"It's always easy for me to come to work, because I have the best job in the world." Many people may say such a thing about their work, but we think we'd be hard-pressed to find someone who means it more than Bob Johnson, member engagement coordinator at the North Lexington Family YMCA. A familiar and friendly face to members, volunteers, and staff alike, he has held various positions over the past eleven and a half years - including in membership, as a personal trainer, leading group exercise, offering swim lessons, and as a coach of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. In every role, Bob's ability to connect with others and extend true hospitality shines through. "The Y is here to serve every member of our community. We do all we can to make everyone who walks through the door feel welcome, whatever their situation in life might be."
In fact, it was a life situation that brought Bob through the doors of our Y to begin with. He was a participant of the pilot group for LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, a wellness program for cancer survivors. Through that experience, he "fell in love with the Y, and never left." And now, whether he is encouraging members in group exercise, coordinating social activities to keep seniors engaged in mind and body, or coaching fellow cancer survivors, Bob is quick to reflect on how his job is uniquely fulfilling. "My work with people who are overcoming obstacles to find their own strength has given me a sense of meaning and purpose unlike anything else I've ever done," he shares. "It sounds corny, but at this late stage in my career, I feel I have finally found my life's work. There is no amount of money that could ever persuade me to work anywhere else." When he thinks of the Y, Bob thinks of hospitality, courage, and laughter - which, incidentally, are the very words we would use to describe him.
Bob's Y story is inspiring, and we're so grateful he was part of that first LIVESTRONG at the YMCA group that led him to us and to a new chapter of work and purpose. "I love the diversity at the North Y. It is rare to see people with such different backgrounds, cultures, personalities coming together to share a common spirit: a spirit of mutual respect and love of being alive."
We couldn't have said it better ourselves.
