As the Haller Global Fellowship comes to an end, I reflect on the 4 weeks I’ve had during the program. Personally, I would say that was the fastest four weeks of my life, yet also the most knowledgeable. This program enabled me to a whole new level of experience, especially before my freshman year. I learned so many new topics, had countless meaningful interactions, and got to experience what it was like studying abroad.
On Thursday, we gave our final presentation, and it went super smoothly I’d say. I was so nervous beforehand about it, but trusting my group and myself, we were able to give a pitch that I think Ray would’ve approved of. The help we got was out of this world, as we were able to receive everything we needed for our individual topics. My biggest takeaway from this program, in a consulting prospective, would be how important it is to create connections between businesses and understanding what their problem is. Erin was a massive help in constructing our project together, as she pieced all the businesses that we needed to talk to together, and showed us what Carrigart meant as a community more than a place.
The two weeks I spent in Pittsburgh will be unforgettable too. The classes with Ray, the meetings in Connellsville, to our lunch meetings with people such as Bryan Schultz, Kathy Foody-Malus, and Joe Pietropola seeded our entire project and enhanced our knowledge of the business world and what it meant to be a University of Pittsburgh student. Phil giving us an assignment of reading the history of Ireland was also a massive help in really taking in the culture of Ireland. Knowing what had happened in the past helped us appreciate the community, the cities, and their culture.
This past month has been the biggest month for me as a person. Entering as a fresh graduate from high school, I believe I left with the experience of a university student well beyond their first year. I also thoroughly believe that having done this program, and stepping out of my comfort zone, will lead me to a successful path in my future, and furthering my goals in the business world. Once again, the connections in Ireland are something that I will never forget has shaped me a new man. Soaking in their culture, and their way of life gave me a different perspective of things, and a bigger love for life. This program has done wonders to me, and I will always appreciate my time in the Haller Global Fellowship for the rest of my life.