“PULSE has inspired me to be more open to answering and asking the harder questions. It has also taught me not to let my assumptions dictate my thoughts and actions.” – Ally Carter
Ally Carter grew up in Brookfield, IL, and attended Calvin College where she studied Education and Psychology with a minor in Youth Ministry Leadership. Ally was an active volunteer for The Special Olympics Illinois & Michigan throughout high school and college. Since graduating in 2016, Ally has been a member of the Young Life Staff at Indiana University in Indiana, PA.. She is a part of the Northside cohort, and is serving at First Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh.
Alexa Bartel: How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?
Ally Carter: PULSE has inspired me to be more open to answering and asking the harder questions. It has also taught me not to let my assumptions dictate my thoughts and actions.
Alexa: Tell me something you are learning about yourself through PULSE.
Ally: It has taught me that, despite my extroversion, I do need my alone time after certain PULSE events in order to process the heavier things.
Alexa: What do you enjoy most about your nonprofit partnership?
Ally: I’m surprised that I’ve fallen in love with the homeless ministry we do at the church. I wasn’t expecting to be so passionate about it. I really enjoy being a part of the church, they don’t just look at me like a temporary PULSE fellow. I really feel like I’ve been entrusted with significant responsibilities; they don’t treat me like a ‘fragile little girl’ and I really feel like a member of the church team.
Alexa: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh so far?
Ally: Attempting “Bridge Brigade” with Hannah Wesselman (the goal is to see all 445 Pittsburgh bridges by the end of the PULSE year).
Alexa: What’s your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?
Ally: I make bangin’ mac and cheese and chocolate chip cookies (not together).
Story by PULSE Participant Alexa Bartel.
Read more Participant Stories from Fellows 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: