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Our October Volunteer of the Month is Ernest Yip!

Gather ‘round, it’s time to celebrate our Volunteer Of The Month! It’s been so wonderful to see our spaces full again with familiar faces – including standout volunteers like Ernest. Ernest Yip has been tutoring with Mission Bay After-School Programming ever since we opened our doors. He walked by our store front and was drawn in by the mythical woodland creatures and creative students filling the Writing Lab. We’re so glad to have Ernest’s continual support these past few years! If you see him and his dog walking around Mission Bay, don’t hesitate to ask him for more of his valuable tutoring advice.

What is one of your favorite moments (memories, experiences or anecdotes!) from volunteering with 826 Valencia?
My favorite memory of 826 was the Storyteller Showcase party in 2019. There were games, prizes, food and drinks. I was also particularly touched by the story of an 826 student, who came to the US as a refugee and was on the way to college. On top of that, he was also a mentor and tutor for students from a similar background!

What would we find you doing when not you’re not volunteering at 826?
I’m an avid tennis fan and player. Also, a lot of staff and students at the Mission Bay Center have probably run into me taking my dog around in the neighborhood, getting lunches, coffees or just hanging out in the parks.

What led you to become part of our volunteer community? What makes you stay?
One day I walked by the Mission Bay location and saw the sign saying 826 was looking for volunteers. I signed up right away because I was looking for a volunteer gig through which I could make a difference. I absolutely love sharing my knowledge with all the eager young minds whilst I also learn so much from them.

Given a choice of the three, which would you choose: pirates, pufferfish, or woodland creatures? Why?
Woodland creatures. It’s a biodiverse ecosystem where all creatures share precious space and make a life for themselves!

What is a piece of advice you would give a new 826 volunteer?
Every student is so unique and requires a unique way of communicating with. Patience and a pair of good ears go a long way.

We couldn’t agree more. Want to join Ernest as After-School Tutoring volunteer? You can get started by completing our Volunteer Application and taking a look at our Volunteer Calendar.