On October 21st, our First Generation Blue Streak Ambassador, Hussan Mustafa, Class of 2028, hosted an event in collaboration with JCU Wellness Center. Students who attended the Goat Therapy event had the ability to spend time with goats, a bunny, and even a duck! It was one of the most wholesome things I’ve seen on campus. This semester has been stressful for many people, and sometimes you forget how heavy everything feels until you're immersed in a genuine experience like this. Watching everyone laugh, smile, and be present reminded me of why events like this matter.
What stood out to me the most was seeing people’s inner child come out. Students are always busy, stressed, and overwhelmed so this event gave them the chance to take a breath and enjoy every moment. I feel like I could see the stress disappear from students' faces. For just a moment, nobody was thinking about homework or exams; they were happy.
This event made me realize how important these kinds of events are, especially for first-gen students and anyone who carries a lot of weight on their shoulders. We don’t always have the time to slow down, and sometimes we forget that we deserve to. That is why I would love to do this event once a semester. It may seem small, but small moments add up, making a big difference. If spending time with a goat can help someone feel lighter, even for just five minutes, then it’s worth it.
I’m grateful JCU is doing more events focused around mental health and giving students spaces to relax, make memories, and build community. Seeing everyone so happy and carefree reminded me why community matters. I’m excited to keep bringing this same energy to campus and hopefully make it a tradition.
