My Story: Presenting at a Professional Conference
Bella Sardina
As a senior in the Community and Regional Planning Program and a 4+1 master’s student in Planning and Development at East Carolina University, my journey to becoming a student presenter at the American Planning Association of North Carolina Conference was nothing short of transformative. The invitation to present at this prestigious conference came from my esteemed professor, Dr. Misun Hur, who believed in the potential of our work on the “Deferred Maintenance of Housing in Bethel, NC*,” a project undertaken by numerous students, including myself, during the Spring semester of 2023. At first, I was deeply honored but also overwhelmed by the prospect of sharing our findings with a broader audience.
The months leading up to the conference were a whirlwind of preparation and learning. Dr. Hur, a guiding light throughout the process, helped me refine my presentation, ensuring that our methods and findings were insightful and presented compellingly. I devoted time to researching, refining the content, and practicing my delivery, all in the pursuit of delivering a presentation that would reflect the high standards of our program.
Finally, the moment of truth arrived on October 11, 2023, at the Durham Convention Center. Standing before a diverse audience of urban planners from across North Carolina, I felt a blend of excitement and nervousness that I had never experienced before. Sharing the details of our project, the challenges faced by the Bethel community, and our findings were deeply rewarding.
Throughout the day, I was privileged to engage with fellow students, esteemed faculty, and professionals who shared their insights and experiences. What struck me most was the immense support from East Carolina University alums who attended the event. Their pride in our program and the opportunities it offers for growth left a lasting impression. It was a moment of connection, bridging the past and present while reinforcing the bonds within our community.
My experience as a student presenter was not merely a showcase of my academic achievements but also a personal journey of growth. I had always grappled with a fear of public speaking, and this opportunity forced me to confront that fear head-on. Through practice, guidance, and the warm reception of the audience, I emerged from the experience with newfound confidence and a tangible improvement in my public speaking skills.
In summary, presenting at the American Planning Association of North Carolina Conference was a defining moment in my academic and personal development. It showcased the transformative power of education, the support of dedicated mentors, and the camaraderie of a community of like-minded individuals. This experience has left an indelible mark on my journey, reminding me that pursuing knowledge is not just about academic achievements but also about self-discovery and the growth that comes with embracing new challenges.
A photo taken after the presentations with alums and students together.
About the Project
* Deferred Maintenance of Housing in Bethel, NC* was a class project of PLAN4025: Housing and Neighborhood Planning in Spring 2023. Partnered with the Bethel Advocacy Committee on behalf of the Town of Bethel, NC, and Pitt County’s Planning Department, twenty undergraduate students worked on the project. The project had several goals: 1) to survey the housing quality of the town, 2) to review factors that lead to deferred maintenance of housing, 3) to identify the most common and urgent housing maintenance housing issues facing homeowners, and 4) to research available programs to assist homeowners. The project included a field trip, a community charrette, research of the town on various aspects, including the ownership and vacancy status of homes, history, land use, physical and socio-demographic characteristics, and economic characteristics, field audits of homes and homeowner interviews, and research for available programs. As engaged research, students actively worked with the community throughout the project. Each student was an independent researcher, active communicator, facilitator, and leader. We delivered all participants’ interviews, photos taken from their residences, and testimonials with the Pitt County Planning Department to facilitate their actions helping the homeowners to receive support. You may view the report by clicking the cover image.