To me, the YMCA is more than a nonprofit organization. To me, the YMCA is more than putting Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. To me, the YMCA is my foundation. With that being said, I believe I owe the YMCA a big thank you.

Dear YMCA,

I don't even know where to begin, but I suppose I should start at the very beginning.

Thank you for providing my mom with a job. As supervisor of gymnastics, my mom is doing what she loves, and you know what they say -- do what you love and you'll never work a day in your life. Of course, she's working. In fact, she works her butt off every single day, but all her hard work is enjoyable for the part and is worth it because she loves the YMCA.

Thank you for introducing me to gymnastics and for fostering my love of gymnastics. As crazy as it sounds, I started gymnastics when I was 6 weeks old. No, I wasn't tumbling, walking on the balance beam, or swinging on the bars, but I was in parent-child classes with my mom and continued with gymnastics up until college. Although I no longer do gymnastics, I will always be a gymnast and will never forget the life lessons the sport provided me with. Gymnastics taught me discipline, how to be tough, dedication, teamwork, and much more.

Thank you for offering Leaders Club to teens grades 6 through 12. Leaders Club not only opened a plethora of doors through my experience with volunteerism, but it gave me lifelong friendship and a support system that I desperately needed throughout middle and high school. Most importantly, Leaders Club introduced me to Blue Ridge Leaders School, where I gained knowledge I will carry with me my whole life, along with the deepest, truest form of friendship.

Thank you for giving me a job at 16 years old. Without that job, I wouldn't have nearly as much money in my college savings. Without that job, I wouldn't have the experience in the fields I'm interested in. Without that job, I wouldn't have the connections I've made with co-workers, bosses, children, parents, and strangers.

Thank you for the services you offer, such as exercise classes, swim lessons, certification courses, personal training, massage therapy, etc.

Thank you for making me see the good in myself and the world.

Thank you for being a second home. Whenever times get tough, I know I can turn to the YMCA in some shape or form. Whether it's literally running away from my problems on the treadmill or talking things through with a friend, I know that the YMCA will always be there for me.

Thank you for everything. I'm forever grateful.

Sincerely,

A YMCA kid