Some months ago, we met a young man named Nathan Jillson. He was a great young writer, hugely enthusiastic, and was planning to intern for McSweeney's and 826 Valencia. He'd been to a few McSweeney's events, in San Francisco, and had visited the pirate store. Nathan began corresponding with us from Portland, where he'd taken a job helping in a kindergarten class, and his parents had spoken with Dave at a reading in Oklahoma City. We were arranging the details of when Nate could come down to San Francisco and spend some time as a part of our operation. We expected him to be with us in the summer of 2003.
Just before Christmas, Nate was stricken by a spontaneous brain stem bleed. He had been working in the kindergarten class, playing with a young girl who was distressed over a lost coat, and suddenly felt thirsty and dizzy. He lost consciousness and was transported to the hospital, where he passed away a few days later.
In honor of Nathan, we are establishing a scholarship in his name. Each year a Bay Area student will be awarded $10,000 for their freshman year in college. This award is based on need and will be given to a student who embodies Nathan's qualities: great warmth, charm, enthusiasm, and a keen interest in writing and working with kids. To apply for this scholarship, click here. To get an idea of Nathan's humor and kindness, read the note below, an e-mail to Yosh Han at 826 Valencia, detailing his plans for coming to San Francisco.
Yosh—You may or may not remember me. I visited ye old pirate shoppe four or five times during my brief stint in San Francisco. Most memorably when it took me in excess of a week to bring in a replacement boot for the one I picked up on my first visit.
It seems a little odd for my father to be taking such an active role in my pursuing an internship with you. I suppose I can't blame him for living somewhat vicariously through me being as he is trapped in Kansas. Still it makes me a little uneasy.
I've always wanted to be a writer, as long as I can remember at least. That's not true, first I wanted to be a professional baseball player, then a paleontologist, then later the writing thing. More often than not I ignored these leanings in the past for fear of failure. I worked as a retail mall manager instead, where failure was assured.
It was while working for my previous employer in San Francisco that I stumbled upon McSweeney’s. I had read Dave's book prior and was very touched and inspired. I had read most of Michael Chabon's work too and was equally impressed.
It wasn't until meeting them in person at the signing for Issue 7 at Booksmith that I really acknowledged how much I wanted to write. I quit my job and moved to Portland, where I can afford to live without a grueling full time job, and enrolled in school to pursue creative writing and education. I love it.
I work with elementary school students a few hours a week as a volunteer here and it is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I'm still having a lot of trouble adjusting to concerns other than bills and debt and food but I will persevere. I want very much to work with you and the rest of the crew in San Francisco in the near future. I have never been as sure of anything as I am of this. You seem not concerned with the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. You're too busy being awestruck at the fact that you're STANDING ON A %$#*@ RAINBOW!!! OH MY GOD!!
I really think I could learn a lot from the experience. I'm willing to do anything for it. I'll regret it if I don't pursue it with all my heart. Plus, I think Dad wants me to pick him up a flag. Tell me what needs to be done, and when.
Nate
P.S. Thank you so much for your interest. It makes me feel all weird and nervous, which I like.