Archaeology Certificate Program

Hi! Im Dani, two years ago I moved from my home town in Ohio to California to pursue my dream of becoming an Archaeologist. Since moving, I have attended classes at two amazing schools and taken courses that have blown my mind and made me so excited for a career in the field of Archaeology. This semester I found out about an amazing opportunity through my school, Santa Monica College. This opportunity would gain me the ability to start working as a field archaeologist while I'm still attending courses and working toward my degree. This opportunity has been made possible by a special certification program that was created by two Anthropology Professors at my school. In order to qualify for the certification I must take two specific courses next semester and also partake in a study abroad program next summer. There are two different trips in which I will have the opportunity to work on Archaeological excavation sites. One of the programs will be in Belize and the other in Portugal. I have decided to participate in the program in Belize because it is a more intensive learning opportunity where we will be digging most of the day, every day. I never realized that a program like this existed and feel lucky to have transferred to a school that offers this one of a kind program. When my professor started talking about the trips and how the certification process works I was shaking. I just kept thinking that what he was talking about sounded like a dream. He talked about what it would be like working on each of the summer projects and the types of jobs I could get after receiving my certificate. When he was finished speaking to the class, I knew that I had to be a part of this program and  I talked with my professor after class and broke into tears. I was filled with both extreme excitement to take part in the program and anxiety about how I could make it happen. Since moving to California to return to school I have struggled financially. I have been living pay check to paycheck to be able to get through school while working. I created this account because this is my dream. This is what I broke out of my comfort zone for and my reason for starting a new life on the other side of the country. I am determined to do whatever it takes to find the funds to get me there. Anything helps. Thank you so much for reading! ❤️
-Dani