Wow! Four weeks flew by like nothing, and my time spent in Ireland went by like a flash.
I visited so many jaw-dropping locations, hiked adventurous routes, and met so many wonderful people. As I reflect, I am saddened at the prospect of this experience ending, but nonetheless, I am grateful for all of the memories, the fun ventures, and life-long connections it has given me. Along with it, a new family.
Our final day in Carrigart was a culmination of the past month’s journey, bringing our experiences full circle with a final presentation to the community. Delivering our findings and ideas to the very people who inspired them was an incredible experience. We shared our observations on everything from the promising walkway from Downings to Carrigart to the unique branding of local businesses like Gteic. As I worked with the promotional side for Carrigart in marketing, I especially enjoyed getting the opportunity to shed the potential of the walkway to the town, a unique feature which can’t be found elsewhere. I detailed community collaboration and the importance of collective growth and prosperity, as well as, leading by example. The engagement and thoughtful questions from the audience showed just how invested the community is in its own future. It was a powerful moment, connecting our academic work with real-world impact and underscoring the importance of listening to and learning from the people we serve. It was less about us presenting a final project and more about having a conversation, as we have had throughout our two weeks in Ireland.
Looking back on the past month, this program has been transformative, both academically and personally.
Academically, the value has been immense. We moved beyond theoretical concepts and applied them directly to a living, breathing community. The experience of analyzing the branding strategies of a local newspaper versus a textile company, for example, taught me more about marketing and trust than any textbook ever could. I learned how to identify the subtle but powerful economic engines of a rural community and how to articulate complex ideas in a way that is accessible and meaningful to a non-academic audience. This hands-on approach to research and community engagement has given me a deeper, more practical understanding of local economics, business, and cultural preservation.
Personally, the program’s impact has been just as profound. The generosity and warmth of the people of Donegal were unforgettable. From the chief editor of the local paper to Annette from the gift shop, everyone we met shared their stories, their struggles, and their triumphs with open hearts. This experience taught me the value of community, resilience, and the power of human connection. It’s easy to get lost in the hustle of everyday life, but spending a month immersed in a place where people look out for each other and take immense pride in their heritage was a powerful reminder of what truly matters. I’ll carry these lessons – and the stories of the people who taught them – with me long after I’ve left Ireland.
I am forever grateful for this wonderful experience, especially as I enter Pitt as a freshman. From tackling complex coursework to becoming buddies with the maintenance crew, I feel well prepared as I step onto campus. This program was incredible, in the sense, that it did not hold our hands for a first collegiate experience. Rather, it granted me opportunities- to learn with a tight-knit cohort, to succeed in a high-level class, and the chance to embark on a consulting project abroad. For someone who hasn’t even entered her first year at the University, I would say that this is fantastic start.
I will never regret hitting accept on this program, as it has given me my fondest memories and greatest relationships. Nonetheless, I cannot wait to see what else the future brings. And I know, I will carry this experience with me forever.
