“I knew that I really wanted something more than just traditional post-college work experience…[PULSE] has given me a lot more access to people who have similar life experiences and priorities…” -Alex Bice
Alex Bice comes to Pittsburgh by way of Northfield, Minnesota. Alex received his degree in History from Carleton College. Prior to joining PULSE, he interned at SCOPE, where he created a local history booklet and planned oral presentations. He also interned at the National Atomic Testing Museum and in Congressman Joe Heck’s District Office. Additionally, while at Carleton, Alex was the program director of Green Thumbs and a member of College Buddies, and New Student Week staff. In his free time, Alex enjoys reading, running, cooking, and learning how to play guitar. He is a part of the Northside cohort, and is serving at Partner4Work alongside Julia Gagosian.
Grace Wong: What has been the most valuable part of the PULSE experience so far?
Alex Bice: Being around other people my age who share a similar background and values in terms of serving others. I especially enjoy being able to hang out and watch television with my housemates a couple times a month. It’s a small thing but it really helps me feel more at home while doing this service year.
Grace: What do you enjoy most about your nonprofit partnership?
Alex: I like the people I work alongside, and that there is another PULSE fellow serving at my organization. I enjoy coming to my nonprofit every morning.
Grace: What have you enjoyed most about living in community?
Alex: Having people with whom I live, spend time, and enjoy one another’s company.
Grace: Describe a typical day at your nonprofit partnership.
Alex: I get in around 8:15, I do work for about 4 hours, mostly research, social media, and event planning. Then I have lunch with the people on my floor and then do more work until about 4:30.
Grace: What surprised you most about Pittsburgh?
Alex: As someone who is new to Pittsburgh entirely, I didn’t know really what to expect about the city. Now I really enjoy it! I was surprised by just how hilly everything is though. Everywhere you go most of the time feels like it is either aggressively uphill or aggressively downhill. I knew to expect the bridges, but it was the hills that I wasn’t expecting.
Grace: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh so far?
Alex: I went to the 21+ Carnegie science center and it was cool to see what PGH offers to residents. It was a really enjoyable experience because it was something I never really had access to before! All of the museums in Pittsburgh are really interesting, and it was just a great opportunity to have a fun experience while also being able to walk around and see all the wonderful exhibits at the Science Center.
Grace: What’s your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?
Alex: Mac & Cheese!! We eat it all the time.
Grace: What is the best part of the PULSE experience?
Alex: As I was beginning to think about what I would be doing with my first year after college, I knew that I really wanted something more than just traditional post-college work experience. The community-centered aspects are what really attracted me to PULSE from the beginning, and I’ve been very happy with my decision! It has given me a lot more access to people who have similar life experiences and priorities, and I don’t know if I would have been able to find the same thing on my own after college.
Story by PULSE Fellow Grace Wong.
Read more Fellow Stories about their experience in PULSE. If you would like to learn more about the PULSE program, please visit our Serve with Us page.
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