Student Spotlight: Dalton Carder

Name: Dalton Carder
Major: Anthropology
Hometown: Overland Park, KS
Year at UNL: Senior

Favorite book and why:
I’d have to say the song of ice and Fire books as a whole. I am hoping that the series gets finished sometime because I believe they may be some of the greatest fantasy writing ever.

Favorite movie and why:
This is a really tough question because I love a lot of movies, but I think Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade would have to be my favorite. I have some really good memories of watching the series with my dad and this one is my favorite of them.

Why Anthropology?
I originally was a Computer Science major and just did not enjoy myself. I couldn't see myself with a long term future in that. I went on a trip with my parents in Europe and got to visit lots of historical landmarks around southern Europe and specifically I got to see Rome. I loved walking around the remnants of 2000 years of history and imagining life back then. I wanted to see if I could find a way to learn more about people and history as a career and be able to travel. So, on the bus ride away from Rome I was researching on my phone and found anthropology and archaeology online. I decided to switch after I had done some more research and I have loved it ever since.

I would always encourage someone to find a major where they can work in something they find interesting and have a passion for. If you aren't happy with what you are doing now then you definitely won't be years down the road. Some of my favorite classes have been archaeology focused, especially my field school down at Reller Prairie. I also enjoyed the Museum Exhibit Design class I took last spring. I gained a lot of new experiences and really enjoyed getting to work with peers as well as Dr. Perdikaris. I would encourage anyone with any interest in archaeology to take a field school because that's how you can tell if you will enjoy working in the field and if this is for you. My biggest piece of advice is get to know your professors a bit. They have had experiences that will help you as you advance and everyone here has been amazing whenever I ask to talk with them.

Extracurricular Experiences:
I haven't been able to do any study abroad even though I wish I had because I switched to this major pretty late in my college career but I would encourage anyone who can to do it my sister who also went here loved her study abroad experience. I joined a Fraternity, Acacia Fraternity, and I think that was easily one of the best decisions I made since I have been in College. I was always a big team sports kid as I grew up. I was almost always participating in sports and I think having a team or group around you working towards the same goal is important for anyone, especially with how challenging college can be. The support and relationships you gain from being a part of a fraternity helped me greatly as I figured out what I wanted to do with my future. I would recommend it to anyone as long as they find a group where they feel like they belong.

Post-Graduation Plans:
At the moment I am trying to finalize my immediate post graduation plans. Eventually, my hope is to become a professor myself. I personally have always enjoyed helping people when I can, and I think that teaching is one of the best ways to help anyone. I am hopeful that I can research more about history that I am interested in and add to some research I have already done regarding material remains in different parts of the world. I'm excited to see what the future holds for me and what I can learn more about in the future.