Special to The Laker/Lutz News

TAMPA – As kids across Tampa Bay get their back-to-school check-ups, The Florida Aquarium is offering a playful twist on wellness with a check-up for their favorite stuffed animals. 

On Aug. 23 and 24 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., families are invited to bring their beloved plush toys to the aquarium for the return of Cuddle Clinic, now open to the public for the first time and included with general admission.

The hands-on experience transforms the aquarium into a plush-toy hospital, where children can give their cuddly companions a full health check-up while learning about animal care. Children will guide their patients through different stations throughout the aquarium, including check-in with exam form and animal adoption, X-ray, dental exam, nutrition assessments, eye and ear exam, bandages or stitches, lab tests, treatment and prevention, and physical exam.

The Florida Aquarium’s staff and volunteers will be on call throughout the experience to provide personalized attention and support to make sure every stuffed animal leaves in tip-top shape. Whether it’s a well-loved teddy bear from home or a brand-new aquatic friend adopted onsite, all are welcome for a little extra care.

Don’t Have a Plushie? With the purchase of a general admission ticket for Aug. 23 or 24, guests can symbolically adopt a marine animal through the Aquarium’s Animal Adopt program for $40. The offer includes a plush version and fact sheet of the chosen animal as well as an official adoption certificate.

Registration is not required for the Cuddle Clinic. 

On the web: ​​flaquarium.org

ST. LEO – As the new school year approaches, college students across the country are preparing to dive back into classes, schedules and campus life. But beyond simply surviving the academic grind, this year is an opportunity to strive to thrive, grow, connect, and make the most of the college experience. With the right mindset and resources, students can turn challenges into motivation and routine into purpose.

Here are some tips for preparing to thrive this academic year:

Stay on campus as much as possible.

Whether it’s homesickness, a job, or a boyfriend or girlfriend from home, try not to leave campus too soon or too often. The more time you spend getting to know the campus and your new friends (and your new schedule), the more you’ll feel at home at school. Most universities offer social and cultural events so be sure to check those out!

If you are a commuter student, try to also get involved, because that will help create a closer connection between you, your classmates, and the university.

Set boundaries with parents.

Some parents may expect their students to come home every weekend or every holiday. Other parents may understand that college commitments may make it difficult for them to visit often. This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it is important to be clear and consistent about when you can call, text, or visit.

You might also have to let your parents know that you need the opportunity to make your own decisions and mistakes. Communication is an important part of the parent-child relationship even in the college years.

Make friends.

Making friends is key to the college experience. Building new relationships is easy for some students but can be difficult for others. Some students may “click” right away while others may not build deep relationships until later in the academic year.

Joining organizations or study groups can help. Many friendships begin when students share multiple classes or sit near each other in class. Finding something in common like similar hobbies or major can also help build these relationships.

Be the kind of friend you’re looking for by showing up for others and offering kindness.

Practice radical hospitality.

Radical hospitality goes beyond just being polite – it’s about creating a deliberately inclusive, welcoming environment that makes people feel valued. On a college campus, this might include holding the door for a fellow student, joining an ally organization to connect with neurodivergent students, or joining a service group.

Making eye contact and saying “hello” or “good morning” is also a great way to make others feel important. Sometimes the little things may mean the most to someone!

Try to avoid social comparison.

Social media has become a large part of many of our lives. While there are some positive aspects of social media, it is important that you are cautious about how much time you spend on these accounts. Although it is not easy, make a point to avoid social comparison.

Remember that people often post about the positive aspects of their lives, and you might not see the full picture.

Don’t be afraid to seek out resources.

Coping with new things, new people, new classes, and more can be challenging and can create

additional stress. If you are a new student at a university, it may take a little while for you to become accustomed to college life. If you are a returning student, you might still feel

overwhelmed.

It’s a good idea to set expectations for the semester, term, or academic year. What do you want

to accomplish and what resources will you need to be successful? Colleges offer many

resources from tutoring to career services to counseling. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

I hope you strive to thrive this academic year!

Dr. Tammy Lowery Zacchilli is a professor of psychology at Saint Leo University and teaches the popular course, Psychology of Parenting. She is the Southeastern Regional Vice President of Psi Chi and associate editor of the Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research. Zacchilli earned her bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University; her master’s from Augusta State University; and her PhD from Texas Tech.