What is your name?
Kristen Gudmundson
What is your position with the Y?
Youth Support Facilitator
What YMCA centre/program do you work with?
South Okanagan YMCA in Penticton
What do you always find yourself saying?
Cool beans! & Right on!
What is one fond memory you have of the Y?
2019 Christmas Party! I loved connecting with YMCA staff from around the Okanagan and learning about the wide range of programs in different communities. It was incredible to see how passionate everyone was about the work they are involved in. The food was also a huge bonus!
How are you staying connected with friends and family?
Checking in via phone calls, Zoom video calls and sending out random funny videos :)
How are you staying connected with your Y family?
We like to meet over Zoom for check-ins and play games together. (Highly recommend investing in Jackbox!)
Where is your favourite place to “dine” (order takeout) in the Okanagan right now?
Lachi in Penticton. Their chicken tikka misala and garlic naan bread is my go-to!
What is your favourite activity while social distancing in the Okanagan?
Reading and learning how to garden.
Who inspires you?
The entire team at the South Okanagan YMCA. Everyone is so passionate and knowledgeable in different areas. They motivate me to continue to learn and try new things.
What are 3 things on your bucket list?
Travel to each province across Canada, go to a Red Hot Chili Peppers concert, and hike to a natural hot spring!
Please tell us about a defining moment in your life.
A defining moment in my life was when I read my acceptance letter to UBCO. From that moment I knew I was capable of doing anything I set my mind to.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about making a difference in my community and helping youth reach their goals and full potential!
What do you miss the most about our Y?
I miss being in the office and interacting with staff and participants in-person the most. Every day was different and you never really knew what to expect. The office was always filled with high-energy and such a fun atmosphere to show up to. I also miss cooking in the kitchen with our program participants and watching them work together to create delicious dishes. It is really fulfilling when they are proud of accomplishing tasks on their own and you can see their confidence improving!
What 3 qualities do you feel your Y exemplifies?
Adaptability, Teamwork, and Dedication
What would you like to say to your fellow staff/volunteer team?
Thank you for being so supportive! You all rock and are accomplishing great things within our community!
How has your role changed during COVID?
We are now providing a group-based learning experience via video calls rather than meeting in person.
What does community mean to you?
When I think about community, I think of a strong support system that provides one another with opportunities to enrich their future.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Our program aims to connect and engage with youth in a way that promotes the development of social skills and life skills. We facilitate an after-school program that focuses on four pillars of development for growth being: community, communication, life skills, and health and wellness. I think my favourite part about being a program facilitator is watching participants grow and develop skills that they can apply in the future. It is incredibly rewarding when we see youth practicing the techniques we have discussed with them to make decisions for themselves. It is also amazing when participants are excited about sharing how they found something to be useful and how they have implemented these skills at home or school. Even though we are unable to connect with one another in-person, it is really special when youth express that they look forward to joining a program over the computer.