Rye Y Member Story - building confidence in the water and out

This week to celebrate Social Responsibility Week at the Rye Y, we are posting  member stories around the building.  Here is Kathleen's inspiring story:

In January, I enrolled in the beginners swim class at the Y. At the time, I was not able to swim the width of the pool, much less take my feet off the bottom of the pool due to a tremendous fear of the water. However, with Viwat’s excellent teaching skills, positive, patient reinforcement and un-ending encouragement, in a short time I was in the deep end of the pool. Over the next months, I advanced with his guidance and caring manner to the intermediate class.

Seven months later, I proudly swam a half mile for Swim Across America, an event quite dear to my heart in honor of cancer patients. I experienced a huge sense of accomplishment, having overcome my fear of the water. I sensed within myself a total life change and overall health benefit.

My next dream is to swim a mile next summer for SAA. Life is good for this senior and Viwat is very much a part of this success.”