The Washington Athletic Club
Twenty years ago, my boss took me to a couple luncheons at the Washington Athletic Club. Later, I attended some team building seminars. Then, about three years ago, I attended a presentation about tech stocks – again at the WAC.
Over that nearly 20 year period, I have long desired membership at the WAC. For most of that time, I couldn’t afford it. Then, when I had the money, I didn’t have the connections. But now, in late April, 2011, I have been accepted as a member of the WAC.
To me, the WAC was a historic Seattle institution dedicated to fitness, the arts, civic involvement, business development, family, refined culture and charity. That is why I wanted to belong. It was a symbol of financial and social success as well as dedication to the betterment of the city and people I have loved for more than 20 years.
About a month ago, I discovered there is a route toward membership for those of us without close connections to this respected Seattle institution commonly called the WAC. All you have to do it apply. The club will supply a sponsor after an interview. Apparently I passed the interview, and yesterday the board accepted my membership application.
Why would I want to belong to such an exclusive club, you may ask? Well…first of all, it ain’t all that exclusive (as demonstrated by my acceptance)! After all, I’m just a teacher. Granted, I have more resources and experience than many teachers, but less than others. In fact, one of my sponsors is a Seattle principal – so an educator being a member isn’t all that strange.
But, isn’t it kind of snobby, you inquire? I can’t answer that yet – but let’s be honest. I am kind of snobby! If snobby means I think I’m better than others….that I will gain access to heaven before you, that God looks at me as especially blessed, and I don’t have to be a good person, then that’s not me. But if snobby means I think manners are important, how you dress and present yourself indicates the esteem with which you hold others, and that education is important, or having the grace to think about others and be thoughtful is important -developing personal goals and working hard to achieve them is important, and treasuring the arts, community traditions, civic institutions and history is important, then…. if that makes me snobby, so be it. For two decades I have had the impression that the WAC is a place where that kind of snobbiness is common – and I welcome it.
Starting May 1, my membership takes effect, and it’s my birthday present to me! Over the next several months I intend to slowly work my way into life at the WAC. Of course, I will start with the gym. I think I will add a Toastmaster’s membership as well, since the WAC has a Toastmaster’s club. There are club nights at Broadway shows when they tour Seattle. There are bridge clubs and game clubs, golf and swimming clubs, dining clubs and wine clubs. All are sheltered under the umbrella of the WAC. This club isn’t just about working out at a gym or being pampered at a spa. It’s about making connections with like minded people who share interests and values. That’s what I’m looking for at the WAC.
If I don’t find what I want, then I will let go of that dream and move on. Or, like one of my sponsors said, it may be, “…one of the best choices I ever made in my life.” Time will tell. For now, I’m glad I have been able to achieve this goal.
