Finally, after months of waiting and planning, I was able to kick-off the founding of the first ever, Anthropology Club at my high school (Charlotte Catholic High School).  My school holds a club day every year, and this year’s club day (September 14, 2022) was special, as it was the very day the Charlotte Catholic Anthropology Club sprang to life.  I was so excited about the opportunity to share my passion for anthropology and archeology with my peers, I even recruited a friend to help run the administration of the club.  Founding a club is a whole process. First you have to find a teacher who is willing to be your advisor for your club. This was by far the easiest part of setting up the club. I asked my freshman-year, ancient world history teacher if he would be willing to facilitate the club and any meetings we have in the future. He answered  “yes!”.  I excitedly completed the club charter paper work and with the help of Mr. Goodier (club sponsor), submitted the formation documents to our school administration.  After the paper work was accepted, I began planning the booth for club day. 

The most important part of club day is the display you put on for the students that might be interested in joining. This process involves  making an eye-catching poster.  When planning the  layout of the poster,  I made it as educational as I possibly could, hoping that no one would leave my table confused about the meaning of the general term of “anthropology”.  I used some material and information sourced through volunteering at archeology labs and knowledge shared with me by others.   I made the poster sparkle and shimmer; I used creative titles and scraps of web-pages in order to explain what the club will be doing.  Also, I memorized an elevator speech which quickly defined anthropology and  the mission/planned activities of the club.  It was important to be brief, engaging and prepared so that I could naturally talk about the subject.  It was also important to share, that joining the club is an opportunity to learn more about anthropology and that our mission is to grow as a group in our knowledge.   Besides being prepared and informative, buying candy and decorations for your designated club table is ALWAYS a good idea. I bought TONS of candy and  decorated the table with a red table cloth, the poster, candy and awesome plastic skulls. 

The club was a huge hit! So far, over 30 people joined. This is a great number for a first year club and more than any of my friends expected. We will be going on a couple archaeological digs and participating in volunteer activities in order to give back through service and aid communities around us. I look so forward to sharing my love and knowledge of the Native American cultures around us with the club members.  I also hope to schedule scholars and special speakers for the club. I am excited to partner with my friends and I hope to educate our school population on what anthropology means and to help us further understand humans as a whole. For now, I can hardly wait for our first meeting on September 30th.