Participant Story: Rebecca Marcucci

 

“Sometimes my approach to things is not always the best approach. I’m learning that listening is way more important than speaking sometimes. I’m learning to be more open-minded.” – Rebecca Marcucci

 

Rebecca Marcucci received her degree in Communication Journalism from Slippery Rock University, where she played a role in the publication of the school’s weekly newspaper, The Rocket. She first worked as a contributing writer, then rose to the post of campus life editor. While at Slippery Rock, she was involved in the American Sign Language Club and worked for VOICe, an advocacy group for victims of domestic violence. She also volunteered at First Assembly of God Church with the worship team and the drama team, which gave her a chance to work with children in the community. In her free time, she likes to sing on her church’s worship team, perform skits with her drama team, and read anything she can get her hands on. She is serving at the YWCA.

Lily Rybarczyk: What has been the most valuable part of the PULSE experience so far?

Rebecca Marcucci: One word, “community”. I’ve been surprised by how much the community has had my back at times when I didn’t deserve to have my back covered. There’s a lot of kindness here.

Lily: What have you enjoy most about your nonprofit partnership?

Rebecca: I enjoy that I’m getting to do what I studied in college. I like going to work everyday and feeling like I have a purpose. I’m helping people find the resources they need to have their best life.

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

Rebecca: Gosh, what haven’t I learned about myself? Sometimes by approach to things is not always the best approach. I’m learning that listening is way more important than speaking sometimes. I’m learning to be more open-minded.

I remember when Wayne, one of our Program Coordinators, talked about greeting things with open palms instead of closed fists, I’m learning to open my palms because they’ve been clenched for a while.

And, I’m learning to become more selfless. Others are showing me that and I’m learning a lot from their actions.

Lily: What surprised you most about Pittsburgh?

Rebecca: When you hear Pittsburgh, you think big city. That’s what I thought! When I moved into my PULSE house, I was surprised by how quiet the neighborhood was. I thought there would be traffic up and down the road all the time. And the community on my street is pretty close know. It’s peaceful.

Lily: What’s your favorite “family meal” recipe for the house?

Rebecca: Creamy chickpea curry!

Story by PULSE Participant Lily Rybarczyk.

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: