Far too many college students face difficulties while seeking an education. Depression, anxiety, fitness, social interaction or lack thereof can all lead to a miserable experience if undergraduates are not careful.

Now in its fourth year, the annual Washburn University Wellness Fair gives an opportunity for students to learn about and engage in a better college experience. While Washburn’s career, counseling and psychological services can provide students a sense of direction, other community institutions offer advice for nutrition and fitness. Additionally, places like Complimentary Health Collective run massages for relaxation, and a booth even had free condoms.

“There are so many different dimensions of wellness than just the physical one,” said Celeste Hajek, Washburn employee wellness coordinator.

Since the wellness fair started, it has grown from taking up half to the entire Washburn Room in the Memorial Union and expanded from under 20 booths to nearly 60. Although the fair initially took place in the fall, Hajek believes a move to the spring has had some inexplicable impact on the development of this year’s event.

“Of course, I always want as many people as possible,” said Hajek. “With the record number of booths, I think there is also a record turnout.”

Though Hajek says that each booth is unique in its own way, the allied health’s booth stood out to her.

“They screen the carotid artery,” said Hajek. “That can actually be an indicator of heart disease, which I think is really neat, too.”

As part of Tracy Routsong’s health communication class, Kelsey Schweer, freshman biology major, attended the fair as part of the course, but found it to be enjoyable, nonetheless.

“I’m a fairly active person,” said Schweer. “I like staying fit and all that. I’m kind of geared more toward those kinds of exhibits. Overall, they were all pretty interesting.”

On the other hand, Schweer thought some of the exhibitors may have been able to try harder at reeling in students and engaging them.

Although she was under the wrong impression initially, Schweer came to enjoy the Brain Health booth dealing with Alzheimer’s.

“What attracted me to that exhibit was there was a pair of running shoes,” said Schweer. “The lady was really nice. She took time with everyone who went over to that exhibit and giving attention to each person. I really like that because that gets people interested.”