We’re excited to introduce you to our October Volunteer of the Month, Emily Anderson!

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

I first saw mention of 826 in the back matter of one of Dave Eggers’ books—so I looked it up when I moved to the city! Finding ways to facilitate and encourage creativity has always been really important to me, so it seemed like a natural fit. 

826NYC: What’s your favorite part of 826NYC?

Kids are just organically creative—it’s really inspiring to be around. What I love about working with the TWC students in particular is how they’re at an age to really start reflecting on their own experiences and weave them into these incredible, imaginative stories, so the themes end up being a combination of personal/reflective and fantastical/imaginative—which is my favorite kind of writing. The students are also learning to be vulnerable and express their own agency through writing, so it’s amazing to watch them grow into themselves on the page.

826NYC: What do you do when you’re not at 826NYC?

I do a lot of climbing, running, and yoga. I’m a member of an unmanageable amount of book and writing clubs. I’ve been doing a lot of free collage nights recently. I’m an assistant editor at St. Martin’s Press.

826NYC: What advice would you give a new volunteer?

I’ve noticed that just remembering what each student is into and asking them about it goes a long way in building connections and figuring out what makes them tick. Even if it’s not always expressed in writing-specific ways, the creative energy in each student is incredible, and with the right encouragement, it can often be channeled into their writing. Also (though this may be TWC-specific)—I recommend using the students’’ silent writing time . . . to write! It’s helpful for your own writing practice, and more importantly, I’ve noticed that the “body doubling” can help students get down to writing.

826NYC: What are your superpowers?

Necromancy and untying very difficult knots. 

Want to support our students this school year? Sign up for a volunteer orientation today!