Milena Acha
BIO
Archeologist and assistant professor based in Brazil. Mom-of-one.
Twitter: @AchaMilena
Milena Acha
“When I became a mother, I radically changed my career plan, but didn’t change my goals.”
I am an archaeologist specialized in studying pastoralists in arid land and high altitude environments. My research focuses on ethnoarchaeology data, which requires me to be in the field interacting with people and observing their lives.
Walking through the mountain valleys in the Andes did not seem to be safe enough for a child, so I waited until I finished my PhD to get pregnant.
I defended my dissertation, and went back to Brazil, where my husband and family live. I still had a lot of data to analyze, and it sounded like the perfect moment to run for a postdoc position. I was feeling confident because I had a clear career plan in my head and it was impossible to go wrong.
What I learned as a mom is that nothing comes out exactly as planned when you have a little human to care for.
The first sudden change I experienced was a political condition which stopped supporting science in the country, and less scientists who are working with ancient rights. Everyone in academia was so scared about the future.
My advisor didn’t recommend me for the postdoc position I was running for, claiming that it would be difficult with a newborn coming soon. This broke my heart and my spirit. My plan wasn’t working as I had imagined.
My son was born almost one month before my due date. He was a beautiful little one, and I never imagined how much it would take to care for a human baby. At the time, I still had a few classes as a visiting professor.
The law indicated six months of maternity leave, but since I was “visiting”, it was unpaid. My husband had to work extra hours as a result of this. At the time, I wasn’t sleeping or eating properly, I was always tired.
Coming back to academia became more distant than ever. I wasn’t reading or writing anything, I wasn’t part of any group, I felt so alone. I didn’t want to change my plan, but it was farther than ever.
When my baby was nine months old, I applied for an assistant professor position in a Community College. I got the job and was really happy to be back to action. I worked only two weeks and then, the pandemic struck and changed everything. I was stuck at home with a baby, classes to teach and a lot of work to do.
I wouldn't have made it if my parents hadn’t transformed their life to support me. I finished the year with a happy and talking toddler and I still had my job. That was a conquest!
My current job does not support research, and as such does not fit my initial career plan, but it turned out to be pretty good. I have a great daycare, school and recreation space for my family, and I’m now able to work from home. Because of the current situation in Brazil, almost all job positions at a University have been frozen in recent years, and the few opportunities available are very competitive. A mother with a gap in her resumé does not fit in it.
I don’t know what would have happened if my first plan worked out, but I know that my life has completely changed from what I had imagined, but still turned out alright. I’m happy as a mom and I’m able to see my kid growing up, and work close to him. I love to teach and be close to students, and I still want to keep researching archaeology. I’m looking forward to seeing the Andes again, which is why I’m applying for a grant to continue my research and keep my present job position.
When I became a mother, I radically changed my career plan, but didn’t change my goals.
Being a mother also changed my perception about life and work. I'm more empathetic and open to practically understanding people’s choices. For me, maternity brought changes I never would have imagined, but also brought a lot of joy and a more flexible way of facing life.