Growing up in the Appalachian region, I believed most counties within it shared similar qualities, particularly in their economies, landscapes, and community cultures. I assumed Fayette County would be much like my hometown in Tioga County. However, that assumption was challenged when I visited Fayette County and saw the nuanced realities of life there.
I quickly realized that each county in Appalachia has a unique blend of assets and challenges, shaped by its history, geography, and population. While my hometown has bustling main streets lined with businesses and fewer vacant lots, parts of Fayette County told a different story. I was struck by the number of vacant buildings and empty storefronts in some towns, reflecting the economic struggles that the region is working to overcome. These visual differences revealed deeper contrasts in the economic opportunities and infrastructure between the two counties.
This experience also brought to light the importance of respect and humility when working with communities. As college students from a major urban university, it was easy to unintentionally carry a mindset that we had the “answers” to their problems. Early in the project, I sometimes caught myself thinking that our role was to “fix” things, but this idea was quickly dismantled after meeting the people of Fayette County. Their deep passion for improving their neighborhoods and their unwavering commitment to positive change were inspiring. They didn’t need us to lead the charge—they were already doing the hard work. Our role was to listen, learn, and support their efforts, amplifying the change they were already driving.
This experience shifted my perception of Appalachia in a powerful way. I learned to appreciate the diversity of challenges and opportunities across the region and saw firsthand the resilience, creativity, and dedication of its people. By the end of the semester, I left with a deeper appreciation for the complexity of Appalachia and the incredible strength of the communities working to shape their futures.
When I’m old and grey, I’ll look back on this experience as a pivotal moment in my life—the first time I truly experienced the complexity and rewards of creating meaningful change in the real world. This was the first time I faced a challenge where the goal wasn’t defined, the steps weren’t laid out, and success wasn’t guaranteed.
I’d tell my grandchildren about how this project taught me the difference between completing tasks because I had to and pursuing work because I wanted to and believed it mattered. For most of my academic career, I’ve operated within the structured world of deadlines, rubrics, and assignments. This course, however, asked me to think differently. Instead of asking, “What is required of me?” I found myself asking, “What can I do to make a difference here?” That shift—from being task-oriented to purpose-driven—was both challenging and transformative.
I’d share the lessons I learned about initiative, adaptability, and resilience. For the first time, I experienced the pressure of working without a safety net. There were no “right” answers or guarantees of success. I had to rely on my creativity, my problem-solving skills, and the support of my team to move forward. Along the way, I made mistakes, struggled with remote collaboration, and dealt with the uncertainty of whether our efforts would have a lasting impact.
But I’d also share the immense pride and fulfillment that came with the project. Seeing the lives of Fayette County residents positively impacted by our work made every struggle worth it. It reminded me that real change doesn’t come from one person or one team—it comes from people working together, learning from each other, and striving toward a shared vision.
To my grandchildren, I would emphasize that while tests, homework, and grades build discipline, the most meaningful work in life comes from tackling open-ended questions and dedicating yourself to finding solutions. Cities aren’t built, businesses aren’t started, and communities aren’t transformed because of a perfectly written assignment. They’re built on passion, collaboration, and perseverance. This project taught me those lessons, and they are ones I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
This course was unlike anything I’ve experienced in college. In most classes, assignments, exams, and projects are structured with clear instructions, rubrics, and deadlines. Success in those courses is measured by how well you follow the framework. But this course broke that mold completely. It pushed us into uncharted territory, where we had to figure out not just how to succeed, but also what success even looked like.
One of the most striking differences was the level of autonomy and responsibility we were given. In other classes, there’s a comfort in knowing exactly what’s expected: you study for a test, write a paper, or complete a lab. Here, we were tasked with tackling a real-world problem without a clear roadmap. We had to identify the needs of the Fayette County community, brainstorm solutions, and build relationships with local stakeholders—all while ensuring that our work had a lasting impact. This shift from being task-driven to being purpose-driven was liberating but also intimidating.
The experiential nature of the course made it stand out as well. We weren’t just analyzing a case study or discussing theories in a classroom—we were out in the field, engaging directly with the people of Fayette County. The stakes felt much higher because our work had real implications for the community. It was a humbling reminder that true change happens when you listen to and collaborate with those you’re trying to serve.
This course also taught me to embrace uncertainty and adaptability. Unlike traditional assignments where the outcome is predictable, this project often felt like walking into the unknown. There were moments of frustration, missteps, and roadblocks, but those moments taught me to problem-solve in ways I never had before. I learned that progress isn’t always linear and that perseverance is key when working toward a greater goal.
Summary
This course was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my college career. It stretched me in ways I never expected—teaching me to navigate ambiguity, take initiative, and truly collaborate with others to create meaningful change. By the end of the semester, I realized that this opportunity had given me something no traditional class could: a firsthand understanding of the complexities of change-making and the power of community-driven action.
I am deeply grateful for the guidance and support of our professors throughout this journey. Their vision, expertise, and dedication made this course not only possible but also transformative. They provided us with the tools and encouragement to step outside our comfort zones, think critically, and engage with the world in a meaningful way. Their belief in our ability to rise to the challenge made all the difference, and I cannot thank them enough for creating such a unique and impactful learning experience.
It was an incredible opportunity that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and I am profoundly thankful to have been part of something so inspiring.