To Tooronga Falls

My sister and I went to a place called Tooronga Falls. She stayed at the base as I climbed to higher ground. It was a steep trek, and I could hear the water fall in the distance. I was surrounded by thick forest and an old trail led up further into the heart of the waterfall. As I walked I discovered some steps, which looked like an old ruin entrance. I reached the highest point in the trail, where a sort of wooden platform facilitated the best view of the waterfall.

After leaning over the side of the rail to have a good look, I walked further on up the trail. By this time, the further I went up, more and more old ruin type steps appeared. I felt like I was not in the real world anymore. This place took me back in time. In a strange way it also cemented me in the present and the possibilities it offered. Like a trigger mechanism it made me realize what I really wanted, the truth of why I wanted to get into archaeology. I thought it was the glory of the discovery. But in reality, it was the escape. An escape into a world where time changed and I could be in the past, present and future at the same time. It was the ultimate freedom, not being bound by time or place. I could pick up a book and escape to another world, yes. But with archaeology, you literally found evidence of a forgotten world. You physically entered the world.

Why Did I Choose Archaeology?

Yes, archaeology took me out of the square, beyond time and space to observe without bias. It took me out of all the confusion, unrest and pain of living a drudge existence with no meaning.

The quest for the great discovery, and treasure of all sorts gave way to just wanting to be in nature and question why I was here and where I could go with knowledge gained from the past, from the worlds of the past. To marvel at the majestic beauties of a ruin…to explore with wild abandon. Discovering unknown possibilities. These things were worth pursuing.

It was getting late, I had to run all the way back down and knew I had to come back to this place again one day, to thank it for drawing out my hearts desire and inspiring me.

I received some words of encouragement from some very good friends and I knew I could never give up on archaeology.

Hook, Line and Sinker—and Determination

I went home with a gladdened heart. I called up about the TAFE course I mentioned earlier and was told that I had to wait 6 months to try again. This news didn’t bother me. I don’t think any set backs can bother me again. The patient stubborn resolve I was at times criticized and once even praised for, had finally set in. Hook, line and sinker I was in this thing until the very end.

I’m now glad that the set back happened. It’s helped me focus. I’m taking archaeology much more seriously now and know that I have to orchestrate it all, every step of the way, if I want to reach my destination. If it takes 50 years, then it takes 50 years. I am going to be an archaeologist, and whenever a door slams in my face, I’ll use the ultimate key. You know the one, the skeleton key that can open every single door in the setback universe. Determination.

Have good one.
Sureyya

Sureyya's experiences are by no means unique. Changing careers is not necessarily a simple process. But by thinking creatively and using the resources at hand, she'll find her way past this bump in the road.

More of Sureyya’s Journey

• Part 1: A Career Change to Archaeology
• Part 2: Career Research in Archaeology
• You are here --> Part 3: Sureyya Hits a Bump in the Road
• Part 4: Sometimes Life Intervenes
• Part 5: Being a Freshman
• Part 6: Part-Time Student / Part-Time Job
• Part 7: Full Time Student
• Part 8: Sureyya the Shovel Bum
• Part 9: Sureyya in the Field