When I finished my Peace Corps service in July, I knew I was ending a transformative chapter and beginning a new, equally significant journey as a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer. While it was difficult saying goodbye to the familiarity of my second home in Mongolia; my students, teachers, fellow Peace Corps volunteers, and my community members, now I am continuing to follow my passion to serve, but this time stateside, and joining the PULSE program in Pittsburgh, PA.
PULSE cultivates a community of young servant leaders to transform Pittsburgh. They invite recent, college graduates (like myself) to partner with local nonprofits for a year of service and leadership. What initially caught my attention about PULSE was the Story of its establishment, specifically the founder John Stahl-Wert’s search for educated and skilled workers to help develop a community. PULSE fellows, like Peace Corps Volunteers, utilize ourpassion and skills while answering our call to serve. As you probably expect, I am excited to utilize the diverse knowledge and skills gleaned from my unique experiences over the last few years to engage in the possibilities of this beautiful city.
I am eagerly looking forward to building a network with PULSE’s long-standing established non-profit partners, participating in continual professional development trainings, and living in an intentional community with fellows who share my deep-seated passion for enriching the lives of others. My hope for the year is to collaborate closely with like-minded individuals andorganizations, to refine and exercise my skills in project design and management, and to contribute to the overall development of the Pittsburgh community.
Part of my first task as a PULSE participant is to assemble a team of people who will support me in this work. I realize that I can’t do this work alone, that I need others to come alongside me and partner with me.
Would you please consider supporting me in this work? I am in the process of raising a minimum of $2500 to cover expenses for this year of service and leadership. Your support will help impact the lives of Pittsburgh’s most vulnerable. Any amount, no matter how small or large will go a long way towards helping me meet this goal!
Thank you for your continued investment in my life and in the life of PULSE.
Jacqueline Journeay
2019-20 PULSE Fellow
