"During my ethnographic research trip to Oregon, USA, I primarily stayed in McMinnville, a small yet politically and culturally diverse town in Yamhill County. I also visited and conducted research in: Newberg and Sheridan which provided greater context for rural observations. The Yamhill County Heritage Museum which allowed me to explore local history and collective memory. The Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum to help understand national pride, military symbolism, and education. An evangelical church supporting my exploration into faith, nationalism, and community within small town America. A privately owned gun range – with a MAGA-supporting participant, offering insights into American gun culture. 4th of July celebrations in Monmouth, which allowed me to observe patriotic expressions and local civic engagement. Also, numerous farms, flower fields, markets, and small businesses, including interviews with local residents.

Personal Growth and Perspective:

This trip profoundly impacted my personal development. Firstly, it challenged my assumptions of rural America, and allowed me to engage in ethnographic conversation, through informal interviews and participant observation. This made me think critically about the information I was being given, and also allowed me to engage with people who hold complex and often contradictory identities. Spending time in both progressive and conservative spaces deepened my ability to listen empathetically and interpret symbolic behaviour, which are key skills for anthropology. Being alone in a different cultural setting helped me grow in confidence, independence, and adaptability. I learned to initiate conversations, conduct interviews with strangers, navigate local customs, and sensitively ask questions about deeply personal and political topics.

Although some support from HAPP had helped cover some costs, the scholarship will allow my main expenses, such as flights and travel to be reimbursed. Knowing this allowed me to be confident in reaching out to various areas across Yamhill County, and participating in culturally significant events, such as attending a Portland Timbers game where I got to experience and observe nationalism and its connection to sport in an urban centre such as Portland, and make connections or identify differences between rural and urban performance of identity through sport.

Through this research, I was able to conduct 15 interviews and many informal conversations. I was able to observe patriotic expression and its links to both progressive and conservative identities. Draw comparisons between overt vs. covert forms of nationalism, especially through symbolism (flags, guns, religion, civic rituals). I also got to experience fieldwork first-hand, bridging theory with lived experience and gather primary ethnographic data that will shape my dissertation analysis. The opportunity to conduct this kind of immersive research gave me valuable insight into the methodological realities of anthropology, strengthening my analytical, reflexive, and interpersonal skills.

Academically, this scholarship and trip made my anthropology degree come alive. It moved my learning beyond books and classrooms into real-world observation, interaction, and reflection. It gave me a greater sense of purpose and direction in my studies and career. Overall, I feel inspired to pursue further avenues of anthropological study in the future".