Norma Lee
As a sociology major, Norma studied alongside other UBC students as a part of the Archeological Field Training Group Study program in Anyang, China
What was the highlight of your experience?
Where should I begin? There are just too many highlights! I guess the best part of my experience, apart from participating in an ongoing excavation, was to do some experimental archaeology, and get our hands and feet dirty with our professors, Dr. Jing and Dr. Kenoyer. Our team dug holes, made clay bricks, and built our own Shang-style kiln. We also brought soil samples, mixed clay and made our own potteries. After spending 3 hours in the dark monitoring the heat of our kiln, when we finally cracked it open to see our fired pottery-the feeling of accomplishment was so great! Another highlight was seeing my classmates socializing with the local people when their translators (including myself) were not around to help. While some locals speak basic English, the others cannot. It’s great to see everyone still having a great time while working in the field or going out for dinner and drinks after a full day of learning.
Why did you choose this particular program?
While my major is sociology, my interests also include anthropology and archaeology. When I took Dr. Jing Zhi-chun’s Archaeological Methods course, he frequently talked about his research on the Shang dynasty in Anyang. Since I grew up in Hong Kong, I learnt a little bit about the Shang when I went to high school, so when he later advertised this program in his class, I knew I had to sign up for it.
How has this opportunity impacted your studies/career?
To learn about history through books and classroom learning is one thing, but, with my Chinese heritage, to actually see part of my ancestor’s life is a lifetime experience! The program was full of opportunities, from learning about the history of China through working in the fields to visiting many historical sites in China such as the Terracotta Army at Xi’an and the Longman Grottos in Luoyang. As well, we also got the chance to work on a research project independently with the help of a number of professors who came to Anyang with our class. They provided us with invaluable information and suggestions to improve our own projects. I spent my final week in Anyang trying to recreate the molds and models the ancient Shang people used in bronze casting, experimenting on different local materials. Although time was short, it was a new and rare kind of research experience for me.
How has this opportunity impacted you as a person?
For me, going global through this group study program means fulfilling one of my childhood dreams - to become an archaeologist. I loved digging around with my trusty Marshalltown trowel and learn about my people’s history. I have made wonderful friends with the locals, especially the people I have worked with during the six weeks there. Even now, I still keep in touch with my student-teacher, Wen-xuan. I have not only learnt more about the history of China, but also about the people and their lives. Every person who I have managed to strike a conversation with, like the workers at the excavation site, students, and workstation staff all have interesting things to share. At the same time, I felt like I also had something to offer them, like teaching them some basic English while we were digging holes in the ground and trying to understand what different soil colours and patterns may signify at an archaeological site! What more, all the translation I did for my classmates as well as daily conversation with the locals was a great chance for me to practice my Mandarin!
What would you say to other students thinking about going global before they graduate?
First, I have to stress the need for one to have a clear idea what you actually want to do and get from this whole experience. Be realistic about your goals. If you feel that you can sacrifice the time, personal comfort, and be ready to spend time living with a group of people from diverse backgrounds, go for it!
With opportunities like this, it’s not just about travelling. Sure, you will learn more about other cultures and people, but at the same time you will also learn more about yourself! There are moments that one may feel confused or frustrated, but take it as a chance for personal growth. Maybe it’s time to step outside your own comfort zone!
