Hey again!! Welcome back! Today I kinda wanted to pivot a littleee bit and talk about some parts of my life! In todays post I’m very excited to introduce three totally different discourse communities I am a part of: modeling, live music shows (specifically rap and EDM), and my sorority Alpha Phi! In case you were wondering, a discourse community is essentially a group of people who share a common goal, their own vocabulary, and their own ways of living life. Exploring these different groups and important parts of my life has showed me how my language shifts depending on where I am.
The Modeling Industry
The modeling world is super fast-paced, and very focused on visual aesthetics. In this world, no matter what role you play, you’re almost always interacting with photographers, agents, creative directors, stylists, and makeup artists. The crowd’s backbone is incredibly diverse in age, but when it comes to modeling, the demographic is a lot younger. You see this almost immediately when you walk into a casting call or look at other models backstage at a runway show.
What I value most about this space is the freedom for creative expression, fashion is an opportunity for anyone to think outside of the box. Another core part of the fashion industry is punctuality. If you are late, you hold up an entire set of people! Because it’s a job, communication is structured but crucial. Communication can take place on multiple platforms such as messages, calls, or whatsapp if you’re traveling outside of the country, and using specific industry terms like “go-see”, “package”, “digitals”, and “test shoot” are also very common.
When you’re new, you’re obviously not given some written manual on how to succeed in the industry, no job does that. You learn the ropes through your agency, you get feedback on your poses in your test shoots, and you analyze how other models work and act on set. If you’re curious to know more about how models get started or even get scouted, or if you just want more information about modeling in general, you can check out Models.com to see how the industry stays connected.
Photo by: https://blog.mariahedian.com/fashion-week-jobs/
Alpha Phi at San Diego State University
Joining Alpha Phi at SDSU recently is a whole different part of my life that is centered on sisterhood, philanthropy, and campus life in general.
Our chapter is made up of around 400 undergrad women at SDSU. Even thought everyone comes from different hometowns, high schools, and majors, we’re all tied together as sisters navigating college together. This community values deep sisterhood, strong academic standards, stepping up into leadership roles, and raising money for women’s heart health through our philanthropy events.
We communicate non-stop whether it’s in a group chat with all the girls, or just one on one. We also have our weekly chapter meetings where we go over schedules for the week, as well as important information and deadlines to keep everything organized.
As I’m currently joining as a new member, I can admit that it is really a big learning phase. I feel like I’m always asking questions to executive members, or texting other girls to get more information about something. Something I’m really excited to learn and get to experience firsthand is the traditions and more of the Greek life terminology so I don’t get so lost. There’s a whole lot more information that I couldn’t fit so you can read more at Alpha Phi International‘s site
Photo by: Me! 🙂
Live Music
And finally, my absolute favorite way to unwind and just have an amazing time is live music, more specifically rap shows and EDM festivals. This community is all about good vibes, connections, and sharing a love for live music.
The people who participate can really be anyone who enjoys music, concertgoers, DJs, artists, festival crews. I would say if we’re gonna put an age to it in general it’s mostly Gen Z and Millennials. When you’re at a concert, no one is thinking about their job, or outside stress, everyone is just there to unwind and have a good time.
This group values self-expression, living in the moment, great outfits, and looking out for one another in the crowd. If you’re really into the EDM scene, you’ve definitely heard of PLUR, which stands for Peace, Love, Unity, and Respect, this philosophy basically reminds everyone who’s at an EDM festival to be kind to others and be respectful.
People in this community communicate online through TikTok and Instagram, but in person, it’s all about the crowds energy. Learning good mosh pit etiquette and safety tips at rap concerts, or trading things and sharing food and water at EDM shows. People going to either one of these for the first time learn the culture by diving in head first. Whenever I’m planning a rave or a festival, I’ll always check out EDM Train to see upcoming shows and artists.
It’s always so cool to think about how much our language and behavior shift depending on where we are. Whether I’m posing for a camera, going to a sorority event, or standing at barricade at a festival, each community gives me a totally different place to connect and belong!
Photo by: https://www.aworldtotravel.com/best-electronic-music-festivals/
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