Why 'Y' stands for Omar

"I started going to the Y in the seventh grade," he said. "I was sitting around the house, and my mother said I'd better do something. She said I should go to the Y. I liked it, so I kept coming back."

A resident of Albany, Omar has seen young people get into trouble simply because they are bored. "Where I live, there are a lot of gangs," he said. "If I didn't go to the Y, my life would be boring. After school would be a waste, and I'd probably get into trouble."

Spokesman

Greg Koubek, executive director of the Albany YMCA recommended Omar for this honor because "Omar has meant a lot to the Y. He's a gentleman who treats people with a lot of respect. He's an example for adults and kids."

Omar's enthusiasm for the YMCA has led to other young people joining. "I've invited a lot of my friends to go," he said. "I've brought six people to the Y, and sometimes my little brother goes with me."

Y is for Omar

Although his days are filled with school and school commitments, Omar makes time at the YMCA a priority. His day begins early when he catches a 7:15 bus that takes him from Albany to ND-BG. His after-school hours are filled with basketball practice and homework, as well as visits to the YMCA.

In the summer, Omar arrives at the YMCA at 6 a.m. so that he can fit in exercise before the workday begins. Going to the YMCA is time Omar sets aside for himself. "You can get away from school, you can relax and have fun," he said. "It keeps me balanced. It's a refuge for me."

The staff at the YMCA is pleased to hear Omar describe it as a refuge. "We've created an environment where people feel respected," Mr. Koubek said. "We've created an environment where kids are accepted for who they are. The staff gets involved in the kids' lives."

School connection

While Omar knew some upperclassmen, he describes his first day as "shaky. I didn't have many friends. I was shy and timid because this was something new. Plus, I left a lot of my friends."

Now he's pleased with his decision because "it's a tight-knit community. The teachers really care. You can go to any teacher and talk about situations. The teachers are caring and want everyone to get into college."

(04-06-00) [[In-content Ad]]