“With the professional development tools I’ve been given through PULSE and at my nonprofit partnership, my internal strengths and skills have been amplified…” Anya Fredrickson
Anya Fredrickson, a native of Washington, D.C., completed her undergraduate degree at Earlham College with a major in Sociology and Anthropology and minors in Museum Studies and Art History. During her time in school, she was involved with Dance Alloy, where she organizing a full dance performance every semester. She was also President of the Student Activities Board and was a Lead Counselor for Little Friends for Peace, where she educated 4-6 year old campers on skills for peace and nonviolence. Anya also served as as a host at the Joseph Moore Museum. She interned with DC Councilmember David Grosso as an educational intern and with Smithsonian’s Freer/Sackler Galleries as an educational department intern. In her free time, Anya enjoys dancing, visiting museums, ceramics, and photography. She is a part of the South Hilltop cohort, and is serving at the PEAL Center.
Chelsea Contino: What has been the most valuable part of the PULSE experience so far?
Anya Fredrickson: The people I’ve met and the experiences I’ve had. I’ve been able to attend conferences, non-profit meetings, special events, and community events. These opportunities have allowed me to get to know Pittsburgh and its people better while helping me grow personally and professionally.
Chelsea: How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?
Anya: It has taught me to have an open mind when considering house and community norms.
Chelsea: Tell me something you are learning about yourself through PULSE.
Anya: I am learning that I have more professional skills than I originally thought. With the professional development tools I’ve been given through PULSE and at my nonprofit partnership, my internal strengths and skills have been amplified, allowing me to identify and more clearly express the things I’m good at to others.
Chelsea: What do you enjoy most about your nonprofit partnership?
Anya: I really enjoy the diversity of work that my partner does. They are invested in both health and education. This has allowed me to delve deeper into topics of which I only had a surface level understanding.
Chelsea: What have you enjoyed most about living in community?
Anya: I like living in a neighborhood where I can see the community being built and maintained. It’s given me a greater sense of home and belonging.
Chelsea: What surprised you most about Pittsburgh?
Anya: Just how pretty it is. I didn’t realize how many parks and other outdoor spaces, trees, and beautiful views there were in the city. I really appreciate it.
Chelsea: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh so far?
Anya: As part of RAD Days in Pittsburgh and the Carnegie Museums’ Third Thursdays Initiative, I was able to go to 4 museums for free within a 3-day span. I love museums, so being able to explore those spaces without needing to spend money was definitely a highlight.
Chelsea: What’s your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?
Anya: Definitely lasagna or roasted brussel sprouts with sweet potatoes. We have these at least once every two weeks, and it’s a meal that everyone enjoys and comes together for.
Story by PULSE Fellow Chelsea Contino.
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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