June 2022 Instructor of the Month - Solomia Wilson
The YMCA of Parkersburg's Instructor of the Month is designed to help you get to know the instructors that help make our Y community great, from our group fitness instructors to the coaches of our various programs. This month, we are sittind down with Solomia Wilson who is not only our Marketing Director, but also our Lifeguard Instructor. Let’s get to know her:
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself: what are some fun facts about you?
I moved to Parkersburg a little over two years ago from Columbia, Maryland. I moved out here to join my now husband, Ryan, who works as a Sports Anchor at WTAP. I am a graphic designer and I am now pursuing my M.F.A in Graphic Design at Ohio University. I am also a proud Ukrainian American and am fluent in Ukrainian!
2. What do you teach at the YMCA of Parkersburg? Tell us a little bit about it.
I am a Red Cross Lifeguard Instructor (LGI), which means that I teach classes to certify lifeguards.
3. When and why did you become an instructor? What's your teaching style?
I have been a lifeguard for 10 years and in January of this year I got certified to be an LGI. The classes are long and sometimes exhausting, but it is so rewarding to know that I am training guards who will keep the members of this community safe.
When I teach I treat each student like an adult because this job is so serious. Lifeguards literally have people’s lives in their hands when they are in the stand. It is my job to make sure each lifeguard that goes through my class understands what is at stake, because lives are at stake.
5. What is your most favorite part of teaching at the YMCA of Parkersburg?
I love interacting with my students and watching them learn new skills. I also love the supporting environment that comes with working at the YMCA. Working on a Master’s degree while also working is difficult but it is so much better when surrounded by people who support you.
For more information about lifeguarding please visit our website.