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NEWS
PIIIO
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2009
5A
RELATIONSHIPS
Overland Park senior Brittany Vaughn lives with three boys, Michael Michelson, Jake Pannenster and the one who doesn't pay rent, Tuxedo. Vaughn deals with her pet allergies year-round to be able to keep Tuxedo, her 3-year-old black and white cat.
Students find companions in pets Study shows household pets give people emotional outlets
BY MICOLE ARONOWITZ
maronowitz@kansan.com
When Brittany Vaughn arrives at her apartment after a hectic day of class, she knows who will be at the door to greet her.
"It's really nice to have a companion," Vaughn, Overland Park park senior, said. "Being in college can
Tux, her cat.
be super lonely sometimes. It's nice to know that he is always there when I get home."
A March 2008 report published by the Anthrozoos Journal, a member of the American Psychological Association, compared results from participants reports of their relationships with pets and relationships with romantic partners.
The Web-based survey of 192 pet owners found that relationships with pets were more secure in every aspect and that they were a consistent source of attachment security.
Rowland said pets provided the unconditional love humans yearned for.
Robin Rowland, director of development at the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City, said people often spent more time with their pets than with their families.
"Every time I come home, my dog is leaping in the air for joy," Rowland said. "Our families are happy to see us, but they don't have the same physical reaction."
"I would have felt lost the whole time I was having problems with my ex." Sbezzi said. "Even though they can't talk or give you advice, they are there to comfort you and tell you everything is going to be OK."
Maryann Sbezzi, Sacramento, Calif., sophomore, has had her dog, a Shih Tzu named Samantha, for two months. She said her dog helped her through a recent breakup.
"It's really nice to have a companion. Being in college can be super lonely sometimes."
TJ Haynes, Shawnee junior, said his cat, Niko, was considered a member of the family by his parents.
"Whenever I bring my cat home to my parents, they always refer to themselves as the grandparents," Haynes said.
Haynes said he spent between $80 and $100 each month on his cat and often purchased toys for Niko to play with.
Sbezzi said she spent about $200 each month on her dog, which included veterinarian bills. She works two jobs to help pay for the expenses.
"I give my cat tons of attention," Haynes said. "He is spoiled rotten."
spending money to have fun, now I have to save some of that money for my dog," Sbezki said. "But I think it is completely worth it to have a lifelong companion."
Vaughn said that she didn't spend much money on her cat, but that she always made sure his needs were taken care of.
4 "Not only do I work to have
"I have to think about him and if he has all the things that he needs
BRITTANY VAUGHN Overland Park senior
before I get the things that I want," Vaughn said. "In a sense it's like having a child because you have to take care of something else that is depending on you."
Rowland and her staff at the humane society match pets
Simply walking or spending time with a pet releases endorphins and strengthens the bond. Rowland said pets were a lifelong commitment because most people had their pets for 15 to 20 years.
with people who share similar personalities and lifestyles. She said people bought pets for companionship and reliability.
"Most people have their pets longer than they have their cars." Rowland said.
"It's really comforting knowing they are always going to be there," Vaughn said. "You can make mistakes and do things incorrectly, and they will still love you. They still depend on you."
Vaughn said she treasured the relationship she had with her cat.
- Edited by Andrew Wiebe
Week focuses on culture
CAMPUS
BY DAVID UGARTE
Shirley Sengmany, Garden City senior, and Lam Tran, Wichita junior, prepare mango salad Monday night at the Ecumenical Ministry Center. "Asian Cooking 101" was part of Asian Pacific Heritage Week and events are being held through Saturday night.
dugarte@kansan.com
The Asian-American Student Union, in cooperation with about 10 other student organizations, is hosting an Asian Pacific Heritage Week of events called "Transitions from Traditions." The week features events designed to educate, break Asian stereotypes and share different Asian cultures with KU students and Lawrence residents.
Matt Bristow/KANSAN
Tony Nguyen, Wichita senior and AASU senator, said AASU had hosted a week of events called "Taste of Asia" every year for 16 years. Tony Nguyen said that as more Asian traditions influenced Americans, it was common to see Asian cuisine, art and customs integrated in American culture.
"Lawrence has always been a haven full of diversity." Tony Nguyen said. "Which is an ideal place for AASU and other student groups to reach out and enlighten the community on cultural issues."
The title "Transitions from Traditions" reflects the transitions Asian-Americans have made from the original traditions of their home countries. Tony Nguyen said the AASU wanted to concentrate on getting students interested in learning more about Asian culture on a larger scale.
Samantha Nguyen, Wichita junior and AASU internal president, said the AASU board chose each event to show the
Taking part in the weekly activities, the Spencer Museum of Art will hold an exhibit on different eras of Asian art Thursday. Friday, AASU will hold a dinner banquet with homemade food and donations from restaurants such as Peking Taste and Thai House.
Chastity Richmond, Iowa grade student and AASU advisor, said the students organizing and hosting the events prepared many of the meals themselves and tried to show a variety of Asian cultures every year.
"They take a great deal of pride in what they do," Richmond said.
interesting traditions of their various cultures.
"There is a stigma that all Asians are the same, or do the same things," Samantha Nguyen said. "That is not true. Asia is a continent containing many different ethnic groups and cultures, each varying on their traditions."
The "Transitions from Traditions" variety show, the final event of the week, will be Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tony Nguyen said it was the best example of the AASU's presentation of the diversity of Asian cultures on campus. The variety show includes performances by the Hong Kong & Macau Student Association, Korean Student Association, Japanese Student Association, South Asian Student Association, KU Cultural India Club
Samantha Nguyen said the event this year was different from previous years because of the large amount of support and input from other students organizations.
"By committing ourselves to strive for the best method to spread awareness and educate the public," Tony Nguyen said, "AASU and its supporters can break down misleading and sometimes controversial stereotypes."
"I really have high hopes for a big turnout. We've tried our best to make each event convenient, affordable and enjoyable to all students," she said. "I love setting up these events to show and break myths about Asian-Americans."
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Edited by Jesse Trimble