This is the first year I’m volunteering for The Mighty Pens. Some of the things I’m passionate about are books and writing, and I considered this the perfect opportunity to do something related to them and also to help people out.

I thought it would be great having the chance to work alongside incredible writers and to get to know other people who share the same love for books as me. 

The fact that they are supporting We Need Diverse Books is meaningful to me because as a Latina, I know the power that representation has, and I want to make people feel seen and heard. Ever since I was a little girl, there weren’t enough princesses or superheroines who look like me or to whom I could 100% relate. I’m glad that as time is passing, new writers are stepping into the world and are sharing their stories so more people that come from similar backgrounds as them can feel that they matter.

At first, I was feeling nervous because I was thinking about whether I would be good or not for this. That doubt dissipated as I stepped into the community. The other volunteers made me feel welcomed and they are nice people.

If you are having second thoughts about applying I would say to you “Just go for it.” So far I have encountered positive things and I’m excited for what is to come.