Upon graduating from Illinois State in the spring of 2022, I was eager to put my bachelor’s degree in anthropology and history to work. While I originally attended Illinois State with the intent of entering the museum field, I found a deep passion for archaeology. In the summer of 2022, I embarked on the opportunity of a lifetime. I participated in a field experience in central Italy through the Northwest Bolsena Archaeological Project, directed by Dr. Lea Cline (Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts) and Dr. Kathryn Jasper (College of Arts and Sciences). We spent several weeks excavating and examining the Valle Gianni site, which holds the most substantial evidence of Roman inhabitation on the west side of Lake Bolsena.
From August to December, I worked as a museum collections management member at Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. This unique position offered an opportunity to partner with a variety of organizations, including the National Park Service, the American Conservation Experience, and AmeriCorps. I collaborated on several documentation projects, assisted the museum specialist in caring for the archive and museum collections, and maintained two historical house museums. My weekends were filled with hiking and exploring the Appalachian Mountains. While I certainly learned a great deal during my time at Shenandoah, I also decided that museum work isn’t my calling.
After connecting with an Illinois State alumnus at a donor event, I landed a job as a cultural resources field technician with SWCA Environmental Consultants. I’ve spent the summer conducting archaeological fieldwork across the Midwest. In the future, I hope to return to the classroom to get my graduate degree and pursue a career in higher education. Of course, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the support and guidance I received while at Illinois State. I’m incredibly grateful for all the opportunities this community has afforded me.
