Share a favorite moment or experience from your time volunteering with 826 Valencia.
My favorite day of the week is the day that I get to see the students that I tutor. It is such a gift being able to meet with students who always enter the classroom with such enthusiasm and energy. My favorite memory from 826 Valencia is when a student who started off the semester partaking in more self-amusement than he did writing (I may or may not have joined in on the fun) started to break his shell and grow significantly as a student and as a writer. He went from mustering a word or two on paper to now writing a full page each session, all with the same charisma and energy.
What inspired you to join our community?
I believe that few things are as powerful as the ability to proficiently express oneself through writing. This city is one with many stories to tell, and who better to tell them than its youth! As someone who is involved in Arab youth organizing in San Francisco, community involvement is very dear to my heart. Having a passion for writing and being someone who loves spending time with youth led me to the gates of 826 Valencia, and it has been such a wonderful community to be a part of.
What hobbies do you enjoy when you’re not tutoring?
Outside of 826 Valencia, I am a student at CCSF, double-majoring in Psychology and English. When I’m not studying, you can find me cycling in the beautiful Marin Headlands we are blessed to have so close to the city. Elsewhere, I love spending time at my local mosque(s). I also love reading and spending time with my family. Lastly, I may or may not be an avid aimless Facebook Marketplace scroller. Ah! And organizing Arab youth in San Francisco as well with AROC.
Any advice for new volunteers?
Have fun! And be patient. And inspire the students to grow. And all of those things. But first and foremost, enjoy the company of your student! The objective of every session is for students to express themselves in writing. For this to take place, they have to be comfortable enough expressing things to you for them to put those things on paper. I am always thoroughly invested in what my students have to say, and it makes a huge difference in the quality and depth of their writing!
If you could transform into any literary/imaginary creature for a day, what would it be and why?
I had to go to Goodreads for this one (to no avail, it’s looking far too empty). For no particular reason other than to reminisce, I would transform into a Beyblade. Horribly unpleasant, considering the fact that all Beyblades do is crash into each other and spin in a very hectic manner. In no way literary and not that imaginary, but I recently remembered how I used to love the show as a kid, so alas.