England: Natasha Davis (Participant-Observation)

Participant-Observation

I had passed by The Albert Memorial several times before deciding to choose it as my observation standpoint. Afterall, how could people looking at a memorial be culturally significant? I mean, it wasn’t like the typical people watching inside of a cafe, what could I learn from people around a monument? I was tremendously wrong.

I chose my spot at The Albert Memorial, because I saw something that caught my eye. I was going on a nice walk around Kensington Gardens, when I saw the memorial quite empty except for the older couple on the bench out of the corner of my eyes. This caught my attention, because the other times that I had been people typically snapped a couple pictures, stared in awe for a few seconds, and then went on about their day. But this couple, this couple was different from everyone else. I sat across from them and watched as they did exactly what I was doing. They admired The Albert Memorial, but most importantly they admired the people around them. I watched them chuckle as a small dog ran around chasing sticks. I watched as they stared at tourists coming for only a few seconds to look at the memorial, before moving on. I wondered what it must be like for them, to see people take for granted what’s around them. Very few savored the museum for its purpose, to remember Prince Albert.

While I hadn’t expected this trip to serve this purpose, it reminded me to not take things around me for granted. I’m surrounded by exceptional history around me, and this couple here influenced me to truly appreciate that. It made me reflect on my first visit to this very same memorial. I too fell victim to not fully admiring the impact of the memorial. When I first came, I was not unlike the other people that I saw, who took some pictures and carried on with my walk. I find it very strange how merely observing one person can change your perception of who you are, and who you want to be. I didn’t talk to this couple, or even make eye contact with them, yet they influenced me to become a more insightful person. I wish to take with me throughout London this new lens of perspective and hope to learn as much history of the monuments around me.

Natasha Davis 

Major: International Studies and Legal Studies

Hometown: Middleton, Wisconsin