In celebration of 826LA’s 15th Anniversary in 2020, we’re bringing you 15 profiles of the people who’ve grown with us and helped us grow. Jaylyn H. is a Venice High School alumnus who looked to 826LA for college access support. He talked with 826LA about mentorship and the importance of writing a strong email (even if you don’t like writing). 

When and how did you first get involved with 826LA? (I hear you got your siblings involved too!)

I first heard about 826LA back in 2017 when the program was introduced to me through my high school, Venice High School. At the time, my classmates and I were creating a class novel through the writing program. I thought it was cool to have my work published with my name on it. It made me feel accomplished. Later in my senior year of high school, I was also able to utilize 826LA to get guidance with completing my college applications through the help of LaTesha. She was able to help me with editing my college essays, completing college applications, and even attended some of my scholarship award ceremonies.

How has 826LA impacted your life?

826LA has changed my life tremendously. It all started when I met my favorite mentor, LaTesha. Since meeting LaTesha, she has not only taught me how to improve my writing skills, but she has also been that extra support in my life. From time to time, she asks me, “Jaylyn, are you good? Do you need anything?” I know that if I ever needed anything, that she would take care of me. Through the amazing program at 826LA, I know that I have formed a lifelong relationship with LaTesha, and I am forever grateful for it. If I had never met LaTesha, not only would I have not gotten that extra motivation that I needed to stay on the right track during my senior year of high school, but I would not be where I am today. 

Who would win in a battle of wits: a caveperson or a robotic caveperson?

I believe that a caveperson would win in a battle of wits. A caveperson is a human being that can outsmart a robot or an “AI.”

Why is writing important?

Typically I do NOT enjoy writing. However, if I had to choose my favorite form of writing, I would choose emails. Writing emails is a skill I picked up at a young age, and I am grateful for knowing how to do so, for I learned it would be very useful later on in life. Whenever I am writing an email, it makes me feel professional. I was taught that the way you format and present yourself in the body of an email all says a lot about you as a person. Therefore, I do my best to make as few errors as possible. All in all, I enjoy writing emails to friends, family, when applying for a scholarship, or whatever the case may be. It makes me feel warm on the inside to know that I took my time to write a message to someone that I feel most proud of.