This month we are delighted to share an interview with Me In This Moment volunteer, Lisa!
Where are you from?
I was born in Louisville KY and then lived in Illinois, New York, Ohio, Wyoming, Washington, and Texas before moving to New Orleans when I was 27.
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans?
You know, I am not sure how I found 826. I might have found you on Volunteer Match. I am always looking for a way to work with students. It looked interesting and it turned out to be even better than I expected. A good pandemic volunteer job.
What keeps you coming back?
I love hearing people’s stories. They are beautiful, sad, heartbreaking, funny, uplifting, and sometimes frightening. And I love watching the stories develop and grow. I feel like I know so much about all the writers even though we have only met through words on the internet.
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans?
I used to be a geologist and also a technical writer and editor. So, I am a pretty good editor. But, the last part of my career, I was a science teacher. You have to be able to be a good observer as a scientist. And, you need to be able to accurately explain those observations. My studends had to work hard on those skills. So, who knew, turns out that creative writing has a lot in common being a scientist. And I love to read. That is a huge help.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?
I live on a mini-farm in Abita Springs and we have dogs, cats, donkeys, chickens bees and gardens. All that keeps me kind of too busy. I sometimes teach classes on textile arts. I am an embroidery nerd. And, when it isn’t raining and or unbearably humid (covers too much time), I like to bike, hike, kayak. I read and cook. I miss my two sons who leave in San Antonio and Los Angeles. Under normal times, I try and visit them as often as I can.
Favorite book/ author?
Oh, that is so hard! I will tell you the book I’ve loved the most that I read lately. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro. And, Jane Austen is the author that I can read over and over again. I like many different genres: YA, science fiction, historical fiction, mysteries. I don’t read a lot of nonfiction. Weird for a scientist!
This month we are delighted to share an interview with Me In This Moment volunteer, Laurel!
Where are you from?
Chicagoland.
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans?
I have been a big fan of 826 New Orleans since the beginning. When I fiI heard about 826 from a Best American Nonrequired Reading book. The organization sounded so incredible—I wished I’d had that when I was a kid (well, I wish I’d liked writing when I was a kid, but that’s a whole other thing). When I heard there was an 826 NOLA, I immediately filled out a volunteer application. I had some free time that I wanted to use on something that mattered, and storytelling really matters.
What keeps you coming back?
I know how transformative writing can be. I fell in love with writing in large part because I was lucky enough to work with so many encouraging writers and instructors. I want that for everyone. Also, 826 New Orleans has the best people always doing amazing projects with the greatest students.
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans?
I have a background in Literary Studies, which contrary to popular belief, does occasionally come in handy 🙂
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?
Reading, writing, or running.
Favorite book/ author?
My favorite book is usually whatever I’m currently reading. I love Anne Carson, Lydia Davis, and Diane Williams.
This month we are delighted to share an interview with Kimberlee who gave lovely feedback to students for our Me In This Moment project.
Where are you from?
I am originally from Upstate New York and I have bounced around Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Ireland. I have lived in New Orleans for the last 12 years, and this is the longest I have stayed put in my entire life!
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans?
I have been a big fan of 826 New Orleans since the beginning. When I first heard about their youth writing programs and creative publishing projects I knew I needed to learn more. I started reading and sharing books from the 826 New Orleans collection with my kids. We loved the Pizza Poetry Project’s book Is it tasty, does it go to your soul?, the spooky stories collection Something Ain’t Right, and third graders’ advice on overhauling public spaces in Courageous, Eccentric, Diverse: New Monuments for New Orleans. Watching my kids connect with stories from these amazing young writers has been really fun!
What keeps you coming back?
During the pandemic I volunteered to help with the “Me in this Moment” project. Students from across New Orleans wrote about big moments in their lives and I was one of the volunteers behind the scenes cheering on their writing process and sprinkling feedback in the margins. It was a fun and easy way to support young writers throughout this challenging year. I have so much admiration for all the students that shared their stories and I can’t wait to read the published book!
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans?
I have a background in education and I’m used to collaborating with students on research and writing projects. I wrote a lot as a kid and I can still remember how much I anticipated and valued comments and red ink from my teachers. As a volunteer, I do my best to offer up encouragement and constructive feedback to young writers because I know how much it matters.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?
I am a scientist who is learning to make more time for writing. This year I published some essays and wrote a chapter for a forthcoming book on teaching and learning through the pandemic. I love spending time with my family, biking around New Orleans, baking, and puttering in my garden.
Favorite book/ author?
One of my favorite reads from this year was Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass about Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and the teachings of plants. My kids and I also loved Jason Reynold’s Track Series and we’re big fans of Ghost, Patina, Sunny, and Lu!
This month we are delighted to share an interview with Erin who has been incredibly helpful for our In School projects
Where are you from?
I am from New Jersey, the ‘Garden State’.
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans?
When I taught 4th grade, the students wanted to write about the Zombie Apocalypse. A colleague shared info on ‘Big Class’ (826 New Orleans was called at the time). The students and 826 worked together to publish two books all about haunted real estate and zombies in New Orleans.
What keeps you coming back?
It has become clear how impactful spoken and written words are, I’m encouraged to help bring students’ words to readers. The 826 projects have all been inspiring and incredibly fun. My favorites have been: ‘We the Almighty’, spine poems and collages inspired by the 1619 Project, and the student-friendly curriculum for Unfathomable Cities, A New Orleans Atlas.
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans?
I have a deep curiosity for what inspires people and my passion runs deep. I try to take care and show students and groups I work with gentle enthusiasm for thoughts and processes.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?
You can find me riding my bike around New Orleans. The city is a museum and I am always on the tour.
Favorite book/ author?
This is a tough one! A few authors who I believe capture feminine psyche and friendship adeptly: Magda Szabó, Elena Ferrante, Kiley Reid, Carmen Machado.
Favorite snack?
I call it a ‘trash snack’, Chicken salad on a pretzel chip.
Favorite thing about New Orleans?
There’s a lot to love about New Orleans and for me, those appreciative feelings are conjured up in moments: a wave from a colorful porch, paddling on the bayou, roaming the dusty Jazz Fest fairgrounds encountering music from all over the world, crawfish, getting drenched in an infamous rainstorm, Indians, steamy, slow summer days with a snowball antidote, Who Dat culture, an anhinga drying its wings on a City Park stump, cypress knees…
There’s truth to the phrase, ‘I know what it means to miss New Orleans.’
This month we’re excited to share about Patrick, who has been a valuable asset to our MITM and After School programs!
Where are you from?
I’m from the Midwest. More specifically, Danville, Illinois.
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans?
I first learned about the mission and goals of 826 from the dust jacket of the 2008 edition of the Best American Non-required Reading series. I was living in Chicago at the time, so I poked my head into 826CHI and asked if there was any way I could help. I volunteered there for several years before moving to New Orleans. Once I got to the city, I made my way to St. Bernard Ave, excited to volunteer with the incredible students all over the Crescent City.
What keeps you coming back?
Everyone has an important story to tell. Everyone. Some folks might not think their story is worth telling, and some might not feel like they know how to tell it. I like working with students to help them realize the power of storytelling and ultimately help them feel empowered to tell their unique story.
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans?
I’ve been privileged in my life to work in youth development and leadership for two decades. In that time, I’ve learned that a good admixture of patience, respect, openness, and a non judgemental approach acts as a catalyst for young adults to let down their guard, discover themselves, and foster their writing talents. That, and always being willing to laugh.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?
Currently, I’m busy taking care of my one-year-old daughter Cameron, supporting my wife who is a frontline doc, and running a small nonprofit which provides warmable plushies to pediatric cancer patients around the country (www.warmhugsfromerin.org)
Favorite book/ author?
Book: The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay
Author: Douglas Adams or Zadie Smith
Favorite snack?
Strawberry and grape Nerds mixed with peanuts. It tastes like a PB and J. Don’t believe me? Try it.
Favorite thing about New Orleans?
I’ve never lived in a city that not only tolerates others’ traditions, but embraces them, twists them up, combines them with their own, and showcases them for the world to see. Gumbo, yakamein, architecture, jazz. It’s a crazy, one-of-a-kind port city that has tangible influences from all over the globe, and the willingness to proudly incorporate others’ stories into your own is my favorite thing.
This month we’re excited to share about Nancy, an amazing volunteer!
Where are you from?
New Orleans
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans?
826 DC
What keeps you coming back?
Its character and talent like in you kids, the spark of divine fire. Also my roots.
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans?
Prose composition and emotional therapy trying to get the chance to look into each other’s soul and finding out your story.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?
Writing
Favorite book/ author?
Walker Percy had the biggest influence on me when I was young. Now? You can’t list just one – here are some: Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Nabokov, Graham Greene, Evelyn Waugh, Jan Morris, Balzac…
This month we’re excited to share about Errol, a volunteer who is near and dear to our hearts!
Where are you from? Born and raised here in New Orleans
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans?
The program director is the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.
(Though if you need a less creepy answer: I really like the work you guys are doing with the writing programs for the kids)
What keeps you coming back?
The kids are amazing.
The staff is great.
The events are so much fun.
I really love it there.
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans? I’m the chief nerd consultant and electronic problem solver. Also I’m great at checking names off on lists when we have guests. Also my most important job, keep the program director happy.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?
Being a nerd for a living! I work in IT
Also doing cool things like night swan rides in city park.
Favorite book/ author?
I’m all over the place but (shocker) I’m reading a lot of sci-fi right now.
Favorite snack?
Snack, I dunno. But food in general is always gonna be shrimp.
Favorite thing about New Orleans?
It’s the best city in the world, with amazing food, people, and music. There’s too much great stuff to name but if im picking one thing….
This month we’re excited to share about Abdi, a dedicated volunteer!
Where are you from? Baltimore, Maryland
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans? I love organizations like 826 and benefited from similar programs when I was young. Specifically, the director, Brooke Pickett, is a friend and I like to be a part of whatever she is doing.
What keeps you coming back? The students are super impressive. And the events usually have good food.
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans? A valid driver’s license.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us? Too much, but it usually involves making something.
Favorite book/ author?My Losing Season by Pat Conroy
Favorite snack? Brown Sugar Cinnamon Pop-Tarts
Favorite thing about New Orleans? Mosquitoes. Oh, you said “favorite?”
This month we’re excited to share about Camille, a lovely volunteer!
Where are you from?I was born in Oxford, England. My family moved to New Orleans when I was a baby so I consider myself a native New Orleanian.
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans?I moved back to New Orleans in January and found myself looking for a community to be part of. I’m also a writer at heart! I love talking about writing and reading. I have experience working with youth, so I thought that volunteering at 826 New Orleans would be a great opportunity to meet people, share what knowledge I have and feel inspired.
What keeps you coming back?There’s so much warmth at 826 New Orleans. I love participating in an organization that meets adversities like Covid-19 with thought, ingenuity and play. It’s kept me feeling motivated and part of something larger than myself.
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans?I’m a social butterfly and I love learning about people. I think this skill allows me to connect with others and make them feel welcome and comfortable. One of my favorite things about volunteering is encouraging experimentation and fun- I think that it naturally leads to creativity.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us?Recently I’ve been spending a lot of time playing with my foster cat Josie, playing Dungeons and Dragons with friends on Zoom, and binge-watching Avatar: the Last Airbender on Netflix.
Favorite book/ author? Hard to say! Right now I’m really enjoying Bunny by Mona Awad.
Favorite snack?Chocolate chip banana bread.
Favorite thing about New Orleans? I love New Orleans’ sense of humor. There’s such a subversiveness about New Orleans that you can’t get anywhere else. I like to think it’s rubbed off on me.
This month we’re excited to share about Daniel, a reliable volunteer!
Where are you from? Washington, D.C.
What first brought you to 826 New Orleans? My friend Kurston Melton was working with 826, and I was looking for ways to be more involved in my community here, especially through the arts.
What keeps you coming back? These kids! They never cease to amaze me. The stories, ideas, sounds, and worlds that pour of these humans are inspiring and deserve amplification.
What are some skills you have that help you out at 826 New Orleans? I’ve worked as a journalist and still freelance, so it helps me know that there’s this great font of creativity near-to-bursting out of all of us. Sometimes it just needs prodding, or help being put into words.
What are you up to when you’re not volunteering with us? I’ve just been accepted to grad school attached to a Broadway theatre! But given the situation, I probably won’t be leaving this wonderful place for another year.
Favorite book/ author? ‘Cosmos’ by Carl Sagan
Favorite snack? Pastries
Favorite thing about New Orleans? The camaraderie between its people.
This month we’re excited to share about Daniel, a reliable volunteer!