“PULSE inspired me to become more aware of issues of racial injustice. I’ve developed a network of relationships with nonprofits that have similar missions and have spent more time volunteering. ” – Josh Koletar
Joshua Koletar, originally from Lakeville, Minnesota, graduated from St. Olaf College where he studied Religion. During his time at St. Olaf, Joshua was heavily involved in campus residence life programs, serving as a Student Hall Coordinator of Mohn Hall in 2015-16. He also facilitated vocational and spiritual discernment activities as a member of the Quo Vadis Sophomore Retreat leadership team and as a member of the Ole Spring Relief service experience. He also likes basketball, making new friends, and working to learn all the flags of the world. He is serving at Family House.
Hannah Sauder: What has been the most valuable part of the PULSE experience so far?
Josh Koletar: I’ve enjoyed having a built in community through PULSE when I moved to Pittsburgh. I did not have to do the difficult work of finding community in a new place. PULSE helped me to build community through the network of its relationships.
Hannah: How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?
Josh: PULSE inspired me to become more aware of issues of racial injustice. I’ve developed a network of relationships with nonprofits that have similar missions and have spent more time volunteering.
Hannah: What surprised you most about Pittsburgh?
Josh: I was surprised by the hospitality and kindness of people in Pittsburgh. I grew up in Minnesota and experienced the culture of “Minnesota nice”. So, I found the genuine kindness of Yinzers to be refreshing.
Hannah: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh so far?
Josh: I’ve enjoyed the times spent with other PULSErs on the weekends. I enjoyed watching Dave Harris perform spoken word poetry. I also learned more about other poets in Pittsburgh at Black Poets Speak Out.
Hannah: What’s your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?
Josh: I enjoy making chili for the house because it’s easy to improvise.
Story by PULSE Participant Hannah Sauder.
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: