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. Volunteer Janna King has been tutoring students in Echo Park for three years. She shared with us the challenges of virtual volunteering, connecting to family via Skype, and why writing for animated television and film is so enjoyable.

When and how did you first get involved with 826LA?

I got involved with 826LA three years ago at the suggestion of a friend. When my own kids were younger, all my time was filled working and being a mom. I loved volunteering in their classrooms, so I promised when they left for college, I would find another way to volunteer with young people. 826LA was the perfect place. It still is!

What is a challenge of virtual volunteering?

I’m grateful that 826LA has continued during this very different time. Virtual communications of any kind can be awkward and a little chaotic. I think it’s harder to get shy students (who often have their cameras turned off) to participate – and even though I’m not a fan of being on camera or video either, I like to see their faces and exchange smiles. Also, I’m technologically inept so I don’t catch on quickly to certain aspects of remote tutoring and workshops, but the 826LA staff members are so calm and patient – with me and the students.

Do you have a favorite 826LA memory?

The first time I handed out sunglasses at the start of an Echo Park 826LA field trip sticks out in my mind. As is customary during field trips, the students pick their favorite pair of colorful shades and stand against a planetary backdrop for biography photos. Some get into it and pose, others are shy, but most smile. This moved me so much because I thought about the fact that their whole lives are ahead of them – with victories and challenges. They are the future!

What is your favorite time of the day and why?

Around bedtime every night, I Skype or Facetime with my two kids who live together in Vancouver, BC (where my son goes to college). They’re my favorite people in the universe. We laugh a lot – they tease me, mercilessly (but affectionately) and think I’m a complete goofball. We talk about the world, Minecraft (I’ve been playing remotely with my son – I’m not very good), movies and TV, and food. Right now, I would love to give them big hugs in person, but am happy that technology allows me to give them virtual hugs on screen!

How has 826LA impacted you?

I am constantly inspired by the students. I’m in awe of their resourcefulness and resilience, especially now. Even with virtual learning, which is unfamiliar and isolating, they put one foot in front of the other. 826LA gives me a chance to prop them up, show them that they have support, and to encourage them to see the best, most unique parts of themselves. 826LA celebrates their voices, and I truly believe that celebration will help this new generation change the world.

What is your favorite thing to write? (Essays, emails, novels, grocery lists, D&D campaigns, and legal briefs are all legit answers!)

I’ve been writing my whole life, so I love anything that has to do with words. I enjoy writing for animated television and film because it allows my imagination to go beyond the boundaries of what’s real. Writing novels is super rewarding, but I started that later in my career and it was way tougher than I thought: so MANY words! Playwrighting is also amazing because I often direct my own work, and I get to see my words performed in person. p.s. Some of my favorite writing projects are collaborations with my 23-yearold daughter. She’s a fantastic writer – and keeps me on my toes. My 21-year-old son leans more to the side of science, but has pitched some cool concepts to me, too! They inspire me to keep being creative!

What were you like as a 15-year-old?

At 15, I was really hard on myself. It was so important for me to feel accepted – I kept a list of everyone in school who smiled at me each day! Even though I was an “overachiever,” I felt bad feeling good about myself. By the time I turned 16, I was struggling with a serious eating disorder that I battled for almost a decade. Writing helped save my life. Self-expression is a way to explore – and embrace – how you feel, even when – especially when – you don’t feel okay. I’m so glad that I discovered my love for writing back then.

What would you like to see for 826LA students 15 years from now?

I would like to see them feel heard, seen and respected. I want them to have confidence that their hard work will pay off. I want them to have choices. I want the world to be safer, healthier and more joyful for them. Most of all, my dream for them is to feel love and to give love. It sounds corny, but truly, love is what matters most.

What is a personal trait of yours that has helped you shift to online work?

As a freelance writer, online work is pretty familiar to me. I really enjoy collaborating by exchanging ideas via email, Google docs, etc. And even though I’ve always worked from home, I’ve followed the advice of one of my favorite high school teachers: Get dressed every day. My usual uniform is just jeans and a tee-shirt, but I feel yucky if I stay in my pjs. I almost always work at my desk – that was my teacher’s advice, too. It gives me structure and a sense of productivity (even when I’m not tremendously productive).

Why is writing important?

I truly believe that everyone can write – and should! The writing doesn’t have to be perfect, but it’s a way to get feelings out. We need to do that now more than ever. We can write for ourselves without sharing, but it’s nice when we do share and can connect with others who empathize or see life a new way because of our words. Plus, creative writing allows us to watch stories in our head, to be self-entertainment centers. What’s better than that?!