This semester, I had the enriching opportunity to collaborate with several other students from diverse interdisciplinary backgrounds as part of the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative. Our collective efforts were dedicated to fostering economic development in Fayette County, Pennsylvania. Engaging in community-based research throughout the semester, we delved into various aspects of the local economy, aiming to identify sustainable strategies for growth. The experience was not only academically fulfilling but also hands-on, as we actively contributed to the development of the community. Our work extended to the creation of several impactful deliverables. One of the highlights of this experience was the privilege of presenting our findings and project work on two separate occasions. These presentations allowed us to share our insights, connect with stakeholders, and showcase the culmination of our collaborative efforts.
The first of these presentations occurred on November 17th and was tailored for Fayette County community members. Our cohort invited individuals whom we had engaged with throughout the semester. We had the privilege to meet several of these community members during our visit to Fayette County in October. Attendees included residents, small business owners, community leaders, and school faculty, all of whom play vital roles in the community. In the sustainability portion of our cohort, consisting of myself and two other students, we extended invitations to faculty from Laurel Highlands and Uniontown Area High School, as well as a community leader who aided us in distributing a community survey. The venue for this presentation was the Connellsville Canteen, where a luncheon was held for our guests.
I must admit that I was incredibly nervous leading up to this presentation, given that our audience was comprised of individuals much more familiar with Fayette County than we were. Our work this semester, along with the work of past and future cohorts, has the potential to make an incredible difference in Fayette County, and I wanted the community members to believe that as much as we do. Their firsthand knowledge heightened the stakes for our delivery, and I was hoping that they would not only approve of our research but also take pride in the proposed plans of action. Fortunately, our presentation was met with enthusiasm, particularly from the three guests invited by the sustainability group. I was honored to know that those individuals with whom I had direct conversations, individuals who wielded a significant influence on the sustainability group’s endeavors, took pride in the accomplishments we achieved. The feedback we received was invaluable, providing us with approval of our work and insightful suggestions for the future. This occasion wasn’t merely a chance to disseminate our findings but also a unique opportunity to receive direct feedback from those intimately connected to the community we sought to impact. It served as a testament to the collaborative spirit of our efforts and the meaningful connections forged between The University of Pittsburgh and Fayette County.
The second presentation was at the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative Conference in Washington, D.C. on December 2nd. The conference was spread over the course of two days, with several universities from throughout Appalachia attending. This conference stands out as one of my most memorable college experiences, as it was my first time attending and presenting at such an event. The anticipation leading up to the conference was similar to that of the Fayette County presentation. I was equally as nervous. While the audience this time wasn’t comprised of individuals directly impacted by our project, the significance of our presentation remained paramount, considering our audience consisted of several individuals responsible for the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative such as Professor and Chair of Appalachian Studies at East Tennessee State University Ron Roach and Appalachian Regional Commission’s Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. The experience gained from presenting in Fayette County proved invaluable, serving as a great preparation for the D.C. conference. Reflecting on our collective achievement, I couldn’t be more proud of myself and my fellow cohort members for the seamless delivery of our presentation. The transition from a local setting to a broader academic stage underscored the adaptability and depth of our preparation, marking a testament to our shared dedication and the comprehensive impact of our research.
Furthermore, I found great pleasure in immersing myself in the presentations from other universities, where each project was tailored to address specific issues within their respective Appalachian communities. The diverse range of topics encompassed everything from the development of sustainable and accessible food systems to the exploration of proposed architectural designs. What intrigued me the most was the realization that, despite the varying scopes of these projects, the Appalachian communities encountered remarkably similar challenges. The exposure to these diverse projects provided me with a unique insight into communities and universities I might not have encountered otherwise. Witnessing the innovative solutions and shared struggles across different regions was not only enlightening but also broadened my understanding of the intricate dynamics at play in various Appalachian settings. This experience was undeniably invaluable, and I am genuinely grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in this exchange of ideas and experiences.
Both presentations were great opportunities that I am incredibly grateful to have had during my last semester at Pitt. It was amazing to be able to showcase the cohort’s hard work that we accomplished throughout the last few months. I have never presented to such a large audience that was not other students before, so these presentations also acted chance for me to improve my presenting skills greatly. The feedback we received from these presentations will undoubtedly contribute to the refinement and enhancement of future cohort presentations. As I conclude my last semester at Pitt, I am grateful for these experiences, knowing that they have not only shaped my academic journey but have also contributed to the positive trajectory of communities, both local and regional.