RYE Y STORY PROJECT: JESSICA

The Y has been a part of my life since I was a child. When I was a kid, I used to take swimming classes. Once I graduated college, I was looking for a job and my father told me that the YMCA was hiring lifeguards as well as swim instructors. I applied for the position and started to work. I have now been at the Y for about four years.

The Y has impacted my life in many ways. It helped me make friendships and build a family. I have also grown in many ways such as being patient, developing my leadership skills and my work ethic. I love coming to work every day because it’s like a home environment for me.

The Y lets me give back to the community by teaching children of all types and needs and even adults. My biggest accomplishment was teaching a woman who was deaf how to swim on her own. Working with children, you need to be very patient and calm. You have to understand the children’s needs and be able to adapt to them. It provides a safe place for them and makes me proud to work in such a great place.