Hi Reader!
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Lately, I've been thinking about things that I used to spend A LOT of time on: soccer, travel, academic archaeology, etc.
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They formed a large part of my identity during specific periods of my life and occupied a lot of my time; however, how I "do" them now looks really different.
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When it comes to archaeology, I've spoken with some archaeologist friends who have jobs outside the field about how archaeology now fits into their lives.
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For those who were over it, they were happy to do something else.
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For those who still like the field, it was honestly trickier.
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Time, bandwidth, money, and access to opportunities are major culprits that prevent folx from continuing to engage with archaeology.
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In my recent podcast episode, Dr. Sneh Patel and I explore how volunteering and giving back can be a way to flex those archaeology skills we spent a lot of time cultivating. While it may not be the right fit for everyone, it's a perspective worth considering.
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If you're curious, the conversation is linked below :)
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Fresh from the Field 🗺️

A quick round-up of my latest videos, podcasts, and features

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Here is the most recent podcast episode:
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🎙️ Episode 14: Reconnecting with Archaeology Through Giving Back​

Archaeologist and research analyst, Dr. Sneh Patel, shares how volunteering in her hometown of Nashville helped her reconnect with teaching, community engagement, and the practice of archaeology itself. From guiding students through hands-on programs to navigating questions about science and ethics, we explore how public service can spark new connections between people and the past.
→ YouTube | Spotify | Apple | More Options​
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Check out the latest episodes of Artifact of the Day below:
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🏺 The Shipwrecked Artifacts Worth More Than Gold​

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Small Finds 👝

Sharing things that sparked my curiosity recently​
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🏀 Michael Jordan in rare interview: ‘I haven’t picked up a basketball in years’ - NBC News
This short (1:41) video articulates many of the feelings that some of my friends, who played sports at a high level in the past, have experienced. It was an interesting watch.
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⚓ Gribshunden Interactive Visualisation System​
I really enjoy 3D models, especially of excavations! They really help me visualize the process and interpretation. The Gribhunden was featured in last week's Artifact of the Day video, and you can click the link above to see 3D models of the 2019 and 2021 excavations.
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Dig Back In ⛏️

Revisiting something curious from the archive
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​If you're curious about how I reimagined my engagement with archaeology, you can check out this video.

Thank you so much for reading!
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Until next time,
Smiti

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