UCA’s Anthropology Club is full of unique experiences for any student interested in human behaviors, culture and the overall study of humanity itself.

The club meets on the first Tuesday of every month during X-period in Irby 308.

“During 2020, it was hard to branch out and meet new people, so I decided to join a club,” junior Lauren Elkins said. “While scrolling through CubConnect I stumbled across the anthropology club [and] I instantly joined.”

Being an anthropology major herself, Elkins had an immediate interest in the club and is currently the treasurer. Her main responsibility is managing the club’s funds. 

“My favorite thing about this club would be the people,” Elkins said. “All [of] the officers are responsible and understanding and all of the members are lovely people all interested in the same thing. Every meeting I fear the possibility of dying of laughter.”

Elkins said she has gained a lot of interesting opportunities throughout her time in the club, including learning how to throw an atlatl, a type of stick originally used by indigenous peoples to propel a dart.

“I feel like this organization is unique because there aren’t any harsh requirements to join or [to] stay in the club,” Elkins said. “It’s a pretty laid back environment and every meeting just feels like a group of friends hanging out.”

Senior Ashley Courtois is the president of the Anthropology Club. Last year was her first year as an active member and as the vice president. 

“My job [as president] is to organize a lot of the events, make posters, keep up to date with upcoming events and activities, as well as being a representative for the club towards other organizations,” Courtois said. 

Courtois said she loves the community within the club. 

“We all have a shared love for culture,” Courtois said. “It’s so much fun to be surrounded by such interesting and intellectual individuals that want to learn more and more as well as being eager to participate in the activities and events that we host. Everyone is so kind and that kindness creates a great space for one another to build new relationships.”

Courtois said the biggest challenge was the reach for inviting more people to join the club.

“Many people assume that only anthropology majors and minors can join; in actuality, we love and welcome having non-majors in the organization,” Courtois said. “We believe that culture affects all aspects of our life and can be applied anywhere, so it’s great when we have people with perspectives outside of anthropology join.”

Throughout her time in the club, Courtois said she has had a lot of time to learn more about the subject. 

“Through field trips, attending seminars, movie nights and so much more, I’ve gotten to learn about certain fields of anthropology or even random things that I would have otherwise never thought could correlate,” Courtois said. 

Courtois said she would love to see more members join the club and display their mutual interest in anthropology.

“This club creates a space for people to come and casually learn about anthropology and how it can relate to so many other things,” Courtois said. “[The club] is made up of an amazing group of people who welcome anyone with open arms.”

“The majority of our activities are super casual and that makes for a great environment to make new friends too,” Courtois said. “I would advise them to stop by one of our meetings and just get a feel for what’s going on.”