This past weekend offered a truly immersive experience, showing the Haller team the character and history of Pittsburgh. Our Saturday began in the bustling Strip District, where we walked by diverse storefronts offering everything from international foods to local crafts. After, we began a quintessential Pittsburgh adventure: ascending the Rising Main steps to Fineview. These steps are the longest continuous steps in the city of Pittsburgh. The steps are not in perfect condition, but the areas where the steps are crumbling reminded the team of the history of the city and made us think about all the people who walked the steps before we did.

When I reached the Fineview Overlook and could see the panoramic views of the city, I knew the effort of the walk was well worth it. I learned about the dedicated efforts by the local residents to maintain the beauty and infrastructure. What truly resonated with me was the sense of community pride. An example of this can be seen in the presence of neatly maintained garbage cans, visibly emptied and cleaned by locals rather than city services. This illustrates the commitment of the local residents to keep Fineview thriving, even where municipal funding might fall short. Standing at the overlook, it became clear that the citizens’ deep appreciation for Fineview stemmed not only from the stunning views but also from the kindhearted people who sustain this close-knit community. We had learned how the town of Carrigart, Ireland, relies on its beautiful natural surroundings and I feel that this area was similar in this way. I am genuinely appreciative of the opportunity to witness the community spirit and experience the views in Fineview.

Sunday provided a profound opportunity for cultural immersion. The Haller team took an extensive tour of the celebrated Nationality Rooms housed within the Cathedral of Learning. These thirty-one meticulously crafted rooms took us across continents and centuries. I was captivated by the exquisite structural pieces and the extraordinary craftsmanship involved in making each room feel so authentic, as if stepping directly into a different country’s heritage. From the intricate wood carvings of one nation to the colorful textile patterns of another, every detail spoke to me about the cultural narratives they represented, highlighting the dedication that went into their creation. The number and diversity of these Nationality Rooms within a single building powerfully demonstrates Pittsburgh’s identity as a diverse and inclusive city. Pittsburgh is a community where people are not only deeply accepting and respectful of different cultural backgrounds, but are also genuinely eager to learn about and celebrate the traditions of countries around the world. I look forward to spending more time in the Nationality Rooms and taking classes inside these rooms in future semesters.

Pittsburgh is a city that has a strong history which is understood and appreciated by its residents. It is also a city inclusive of people of all cultures. It is a place which could weather change both economically and socially as the strong community spirit will continue to push Pittsburgh to not only be resilient, but to thrive. This is what pulled me to study here, and the experiences this weekend have made me further appreciate this city, further motivating me to explore the history and culture of this city.