From India to Holdrege, Dibben Finds Home at YMCA

Starting classes at Holdrege High School after three years of attending Millard South High School in Omaha was a major change for Megan Dibben.

Her family moved to Holdrege during her senior year of high school in 2014-15 to be near her mom’s hometown of Oxford.

Megan said the change was good for her. She enjoyed the smaller class sizes and more one-on-one time with teachers. It felt like home for her – even though she was born more than 8,000 miles away.

Megan, 22, started her life in Chennai, India, and was adopted by Nebraska parents when she was almost 3 years old.

Her multicultural family also includes a sister from Ecuador, a brother from Africa and a sister from Haiti. Megan and her parents and brother are all little people.

About a year after graduation, Megan found another place that feels like home – the Don Sjogren Community YMCA, where she works at the front desk and in child watch.

During her short time at Holdrege High School, Megan exercised at the YMCA as part of her vocational rehab P.E. class. Megan suffered a stroke as a baby and has full use of only one of her arms.

She started getting connected at the YMCA through her P.E. class and became acquainted with staff and members.

After high school graduation, Megan started training for a specific job in the community through vocational rehab. But, the company did not have a job for her after she completed her training.

She was disappointed, but she immediately began applying for other jobs. Her trainer encouraged her to apply at the YMCA. She was hired at the Y in 2016 and has worked here since then.

“I’m just glad I got the opportunity,” Megan said. “I don’t know where I’d be without this place,” she said of the YMCA.

At the front desk, she helps with scanning in paperwork and greets members.

“I’m just happy to be here,” Megan said. “I like talking to people and getting to know them and getting to know their kids, too.”

Megan is a big help in child watch. When the number of children reaches maximum capacity, Megan offers extra supervision and plays with the children.

“I try to help out as much as I can here,” Megan said.

Some of the children are curious about Megan and why she’s not much taller than them.

“I just tell the kids that’s how God made me,” she said.

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