Ethnography Project

In my group our main idea was how people express themselves. My group wanted to come up with different ways people express themselves. Instead of the usual, clothing, or hairstyles we picked other ways people express themselves. Jordan decided to do tattoos, Anna decided to do music, and I decided to do organizations or clubs people join.

Students join clubs or organizations as a way of expressing themselves. They join because of many reasons. The club does something they enjoy, the organization stands for what they believe in, there are so many reason why these organizations help students express themselves. I interviewed a few students in organizations and asked why they joined them and how that organization or club helps them express themselves.

Lauren Bukowski's interview

Me: What is Alpha Delta Pi all about?

Lauren: Well, we do so much in ADPI. Every sorority has a philanthropy, and our's is the Ronald McDonald House. We go to the house every couple weeks and help the families make dinner, or hangout and watch movies with the kids. We do everything we can to help around the house, and do anything the families need.

Me: Why did you decide to join a sorority?

Lauren: I decided to join a sorority because they do amazing things for the community, and they are like one big team. I know if I needed anything I could easily call one of my “sisters” and they would be there for me.

Me: Does Alpha Delta Pi help you express yourself? And how?

Lauren: Yess! I picked Alpha Delta Pi because it was perfect for me. Wearing Alpha Delta Pi across my chest is one way I express myself, but being apart of something so big and amazing is another way I express myself. I am a very helpful and thoughtful person, and being a part of the Ronald McDonald house is another way I express myself.

I interviewed my roommate who is part of Eco Reps which is a club/organization, but you also get paid $200 a semester.

Me: Why did you join Eco Reps?

Emily: It's a good way to get involved on campus, and kinda have a job at the same time.

Me: What is the purpose of Eco-reps?

Emily: To educate people on campus on ways to go green, and easy things they can do to help the environment.

Me: How does Eco Reps help you express yourself?

Emily:I am interested in the environment, and helping educate people about how they can help. This club helps me show my interest in the community and environment at the same time.

I interviewed another girl, but I didn't get her name

Me: So what organization or club are you a part of?

Her: I'm actually not part of one, but I am trying to get one started here on campus.

Me: Oh, really? What is it for exactly.

Her: Well I've been looking all over campus to find an organization having to do with animals, and I haven't found one yet. We want to call it Animal Alliance. Basically it will be a club that will meet two or more times a month and we go and help out at animal shelters.

Me:That sounds like an amazing idea, I would be more than happy to join! How do you think this organization will help you express yourself?

Her: Well I love animals, and this is a great way for me to help. By being a part of this club I will get to express how much I love animals, and actually be doing something for them.