Sarah Truxell
Year/Major = Freshmen/HNFE
Data = 4/23/10
*What are your thoughts about the drillfield?
The drillfield is a great place to do a variety of activities, and a lot of students utilize it for it's space and room for sports, picnics, and such.
*Is it a place you enjoy to go to and be at?
Personally, I don't spend that much time at the drillfield rather than using the paths to go to class. But I would really enjoy having more time to spend there and hanging out there with friends.
*What don't you like about the drillfield?
I wish the drillfield had more paths made into it. I hate that paths get worn into it and takes away from the fresh, green appeal of the grass.
*What are your views on the April 16th memorial?
I think the memorial represents a lot of things in the Virginia Tech community and it's a beautifully landscaped area that honors those lost, but also is a place for remembrance for those who survived.
*What are your thoughts about the events that take place on the drillfield (Relay For Life, Big Event, etc)?
I think the events that take place on the drillfield are great for our community and bring a lot of people to the campus to witness how beautiful is actually is.
*Do you take time to notice anything while walking across the drillfield? What do you notice/see when you are walking across the drillfield?
I tend to watch other people on the drillfield when I'm going to and from class. I usually notice what they are doing, who they are talking to, or most often they are listening to music.
*How often do you go to the drillfield for free time?
I hardly ever spend time at the field unless it's a scheduled event or I am walking to and from class.
Friday, April 30, 2010
interview #2
Monika Quinn
Freshman, 18 years old, University Studies
What is your major?
-I'm in University Studies right now, but I just got into the engineering program here so I think I'm going to continue on with that next year.
What are you doing on the Drill Field right now?
-I'm out laying in the sun right now with some friends. The weather is so nice today and we want to get a little tan so we brought out towels out and we're just talking and relaxing.
Do you come to do this a lot?
-Whenever I can. The weather has been cold and overcast lately so I haven't come to lay out in a while. But if it's nice out and I don't have a lot of work to do I come here a lot yes.
What is your favorite time of the week to be on the Drill Field?
-I love the Drill Field in the mid afternoon after most of the days classes are over. There's always a ton of activity going on, whether it be kids playing sports or people handing out stuff along the walkways.
What is your least favorite time to be on the Drill Field?
-Definitely early in the morning. It's so cold, windy and dreary around that time. Once it hits 11 am is when it's nice out.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Matt's 3rd Observation
April 16, a day that will be forever immortalized in Virginia Tech history. It is 7:30pm, and people are beginning to gather for the candlelight vigil. It is a cool 55 degrees with a breeze from the west that prompts many to don sweatshirts. Numerous people have camcorders and cameras on tripods, including myself. I stand towards the back of the burgeoning crowd, in order to get the perfect shot. The time goes by slowly, as everyone anticipates the beginning of the ceremony. The entire corp of cadets can be seen marching on the drillfield road, towards Burress. They march in step until they stop and wait for a few seconds, then break off into groups and join the crowd for the vigil. 15 cadets join the crowd right in front of me. Apparently candles were being given away for the ceremony at the beginning of the sidewalks to the drillfield. I did not pick one up however, because I would be shooting the event with my camera. As the sun sets and it begins to get dark, the ceremony begins with a speech from our president, Charles Steger. He talks of how only light can drive out darkness, and that as that light we can break through the darkness. One woman and one man then come up and read off the names of the victims of april 16. They say them slowly, and then give a short tribute of the person's talents and passions. As the names are read, a student representative lights their candle from the huge candle in the center, and then takes their place behind the hokie stone bearing the name of the person they are representing. As the names are read, select people in the crowd react. A woman right in front of me hugs her husband as one of the names is read. After the reading of the names, an accapella group sings a song as the candle light is distributed among the crowd. Soon everyone candle's are lit, and they are raised into the air. Everything is silent, except for the eerie breeze that attempts to snuff everyone's candles. The president says a few words, and then the ceremony is over.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Interview #1
Name - Ben Boggs
Year/Major - Freshmen/HNFE
*What are your thoughts about the drillfield?
The drillfield is a great place to get outside and enjoy the weather on nice days.
*Is it a place you enjoy to go to and be at?
Yes I love going to the drillfield and doing outdoor activities with my friends, such as throwing the ball around or playing frisbee when i have the time.
*What don't you like about the drillfield?
I don't like how it's a long walk across to get to my classes on the other side. It's also difficult to get across the drillfield on my bike because it's a narrow pathway with numerous people walking on it. The winters also make the walks terrible.
*What are your views on the April 16th memorial?
It's a great tribute to honor those that we lost on that horrific day three years ago. Where it is placed is a good place because it shows a lot about Virginia Tech and they support we all have for those people; everyone can see it almost everyday.
*What are your thoughts about the events that take place on the drillfield (Relay For Life, Big Event, etc)?
They are great events that allow the students to partake in something that is fun and also a good cause. It's a large area and relatively close to the dorms so it's quite easy access for students who live on campus.
What do you notice/see when you are walking across the drillfield?
Some pretty girls, Burruss hall because it's right in the center, besides that not much really, i'm more concentrated on getting to and from class.
Year/Major - Freshmen/HNFE
*What are your thoughts about the drillfield?
The drillfield is a great place to get outside and enjoy the weather on nice days.
*Is it a place you enjoy to go to and be at?
Yes I love going to the drillfield and doing outdoor activities with my friends, such as throwing the ball around or playing frisbee when i have the time.
*What don't you like about the drillfield?
I don't like how it's a long walk across to get to my classes on the other side. It's also difficult to get across the drillfield on my bike because it's a narrow pathway with numerous people walking on it. The winters also make the walks terrible.
*What are your views on the April 16th memorial?
It's a great tribute to honor those that we lost on that horrific day three years ago. Where it is placed is a good place because it shows a lot about Virginia Tech and they support we all have for those people; everyone can see it almost everyday.
*What are your thoughts about the events that take place on the drillfield (Relay For Life, Big Event, etc)?
They are great events that allow the students to partake in something that is fun and also a good cause. It's a large area and relatively close to the dorms so it's quite easy access for students who live on campus.
What do you notice/see when you are walking across the drillfield?
Some pretty girls, Burruss hall because it's right in the center, besides that not much really, i'm more concentrated on getting to and from class.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Observation3
04/21/2010
8:30pm
Sitting in front of Burrus Hall, temperature around 60 degrees; it’s a windy night with dark blue sky.
Today I’ve chosen to look at the drill field at a different time, perhaps a time were less is going on. As I sit and look across I see just a few students coming back and forward. The drill field is so different at night; it’s peaceful and it was a sense of serenity. It is so easy to hear laughter and random conversations, even from the people who are yards away from where I am. The echoes of their voices seem lauder at night when the drill field is resting.
On the center of the field there are 3 tents set up; I wonder what’s in store for the drill field tomorrow. The pathways that go across the field are all lit up, not only by the lights but also by the moon and the stars. Even though it’s late at night, there are still people playing with Frisbees and footballs.
Before coming to observe the Drill field today, I expected it to be more deserted; however, I’ve realized that our drill field never sleeps. The Drill Field is always there to serve us as a place where we can relax, a place where everyone can enjoy the fresh air, a place where we can come together with friends, but most importantly, a place where we can promote the unity of the hokie spirit.
8:30pm
Sitting in front of Burrus Hall, temperature around 60 degrees; it’s a windy night with dark blue sky.
Today I’ve chosen to look at the drill field at a different time, perhaps a time were less is going on. As I sit and look across I see just a few students coming back and forward. The drill field is so different at night; it’s peaceful and it was a sense of serenity. It is so easy to hear laughter and random conversations, even from the people who are yards away from where I am. The echoes of their voices seem lauder at night when the drill field is resting.
On the center of the field there are 3 tents set up; I wonder what’s in store for the drill field tomorrow. The pathways that go across the field are all lit up, not only by the lights but also by the moon and the stars. Even though it’s late at night, there are still people playing with Frisbees and footballs.
Before coming to observe the Drill field today, I expected it to be more deserted; however, I’ve realized that our drill field never sleeps. The Drill Field is always there to serve us as a place where we can relax, a place where everyone can enjoy the fresh air, a place where we can come together with friends, but most importantly, a place where we can promote the unity of the hokie spirit.
Interviews
Maggie Bollinger: Engineering
Dan Wrobel: Aerospace Engineering
• What is your favorite part about the Drill field?
Maggie: I really like the outside with all the trees and shaded areas
Dan: Being able to cut across it to shorten my time when going to class.
• What do you like the most about the Drill field?
Maggie: I enjoy walking across it on a nice day. It’s so nice to see everyone enjoying themselves outside
Dan: I like being able to have a wide open space to run around with the guys
• What do you dislike the most about the Drill field?
Maggie: Walking across it during the freezing cold winter
Dan: I really don’t like when people try to shove flyers to my face, or when people walk super slow
• When someone mentions VT’s Drill field, what comes to mind?
Maggie: I immediately think of how busy it gets during certain times throughout the year because it is a place where all hokies can come together for different reasons.
Dan: I think of it as the main center place of Virginia Tech; I feel like it’s well known.
• When walking across the Drill field, what do you notice the most?
Maggie: I usually don’t notice much, I simply enjoy the little bit of time I have when I walk across it
Dan: Slow walkers because I walk fast and when I see someone walking slow I go crazy
Dan Wrobel: Aerospace Engineering
• What is your favorite part about the Drill field?
Maggie: I really like the outside with all the trees and shaded areas
Dan: Being able to cut across it to shorten my time when going to class.
• What do you like the most about the Drill field?
Maggie: I enjoy walking across it on a nice day. It’s so nice to see everyone enjoying themselves outside
Dan: I like being able to have a wide open space to run around with the guys
• What do you dislike the most about the Drill field?
Maggie: Walking across it during the freezing cold winter
Dan: I really don’t like when people try to shove flyers to my face, or when people walk super slow
• When someone mentions VT’s Drill field, what comes to mind?
Maggie: I immediately think of how busy it gets during certain times throughout the year because it is a place where all hokies can come together for different reasons.
Dan: I think of it as the main center place of Virginia Tech; I feel like it’s well known.
• When walking across the Drill field, what do you notice the most?
Maggie: I usually don’t notice much, I simply enjoy the little bit of time I have when I walk across it
Dan: Slow walkers because I walk fast and when I see someone walking slow I go crazy
Matt's interview
Will Anderson: Sophomore English major
Ben Watson: Freshman Environmental Science
What is your favorite part of the Drillfield?
Will: The far end closest to the duckpond. Great view. Good for frisbee.
Ben: love to walk across it on the way back from class. Which means I'm done with classes.
Do you play any sports on the Drillfield? If so, which?
Will: frisbee, football.
Ben: heck yes. Frisbee and football softball and baseball.
What does the Drillfield mean to you?
Will: it’s a place that represents hokie spirit. Its where everyone can come together.
Ben: is a place for self reflection during the hustle and bustle of life. Sit and think and get away from the daily grind.
Do you spend a lot of time on the Drillfield? If so, why?
Will: class to class, purposely go if its nice weather. Sports etc. Nice to sit outside and think.
Ben: Yes because I'm taking a lot of classes, and because of sports etc.
How does the Drillfield contribute to Virginia Tech?
Will: it would be a different school without it. Campus unity. Greenspace. A common place that is lacking at
Other colleges.
Ben: serves as the identity of tech. Centerpice of campus geographically. Spiritual cornerstone of hokie nation.
Anything stand out to you when I say the word, "Drillfield"? What comes to mind?
Will: Annyoing people handing out stuff.
Ben: wide expanse of grass.
Anything else you want to tell me?
Will: The drillfield is awesome. Remembered the first time crossed it- kid. For a football game. Dad came here. Michael vick was the man.
Ben: crossing it in winter stinks
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Observation #2
April 16th 2010.
