This month we are excited to announce Arty Prakasen as the February Volunteer of the Month. Arty talks super stealth superpowers and fostering creativity in our young authors below!

1. How did you first get involved with 826NYC and why did you decide to volunteer?

I heard about 826 from a professor when I lived in Boston, but never managed the time to go and check it out. When I moved to New York this past fall, one of the first things I did was look up the 826 here and sign up for the next volunteer session.

2. What’s your favorite part of 826NYC?

I love how many different programs/volunteer opportunities there are and I love seeing how wild the ideas the kids have can be. There’s really no limits to what direction they can go and it’s great to be able to help support them and see where they end up. Working in the store is also fun when people come in out of curiosity and kids practice their superhero poses on the cape tester.

3. What do you do when you’re not at 826NYC?

Reading, writing, learning New York, and doing my best to navigate post-undergrad adulthood.

4. What advice would you give a new volunteer?

Be as patient and supportive as you can be. The main thing is to promote writing and creativity in the kids and have fun with it.

5. What are your superpowers?

Super stealth. I’m great at hide and seek and unintentionally scaring friends who lose sight of me for only a second.