Week 15 Draft

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FINAL PROJECT Rough Draft Hridya

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Week 15 Nathan Zhang

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Rough Draft - Mallory Wells

Introduction

There are not one, nor two, not even three cultural centers scattered about Purdue diverse campus. In fact, there are four small institutions that seek to support Purdue students, especially those that belong to minority groups. And when I took a closer look at each one and what they could offer, I found myself intrigued by what the NAECC (or the Native American Educational and Cultural Center) could offer. As an outsider looking in, my previous experiences with the NAECC have been almost entirely for an academic purpose, as many other honors courses explore multicultural perspectives and pair up with institutions across campus. However, I have not been observing the NAECC for a bland, stagnant purpose that can be explained fully through numerical values and fancy words. My focus is intended to observe the more “human” aspects of community interactions, and how students, faculty, and volunteers of all backgrounds can interact together as a group.

A cultural center such as the NAECC is a hotspot for these vital interactions, where we can view and experience just what makes Purdue’s campus so vibrant and exciting. We aren’t here to look at communities through a microscope, we are here to experience our campus’s diversity through the minute and everyday experiences that contribute to a cultural identity. Over the course of these observations, the Native American Cultural Center proved to be the base of operations, exploring the ways this house, and this community, come together to support and uplift other members. This kind of interaction is our focus, and has yielded various interesting results, which help answer our question of how cultural-specific spaces contribute to a sense of community belonging.

The Encouragement of Outsider Engagement

To begin, it is important to outline just exactly how the NAECC draws in their visitors, as they simply cannot achieve their goals without an audience in which they can interact with. Many of these visitors are online subscribers the NAECC Newsletter, in which emails are sent that outline the upcoming artistic events, seminars, talks, and achievements of the Native American community at Purdue. However, this source of information has proven itself it be quite exclusive, as one needs prior knowledge of the NAECC, their website, and how to navigate it to even sign up and receive this newsletter. But if we are to analyze the effects of this newsletter in a different way, it could also contribute to a sense of tight-knit community amongst those that are interested enough to subscribe to this material. As one takes pride in subscribing to magazines and newspapers, the same feeling is achieved through belonging to a group that appreciates the NAECC and their activities. 

Visitors are welcomed with open arms for any and all events held at the NAECC, and all across Purdue’s campus. My observations, from October 31st, hint to a welcoming environment in which any and all visitors are encouraged to interact with and share their thoughts about Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann. This “Spilling the Tea” book talk had a wide, almost impressive variety of visitors from all ages and backgrounds, one that had no room for possible discomfort. As I had written in reflection, “I felt very contended and pleased to speak to others, especially the older woman who decided to sit next to me. Today, the community within the NAECC seemed to be more close-knit because of the cold outside on Halloween night.” Seated next to an older woman who was visiting from across the bridge in Lafayette, a pair of young ladies (book enthusiasts who belonged to the Native community), and a male student who went to the screening of the movie adaptation the night before, a wide variety of perspectives could be found and considered to come to one’s own conclusions about the topics shared during the event. Visitors are maintained through the NAECC’s encouragement of various activites in which all people can take part, even if they do not belong to the Native community themselves. Appreciation can be found without exclusivity, which contributes greatly to the culture and experiences made by the frequenters.

Challenges with Drawing In Visitation

Every visitor to cultural centers has different experiences and emotions, and therefore, we can concur that these visitors also have a wide array of challenges they face before actually stepping into the building. The pressures faced by the expectations of cultural competency can be a problem for many, as is the case especially when one does not belong to the culture in which the community represents. To reference the very first couple of sessions in which I have observed the happenings of the NAECC, from my perspective, I found myself greatly intimidated by the customs, expectations, and rules of an unfamiliar space. With no prior knowledge, experience, or any friends that had visited the center before me, I can imagine that my concerns were not entirely unlike those experienced by other first-time visitors. Trying new things tend to make others fearful, especially if their presence alone could result in discomfort among those who already exist within the space. From my October 26th observations, I had commented on my very first impressions of a regular day at the NAECC, saying “The lack of sound made me feel rather uneasy, as most other spaces on campus are exceptionally busy and loud during the time period I went to the NAECC.”  This shows that sense of discomfort that a newcomer could possibly feel, although that feeling faded rather quickly over the next couple of sessions.

Referencing the experiences of other guests at two “Spilling the Tea” events, in which tea traditionally consumed by Native Americans is served alongside various conversational topics, many other visitors seemed to share the same sentiments. Many of the guests gathered has never been to the NAECC before, and seemed to carry with them a sense of unease before the talks actually started, as this supplementary time was there for socialization. Before one can fully be assimilated into a campus community, Native American or not, making friends will always serve to be the most important aspect of spending time within a space. And from my November 3rd observations, I had reflected on feelings of awkwardness caused by me not belonging to the small groups of friends that always frequent the common areas. So a further challenge is definitely maintaining that connection to a space, even after the first impressions have been made and one is comfortable with the image and layout of a cultural space.

Finding a Home

The focus of this project is not to just observe and comment on the experiences of those who visit the Native American Education and Cultural Center, but those who actually find a “home away from home” in a place that seeks to encourage appreciation of their own culture. The important aspects of a Native American student’s sens of belonging can be found highlighted in The Journal of Higher Education’s “Home Away From Home: Native American Students’ Sense of Belonging During Their First Year in College.” This article writes about the underrepresentation of Native Americans in the United States population as a whole, and how that can contribute to a considerably lower sense of belonging. To do that, the author claims “To support Native students’ sense of belonging, institutions must validate and incorporate Native culture and perspectives within the ingrained Eurocentric cultures of non-Native colleges and universities.” (Tachine, Page 1) Purdue is one of those non-Native colleges and universities, in which they are predominantly attended by those of either caucasian decent, or other minority groups in which other cultural centers exist. Purdue University plays host to the NAECC, offering a space in which Native American students and visitors can affirm their sense of belonging in a space that is meant for the gathering of people with similar descent. 

Observation proved to be a valuable tool in which I could analyze the levels of comfort, friendliness, and actual numbers of this particular demographic, and I had various observational instances that prove the effectiveness the NAECC has in achieving a sense of unity within the Native American Community. Over the course of many observation days, it had become apparent that the cultural center is used primarily for small gatherings in which students study, but it must be noted that many of these instances are from students that may or may not belong to the Native American community. Even so, the home-like architecture of the NAECC, along with casual furniture, a functioning kitchen, and common spaces for socializing, community and friendship is not hard to find amongst regulars to the space. The air has never been stuffy or uninviting to those who frequent the center, in fact, a student’s sense of cultural belonging can be enhanced greatly by the various artworks, foods, teas, and friends that can be found. When no other space exists for a Native American student’s appreciation and use, the NAECC is a good blend of comfort, familiarity, and cultural showcasing that a visitor would be pleased to see again.

Conclusion

Ever since the very conception of this project, there have been various perceptions that have shaped the course of my experience, almost all of which has resulted in challenges. My perspective, as both a cultural and community outsider, led to a strong foundation in curiosity, openness, and cultural self-awareness that I was lucky enough to take into my observations. With no clear knowledge to persuade my perspective, coming in with a clear mindset, as well as a strong desire to learn, allowed for a much more enjoyable experience in which trying new things became the norm. At the NAECC, each student and visitor served to help me grow in my cultural competencies, with shared experiences that not only informed me of this special campus community, but also included me in the very fabric of what makes the cultural center unique.

Each event, experience, and instance combines to answer the question of how the NAECC contributes to an overarching campus culture, and the reasonable conclusion we can come to is that these institutions are invaluable to instilling a sense of cultural pride, discovery, and curiosity. With hosted activities that encourage outsider engagement, combat the apprehension that prevents engagement, and highlights the Native American experience, the Native American Education and Cultural Center is successful in promoting cultural awareness and appreciation. And this is the main purpose of all cultural centers on Purdue’s campus, to bring all students together in greater awareness for the variety of cultures we host as a university. Despite my challenging perspective, the NAECC allowed me the experience that any cultural center strives to achieve: To draw more demographics of students into their campus community.

Addie Powell

Opening

BEEEEEP BEEEEP - We all hear the intercom machine make the loud noise, notifying us that someone is trying to order.

“I would like a foot long coney cheese dog basket with fries and a large root beer float.”

“Okay, anything else?” The intercom worker asks politely.  

“No, thank you!”

The tray is prepared with ketchup, and salt, then the tray is pushed unto the kitchen counter to begin food processing. The foot long coney cheese dog is finished first. The tray is slid forward up to the drinks worker.

“Order up. One large root beer float!” says the fryer.

The creamy root beer is slowly poured into the frosted mug and carefully placed on the tray. Finally, the tray is in my hands. I grab some napkins, bundle up the spoon and straw, then I head out the door to station number 7.

“Hi, how are we doing today!” I greet the customer with a smile, and I engage in some small talk, hoping to receive a tip.

The customer is a regular, the sweetest elderly man, who will only tip twenty-five cents. However, I never mind taking to him because I always welcome a familiar face. We catch up, talk about the weather, how school is going, and I am back on my way inside Dog N Suds.

Key Themes

Customer Service

Servers are expected to perform and communicate with costumers in specific ways. How a server or carhop is supposed to act is described in this article by Jang. The text states that human service include attributes of “trust,” “friendship,” and “customization.” This is meaning that servers and carhops develop friendships and connections to those who they serve. An order is always customizable, and a sense of trust is developed. These attributes were all found to have a positive impact of the customers’ experience (Ha-Wong, Jang; 2021). In the same way, my coworkers reported they show professionalism by always being respectful to the customers. One stated, “I am professional by making the customer’s experience the best it can be. An example would be asking if they needed any more drinks or condiments or even asking if their food was okay at the end when I pick up their tray.” If we are kind and friendly to customers, they are more likely to have a satisfactory experience at the restaurant and return for business. Additionally, a manager responded by saying that he shows professionalism by constantly being on time and by being an example to his employees.

The article by Youngsun and Baker highlights emotions and when an emotion is socially acceptable. “The individual often works on inducing or inhibiting feelings so as to render them appropriate to a situation.” Growing up, we are taught to act a certain way in certain places (Youngsun and Baker; 2019). Therefore, if we are having a bad day personally, we cannot let this effect our work life. My coworker, Kenzie, told me how she may act differently during a shift. “I show professionalism at work by being able to speak well with the customers and staff, as well as properly taking care of any issues that may arise. I do act a little bit more cheerful and patient in hopes of making more, but overall, in or out of the workplace, I generally am the same. I try not to let whatever is going on in my personal life affect how I deliver my service at work.” Kenzie worded this well, as she explains how we must always deliver the best service possible. People come to Dog N Suds to see smiling faces and enjoy delicious food. They do not want their servers to be in a bad attitude or to have personal issues arise in the workplace.

Tipping

Many customers expect that tips motivate better service. Therefore, one may expect a restaurant that has tipping may have better service. Often, if a customer does not tip, the server, or carhop, may become discouraged. However, it is important to remember that we will be meeting a new customer with a completely new order soon. Again, we must keep our attitudes positive and our friendliness plentiful. The article by Ofer goes in depth over why people decide to tip after they have already paid for their food. Two main potential reasons are that tipping is a social norm, and a strategic behavior aimed to assure good future service. If someone does not tip, he or she may have a sense of awkwardness or fear after the interaction. It has become a social norm to tip someone who is bringing or preparing food (Azar, Ofer; 2008).

My coworkers at Dog N Suds also had ideas of why people may or may not tip in the service industry. Kenzie explained, “I thank customers tip because they see how hard we work, and they value our service and the industry.” Customers see that the carhops are prepping the trays to take outside, serving the food, collecting the money, picking up the trays, and cleaning. Many people feel the pressure or want to tip the carhops more. They want to reward us for hard work, and this is similar for other service industry workers. Next, MaryCate told me about her thoughts on why customers tip. “I think customers tip because they can see the majority of us are young girls trying to earn money to pay for school or have some extra spending money.” If we are not crazy busy, customers will engage in conversation with the carhops. They love to know more about our lives, while not sharing too much. When customers become knowledgeable about lives, they also become invested. Sometimes, they give an extra few dollars, or more, because they are eager that we are a working student. Finally, an idea that is becoming more common, people tip because it is becoming a norm. My coworker, Jackie, said, “I think customers tip because it has become a common norm in the US. Many people either expect it, or they believe they are rude if they do not tip. At times, people will tip something, even if it is a small amount.” Some people simply tip because they think it is expected, and they do not calculate the percentage.

Old-Fashioned

“Our drive-in format allowed families to get out of the house, enjoy something different while still staying comfortable and safe.”

“It’s one of the few places here that’s been around this long. People know it’s a staple, and it has that feeling of nostalgia with a familiar menu that they love to come and support.”

“I think people return year after year because of the consistency.”

“I’m super grateful that this community has supported locally owned business for this long.”

Each of the quotes above are from local members of the greater Lafayette community who enjoy visiting Dog N Suds for many reasons. An article I read about Old-Fashioned Concept businesses describes why customers enjoy these types of restaurants. For example, the building of Sonic is shaped to hold cars, but not seat people indoors. Additionally, it discusses the duties of a carhop and what is typically served at these kinds of restaurants. This source is helpful in my research of studying the Drive-In aspect of Dog N Suds, but it is outdated. The article was published in 1984, therefore many tendencies and norms may have changed, so I must account for this. Although Sonic is not the same as Dog N Suds, there are many similarities (“A Modern-Day Business Succeeds with an Old-Fashioned Concept”).

Dog N Suds has twenty-eight slots for cars to drive into. When a car pulls in, they will press a button, which rings into the intercom worker inside. After the intercom worker confirms the order with the customer, a tray or bag, depending on if the order is for dine-in or to-go, is placed or the back line to begin preparing the food. As the food is being cooked, the drinks worker is making any drinks orders. Then, the carhop receives the tray or bag, and she adds any extra napkins, utensils, or condiments. Finally, the order is brought out to the customer, and the payment is received. However, people love to come to the restaurant of Dog N Suds for reasons other than the unique drive-in aspect of it. Customers enjoy seeing familiar faces and a sense of community. They regularly see carhops and inside workers from the large glass whom they recognize. For many, Dog N Suds has been in the community since they were children. Additionally, the community supports Dog N Suds because it is family owned. People value consistency and familiarity.

Conclusion

I chose Dog N Suds as my “place” for this semester because it was my first job, and it gave me some of my best friends. I have been working at this restaurant for over five years, and I have learned so much about myself and the world. Today, I am much more outgoing, and I have strengthened communication skills. I have also lived in Lafayette my entire life, and I remember visiting the restaurant as a child. When I first got the job, I also felt a sense of nostalgia like other customers sometimes do. The restaurant brings back memories of summer family meals, softball games, and late-night dinner runs.

