“I have been inspired to be more patient. I am better able to think and act with empathy and put myself in other people’s shoes.” -Julia Gagosian
Julia Gagosian comes to Pittsburgh by way of Wellesley, Massachusetts. Julia received her degree in Political Science with a certificate in Public and Professional Writing from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining PULSE, she interned at both Harvey Klinger Literary Agency and Upstart Crow Literary as a publishing intern. She also interned as a public relations writer for the Facilities Management Department of Wellesley. Additionally, Julia was a legislative intern with the Massachusetts State House where she contributed to bill policy research. In her free time, Julia enjoys playing acoustic guitar, going to concerts, and grabbing coffee in cozy cafes. She is a part of the South Hilltop cohort, and is serving at Partner4Work, alongside Alex Bice.
Liza Brenneman: What has been the most valuable part of the PULSE experience so far?
Julia Gagosian: The most valuable experience by far has been the nonprofit that I am serving with. I love serving with the people who treat me like an adult and give me real responsibility, with faith that I can complete the task.
Liza: How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?
Julia: Thus far, I have been inspired to be more patient. I am better able to think and act with empathy and put myself in other people’s shoes.
Liza: Tell me something you are learning about yourself through PULSE.
Julia: I am learning that I am ready to be independent in my work and personal life. In looking at my future, I am feeling encouraged to forge my own path.
Liza: What do you enjoy most about your nonprofit partnership?
Julia: I enjoy serving across departments at my nonprofit. I am better able to learn a variety of tasks, and have a good sense of the company as a whole.
Liza: What have you enjoyed most about living in community?
Julia: I have enjoyed living with people that I would not normally consider as close friends or housemates. I have learned a lot about myself and how to live with people that are different from myself.
Liza: Describe a typical day at your nonprofit partnership.
Julia: My days vary at my non profit, I may be working with youth teams, strategy teams, or adult teams. Today, I am working with the strategy team to help in grant writing and support for grant applications.
Liza: What surprised you most about Pittsburgh?
Julia: After having spent four years as an undergraduate here, I am enjoying seeing the city from a different perspective. Exploring the south hilltop has been an absolute pleasure.
Liza: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh so far?
Julia: Thus far my most interesting adventures have been with my friends that I have made in the PULSE community. On Halloween I dressed up as a carrot and went out in the neighborhood, it was quite fun.
Liza: What’s your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?
Julia: My favorite family meal recipe, come to think of it, is the empanadas that Lydia made for our house. They were stuffed with meat and raisins. Yummy!
Liza: What is the best part of the PULSE experience?
Julia: The best part of the PULSE experience has been meeting fellows from all over the country. I have enjoyed sharing a piece of myself and my home, Pittsburgh, with all.
Story by PULSE Fellow Liza Brenneman.
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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