My advice would be to do as much as you can in the four years you are in college. Explore and try new things because it is the perfect time to do so,” Bufano said.

Shaffer said that students should ask for help from others the second they need it.

“Ask for help if you need it; talk to a career coach; get tutoring for a class if

you are struggling; make time for yourself, and take breaks between studying and classes.” Shaffer said.

Jones said that fun things, such as leisure activities, are so much more fun when homework is taken care of.

“Make sure that all your work is just done. The due date is always the due date, but get that done ahead of time,” Jones said. “Don’t be the person in the party trying to turn in a discussion board.”

Academic adviser Ryan Jones began working at WKU this school year after graduating with his undergraduate degree in 2019 and his masters degree in student affairs in higher education in 2022.

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BENEFITS OF JOURNALING Story by Izzabella Glinn | Illustrations by Abby Nash

Reducing anxiety, regulating emotions and helping with depression are just a few of the benefits that come with keeping a journal, according to WebMD. The practice can allow writers to be aware and truly understand their feelings, allowing them to see experiences through a new light or feeling.

“Journaling is the act of keeping a record of your personal thoughts, feelings, insights and more. It’s a simple, low-cost way of improving your mental health,” according to WebMD. Karyn Witzel, a senior from Greenville, said they recommend journaling to those who like writing physical notes, looking back on past experiences and recalling how they were feeling at the time. They said when looking back at past writings they sometimes even put little Post-it Notes with updates and commentary.

Witzel said that the notes app can feel like journaling, but having a physical book means it can’t accidentally delete itself. They said they like to buy cute, hardback journals for the aesthetic.

“It’s my therapist, my planner, my poetry book and my sketchbook,” said Witzel, “No one’s gonna read it but me, so it’s the perfect way to encapsulate me and not be performative about it in any way; it’s very grounding,” Witzel said.

They said that the journal has everything about them in it, the good, bad and the ugly. Witzel said they will often look back at past writing and experiences that don’t affect them anymore to see how they’ve grown over time.

“I had the worst semester of my life and absolutely hated having that physical evidence,” Witzel said. “I ended up burning a journal in a fire pit, and that alone was satisfying, can’t get that same kick from a note in a notes app really.”

According to WebMD, journaling can be both mentally and physically healing. Writing out stressful events in a positive light can be linked to physical healing, it said.

“College students who wrote about stressful events were less likely to get sick compared to those who wrote about neutral topics like their room,” according to a study on WebMD. Madison Gicale, a junior from Newburgh, Indiana, said she is passionate about journaling for her mental health.

Gicale said she struggles with anxiety and stress and uses journaling to help with both.

MOOD TRACKER KEY: very good good okay not so good 16 | THRIVE

MORNING ROUTINE “It gives me a space to write about the important things — good, bad or otherwise. Journaling in the morning helps me start my day with a positive outlook and journaling before bed lets me clear my mind a bit,” Gicale said.

She said that she likes looking back on her entries to see how far she has come in life and school and looking at what she was thinking at certain times in her life. She said she also writes down affirmations and goals in her journal because it makes her more likely to achieve them.

“I would also definitely recommend journaling, I think people should know that you do not have to journal everyday or stick to a structure. Find the best way that works for you,” Gicale said.

Wake up Wash face Brush teeth Breakfast Tea/coffee Vitamins Journal/plan day

SLEEP TRACKER “It’s my therapist, my planner, my poetry book and my sketchbook.”

-Karyn Witzel

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Students Prosper with Financial Center Story by Carson Muscutt | Illustrations by Brittany Wiseman Managing finances may not be at the forefront of a student’s mind while attending college and may cause a lot of unnecessary stress to a student’s life. The WKU Center for Financial Success can be a resource in helping students become financially informed.

The program offers face-to-face coaching and finance planning education from experts in the field according to its website, www.wku.edu/cfs/.

Andrew Head, pedagogical associate professor and director of the WKU Center for Financial Success, said he

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created the Center for Financial Success to allow professional finance planners to share wisdom and advice with students and faculty who may be struggling with their finances.

Head said the most common issue he sees is students struggling to make ends meet, with the weight of student loans, and wanting to spend all of their money.

“You see this sort of payday effect at the beginning of the semester, where everybody’s got money and they blow through it,” Head said. “Near

the halfway point of the semester, we’ve got students that are really starting to struggle and some drop out by the end.”

Head said it’s amazing how much the program has been able to settle the anxiety of students by giving them an outline of their financial situation.

He said a lot of them don’t know where their money needs to go.

“There’s nothing like financial stress,” Head said. “It permeates every aspect of your day.”

Tanner Redmon, a financial coach

at the center, is a sophomore from Goodlettsville, Tennessee. He said prior to joining, he did not have much knowledge about the subject.

He said after learning from other coaches, he realized he was a good fit for the program.

Redmon said that the Center for Financial Success works closely with Finance 161, a personal finance class. He said the class gives a good introduction to personal financial planning and primarily helps the students with budgeting.

“We do loan analysis for planning, so a senior that’s about to graduate and looking to move away can know what to expect after college,” Redmon said.

As a financial coach, Redmon holds individual meetings with students to map out budgeting and financial goals.

The first thing students do is fill out a client intake form. This form gives the coaches an idea of where a student is financially. Then, the coaches come up with a plan for them, Redmon said.

Redmon said that every student has different financial goals.

Their goals are going to be based on their needs and how much work needs to be done to reach them, he said.

“Our goal is to help students take a step closer to financial independence, whatever that looks like for them,” Redmon said.

Owensboro junior Lily Martin, a Center for Financial Success coaching program coordinator, said she hopes the program can help students get an understanding of what a budget looks like, how to build credit and how to pay off debt effectively.

Martin said that a student’s school loans are one of their biggest financial struggles. She said that many students have loans they didn’t even realize they had. The program also collaborates with the financial aid office. If a student has a problem the program doesn’t have the authority to fix, they are sent to the financial aid office to help them get on the right track.

“Their parents are taking out loans in their name and saying that they’ll take care of it as long as their child is in school,” Martin said. “But really the students are coming in here, and we look at their account, and they have loans in their name, not knowing how they got there.”

Being able to talk to other students allows students to open up about their financial struggles, Martin said.

“You can get that commonality because you can sit down with them and be like, ‘Oh, how was your day? How many classes do you have? Where do you live on campus?’ Stuff like that,” Martin said. “Right out of the gate they’re open to talk with you.”

Martin said her position at the Center for Financial Success has helped equip her for pursuing a path in financial planning, where she can meet with families and help them with their finances.

“I think this job is like a mini way of being a real financial adviser,” Martin said.

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Emotional Support Animals Provide Solace for Students Story by Emma Dock | Photos by Kira Coleman | Illustrations by Sarah Thompson

Sophomore Cassie Tarter, a mechanical engineering major. holds Winnie her emotional support dog.

A warm welcome from a favorite pet can provide comfort when coming home.

For some people, going off to college means saying goodbye to these beloved companions. But for other students, their furry friends get to come along and enjoy the college experience alongside their owners.

Getting an emotional support animal is a way students may choose to get help with mental health struggles. The college transition may be hard for some students, but getting an emotional support animal could help make campus a home away from home.

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To register an animal as an emotional support animal most people talk to a therapist or a mental health professional according to esadoctors.com. After speaking to a therapist to see if they qualify, a person seeking an emotional support animal can request an ESA letter. Once a mental health specialist has given the letter, the owner is free to have an emotional support animal with them.

Cassie Tarter, a sophomore from Park City, said she has had her emotional support dog, Winnie, for just over a year and registered her dog as soon as Winnie

became her pet.

Tarter is a transfer student from Murray University and switched to WKU after her first semester. She said that having Winnie helped her deal with being away at Murray. She said that Winnie helps her to focus and work toward her goals, keeping her stress to a minimum.

“It has definitely improved my mental health and and all together made me a happier person,” Tarter said Tarter said that having an emotional support animal requires a special connection with the animal in order for

the owner to get what they need. She said Winnie alerts her when she is having a panic attack so she can recognize the attack coming on and try to get herself together.

“I would definitely recommend one, but make sure they’re crate trained or very well behaved for being on campus or in a dorm, but in general they improve a million things,” Tarter said.

Indigo Suarez, a junior from Portland, Tennessee, said she has had an emotional support animal for nearly four years. She said her cat, Finch, has been certified as an emotional support animal since late August and said having an emotional support animal has been great.

Suarez said that Finch is well-behaved, except for when he pushes mugs off her desk. She said he loves to give hugs to everyone he meets and is a generally very funny animal. Suarez said that although Finch is a friendly cat the first transition to campus wasn't easy.

“He was very nervous and hid a lot, but he opened up in time, and now he's a little, loveable rascal,” Suarez said. “Plus he loves absolutely everyone he has ever met; he’s just super friendly.”

She said having Finch on campus has immensely helped her mental health. Suarez said she has anxiety and bipolar disorder, and having Finch around cheers her up when she’s feeling down.

She said that when he’s acting silly it can really make her day better.

Riley Rainwater, a freshman from Campbellsville, said she enjoys having an emotional support animal on campus. Rainwater said she has had her gray cat, Nova, since April 2023, and Nova has been certified as an emotional support animal since August.

“Nova has also brought me a lot of joy, having her around and being able to play with her and stuff in my downtime,” Rainwater said.

Rainwater said that having Nova around has caused her to have a more positive mindset and feel more relaxed after coming home from a long day of classes. She said that Nova allows her to feel less homesick, anxious and alienated. She said Nova helps her feel less depressed and gives her a more optimistic and motivated attitude.

“I 100% recommend having one on campus,” Rainwater said.

“Having an emotional support animal for me has genuinely just been a very calming experience.”

Nora is Riley Rainwater’s emotional support cat.

Finch, an emotional support cat belongs to WKU junior Indigo Suarez.

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TEENAGERS

SUMMER SET & AGAINST THE CURRENT

CARRIED AWAY PASSION PIT

DIE HAPPY DREAMERS

HAPPY MISTAKES

MILLIONAIRE

WILDFLOWER

HIGHWAY TUNE

LIZ

GRETA VAN FLEET

REMI WOLF

G. O. A. T.

ALL YOUR’N

GOOD DAYS

TYLER CHILDERS

SZA

TONGUE TIED

NONSENSE

CHARLIE BROWN

THE SPINS

HEFFRON DRIVE

SABRINA CARPENTER

KELIS & ANDRE 3000

REJJIE SNOW & ANNA OF THE NORTH

5 SECONDS OF SUMMER POLYPHIA

GROUPLOVE MAC MILLER

Illustrated by Brittany Wiseman