My name is Victoria Wilson, and I am currently in grade 12 and in my final year of high school before I go to university. As my career choice, I want to be a forensic anthropologist and have archaeology as a major. I started my co-op in the fall of 2018 and am ending February 2019. I chose to do my co-op at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology because of the learning environment. Each day I have learned something new from how the programs run with each grade to taking people through the Virtual Reality tour. I grew up always interested in the history behind people and artifacts. When I first started at the museum, my knowledge was limited to what I have learned in school and read about in books or the news. Planning out courses in high school that were related to ancient history and anthropology helped direct me to my career choice as well as this placement.

Being a part of the museum has helped me be more confident in the tasks I am given as well as helping me come out of my shell. Since I want to major in archaeology, the museum gives me insight on what this career path will look like and what it entails as well as the many people willing to help me reach my goals.  Joining the staff and assisting with the school programs has taught me a lot about the history of the Indigenous peoples as well as teaching me about myself and what I am capable of. When I first started, I would help make sure the students had the material they needed for the activity they were working on. Now I am able to teach students from other schools or even universities. I have learned through my experience here that there are many possibilities following this path. I found that working in an environment that helps you grow while teaching others and building up your own strengths gives you a boost to your personal goals and to achieving them.

Maybe you’re interested in volunteering or completing a placement at MOA? Every day is something new that you learn and see, whether it be from staff, students or even just looking around. The staff members are always welcoming and make sure you are comfortable in the task you are doing. You will get to experience a broad range of activities and sights that you are able to participate in throughout the year and will learn many things throughout your time here just like I have.