We are delighted to announce that Hilary Power is our January Volunteer of the Month! Hilary has been tutoring at our GLIDE After School Workshop since March 2022, almost two years! We are so thankful to have consistent tutors like Hilary supporting our students; thank you for everything you do, Hilary!
1. Share a favorite moment or experience from your time volunteering with 826 Valencia.
I think one of my favorite moments was the last session of last year. Every single student got up and at least tried to read their submission to the book, even those who were quite reluctant during the year – it was awesome!
2. What inspired you to join our community?
So, I have this thing where if I see a book lying in the street (not a little library – just anywhere) I have to take it and try and read it so it doesn’t feel abandoned. Weird I know – but the first book I ever did this with was by Dave Eggers, who I followed and is how I found out about 826. I finally joined because at the time schools were just re-opening due to Covid and after being shut down for so long I thought it was time to break out of my own shell and contribute to the community.
3. What hobbies do you enjoy when you’re not volunteering at 826?
I live right by Golden Gate Park, so it is awesome to just walk around – the Bison are my favorite. I also love watching weirdo cult classics at the Balboa and 4 Star.
4. Any advice for new 826 volunteers?
My advice would be to not get discouraged and remember when you were their age. You’re not gonna get every kid to write Ulysses, but you can always be nice and supportive. That’s what they need.
5. If you could transform into any literary creature for a day (dragon, unicorn, traveling pufferfish, etc.), what would it be and why?
If I were to transform into a literary creature, I think I would be a fairy. A nice one. I think they are all about imagination, which is where good writing comes from too.