We’re excited to introduce you to our October Volunteer of the Month, Katrina Sharpe! Katrina has been volunteering since 2023 in 826NYC’s Write Away Workshops.

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

Katrina: I first heard of 826 from a friend who volunteered in LA. I was inspired by the opportunity to help students explore their creativity and improve their writing. I was excited when I saw there was a chapter in NYC!

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

Katrina: My favorite part of volunteering is helping students bring the story in their head to life on paper.

826NYC: What’s your favorite part of supporting Write Away Workshops? 

Katrina: It has been an amazing opportunity to meet such gifted storytellers and writers and see how their stories evolve over the five week program. The students really get to know their characters and take them on incredible adventures. Also, it’s been a while since I was their age, so it’s fun to see what elementary school students are like now—I always learn something new!

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

Katrina: When I’m not volunteering on Sundays, I like to explore new restaurants, travel, read, practice hot yoga and see live music.

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

Katrina: Always keep an open mind, sometimes the students come up with wacky ideas and it’s important to follow their stories wherever they lead!

826NYC: What are your superpowers?

Katrina: My superpower is reading minds!

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