826LA isn’t the only one celebrating a 10th birthday this year. Our student, Brandon, who attends after-school tutoring in Echo Park, just turned 10 on October 9. We talked with the birthday boy about his big day, and he had lots to say.

What do you want for your birthday?
I wanted a PS3. (But he ended up getting money.) I got a cologne, too. I use it on special occasions.

What do you want to do in your next decade?

I want to be a construction worker because it looks like hard work, but you get paid a lot. It’s kind of fun painting walls, and [playing with] wood, bricks. (He also helps his parents around the house, and would like to go to college.)

Cake or ice cream? 
Ice cream. My favorite is cookies and cream.

Imagine you’re an old person. Finish the sentence. Back in my day . . . 
Back in my day, I wanted a PS3, but now I got pure money, so it’s worth it. I could buy a PS3 with the money I got for my birthday.

What makes you happy?
Playing outside with my skateboard. (He says he’s been skating for about three years, and can ollie and heelflip.)

What do you want to do as a 10-year-old that you didn’t do as a 9-year-old?
Complete my kickflips, all my tricks, and I want to complete my collection of bearings. I have like 12, 14.

Happy birthday, Brandon! You can celebrate a decade of inspiring students to write by tagging your favorite 826LA memories on social media with the hashtag #826LAturns10. See photos, videos, and tweets from our community here all year long!