By C. Orvendal
On Oct. 23, four baby goats paid a visit to our very own Glade, offering burnt-out students the opportunity to pet and hold these furry friends. People gathered around, desperate to get a mere glimpse of their fluffy faces. This event was hosted by the Palatine Support Network (PSN). The goats, supplied by Portland Goat Parties, were there in hopes to alleviate midterm anxieties. The goat-petting event has become an annual activity, enjoyed by members of the group as well as interested passersby.
“Lewis & Clark people love goats. We are a very nature-friendly, nature-interested campus. It helps people boost their serotonin, makes their day for some,” said PSN Executive Director Ela Gore ’25. “It’s a good way to hug something cuddly and soft when you’re having a hard day or trying to finish an assignment.”
Previously called The Pio Support Network, The Palatine Support Network is an on-campus support club available to all Lewis & Clark students. Gore coordinates events and meetings for the group. She also communicates with The Support Network, an external organization that helps form support group clubs on college campuses. PSN hosts community-building events as well as meetings in their office, located in the Fowler Student Center.
“We have weekly meetings with groups of four to six people,” Gore said. “It’s to bring people together to create a community and talk about mental health and college life. To have that feeling of support for whatever they’re seeking support for.”
PSN’s main goal is to provide emotional support for students. They do not describe their events as group therapy, but they follow a similar model. Students can discuss anything in the safety of the meetings, from academic stressors to mental health challenges to roommate qualms. The groups are managed and led by trained peer facilitators.
“Our peer support groups are very welcome to anyone and everyone, especially freshmen and sophomores who may be finding college a little more new and may be wanting to look for more community, be supported and express themselves,” said Gore. “We have tea, snacks and art supplies in our office.”
Petting the goats was easily the highlight of my anxiety-ridden midterm week. Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming events led by The Palatine Support Network, such as the potential clothing swaps they have in the works as well as their weekly meetings, and be sure to catch next year’s Goats on The Glade!
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