By Emma Grace Howlett ‘25
While it is true that the academic workload at Pomona can be trying at times, luckily there is a robust support system to ease the weight. Aside from academic resources like the Center for Speaking, Writing and the Image, the Quantitative Skills Center, and the Sage Fellows peer mentors, the College also provides a plethora of events and activities to manage mental health and lower stress levels during busy exam seasons.
On any given week you can usually find an office or department holding a social event catered with yummy treats. I am always on the lookout for a free doughnut and slouchy armchair to relax for a half hour before getting back to my stack of essays. During finals week, I get (dare I say it) excited for all the special programs devoted to easing the stress levels of high-achieving students.
Such events usually center around animals, as petting a furry friend always has a way of making one feel relaxed. Pop-up petting zoos bring goats, sheep, alpacas, and pigs to campus to allow for fun-filled study breaks. A favorite event of mine was “Goat Yoga,” in which goats stood on our backs as we stretched to really knead out those tightened muscles.
Yet the event that truly showcases how supportive a community Pomona can be is “Dogs on the Quad.” Professors and community members bring their dogs to the quad so pet-starved students can play and stroke the adorable retrievers, doodles, and labs. There are sweet treats for both humans and dogs, and people from all generations socialize and bond over their shared love of dogs. The convivial ambience allows for students to connect with professors in a more informal setting, and meet new people. My dog passed away during my sophomore year, so I always look forward to “Dogs on the Quad” for the chance to play fetch, rub bellies, and become a human treat dispenser.
These events may seem superfluous or cheesy, but they really do make a difference in keeping a positive campus atmosphere. I feel like Pomona truly cares about me and is looking out for my well-being in a holistic sense. Managing mental health and stress levels is an often overlooked part of student life, and these events have made me more aware of my mental wellness in my day-to-day life. And at the end of the day, they are an excuse to socialize with friends when we have busy, overwhelming schedules.
