“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

“PULSE has inspired me to take action on my values, whether that’s at home, at work or in the community. I want to be making the most positive impact possible in whatever space I occupy.” Camille Jonlin, originally from Seattle, Washington, is a graduate of Carleton College where she majored in Sociology/Anthropology and minored in Russian. Camille...Read More

“It’s really cool that we’re all here for the same mission and we’re constantly supporting each other. When we have a bad day we’re there to support each other and on good days we hype each other up. We push one another by holding each other accountable for being a participant in this community.” Sophie...Read More

“PULSE and my housemates have challenged me to engage in the community around me, as well as focus on myself as a part of that community. “ Adam Gerard grew up in Greencastle, Indiana and attended Houghton College where he earned a degree in Theology. Adam is passionate about serving others and ministering to communities and people,...Read More

“Every interaction I have with housemates is supportive and encouraging in some way. They listen to me when something isn’t going right. They push me to advocate for myself in and out of the work space. They push me to get everything I want out of this service year. They push me to step up,...Read More