“I used to be scared to put my foot in the water,” Ashwini Cumbamngalam says with a laugh, just days after competing in the British Columbia Special Olympics.
Swimming has been a part of Ashwini’s life since she was young – not just for fun, but also for the joy of growing stronger and more confident in the water. Today, she’s proud to be doing that as part of a team. “I enjoy learning with them,” she says. “We teach each other.”
Ashwini has been swimming competitively for over three years – the same amount of time she’s been part of the team at Prince George Chateau, an Atria Retirement Canada community.
As a member of the waitstaff, she sees plenty of parallels between the pool and her workplace. “I had to learn how to be flexible,” she says with a smile.
Succeeding together
In her time at Atria, Ashwini has built strong connections with residents and fellow employees. “I love it a lot,” she says. “The residents look forward to seeing my big smile.”
Just like in the pool, Ashwini brings energy, commitment and a drive to improve. She compares her coworkers to a supportive coaching team. “My waitstaff team encourages me the same way my swim coach does. They help me see how I can get better.”
When Ashwini shared that she’d be competing in the Special Olympics, her Atria community was all in. “My team was excited to cheer me on,” she says.
Thanks to months of dedication and teamwork, Ashwini and her swim team placed second, third and fourth in various events. “We kept at it and built our confidence together,” she says.
“Being part of a team helps me open up.”
Ashwini is already thinking about her next swim meet, but for now, she’s taking her time and enjoying the process. “Slow and steady wins the race,” she says.
Despite her natural shyness, Ashwini lights up when she’s part of something bigger – whether it’s in the water or at work. “I’m a very quiet person,” she says. “But swimming and being part of a team helps me open up to people.”
And from the looks of it, she’s just getting started. Explore careers at Atria to join a team just like hers.