Phi Slam Research Paper

There is an outstanding organization at the University of Georgia (UGA) run completely by and for students, called Phi Slam. It takes on the challenge of transforming the perception of fun in Athens for students. Athens is, and has always been a place where students come to receive an education, but also to partake in the party experience. The majority of UGA students flock to downtown bars and clubs at night multiple times every week. These bars attract students with all the loud music, dancing, alcohol and other college students who are looking to have an entertaining time. When people think of Athens they often picture these parties, as they very well should; it is the biggest draw to students for a break from the challenges of school …show more content…
Nevertheless, I have found other opportunities to counter this, the best being Phi Slam. This is because members of Phi Slam introduced themselves to me the first day I was here by simply inviting me to come hangout with them. After realizing how genuine the guys really are, I have been attending their parties ever since; one being the “Pig Pickin’.” This party included: five hundred pounds of barbeque, a live pig, and what I perceived as over one thousand people. All this packed in the driveway of the Phi Slam house located about a mile outside of campus. I have been hooked on Phi Slam ever since that …show more content…
For this reason, people almost have to come check them out. In a video interview by Patricia Andrews, a Phi Slam member says, “All the themes are very large and creative.” Ian Renwick, a current Phi Slam member, added on to this by telling me, “My favorite themes Phi Slam has done in the past do not all apply to big parties”. Many people believe that Phi Slam has only two huge parties each year, and the other ones where the themes are not as unique are not worth going to. This is not true. All the themes are over the top no matter if it is a big or small event. Ian described his favorite as a shape themed party called, “Shape-Shifting Blocktastic Blowout” with a DJ booth raised over twenty feet in the air. These events are done by the members, transforming their entire yard or a field into a wonderland made of anything from painted panels to pig pens to ice cream trucks. This well decorated atmosphere makes the attendees feel as though they are not in Athens anymore. Evan Arnold, another member I interviewed, also described why he loves Phi Slam most, “Whether its swing-dancing or raving, singing karaoke, or sliding down a huge slip n' slide, we seek to create environments in which people can have a really good time, and really be themselves.” It is the fun and entertaining themes that bring students back so