This summer I have been striving to continue my professional development as an archaeologist not only through my IDEA Grant project but also in participating in an Archaeological Field School focusing on submerged landscapes in the Aucilla River with Dr. Jessi Halligan and continuing to assist Dr. Geoffrey Thomas in the FSU Anthropology Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) Laboratory remotely. Unfortunately, this last Spring I had to postpone the completion of my Scientific Diver Certification through the FSU Academic Diving Program due to an injury.
However, recently I was able to complete the required field dives to obtain my certification, which is necessary for my participation in Dr. Halligan’s field school. In field school, I am learning how to set-up excavation units underwater, take elevations, and screen, sort, and catalogue artifacts. Visibility in the Aucilla River Basin is nonexistent and the only light we get is from the flashlights attached to our helmets, otherwise we are in complete darkness. It took a while to adjust from terrestrial to underwater archaeology, but it’s been a fun challenge! I am looking forward to continuing to practice and hone my skills as an archaeologist in the field. I have also been assisting Dr. Thomas with sorting sensitive archaeological photographs in FSU’s digital library when I am not on site. Additionally, I am still in communication with professors and other professionals in Japan regarding my IDEA Grant project.
I have finally finished all the logistical aspects of planning my trip such as booking hotels and purchasing my flight tickets. I am hoping to finalize my itinerary, continue to practice my Japanese, and begin writing my literature review for my IDEA Grant project in the coming months. I have some big goals for myself this summer and in past semesters, and certainly this summer, I have found myself overwhelmed by my looming to-do list. I am very grateful for all the amazing opportunities I have been given and I do like to stay busy, but sometimes it can feel like a lot. To prevent myself from feeling overwhelmed, I make sure to take frequent breaks and to do something fun every week like going to a movie or a restaurant I really like.
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