Franchesca Borja currently serves as a Health and Well-being Director at the Tacoma Center Y. Franchesca shares her "Why the Y" story below.
At the age of six, I picked up my first golf club. Ones decorated with the Charlie Brown gang, and my favorite of them all, Snoopy. With the fun characters and excitement for a sport that my dad had a dedicated love for, I became an eager addition to his routine and soon started my own journey for the love of the game. My first experiences were with groups of other kids in my age range learning the fundamentals of how to properly putt, learn the rules, and (after good reminders) be aware of others within range of my club as I would practice swing. Those were my first memories of coming as you are and trusting in the process of learning something new from people you trust.
To have learned at an early age from a slow-paced sport that patience, self-assessment, and understanding of the surrounding environment can impact your well-being, I see how positive it was for me, but I was then reluctant to find more solitude than the connectedness I once felt the game would give me. Fast forward a couple months or so, my parents signed me up for the Briggs Community YMCA in Olympia, WA. I was involved in itty-bitty tee-ball, and if you heard my past presentation, the shirt I received back then still lives as the best in my memory at no charge. Word to the wise, put the silly putty away before the kids go to sleep so they save their favorite YMCA shirt. The programs offered for children and teens were exciting and I ventured on to create a goal of competing in my first YMCA triathlon at the age of 12.
Looking back, internal growth and self-confidence come in waves, I’ve learned. Through memories that bring us light, but also ground us in the truth of how abundant we are with the lessons learned and the support we have. I do wish I had believed in myself enough to compete in the triathlon, but the self-doubt crept in early enough for me to remember it as a learning experience I still feel blessed to have today. A learning experience that 15 years later, aligns with where I am currently in self-growth and of course the connection with the YMCA.
To be an adult, guiding other adults, young adults, and teaching children, I have become grateful for the empathy I have gained for others by learning from my younger Y-Story.
I found that the purpose you are given is not one easily found. From working at various health and fitness organizations, living in major cities in the Pacific Northwest and Southern California, working in hospitality, and discovering myself and my faith most of all, I had been searching for something to fill my heart. Something meaningful. Something I felt compelled to do because I cared and the people involved could rely on someone to help. With time, I discovered that you have to accept what is if you know it to be a part of you, and that acceptance was of my own understanding of having a Servant Heart.
Right before the pandemic had struck, I decided to make my way back from Southern California and reconnect with my family in my home state. It was an uncomfortable process nonetheless, because I didn’t feel done with my journey of figuring out my purpose away from home. I picked up online classes at a community college and met my now-life partner who recommended working at the University Y/Tacoma Center as a Manager on Duty for a part-time role. The vitamin D was bleak, but the atmosphere of Tacoma began to grow on me.
Each day, still questioning what I was doing to fulfill that sense of purpose that I knew was there, I was also spending at least 4 hours a day at University Y/Tacoma Center. Through those 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, that sense of purpose felt an even greater need to be lived out and with our members. One foot in front of the other, I did my constant walk-throughs and safety checks, but those feet often came to a halt because of questions about programming, classes, equipment, you name it. With each pause to connect and hear the care our members have for our community, health, and connectedness, my cup began to fill.
Through the stories of how the YMCAPKC has been monumental in the routines and lives of members for 15+ years, and pictures of group fitness classes from the past, I could nearly see the history through the lens of members and their families, and why they have chosen the Y for so many years. Even for new members on tours, the surprised look on their faces when they realize the gem of Tacoma Center and our Group Fitness offerings not only gives me hope but motivation for even greater longevity of positive community impact the Y provides.
I’m often taken back by the vulnerability of members and their stories whether it be through group fitness, health coaching, tours, walk-bys, etc. Though, I have that younger self of mine that I keep in mind of what we could all use through hardships, life changes, and relationship-changes, and that’s feeling safe, listened to, and compassionate. Our members constantly and consistently have me taken back, but with amazement in how they lift each other up, are welcoming to newcomers, support our programs, and feel safe in trying new classes, exercises, and doing what they can while asking questions. The people are my reason and my drive to uplift the future of the Y.
Without the support from each individual, that self-doubt would have probably crept in again, but instead, I leaned into my mentors, all of our genuine instructors, and staff for advice to take on new challenges head-on. YMCA360 was one of the most terrifying to prepare for, and maybe more than my first class, Ignite, but the team in all aspects elevated my perspective of my own capabilities. Instructors are human as well, but through consistency, purpose, and passion, I’ve learned to lean into the hard things and surprise myself. Each person in our community centers has the values of the YMCA and the ripple effect is a wild ride of self-growth, positive impact, and better relationships, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It's not always easy to come into a new space, different town, and unsure if a place is the right fit for your self evolvement. With now a year at Tacoma Center/University YMCA and going on seven months in my current role, I am filled with gratitude for my team, the members, mentors, and the community for opening my eyes that home is not always to be found elsewhere, but is meant for you. I found my home with the Y and I know my younger self is proud as well. Triathlon anyone?