Stuffed Animals: Did You Bring Yours?

Photo by: Ashley Alonzo

Sure, it may have been a little embarrassing to have the men’s soccer team carry three stuffed elephants into the dorm rooms for an intimidated freshmen girl. But later, during a hard day of testing, she took comfort from those elephants that reminded her of home. More importantly, they reminded her of why she was here.

Coming to college takes a lot of preparation, paperwork and planning. Transcripts were sent, majors were decided, “goodbye” and “see you soon” were said. Plane tickets were bought, the car was serviced and a packing list was made. College packing lists can be pretty tricky, but one quick trip to Pinterest will give you tons of tips on what to take and what to leave. The main question being how much of your many belongings can fit into a dorm room?

In the midst of the struggle to pack light and remembering the necessities, many college freshmen add a controversial item to their list: a stuffed animal.

As adults, is it now considered weird to carry around a stuffed animal? It has been around since grade school. Does it really need to come to college too? Quite a few freshmen at Ottawa University would argue with a strong YES.

Danny King, a member of the school’s new bowling team, brought a stuffed dog with him.

“It reminds me of my dog at home, and it gives me closure,” King says.

Felisha Runwayn brought two stuffed animals that her boyfriend gave her. They make her feel closer to him even though they are miles apart.

Stephany Fennell, an orchestra and pep band member, brought a stuffed sloth from grade school. It reminds her of what she wants to do in the future with her biology degree.

These freshman and many others brought their stuffed animals for a reason. Whether it is practical or not, is still up for debate. However, these students would argue they are there for comfort and reminders of home. It may not help them perform better in class or in their sports, but it certainly gives moral support. Who knows, it may even help them sleep at night.