Alec Perez

I work for MMJ, a public accounting firm in White Plains. When I first started, almost a year ago, the Rye Y was the first client they gave me. This was my first real job, which was pretty scary. But everyone here has been so nice to me, so inviting that it made going into the workforce a lot easier for me than it is for most people. And I’ve learned so much here, not even about accounting but about being personable with people just by watching what the Y staff does. I think that’s really great.

Like I said, it was scary coming in, being fresh out of college. I had had no real work experience. It felt like being thrown into the deep end. Then when I met everyone, I realized that’s not what it was at all. Everyone here takes care of each other, which is amazing.

The Y staff has been so supportive of me and MMJ in general. They invite me to everything. Randal has taken me to a Mets game with him. I never thought that would happen that’s awesome! The staff includes me in lunch parties and brings me in on any celebrations like people’s birthdays, even though I’m new here. All those little things make me feel like I’m not really coming to work. I come in to do my job, but I’m also with people I can call my friends. I like that a lot.

I have other clients—another YMCA, a not-for-profit in the Bronx, and a forprofit in Stamford. I like working in the non-profit sector because everything the staff does is focused on making things more accessible and better for the community, which I think is just great. I was part of a YMCA in Yonkers when I was a kid so working here is like coming full circle.