We all know that feeling. The rapid-breathing, heart-hammering, hands-shaking feeling. You’ve worked hard, pushed yourself, and gone farther than you thought possible. Now it’s time to take that test and pray everything comes out well.
One member of the Ascension St. Vincent YMCA in Westfield had a big test to take, with help from an unexpected source. The results? Life changing.
Scoring Low
Julia Pogue had been in search of a new gym and she decided to give the Y a try. After working out virtually with YMCA360 for a couple of months, she started to physically come into the center.
“I felt like a part of the group when I first started coming to class,” She remembers. “I met a few people even the first time that I went… and it just blossomed from there.”
Julia attends the Monday Body Attack, the Tuesday and Thursday HIIT class and the Friday Circuit training. She emphasizes the unique atmosphere of the YMCA, where newcomers are introduced to the group. After several months at the Y, Julia had her annual physical. The test results were clear: Julia’s muscle mass had increased, her kidney function was better, and both her cholesterol and BMI had scored much lower!
“I don’t know what it is you’ve been doing,” the doctor told her. “But whatever it is, you need to continue doing it.”
Julia replied, “Well, I’ve been going to the Y!” Both her group exercise instructor, Dorinda, and Executive Director, Shannon, rejoiced with her. Overflowing with support from others, Julia passed along the welcoming spirit a few months later when she noticed a new face in class.
From Magic Kingdom to Dreams Come True
Ariana Andrades first visited the United States in the late 1990s when she brought her only son, Frank (then 5 years old), to Disney World. He was in love with Mickey Mouse! But such innocence would not last forever. In their home country of Venezuela, Frank, now all grown up, witnessed three violent crimes on a single return trip from work. When he finally reached home, he shared that he couldn’t achieve his dreams in Venezuela. He couldn’t buy a car, he couldn’t buy a house, he couldn’t do the things that he wanted to do in life. He told her that he was heading to the United States.
Frank began pursuing his dreams and it wasn’t long before he started to urge his mother to relocate as well. Five years after his move, she joined him.
Warmth and Support
Now that the matter of her safety was settled, Frank suggested Ariana join a gym for her health and wellbeing. The YMCA was nearby and seemed to be the best fit. That’s when Ariana met Julia. “Julia and I developed a warm and supportive bond,” Ariana shares. “Every morning, she greeted me kindly and patiently explained exercises during our classes, considering the language barrier.”
Julia remembers meeting Ariana for the first time, too. “She came in and I recognized that I hadn’t seen her before, so I went up and introduced myself. Ariana told me, ‘My English is not real good.’ So, I told her, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll help you through.’" Just what all Julia would “help Ariana through” neither of them yet knew.
A Blessing
“It took a little while, but I finally understood that she wanted to apply for her citizenship. And she asked me if I could help with that,” Julia added. Julia was honored. The two decided to meet after class on Mondays and after weeks of language practice and studying, Julia knew Ariana was prepared.
Ariana was originally told it would take 18 months from the time of her application to when she could take the test. That wait was cut in half, then shortened again, and in less than 6 months the date arrived.
Julia was surprised at how quickly Ariana came out. She began to wonder if it hadn’t gone as well as expected. After the test, Ariana also wasn’t certain whether all her hard work had paid off. When the agent asked Ariana if she wanted to have her citizenship ceremony that same day, Ariana replied, “You mean I passed?” She had – with flying colors. The agent said that she could tell Ariana had been studying.
Ariana encourages anyone considering citizenship to go for it and to believe in themselves. Specifically, she advises students to study civic questions and the N400 thoroughly. She also strongly suggests practicing, ideally with a native speaker, to enhance listening skills.
Ariana also tells everyone to join the YMCA, where there are friendly folks, great instructors and soon there will be a brand new state-of-the-art facility. After all, it was here at the Y where she met her good friend Julia.
“I reached out to her due to her empathy towards my situation in a new country with a different language. I believe it's a blessing that our paths crossed, orchestrated by a higher power, our God.”
Julia agrees, “I credit God for sending her my way.”
