My Life at the Y

What are your earliest memories?

Generally, our earliest memories of childhood are between 3 and 8 years of age. Ava’s earliest memories of the Y involve learning new things, spending time with her family and friends and the general nostalgia of just being a kid! Ava shares, “For me and my family, the Y was a place we knew we were always in for a treat, be it a fun class, playing in the pools and playgrounds, or just getting to spend time with each other.”

Ava specifically recalls her memories in the pool with her mom for Mommy and Me swimming classes and gymnastics classes with teacher Rebecca. At the early age of 2-3 years old, Ava started gymnastics at the Y. “I loved my gymnastics classes because I always felt so empowered and encouraged by my peers and teachers. I wanted to become a gymnast.”  Early exploration of career paths is an essential part of early childhood development. Opening doors and providing opportunities to explore and experience options gives children the chance to find out more about their own interests, likes and dislikes. Ava shares, “the support and confidence from the people at the Y got me excited and encouraged me to explore who I was and how I was special!”

The Barnett family was involved in many programs at the Y throughout Ava and her siblings’ childhood. Ava’s mom, Laura, recalls that, “it would be much easier to name the programs we haven’t participated in,” when talking about what Y programs their family was involved in. Ava says that her participation as a kid in Y programs, “helped lay the foundation for skills and traits that have helped me develop into a happy, healthy and successful adult.”

As an adult, Ava has chosen to work in the Y Club at the Shasta Family YMCA. Y Club is an afterschool club for tweens and teens. “While there is a lot of truth behind the idea that Y Club chose me, I ultimately decided to dedicate myself to this program because of the vision behind it and the students within it.” Y Club is designed to help youth succeed by inspiring creativity, self-confidence, independence and purpose through achievement, relationships and belonging. Ava believes Y Club is, “a safe and nurturing space where young adults can navigate some of the most important and challenging years of their life, all with the guidance and support of the YMCA community.”

Looking to the future, Ava sees the Shasta Family YMCA as having a pivotal role in ensuring, “the healthy futures of the youth in our community.” With dedicated, passionate staff such as Ava, the Y continues to focus on building strong community and providing a space for everyone, regardless of age, income or background, to have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

Thank you for sharing this story, Ava.

– story gathered by Brittany Wheeler, Youth Program Director