Puppies and Free Food Highlight SAC's Welcome Back Event

CAMPUS VOICES: “HOW IS YOUR FIRST WEEK OF SCHOOL GOING?”

By Laura Garcia

Students got an adorable, furry surprise in the quad this week.

Starting off the spring semester at Santa Ana College, the Associated Student Government along with Administrative Services and Psychological Services welcomed students to the spring semester Wednesday by bringing back its Paws for Stress event and giving away free food.

Paws for Stress began four years ago, when students were given the option to relieve stress during finals week by playing with puppies.The event is run by three Doctoral Psychology interns and this was the first time it took place during the beginning of the semester.

“At the end of last semester there was a positive feedback with people asking to bring it during the first week of school,” said Irene Kao an intern for the psychological services.

According to Kao, pet therapy has been shown to help students as the dogs are trained to not be reactive.

Executive Secretary of Administrative Services Geni Lusk and Vive president of Academic Affairs Carlos Lopez hand out free hot dogs to students. / Laura Garcia / elDon — Executive Secretary of Administrative Services Geni Lusk and Vice president of Academic Affairs Carlos Lopez hand out free hot dogs to students. / Laura Garcia / elDon

“I’m always busy with two jobs, TPP, school and two kids so it’s comforting just petting the dog,” SAC student Priscilla Garcia said. “The fact that the dog is calm makes it soothing.”

Also around campus, Administrative Services handed out free hot dogs, chips and drinks.

“I think that’s awesome, free food at school especially because we won’t have time to go get something to eat. Everyone is pretty nice here, it’s friendly,” returning student Ines Toscano said.

Around campus, booths run by students and faculty provided new and returning students with information, such as directions and a directory of open classes.

“I get to see and talk to the students which is my favorite part about working here,” Vice President of Administrative Services, Michael Collins said. “It’s that interaction that I love about being here at SAC.”