When I began Professor DeSilva’s Evolution of Upright Walking class, I came with many questions on such a broad range of topics that it became overwhelming. I had little experience in the field and was certainly stepping outside of my comfort zone. However, it was such a welcoming environment, that I decided to give it a chance and jump right in. As the classes went on, we discussed the fossil record, ancient humans, and bipedalism from every angle one could examine it. I gained a robust understanding of the common story all humans share but few know and feel more connected to our mutual past. Since the course gave so much to me, I decided to use the final project as an opportunity to give back to all future students that come from a similar background. I wanted to create a resource that would give a brief background of central topics, accurate resources and, most importantly, inspire the new students on the cusp of anthropology to embrace it.
My hope for the website is to provide a content guide to students who are not sure where to turn in the dynamic field and make them feel supported. I also wanted to blend my enjoyment of drawing into the website, so each post features one to accompany it. I hope this helps in the way that I intend, and if another student or group of students wants to add to it, I would be ecstatic.
Happy reading and good luck in Professor DeSilva’s Evolution of Upright Walking.
– Tucker