Healthy Living • Y Stories • YMCA Youth Programs
Summer Work Student Exchange Program Shapes Teen’s Career Path
13 May 2019 - by Sarah Cowan
Sanjana has been involved with the YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange (SWSE) Program since 2015. In 2017, she became a local coordinator because she knew first-hand the impact the program could have, having participated herself in 2015. This will be her third summer in a row helping 16 or 17 year-olds gain work experience, practice their French, and discover another part of Canada. I asked her to share what made her want to join and, eventually, work to support this program.
When I was 16 years old, a poster changed my life. My eleventh-grade French teacher put one up in our classroom that promised the “experience of a lifetime.” And as someone who absolutely loves a good adventure, I knew I had to sign up. Before I knew it, I was on my way to Montreal with the YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange (SWSE) Program!
For six weeks, I had the most exhilarating and indescribable adventure full of laughter, challenges, and amazing memories I will never forget. My favourite activity of all was our last one, where our coordinators told us all to dress up and took us on a boat cruise! We danced the night away, and even years later, I remember it as one of the best nights of my life.
Eventually, my family became a host through the program. And when my sister was old enough, she went on an exchange too. We went to two completely different cities, but she had the same unforgettable summer I did.
Knowing how SWSE could change entire families’ lives, I decided to apply as a local coordinator. Three years later, I can honestly say it has been the most rewarding job I have ever had. I met some of my closest friends through SWSE and I feel like this program and the people I met through it shaped who I am today. I learned to be more confident in myself, to take chances, and most importantly, to be open to new experiences and challenges.
When I challenged myself as a participant to speak French and persevere in a new environment, I found myself improving in ways I never could have imagined. When I challenged myself as a coordinator to form deeper connections with my students, I made lifelong friends who will always hold a special place in my heart. This job even helped me realize that I want to pursue a career working with youth and making an impact on their lives, just like SWSE has had an impact on mine.
That poster from so many years ago really did deliver what it promised: the experience of a lifetime. I’m lucky to have had that experience for multiple summers, and to help others enjoy it too. For me, the perfect summer involves a combination of adventure, friends, new experiences, challenges, and a whole lot of fun. Every year I spend with SWSE, I get exactly that.
Make this YOUR summer of a lifetime. Get involved in the SWSE Program as a participant, host, or employer. But hurry — applications close May 15.
When I was 16 years old, a poster changed my life. My eleventh-grade French teacher put one up in our classroom that promised the “experience of a lifetime.” And as someone who absolutely loves a good adventure, I knew I had to sign up. Before I knew it, I was on my way to Montreal with the YMCA Summer Work Student Exchange (SWSE) Program!
For six weeks, I had the most exhilarating and indescribable adventure full of laughter, challenges, and amazing memories I will never forget. My favourite activity of all was our last one, where our coordinators told us all to dress up and took us on a boat cruise! We danced the night away, and even years later, I remember it as one of the best nights of my life.
Eventually, my family became a host through the program. And when my sister was old enough, she went on an exchange too. We went to two completely different cities, but she had the same unforgettable summer I did.
Knowing how SWSE could change entire families’ lives, I decided to apply as a local coordinator. Three years later, I can honestly say it has been the most rewarding job I have ever had. I met some of my closest friends through SWSE and I feel like this program and the people I met through it shaped who I am today. I learned to be more confident in myself, to take chances, and most importantly, to be open to new experiences and challenges.
When I challenged myself as a participant to speak French and persevere in a new environment, I found myself improving in ways I never could have imagined. When I challenged myself as a coordinator to form deeper connections with my students, I made lifelong friends who will always hold a special place in my heart. This job even helped me realize that I want to pursue a career working with youth and making an impact on their lives, just like SWSE has had an impact on mine.
That poster from so many years ago really did deliver what it promised: the experience of a lifetime. I’m lucky to have had that experience for multiple summers, and to help others enjoy it too. For me, the perfect summer involves a combination of adventure, friends, new experiences, challenges, and a whole lot of fun. Every year I spend with SWSE, I get exactly that.
Make this YOUR summer of a lifetime. Get involved in the SWSE Program as a participant, host, or employer. But hurry — applications close May 15.
