Observation Essay

Introduction

Anthropology is the study of humans and their ancestor's through space, and time, and in relation to environmental, culture, social and physical character. I focused on the study of human beings, and not on their ancestors, for that I set out on campus to observe people in their own environments unaware of my watching eyes. As, I wandered across our rather large campus hustling to my next class I passed by the University Center and a familiar place for me; the UC pool. Looking over the wall, I saw the lap pool with a few swimmers enduring lap after lap and patrons laying out socializing by the pool. Being a competitive swimmer in high school, I was rather familiar with the scene and thought to myself what a better place to sit back and took notes.

Sunday morning I stirred rather early, knowing this because my roommate was still asleep, for a college student after a Saturday night. I got up and saw my clocks bold green letters informing it was only twenty past nine and instead of my typical roll over and resume my coma I decided to get up and be productive. After having my usual breakfast consisting of oatmeal and egg whites, I looked out my window at the freshly risen sun and saw activity at the pool already. I gathered my notebook, a pen and my shades and headed for the pool.

When I got there, I was surprised to learn what exactly was going on. My older brother was a swimmer as was I who meant I had spent a lot of time by the pool or water growing up. One thing I have never found myself participating or learning how to even play was water polo. I had just so happened to decide to observe the pools activities which on this early Sunday morning consisted solely of water polo. The 14 ft deep pool had become an arena for the young men wearing their helmet caps. I had a brief conversation with an acquaintance and club water polo team player Anthony Kanelidis who gave me the basic rundown of rules and regulations pertaining to the sport. He said, “I like the sport because it's full contact, challenging and keeps you in great physical shape.” Which being a swimmer again I can attest to. It was about 3 as I was strolling towards the dorms from my ...