“There’s Hazor, and then there are all other sites.” It sounds presumptuous, I know. However, after six weeks of sweating, digging, discovering, and connecting with people from all around the world, that phrase became more than just a slogan to me.

Before I arrived, I was unsure what to expect. What I was not prepared for was the unique mix of expertise and kindness demonstrated by the crew from Hebrew University of Jerusalem. During my six weeks at Tel Hazor, I was challenged both physically and mentally, but in a way that only encouraged me to want more. I was able to learn the basics of field archaeology and acquired skills that will continue to benefit me for more than just one amazing summer.

Hazor will always hold a special place in my heart. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity this summer awarded me and look forward to many more in the future. Thanks to the generos- ity of the Biblical Archaeology Society and its donors, I was able to see with my own eyes why the Bible described Hazor as “the head of all those kingdoms” and am more confident than ever in my pursuit of a career in Biblical Archaeology.