I am going back to school to get a PhD

After several years of contemplation and a few false starts (plus the COVID-19 pandemic tanking my plans), I am going back to school to get a PhD! I know some of you who have followed me for any length of time are thinking, “Didn’t you say you don’t need a PhD to be an archaeologist?” You’re correct, and I stand by that. If you want to be an archaeologist, you do not need a PhD; in fact, it may make being employed harder rather than easier. This is a choice that I made for me and my goals.

The Early Days

To give you a little back story, being an archaeologist is all I have wanted to be since I was about 15. I was obsessed with understanding why we know what we know when it comes to history. Archaeology is a challenging career. I started out in terrestrial archaeology and then decided to make my life more difficult by becoming an underwater archaeologist. My journey in archaeology has been marked by a love for this field, but also a make it work approach. I have had a lot of jobs that are called archaeology adjacent. I took time between studies to work and I have always felt a little out of place. It took time to find my people in this field and to get to a place where I was comfortable taking risks.

Life’s Complexities

I complicated my life further by falling in love and marrying an active-duty Marine Corps officer. He had his own dreams of becoming a fighter pilot. We agreed that when he was done, it would be my turn to pursue my dreams. He worked harder than you can imagine to get there, and had a successful career as a fighter pilot. But it took a lot of time, over a decade. Many people say that their partner will get a turn, and generally, making deals based on future promises is risky, life happens and people change.

After 13 years, he left the USMC in June of 2020. At that point, we had to make choices on how to survive, my goals had to wait again. I took a job outside of archaeology, assuming that was it for my archaeological career. I needed that job since no airlines were hiring, and we needed health insurance. As a mother and wife, I had a family to care for. I was mourning my dreams, but I was trying to accept that it was a sacrifice that needed to be made.

A New Opportunity

Then, out of nowhere, the job I had wanted for years called me. I had applied a bunch of times before and they had my resume on file. That call changed everything. My current job is hard and demanding, but over the past three years, I have learned the ropes and gotten into the rhythm of it. It opened up some travel opportunities for me. I have taken a few solo trips, taught a field school, and engaged in activities unrelated to work, kids, or my husband. I rediscovered that I am a whole person, capable of fun, social interaction, and a love for learning. I rediscovered that I am smart and I know archaeology and history. This realization led me to apply for a PhD.

A Unique PhD Journey

The most important thing to share here is that I am not traditional in any sense, so my PhD journey will look different from most. I am part of the first group of students working in a new remote PhD program in archaeology. This means I don’t have to move, quit my job, or pull my kids from school. This is a research PhD with a European university, where everyone involved is someone I deeply respect. Their research projects align with mine, and they have been extremely supportive. This means that the course work is minimal and its all on me to get it done.

Why Pursue a PhD?

But if I don’t need it, why am I doing it? The longer I am in the industry, the more I have evolved. My interests and the places where I want to share and advocate for archaeology have grown and changed. Initially, I just wanted to be involved and contribute to the historic record, which was enough for a long time. However, the world has changed. My expertise is constantly called into question. Social media, which was once not taken seriously in our field, has become a vital platform for advocacy in archaeology, science, and public historic preservation. A PhD can help with some of these advocacy efforts.

Addressing Reforms and Challenges

There are also necessary reforms in the field of history and archaeology that need to happen from within. I have attended conferences and networking events where I have been disregarded because I don’t have a PhD. Just as someone might completely ignore you at a bar once they find out you’re married, a scholar might completely ignore you at a conference (often held in bars) when they find out you don’t have a PhD. This matters not because of my pride but because there are crucial conversations that need to happen to help our field grow. We need more voices and different perspectives in archaeology and history. Why can’t one of those voices be mine? If a PhD will help me get in that conversation that so be it.

The Future and My Excitement

All of this is to say that it is time, and I am so excited and nervous to start my PhD journey! This path will not only allow me to delve deeper into my research interests but also to contribute more significantly to the field of archaeology. I hope to inspire others, advocate for the preservation of our shared heritage, and push for necessary reforms within our field. I am hoping that I can help take underwater archaeology to new places too. I know that I need to build on the work of others but and this will not be a solo venture.

Embracing the Challenges

Embarking on a PhD journey while balancing a family and a career will undoubtedly be challenging. However, I am prepared to face these challenges head-on. My experiences have taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance. I believe that my unique perspective as a non-traditional student will bring valuable insights to my research and the broader academic community.

One of my primary goals is to bridge the gap between academia and the public. Archaeology should not be confined to scholarly circles; it should be accessible to everyone. By leveraging social media and other platforms, I aim to make archaeological research more relatable and engaging for the general public. I hope to increase public interest and support for archaeological endeavors but also foster a greater appreciation for our shared history. But I also know that social media and outreach takes time. Sometimes it will be a lower priory than other things.

Conclusion

As I embark on this exciting PhD journey, I am filled with a sense of purpose and determination. The road ahead may be challenging, but I am confident in my ability to navigate it successfully. I am grateful for the support of my family, friends, and colleagues, and I look forward to sharing my experiences and insights with all of you. Together, we can make a positive impact on the field of archaeology and ensure that our shared history is preserved and celebrated for generations to come.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned for updates on my progress, research findings, and reflections on this incredible adventure. Here’s to the future and the endless possibilities it holds!