ARIZONA MAKI

Major: Anthropology

"In April 2022, I attended the Society for American Archaeology annual conference in Chicago Illinois. This was my first professional conference and simply attending provided invaluable networking opportunities and professional insight into my chosen career field. I am currently in the defense semester of my honors thesis and attending this conference further stimulated my research efforts and inspired future ideas. Meeting other students from all over the U.S. who are going through the same process that I am made me feel less alone. Seeing my peers present their research has motivated me to share mine at future conferences.

Chicago is an expensive city and the entire trip cost me more than I wanted to or really could afford to pay, so I was ecstatic when I received this award because it helped offset the cost. Not only did this award help me financially, but the reflection essay allowed me to sit down and critically examine my experience which made me fully appreciate it. I am grateful I was able to attend this conference and believe it was worth every penny, but thankfully this award means I won't be eating ramen for the next few weeks to make up for it."

-Arizona Maki, Spring 2022 Honors Conference Attendance Award Winner