Meet YMCA Member: Karen R.

Like so many people, Karen Romero was feeling isolation effects of COVID-19. A physics professor at the National University of Colombia in Bogotá, she was spending a lot of time in her apartment and starting to feel depressed. When her friend Carla suggested that she spend the summer in Missoula, Karen jumped at the opportunity.

“I met Carla about 10 years ago in Buenos Aires,” said Karen. “I shared with her how I was feeling trapped in my apartment and she invited me to stay with her in Montana for the summer.”

Coming from a city of seven million people, Karen welcomed Missoula’s smaller population and green spaces. She quickly became immersed in the Missoula community, trying out new hiking trails, listening to music in Caras Park, and even getting a bike from Free Cycles.

It was Carla’s idea to visit the YMCA. Karen had been to a YMCA once before while on a trip to Boston. Now an official Y member, she quickly threw herself into all that the Y offered.

“The first day I was in Missoula, I told Carla that I missed basketball,” said Karen. “She mentioned that the Missoula YMCA hosts pickup games, so I decided to give it a shot.”

During the summer, Karen could often be found in the Y’s Big Gym shooting hoops and playing pickup ball. She didn’t just stop at basketball, though.

“I’ve tried OULA and Dennis’ Saturday morning class. I get so lost in the classes, but they’re so fun,” she said, laughing.

Karen is now back in Bogotá and preparing for the upcoming school year. However, she carries with her fond memories of her Montana summer.

“I always left the Y with a smile,” she said. “It’s good for your mood!”