“[PULSE has] made me more aware of the actions that I take, or can take, and how they influence the people that I live around. I’m more self-aware of how to be an advocate for myself and for others.” – Kaylee Ferguson
A graduate of Eastern Mennonite University, Kaylee Ferguson majored Biology and Pre-Professional Health. She was heavily involved in university research at EMU. She worked with the EMU Science Department as a research assistant, collaborating with faculty of the Biomedicine Department, to measure gene expression and regulation in response to different salt and sugar diets. She also served as an undergraduate learning Assistant and National Science Foundation Tutor with EMUs Science Department. Additionally, Kaylee worked as a Community Advisor and House Coordinator with EMU Residence Life. Kaylee’s hobbies include hiking, playing soccer and volleyball, and kayaking. She is a part of the Northside cohort, and serving at Global Links.
Seth Culp-Ressler: What has been the most valuable part of the PULSE experience so far?
Kaylee Ferguson: Having support from the PULSE community during a difficult transition period in life.
Seth: How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?
Kaylee: It’s made me more aware of the actions that I take, or can take, and how they influence the people that I live around. I’m more self-aware of how to be an advocate for myself and for others.
Seth: Tell me something you are learning about yourself through PULSE.
Kaylee: Self-care is something that I am still learning about, but I know that it is important. I’m working on understanding that it’s okay to ask for support.
Seth: What do you enjoy most about your nonprofit partnership?
Kaylee: I enjoy my co workers because they are all passionate about what they do, and I love that I can serve alongside people who are so passionate about serving underserved medical populations.
Seth: What have you enjoyed most about living in community?
Kaylee: Getting to know other houses and getting to spend time with people that I otherwise wouldn’t have known.
Seth: Describe a typical day at your nonprofit partnership.
Kaylee: I show up, drink tea, check email, and check in with my supervisor about what there is to do. I visit the volunteer center to grab pictures of the volunteers at work. I spend some time brainstorming social media posts for the day. Midday I eat lunch with Global Links’ Americorps fellow Shelby. In the afternoon I plan and schedule social media posts.
Seth: What surprised you most about Pittsburgh?
Kaylee: The tale of the two cities — and how true it is. And also how friendly people are when you get them to actually talk to you.
Story by PULSE Participant Seth Culp-Ressler.
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: