By Anastasia Smith
Features Assignment Editor
Many college students will agree that one of the hardest parts of leaving home is departing from pets. Pets are loyal companions and increase hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine, in the human brain, particularly dogs and cats. However, college dormitories aren’t suitable for the typical domestic pet. Some schools don’t even allow fish. But for those that do, it would seem that small pets and even plants would make a big difference in the mental health of students.
Jordan Gusch, a freshman childhood studies major, gave her perspective on how plants can help ones mental health.
“My plant is a dionaea King Henry Venus flytrap,” Gusch said. “Her name is Sheryl.”
Gusch and her roommate “adopted” Sheryl last semester, as a way to make their dorm less unfamiliar.
“I look forward to seeing her every day,” Gusch said. “She makes my room much more lively.”
Gusch said that having a plant allows her to relax and give her the same companionship her cats gave her before coming to St. Bonaventure University. It also gives her a sense of accomplishment.
“She helps my mental health because I like talking to her and taking care of her. I had to leave my cats at home, so having a plant helps,” Gusch said. “Caring for Sheryl helps too because it adds to my routine, which eases my anxiety. It also makes me feel responsible for something, so I feel accomplished.”
Gusch also said it helped the adjustment period when she first arrived at SBU.
“I do feel having a plant has helped my mental health. It makes me feel more at home, and is a nice companion in my dorm,” said Gusch.
Hannah Legacy, a sophomore journalism major, said that her lizard Gizmo has helped her immensely. Legacy’s lizard is an emotional support animal and an aid to her mental health.
“I have a bearded dragon named Gizmo. He is my ESA, emotional support animal,” said Legacy.
Legacy also said that having her pet puts her in a better mood.
“I always look forward to spending time with him,” Legacy said. “He brightens up my day.”
Legacy described why she needs her ESA, citing how something as small as a bearded dragon makes a positive difference in her psychological health.
“I suffer from anxiety and depression. Oftentimes, I find it hard to get the motivation to even get out of bed,” Legacy said. “But, seeing that little lizard in his tank, watching me, reminds me that someone needs me. If I don’t take care of him, no one else will.”
Legacy goes on further about the deep bond between her and Gizmo, and says how much he means to her.
“Since getting Gizmo, my mental health has improved tremendously. I don’t know what I would have done without him, to be honest. He’s been with me through thick and thin.”
Although many students confess to missing their larger pets at home, they also note that small pets and plants have the same effect on their mood. Ultimately, it seems that these small companions make a big difference.
smithan18@bonaventure.edu
