“I enjoy having space and freedom to explore areas that interest me professionally and causes I want to support. It’s awesome to feel like you’re an integral part of the great work that is being done in Pittsburgh.” -Kimberly Hunter
A graduate of Duquesne University, Kimberly Hunter majored in Communication and Rhetoric with a minor in Political Science. She was an intern with Allegheny Center Alliance Center Church, where she helped launch the Christian Immigration Advocacy Center, a non-profit that provides pro bono legal services to low-income immigrants and refugees. She was also a member of Model United Nations and the Inside Out Program, where she engaged with inmates in Allegheny County Jail. In her free time, Kimberly enjoys playing piano, drawing, cooking, and exploring new places and cultures. She is a part of the Northside cohort, and is serving at The Pittsburgh Project.
Sirah Javier: What has been the most valuable part of the PULSE experience so far?
Kim Hunter: The most valuable part of my PULSE experience so far has been living in an intentional community in my house. It’s been an amazing experience living in Chester with a house full of young women who are driven, passionate, and caring individuals. We’ve made it a priority in our house to support each other throughout our year in PULSE and it has really made the entire experience worth it for me.
Sirah: How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?
Kim: PULSE has inspired me to live, think, and act differently by making me more aware of the impact of my life on others and the community. Part of PULSE is learning to live within our means, which is tremendously valuable to developing my own awareness of others’ daily struggles and recognizing everything I have to be thankful for. We are also reminded every day that we have to be conscious of the people we are serving by asking them instead of assuming what they need.
Sirah: Tell me something you are learning about yourself through PULSE.
Kim: I’ve learned a lot about myself through PULSE like what I enjoy about my work environment and I’m starting to get a clearer picture of what I’m good at. I’ve also learned that is okay to be vulnerable because it shows that you are a human being allows you to become closer to people. Maybe the most valuable lesson I’ve learned is self-care by making time to rest and not over-committing to too many volunteer opportunities.
Sirah: What do you enjoy most about your nonprofit partnership?
Kim: Creating things like images or graphics. Anytime I get to be creative, even if it’s just creating a bulletin board for the kids, I really enjoy it.
Sirah: What have you enjoyed most about living in community?
Kim: I enjoy having a group of people who understand what I’m going through, are there when I need help, and are fun to hang out with.
Sirah: Describe a typical day at your nonprofit partnership.
Kim: Typically, for the first half of the day I work on social media and writing stories of the organization and any other office related work. Then the second half of the day, I serve with kids Kindergarten through 5th grade in the After School Program. Three days a week I pick them up from school and then bring them to The Pittsburgh Project, then we have an hour for homework and play time, and then 4-6pm we have activities like art, yoga, STEM projects, games, and theDREAMlab, which is our makerspace.
Sirah: What surprised you most about Pittsburgh?
Kim: It’s been 5 years now since I started school at Duquesne, but it never ceases to surprise me how green Pittsburgh is and how many parks, woods, and beautiful outdoor spaces there are here.
Sirah: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh so far?
Kim: I’ve had so many fun adventures just finding little nooks and crannies around the city like the Seldom Seen Greenway or Grandview Park. I’m excited to explore more and find other places like them, especially on the North Side.
Sirah: What’s your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?
Kim: Meera and Louise made a shrimp curry with rice the other day. That was amazing! Anything with curry is an instant house favorite.
Sirah: What is the best part of the PULSE experience?
Kim: I enjoy having space and freedom to explore areas that interest me professionally and causes I want to support. It’s awesome to feel like you’re an integral part of the great work that is being done in Pittsburgh. Being a part of PULSE, I have a special opportunity to engage in the possibilities of the city, as well as possibilities for my own life.
Story by PULSE Fellow Sirah Javier.
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: