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        Reading through all of the group presentations in my class last week, I didn't really think that I would be as interested as I was. I thought that it would be one of those typical assignments stand up, give your presentation, sit down, and zone out while other people present. But it wasn't anything remotely like that. The topic of Hialeah turned out to be so much more engrossing than I had expected, and hearing the diverse arguments and analyses of perspective from my classmates created within me a new appreciation for just how rich and multifaceted a society can be.

        When it came to our own group presentation, we were assigned to accomplish Hialeah's present condition. I believe right from the start, I really became interested in it not just conducting research for the grade, but actually learning about how this city operates today and what makes it so special. We covered demographics, local business, economic concerns, and how migration still defines the city's identity. It was very interesting to watch how much of the personality of Hialeah is shaped by the Cuban-American community. The ubiquity of the reality that over 95 percent of its population is Hispanic, and the Spanish language as the de facto lingua franca spoken in everyday life, really took me aback. I did not know a city in America could preserve so much of its original cultural taste and still be within the overall American environment.

        My favorite part about the experience was how we weren't really shooting out random facts at each other we were creating a story. My group put a lot of effort into ensuring that everything was covered. We'd go home after class and discuss outlines, verify our sources, and even critique each other constructively. Yes, sometimes it was stressful (especially when we were editing slides at the last minute or when an individual lost internet connection to Wi-Fi during a Zoom planning session), but it also showed me the importance of group communication. Everyone had something significant to contribute, and by the end, I feel that we all felt like we were contributing something worthwhile, not just doing an assignment.

        Hearing the other groups there was equally moving. The group that covered the history of Hialeah was the first to present and had me engaged immediately. Hearing how Hialeah transitioned from a small farming community into a city so rich in cultural identity was eye-opening. I had no idea the role that transportation specifically, the railroad played in shaping a city early on. The way they related that to broader events in history like the Cuban Revolution made everything fit. It was like the past wasn't background; it was the foundation for everything we were learning.

        One of the most powerful moments was during the migration group's presentation. They really drove home the way migration influences not just a city's economy, but its very soul. There was one student who shared the story of how her own grandparents had come from Cuba and established themselves in Hialeah. It made the statistics human. I appreciated how they did not gloss over the tough realities either yes, migration brings opportunity, but it also strains infrastructure and public services. It was balanced, and straightforward, and made me see how complex community building is.

        The future-thinking group tied it all together so beautifully. They talked about the 2050 Master Plan of Hialeah and all these ambitious plans for growth like constructing more affordable housing around transportation centers, opening up green areas, and investing in cultural institutions. It was a mood of optimism. I loved that cities aren't just reacting to change they can create it if they are intentional about planning. The concept of Factory Town really lingered with me too. It was the perfect combination of high-tech and local culture. It made me realize that culture and progress don't have to be two separate things.

        When it was my turn to deliver my part of our class presentation, I was actually quite anxious. I had practiced my section several times over, but speaking in front of everyone always gets me anxious. I was responsible for explaining how the city's small business and high entrepreneurial rate affect the local economy. I knew my facts, but I was fumbling for words in the beginning. Thankfully, I found my rhythm around halfway through and received a few nods from students to help give me the boost needed to finish strong. If I did it again, I'd breathe more and slow down, but generally, I think I made my point.

        Something that did really help with the presentations was the visuals. Everyone went out of their way to have maps, historical pictures, graphs, and even little videos. It was well worth it. I'm a visual learner myself, so having those references really did help keep everything together. I think our audience was more focused because of that too. There wasn't a single presentation that was dull or unprepared, and I respect that.

        Once all the presentations had been done, our professor took a few minutes to give each group positive feedback. That encouragement meant the world to me. I know we all worked hard, and to be told that it was worth it was just so rewarding. My biggest takeaway wasn't so much about Hialeah but about the learning process through cooperation. Presenting taught me more than facts. It helped me know how to listen, how to improve, and how to convey a message in a non-scripted way.

        All of this also shifted my perspective on community development. In the past, I never actually paid much attention to how cities unify or what exactly makes up the personality of a community. Now I see how much intentional planning, history behind the scenes, and personal stories all factor in. It led me to be even more interested in my own city—its history, its people, and its future. Hialeah, with all of its complexity and strength, became a window through which I was able to see other cities, including my own.

        All in all, I really liked the presentations. They weren't just informative-they were personal, team oriented, and inspirational. I not only left with a better knowledge of Hialeah, but also with greater assurance in my research, presentation, and teamwork abilities. It was one of those assignments that I will not only remember for the grade, but also for the experience.