Ethnographic Writing Project Fall 2023 by

The Shadey Groms

rileybrucker8_ — 2023-12-13 19:58:23 UTC

The community I observed was a group of mischievous high school boys who are called the "Shadey Groms". I learned that even though they claimed their behavior has stopped, it hasn't. Watching them throw things, make messes, and hurt people in the process made me realize that they would not be doing these things by themselves. It comes from peer influence and wanting to fit in or make their friends laugh. - Riley Brucker

2023-12-15 03:07:53 UTC

I observed an Anatomy class for four months. The community mainly consisted of working students aged 25-30 seeking career advancement. The interesting aspect was how the class setup and collaboration positively affected student engagement and performance. The square-shaped seating arrangement, tutor support, and the use of human body models were particularly noteworthy. This shows that a helpful and friendly environment is really important for learning and improving it. - Shahenshah Ameri

Copley-Price YMCA

amythaingo12 — 2023-12-15 03:21:33 UTC

Since I've been working at Copley-Price YMCA for quite some time, I'm familiar with the layout and rules. I've done my analysis of the mass community we have at this association and learned all the technical rules, employment rates, popular programs, and interesting people that I've witnessed and educated on their standards. This organization hosts more than 10 programs that reaches out to a variety of people whether for their disability, identity, culture, etc. I engaged with a lot of ethnic workers who communicated with the members involved in membership very well and worked in a well-paced environment despite its history of certain drama. One performance I've witnessed was a pack of students at the camp program, all the red-shirt employees for this program helped giving children toys and merchandise, granting them access to several activities that many others couldn't offer. - Amy Ngo :D

The Frequent Flyer

2023-12-15 21:52:37 UTC

My field site was Torrey Pines Gliderport. Before I started my observation and taking field notes, I wanted to find out what the Torrey Pines gliders community is built out of. I expected to find a group of people who have the same passion and desires, hang out together outside of flying school, and share experiences with one another. I was not very far from reality. Paragliding is more than just an extreme sport, it is a lifestyle that requires one to be committed and build a community around it that supports each other. -Nets Kedem

Balboa Rec Center

2023-12-16 03:51:07 UTC

My field site has been the Balboa Recreational Center. I usually go there twice a week and I have been observing all the badminton players and the courts. I learned that the community at the Balboa Rec Center is really open and has a lot of people who you can talk to about anything even if it is not about badminton. The most interesting part of the experience was seeing how everyone was always there to help everyone else. All the people there are so nice and it feels like a big family - Fongsamouth Alathep

Tanya's Nail & Spa

DanielHuynh5550104319 — 2023-12-16 04:18:52 UTC

The field site I chose was Tanya's Nail & Spa. My mother has been the top manager at this salon for over twenty-three years now (soon to be twenty-fourth!). I haven't visited my mother's workplace for over five to 6 years now, so I used this chance to see how her shop was doing, what improvements she and her teams made, and the competition between the three salons within this parking lot. I learned a lot through the interviews I had with the employees and my mother of course, as well as some of the regulars I noticed. I think the most interesting thing I learned about this place was the situation this store was in during the lockdown (quarantine). As for what was the most interesting part of this experience, I would have to say reconnecting with my mother. It's been a while since I visited my mother's workplace, and honestly, I regret it because the last memories I had of this place were irritating and upsetting to look back to. I still have a lot of guilt even after researching this place, it made me feel worse about myself...But being able to talk and reconnect with my mother, aunts, and friends was all I ever could've asked for.

- Hieu Huynh :P

One Legacy Training Center

2023-12-16 07:56:42 UTC

The field site that i observed was One Legacy Training Center which is a martial arts gym that teaches Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, boxing and wrestling. I learned that this place is not just a place to achieve fitness goals but also a place where you can be part of a community. The most interesting

part was how well the parents got along even though they didn't train, but they still showed up to support their kids. Cristian Vaca

Apartment gym

jaxru3 — 2023-12-18 20:42:13 UTC

The sight I conducted my notes on was the gym inside my apartment complex. I learned a lot while observing this sight. I found it really neat how much I was able to observe while I was there. I was able to get a complete understanding of what was going on around me. I also learned a few new exercises to try out in the future.

Carmen dog park

annacastillo236 — 2023-12-20 07:05:33 UTC

I chose to right about this particular dog park because I worked here and it was the most convenient location for me. I found a community of mostly white middle aged men who liked to gather and talk about politics and how there pups are doing. I enjoyed observing the many different breeds that would play with one another. The most fascinating part of it all was having to look through all of the research that people had come up with from dog parks. The articles to story to data describing their own experiences and if dogs really need dog parks. My curiosity led me down many paths on this topic. - Anna Castillo