Participant Story: Rachel King

“I love hearing the differing opinions and views my housemates have, and hearing how our childhoods were so different. We all come from diverse places, providing us with wonderful stories to share. Bringing our differences together is something I value because it challenges my beliefs and helps me explore things I may not have thought of otherwise.” – Rachel King

Rachel King, a native of West Unity, OH, graduated from Eastern Mennonite University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Aside from her degree, Rachel also completed a study term in Bulgaria, Greece, and Turkey. Rachel was very involved on campus as a Student Government Association Senator, the Pre-Professional Health Sciences Co-President, and an academic tutor. She also spent time volunteering at a retirement community doing physical therapy work with residents. Rachel loves to play volleyball and spike ball, make art, and cook good food. She is serving at Tree Pittsburgh.

Taylor Thorp: What do you enjoy most about your nonprofit partnership?

Rachel King: I enjoy the people! They’re very inviting, extremely encouraging, and trusting enough to allow me plenty of autonomy in my work. They are always willing to share their knowledge and push me to use my abilities and learn new skills. They are also super passionate with great senses of humor.

Taylor: What have you enjoyed the most about living in community?

Rachel: I love hearing the differing opinions and views my housemates have, and hearing how our childhoods were so different. We all come from diverse places, providing us with wonderful stories to share. Bringing our differences together is something I value because it challenges my beliefs and helps me explore things I would not have thought of otherwise.

Taylor: Tell me something you are learning about yourself through PULSE.

Rachel: I find I am more introverted than I previously believed. I am starting to appreciate peace and quiet because our group is very energetic and the city is such a bustling place. Needless to say, our time together can be very draining but also very rewarding.

Taylor: What is the most interesting/fun adventure you’ve had in Pittsburgh?

Rachel: Biking in the city has been a huge adventure for me. I didn’t have a bike when I moved to Pittsburgh, but I was determined to get one once I was settled in. Lucky for me, there was a nice (slightly too large, but close enough) bike waiting in the basement for someone to love, and I was the only one who didn’t have a bike yet so I happily adopted it as my own. I used the bike during orientation to go on a bike tour of Pittsburgh. This was the furthest I’d ever biked in one go, and also the first time I’d biked in such a large city. I felt safe biking in the group I was in, and really enjoyed the experience. But those Pittsburgh hills aren’t a joke when it comes to biking!

Taylor: What is your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?

Rachel: I enjoy all of the food my housemates and I make. We get some nice variety in our meals and have fun experimenting with different dishes. I don’t think I can pick a favorite meal, there’s simply been too much delicious food! I appreciate having week night dinners with my housemates though; it is great to have a “family” to sit down and share a meal with after a long day of work.

Story by PULSE Participant Taylor Thorp.

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: