- Opportunity:
- Many college students suffer from stress; as students we put more pressure on ourselves than our parents did when they were in college because the world is becoming much more competitive. I've noticed that, especially during exams, students can't seem to find a way to relieve stress. High levels of stress can lead to health issues or even depression. I have also noticed that aside from the libraries and academic buildings, many students like studying in cafe/cafeteria environments, like Starbucks, Panera, or even the Reitz Union food court. However I have noticed that these locales can get pretty packed, so students have to go elsewhere.
- Solutions:
- Combine both haha! In all seriousness, I want to start a business of dog cafes. While abroad in Korea, I realized that these types of cafes were really popular among Korean students to study. These cafes would give the opportunity for students to have an additional place to study, or just hang out and have some food/coffee, while playing with some dogs. Dogs, or pets in general, have been known to reduce stress levels; UF brings in dogs during exam week for students to calm down. With these dog cafes, students can de-stress and study at the same time.
- an additional benefit is that the dogs would come from the Alachua Humane Society and other animal shelters, so it would give these animals an opportunity to get adopted or just have more human affection/interaction than what they get in the shelters.
Names are a work in progress and they are not that great yet lol. Feel free tto comment or if you have any suggestions!:
Tail Waggin' Cafe
Canine Cappuccino
Mutts & Macchiatos
Your idea is very interesting. There is a tremendous amount of research that supports the fact that interaction with animals, particularly dogs, can relieve stress. There are initiatives that bring dogs into cancer wards and burn units for this very reason. I really like the idea of not only benefiting the students, but to give the animals love and attention and more so the opportunity of adoption. My only questions is are there any potential liabilities if something were to happen to a student or an animal? Also is there any issue with possibly violating the health code? Would it be legal to have animals inside a restaurant establishment? I know there are exceptions for Service Animals...not sure how it would work in this case. Otherwise I like the idea and I hope I gave you a couple of things to think about and look in to. Good Luck.
ReplyDeletehttps://mcardle526.wordpress.com/2016/02/03/elevator-pitch-1/
You seem so friendly in your elevator pitch and very welcoming, which makes people want to listen to your idea. I personally love the idea of having a place to hangout and study and then during my short study breaks be able to play with some puppies. Since I can't have pets in my apartment, like a lot of college students (especially those who live in dorms), this would be a great stress reliever. I didn't get the chance to record my own elevator pitch, but I am definitely walking away from yours with a better idea of how I should present myself since you did such a great job at that.
ReplyDeleteCamila,
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your idea. I am an off campus student, and attend UF from home, which gives me the luxury of being able to be with my two puppies, Stewie and Teddy, while I study. Most students don't have this luxury which is why I love your idea. My puppies will lick away my tears and always listen to me when I'm feeling down. They'll cuddle up with me when I'm up all night doing an assignment, and they're always my shoulder to lean on. I think your idea would not only relieve students stress, it would also allow for dogs to get more exercise and human interaction, rather than being cooped up in a room all day. I also think that your idea could be a reason for students to adopt dogs from the humane society. If more places were accessible and acceptable of pets, wouldn't more people own them. Great job and AWESOME idea! :) You also have great public speaking skills, I really enjoyed your video! :)
I'd love for you to check out my idea below!
http://laurnetz027.blogspot.com/2016/02/elevator-pitch-no-1.html