Egyptology.
I became enamored with, fascinated by, and endeared to the history and culture of ancient Egypt when I was at the tender age of 11. We had an assignment to write a 'social studies' report in my elementary school. I hit the encyclopedia, and stumbled upon articles about ancient Egypt, and was instantly drawn to, and spellbound, on the subject. I wrote and presented an 18 page report and took over my class for the day.
While I did not become an Egyptologist (not yet at least), this spurred interest in history, anthropology and archaeology in general (all subjects of which I have pursued in higher education, and have achieved degrees in all three), I had the great fortune of living near Chicago, and visits to the Field Museum of Natural History and the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute were nearby. Thus, as member of both institutions, I could pursue my new interest (obsession), with glee.
My father further encouraged my interest by taking my mother and I on a month long trip to Egypt as well as a month long trip to Kenya (I like animals and natural history as well).
The photo is of me in the inner sanctum of the Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel.
The statues are of the gods: Ptah, Amon, Ramses and Re-Herakhte.
While I did not become an Egyptologist (not yet at least), this spurred interest in history, anthropology and archaeology in general (all subjects of which I have pursued in higher education, and have achieved degrees in all three), I had the great fortune of living near Chicago, and visits to the Field Museum of Natural History and the University of Chicago's Oriental Institute were nearby. Thus, as member of both institutions, I could pursue my new interest (obsession), with glee.
My father further encouraged my interest by taking my mother and I on a month long trip to Egypt as well as a month long trip to Kenya (I like animals and natural history as well).
The photo is of me in the inner sanctum of the Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel.
The statues are of the gods: Ptah, Amon, Ramses and Re-Herakhte.