For my STEP Signature Project, I participated in an archaeological field school at the Turpin site near Cincinnati. During the precontact period, Indigenous groups occupied the site multiple times (our project focused on occupations that occurred around 1000 CE). I learned about archaeological methods while excavating multiple units, or areas of interest, at the site. Additionally, guest speakers gave lectures on several topics, including the history of the site, collaboration with descendant communities, and perspectives on graduate school.
Through this experience, I realized that I can be independent and that I can get out of my comfort zone. I am shy and I do not usually put myself out of my comfort zone; therefore, I was extremely anxious to leave for a four-week field school! Last year, I volunteered in Dr. Cook’s Ohio Valley archaeology lab and met some of the undergraduate and graduate students who participated in the field school. As a result, I felt slightly more comfortable since I met Dr. Cook and some of the students before leaving for field school. However, meeting new people that I did not know from the lab allowed me to break out of my shell.
When I arrived in Turpin Hills, I was extremely nervous about being away from home. Before this experience, I never traveled without my family and friends. On the first day of field school, I learned how to provide for myself by finding the grocery store and the pharmacy on my own. Through these experiences, I became more confident in myself since I was able to navigate a new city on my own. Moreover, the relationships that I built with the other students and professors made me feel more comfortable with stepping outside of my comfort zone. Our group grew closer as we began working in the field and spending time together after work. We played at least one board or lawn game each night, went shopping at Jungle Jim’s International Market, and had bonfires. As I formed these connections, I grew more comfortable talking with people and began to break out of my shell.
In addition, I enjoy stepping outside of my comfort zone when I am trying something new. As an anthropology major, I took classes about archaeological methods prior to leaving for field school, but I never participated in a field school until this year. I learned how to lay out an excavation unit, excavate levels at ten-centimeter intervals, use a trowel, map a unit, and so much more. After work, I was also able to ask the graduate students and professors about their experiences in archaeology and get different perspectives on the discipline. Overall, I enjoyed learning about the “ins and outs” of archaeology and getting hands-on experience in the field.
Furthermore, talking about the site with visitors pushed me to overcome my shyness. Turpin is located on a bike trail, so visitors often come from the trail to learn about the site. Archaeologists and museum curators involved in the project also visited the site. Over time, I learned how to inform the public about the four units we excavated this season. These visits presented an opportunity to confront my shyness by speaking to people I have not met before. By the end of the season, I felt comfortable discussing our project with the public and enjoyed speaking with visitors about the site.
Ultimately, I grew professionally and personally through this experience. In terms of my career, field school confirmed that I have a passion for archaeology and will continue to pursue a career in archaeology or museum curation. Field school also provided networking opportunities with archaeologists and museum curators, which will help me as I head into my senior year and start looking for graduate school or job opportunities. On a personal level, I grew more confident in my social skills and found that I enjoy stepping out of my comfort zone. I also feel more confident in my ability to travel on my own and provide for myself. Field school was one of the best experiences of my life so far and I cannot wait to work in Dr. Cook’s lab this semester.
This poster informed visitors about the history of Turpin and our project.
The Turpin site.
Field trip to SunWatch (an archaeological site and museum located in Dayton, OH)!