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

I spent my summer doing random, as-needed volunteering. For example, I taught senior citizens computer skills. Or tried to. Turns out I barely know how to use Excel myself and should probably change that on my Linkedin.

I realized I should assist in a field I’m decent at and/or understand conceptually, so I made like a millennial and googled “writing teacher volunteer NYC.” 826 was the first result and once I saw the superhero store aspect I was like, um, excuse me? I belong here. So I hopped on the G train to orientation and haven’t come back since. Because the G train never comes.

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

Spending time with the kids! They’re the funniest, whackiest and most creative people I know. And I know a lot of aspiring comedians. And artists. And one clown.

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

Grad school-ing, karaoke-ing, and eating in bed with my dogs. (Their names are Lou Reed and Christina Aguilera and yes they have an Instagram.)

4. What advice would you give a new volunteer?

Know math, be patient, and remember, kids like learning. I taught a second grader how to say ‘thank you’ in German (“Danke”) and she used it all day, having asked how to say pretty much everything else in the language by the time tutoring was over. Kids love knowing things, and that’s what we’re here for. To help them know more! We’re like human Wikipedia.

Oh, and bring colorful pens.

5. What are your superpowers?

I’m a pro-party planner, make incredible eggs, and can eat twenty chicken wings in one sitting and not die.