Some People Ask Me Why, I Say the Y!

I have been a member of the Guilderland YMCA for 12 years, and have worked as a lifeguard there for four years this June. It is by far my favorite place to work, teach and swim. The following list is just the surface of why I love the Y.

1. Y.M.C. A.

The name alone is a good enough reason to love the Y. YMCA is an acronym for "Young Men's Christian Association." The YMCA is grounded in the Judaeo-Christian values of Caring, Honesty, Respect and Responsibility. I am proud to say that my Y strives to instill these values in all of its members and staff.

2. Community

The Guilderland YMCA is a cornerstone of the Capital District community. The membership brings together people from an area compromising over eight counties. Everyone is welcome at the Y. Working at the Y I have met people from all walks of life. To date I have worked with members from a dozen different countries and four continents. As a part of the Y's goal of Youth Development and Healthy Living, we strive to be inclusive in our activities, and to educate members about different cultures, by embracing the various festivities from the backgrounds of our members.

3. Family

As a member and a lifeguard, I have grown close to many members over the years. each day when I work i am thankful to be a part of such an awesome extra family. We are able to share together in the gains, and losses, hopes and sorrows of our members. i have watched many kids that I have taught in swim lessons grow up to be a part of swim-team and to go on to do great things.

4. Positive Work Environment

It is wonderful to be able to go into work everyday and enjoy a positive work environment. everyone is ready to give you a smile, even if they are having a bad day. Our aquatics department always seeks to help our guards grow, not only professionally but also personally, we are able to work together as a cohesive team to maintain the quality and safety that have made the Guilderland Y the Standard of Excellence for the Capital District.

5. Teaching Opportunities

As a lifeguard, I have the honor of teaching some of the greatest kids on the planet. Teaching a child to swim is a great way to learn how to teach, and it imparts skills that they will use throughout their life. As a part of the Y swim program, we also teach our swimmers how to utilize the core values in daily life. It is great to see children you come to love compassionately develop and become successful. In the past four years, teaching swim lessons has made me a more patient and understanding person, as well as a better teacher.

6. Leadership Opportunities

Working in the aquatics department provides indispensable leadership opportunities, from leading swim lessons to helping inexperienced guards learn the ropes.

7. Swim Team

For most of my 12 years at the Y, I was a member of the Guilderland YMCA Cyclones Swim Team. You will not find a better team anywhere. The coaches love their jobs, and go out of their way to make every swimmer important, and provide them with the greatest swimming experience possible. In the Capital District,you will not find a more compassionate and dedicated team. I am proud to say I was a part of it, and I will certainly miss my time as a member.

The swim team also provides a great supply of role models, from the youngest swimmer to the oldest there is always something good to say about them.

8. Camaraderie

Unlike most jobs where you just work, at the Y you develop a deep sense of camaraderie. As lifeguards, we are able to develop respect for our colleagues and friendships that last beyond the pool. We are able to give each other advice, and help each other when problems arise.

9. Reach Out For Youth

As a part of the Y, we have an annual campaign called Reach Out For Youth. This campaign collects funds to provide under-privileged children with opportunities for a better life. It helps to fund scholarships for swim team, swim lessons, CPR classes and summer camps. We also help to provide meal services and childcare for those in need.

10. Home

The Y has become a second home for me over the years. After participating in Saturday Night Alive, Camp Nassau, Swim Team, Life-guarding and so much more, it is remarkable to look back on all of those memories. I am proud to be a part of the Y, and to continue to serve my community as a lifeguard and swim instructor.