The Birth of Rock Music

Posted on October 18, 2009 by Lindsey Ortega

Being an intern at 826 NYC has been a most rewarding experience. I have only been here for a month, and already know most of the kids at tutoring. They are all so fun to be around, and always have great stories to tell you from school or their weekend that time goes by way too fast! I love knowing that these kids enjoy coming to 826 because it has such a wonderful atmosphere. There never seems to be a dull moment, and even though sometimes kids would rather read comic books than do their homework, they always listen and are easily motivated to get everything done.

So far, I have helped out with two field trips: one was writing a "Choose Your Own Adventure Story," and the other was script writing for a television show. One of my favorite things about the field trips is hearing students' different ideas. All of them get very creative, and I am often surprised at how witty most of them are! I appreciate that the students always have a good sense of humor, and are not shy to voice their opinions. My favorite story idea heard so far was by a student in the "Choose Your Own Adventure Story" workshop, who’s idea was "About a boy named Jack who was a musician and who always listened to Ozzy Osbourne, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, etc. and played guitar. One day when he was playing guitar blood came out of it, and he passed out. When he woke up, he woke up during the birth of rock music." As a student of creative writing, I feel it most inspiring for my own work to see the students write, and be a part of the process.

I highly recommend volunteering here. 826 NYC does wonderful stuff for the kids, and gives them opportunities to participate in things I wish I could have done when I was their age!