I had the perspective to simply “be friendly and positive to customers,” because I did not know about norms or hierarchies when I first started. However, over the years, I became a carhop and I quickly learned that there are always norms and hierarchies in the world. Many of my coworkers reported a hierarchy of the carhops being above other positions because of their pay and gender. Because only women are allowed to be carhops, people who identify as other genders are completely left out of consideration of the carhop position. Because Dog N Suds is considered an old-fashioned themed restaurant, no one has ever challenged or tried to change this norm. However, in my opinion, this is one aspect I think should change about Dog N Suds. Those who identify as other genders can do everything that a female carhop can do, and this should not be an inequality in the workplace.

Consequently, Dog N Suds continues to hold some of my favorite memories, and I value my role there. I am hopeful for what its future may hold.

“A Modern-Day Business Succeeds with an Old-Fashioned Concept.” vol. 46, no. 4, 1984, pp. 90, 92, 94, https://www-webofscience-com.ezproxy.lib.purdue.edu/wos/alldb/full-record/FSTA:1985-03-G-0086

Azar, Ofer H. “Strategic behavior and social norms in tipped service industries.” The B.E. Journal of Economic Analysis & Policy, vol. 8, no. 1, 2008, https://doi.org/10.2202/1935-1682.1778. 

Jang Ha-Won. “How Important is Human Service for Sustainable Restaurant Businesses?”.   Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Management, vol. 48, 2021, Pages s I 406-415, ISSN 1447-6770, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhtm.2021.07.017. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1447677021001212)

Kim, Youngsun Sean, and Melissa A. Baker. “Observer reactions to other customer incivility.” International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 31, no. 3, 2019, pp. 1292–1308, https://doi.org/10.1108/ijchm-03-2018-0262. 

Week 15 Peer Review on the Creative Final Project

Research project rough draft

Ever since I first toured the John Martinson Honors college at Purdue, the physical building along with the supposed strong community has called out to me. Then when I actually came to the college, I found an amazing environment with a healthy and strong community in which I felt that I fit in. So initially I wanted to study the honors college and what factors contributed to it being such a strong community. I had some initial questions along the lines of how does the physical environment effect the community? What are other factors that generate this strong community? But I sort of changed my scope towards the end as I acknowledged that everyone had a different experience then I did. My questions became more along the lines of: is the honors college a strong community and if so, what makes it strong/weak?

Overall, in the project, there were a few themes that arose:

Belonging:

As demonstrated in numerous scholarly articles and studies that I read through, a sense of belonging is vital to creating a strong community. In one article, Dr. Gravett and Dr. Ajjawi demonstrated in their study that there is positive correlation between and sense of belonging and personal well-being and academic achievement, (Gravett, Ajjawi, 2021). The personal well-being part is important as the well-being of individuals in a community can play a role in the strength of the community. Moreover, another study aimed at studying the effects of social inclusion and belonging on the four basic social necessities derived in another study. These necessities include belongingness, self-esteem, perception of control over the environment, and perception of leading a meaningful existence. Overall, this study found that social inclusion contributed to a better maintaining of these four necessities leading to better personal well-being, (Bernstein, 2010). 

This idea of a sense of belonging is echoed through pretty much all my interviews. In my interviews with one person, when I asked them if they believe that the honors community is a strong community, they responded saying that as a whole the floors are relatively disconnected, and many people live outside of the community which may put a strain on that sense of belonging. When I asked them what they would change about the honors college, they said that the college needs to stop excluding some people in the name of inclusion. So, the belonging aspect isn’t exactly perfect in this person’s opinion. The other people that I interviewed both believe that that the level of belonging and inclusion are overall good in the honors college, with one person pointing out that the physical spaces of the honors college are literally built for socializing and helping to cultivate that sense of belonging among residents. All of my interviewees also mentioned that they feel that they belong in the community.

Engagement:

This is another big theme that made an appearance multiple times in both my research and interviews. One of the studies I read found an overall sense of community was directly correlated to community engagement, (Talò, 2018, p. 589). So the more engaged one is in their community the stronger their sense of community typically is. 

This was reflected in my interviews where the people that were most involved often said that the honors community is a strong community. Moreover, pretty much all of my interviewees agreed that the faculty is incredibly engaged and passionate about helping every student grow as an individual and achieve academic success which helps contribute to that stronger community.

            I also saw engagement pop up heavily in my observation of our hall wide capture the flag game. In this game, I noticed that for that week, each floor community became very strong as overall involvement and engagement skyrocketed. People that typically weren’t involved with the honors community became heavily involved with this game which led to a much stronger sense of teamwork and community. One of my interviewees who was very involved with the game mentioned that the increased engagement allowed him to not only meet and see new faces on our floor but also get to know other floors better too which just goes to show that increased engagement leads to more opportunities to socialize, meet and associate with other people in the community.

Solidarity:

A very common theme that I saw moving through this study was solidarity, or a common community goal. Two interviewees described a strong community as one where everyone can care for each other while focusing on building each other and the community up. That part is the common goal that the community shares. Another interviewee described the strong community as one that has shared fundamental values and goals. Just in this one question alone, there is a common theme that shared goals and values contribute strongly to a strong community. This idea is then heavily reflected in my readings. One reading describes a strong community as a diverse and with a common goal that focuses on building the people in the community up, (Celestine, 2016). Another study I read found a correlation between a student’s perception of their teacher/faculty’s mindset and their overall academic success, (Kroeper, et. al, 2022). In other words, if a student perceives their faculty of having a growth mindset, that student is more likely to be academically successful. Once again, this is another example of how a community— both faculty and students— can share a like mindset or goal. This theme is very prevalent throughout my studies and research.

            Once again, in my observation of the capture the flag game, I noticed that this idea of a like goal played a role but in a. different context. Every floor had the like goal and mindset that they were going to win, which strengthened the floor engagement and floor community for that time.

In conclusion, I went into this research project believing that the honors community is a very strong community based on several factors. I also feel that I very much belong in the community as I have gotten incredibly involved with it. However, after much research, observations and interviews, my personal experience is just one of thousands, and the reality of the honors community is much more nuanced than I perceive to be. Overall based on my research and interviews, I can come to the conclusion that the honors community may be a strong community but still far from perfect. For one, it’s hard to generate belonging, and community when all the floors are so disconnected and don’t really socialize much. It is also difficult to do so when many honors students don’t live in the honors college and don’t really associate with the community. Every person I interviewed also was quick to respond with ways that they would want to improve the honors college, which included more appreciation and respect for service staff, and perhaps building some open floor layout that would help other floors collaborate and associate more. The disconnect between each floor really shown true with the fallout of the capture the flag game as the game left each floor community stronger, but relations between the floors bitter. Overall the honors community is a strong community but still has room for improvement.

Here is my draft. I chose to present my project through a brochure. I appreciate your feedback!

Anthony Mendoza Week 15

As you walk along Stadium Avenue on your way to a Boilermaker football game, you recognize a large house with a vibrant red roof. Just like it did the first time, it catches your eye, sticking out with its particular architecture. You decide to take a walk up to the front door and walk up the winding brick steps to the red front door. Looking back at Stadium Avenue, you read the letter lining the back of the heart-shaped sign “Those who truly loved us, never really leave.” Knocking on the door, you are met by excited college students. They welcome you in and ask what year you graduated. You respond, although you are distracted taking in the hardwood floors and ornate China cabinets. You follow the boys who let you in on your tour. Along the way, you reminisce on the great times spent in the halls you pass through, getting hit with a nostalgic wave as you walk into the basement. You see yourself on a composite from 3 decades ago, baby faced and barely over 18. It is hard to believe it has been such a long time since you lived within these walls. Walking back to the lawn, you feel a sense of peace, knowing the place you loved so deeply while in university is still in great hands. 

