Through my experience, I learned that archaeology is a lot more than just studying old relics. It involves close personal connections, taxing physical labor, and a strong passion for the field to be a great archaeologist. Field archaeology requires the reliance of your coworkers, and as such, develops incredibly strong bonds between people.
Studying abroad presented a number of challenges and forced me to step out of my comfort zone and take bold risks. Studying in Belize was exactly the change I needed to expand my horizons and face my fears. I've always found myself tethered to my homeland, scared of the dangers and difficulties involved with travel. At the same time, travel has always fascinated me, drawing me in with the promises of new experiences and unforgettable memories. Study abroad proved to be the perfect bridge between my fears and my desires - it gave me the opportunity to travel, while also the assurance of my safety while doing so.
Stepping into another country felt like stepping into another world. Immediately, all the boring and mundane aspects of life were turned into an adventure. I'd get excited whenever I needed to go to the store because it was different. Everything was different and it was incredible fun and exciting.
My favorite memory from that program had been working in the rain. The walk to the site that day had been perilous, trekking through the
Name: Deanna Peterson
Status: Sophomore
Major: Anthropology
Hometown: Stanwood, Michigan
Program: Anthropological Fieldwork and Research of Ancient Maya in Belize
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