“PULSE has inspired me to think more about how my choices impact others and the environment. .” – McKenzie Sauder
Originally from Elizabethtown, PA, McKenzie Sauder spent the last four years at Eastern Mennonite University completing a degree in Social Work. In addition to completing a semester study abroad in Spain and Morocco, she served as president of the EMU Women’s Association, coordinated Take Back the Night Week, and led the Social Work is People club. McKenzie is passionate about social justice, particularly women’s issues. When she is not doing this work, you can find McKenzie painting, dancing, or kayaking. She is serving at POWER.
Menna Abaye: What do you enjoy most about your nonprofit partnership?
McKenzie Sauder: I enjoy hearing women’s stories and experiences with addictions. Their stories inspire and empower me to give my personal best at work.
Menna: Describe a typical day at your nonprofit partnership
McKenzie: I am involved with two programs at POWER; their outpatient and central intake services. I make reminder calls for appointments to clients, complete client surveys, and update client’s BMIs everyday.I am also a case manager so clients can make appointments with me to understand and gain access to community resources. I also complete small projects, such as making flyers and spreadsheets.
Menna: Tell me something you are learning about yourself through PULSE.
McKenzie: I’m learning that I am interested in the mental health field and the clinical side of social work.
Menna: What is the best part of the PULSE experience?
McKenzie: Living in a supportive community and immersing myself into a new environment.
Menna: What have you enjoyed the most about living in community?
McKenzie: Building relationships with my housemates and getting involved with the community.
Menna: How has PULSE inspired you to live/think/act differently?
McKenzie: PULSE has inspired me to think more about how my choices impact others and the environment.
Story by PULSE Participant Menna Abaye.
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: