​THE LEACH CENTER

Now having done research both online and in person, I’ve come to notice that there is an extremely big difference in the data you collect. For starters, when doing field notes, you are making direct observations based upon what you are seeing and with whom you are interviewing. You don’t get a very good perspective in the actual mindset of the individual entering the building. Versus collecting data online, you get both a broad/general look into the facility but also get the personal perspectives of the members from the culture.

 

I believe the thing that really stood out to me were the personalities and attitudes of those who attend the Leach Center. Looking at the tweets and instagram pictures especially, you can identify their motivations to go, what they plan to do, their personal thoughts about the place itself. You go from deductive researching of field notes to an inductive research through the multiple social media networks.

 

After doing online research through social media, I’ve learned that some of the people that go into have quite the opinion of who goes there. Thanks to the account FSUCrushes, I got to see exactly what I should see – admiration of those who attend Leach. Though some of the tweets come off as quite provocative, it is none the less insight into the mindset of the individual. Than you have those tweets that show complaint about the facility – hours, crowdedness, etc. I prefer the tweets that complain about the hours because it shows their dedication to go – seen particularly in picture one under Twitter category. Than you have the different promotional events that go on at the Leach Center, showing that it isn’t just made for working out, that actual sports events take place – swim meets, racket ball, etc. This shows the diversity especially of the student body that attends not only the Leach but also FSU in general. Moving on to instagram, you see more of the visual activity that involves the gym. A picture is worth a thousand words and I’ve come to terms with such an accurate statement. I got to see the into the observations of another member of this culture and what they contribute to the space. Whether that be as a dedicated fitness junkie, a worker, or a participant in the events that go on, you see further into the activity of the space. The pictures allowed me to see their role in such a culture and the diversity that they provide through their own motivations to attend.

 

I found it quite interesting that as a member of such an active community, that I had no idea what happened behind the scenes. As much as I can observe a culture and take notes, I wouldn’t have been able to get a full perspective if it weren’t due to social media. It gave me insight to what others see when they go in and what they think about what they observe. I got to see more into their involvement in the culture and what they can contribute to the space. It’s interesting though, because what they are contributing to this particular space actually contributes to FSU overall. With the different intramurals and developing athletic ability for sports, or to keeping in good health, the members contribute far past going and using the facility.