ABOUT: Alex Mayfield is the Senior Youth Director with the Chatham YMCA in Pittsboro. A native of Louisiana, he attended Olympia High School in Orlando and Appalachian State University. He lives in Durham. “My dad, J Robert Mayfield, has worked in education all of his life and my mom,” Mayfield says. “My mom, Bootsie Mayfield, is a professional flutist. I have no children of my own, but I have a wonderful pitbull named Rufio. At Chatham’s YMCA, Mayfield help support Summer Day Camps, Afterschool, Y-Learning literacy programs and Youth Sports. He’s worked for the Y since 2009.
What’s unique about what you do for a living?
I get to actively create environments that allow kids and adults to be the best versions of themselves, every single day. Our programs allow us to create safe spaces where people can grow and belong, and that is something that is incredibly special.
What was your first paying job, and what did it teach you?
I worked as a golf attendant at driving range in Florida. I was the one every tried to hit when picking up golf balls on the range. There was once a moment when my boss commanded me to mow the range during a thunderstorm, I quit on the spot. You have to constantly have the well-being of others in the forefront of what you do. The people around us are deeply important and we have to care about their physical and emotional safety.
What’s the most difficult job you’ve ever had?
I was once a lifeguard at a waterpark in Orlando. I absolutely loved it but I was working 55 hours a week as an 18 year old, constantly staying vigilant to the safety of others. We performed rescues pretty regularly and it was mentally and physically exhausting.
What advice would you give someone considering doing the same line of work as you?
For anyone that is working with people, I think you have to lead with empathy. We have to lean into the stories of others and learn from their experience. If you can do that, you are better prepared to be supportive of others and their needs.
Your standard order at a coffee shop?
Black coffee with a shot of espresso.
Your ultimate “happy place”?
The Waterfront at Camp Kanata
Favorite character from a Disney movie:
Tarzan. Ultimately underrated movie with arguably the best soundtrack.
Life on other planets? Yes or no?
Absolutely.
On a snow day, you’d stay home and binge-watch:
Avatar: The Last Airbender
Dogs or cats?
Both are great but I prefer dogs.
What celebrity would you most like to hang out with for a day?
It would be pretty cool to spend a day with Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Who was the best teacher (in school or at work) you ever had, and why?
Mrs. Walker (fourth-grade teacher). She cared so much about others and it showed in everything she did.
The book you’re currently reading:
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown.
If someone made a movie about your life, the actor to portray you is:
Jack Black or Jason Segel
The credo or motto you like to try to live by:
“Be Well and Do Good”
What are five most frequently-played songs on your iPod playlist?
• “Julia” by Mewithoutyou
• “Midnight Lorry” by Dispatch
• “Abandon Ship or Abandon All Hope” by Four Year Strong
• “Sputnik” by O’Brother
• “Orchestra” by All Get Out
What’s the worst injury you’ve ever had?
I tore my meniscus while leading training in front of 1,000 employees because I was dancing in a penguin suit.
Do you have a tattoo?
I have several; my favorite one being a penguin wearing a flannel, screaming into a microphone.
Did you have a childhood nickname?
Sunshine
Favorite season?
Baseball season
What’s your favorite condiment?
Chick-fil-A sauce
How do you define success?
The more people you can positively impact, the more successful I believe that you are.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Fitting in and belonging are two separate things. Try to find places that allow you to do the latter.
What’s the most important thing your job has taught you?
The older I get, the more I don’t know, so always continue to learn and always be humble.