“I think learning about myself is what I’ve enjoyed most about living in a community. I feel like living with others is a constant process of identifying and working through priorities, interests, and needs and I feel that it consistently pushes me to reflect on myself and my relationships.”
A graduate of Carleton College, Lucy Friedman-Bell majored in Art History. Lucy was a member of the Carleton College Mock Trial Team and developed many talents throughout her involvement, such as synthesizing facts into concise and logical arguments, public speaking, and quick thinking. Lucy has a passion for access and inclusivity as well as an interest in the arts. These interests have motivated her to dedicate herself to creating spaces for people of all backgrounds and ages to engage with the arts. She is committed to pursuing unconventional strategies for creating cultural understanding, facilitating open dialogues, and connecting community members of all identities. Lucy’s hobbies include reading both fiction and nonfiction books, watching movies, and listening to podcasts. Lucy is a part of the South Hilltop cohort and serves at the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Lucy was interviewed by Erin Zehr.
Erin: How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?
Lucy: I think PULSE, especially coming right out of college, sort of taught me the process of connecting to a new city. Especially being intentional about getting involved with organizations and communities. It taught me how to take initiative to learn about a city from many different perspectives, and how to do so without spending any money!
Erin: What have you enjoyed most about living in community? How have you and your housemates pushed/encouraged one another?
Lucy: I think learning about myself is what I’ve enjoyed most about living in a community. I feel like living with others is a constant process of identifying and working through priorities, interests, and needs. I feel that it consistently pushes me to reflect on myself and my relationships. I just think it’s a process of constant growth and learning.
Erin: What have you enjoyed most about your nonprofit partnership?
Lucy: I have really enjoyed the opportunities I have at my nonprofit partner to explore my professional interests. My supervisor has been really wonderful in assigning me a diverse range of projects and being receptive when I take initiative to identify and pursue opportunities that I’m interested in.
Erin: What’s your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?
Lucy: There have been so many good ones… my housemate made a really delicious squash and chickpea and onion stew with fresh ginger and it was delicious!
Erin: How do you like to spend your morning and evening commute?
Lucy: I listen to podcasts. I really like the NPR politics podcast.
Erin: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh so far?
Lucy: I can’t choose the most interesting or fun, but Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Art lecture series and School of Architecture lecture series are incredible.
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: