AmeriCorps Member Spotlight

Andrew Tanner, Indy Reads WorkLiteracy Coach

Why did you apply to be an Indy Reads AmeriCorps WorkLiteracy Coach?

I applied because I am often teased as an eternal student and learner. As a nontraditional student and aspiring writer, public speaker, and educator – I saw this as an amazing opportunity to test the waters of Education. I knew upon meeting with the team, and seeing how they encouraged me to return to school and offered the educational grant, that this was an amazing opportunity I could not pass up.

Favorite memory so far as an Indy Reads AmeriCorps Member?

My favorite memory so far was definitely the Zoom Holiday Party featuring everyone involved with Indy Reads. We had a blast stealing each other’s gifts. It was wonderful to see everyone in a more fun environment, especially since we all have mostly only been together on Zoom. It was a nice way to get to know one another.

What do you hope to do after life as an AmeriCorps member?

My dream is to be a Fantasy writer, to turn these fantastic stories and characters alive in my head and notebooks into novels. I hope to be a freelance writer, public speaker, advocate, and journalist. I have a lot of dreams. But my number one dream has always been to be someone worthy of the Blue Planet award, someone who leaves the world a little better when my time has come and gone.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I love to read, write, and listen to music. It’s a sure bet if I have free time, especially during the pandemic, that I am doing one of the three. I also like to watch documentaries. I like trying new experiences, cultures, foods, and traveling when I have the chance as well. 

Last book you read?

The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates. It was an amazing fantasy debut from the history buff, and a fantastical retooling about freedom and the underground railroad. I recommend it to anyone who wants a smidge of magic in an otherwise detailed historical African American setting. Coates shows the horrors of slavery without the usual graphic violence, but rather in the stolen memories of the enslaved. He caps it off with a happy ending that feels beyond satisfying.

What is a quote you love or a mantra you live by?

I believe that I can love and/or care about people I will never meet, inanimate objects like the environment, and animals, with no expectation of benefit to yourself. If people can hate one another for superficial reasons, we can also love people for no real reason. What the world really needs is really love, people have to learn to care about something even when it has no benefit to them. I am deathly afraid of spiders, but I still would not eradicate them all if I had the chance, because they have a purpose in this world also. I try to keep this idea near to my heart.

Favorite band/musician?

I honestly have several! According to my music in review from 2020, my current top 3 are Kelly Rowland, Beyonce, and Brandy. Michael and Janet Jackson are eternal favorites. Megan Thee Stallion is also bumping right now. 🙂

Anything fun you’d like to include?

I have always had a huge crush on Kofi Siriboe 😉

Same, Andrew. Same.