YMCA, the true definition of unity

Reflections from Senegal -shared by 16 year old Xzabia Harris, Y Achievers Program, West Mecklenburg High School

Unity/un:iti/noun/
"the state of being united or joined as a whole"

A group of young women unite to pick out a fabric to have it personally customized to their liking just for them. Size nor height mattered ;  different women from different backgrounds and different ethnicities united as one.

Soccer is a universal sport, but here in Senegal they contribute the sport in their daily routine. You may ask "How does that symbolize unity?"  It symbolizes unity because individuals from different ethnicities and different religions are being united as one. They come together on a common liking and pursue their passion of playing soccer. It was an absolute honor witnessing one of our own playing with the team , and to see how welcoming they were with open arms.

Summary/ The YMCA is a Christian based facility, what I admire the most is how we can open our arms to the community of different ethnicities and different religions. The YMCA is the true definition of unity. Here in Senegal some individuals may not consider their home their sanctuary but when the doors of the YMCA open it is filled with joy and happiness . But most importantly the YMCA is their sanctuary , their home , their utopia and still manage to unite as one and stay as family.

Written by,

Xzabia Harris

Y Achievers Program

16 years old, West Mecklenburg High School