This is the experience Alumni of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity feel as they walk through their old house at 690 Waldron Street. Their hearts are filled with nostalgia and gratitude as they reminisce on the good ole days. They tend to realize the differences of the modern chapter as they walk through the facility, noting the improvements in cleanliness and order. Nonetheless, the pride they feel from the moment they walk through the red door is apparent.

To fully understand where this love for a random house on a college campus comes from, one has to learn and center themselves with the values that brought the men and women who have lived in the house together. The following investigation will seek to explore these values and the interactions people have had with the house over the span of the last few decades ranging back to the 1950s. This exposure to the entire range of Purdue’s living history will reveal how the cultural norm has transformed over the last century. 

The first of the values members of Sigma Phi Epsilon follow is that of virtue, or going the morally righteous thing. I most noticed this value sticking out when I heard alumni and other inhabitants of the house speak about their motives for getting involved with SigEp. Alumni John Derr ‘58 and Norm Nabhan 71’ remembered joining the fraternity because they noticed SigEp was a positive presence on the campus, and were encouraged by their friends to join to do good things for their community. They both spoke of the high reputation and prestige the fraternity held on campus at the time, and its influence on their decisions to join. Moreover, former house mother Nonnie Owens told me a lengthy story about the situation that spurred her on to serve as house mother in the first place. The Purdue SigEp chapter had a severe hazing problem in the early 1990s, and she was convinced her presence and influence would lessen these issues. She went through a laborious lobbying process to get the position, and found she was right as she was able to positively influence the behaviors and etiquette of hundreds of SigEp men in her time in the house. 

In deep contrast, through my research I uncovered some very negative aspects of the fraternity that directly contradict the concept of virtue. Again in my conversations with Mr. Derr, I learned of the origins of violent hazing. He claimed the spike in GI Bill veteran-students, particularly from the Korean war, was the starting point of this culture. The Army men came to Purdue with the belief that in order to be a man, one had to go through intense trials, both physical and mental. Their solution infested the fraternity system with vulgar and repulsive hazing activities not suited for this paper. Hearing these stories was not only personally shocking, but Mr. Derr also pointed out that it was his least favorite part of his time living in the chapter home. He frankly did not understand how you could do those things to a man you called your brother. Although the violent hazing likely peaked around Mr. Derr’s time in college, I collected stories of hazing and violence towards brothers from most of my other interviewees up until the modern day. 

All 6 of my interviewees highlighted their appreciation for the modern local and national SigEp policy of no pledging or hazing. When I asked the questions, “What would you change about your chapter” and “How has the active chapter changed since you graduated” in some way or another all of them worked their way to expressing their happiness that this divisive practice had been abolished. The change in hazing culture sticks out as the most clear transition in the culture inside of 690 Waldron.

The value of diligence refers to someone's ability and intent to pursue hard work and improvement. I was pleased to find that this value was very much steadfast across the generations I interviewed. I learned of a range of stories of how the fraternity experience taught the alumni I interviewed how to work hard. Whether they were constructing massive slip and slide towers, planning boisterous parties, or running for campus leadership positions, the common thread of pushing each other to achieve higher shone through. In my conversations with Norm Nabhan, I learned of how a SigEp brother helped encourage him to step outside his comfort zone and try difficult things. This started with running for recruitment chair his sophomore year, and resulted in him having the confidence to launch a career in finance, where he has now been a fund manager for over 4 decades. Similarly, former chapter president Mike Bilder ‘98 credits his experiences living in 690 Waldron with proving to himself that he could lead people through hard times. This belief helped him later take control of his career situation, where he now finds himself as CEO of Jackbox Games. Yet another example, Doug Bowen ‘93 now runs a majorly successful construction firm he founded, and explained to me how his experience as a leader in his chapter gave him the skills he needed to run a growing company in a fast paced industry. 

These stories sound fantastic, and the results these men gained from their experiences in Sigma Phi Epsilon are palpable. In each of these cases, the alumni made sure to let me know that the only reason they got to where they are today is because when they were young, they made mistakes, and their brothers were there to catch them, right them on their feet, and show them the path towards success. This is what diligence means, and it is clear that this value has remained intact over the history of the chapter. Looking to the modern chapter to see how the value of diligence has developed over time, we see much of the same consistency. Chapter leadership is constantly pushing younger members to develop themselves professionally and through leadership opportunities, in and out of the fraternity. The internal seeking of improvement is a central part of the SigEp identity, and it has been interesting to see how the value has remained central and constant.

Likely the most self explanatory value, brotherly love refers to the obligation members of Sigma Phi Epsilon have to express love and support to each other. This can come in many forms. I most commonly heard of the fond memories alumni shared with brothers of fun times spent in the house. In particular, in response to my question, “What was your favorite room in the house,” time and time again I was told the front veranda of the property hosted the alumni’s happiest memories from college. Lori McCain ‘82 dated and married a SigEp, and spoke thoroughly about her love for the veranda and the people she spent time with on it. It surprised me that a simple porch on the second floor could hold such sentimental value, but as she explained that it gave them a place to be themselves and spend time with the people they loved, it began to make sense to me. Love is hard to quantify, call out, or define, but when you have it, you know. I knew from the minute I asked this question how much love my interviewees held for the house and the people they loved when they lived there. Hearing the passion the alumni had for their memories cemented this for me. 

Love can come in many forms, and the form most common in my interviews was that of compassion and enduring storage. Storge is a type of love typically built between family members and founded upon shared memories. Fittingly, I found this emotion was most revealed through stories alumni had of other brothers. I could tell through the excited intonation in their voices as they told stories of roommates and friends how much they cared about these people. In their minds they had gone to the ends of the earth and back for each other, whether that be through an Intramural championship run or living as roommates. These bonds were lifelong and tough to break.

Unfortunately, I believe the hazing that plagued the older chapter detracted a lot on the brotherly love brothers shared. I heard from a number of alumni that they had very strong bonds with their pledge class brothers, but I rarely heard anything positive about their relationships with older and younger brothers. Instead, I was told the alumni wished there had been more interactions between pledge classes, and that they often had to break up angst and disputes between older and younger brothers. Much of this negative culture came from the divisions originally created when brothers harmed the younger men during pledging. 

It is hard to conclude where the status of brotherly love has fluctuated over the years. All of the alumni and house staff I spoke to cherished their time living-in more than any other time in their lives, and remarked still holding strong relationships with many of the brothers they lived with in their time in college. They look back on their college years as their “golden years,” yet there is a stark difference in the culture of love in their chapters in comparison to the modern chapter. Today, we find freshmen befriending seniors and strong mentorship relationships forming regardless of age. Brothers still have fun together and make lifelong memories, albeit through safer means. I cannot state that the alumni necessarily had a less loving experience than we do today, but I think it is safe to say we have a more well-rounded definition of brotherly love today.

Culture is a very ambiguous topic, and adding in the curtain of time adds in further confusion. As the study of the culture within 690 Waldron Street developed, I realized how difficult it would be to fairly analyze and compare different eras of Purdue SigEp culture. In order to do justice to each time period I studied, I had to consider what the contemporary definition of normal was, as opposed to looking at the stories I heard solely through my modern perspective. For example, the oldest alumnus I spoke to graduated the year before Sigma Phi Epsilon integrated and opened membership to men of all races and religions. Hearing the way older alumni described their peers always felt a little bit off. But as I pondered these interactions and discussed them with my family and peers, I began to understand that times have changed significantly since these alumni were studying. Practices like hazing, out of control partying, and academic excellence were valued far differently than they are today by everyone. The most fair conclusion I could draw from this thought process was that SigEp, especially the fraternity living in 690 Waldron, has always been and will continue to be an exaggerated example of the contemporary culture around them. In the 1950s they adopted violent hazing in leu of global war veterans, in the 1970s members picked up drug culture following culture shattering events like Woodstock, in the 1980s and 1990s the men partied like no other, and as the advent of social media hit in the 2010s, the brothers ended up getting themselves in deep trouble in part due to the internet. Now in the 2020s, the chapter reflects the microscope that university student life is under, following the numerous rules imposed. We promote and publicize our participation in culturally accepted positive behavior like philanthropy and personal development. As I found from my search into the value of diligence, it seems SigEps have always wanted to be the best at what they do, and it is clear that although the definition of the best has drastically changed over the last century, this aspiration has remained the same, with the chapter across the years projecting an amplified version of the expectation and view of excellence in the fraternity system.

Monday, November 27th - Nikhil Sadavarte (NSS)

Staring at formulas and figures, I sat at the desk with a pencil in hand staring intently at my homework. Like me, about half a dozen os uf were working on side projects, homework, or scrolling on our phones, waiting to see what awaits us today. And sure enough, a call came and we were off.

“Biker incident on highway, male late-twenties/early-thirties, no other information known”

Seconds later we were loaded in the ambulance and, sirens blaring, we were off. Everything we had been doing just a moment before was out of our minds as we reviewed the protocols for a Trauma Scenario. We assigned each other's roles, prepared the stretcher and AED, and brought out the first aid kit. My primary role was to control any major bleeding, something that tends to happen during motorbike accidents. I pocketed gauze and had trauma shears in my hands, ready to cut off any clothes that interfered with wounds. Everyone was preparing for their own roles, and within 5 minutes we reached the destination and began doing what we were trained to do.

The nature of the emergency medicine field is that everything is spontaneous. There is only a certain level of preparation that goes into every scenario, the rest relies on intuition, calmness, and resourcefulness. As EMT’s, we are generally given the bare minimum before we drive off and we work with what we are given. Most of the time, the result is positive. Unfortunately, it does not always pan out that way.

Emergency healthcare professionals experience some of the most taxing careers - both emotionally and physically. This report is meant to analyze the stress and burnout that EMT’s  who serve their entire careers face. 

The first, and possibly the most important area of investigation when it comes to understanding the plight of EMS professionals and realizing the levels of burnout they experience in their community is developing an understanding for what their traditional day looks like - and it is highly volatile. One of the defining features of the profession is that - while they may clock in at 9AM and clock out at 5PM - the job description is inherently volatile and unstable. EMS professionals must be ready to spring to action at a moment’s notice, irrespective of their feelings or mood at the moment. Shifts are operated on with no structure meaning that it is not uncommon to see EMT’s who regularly skip meals from the morning until the end of their shift due to back to back calls while physically exerting themselves and straining their own well-being. The shifts tend to be 12 hour shifts as well, with many EMT’s covering night and day shifts at different times throughout the week. Chronic sleep deprivation from back to back shifts and inconsistent sleep patterns cause the circadian rhythm of most EMS professionals to be severely skewed. Often, this chronic sleep deprivation can become linked to a myriad of other health issues - both physical and mental ones. The unpredictable nature of emergency calls adds another layer of complexity to the already volatile schedule, forcing EMT’s to have their minds “switched-on” for a full shift and then “switched-off” for the next one. While the adrenaline rush that EMT’s tend to be met with is essential for the quick decisions they often need to make, the frequent exposure to the adrenaline and high-stress situations can once again lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout. The volatile schedule and lack of routine is often what forces EMT’s to carry a burden that is quite difficult to deal with. In the interviews, this is a picture that is all too familiar for most of the people at the station. One interviewee recalled her last shift, working back-to-back 12 hour shifts because no one could cover the ext day. She remembered falling asleep in the middle of the day but constantly waking to ensure that she had not missed a call from Dispatch. She explained that her sleep schedule over the past couple years has remained poor and highly inconsistent, often causing her to come into work “looking like a zombie and feeling no better”. These experiences are not all that uncommon in the EMS profession, most considering it a regular or a rite of passage into the field. Rookies who just pick up the job are expected to work weekends and late night shifts at least once soon after being employed so they can laugh about the difficulties of late night shifts with their coworkers. While well-spirited, this promotes a volatile and unstable lifestyle that is simply impossible to live with without facing some level of burnout. 

Another encompassing theme that I noticed was the coping strategies that EMT’s tend to adopt to deal with the stress and difficulties of the job. Once again, the job description dictates difficult conversations and regular exposure to experiences that most people would hate to have. The psychological demands of these activities can be quite high, only heightened by the unpredictable nature of the job and the inability to prepare for these scenarios before seeing them. In response to this high stress environment and the repeated exposure to it, many EMT’s learn to compartmentalize their emotions and create mental barriers that help to temporarily process their emotions while dealing with the problem at hand. This skill, as unfortunate as it is, is vital to thinking in-the-moment and making decisions even when you would much rather leave the scene entirely. When it comes to long-term processing, most EMT’s choose to employ their own coping mechanisms which allows them to either play down or push out ideas that they do not want to think about. One of the most common of these is dark and gallow humor. The ability to find humor in the midst of chaos and the ability to desensitize yourself in order to achieve that layer of humor is a mechanism that many use to diffuse the emotional burden that they face. This coping strategy can often serve as a psychological pressure valve that provides a momentary respite from the gravity of their work and is common among many of the EMT’s that I interviewed. EMT’s also tend to find solace in the external activities that provide an escape from the demands of their profession. The most common example of this is the gym. This is an amazingly productive way to release frustration, anger, and even solace that may arise at work. The gym, for many EMS professionals, is especially useful as we often have to buddy-lift patients in cots. The stronger of a person you are, the more efficient and smooth the experience for the patient is. Almost every EMT at the station I interviewed cited the gym as one of their favorite places and talked about the gym as one of their coping mechanisms for work - even if not the primary one. Other activities, such as reading, proved to be an excellent escape from reality for many EMS professionals. One of the interviewee’s that I had said that he always had a book handy in the biggest pocket of his pants. If he ever has a call which he would rather not think about, after dropping the patient at the hospital, he sits in the back and reads his book. Others resort to having books in their phones, and one interviewee even said that outside rent and food, her biggest expenditure is books. They all say that it helps give them something else to think about and they love the idea of inserting themselves into a fantasy world and taking a break from the real one. While effective, most of these types of activities can be improved and new productive techniques can be found for EMT’s who do not fit into either of these categories. 

Finally, most likely the largest roadblock when it comes to solving burnout in the EMS profession, is the inability for EMT’s to gain access to mental health services. There is a perceived stigma that is associated with acknowledging mental health struggles within the EMS community. The prevailing culture often values stoicism and the unyielding demeanor that many imagine health care professionals to have. While it is not advised that EMS professionals break that image while in public, or especially with patients, it is often something that they need to continue past their interactions with patients. As an interviewee explains, the people at the station expect that same level of calm and coolness from each of the employees. Breaking down in the middle of the shift or “taking a mental break” after a hard call is not something acceptable while you are still on a call because are too many things to do and too few people to do them. The fear of professional repercussions, for being deemed unable to work as a clinical professional, is another major problem. Many EMTs are severely concerned that going to a mental health professional will cause them to either lose or temporarily suspend their licenses. While there is little truth in the statement, it is still enough to ward off most from getting the help they need. While - in their minds - the threat of licensing would mean stopping the career that they sacrificed so much for, it also means that they are unable to put food on the table. For many this is simply unacceptable and the idea of going without professional mental health seems a lot better in comparison. EMS professionals in general prode themselves on being an unbreakable body paired with a steel mind. Breaking it is often perceived as weak by other EMS professionals which is an intimidating thought to most. One of the interviewees talked about this. As a trainer for other EMT’s she remarked that she is terrified of the people she teaches hearing about her own mental health challenges and thinking of her as weak. She feels that their respect for her may fall which in turn would make her job all the more difficult. She was also scared of the idea of a lost of trust from her teammates in her own abilities. These fears are something common among many EMT’s - whether they face mental health challenges of not - and is an uncomfortable truth of the profession. Changing this needs to be the utmost priority in the EMS community for any real change to be made. 

Ultimately, these are the three largest contributors in my opinion to the high levels of burnout in the EMS community. My own perspectives as an EMT have certainly strengthened the  position and are most certainly biased opinions. While trying to be as unbiased as possible, the evidence being qualitative and a result of my own interpretation of verbal interviews carried out with EMS professionals resorts a large amount of power to my own biases. Subconscious or not, my perspective has definitely had a resounding impact on the direction of this paper andI hope to see another opinion on it, one that does not share the bias as I do.

Week 15, Kelsey Bennett

The air is buzzing, electric with excitement as we wait in the basement of the Loeb Theater.  The Purduettes line up, about to go onstage for our first performance of the year, Purduette Premiere.  It will also be my first performance as a new member of the Purduettes.  We have prepared so hard, practicing every day, and even having a week of camp before classes started.  I feel ready and well prepared, and so do the other Purduettes around me.  We just want to have fun and entertain the audience.  We are not worried about missing a note or a dance step, and that is all thanks to the wonderful directors and student leaders who organized everything.  I can’t help but ask myself how they do it.  The leaders all have very solid positions and everything runs like clockwork, quite a contrast to the leadership in my old high school.  Before a performance back in high school, I always felt nervous because there were unanswered questions and not everyone was always solid on the notes of the songs.  People would then start to get frustrated, creating a non-safe environment.  But here, obviously the directors and student leaders have a very solid foundation to work off of, and I am curious to know more about that foundation.

The first theme that I discovered through my interviews with the leaders was that passion is the driving force of why all the leaders do what they do.  Applying yourself for a leadership position is entirely voluntary, and as one of my interviewees stated, “You don’t get paid or get a trophy or anything, a lot of it is behind the scenes, and on top of that you must continue your schoolwork.”  If one is to become a leader in the group, they must be passionate about the group, otherwise they would not be a good choice for the position because of the reasons listed before.  Something else another interviewee stated that stuck with me was that she wanted to “lead in love.”  She believes that those who follow someone should not follow them just because they have to or they are afraid, but they should follow someone because they actually believe in what the leader is saying.  I totally agree with this philosophy, and it makes me glad that the leadership believes in it as well.  It shows that they have passion for the group and all of its members.

The second theme that showed up was communication.  The leaders have multiple organized meetings with each other, and these meetings are probably the main reason for everything running so smoothly.  The Gold and managers meet for an hour once every other week (twice a month), and the managers have a meeting with the director every week.  One of my interview questions was to rate the communication between leaders on a scale from one to five, one being awful and five being excellent.  Out of the five people that I interviewed, three of them gave a 4, and two of them gave a 4.5.  Some of the reasons for these ratings include, “My committee mostly has online communication which can sometimes make things easier or harder,” and “It’s just that sometimes people can be forgetful, but it’s never intentional.”  The main reason these ratings, however, was that communication has drastically improved over the last few years.  For instance, during these leadership meetings, people are less afraid to bounce ideas around and there is more transparency with things like performance dates.  Another one of my questions was to rate the communication between leaders of groups from other PMO (Purdue Musical Organizations) ensembles on a scale from one to five.  Three interviewees gave a 3 and two interviewees gave a 3.5.  Managers from all ensembles do meet during Managers’ Council once a month, but some reasons for these ratings are that “Communicating with other groups isn’t a part of my job,” and “There’s varying expectations for every group so it can be hard.”  It seems that group leaders are of course focused on the needs of their own group, so there is less time to worry about what is going on with other ensembles.

Finally, the last theme I noticed was change.  All of my interviewees talked about how much Purduette leadership has changed over just the last 4-5 years.  According to them, leaders were more unapproachable and much more strict about keeping up appearances/the group’s reputation.  This means there were more rules pertaining to hair, makeup, tattoos, piercings, and always having a smile.  Now, there is much more of a focus on mental health and wellbeing, as well as self expression and individuality.  As one of the interviewees mentioned, “Now you don’t have to be perfect, just bring your best.”  Another leader stated that COVID and lockdown was most likely the main reason for this change.  “Lockdown really helped us re-evaluate what is actually important in life and in a group like this,” she reflected.  Purduettes as an ensemble has been around for about 80 years now, so of course I figured that there would have been some sort of change like this at some point, due to how the treatment of women has changed over the years.  However, I did not expect that this change had only happened around four or five years ago.  It makes me grateful that I entered Purduettes when I did, because I do not find the current leadership to be scary or strict at all.  I can tell that the current leadership successfully changed how the old leaders ran things for the better.

As a freshman and a brand new member of the Purduettes, my perspective and story differs quite a bit from the stories of the leaders, who are mostly upperclassmen.  Coming into the group, I could tell that all the members deeply care about their artform and each other, and it was very easy to feel safe around everyone, even the leaders.  I never would have guessed that Purduettes used to be not as safe of an environment, especially even just a few years ago.  Now, there is an immense amount of accepting and welcoming feelings from leadership and all the members.  Everyone wants everyone to be themselves and succeed.  I am very grateful that I entered the group when I did, and I am grateful that the current leaders saw something that needed to be changed and did something about it.  Their leadership has inspired me to create change where I see it is needed, and to always find a way to keep improving things that are important to me.

Week 15 Reagan Hart

Here is how I formatted my interviews and their themes

Week 15 Reagan Hart

After long days of studying and homework, I find myself yearning for the gym to release pent up anger from the day. Being able to take advantage of Purdue’s Recreational Center, Corec, has been a key contributor to protecting my mental health. It should be this way for each student on Purdue’s campus. But sadly, this is not true. For most the Corec is a scary and intimidating place that most tend to avoid. The Corec has become a place of division and judgement. When going to the corec you should be able to go to whatever floor you would like or use whatever equipment you want. But students now tend to avoid certain areas of the Corec in fear of being judged. What is causing this avoidance of certain areas of the Corec and the Corec as a whole? Is it the structure of the building, the lighting, or is it the people that inhabit it? 

The Corec is a four story building, each floor containing different environments. The two floors that are the most important to this study are the basement and the second floor. The basement is commonly called the “bro cave”. This floor contains heavier free weights, cable machines, platforms, and squat racks. This floor also has dimmer lighting and a greater number of mirrors. The second floor is commonly called the “women’s floor”. This floor contains lighter free weights, dynamic cable machines, and more cardio equipment. In this floor there are more windows to allow for more natural lighting. This floor also contains fewer mirrors than the basement. 

Key Theme 1: stress relieving 

            The gym is a sanctuary where the weights are used as a remedy for everyday stressors. The gym should not be looked at as a collection of equipment but as a “therapeutic escape”. A frequent Corec attendee said that she “likes to run and goes to the gym to clear her mind”. For some the rhythmic sound of the treadmill or even dumbbells can drown out negative thoughts formed from the day. Engaging your muscles can help disperse stress throughout the body and dissipate mental clutter. The gym can effectively leave one rejuvenated and ready to face the day. The concept of the Corec being a stress reliever has been proved scientifically by the Mayo Clinic. It has been shown that “physical activity may help bump up the production of your brain’s feel-good neurotransmitter, called endorphins” (Mayo Clinic). Endorphins are very crucial to one’s mental health. They are released in response to stress or physical activities, like working out. When they are released when working out, they can act as natural pain relievers or even as mood elevators. Endorphins can cause a positive feeling all throughout the body. Another frequent gym attendee goes to the gym just to have the constant flow of endorphins. She says that she goes to the gym to “have more serotonin” and to get the “runner’s high”. The natural release of serotonin, that happens during a run, is a remarkable way the body regulates stress. This attendee relies on running to start their day off with a positive mental well-being and motivation. But there is one key similarity between the two attendees that are looking for their therapeutic escape. They both rely on the second floor of the Corec.  During their interviews they both expressed their admiration for the second floor of the Corec and how they appreciated the natural lighting and the excess amount of windows the second floor had. Having natural light within the Corec can create a positive atmosphere and boost endorphin levels like physical activity can. Ultimately, a gym with natural lighting can create a positive and more enjoyable environment. Making the basement of the Corec less inhabited by people like these two attendees. 

Key Theme 2: avoidance

Not everyone embraces the gym with open arms. Some see the Corec’s atmosphere as daunting and intimidating. The environment of the Corec plays a very large factor in wether or not someone may go to the Corec. Some sections of the Corec also tend to not be as welcoming as others. Many of the attendees agreed that the basement of the Corec is the most intimidating level of the corec. One attendee said that it “can be too busy in the evenings” and that “ the weights section is intimidating”. The excessive amount of equipment in the basement can be overwhelming. The equipment can look confusing for beginners. Beginners may have the fear of using new equipment wrong in the busy basement of the Corec. The busy evening crowds can feel extremely competitive and overwhelming. The Corec is also avoided because some attendees do not feel like they belong based on the design of the Corec. The Science Direct talks about how the atmosphere of the gym can cause emotional barriers in patrons at the Corec. The basement of the Corec has dimmer lighting and more mirrors compared to the second floor of the Corec. This environment can be intimidating for beginners who do not think they are as strong as the other at the Corec. The dim lighting and the mirrors are targeted for the excessive gym attendant. Dim lighting and excessive mirrors are not appreciated by everyone. They are thought to be motivating, but they can make attendees feel intimidated and uncomfortable. Another attendee I interviewed avoids the basement of the Corec because they see it as “very dark and secluded”. For new attendees, the dim basement can cause beginners to feel isolated and not allow them to interact with other new attendees. Natural lighting is very important for the gym environment. The second floor of the Corec may draw more attendees than the basement due to the greater number of windows. The natural lighting on the second floor can elevate patron’s moods and improve their well-being. The natural light can also help keep their energy levels high throughout their workout. 

Key Theme 3: judgement

When at the Corec, it is hard not to notice all the individuals pursuing their fitness journey. In the basement of the Corec, there tends to be a great abundance of people far along in their journey, which can be intimidating for beginners. Beginners tend to assume that experienced gym goers are judging them for their lack of fitness knowledge. One of my interviewees exclaimed that they “sometimes felt like she doesn’t know what she is doing and may be judged”. Even though a beginner does lack advanced knowledge on athletic movements, they still do not want to be seen as unintelligent in the gym. Not being able to perform at the same level as everyone else around them can create a sense of anxiety for beginners. Beginners to the Corec, like everyone else, truly just want to fit in the social dynamics at the Corec. Not feeling like one fit in can cause them to want to avoid the Corec. It has been shown that “ Personal-level barriers include negative feelings and emotional barriers, such as embarrassment or low self-image, linked to the emphasis in gyms on conforming to societally-idealised physical standards “ (Science Direct). If someone who is going to the Corec, consistently feels embarrassed and anxious when working out, then they will tend to avoid the Corec. They might constantly feel like they are being judged by others around them because they do not fit the idealized physical standards. Another gym interviewee agrees with the above statement and says that at “certain times the people that are there are rude to others around them”. When they workout out in the basement of the gym, some “gym bros” tend to give well-intentioned but unsolicited advice. Getting unexpected advice from individuals, who are already intimidating as is, can lead to the constant feeling of being scrutinized. 

The Corec is meant to be a sanctuary for self-improvement and motivation. It is a place that one can let time get slip away from them and stress can be taken away through forms of physical movement. But for most, the Corec has become a place of anxiety and social insecurities. Social dynamics can cause the major avoidance, but the layout of mirrors/equipment and the lighting are also causing avoidance of the Corec.  Beginners want a more open and brighter layout. They do not want to feel like they are in the way of other more experienced patrons. Also, not all gym goers are at the Corec to obtain a better physique. They are not going to the Corec to look at themselves in the mirrors constantly. Going to the Corec, for most is an opportunity to create motivation for the rest of their day and clear their minds. 

*please help me with my grammar and keeping me from spinning in circles*

*this is the roughest of rough drafts*

Katie Burlingame- Week 15

I have two parts to my rough draft so far, all the quotes sorted by theme and by the person that said it, and what will eventually become my final project, a comprehensive newspaper with different articles sorted thematically. here's the link to my quotes and to my newspaper, which I am in the process of writing!

Week 15- Katie Figliomeni

Hi everyone,

My post is this link!

file:///Users/katiefigliomeni/Downloads/Fashion%20Magazine%20in%20Blue%20Yellow%20Red%20Modern%20Modular%20Style.pdf

Kamanda Mosongo Week 15

Here y'all go!

https://purdue0-my.sharepoint.com/:b:/g/personal/kmosongo_purdue_edu/EYVYXl0QOU1GoyL0MEXF7fkBk7T7r2SdcRI6VPil_7zVTA?e=zUCa4T

Aditya Ujwal Final Project Draft

Creative Opening

Upon entering Krach Lawn, one is immediately struck by its unpretentious yet pivotal role in the university’s social fabric. Under the influence of natural light, the designated area for student congregation unfolds as a canvas that reflects the juxtaposition of individual contemplation and shared engagement.

The stone benches, scattered across the lawn, bear witness to a multitude of stories—narratives woven from the solitude seekers finding solace in quiet corners to the spirited gatherers that punctuate the landscape. This investigation is prompted by a scholarly curiosity regarding the factors that govern the communal dynamics within this space. It aims to answer questions like “What sociocultural elements contribute to the formation of distinct narratives?” and “How does Krach Lawn, in its simplicity, emerge as a nexus for both individual reflections and collective experiences?“

As we embark on this academic inquiry, the sunlight filtering through the leaves becomes more than an aesthetic detail; it becomes a metaphor for the nuanced interplay of personal and communal narratives. With its unassuming presence, Krach Lawn invites us to peel back the layers and discern the intricacies that underlie the seemingly ordinary interactions within its bounds.

