I wanted to intern at 826LA because of the organization’s commitment to engaging students in unique projects and then positively affirming students’ results. I think this is the most effective way to motivate lifelong, enthusiastic learners. Last Thursday, I really got to see this idea in action. We celebrated the release of a new chapbook of student stories written during After-School Tutoring. When students saw their published book and heard the applause of their peers, family, and tutors, you could see the pride of accomplishment on their faces. I think that feeling will encourage these students to keep writing.

During the first week of my internship at 826LA in Mar Vista, I watched and assisted students who were working to submit a final draft of one of several pieces they had written over the past five weeks. After finishing their homework, students found creative inspiration in writing prompts about uncommon superheroes. These prompts invited consideration of a variety of types of superheroes, including role models, made-up superheroes, and even the students themselves. Once these final drafts were submitted, 826LA collected them into a chapbook called Super Teddy is Very Brave. 

Proud author Jose reads from his story, which inspired the collection’s title

The chapbook’s title came from a story of the same name by 3rd grader Jose, who has been coming to 826LA with his siblings and cousins for tutoring for the past three years. Jose was so proud of his contribution to the collection that he asked if he could read his story first at last Thursday’s chapbook release party, a request that program manager Birte Klug obliged. Jose’s mom even brought him a special outfit to change into for the chapbook release party.

As an audience member, I was touched by each piece that the young authors read for the assembled audience. 826LA must have some of the most emotionally captivating authors on the planet. Elementary school is such a fleeting time, and it was nice to see students at this age present their views on the world as they are now—sincerely in awe of the people and things in the world around them. I hope Super Teddy Is Very Brave continues to remind each young contributor of his or her creative potential for years to come. I know that 826LA will continue to guide these contributors—and leagues of new students— as they continue to explore the world by writing creatively about it.

Copies of Super Teddy Is Very Brave are available in the Time Travel Marts. Interested in an 826LA internship? We are currently accepting applications!

–Tori Hirsh, 826LA intern