From a Simple Number to a Career I Love
I found myself at the Y in 2015 after donating blood. At the time, I didn’t realize that when you donate blood, your cholesterol is checked automatically. And, a few weeks after donating, I got a letter in the mail indicating that my cholesterol was high.
It was a shock, but looking back I had just had my third child and had gotten into a routine of taking care of everyone else, and not taking time to take care of myself. It was a good wake up call.
So, I went to my doctor and she told me that in order to lower my cholesterol to a healthy level, I could either go on medicine or start exercising. As much as I hated working out, exercising seemed like the smarter option. I live very close to the Y, so I decided to check it out. Once I took a tour and realized that I could work out and my kids could have fun too, I was sold.
I started taking Group Exercise classes, and within six months my cholesterol was back to normal. In addition, I learned that I actually didn’t hate working out. In fact, I loved it so much that I ended up getting certified as a Group Exercise Instructor. Then, I slowly started subbing classes at the Y. That grew into me taking on regular classes of my own, and now I am the Group Exercise Department Coordinator.
It all started from a simple number. But, it changed from wanting to lower my cholesterol, to realizing that I needed to take care of myself again. The Y was a place where I met other moms like myself, built relationships, gained a sense of belonging, and felt welcomed at all times.
My whole family uses the Y for exercise, swimming, and programs. My children have made friends and love the classes and activities that the Y offers.
Now, I can walk from my front door to my desk smiling and chatting with people every step of the way. The Y has truly been a place of transformation for myself and my family.
