YMCA provides fun factor to compliment life school

As reported in the...

By: Mari Matsuda

Ka Leo Staff Writer

Conveniently located on University Avenue across the University of Hawai'i at Manoa campus, the Atherton YMCA provides more than housing for students; it also coordinates programs and events for students to enjoy.

The Charles H. Atherton House has provided housing for young adults since 1932. Today, it still serves as a popular residence for those enrolled in a school of higher education. According to the Atherton YMCA Web site, for $500 to $700 a month, someone can afford a shared or single room, respectively. Along with a shared kitchenette and coin laundry, students are welcomed with a living room furnished with a pool table and cushioned chairs surrounding a television. Residents like UHM student Miki Wakaba melt into the relaxed setting right away.

"Here is more like family ... like [a] small community," Wakaba said.

Wakaba's friend, Aki Nakayama, said that she also appreciates the friendly atmosphere.

"Over here is more fun [than other dorms]," Nakayama said. "[Events] like Valentine's Day and casino party [bring] people together. [Sometimes we] go to the beach or other places for fun ... many people want to come here to live because it's so fun here and security's good." YMCA programs

Atherton YMCA offers programs to promote friendship, laughter, service and leadership. These programs do not only cater to students residing at Atherton. Examples of programs that Atherton YMCA provides include speed dating, Alternative Spring Break â,¬" a program in which students take a trip to a foreign country to do service projects and learn about the culture â,¬" and a miniature casino event called Night at Atherton Palms. The YMCA also offers Finals Kits for students under stress, and Coffeehouse, a blend of coffee and music.

John White, executive director of Atherton YMCA, recommends these programs for students who want something more than just an academic education in college.

"You don't have to be young; you don't have to be male; you don't have to be Christian," White said. "What we're looking for is basically four things: if you want to have fun, you want to make new friends, who feel like they want to give back and who want to learn how to lead."

UHM student Vaneza Agustin is one of 15 members going to Hong Kong this month through the YMCA's Alternative Spring Break program. They will perform community service projects and study the culture. Activities planned include tutoring English, cleaning, harvesting vegetables to cook a meal, mingling with students from Hong Kong Baptist University, visiting a nightclub and shopping at a market. Agustin said she appreciates the program provided by the YMCA.

"I think it's an excellent idea on [YMCA's] part to get students involve[d] by traveling," Agustin said in an e-mail. "I mean, honestly, how many opportunities do people get just to travel?"

The Alternative Spring Break program, however, is not a care-free endeavor. It is a loaded opportunity and hard work. Students apply the summer before the projected date and must be among the 15-20 people chosen. After surviving the application process, students spend the remaining time attending meetings, trainings and fundraisers. Students interested in applying for the program next year are encouraged to contact the Atherton YMCA this summer.

For those who prefer to participate in local events, an upcoming program is Aikane, which will take place on Saturday, April 15. The program, which partners participants with a peer with disabilities, has a reputation for creating a rewarding experience.

"The kids love it," said Joy Pahia, program director for Atherton YMCA. "The volunteers really feel good about it ... a lot of people have a [biased] opinion of mentally challenged children ... but really, they're just like us. They use slang, and they laugh; they sometimes swear, but they're totally normal kids, and it's fun [to be with them]."

YMCA system being re-evaluated

While some popular programs such as the Alternative Spring Break have a firm foothold in YMCA, there are some programs undergoing changes. Currently, the Atherton YMCA rents out a facility which is often used for dance and music classes. Instructors pay a fee to use the facility and advertise the lessons on their own. That system will come to a halt at the end of March as the use of the building undergoes re-evaluation. A Student Program Committee"was created to discuss keeping programs operated and produced by the YMCA. If the classes start up again, the YMCA will hire instructors and handle the administrative aspect. This will enable the promotion and consolidation of all classes into one list for participants.

Gene Horita, a graduate student at UH who also teaches Cuban dance at the Atherton YMCA, is not enthusiastic of the temporary closure of the facility.

"It's a good location obviously, because it's so close to the university ... and it feels more central than having it [in a] downtown spot," Horita said.

Horita has had to find another suitable site to teach his class, but is accepting of the situation. "I can totally understand how the YMCA wants to bring everything under one umbrella and keep things under control," he said.

Students and community members with input, ideas or suggestions for the Student Program Committee can contact Joy Pahia at 946-0253 ext. 242 or at jpahia@ymcahonolulu.org.

Students are also urged to visit the Atherton YMCA Web site at http://www.athertonymca.org