By Kathy Williams, Features Editor
Prioritizing mental health has become a growing concern for people, especially college students. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become more challenging than ever to ensure people’s mental health is not suffering.
Some students have found new ways to cope with the pandemic during the spring semester by applying to have an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) on campus. An ESA can be crucial for students here at St. Bonaventure University because it helps create equal opportunities for students to enjoy life and alleviate any symptoms of the person’s disability.
Kaitlin Sinclair, a junior adolescence education major, has had her cat, Peter, with her since the start of the spring semester.
“You have to fill out a form through disability services and have it signed by an outside counselor,” said Sinclair. “Adriane Spencer, the director of accessibility services and accomodations at St. Bonaventure University, has to make the final approval.”
Sinclair was not the only student that brought a furry companion to campus. Isabella Ambrogio, a senior elementary education, has had her 6-yearold chihuahua, Cody, for four weeks to help her this semester.
“Last semester and the beginning of this semester, I really did not leave my room unless it was for class or to get something to eat,” said Ambrogio. “I had no reason to.”
People nationwide are experiencing similar struggles to Ambrogio. Remote learning, quarantining and social distancing has led some people to a life indoors. An ESA can change that.
“Now since I have Cody, I take him out every couple of hours, and we take long walks around campus which helps me stay a lot more active than I would if he was not with me,” said Ambrogio. “Living alone and not being able to have my friends come over can get really lonely, and since he has been here, I do not feel lonely at all anymore.”
Sinclair found similar comfort with her cat, Peter.
“Having an ESA is comforting to me as I struggle with being alone as well as anxiety, so I am grateful that I can have Peter with me in my room as some type of support,” said Sinclair.
A pet on campus may be exciting, but taking care of it requires great responsibility and patience.
“It will take some time for the animal to adjust to a new environment, and you need to be patient during this time with them. It definitely takes a lot of work and you need a lot of patience, but overall, I have seen such an increase in my mental and physical health,” said Ambrogio. “I believe it is beyond worth it to have Cody with me here.”
Sinclair and Ambrogio both agreed that there have been no bad experiences with having an ESA on campus. However, it is a big commitment.
“Take into consideration things like your schedule, how long they [ESA] will be left alone during the day, money you are going to spend on their food, toys, etc.,” said Ambrogio. “I think that it is definitely worth it overall.”
A student with mental health issues can consider obtaining an ESA to live on campus with them.
“I think anyone who wants an ESA should get one,” said Sinclair. “Talk to your roommate, if that is applicable, or your housemates. Animals are definitely a serotonin booster.”
An ESA can also benefit the campus community.
“People love seeing him [Cody] and playing with him,” said Ambrogio. “It definitely helps others feel more at home when they see other animals on campus and can cheer other people up.”
Although the COVID-19 pandemic is still lingering, finding ways, such as an ESA, to boost one’s mental health can improve one’s quality of life.
williakp18@bonaventure.edu
