Experiences at YMCA

Well for me i actually started by volunteering before i was of age to be able to work.

The YMCA

The secret to getting hired at the YMCA is to adopt an" I'm third attitude." The I"m third" attitude is simply God first others second and I am third. This is an attitude that I have tried to apply .to my life as well.

I assisted the head teacher with lesson plans, arts and crafts. Planned field trips and walks. Helped the children with their school work and homework.
I also worked in the other rooms too, with the infants, toddlers, and pre-schoolers. I changed diapers and potty trained as well as planning lessons and games....

I've done pretty much everything at the YMCA, except become a director or coordinate any programs

Taught children swimming, coached kids' water polo program, lifeguarded throughout school to pay for tuition

Earning the trust and respect of a new community that culturally was closed to "outsiders". Being fresh out of college, I think I expected acceptance of my abilities to be automatic. It was not. Also, everyday was different at the YMCA. I really has to learn to adapt to different scenarios and community needs and adjust my plans to meet those needs. While this was a challenge, it was also my biggest joy. While with the YMCA, I did a little of everything. Ask me what my claim to fame there was?...

Assumed multiple management and administrative functions within a full facility YMCA; Provided program leadership and guidance in the areas of Health and Fitness, Youth Outreach, Aquatics, and Membership; Managed substantial portion of facilities; Coordinated large scale special events. My efforts resulted in the development of more than twenty programs that served more than 15,000 children, youth, and families. Two of my programs were awarded best in region awards (1st and 2nd place across a multi state territory). Lastly, I was involved in international partnership development and assisted with information and program exchanges with partner Y's in Russia, Germany, and Kenya. Traveled to Germany as a selected delegate of the YMCA of the USA to the World Council Meeting of YMCA's in 1998....

No secret here, one just has to be flexible and have that 'can do' attitude, having a broad range of experience i fitted the post

constantly having to motivate and challenge youths to see their full potential