When I stepped into the university, it was the beginning of a new chapter in my life, where Rotaract was my dream and a new page that I turned. Since the day I was born, I have always been better at extracurricular activities than my own academics; thus, I was a proud Interactor from the Interact Club of Colombo North, and that was the page that led me to adore Rotaract.
To take you through my journey, I joined Rotaract in the year 2021, where I was a first-year and the RACUOK leadership was in the hands of Kisal Ayya and Avisha Akki. Upon joining, I was welcomed into a community of passionate and dedicated individuals who shared the goal of serving others and building fellowship.
As a new member, I had the opportunity to attend club meetings and events, which helped me get to know my fellow members, and the first paragraph on my RACUOK page began with a project named “View Me.” A typical Whatsapp thread called for an organizing committee to appoint me as a committee member, and in the later part of the project, I was an assistant secretary. This led me to personal growth, professional development, and a deep sense of belonging to a community.
When the first few months of the RI year 2021–22 passed, “Rota Tomorrow 2.0” beckoned me to embark on a new journey, one filled with promise and purpose. Guided by this newfound energy, I volunteered for the role of “Project Secretary” in the Group Inferno, where our project “Charitha” was born and where “Charitha” was named first runner-up in the prestigious Rota Tomorrow 2.0 award ceremony. Yet, the praise didn’t end there. Our team’s enthusiasm and dedication were recognized with a silver award at the Rotaract District Assembly. Not to forget, it was with immense pride and joy that I received the recognition for “Best Project Secretary” within the hallowed halls of “Rota Tomorrow 2.0.” The honor left me humbled and inspired, fueling my drive to continue my Rotaract journey.
With that, my first time being a project chair was embarked through the Project “Spectrum”. This initiative was on NTFs and cryptocurrencies, which I, myself, and my co-chair had zero knowledge of, yet with the unwavering support of the organizing committee and the guidance of Rtr. Manula, we set out to blaze new trails. Despite our lack of expertise, our spirit of reaching great heights carried us forward toward success. Our efforts were recognized when “Spectrum” was honored with gold initiative awards at the Rotaract District Assembly and the Rotaract multi-national felicitation. Looking back on this incredible journey, I can’t help but feel a profound sense of fulfillment. It is truly a thing of beauty to take an idea and turn it into a massive endeavor of impact and meaning. It was definitely an honor and a privilege to serve as project chair for “Spectrum”
Every now and then, life presents us with turning points that shape our future in ways we never thought possible. As I look back on my journey, I cannot help but acknowledge the various projects that have inspired and shaped me into the person I am today. These projects were not just a means to an end, but rather a gateway to a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. They tested my limits, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and helped me realize my full potential.
Yet, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Along the way, there were moments of immense pressure, stress, and uncertainty. As Rotaractors, we were faced with risks that could have threatened the very existence of our projects. But it was these moments that truly tested our mettle and helped us emerge as better versions of ourselves.
Through it all, I learned the art of perseverance, the value of teamwork, and the importance of taking risks while discovering my own strengths and weaknesses, and how to leverage them to achieve goals. Most importantly, success isn’t just about achieving our goals; it’s also about the journey we take to get there.
As I reflect on these experiences, I’m reminded of the many individuals who have inspired and mentored me, helping me become the leader I am today. While I hesitate to name names, I cannot help but express my gratitude to Kisal Ayya, Manula Ayya, Dushyantha Ayya, and Yashodha Akki. These four individuals have been a constant source of inspiration and support throughout my journey. Their dedication to Rotaract and to making a positive impact on the world has been nothing short of inspiring, and I have no doubt that their influence will continue to guide me in my future endeavors. They have been my mentors, my friends, and my family, and for that, I am truly privileged.
They say that life is not about the destination, but the journey, and for me, that journey has been made all the richer by the incredible friendships I’ve formed along the way. From the very beginning of my Rotaract journey, I have been blessed to be surrounded by a team of like-minded individuals who have become more than just friends; they have become family.
Whether it was working together on Professional Development Avenue, or collaborating with all of the members of RACUOK, every step of the way, I have been surrounded by a community of people who share my passion for service and my commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
Through the highs and the lows, these individuals have been a constant source of support, encouragement, and inspiration. We have laughed together, cried together, and celebrated each other’s successes, knowing that we are all in this together. But beyond all of that, they have been my friends. People I can rely on, confide in, and share my joys and sorrows with. People who have become an integral part of my life and who I know will always be there for me, no matter what.
As I reflect on my Rotaract journey and all that it has meant to me, I am struck by the incredible bonds of friendship that have been formed along the way. These friendships have made the journey all the more meaningful, and have given me a sense of belonging and purpose that I will always cherish.
So, to all those who have supported and inspired me on this journey, I say thank you. Thank you for helping me become the leader I am today, and for giving me the tools and the inspiration to make a difference in the world.
Today, being the Assistant Secretary of the RI Year for 2022-23 was not even one of my dreams, yet I’m truly honored to be.
