Hello There!

I always want to start these posts as if we are in the middle of a conversation (as Kathleen Kelly once said). Except that’s a bit of a challenge when for you, this is your first introduction to who I am, and for me, ice breakers are one of those dreaded tasks I avoid unless the occasion calls for it. This time, though, the occasion calls for it.

Thus, where to begin?

You probably stumbled upon this blog for at least one of two reasons, if not both. Like me, you either have an affinity for archaeology, anthropology, history, folklore, or any combination thereof; or you are a neurodivergent person or are curious about what neurodivergence is. Then there’s that third element which may or may not have brought you across my website: you’re Jewish or have an interest in Judaism. No matter what combination you are, no matter your level of interest, something brought you here. It is therefore my responsibility to orient you and help establish what to expect from this blog. (And if you happened to arrive here by chance, you are equally welcome, too.)

Let me first set the record straight. I am not an archaeologist—yet. I am currently an archaeology student on her way towards obtaining her RPA (that’s Registered Professional Archaeologist license). Unfortunately, since I’m a private-accreditation-theology-school-dropout, I’m starting from ground zero after *cough* years since being a student. Though this will be a longer journey than most, it is wholly mine.

What do I mean by that? Of course it’s my journey, right?

I make that distinction because most of my life prior to this change, prior to returning to school, was lived based on someone else’s terms or idea of what it should look like. Too many voices other than my own tried to influence my decision on what I should be, what career I should have, and who I should see myself as. For the first time, I am making decisions for me and me alone. Though, yes, I am married now for over six years, my husband was only consulted about this decision. Only I could make it. That is why even if I might be in school for the next ten years, until I finish my master’s program, while I continue to work full-time—I couldn’t be more excited to see where this journey will take me.

This blog is about that journey.

It will be my narrative of how I—a neurodivergent, married, full-time employee, observant Jewish woman—navigate my academic and professional careers as they development in tandem with one another. (That I get to work for a company where I am encouraged to explore beneath the surface and return to school with the goal to one day work in a professional capacity with the same firm is one of the greatest blessings Hashem has bestowed on me!) I hope to share my insights of what it means to be a professional in an industry that has been challenging for neurodivergents, women, and observant members of minority religions to maintain employment. I will equally share the same insights for overcoming barriers within academics as well.

As those two careers—second only to my dedication to maintain my Jewish heritage and marriage—are my first priorities, this blog will be inconsistent as it grows and develops. The only expectation I have for it, that you should have for it as well, is I will not sacrifice the wellbeing and health of those priorities as well as my own self to sustain it. It will become what it is meant to become, but that is a journey in and of itself, one we will share together.

I’m excited you’re here. I can’t wait to see what we will discover, together!