Katty's Story “The Y changes lives—and I’m living proof."HARLEM YMCANEW AMERICANS INITIATIVEI almost went back to Ecuador. Then I found the right people. Not right away—I first had to learn there are many 125th St stops and they’re not close together—not when you’re on the 2 and need to be on the 1. I can laugh about it now, but back then, when all I knew was “hello” and “thank you”, I just wanted to go home to my children and five grandchildren. Everything I do is to set an example for them—that it’s never too late to keep learning. The Y changed everything for me. Joining the New Americans Initiative gave me a community, a family. My teachers—Basilio, Samuel, Lynette, Rita—have become my guides, my friends. Thanks to them, I’m not just learning English. I’m learning about U.S. history, culture, and how to thrive in a new country.People told me I was crazy to try to study here, that it was too hard, too expensive. But with the Y’s support, I’ve proven them wrong. They made the impossible feel possible.One day, I hope to open my own business here—to create jobs and give others the same opportunities I’ve found through the Y.I want my children and grandchildren to see that no matter your age or where you come from, you can keep moving forward. That’s the legacy I want to leave behind. MORE FROM KATTY