Kiami Whitfield

Stress can knock athletes off their games

by OIDJ Editor

By Kiami Whitfield College is a stressful time for everyone. Being away from home, finding a job and adjusting to a new atmosphere can be extremely difficult. However, this stress can be elevated especially among student athletes. In fact, 80 percent of college students say they frequently experience daily stress, according to a 2011 study reported by The OU Daily. While there are some perks to being a student athlete, there also are downfalls. They not only deal with all the stresses of college life, but also with the demands of collegiate athletics. For Levi Anderson, captain of the OU men’s…

The effects of therapy animals on stress and mental health

by OIDJ Editor

By Kiami Whitfield Man’s best friend just got an upgrade. With the increase in anxiety, depression and stress in today’s society, there is a demand for therapy and other solutions. However, the solution may be sitting in your backyard right now. More people are turning to therapy dogs as a supplementary treatment to relieve stress. Due to their affordable prices and availability, there has been a large increase in this alternative solution. Elizabeth Maupin, an owner of two registered therapy dogs, said that everyone can benefit from these dogs. “Many nurses, front-desk attendants and parents also reap the benefits of…

In helping others, Mariah Wheeler finds self

by OIDJ Editor

By Kiami Whitfield “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” That quote by Mahatma Gandhi perfectly describes Mariah Wheeler, a senior at Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas. Mariah is a compassionate individual who loves to encourage others and help them succeed. Mariah is a lieutenant of her high school drill team, the Marquettes, and secretary of her school’s Black History Organization. Mariah, 16, says she feels compelled to help others because of what she has experienced throughout her high school career. Marcus High School is a predominantly Caucasian school. Only…