Fun and Furry Times in Oxford: The Canines, Careers, and Cookies Event
Oxford, Mississippi, was buzzing with excitement on October 15th as students flocked to the Martindale-Cole lawn for a special event called Canines, Careers, and Cookies. Hosted by the University of Mississippi Career Center, in collaboration with the Second Chance Animal Alliance and Students for Sustainable Fashion (SFSF), the event promised a delightful blend of furry fun and career exploration.
A Break from Midterm Madness
As the midterm crunch weighed heavily on the students, this event served as a much-needed getaway. With an invitation to play with shelter dogs and indulge in free loaded teas and cookies, who could resist? Liz Dixon, an education and training specialist at the Institute of Child Nutrition and a Second Chance volunteer, explained, “It’s a fun way to destress in the middle of the semester when everybody’s burnt out and to come learn a little bit more about careers.”
Canines on the Campus
The event showcased six adorable shelter dogs, all dolled up in their Halloween costumes, courtesy of Project Manager Sital Sign and Dixon. “It gets the dogs out and socialized,” Sign remarked, adding that it’s an excellent opportunity to capture some heartwarming photos and get to know the pets better outside of the shelter environment.
The Second Chance Animal Alliance is a no-kill shelter located in Water Valley, Mississippi. Sign shared how vital it is for the shelter to participate in campus events, saying, “Besides recruiting volunteers and promoting their foster programs, these events have been instrumental in helping many dogs find their forever homes.” This was the second time the shelter collaborated with the Career Center, and judging by the enthusiastic turnout, it won’t be the last.
Student Experiences and Insights
Among the attendees was Meadow Cooper, a freshman biology major, who came along with her friend Memmah Ibrahim, a fellow freshman studying pharmacy. Meadow was thrilled about the break from her study routine. “It’s nice to get out of the library and actually be outside with the animals,” she said. Both friends felt the event was a perfect antidote to midterm stress and encouraged other students to get involved in similar events. Meadow even expressed interest in fostering a dog for a day through the shelter’s program.
In a surprising twist, Memmah, who initially identified as “not a dog person,” warmed up to the furry companions during the event. “It was fun when they didn’t lick,” she chuckled, showcasing how even those who are hesitant can find joy in the company of these friendly pups.
Sustainable Fashion for a Cause
On a different but related note, the event also highlighted the noble work of Students for Sustainable Fashion, founded by senior real estate and marketing major, Anne York. York, who is actively working on her thesis about sustainable fashion, coordinated the event with her advisor, Christy Wright. Through this initiative, students had the chance to collect used leashes, harnesses, and other dog accessories, thus promoting sustainability. “It’s a wellness event for everybody to hang out with dogs, have fun, and also get involved with the Career Center,” she noted.
York aims to combat the prevalent fast fashion culture on campus, making it clear that she hopes to raise awareness about sustainable clothing practices while giving back to the community. As she put it, “It was important to me to start something that would counteract the Zara and Shein culture.”
Looking Ahead
This event not only provided a delightful escape but also opened up avenues for students to engage meaningfully with career opportunities while benefiting the animals in need. With smiles all around and tails wagging, it’s safe to say this event was a resounding success! There are certainly more exciting initiatives to come, so keep your eyes peeled for similar combinations of fun, learning, and lovable puppies!
