Presenting our work to the Connellsville community on November 14th was a meaningful and memorable experience that brought together everything my team had been working on throughout the semester. It was exciting to receive the community’s direct feedback and to understand how our work could be improved or expanded in the future. I was struck by how many people attended the presentation and how diverse the audience was, especially for a smaller town. The variety of backgrounds present in the room showed how invested community members were in hearing about the progress being made and in sharing their perspectives. The environment was warm and welcoming, but there was also a clear sense that we were entering a space that belonged to them. That dynamic grounded me and reminded me that our role was to partner with the community, not to lead or impose our ideas.
Throughout the presentation, I felt proud of how well the entire event came together. Our practice run before leaving for Connellsville had felt unsteady at times, but once we arrived and began speaking, it was obvious that each group had put substantial effort into polishing their sections. The presentation flowed seamlessly, and it was evident that everyone had been working beyond class hours to produce something meaningful. The community engagement that followed was equally important. Residents and stakeholders asked thoughtful questions, some of which were directly related to our team’s work, while others expanded into broader areas that were outside our specific scope. Even when we could not fully answer certain questions, the conversation helped highlight areas where future Pitt groups could continue the work. Initially, the community seemed curious but slightly unsure about whether our efforts would have a lasting impact. By the end of the session, however, their tone shifted, and I sensed that we had earned their confidence through our thoughtful responses and collaborative spirit.
One of the most important lessons I learned was how well our team could adapt when responding to unexpected questions. We quickly found connections between our group’s work and the broader goals of the project, and we spoke comfortably about topics that were not part of our rehearsed material. This experience strengthened my adaptability and helped me build confidence in speaking directly to community members. It also taught me that the community deeply values ongoing support from Pitt students. They were not simply looking for a short-term project, but rather a long-term relationship with the university. On a personal level, I developed stronger skills in teamwork, communication, and community engagement. Answering questions on the spot and adjusting the presentation to fit the flow of the larger project helped me grow in ways that traditional coursework does not often provide.
Summary of Final Deliverables and Their Value to the Community
My team’s final deliverables centered on extensive data collection and analysis focused on understanding the needs, opinions, and priorities of Connellsville residents and business owners. We gathered data through three primary methods. The first method was one on one conversations conducted with individuals throughout the community. The second was survey distribution which was facilitated through local businesses and directly through our community partners. The third method involved casual conversations during our visits, where informal dialogue often revealed insights that people might not share in a structured interview setting. Once the data was collected, we analyzed it to identify major patterns, recurring themes, and important priorities that the community wanted to see addressed.
Along with the data collection, we created marketing plans designed to guide future Pitt groups. These plans were intended to help future students understand how to use the data effectively, especially when it comes to improving communication, guiding grant applications, supporting business initiatives, and planning community engagement strategies. Out of everything we produced, I believe the data collection and analysis is the most valuable deliverable. We shared all of our findings with our main stakeholder, Crystal, and ensured that the information was organized in a format she can continue using and expanding in the future. This allows her to maintain an up to date understanding of community preferences and ensures that our work has a lasting impact beyond a single semester.
The deliverables hold significant short term value because they offer clarity on the overall opinions of the community. Stakeholders now have structured and organized evidence to help guide their priorities and decision making. In the long term, the information will be essential for shaping future projects, supporting grant proposals, and providing incoming Pitt cohorts with a strong foundation so they do not need to start from scratch. The data will guide the development of future revitalization efforts and support Connellsville’s long term goals.
If I Could Wave a Wand to Implement One Recommendation
If I could instantly implement one recommendation from our project, I would choose to ensure that future groups and community stakeholders use the data we collected to create a second community space that draws residents into the downtown area. Developing a lively, welcoming, and functional space for people to gather would increase foot traffic, boost revenue for small businesses, and create a stronger sense of community pride. This type of space would encourage people to spend more time in town and contribute to a renewed energy that could help fuel broader revitalization efforts. A vibrant community space has the power to influence economic growth, strengthen local identity, and support long term development goals. It aligns with the desires expressed by many community members and could serve as a catalyst for further investment and activity.
Recommendations for Next Steps: For the Community and For Future Students
My primary recommendation for the Connellsville community is to continue using the data we collected to guide decisions about how to improve the downtown area and create the types of spaces residents want. By focusing on the insights gathered from surveys and conversations, community leaders can prioritize projects that align with residents’ needs and increase engagement. This will help ensure that the work continues to move forward and that decisions are informed by real community input.
For next year’s cohort of students, I recommend creating a detailed and comprehensive marketing breakdown that can be developed with the support of Mead Johnson. A centralized marketing strategy would help Connellsville present itself in a unified and compelling way, attract more visitors, strengthen tourism efforts, and improve future grant opportunities. This type of plan would allow future students to build on the work we have done and ensure that their contributions are meaningful and aligned with community goals.
My advice for future students working with the Connellsville community is to remain open minded and respectful throughout the process. It is important to remember that we are entering the community’s space and that the residents are the ones who understand their town best. Avoid creating situations that make people feel like outsiders in their own home. Approach conversations naturally, with professionalism and friendliness, and be willing to listen more than speak. This mindset will allow future cohorts to build trust, create stronger relationships, and produce work that genuinely supports the community’s long-term vision.