“What I have enjoyed most is the supportive environment I find myself in. Any time one of us is struggling, the rest of us are quick to offer solutions and aid in problem-solving.” Grace Taylor grew up in University Heights, Ohio and attended John Carroll University where she earned a degree in Sociology. Grace is passionate about...Read More

“I’ve really enjoyed having a community of folks who are going through a similar thing that I am in the sense that we’re all living in a new city and serving with new partnerships and we’re all recently graduated. We are able to support each other and talk about what we’re going through.” Erin Zehr...Read More

“The resources provided by PULSE and my mentor have made my experience easier to transition into Pittsburgh.” A graduate of Appalachian State University, Zakaria Miller majored in Communication Studies with a minor in European Studies. She was heavily involved in community service at Appalachian State, working as an Alternative Service Experience Peer Leader where she recruited undergraduates to...Read More

“PULSE has instilled the importance of community in me and made me focus more on where I’m currently living, finding the value and growth within a community.” Amy Wisseman, from Oakton, Virginia, completed her undergraduate degree at The College of Wooster with a major in Global and International Studies. During her time in school, she was a...Read More

“PULSE itself is intentional about knowing the community in Pittsburgh that you are a part of .” A graduate of Swarthmore College, Anna Weber majored in English and minored in Gender/Sexuality Studies and Peace/Conflict Studies. She was heavily involved in service during her time at Swarthmore. Anna worked with the Petey Greene Program where she tutored students in...Read More

“PULSE has inspired me to examine my social position within Pittsburgh and my neighborhood as a new resident. I am learning to be a responsible community member. “ Sophia Leissa grew up in Brookeville, Maryland and completed her undergraduate degree at The College of William and Mary with a major in Sociology. During her time in school, she...Read More

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to form our own little family unit. Since we all have come into this experience together, we have learned to encourage one another in our own little ways.” A graduate of Waynesburg University, Joanna majored in Human Services with a focus on Education. Joanna is passionate about providing better opportunities for education...Read More

“PULSE has inspired me to be more patient with myself and work harder at recognizing the awesome things I am doing.” Mary Dempsey comes to Pittsburgh by way of Adrian, Michigan. Mary received her degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University. Prior to joining PULSE, she worked as an intern and youth development coordinator at Communities...Read More

“I have been able to climb to the top of churches for pictures and experiences, I’ve been able to talk to business owners and community members and get to know them, I feel as if I’m starting to make the South Hilltop a home.” A graduate of Washington & Jefferson College, William has a degree in...Read More

“I am learning that it is important to me to make time to spend with people. In PULSE, the cohort lives in six separate houses throughout Pittsburgh, so I have to be more intentional about making that time.” Sierra Bienz, originally from Laramie, Wyoming, received her degree in Linguistics with a minor in Cognitive Science...Read More