One thing my time in Gazipasa has taught me is always to be prepared to be humbled. I think the greatest piece of advice I could have received prior to my arrival was to be prepared to be humbled in all aspects. I knew the work would be challenging, and I was aware that my background knowledge would be lacking, but I was still surprised by how I would be challenged and pushed every day. Once I readjusted my attitude and accepted my own shortcomings, I felt much more at peace with the work and eager to learn in every possible way.
This month, I gained a greater understanding of how slowly religious traditions develop. Seeing the different ways in which remains were kept, from the necropolis to the fragments of ossuaries to the graveyard located across behind the dig house, I was able to witness 2,000 years of human burial practices before me. Learning about the slow progression of these practices helped open my eyes to the pace and development of other practices, and it helped me appreciate the timescale on which we were working.
This experience has instilled in me a desire to continue to do this work. I do not yet know in what capacity I will be able to continue working in archaeology, but I think that 9 months ago, I would have never considered it a serious career for myself. Now I am considering how this work may fit into my future. It has also given me a vastly different view of working abroad after I graduate. Before, I feared the language barrier and how that would impact any plans to work and live abroad. After spending the past month living and working in Gazipasa, I have developed a newfound confidence not only in myself but also in others, and I would feel significantly more comfortable moving abroad.