“PULSE has inspired me to be more intentional with setting goals and working towards achieving them in a realistic and logical manner.”
A graduate of Juniata College, Seppi Grugan majored in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. During his time in school, Seppi was President of the Democrats Club, treasurer of the Pre-Law Club, and a member of the Ultimate Frisbee team. He served with AmeriCorps at the Centre County Youth Service Bureau providing drug, alcohol, and gambling prevention education to youth ages 5 to 18. He also worked in the Juniata College Center for International Education to advise students on study abroad applications and living abroad. Seppi had the opportunity to study abroad in Palestine, Vietnam, Thailand, New Zealand, and The Gambia. Outside of school, Seppi served as a mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters and as an Access Control Volunteer at the Democratic National Convention. Seppi is a part of the South Hilltop Cohort and serves at Farm to Table Buy Local. Seppi was interviewed by Donovan Hayden.
Donovan: How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?
Seppi: PULSE has inspired me to be more intentional with setting goals and working towards achieving them in a realistic and logical manner.
Donovan: What have you enjoyed most about living in community? How have you and your housemates pushed/encouraged one another?
Seppi: Living in community has provided me with a healthy social environment that reminds me to maintain a healthy standard of living, as well as being proud of my accomplishments.
Donovan: What have you enjoyed most about your nonprofit partnership?
Seppi: I have enjoyed serving and observing my supervisor. I learn a lot from how she approaches long term projects in an ambitious but realistic way.
Donovan: What’s your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?
Seppi: My dish: pork, mashed potatoes, and red cabbage. Housemate’s dish: chili casserole.
Donovan: How do you like to spend your morning and evening commute?
Seppi: My service takes me to a lot of places around the city. I am usually able to use public transit to get where I need to be.
Donovan: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh so far?
Seppi: I saw Chris Stone “Kingfish” Ingram perform live at the August Wilson Center. I met him after the show and after telling him about PULSE, he said “thank you for your service.” I was pumped after that.
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: