Where it all started....

Since I am doing my blog about the YMCA I think I will start with why it has been so important to me. I joined Lindenwood Campus YMCA immediately when I transferred to Lindenwood my sophomore year of college. I had met this girl named Jessica over the summer before I transferred to LU and she told me about the YMCA. She told me it was a service organization on campus that was completely student run. I was looking for a way to meet people and it was a bonus that in the midst of that I had an opportunity to help others.

So, it began. I joined the Campus YMCA work and learn and slowly but surely got to know everyone. The Campus YMCA is different then your local YMCA. Our motto on our shirt is "No Pool, No Gym, Just Service" because that is what we are about. The Campus Y is new to Lindenwood, this only being its 5th year in operation.

LU Campus YMCA and Washington University Campus YMCA are often paired together, because we are run by the same director. In many ways the Wash U Campus Y is a brother/sister relationship for us. We invite each other to events and if we need advice we call on one another. We are a family. Not just our different branches, but the YMCA in general.

We all have the same passion in life. Helping others. Through the YMCA I have been able to develop, not only in leadership abilities and learning how to work as a non-profit organization, but as a person. The YMCA instills strong values and have helped me with my own character development.

Everyday with the YMCA is a learning experience. I meet people in all walks of life somehow involved, that inspire me. I know the YMCA impacts me, but I am not alone...Campus YMCA's affect us...Gen Y.