I’ve learned that I enjoy having a variety of tasks to do on a daily basis. I love that my placement provides me the opportunity to be creative and rarely has a dull moment.
As a recent graduate, Hannah Geiser has always been busy. Studying Biochemistry at from Goshen College, participating in Goshen’s Sustainability Semester in Residence as well as spending a semester abroad in Nicaragua, she is always on the move. (Literally, Hannah is Running with PULSE!) While in Pittsburgh, Hannah is partnered with Allegheny CleanWays as the Education and Tireless Project Coordinator/ DumpBuster Crew Leader. She wears many different “hats”, but is in charge water cleanups through the Tireless Project as well at coordinating educational opportunities and outreach events. Hannah works and leads volunteers on a daily basis to work with the DumpBusters program, along with many other tasks. When she isn’t out in communities cleaning up Dump Sites, Hannah loves spending sunny days outside. Part of Hannah’s dream Saturday would involve baked treats and spending quality time with her housemates.
What do you love about Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh is a great city because of the many unique neighborhoods. I’ve had the opportunity to explore East Liberty/Highland Park/Garfield as well as neighborhoods in all sections of the city. From the giant yellow duck to the small octopus garden in Friendship, Pittsburgh has been a good experience.
What is the best part of the PULSE experience?
The best part of the PULSE experience has been getting to know the other PULSErs. When you enter a new program/community/city, it is always a gamble as to who you’ll be interacting with the most. I love getting to know my housemates and expanding my network through all of the PULSErs and our work in various nonprofits.
What are some hobbies that you would like to pursue or have started pursuing?
With the Union Project just a few houses away, I’ve had the opportunity to continue to work with ceramics. I helped with the Highland Park Pottery Tour in the fall and I am excited to start a wood-firing class in April.
What is something about Pittsburgh that has surprised you?
I thought Pittsburgh would be easy to get around, but it is almost impossible to follow directions here. With streets changing names, meeting at impossible angles, and not being labeled, you are guaranteed to get lost a few times.
How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?
PULSE has inspired me to take advantage of what Pittsburgh has to offer and to work towards getting the most I can out of this year.
Story by Anna Wildermuth (Pawsey) – PULSE Alumnus ’10-11, ’11-12