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Introducing Jessica Lin, our October Volunteer of the Month!

Jessica Lin volunteers at 826 by illustrating characters like “a singing squid whose greatest wish is to paint the world pink.”

JessicaLinWe’re so pleased this month to celebrate Jessica Lin! Jessica joined the 826 Valencia community just this school year, but has already become a regular in our Storytelling and Bookmaking field trips. Staff who have had the pleasure of working with Jessica report that her enthusiasm and engagement with students have quickly made an indelible mark on the program. Not only is Jessica a fabulous support tutor, but she is also an accomplished illustrator, lending her talents to titles like The Stealthy Kracken and the Gorilla Set Sail to the Rainbow World and Trouble on Super Mysterious Island. You can visit her artist website to see examples of her work.

Here’s Jessica, in her own words:

“I first discovered 826 Valencia on a volunteer website while feeling lost as a new graduate seeking something meaningful to do. Upon some quick researching, I found out that it is a tutoring center and Pirate Supply Store. “I don’t get it,” I paused for a moment. Confused and curious, I submitted my application, sent some emails, visited the place, started my first day… Oh, how I underestimated the experience.

There is no place in the world where you get to learn how to do pirate yoga and illustrate stories about a soccer ball made of sushi, or a sand castle occupied by a golden dolphin,  or witness the creation and development of characters like a singing squid whose greatest wish is to paint the world pink, or a sun-fearing lava creature who makes delicious pancakes. The Writing Lab is always filled with energy and creativity. Every field trip has been a blast.

I came to 826 Valencia to help children write stories and illustrate some books, but I found myself so often much more amazed by their imagination and abilities to compose interesting stories. Plus, the staff and volunteers at 826 are all so kind and funny and pleasant to work with. It has been a very fulfilling and delightful journey, and I am so honored to be a part of the 826 community.”

Thank you, Jessica! We’re so lucky to have you on our team.

Read more about our previous Volunteers of the Month.