From my experience at Antiochia ad Cragum I believe that I learned a lot, and not just the technical skills relating to archaeology. When I first got to Gazipaşa, I wasn’t sure what to expect from both the dig site and the area around here, but I quickly found that I really love both. Working at the dig site has taught me more about how archaeology works, for example how things are done and how records are kept of what we do, as well as lots about the history of the region, and what the lives of the people who lived here were like. I have found it interesting to explore and discover different parts of the houses and buildings they used, as well as find pieces of the pottery they would have used and eaten off of all those years ago. Aside from the site, I think that working and living in an area very different from where I live in the midwest has taught me valuable things about the culture here. I enjoyed getting to meet everyone here, and I think that learning to interact in a place where I can’t speak the language has taught me how better to navigate times when language is a barrier, for example through the use of a translate app or hand gestures.
Learning both the physical skills of archaeology and skills used for navigating other cultures and interactions with people has been an important part of my time here, and I think that they will help me in any future opportunities, regardless of whether those are related to archaeology or not. I think that this experience has been useful, as well as very interesting, and I am glad to have been able to do it. In a job interview, if asked about this experience, I think I would find a lot of things to say both about the wonderful people and culture here, as well as what I gained from the work. Even when it was difficult it was rewarding, and I think that I will carry this experience with me for a long time.