When I graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in May, I knew I was ending another chapter of my life and starting a new journey as a recent college graduate. This was a difficult, and rather intimidating concept for me to grasp at first. Soon enough, however, I found the PULSE fellowship program here in Pittsburgh, PA and realized that I had found work I was inspired to do in perfect timing.
PULSE cultivates a community of young servant leaders to transform the city of Pittsburgh. They invite recent college graduates (like myself) to partner with local nonprofits for a year of service and leadership. I got excited about PULSE because it would allow me the opportunity to address the diverse needs of my local urban community, develop foundational social service skills in a supportive environment, and find a community of thoughtful peers and mentors to share my experiences with.
I am looking forward to getting to know my fellows, standing up as an advocate to address the diverse needs that our city demands, caring for friends within a communal housing environment, and learning some valuable life lessons. I also look forward to sharing some of my stories with you. My wish is to grow as someone who is making a commitment to the well-being of the collectives that I am a part of: the people I will live with, the communities I will be working with throughout my nonprofit partnership, and Pittsburgh as a whole.
My first task as a PULSE fellow is to call together a team of people who will support me in this endeavor. I realize that this is work that can’t be done alone, and that I will need others to come alongside me. Will you please support me in this work? I am working toward a fundraising goal of $2500 to cover expenses for this year of service and leadership. Contributions will allow PULSE to continue to serve others and create meaningful changes here in Pittsburgh, making it a more livable, sustainable, and enjoyable city for all. Any amount, no matter how small or large will go a long way toward achieving this goal! Power is in the hands of the collective.
For more ways to support our work, help spread the word to friends and family, and come out to support us at our local events! Visit www.pulsepittsburgh.org for more information, and THANK YOU for your time and your continued investment in my life, the life of PULSE, and the lives of our neighbors within the city of Pittsburgh.
Tina Goparaju
2019-20 PULSE Fellow
