As part of ETSU’s Counseling Center, OASIS hosted “Show Yourself Some Love Day” with free clothing items and accessories in The Cave as a way to serve students and remind them of their inherent beauty and worth.
“We want to encourage people to have positive thoughts about themselves,” said Millhorn, a graduate assistant for OASIS, “Especially in light of [COVID-19]… it’s been a very demoralizing time.”
The event included an appearance by Koda, the counseling center’s therapy dog; an affirmation board where students could write positive messages; tons of free clothes, shoes and accessories; as well as free snacks, stickers and pins.
Clothes were available for students of all sizes and genders. Students who attended were encouraged to find new outfits that matched their style and take home as many items as they wanted during this “celebration of self.”
Millhorn said that if nothing else, she hoped that people would walk away “feeling encouraged, loved and a part of a community.”
Beginning in mid-January, OASIS received donations from ETSU students and faculty as well as people in the greater Johnson City community. Any items leftover from the event will be donated to ETSU’s Free Store, which works to provide free clothing and small housewares to students and faculty who are in need.
According to Millhorn, the “Show Yourself Some Love” event came about from a desire to “give to students” and to “remind people that they are beautiful as they are.”
She also said that one of the biggest goals of outreach events like this is for students to be reminded that “the Counseling Center exists here, and it exists to serve them. Everyone is included.”
Some of the Counseling Center’s offerings include group counseling, “Let’s Talk,” “BucsPress2,” mindfulness workshops and one-on-one counseling sessions.
Bringing the Counseling Center into the open in this way may help lessen feelings of shame that students may feel when it comes to talking about mental health. Anyone in crisis is encouraged to reach out to the Counseling Center for help as soon as possible.
The “Show Yourself Some Love” event was OASIS’s main event of the semester; however, there are a few more exciting things lined up. In April, OASIS will be partnering with other campus organization’s to host a 90’s themed prom, and students are encouraged to stay tuned for more information about this and other events that are to be announced.
More information on OASIS and the services that it provides can be found on the ETSU website or on its Instagram at @oasis_etsu. Students are also encouraged to reach out by emailing OASIS@etsu.edu or by calling 423-439-3333.
