We’re excited to introduce you to our October Volunteer of the Month, Lorena Horng!

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

I had heard about 826 when I was a college student in Massachusetts, but unfortunately had no time to get involved back then. When I moved to NYC, I was delighted to learn that there was a New York City chapter conveniently located near me in Brooklyn! I have always been a champion of global literacy and youth creativity in the arts, so I was delighted to discover that there was a volunteer designer position with 826 that allowed me to support students’ creative writing. Having also just started my design and illustration career, the position seemed like the perfect blend of my skills and values

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

Getting to read all the student writing for sure! The youth are so creative and thoughtful, and there were times where I was tearing up typesetting certain pieces (shoutout to “Bangladesh (My Country)”). Young writers are able to capture a certain excitement and reverence for life that was really touching to read, and it made me feel very hopeful for the next generation regardless of how the world may seem at large.

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

I’m a Design Assistant at the creative agency Future of Storytelling and its book imprint, Melcher Media, where I assist with designing marketing & sales materials and making edits to book designs where needed. I’m also currently a student of the Contemporary Book Design course where I’m hoping to conquer Adobe Indesign while expanding my book design skills. Outside of design, my girlfriend and I like to host a lot of dinner parties for our friends.

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

The successful production of this review can be most attributed to the diligent communication I had with our volunteer coordinator, Danny. He, and likely all the staff at 826, are incredibly flexible, present, and forthcoming with information and updates, and I quickly found that channeling that same attitude made the whole process incredibly smooth. I would advise any volunteer to take advantage of the willingness of the 826 team and ask for clarification, feedback, or advice whenever you may be feeling stuck or confused. But also, give them the same level of responsiveness and promptness they give to you.

826NYC: What are your superpowers?

I enjoy and think I’m relatively good at picking up new skills, especially if I decide to dedicate time and energy to it. Book design is my latest endeavor, though in the past I’ve taught myself photography & photo editing, 3D modeling via Blender, and basic web-development. I’m still learning and developing these skills to varying degrees of mastery, but I find it fun to encounter something new and try to decipher how it’s made. 

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