As we transitioned our programs online to serve our students from home this year, our volunteers have been an invaluable support, and none more so than November Volunteer of the Month, Selina. Selina joined us for our (remote) Exploring Leadership Summer Camp, and has been a consistent and supportive presence for students at Buena Vista Horace Mann this fall. We are so thankful for her incredible commitment to our students’ voices! Read on to learn more about what first brought Selina to 826, and what keeps her coming back.
What is one of your favorite moments (memories, experiences or anecdotes!) from volunteering with 826 Valencia?
Honestly, I love the whole 826 Valencia experience. But I especially enjoy when the students get excited about their story and fearlessly write, which inspires me to write more.
What led you to become part of our volunteer community?
I began volunteering with 826 Valencia when an instructor that I admired recommended the program as an enriching place to creatively give back to my local community. And I’m so grateful she did, because I have met so many good hearted, passionate people along the way.
Given a choice of the three, which would you choose: pirates, pufferfish, or woodland creatures? Why?
Woodland creatures because I love trees and all the unique bugs and critters it houses.
What would we find you doing when not you’re not volunteering at 826?
When I’m not volunteering, I like to create things that positively impact the world like picture books, gratitude journals and watermelon world paintings.
What is a piece of advice you would give a new 826 volunteer?
Our students’ stories are one-of-kind, just like you! Honor our students’ voices and their heritage.