From a YMCA Kid to Communications Intern: A Summer to Remember

For as long as I can remember, the YMCA has been a central part of my life. My parents have been members of the YMCA for over 30 years, and my mom even served on the board when the Coppell Family YMCA was built back in 1995. Our family's name is etched into the front entry of the Coppell building, but in true youngest-child fashion, I love to remind my parents that my name didn’t make it onto the stone. I wasn’t even born yet, but am still in fact holding out hope for an updated “Strauss Family” stone one day!

Throughout the years, the YMCA has been more than just a fitness center or a place for after school activities. It’s where my family formed lifelong friendships and where I saw a true community flourish around me. So when the opportunity arose to intern at the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas during the summer before my senior year of college, it felt like a natural next step in a full circle journey.

My First Steps as a YMCA Intern

This summer, I had the honor of serving as the Communications Intern for the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas. And let me tell you, this has been one of the most rewarding and formative experiences of my life. In just two short months, I’ve learned more than I ever expected, not only about the YMCA and the incredible work it does, but also about myself and the kind of professional I want to become.

The first month of my internship was a whirlwind. I spent most of my time tagging along with the marketing team, attending events, capturing content, and meeting countless inspiring individuals along the way. From the groundbreaking ceremony in Waxahachie to the Safety Around Water  event at Park South Family YMCA, each week brought something new. And through every event, one thing remained consistent: the warmth and support I felt from everyone I met.

What stood out most to me during this time was how genuinely people wanted me to succeed. It wasn’t just about getting the job done, it was about making my time at the YMCA meaningful. That’s when I truly understood that the YMCA is a family. It’s a place that lifts people up through times of struggle, moments of celebration, and everything in between.

Learning to Tell Stories That Matter

My second month was focused on content creation and diving deep into the art of storytelling, an area I quickly came to love. I owe so much of this growth to my supervisor, La Shae Leonard. Her guidance, patience, and encouragement helped me not only grow as a writer but also as a professional.

At first, I struggled with the freedom the internship offered. I’m someone who thrives with structure and clear expectations, and this role was far from a “cookie cutter” position. But what felt like a challenge in the beginning turned into one of my greatest takeaways. La Shae pushed me to think independently and trust my voice and because of that, I gained confidence I didn’t know I had.

One of the most impactful lessons I learned was how the tone and angle of a story can completely shift the reader’s perception. For example, when writing a story about the YMCA’s Livestrong program, I knew I had to take an uplifting and encouraging approach. One that would inspire readers to take action and feel hope in the face of cancer isolation. On the other hand, when writing about a camper’s experience, I learned how choosing to focus on the flexibility for working parents versus the child’s camp activities would completely change the story’s message. It’s all about perspective, and now I see that storytelling is a powerful tool for connection and impact.

Walking Away Changed

Looking back, I can confidently say that this internship has changed me. I’ve grown more independent, more creative, and more confident in my ability to contribute meaningful work. I’ve learned how to work within a team and how to adapt in environments that don’t always come with a clear roadmap.

If I could go back, I would choose this internship again and again. The people I worked with, the experiences I had, and the lessons I learned have all left a lasting impression on me. And as I return to college for my senior year, I know that what I gained this summer will continue to influence not only my professional path but also the way I show up in everyday life.

The YMCA has always been a part of my story. But now, I get to say that I’ve played a small role in telling its story, too! 

Sawyer Strauss

Communications Intern for YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas