- Emily Mickus

Managing A Pool

       Many people love to swim, but can you imagine having a job that’s all about water? Paige Dilley, manager of the Palmer Pool, has worked at the pool every day for the past 24 years. Although it may seem boring, Dilley enjoys her job. “I love teaching little kids how to swim,” she explained.
       Dilley, a middle-aged woman, lived in Washington until she was 11 years old. She then moved to the 49th state, Alaska, because of her dad’s job. Next she went to the University of Hawaii because Alaska and Hawaii had a residency program. “In college I took all the requirements to do this (job),” Dilley said. “Plus, I have a degree in Business Administration.”
       There are some downsides of Paige Dilley’s job, though. “The hardest part is having to budget,” Dilley says. She also has to fix anything that may be broken, such as toilets. She also doesn’t like having all the due dates for reports and other papers. “ I just want to be in the water and play, and get paid for it,” she says.
       Paige Dilley hopes to stay in Alaska for a long time. Dilley thinks it is a great place to raise kids with all the open spaces. She also wants to stay working at the pool for a longer number of years. Even with all the upsides and downsides, Paige Dilley definitely enjoys her job.