Here at the Creative Youth Center we’d be completely lost without our fantastic volunteers! Like wandering the streets crying kind of lost… Luckily, we don’t have to be sad because we have friends like Jeremy Hirsch. Calling him a volunteer feels boring, especially since he’s more like an amazing afterschool adventurer. Oh, that’s fun. So without further ado… Jeremy Hirsch, Afterschool Adventurer!
Jeremy Hirsch with Jelani
What is your favorite part of volunteering with the CYC?
It’s nice to be able to help motivate kids to become passionate about writing and reading, but honestly my absolute favorite part is how entertaining it is. The kids are hilarious.
What do you do when you’re not volunteering?
I read a lot. Fiction, nonfiction, comic books, magazines, blogs, cereal boxes. I am a music fanatic, so I love going to the record store and collecting music. I also work at a really fun music venue called The Pyramid Scheme. I love camping and hiking. Going into the woods helps me quiet my brain down.
What is your favorite book?
That’s a tough one. I’ve read Into the Wild by John Krakauer three times. I loved Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry when I was a kid. I’m going to reread it again soon. The Road by Cormac McCarthy was the last book that made me cry.
What is your favorite food?
Vietnamese Pho. It’s a big beef, rice noodle soup with tons of fresh basil. I also love traditional Mexican food (NO WET BURRITOS). I could eat tacos for every meal.
Where are you from?
I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and lived in the city for about ten years. I have lived in Grand Rapids for a little over three years.
Do you have any pets? If so, would they be the protagonists or the antagonists in a story?
I have an awesome dog named Enzo. He looks like a little black wolf, but is a delicate little tulip inside.
Protagonist for sure. Heart of gold.
If you could be any superhero, who would it be?
I love Batman, but I wouldn’t want to be him. He has too many issues.
It would be fun to be in the Fantastic Four.
What do you want to be when you grow up?
A whale. Or an alien. Or both.
Is there anything else that is important for the whole world to know about you?
Every time you talk to me, I’m probably thinking about my next meal. I’m always hungry.