“I have enjoyed feeling supported, while simultaneously having the opportunity to support other people.”
Kiersten Jones grew up in West Bloomfield, Michigan, and attended Grove City College where she earned a degree in History. Kiersten is passionate about public education, gender equality, and equal opportunities for children and their success. Kiersten has spent considerable time in the education sector as a student teacher with Slippery Rock Area Middle School, educating 6th-8th grade students in Ancient and American History. In her free time, Kiersten enjoys reading, running, visiting museums, and spending time outdoors. Kiersten is a part of the East End cohort and serves at Homewood Children’s Village. Kiersten was interviewed by Anna Weber.
Anna: How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?
Kiersten: PULSE has inspired me to think about the impact that local decisions and choices can have on thousands of people in our community. We tend to think about change in big systems, but being a part of this smaller community within a larger macrocosm has shown me that even small, seemingly “trivial” choices by local politicians can very heavily impact people — in good and bad ways.
Anna: What have you enjoyed most about living in community? How have you and your housemates pushed/encouraged one another?
Kiersten: I have enjoyed feeling supported, while simultaneously having the opportunity to support other people. I feel very fortunate to live in a house where my frustrations are heard and understood and people feel open enough to express their frustrations and concerns — from sharing house responsibilities to stress from nonprofit service. I have felt encouraged to be more honest about issues that I’m going through, rather than holding all of that in and working through it alone. I know that I have people around me that want to help me through things, just as I want to help them!
Anna: What have you enjoyed most about your nonprofit partnership?
I have enjoyed the unpredictability of my nonprofit. As someone who enjoys structure and consistency, I have enjoyed learning to take tasks as they come and know that my day isn’t going to look the same each day, and that is good! I’ve also really enjoyed working with passionate people who understand the needs of the community in which they are living and serving.
Anna: What’s your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?
Kiersten: Stir fry with peanut sauce.
Anna: How do you like to spend your morning and evening commute?
Kiersten: Wall Street Journal ‘What’s News’ Podcast
Anna: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh so far?
Kiersten: Exploring coffee shops and restaurants with my housemates!
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.
Also, check out other Stories of Transformation: