Camille Jennings

Emerging as a freshly graduated senior, desperately trying to escape the reality of a pandemic, and anxiously attempting to grasp the collegiate lifestyle, I was wildly dissatisfied with what my reality held. Holding on to the expectations of finding my niche and my people, as well as finally having the freedom from the parental grip, UGA’s pandemic “edition” school year disappointed all these aspects. I was stuck in my dorm, enduring a perpetual cycle of zooms, and staring into the gloomy soul of my lit screen. The four cold white walls (which added to the prison aesthetic) that surrounded me continued to enclose minuscule amounts every day making me feel trapped. I soon realized that I needed an escape, an outlet. I began to investigate an emotional support animal but once I realized the time and money that was required to be invested, I instead began to look for a loophole. I came across the Guide Dog Foundation, which I quickly became a member. This decision was one I do not regret. After attending several meetings and training courses, I became a camper and am on track to raise my own puppy in May. The dogs I bring to my classes bring happiness to both students and staff members and will bring joy to their future handlers.