A Happy Ending to 7 Summers

      Everyone had that first paying job when they turned 14 or 15; as a 21 year old I still have that job. For the past 7 summers I have spent approximately 1,000 hours at the Sleepy Eye Family Aquatic Center  (SEFAC) working as a lifeguard and swim instructor. Why have I been working there that long? Great question. There have been many ups and downs from working there but that comes with every job. As I reflect on the last 7 summers I reminded of fun memories with some incredible people who made coming there everyday worthwhile.  Today is my last day of work and I could not be more excited. 

Fun memories from 7 summers at the SEFAC:

1. Swimming Lessons: I taught approximately 200 kids ages 4-12. Some of my favorite students were:

            -A boy who told me over and over that he has a "titty", he was trying to say "kitty"

            -A girl who had a song she had to sing for every stroke we practiced in level 3

            -My most recent level 4 class that did synchronized diving and talked in British accents 

Other memories from swimming lessons:

Breakfast Club: A group of us swim instructors would meet at Hardees for breakfast before lessons.

Teaching level 2 with my sister

Underwater photography with Shelby and Nick

2. Working with both of my siblings...okay, David worked only 2 days but it was fun! However, I did work with Amy for 6 years. I don't think many people can say that they worked at the same place with a sibling for that long. We have many shared memories from that place. 

3. Cleaning up accidents in the pool or bathroom. It is all part of the job! This may seem odd to have on my list but it was hilarious...after the fact of course, or if you were the one that didn't have to clean it up. I remember Mitch and Jacan had to go in the pool to grab all the chunks of pizza and hotdog that someone threw up. Another time, George had to scrub a spot on the bottom of the pool in the deep end. Also, a LaffyTaffy box makes a great scooper. ;) 

4. Even when I was in a crabby mood or didn't want to be at work, there were 2 little girls (sisters) that could always brighten my day. They liked to show me their cheerleading cheers they know or dance to Gangnam style. 

5. My fellow lifeguards are crazy, funny, and are awesome people to work with. They always find a way to make the day go a little faster. 

       -Mark likes to sing for everyone. He sang the National Anthem on our first chair the other day.

       -One day Lexie started a children's church song sing-along.

       - When Ellen and George are around, the pool is a happy place. Seriously, these two are the
           best! I think everyone on staff would agree.    

      -Talking 'Harry Potter' with George and Ellen and singing "Weasley is our King". 

It has been quite the ride working at the SEFAC. I am incredibly thankful to have had this job because I could always count on having it when I was done with school for the summer. I will always remember the great times I had these past 7 summers. Onto a "big girl" job! 

The clean up crew. 

The Harry Potter nerds.