Hi all, my name is Caroline Borders! I’m a rising junior at Kenyon College in Ohio, majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Religious Studies. I grew up outside Washington, DC, in Maryland. In high school, I predicted I’d major in either Anthropology or Drama in college, but didn’t get around to trying Anthropology classes until my sophomore year. Once I took one Intro class, it was safe to say that I was hooked. I am particularly interested in the anthropological perspective on religion and was able to explore that in an Anthropology of Religion course this past semester, taught by the two professors of Archeology at Kenyon. I was also able to take an archeology class which sparked my interest in pursuing field work after encouragement from my uncle, and Morganton native, Sam Avery. I’ve been having an awesome time these past three weeks and can’t wait for another great week! I’m not sure what archeology holds for me in the future, but, at this point, I am having the best time learning about both anthropology and archeology. My adventures in anthropology will only continue this fall when I study and conduct an independent study in Madagascar. I can’t wait to see what I find out next! Every day is an exciting one in anthropology and archeology, and right now, it especially feels that way at the Berry Site.

The field school this year starts off with Dr. David Moore and Dr. Robin Beck, Dr. Chris Rodning will join later in the summer. The field school students and field crew started out with a light drizzle, but in high spirits. Dr. Moore gave the students a tour of the site and discussed the importance of Joara, the Spanish, and the early colonial encounter between these people at the Berry site.

Check back soon as we update our photos.