Malwina J.
Enrollment Specialist
South Barrington, IL
How long have you worked for FOSS?
I’ve been at FOSS for 3.5 years.
What is your favorite part of working for FOSS?
My favorite part is working with kids and seeing how they master the lifelong skill of swimming.
Can you tell us your favorite FOSS Story?
Several sessions ago, after class, one of the moms approached me and told me how thankful she is for teaching her daughter the importance of chop-chop timbers. She told me how just the previous weekend, her daughter accidentally fell into the pool. Mom looked away for a split second, and then she saw her daughter in the water. Her daughter turned around and swam back to the wall! As scary as it sounds, she knew exactly what to do. I think sometimes we forget how important that last part of our lesson plan is. To say that made my day is an understatement. It made my whole session!
What is your favorite level to teach and why?
My favorite levels to teach are Little 1 to Little 3. I love seeing their pure joy and excitement when they accomplish a skill.
What is your favorite skill to teach and why?
I love teaching Pancake Flips. It’s such a fundamental skill that helps build confidence and feeds into more advanced progressions later on.
What is your personal favorite water activity?
I love spending a full day at the beach with my family. Our favorite spot is Silver Beach in St. Joseph, Michigan.
As a child, how did you feel about the water?
I always loved the water. My family and I often spent our free time on the lake.
Can you recount a student of yours who experienced a major “lightbulb” moment when you were with them?
I had a little boy swimming in L1, and he had been stuck in that level for several sessions. He wasn’t comfortable with putting his face in the water or the back float. He was motivated to learn, because his siblings were moving up, and he wanted to catch up to them. One day, it happened! He set his mind that today is the day and he’s not going to be afraid. We took slow steps, and by the end of class, he was swimming with his face in the water very comfortably. By the end of the quarter, he was able to move up a level. Mom was absolutely stunned and thrilled. He rocked it, and I was so proud of him!
What is your favorite swim lesson activity to do with kids and why?
Diving for rings. I like to do it with Littles, especially. They come up so amazed, and their parents’ excitement is just priceless.
Anything else you really wish you could tell parents about you as they bring their children to FOSS?
We love your kids!
