“PULSE has inspired me to be bolder in my actions, such as speaking up for what I believe in, whether it’s caring for the environment or caring for people.” – Erin Guthrie
A graduate of Trinity International University, Erin Guthrie majored in Graphic Design focusing on Communication. She was heavily involved in the Trinity community, serving as a student leader on Trinity’s Global Partnerships Cabinet. Where she was the Media Director responsible for external relations through informational outreach and co-led a student trip to India. She also worked as an undergraduate Editor of the Trinitarian yearbook and as a Communications and Design Intern for CAUSEGEAR. Erin’s hobbies include watching movies, drawing, watercoloring, and hand-lettering gifts for friends. She is a part of the East End cohort, and is serving at DePaul School for Hearing and Speech.
Jaclyn Kuyers: What has been the most valuable part of the PULSE experience so far?
Erin Guthrie: The most valuable part of my PULSE experience so far has been living in community with the other fellows. I have learned so much about life from my housemates! It has been a blessing to get to know people who did not grow up the same way I did and to understand life from a different perspective.
Jaclyn: How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?
Erin: PULSE has inspired me to be bolder in my actions, such as speaking up for what I believe in, whether it’s caring for the environment or caring for people. I am no longer afraid to say what I really think about things!
Jaclyn: What do you enjoy most about your nonprofit partnership?
Erin: I serve at DePaul School for Hearing and Speech and one of my favorite things is being around the children! Many of the kids there have cochlear implants or hearing aids – I have a cochlear implant myself – and it is so cool to see their progress even in the few months I have been here. I grew up being the only deaf kid everywhere I went so it’s been wonderful to see people who understand me and also great for the kids to see a successful adult with a cochlear implant!
Jaclyn: What have you enjoyed most about living in community?
Erin: I enjoy mealtimes with my housemates the most. We have many allergies within our house so it has compelled us to be more creative in our cooking! Sharing our days’ events together is a great way to close out the day. Some of the best conversations I have had in PULSE have been around the dinner table at Stanton.
Jaclyn: What is the best part of the PULSE experience?
Erin: I think all three parts of PULSE are important: the nonprofit placement, the house/cohort you’re in, and the city itself, of course, but the one that has been the most valuable to me is the community aspect. There’s three subgroups of the community experience and that, to me, is the best part of PULSE: the house you live in, the cohort you’re a part of, and PULSE large group. Those three come together to form a crucial support network during your year. If you are having challenges, you have a built-in system around you, and you know everyone has your back.
Story by PULSE Participant Jaclyn Kuyers.
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: