Devotions at Y Nationals in Memory of Emily Schindler

My name is Ken Barsa and I currently work with the Y of Central Maryland as a STEM Project Director. Having only been employed for 7 months in this position, I wanted to relay a story from back when I was coaching swimming for the Anne Arundel Y (SPY Swimming) where I taught and dealt with swimmers of all ages. This is a devotion read by myself at Y National Championships the last day of competition, April 8, 2004.

Good Morning. I’m sure some of you have noticed our team shirts, our PINK shirts. The quote on our shirt says, “I Swim cuz I’m 2 sexy to play a sport that requires clothes.” This quote is from a former SPY swimmer and it was in her yearbook her senior year. Emily did not have the talent of the swimmers here today, but she was a young girl that came to practice each and every day and worked hard. Emily never made it to Y Nats, never made it to Florida, never made it to Short Course. Unfortunately, and tragically, Emily Schindler was killed in a car accident two months ago. Over half her life had been spent with Y swimming. I would like now to read her devotion she gave at our Winterfest swim meet January of 2003 before she passed on.

Because the currents of life pull, push, and suck us along, being strong swimmers is of vital importance. We must become certified “lifeguards” if we are to help ourselves and others remain afloat and safe. Without these skills, we fall prey to the ever-shifting moods of the rivers in which we paddle.

Without our swimming, we would be stranded in a river of wake. Everything we have learned through swimming has helped us to paddle through the wake of our lives and helped to keep our faith afloat. Whether it is a friendship that we have struggled through, or a family issue we have had to overcome, we have learned to deal with it through our swimming. The intense friendships and relationships we have with our coaches have taught us how to become good friends and to learn respect for others.

Every day I wake up, I thank the Lord that I am able to get up and swim with some of the most amazing swimmers and people I have ever met. I’m able to get in the pool with the top 16 swimmers and teammates that have made short course since they were 12. I feel so grateful to my coach for seeing something in me that my times don’t show. So, whenever you feel that it isn’t worth it to get up at 4 in the morning for swim practice, just remember the amazing people you get to see when you get there.

This has been the greatest journey of my life.

Emily, today you made it to Florida in more ways than you ever, ever could have imagined.

Posted by Ken Barsa, Project Director, STEM Initiative, Y of Central Maryland & Carson Scholars Fund

Swimming with the Situation!

The Wednesday before Thanksgiving my sons and I went to the Y for an early morning swim. Not remembering that it was the day before a holiday and many people have off from work, we were surprised to find both pools were full. I entered the pool first by myself and immediately the life guard on duty, Marcus, approached me to ask if I’d be willing to swim in a circle because the lanes were full. I told him that I’d be happy to swim in a circle, but there were three of us. He told me he’d try to find somewhere for all of us to swim but that we probably couldn’t swim together. I shared the ages of my sons (teenagers) and concerns that some of the swimmers might not like to swim with them and that we would try and find another activity in the building to do. He asked me to sit on bleachers and give him a few minutes.

I was so impressed that he knew the regular swimmers’ routines and attitudes and in less than five minutes he had a lane available for the three of us. He not only did this for us, but for every person that entered the pool!

Posted by Jessica Pearsall, Fitness Instructor, Dancel Family Center Y

Introducing Amy

I'd like to use my first Y blog post to introduce myself. My name is Amy and I've been a Y of Central Maryland staff person and member for 11 years. I started in the late 90's as a Camp Director, became a Program Director and am now the State Director for Maryland Youth and Government (a state-wide teen program). My kids attend preschool and Youth Sports programs at the Dancel Family Center in Ellicott City and I try to work out there four days a week (with an emphasis on the word “try”).

My family LOVES the Y! When I started I thought it was just a job I'd do for a summer and move on, how wrong I was! It didn't take long for me to drink the Y Kool-aid and buy into the values and culture of the whole organization. I credit the Y with my love of summer camping. The helped me find my way in my first professional setting and opened my eyes to all I could do as a trainer and leader of staff. I met my best boss and best employees at the Y. I got healthy, lost weight, learned new things and came into my own as an adult at the Y.

My future blog posts will give you a window into how we experience the Y right now—for me as part of the staff and my family as members. We love it here and I'm excited to watch my kids grow up in the culture I have grown to love.

Posted by Amy Maloy, State Director, Maryland Youth and Government, Y of Central Maryland

Students Staying Fit

For the last year the Carroll Family Center has partnered with Carroll Community College to provide intramurals for current students. I was fortunate enough to not only implement the program overall but facilitate it week to week. Currently we offer intramurals 3 days a week; soccer, basketball, and volleyball. Knowing how busy the life of a college student can be, I was surprised at how many students were interested in the program and participated weekly. Most of the students played in high school and because Carroll Community College does not offer collegiate sports, they have nowhere to continue, what for most, is a passion.

I think that it is wonderful that as an employee of the Y of Central Maryland I get the chance to give incoming freshmen especially, the opportunity to continue doing something that they love. One student in particular has made it a point to tell me how this program often is the highlight of his day and how it has helped him meet friends and really enjoy his college experience.

Posted by Megan Spencer, Program Director, Carroll County Family Center Y

Working out = Friendships

After watching some infomercials this weekend (primarily fitness ones) I woke up this morning with the goal of going to the Carroll Y and working out hard. I got to the parking lot and discovered I was not the only one that felt this way. Our parking lot was full and our center was very busy in all areas. It is the start of the Spring session and many people have signed up for classes or were busy working out in the Fitness center. There is a wonderful group of friends I have made at our Y and we are all talking about getting ourselves in shape and pushing ourselves to the next level. This is one of the things I love about our center - the friendships that I developed as well as friendships I have seen between others. The camaraderie and support people give each other there is so nice to see. I have enjoyed the friendships I have made and love being "pushed" and supported in my endeavors.

Posted by Peggy Curet, Member Services Representative, Carroll County Family Center Y

Why the Y at 5?

Why the Y at 5:30 a.m.?

A thought provoking incident happened the other day. I was at my desk at the Perry Hall location when I received the first telephone call of the day. I answered the phone with the proper greeting including my name and the caller responded “Shelley, why do you get up at 5 in the morning to be at the Y?” I was a little taken back by the question, of course because this is not the usual type of question asked by callers.

When the call ended, I reflected on what was said and thought “Why do I get up so early in the morning to be at the Y”. When I started at the Y in September, I requested the morning hours because it fit my schedule really well. However, it got me to thinking-in a year or 2, would I still be motivated to work the morning shift? The answer I came up with was a resounding “YES”. My real motivation to work this shift is the members. To see faithful members come in each and every morning because they want to and because they love their workouts is an incredible experience! Believe it or not, they come in with smiles on their faces, ready for their workout and even a little morning chatter. I love encouraging them to come back in even when they don’t feel like it; however in the end, I think they are as much motivation for me as I am for them.

Posted by Shelley Drasal, Y Member Services Representative at the Perry Hall Family Center Y.

Stacie's Birthday Week at the Carroll Family Center Y

Wednesday, February 24th is a special day for me! It was my 43rd birthday. I spent the day with Y friends and family. Our motto at the Carroll Center is "A Place To Call Home" and we believe that. My shift started with Sue, member, giving me a tiara and candies. I wore that tiara through both my shifts, 8a-Noon and 5p-10p. I received hugs and kisses from ages 4 through 85. Most people complain about working on their birthdays, but I enjoy spending it at the Y. I am so thankful to have so many friends that I have met in my 18 years here at Carroll. Thanks to my husband for delivering me sushi for my birthday dinner.

Posted by Stacie Jones, Y Member Services Representative at the Carroll Family Center Y.