This month, we are honored to lift up Jay Gangadin as our Page Turner of the Month. Jay has been a Page Turner since 2021, in which he read and reviewed 27 titles, committing 78 hours of volunteer time to being a Page Turner with us! In an interview with Jay, he shared his inspiring thoughts on why he connects with Page Turners and the work we do.

Here’s what Jay had to say about how he got started with Page Turners, and why he stayed involved.

“I am an emerging freshman at Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis, aspiring to become a motorsports engineer. As a Puerto Rican-Indian, I embrace my culture and my traditions. I want to engage in diversity-focused groups and promote inclusivity within STEM.

While searching for home-based volunteering programs during the pandemic, I came across Page Turners, which combines my favorite pastime of reading with a purposeful mission. Their mission fits my passion and sparks my interest. Through this program, I am aiding underserved children to elevate their literacy skills and claim space in classrooms.

The Page Turners program allowed me to uncover many relevant books I wished I had access to when I was younger. This reading journey has helped me find a connection I was missing, inspiring an embrace of the diversity within me. This rooted connection is the feeling I want to instill in other kids. Your individuality is your undeniable truth and the key to authenticity. I wish I had realized earlier the value of my cultural differences. This program enables a more inclusive book portfolio, which means kids can feel seen, represented, and heard. Starting this collective diversity initiative needed for inclusivity will offer an open and safe space where children grow and thrive.

Upon reading Dear Martin, I became aware of how deep social injustice and racial disparity run within our society. Through Martin Luther King's teachings detailed in the book and introspective reflections, I found resolve in elevating knowledge by dutifully engaging in purposeful initiatives for my mission. I realized I had to take a proactive role and make a difference for other children like me to feel protected and accepted. My resolve is to bring representation to the forefront, inspiring a positive impact and self-worth”.