“My favorite part of the PULSE experience has been getting to know new people. You learn about people much faster living in a tightly-knit community. Even though it has only been 8 months, I feel as if I have known this years PULSERs for years.”
Jonathan Luginbill grew up and went to college in Bluffton, Ohio. Jonathan graduated from Bluffton University with a B.A. in Music and spent time on campus working as a Sound Booth Technician and Supervisor. With his handy skills in music and sound, Jonathan took on a personal project in the Stanton House where he renovated the basement into a sound room.
When is isn’t tinkering around the Stanton house or renovating rooms, you’ll find Jonathan serving as a Community Engagement Fellow at his placement with the Kelly Strayhorn Theater (KST). The KST is a significant cultural treasure and a destination of distinction for innovative works in dance, theater, music and live art. When Jonathan isn’t at KST, you may find him on a Saturday sipping chai tea in Lawrenceville or hanging out around the fire pit in the backyard.
What do you love about Pittsburgh?
The multitude and rich variety of people, places, food, history and backgrounds. Rarely do I go a day in Pittsburgh without learning something new.
What is the best part of the PULSE experience?
Along the lines of my previous answer, my favorite part of the PULSE experience has been getting to know new people. You learn about people much faster living in a tightly-knit community. Even though it has only been 8 months, I feel as if I have known the current PULSE crew for years.
What have you learned about yourself in PULSE so far?
One major thing I have learned about myself so far is that I always need some sort of long-term project to be working on. Without a hands-on project, I often find that I end up doing mindless activities. This desire to create led me to renovate a room in the basement and fix miscellaneous things around the Stanton house.
How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?
I find that I am more community oriented and engaged. Wherever I end up in the future, I would like to be part of community planning.
What is something about Pittsburgh that has surprised you?
The willingness for community members to support each other. At Kelly Strayhorn Theater we try to support and present local artists. I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the amount of people who attend our events in order to support our mission and local artists.
What are some hobbies that you would like to pursue or have started pursuing?
Having my own space in the Stanton house has helped encourage me to spend more time songwriting. I hope that I can continue to develop this skill.
What would your dream Saturday in Pittsburgh be?
I would explore the Strip District and then pick up a few newly released comics from Eide’s Entertainment downtown. Take a leisurely stroll to 720 Records in Lawrenceville, sip on a cup of freshly brewed chai tea and listen to smooth jazz. I would end the day with a walk in Frick Park and a fire with friends in the PULSE Stanton house backyard.
Story by Anna Wildermuth (Pawsey) – PULSE Alumnus ’10-11, ’11-12
Read more stories about the Participant experience with PULSE. If you would like to learn more about the PULSE program, please visit our Serve with Us page.