Delivering our final presentation in Carrigart felt like the moment everything from the past month finally came together. All the research, interviews, walking the main street, and building the bulletin board and website led up to that morning in The Carrigart Hotel’s meeting room. I was nervous, obviously, because presenting in front of actual community members is a lot different than presenting in a classroom. But once our group started, it felt natural. When I showed the bulletin board system and the website, people instantly lit up. Mary from GTEIC especially loved it, and hearing her talk about how useful it could be made all the late nights figuring out how to build a website worth it. The fact that the website was already functioning made it feel real, not just a “student idea.” By the time we finished, the room was full of curiosity, and it felt like we had built something that would actually benefit Carrigart. It was one of those moments where you realize the thing you were stressed about wasn’t actually that scary, kind of like when I spontaneously got my ears pierced in Pittsburgh.

Looking back on the past month, I don’t think I’ve ever learned so much in such a short amount of time. Between Ray’s classes, neighborhood visits, the EIR meetings, Picklesburgh, random volleyball games, exploring Oakland, and meeting people who somehow became my friends overnight, I learned more about business, community, and myself than I expected. I figured out how to navigate a brand new city, how to talk to professionals, and how to work with a team under the pressure of a deadline. Then Ireland flipped the whole experience in the best way possible. From Fanad’s quiet fantasy‑world energy to Downings Festival chaos to the community feel of Carrigart, every day felt like a mix of learning, exploring, and stumbling upon some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen. I learned how to observe a community and how culture shapes the way people live and work. Not only was it just academic growth. It was also personal growth that came from being surrounded by new people, new places, and new perspectives. Plus, somewhere along the way, I’m pretty sure I accidentally learned how to write blogs I’m not too embarrassed to post, which definitely wasn’t on the syllabus.

Now that it’s over, I can see how much this program changed me. I came in as someone fresh out of high school, excited but unsure, and I’m leaving feeling like I’ve already lived a semester’s worth of experiences. I learned how to adapt, how to communicate, and how to step into situations that used to intimidate me. More importantly, I learned how much I value connection, whether it’s with classmates, business owners, or the random people I met while wandering Pittsburgh and Ireland. This program gave me a new perspective on community, culture, and what it means to contribute to something that helps others. As I get ready to start my freshman year, I know this month will stick with me. It wasn’t just a trip. It was the start of who I’m becoming, and I’m grateful I got to begin that journey in two places that couldn’t be more different but somehow taught me the same thing: growth happens when you put yourself out there and try new things. Even if they may be intimidating.