Hi everyone, my name is Solangie! I will be a junior at Pitt Business this fall where I am pursuing a major in Global Management and a minor in Mediterranean Art and Archaeology. Whether its with family, friends, solo, a road trip or a long flight away, I love to travel and see new places. I started at Pitt as a History major, but switched to business for my sophomore year. With my interest in history I took a Classical studies class along with my other requires courses and accumulated credits toward a minor. My first semester at Pitt I took Greek Archaeology where I met Dr. Maggie Beeler. Throughout the semester she would mention that she was participating in an excavation that was paused in 2018 and was postponed because of the pandemic. I mentioned to her that I was interested. After a lot of preparation, 6 months later I was on a plane to Greece, so this is my second time studying abroad!

This summer I am participating the the Archaeology in Greece Panther Program . Last summer, the same program was not provided through Pitt, but this year it was approved by Pitt GEO and I will be one of a few returning students. The Lechaion Harbor and Settlement Land Project is run by a professor from California State Long Beach and is directed by Dr. Beeler as well as professors from Florida State, and other universities from across the country. The program is located in Ancient Corinth, a town 1 hour from Athens and focuses on excavating an Ancient Roman occupied Harbor. Last summer resumed the excavation after years of hiatus so it was a fresh start for professors and a new opportunity for students. During the week we are in the field, and groups work on digging different areas of the site. We are taught proper excavation techniques, how to log artifacts and scale draw the trenches we work in. Because Greece has such a rich history, there are many historical sites and museums close by we visit on field trips on the weekends. We stay in accommodations walking distance to the town of Ancient Corinth, where all restaurants have a view of the Temple of Apollo, but Modern Corinth, home to amazing beaches, is a short taxi ride away.

After an amazing and educational experience last summer, and in conjunction with Pitt GEO, Dr. Beeler gave students the chance to return to program. My experience last summer gave me the opportunity to connect with students, graduate students and professors all interested in the field of Mediterranean Archaeology from different universities and backgrounds. I learned important skills needed for my future career like teamwork, adaptability and attention to detail in a unique environment. I hope going back this summer will further develop those skills as well as leadership and management, because as a returning student I have the opportunity to be an Assistant Trench Supervisor. With this position I will work closely with a trench supervisor, a graduate student or professor possibly new to the project, to show them how the excavation operates and help new students with any questions they have about the work or lifestyle of the program. I can’t wait to see friends I made last year and make new ones. I am so excited to return to Greece for the Lechaion Harbor and Settlement Land Project and experience more of the food, culture and people of Greece.