There can be many obstacles to success in college, but Oklahoma State University students do not have to face them alone.

This was made apparent on Tuesday at the Cowboys Care Resource Fair, an interactive event featuring an abundance of resources and organizations to support OSU students, faculty and staff. Tables included University Counseling Services, University Health Services, sexual violence prevention and support, campus and community safety, Pete’s Pantry, various community resources and Cowboys Care.

Cowboys Care is a campuswide movement led by First Cowgirl Angela Hess aimed at caring for students’ mental health. The initiative began last year but has seen rapid growth among the Cowboy family. For Cecily Schaub, a psychology major and executive member of Cowboys Care, this growth has been a source of inspiration.

“It's really special to see how Cowboys Care brings together students who are genuinely passionate about advocating for mental health on campus,” she said. “I always look around at our events, and I just am so grateful to see everyone is brought together by caring for mental health.”

The resource fair was an accumulation of resources for all aspects of student well-being, including mental health, physical health, public safety and basic needs.

“Cowboys Care is very mental health-centered,” said Claire Leffingwell, the event organizer. “But we also know that if students’ physical health isn’t in good shape, if they don't feel safe on campus or if they don't have access to basic needs, their mental health is going to suffer.”

The event provided easy access to resources students might not have been aware of previously. Julie Bowen, a junior majoring in biology, was surprised by the availability of support for students.

“A lot of it's stuff that you don't necessarily have to qualify for. It's there for you, and a lot of times it's already included in being a student here,” she said. “It's going to be nice to not have to scramble to figure out what I have to do to get taken care of.”

Every organization represented shares a passion for assisting students. From University Counseling Services to Our Daily Bread, they seek to help students through their unique struggles. This resource fair put them all in one place.

“I hope students recognize this as not only a place to talk to people but also the visual representation that there’s a lot of people who care about that,” Leffingwell said.

Cowboys Care strives to care for the whole student, and its dedication has fostered a culture of compassion throughout campus. The fair was an illustration of the Cowboy family’s dedication to this mission of rallying around students and helping them succeed despite their individual struggles.

Cowboys Care Resource Fair

Story By: Adrienne Frye | adrienne.frye@okstate.edu