Saturday 8:40am
This morning i completed the 3.2 Run in Remembrance that started at the Alumni Mall near the North Main Street entrance of campus and finished on the drillfield, where participants crossed the finish line between a big blue arch. Many people crowded the drillfield where water and fruits (oranges and bananas) were being handed out, as well as extra t-shirts from the run. People everywhere were either walking around, socializing, or sitting or laying down on the grass, as many were sweaty and exhausted from the run. Later that day at around 12:30, I walked to the community picnic that was held on the drillfield. It was sunny, but very windy. Music was playing, people were laughing, some were playing frisbee, while others just sat and absorbed the sun. Food was being distributed; pizza, wings, italian ice, while others brought their own food. There were people of all ages walking about; children, parents, elders, etc. and dogs also were seen throughout the drillfield as many of them were playing fetch with a ball or frisbee. Although many people filled the air with laughter, there was silence that surrounded the memorial where many people visited. Later that night at around 7:30pm, very many students, parents, children, members of the community, etc, joined together on the drillfield in front of the memorial for the 'University Commemoration & Candlelight Vigil'. It was amazing to see how many people gathered to remember and support our fallen hokies; as the sun fell, the commemoration began with remarks from Charles W. Steger and Brandon Carroll, which was then followed by the reading of the 32 names, and the lighting of their candle. Following the 32 names and lightings, the light was then passed throughout the drillfield from each person to another, until every persons candle was lit. I truly enjoyed attending the vigil because although it was sad, it was unbelievable to see how many people gathered around to support and remember the tragic day, despite whether they were here at the time of the crisis in 2007, or personally knew anyone. This experience truly made me feel like apart of something big, it made me enlightened to know how big the hokie nation truly is.
Saturday 8:40am
This morning i completed the 3.2 Run in Remembrance that started at the Alumni Mall near the North Main Street entrance of campus and finished on the drillfield, where participants crossed the finish line between a big blue arch. Many people crowded the drillfield where water and fruits (oranges and bananas) were being handed out, as well as extra t-shirts from the run. People everywhere were either walking around, socializing, or sitting or laying down on the grass, as many were sweaty and exhausted from the run. Later that day at around 12:30, I walked to the community picnic that was held on the drillfield. It was sunny, but very windy. Music was playing, people were laughing, some were playing frisbee, while others just sat and absorbed the sun. Food was being distributed; pizza, wings, italian ice, while others brought their own food. There were people of all ages walking about; children, parents, elders, etc. and dogs also were seen throughout the drillfield as many of them were playing fetch with a ball or frisbee. Although many people filled the air with laughter, there was silence that surrounded the memorial where many people visited. Later that night at around 7:30pm, very many students, parents, children, members of the community, etc, joined together on the drillfield in front of the memorial for the 'University Commemoration & Candlelight Vigil'. It was amazing to see how many people gathered to remember and support our fallen hokies; as the sun fell, the commemoration began with remarks from Charles W. Steger and Brandon Carroll, which was then followed by the reading of the 32 names, and the lighting of their candle. Following the 32 names and lightings, the light was then passed throughout the drillfield from each person to another, until every persons candle was lit. I truly enjoyed attending the vigil because although it was sad, it was unbelievable to see how many people gathered around to support and remember the tragic day, despite whether they were here at the time of the crisis in 2007, or personally knew anyone. This experience truly made me feel like apart of something big, it made me enlightened to know how big the hokie nation truly is.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
04/16/2010
9:02am
Sitting outside or War Memorial, looking straight ahead to the April 16th memorial; temperature is around 60 degrees.
It is a beautiful day, the sky is clear and the sun seems to be shinning strong all across the Drill Field. Today is a day when every hokie comes together; today we remember the tragedy of April 16, 2007. The 3.2 mile run for the 32 victims of April 16th is taking place today. The race started around 8:00am and is now finishing up. People come toward the center of the Drill Field and gather around the memorial as they finish their remembrance run.
The spirit across campus is different today, it is a sad day to remember, we remember it sorrow but also with pride to be part of the hokie nation. Some people sit on the grass and watch, while others participate in the run of remembrance. I can hear and see people crying because to remember a day like this is to remember a great tragedy; I also hear people screaming “We are Virginia Tech…We are Hokies…We will Never Forget”. I sit here with a lot of mixed emotions, happy to see hokies united, yet sad because of the tragedy that brought us to this Remembrance Day.
There are young children, college students, parents, and older people; hokies that have come from all around to this special day. Overall the race constituted of more than 6,000 runners which shows how important this day is for the community. As I sit across Burrus Hall, I get to see the last people who are finishing up the race. There are kids running and walking along the side of their parents among more fellow students. It is now 9:22am and people start to come together in front of Burrus Hall and around the April 16th memorial; they are getting ready to take a group picture.
It is now 9:38am and people have started to leave the Drill Field, as they walk away all I can see is a mass of people wearing hokie colors. While watching everyone leave the Drill Field, I realized that today the sun was shining strong, shining for those 32 hokies whom we lost two years ago. Today is April 16th, 2010, it has been a busy morning for the Drill Field and it will continue to be a busy day with people walking across it to walk toward the memorial of the victims of April 16th.
9:02am
Sitting outside or War Memorial, looking straight ahead to the April 16th memorial; temperature is around 60 degrees.
It is a beautiful day, the sky is clear and the sun seems to be shinning strong all across the Drill Field. Today is a day when every hokie comes together; today we remember the tragedy of April 16, 2007. The 3.2 mile run for the 32 victims of April 16th is taking place today. The race started around 8:00am and is now finishing up. People come toward the center of the Drill Field and gather around the memorial as they finish their remembrance run.
The spirit across campus is different today, it is a sad day to remember, we remember it sorrow but also with pride to be part of the hokie nation. Some people sit on the grass and watch, while others participate in the run of remembrance. I can hear and see people crying because to remember a day like this is to remember a great tragedy; I also hear people screaming “We are Virginia Tech…We are Hokies…We will Never Forget”. I sit here with a lot of mixed emotions, happy to see hokies united, yet sad because of the tragedy that brought us to this Remembrance Day.
There are young children, college students, parents, and older people; hokies that have come from all around to this special day. Overall the race constituted of more than 6,000 runners which shows how important this day is for the community. As I sit across Burrus Hall, I get to see the last people who are finishing up the race. There are kids running and walking along the side of their parents among more fellow students. It is now 9:22am and people start to come together in front of Burrus Hall and around the April 16th memorial; they are getting ready to take a group picture.
It is now 9:38am and people have started to leave the Drill Field, as they walk away all I can see is a mass of people wearing hokie colors. While watching everyone leave the Drill Field, I realized that today the sun was shining strong, shining for those 32 hokies whom we lost two years ago. Today is April 16th, 2010, it has been a busy morning for the Drill Field and it will continue to be a busy day with people walking across it to walk toward the memorial of the victims of April 16th.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
2nd Ethnography Post
It is April 11, 2010 around 3pm. It is a beautiful Sunday afternoon, and many people are enjoying themselves on the drillfield. Most are playing Ultimate frisbee or a form of it. There are six games of frisbee happening on the drillfield. One group even uses a football instead of a frisbee. A rather obnoxious breeze continually messes up the flight of several frisbee tosses. Many people can be heard voicing complaints over the wind. The drillfield itself looks a little different that usual. Relay For Life recently happened, thus, the huge swath of dead grass and areas of dirt sprinkled throughout the breadth of the drillfield. As I walk across the grass and dirt, I pick up forgotten tent stakes, leftover from the campers that participated in Relay for Life on Friday. The temperature is quite hot, but that doesn't deter a few students from "battling" in full chain mail and associated apparel. They sway rhythmically and then, all of a sudden, lash out at each other with their "swords". There are only three of them, but they garner the attention of everyone who passes by.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Observation #1
April 9, 2010 – 9:03 a.m.
Temperatures around 40 degrees F & windy (partly cloudy)
Gathering together at the April 16 Memorial, we took a seat in a view that allowed us to observe the entire drill field. The morning was very chilly with winds and partial sun at various times during our observation. The drill field was quite bare of students except for the various people who were helping to set up for Relay for Life. An occasional few students would pass through the drill field with backpacks on their shoulders, as they were most likely heading to class. As people were making preparations for Relay for Life, there was a large white tent being set up along with various smaller white tents. There was a Budget truck, an Aztec Rental truck, and several other cars and trucks that were accompanying preparations with other various supplies for the Relay. Boxes, tables, shirts, and signs lay under the various white tents as preparations were just beginning. Halfway through observing, an elder man walked up to the memorial and placed a bouquet of flowers next to one of the 32 Hokie Stones, with the name Leslie Sherman engraved in it. The note on the bouquet was addressed by being from “The Virginia Tech Community” and a letter sat beside it wishing her a happy 23rd birthday and giving recognition of their thoughts and prays to her; it was signed from ‘an Old Hokie’. Several other stones also had bouquets as well as a letter regarding their birthday and the wishes and prayers from the community. As our observation was coming to an end, we strolled through the preparations of the drill field to get a closer look. We saw the signs and shirts, which were purple, and we also saw that they were setting up podiums for announcers and music. Today’s observation was quite different then any other normal day, as Virginia Tech was getting ready for Relay for Life, which was said to take place from 6p.m. to 6a.m.
Friday, April 9, 2010
Observation1
04/09/2010
9:03am
Sitting on the April 16th memorial and a chilly day; temperature is around 40 degrees. By sitting on the memorial I can see straight across the Drill Field and to my left and right.
Preparations for Relay for Life have started; a yellow rope attached to small black poles hugs the center of the Drill Field. No more walking across the grass for afternoon classes. There are white tents on the right side of the field, and to my left, a small truck and people setting up tables. To my left a group of people seem to be struggling with the tent, I guess those thing are a bit more tricky.
9am classes have started so the Drill Field seems deserted. At around 9:15am a large truck drives onto the field and begins to unload blue portable potties. As I look to my right I noticed that the white tent has finally started to go up with the help of three men and a woman who seems to be “supervising” the situation.
As I sit and look around the busy Drill Field, an old man walks in front of me, coming from the right side of the memorial. He carries a bouquet of flowers, walks toward the middle stone, digs a whole in the ground, kneels down, and places the flowers down. My first thought was that this must have been the father or grandpa of the victim; however, as I walked up to the stone I realized that the flowers came from “The Virginia Tech Community.” Walking passed the rest of the memorial I saw that next to some of the names of other students there were remembrance poems which were placed on the day that would have been their birthday.
Before calling it a day, I decided to walk across the Drill Field to see what the Relay for Life was planning. There were cardboard signs that were waiting to be put up, t-shirts, and other purple things. On the grass sat lighting units that would be used during the dark hours of the relay. April 9, 2010 will be a busy day for our Drill Field.
9:03am
Sitting on the April 16th memorial and a chilly day; temperature is around 40 degrees. By sitting on the memorial I can see straight across the Drill Field and to my left and right.
Preparations for Relay for Life have started; a yellow rope attached to small black poles hugs the center of the Drill Field. No more walking across the grass for afternoon classes. There are white tents on the right side of the field, and to my left, a small truck and people setting up tables. To my left a group of people seem to be struggling with the tent, I guess those thing are a bit more tricky.
9am classes have started so the Drill Field seems deserted. At around 9:15am a large truck drives onto the field and begins to unload blue portable potties. As I look to my right I noticed that the white tent has finally started to go up with the help of three men and a woman who seems to be “supervising” the situation.
As I sit and look around the busy Drill Field, an old man walks in front of me, coming from the right side of the memorial. He carries a bouquet of flowers, walks toward the middle stone, digs a whole in the ground, kneels down, and places the flowers down. My first thought was that this must have been the father or grandpa of the victim; however, as I walked up to the stone I realized that the flowers came from “The Virginia Tech Community.” Walking passed the rest of the memorial I saw that next to some of the names of other students there were remembrance poems which were placed on the day that would have been their birthday.
Before calling it a day, I decided to walk across the Drill Field to see what the Relay for Life was planning. There were cardboard signs that were waiting to be put up, t-shirts, and other purple things. On the grass sat lighting units that would be used during the dark hours of the relay. April 9, 2010 will be a busy day for our Drill Field.
Ethnography Observations April 9, 2010 9AM
On April 9, 2010 around 9AM, Virginia Tech students met an unexpected blast of cold this morning as they trudged across the drillfield this morning. A brisk wind and 37 degree temperatures prompted most to put on jeans and a sweatshirt. A few students however, could be seen in shorts, clutching their body for warmth as they walked stiffly across the drillfield to class. After 9:02, the flood of students resides, as most have made it to their 9:05 class. The Relay for Life setup on the drillfield was another surprise to the students this morning. Many students had to get out of the way of trucks carrying setup supplies or people setting up huge speakers and large, white tents. A large makeshift track could also be seen in the middle of the drillfield.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)