As our time in Pittsburgh comes to an end, I’ve been thinking about everything this city has taught me. It wasn’t just a place to study, it became a place where I learned a lot about life, community, and myself. Now, as we get ready to move to Ireland, I am now thinking about how those lessons might help me in Carrigart. One of my favorite memories was Field Day in Lawrenceville. It wasn’t just fun, it showed me how a whole neighborhood can come together and make something amazing happen. It taught me the power of community and how small events can create real change. Visiting the Irish Design Center was also exciting. It gave me a peek into Irish culture and made me even more excited for what’s ahead. I began to consider how art, design, and business can work together to tell powerful stories. Exploring Pittsburgh’s neighborhoods like Fine View and the Hill District helped me see how cities are shaped by their history and people. Fine View’s views showed me how nature and planning work together, while the Hill District showed the strength of communities and why it’s important to remember where we come from. I also loved the glass factory in Connellsville. Watching glassblowers work was terrific and made me appreciate the skill and tradition behind it. Our visit at The Oaklander Hotel showed me how much work goes into hospitality. And talking with Joe Pietorpoloa helped me understand leadership in tough situations. But the moment that stuck with me most was meeting Tierra Thorne from Blanket & Board. She put so much love into hosting us, the food, the drinks, even the small details. Her story of starting a business during the pandemic inspired me. She showed me that following your passion can lead to a real career. For someone like me, who dreams of working in the golf world, that meant a lot. Tierra also talked about working with the city on big events like the NFL Draft, while still caring for her regular customers. That showed me how important it is to stay true to your roots, no matter how big your business gets. Now, as I think about Ireland, especially Carrigart, I feel full of ideas. What if we created something like Tierra’s business, but focused on golf and community? We could plan events that bring people together and celebrate what makes Carrigart special. Everything I learned in Pittsburgh, from community events to history, art, and passion, feels more important than ever. I’m excited to take those lessons and use them to help Carrigart grow. I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I’m ready to find out.
