“I’ve really enjoyed living with my roommates in Stanton House. When the majority of my house left for Thanksgiving break it only took a day for me to realize how much I already missed them! .” – Nishita John
Nishita John, originally of Freeport, Illinois, graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in International Studies and Human Rights. Nishita was a board member of the Human Rights Student Collective, where she helped plan Refugee Relief Month and organized a reusable feminine hygiene product initiative that was then sent to Europe. As well as serving time as a member of Amnesty International- Iowa Chapter and Students for Human Rights, she also has experience in leadership, including her position as board member for the Indian Student Alliance and a cultural committee member for the her school’s Campus Activities Board. Nishita enjoys watching foreign films, reading, and dancing. She is serving at Mount Ararat Community Activity Center.
Corinne Hendrock: What have you enjoyed most about living in community?
Nishita John: I’ve really enjoyed living with my roommates in Stanton House. When the majority of my house left for Thanksgiving break it only took a day for me to realize how much I already missed them! My favorite part of the day is definitely our family dinners, the food is always amazing and it’s always a good time.
Corinne: How has PULSE inspired you to think/act/live differently?
Nishita: The PULSE experience has inspired me in a number of aspects. I’ve never lived with so many people before, especially strangers, so naturally I was very apprehensive before starting the program. People tend to live with friends so coming in with no prior relationships was nerve-racking. Fortunately, I’ve been happily surprised that we get along so well. I love bonding with my housemates over things like crafting, gamecube games, and movie marathons. I’ve never cooked this much before and while I’ve always liked it now I love cooking and trying new recipes!
Corinne: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh so far?
Nishita: I can’t choose! There was the night at the Carnegie Natural History Museum in October, the Pitt-Yale Men’s Basketball game, thrift shopping with my roomates, a PSL Event at Dave and Busters or whenever we go see Dave perform Slam Poetry.
Corinne: Describe a typical day at your nonprofit partnership.
Nishita: My tasks vary from day to day at my nonprofit partnership, Mt. Ararat Community Activity Center. I’m always doing something different project wise, whether it’s research, grants or administrative work. I like that it’s a variety of tasks and that I’m constantly learning new skills.
Corinne: What’s your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?
Nishita: Damilola makes awesome pot pie, Chris just made amazing pho and Dave makes the best fried chicken and pasta. We haven’t had the same meal twice – we like to experiment. I like that we mix it up especially since we’re on a budget, and we’re always trying new dishes, too.
Story by PULSE Participant Corinne Hendrock.
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: