(July 10, 2025)—Field schools serve as a way to bolster a student’s skills and abilities in areas such as surveying and identifying artifacts. Not only has Archaeology Southwest’s field school fulfilled this goal, but it has also enabled me to adopt new perspectives that I will apply in my life as I pursue my bachelor’s degree in Anthropology at the University of Connecticut.
Over the long weekend, while much of the American population was grilling hot dogs and dressing up in festive Fourth of July garb, our field school took a trip of a lifetime to multiple locations in New Mexico, including El Morro National Monument, Zuni Pueblo, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, and the Acoma Pueblo of Sky City. Although all of these places and the culture that came with them had much to offer, I would like to share with you one experience that I will hold close to my heart for years to come.
Perched atop 25 feet of hardpacked dirt and 367 feet of sandstone, Acoma Pueblo has been continuously inhabited since 1100 CE and is home to rich culture and artistry. Our group was lucky enough to be welcomed in by the people of Acoma and by one particular man, nicknamed Gooby, who gave us a lovely tour. The tour involved taking in the intricate history of the church atop the Pueblo as well as walking around the dirt streets where the artists of Acoma had hand-painted pottery and jewelry for sale. All of this—including the spectacular view from the mesa—was breathtaking, but the end of the tour was my favorite part.
We stood huddled in a circle around Gooby at the edge of the Pueblo as cars snaked by through the narrow streets. I admit that I was expecting the usual “thank you and have a nice day,” but Gooby expressed so much more. He reminded us that our life is lived on borrowed time and that it could end at any moment. This really struck me.
We don’t truly know when our last day could be, and for this reason we need to cherish our loved ones and spend time doing what we want to do. Gooby also emphasized the importance of providing your family and friends with a shoulder to lean on when they’re going through a difficult time and being someone who will listen without judging or commenting.
I believe that every day, if we can try to make someone else’s life just a little bit better, then it’s a day well spent. I used to believe that it was a special gift to be able to connect easily with strangers that you just met, but now I wonder if it’s easier than I thought. A stranger can soon become a long-lasting connection—all we really need to do is speak from our hearts.
