“My Y story started when I was around 2 years old. I first came here to do parent and me swim lessons and then started regular swim lessons. I also participated in preschool here and a program called Y Guides. I pretty much tried everything here growing up – ballet, gymnastics, and then I joined the Swim Team when I was 7 years old and was a member of the team until I graduated high school.  I’ve been working here since July 2012. I started as a Swim Instructor; at that time, there were a lot of Swim Team kids who were older than me who were lifeguarding and teaching swim lessons, and I wanted to as well. I really love the community aspect of the Y. In college, I was a global studies major. I enjoyed learning about the issues occurring around the world and connecting them back to our community. It connects to what the Y does socially – fundraising, providing scholarships, providing kids with life skills and socialization. When the Y closed, I was really upset about it. There are people who find this place to be a safe haven. I felt like a part of me was missing. When I found out we’d be reopening our pool, I was so excited. There are so many people who love swimming, and to give that back to them after we were closed, is awesome.”