A home away from home: Aleks’s story
8 years ago, Aleks signed up to volunteer at the West End YMCA — a decision that changed her life and others’ for the better. Now a full-time member of our Aquatics team, Aleks is living her passion of helping others.
This is her story.
At 19 years old, with her six-month son Wayne in tow, Aleks nervously ventured to a volunteering event at the West End YMCA looking to get more involved in her community. She landed a volunteer position front and center at the membership desk. Having been a central hub in the community since 1912, this Y is always buzzing with activity, with staff high-fiving our regulars as they come in for their workout. So it was just what Aleks needed.
“When I first started volunteering at the West End YMCA, I was shy and timid,” she said. “Working at the membership desk got me out of my shell, and it gave me this incredible confidence I never thought I had in me.”
Aleks at her first YMCA volunteer event (8 years ago) with her son Wayne.
As the years passed, Aleks knew there was a place for her here long-term.
“I truly believe in our mission and vision. The YMCA is different from other fitness facilities — you’re not just a number here. Everyone knows each other’s names. Our members keep coming back because we have such a welcoming environment. We truly care about one other and try to form meaningful relationships. It’s a home away from home.”
Eventually, Aleks tapped into her talents as a competitive and synchronized swimmer, and daughter to an Uzbekistan Water Polo Champion. Today, she’s a full-time Aquatics Specialist. She lifeguards, teaches swimming lessons and AquaFit classes, and supports her father, who volunteers his time running the water polo program (the first ever in our YMCA’s history). “My father and I bonded over our love for water and aquatics, and we’ve created something really special here,” Aleks said, beaming with pride.
These opportunities really opened up to her once she became a certified lifeguard. “I can’t recommend it enough. It teaches very important life skills, including responsibility and how to be a leader. Full-time or part-time, it is great for university students looking to pursue aquatics as a career — like me.”
Aleks is now a full time staff member at the YMCA West End as an Aquatics Specialist.
When asked what’s next, Aleks didn’t skip a beat. She has her sights set on working to help improve older adults’ health. She’s already working with them in the water, through classes like AquaFit, and hopes to branch out into even more programs in the future.
It’s hard not to get choked up listening to Aleks explain what she loves about the Y. Through tears of her own, she tells me: “This is the place where my son learned how to swim and where he broke his first Taekwondo board. The staff here have seen him grow up — and seen me blossom into the woman I am today. It truly is a family and I’ve made friendships here that will last a lifetime.”
It’s members, volunteers, and staff like Aleks who make the Y special. Join them in building healthy communities by getting involved with the Y.
