During the long summer months, when school gets, out I work as a lifeguard at a local pond where I spent the past five summers. This has been an amazing experience for me because where I work I have been going there since I was young. This summer marked five years of working at the pond and I plan to keep going back there, whether as a patron or for work. When working at the JCC, I am at my home away from home. I feel this is true because the patrons that belong there have known me for a long time and their kids all know me. While working this summer, I got to prepare for this upcoming school year and know that I was going to have to do a lot more studying and focusing on classes. During this time I really enjoy being able to spend time at a place that is so relaxing, where I can focus on the water and patrons.

This past summer was the most memorable for me because it was the fifth year I have worked there and I was not the youngest lifeguard anymore. Lifeguarding for me is a great summer experience because I am able to be in nature and the land surrounding the lake is some of the best in Massachusetts.

The best thing is how it is secluded from the highway and the cities. I am not distracted by all the noise coming from cars and I really just get to enjoy what nature has to offer. As well as getting to enjoy nature, I am able to really get to know the patrons and their families because it is the same people that come each year. For me, it is really great because I read in the paper that there are a lot of openings for lifeguards.

Along with working and being a professional, I am able to also get exercise at the end of the work day. Therefore, for me, it is a win-win because I am able to stay in shape and do what I love to do best and swim. For me, this is fun because I am able to stay in shape and get exercise as well as getting up and moving and staying awake. For me this is one the of best parts of the job along with just making sure that people are safe when they swim and knowing that parents have a sense of security. I am so thankful to the other guards that I work with for being great co-workers and to all of the patrons for making this past summer's the best one I've worked in my years of life guarding.

Finally, this was the best summer experience because it is rewarding for me to see parents and kids coming back the next day. Over my five years of life guarding this has been one of the best because I got to really connect with the adults and be able for them to know me better.