Staff Writer: Sandoval, Lina University Times

Section: Events Title: Mind Matter’s- Paw’s for Life

As the crowd of students gathered and formed a line at the Mind Matters booth outside of the

California State University, Los Angeles book store in anticipation of getting their opportunity to

pet the furry visitors, that so calmly and generously sat while they waited to allow students to

stroke them, you could hear students excitingly talk amongst their peers. The hardworking

members of Mind Matters and Student Life partnered together along with student health,

counseling, shack students and volunteers from Pause for Love in order to host the first and only

stress relief event of the quarter.

“Part of the stress relief sources are for therapy purposes and it is a nice way for students to

pause for life, we know students are extremely stressed out,” said Jen Miller Dean of Students.

Unfortunately, not all students have the privilege of having a pet at home, the struggles of trying

to manage full load schedules’ while working, participating in other extracurricular activities,

being away from home and having to live in studios and or apartments, leaves students’ with

little to no time or space to care for a pet.

“I love dogs! But unfortunately being a full time Masters Transfer student at CSULA, I am not

able to care for a dog,” said Electrical Engineer student Priya Dee.

The positive and cheerful vibe that one could not help but feel while at the Mind Matters event

was un-deniable. Within a short period of time the line that had started out with just a few

students’, stretched out and wrapped around the Golden Eagle Statue that so proudly and

distinctly stands outside of the CSULA bookstore facing the library.

Members of the event, quickly worked together to maintain order and structure in order to allow

all students an opportunity to briefly visit the CSULA furry visitors. The sunny bright sky and

warm temperatures only contributed to the already beautiful and peaceful environment.

“We want to try to allow all of the students who took time out of their day to come out to the

event to have an opportunity to interact with one of the pets,” said Sydney Torres a member of

the Center of Student Involvement.

Although the Mind Matters event is only hosted once every quarter, students who do not have a

pet of their own and are in need of some furry love, can stop by the CSULA counseling center to

visit CSULA’S very own furry mascot.