Section 1 : Solitude and Gathering

Within the nexus of university life, Krach Lawn emerges as a dynamic microcosm, where the intricate dance between solitude and collective engagement unfolds. Bathed in the gentle glow of sunlight, this unassuming space beckons an exploration into the nuanced narratives etched within its expansive boundaries. This endeavor seeks to unravel the underlying dynamics shaping individual experiences and collective identities within the communal embrace of Krach Lawn.

In this tapestry of student life, the stone benches, like silent guardians, bear witness to the delicate choreography of solitude. Nestled beneath the shade of trees, these stoic sentinels invite individuals to seek refuge from the bustling campus. The rustling leaves overhead create a symphony, providing an intimate backdrop for moments of introspection and quiet study. Positioned intentionally, these benches foster a dialogue with the self, offering a space for personal reflection amidst the academic hustle.

Contrastingly, the vibrancy of Krach Lawn comes alive in the gatherings that materialize spontaneously. The open layout and lush greenery act as a magnetic force, drawing students away from solitude and into the collective energy of the space. Laughter becomes the currency of communal engagement, with animated conversations intertwining with the ambient sounds of campus life. Krach Lawn transcends its physicality, transforming into a dynamic social arena where students collectively shape the atmosphere.

Through interviews and observations, this exploration captures the diverse narratives that unfold within Krach Lawn. Each interviewee becomes a unique voice, contributing to the communal tapestry painted by the experiences of those who engage with this space. From the psychology student finding solace in solitary contemplation to the freshman engineering student immersed in the camaraderie of gaming competitions, these voices form a rich mosaic, illustrating the diverse ways in which Krach Lawn influences the social dynamics of student life.

As we navigate these narratives, it becomes evident that Krach Lawn is not a binary of solitude versus gathering but a delicate balance between the two. The stone benches, often perceived as solitary outposts, equally serve as stages for shared activities. The expansive lawn, while spacious, thrives on the intimate connections forged in communal interactions. This exploration, therefore, transcends a mere documentation of activities; it becomes a profound journey into the psychological and social dimensions of Krach Lawn.

Krach Lawn, in essence, is not just a physical location on campus; it is a dynamic stage where individual stories harmonize to create the vibrant melody of university life.

Section 2 : Architectural Simplicity

Within the unassuming design of Krach Lawn lies an architectural underpinning that subtly guides and influences social cohesion—a subject paramount to this academic inquiry. Rooted in principles of design and communal interaction, this section endeavors to unveil the symbiotic relationship between the physical layout of the space and the diverse interactions it fosters.

At its core, Krach Lawn stands as an architectural alchemist, its unobtrusive design serving as a silent orchestrator of the social dynamics it hosts. The deliberate placement of stone benches, strategically scattered across the lawn, encourages both solitary contemplation and communal engagement. Scholarly perspectives on environmental design come into play as we unravel the intentional choices shaping Krach Lawn.

As we delve into the academic discourse, we find that the openness of Krach Lawn serves as a canvas for impromptu gatherings, gaming competitions, and shared activities. This openness, coupled with the adjacency to various campus facilities, transforms the lawn into a communal hub. The juxtaposition of theoretical insights with observed experiences paints a nuanced picture of the complex interplay between design and social dynamics.

Stone benches, often overlooked in their simplicity, emerge as crucial components of this architectural symphony. Placed strategically beneath the shade of trees, they invite moments of solitary reflection. Simultaneously, the expansive open area becomes a stage for collective expressions—a testament to the versatility embedded in Krach Lawn's design.

This section, therefore, strives to unravel the intricate mechanisms that transform Krach Lawn from a mere physical space into a communal catalyst. Through a rigorous exploration of design choices and their impact, we aim to dissect the academic nuances that underscore the vibrant microcosm of student life within this space.

Section 3 : Harmony of Perspectives

The design choices within Krach Lawn unfold as a sensory symphony, orchestrating the intricate dance between solitude and community. Environmental psychology provides a lens through which we can interpret the impact of this architectural ballet. The deliberate placement of stone benches, the gentle rustling of leaves, and the expansive greenery collectively create an environment that transcends the physical. These design elements become conduits for fostering social interaction and community building, as substantiated by academic discourse.

Interviews echo the sentiments of individuals finding solace in this deliberate design, affirming the symbiotic relationship between physical space and mental well-being. Simultaneously, the openness of Krach Lawn becomes a canvas for impromptu gatherings and shared activities. The communal buzz, captured through real-time observations, adds a dynamic layer to the environmental narrative.

Under the veneer of simplicity, the stone benches shape the social dynamics of Krach Lawn. Their unobtrusive presence serves as catalysts for both solitude and collective engagement. Scholarly perspectives on architecture and communal spaces come into focus as we unravel the intentional choices influencing the student experience.

The interviews with students reinforce the unique role of these stone benches. They become not just inanimate objects but integral elements of the student experience—inviting moments of individual reflection while also serving as communal meeting points. The academic discourse on third places aligns with these observations, emphasizing the significance of informal and public spaces in fostering social capital. Krach Lawn, with its unassuming stone benches, stands as a testament to the architectural alchemy that nurtures community building.

Krach Lawn's allure lies not just in its design but in its role as a dynamic hub where design and spontaneity converge. The real-time observations during different periods reveal the ever-shifting nature of this communal space. From bustling evenings filled with lively conversations and informal sports to quiet afternoons serving as transitional zones, Krach Lawn adapts to the evolving needs of its diverse user base.

While some students actively seek out the stone benches for personal reflection, others stumble upon impromptu gatherings, discovering the communal heartbeat of the space. This interplay becomes a central theme, highlighting Krach Lawn's versatility in accommodating a spectrum of individual and collective experiences.

Bibliography: Cutieru, Andreea. “The Architecture of Social Interaction.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 7 Aug. 2020, www.archdaily.com/945172/the-architecture-of-social-interaction. 

Peavey, Erin. “Connecting IRL: How the Built Environment Can Foster Social Health.” HKS Architects, 15 June 2023, www.hksinc.com/how-we-think/reports/connecting-irl-how-the-built-environment-can-foster-social-health/. 

Nguyen, Linh, et al. “Where Do People Interact in High-Rise Apartment Buildings? Exploring the Influence of Personal and Neighborhood Characteristics.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 27 June 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7369851/. 

“Exploring the Nature of Third Places and Local Social Ties in High ...” Taylor&Francis Online, 14 Aug. 2018, www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08111146.2018.1502660.

Week 15 Tumblr Prompt (Peer Review)

Please post a draft of your final project by Monday, November 27 at 11:59PM. You can copy and paste your text or include a shareable link (google doc or Microsoft Word on Outlook). To receive full credit for the week 15 tumblr prompt, please make sure to leave feedback, responding to the questions below, on at least one other draft by Friday, December 1 at 11:59pm. Please try to comment on a draft that has not yet received feedback, and keep in mind that the drafts may be at different stages of development.

Can you identify the place, target community or communities, and the central question or focus of the project?

Can you identify 2-3 themes or subtopics in the final project? If so, please list them below.

Does your classmate incorporate different forms of knowledge (e.g., individual reflection, interviews, observations, scholarly sources, popular sources)? Do they successfully synthesize these different sources? Please elaborate by sharing an example or making a suggestion.

(Optional) Do you have any other feedback to help your classmate polish their final project?