I discovered Agape accidentally while walking back from taking a physics test. I noticed a greyhound that resembled my childhood dog, Crombie, lying on the grass underneath a tent with a few people. I thought to myself, “I need to pet that dog.”
When I began petting Torrey, it clicked—I felt like I was touching Crombie again, and I couldn’t get enough. Every Wednesday, I looked for Torrey under that tent, and with each visit, I grew closer to the Agape family. I came to see Torrey but ended up meeting new people and listening to their stories. This new family always listened to me talk about everything, from my current gas mileage to my Ancestry.com results, with their undivided attention.
A couple of weeks ago, while sitting under the Agape tent with one hand on Torrey, someone asked me, “How are you?” I realized that this person didn’t want the typical responses like “I’m good” or “I’m getting by.” They genuinely wanted to know how I was doing—a question I hadn’t honestly answered for myself in months. Reflecting on that, I took a step back and assessed my feelings. I recognized that Agape, this family that welcomed me with love and acceptance, was much more than a tent and a dog; it was a place where people truly cared about each other.
Every Wednesday, as I pet Torrey and talk with both new faces and familiar ones, I allow myself to take a break without feeling guilty—a struggle I’ve always faced. Even after just 20 minutes, I leave feeling relaxed and able to reflect on myself.
My time at SDSU has been incredibly challenging. Balancing a construction engineering degree, making friends, and being nearly 3,000 miles from home has negatively impacted my mental health. However, Agape has provided me with a community and a dog that ease my anxiety and create a space for self-reflection.
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