1. How did you first get involved with 826NYC and why did you decide to volunteer?
I had been going to the Pirate Store in San Francisco for a few years, and then looked up the whole premise behind it and became smitten. Then after moving to New York, I really wanted to get involved with 826NYC and was lucky enough for them to welcome me into their society as an intern.
2. What’s your favorite part of volunteering at 826NYC?
My favorite part is seeing all the students hard at work and being able to listen in on their epic story ideas. Their logic is in a whole other strata of greatness. I also really love the store and being able to explain the cape tester to unsuspecting customers. Kids especially.
3. What do you do when you’re not at 826NYC?
I design books and other shenanigans for an ebook publisher, and write little stories or fake classifieds about an imagined Super Society (that doesn’t exist yet, but should).
4. What advice would you give to a new volunteer?
For those fresh volunteers out there, I’d recommend spending some time reading through the item’s descriptions in the store (so clever), and then when a customer is looking for a non-deadly item for their child you can recommend the sea anemone sword for functionality and fun. Also, spend time with the students if you can! And if you can’t (if you’re allergic to children or whatever) reach out and see what else you can do for this society of charming and caring humans.
5. What are your superpowers?
My superpowers involve making semi-addictive gingersnaps that people still ask me to make even though it’s way past the holiday season and I have no excuse to make them anymore. And crying out of my right eye whenever I find anything even remotely funny. I also attract an unnatural amount of static electricity.