The Beginning of My Rotaract Journey
So, in the previous term, I started my Rotaract journey as a Team Leader. Honestly, it was a bit of a coincidence how I truly got into Rotaract. I had already registered before, but I wasn’t really engaged at all. I didn’t take part in anything or show much interest.
Then one random day, I saw a Team Leader application posted in the main group, so I thought, “Why not just apply?” ,and I decided to give it a try anyway. Thankfully, I performed well, and that’s how I got selected as a Team Leader in the Regional Engagement Avenue.
My First Experience in Rotaract
My first experience there was working on a project where we donated necessary items and celebrated Christmas with children at an orphanage. That day was genuinely special,it was my first real experience working with a team in Rotaract , and it gave me a sense of what this journey could become.
Stepping into Leadership – Project EvolveX
Things became even more exciting when I stepped into the Competition Committee as a Team Leader. That’s where I was given the responsibility of leading an entire organizing committee for a project related to esports -project EvolveX.
At that time, esports was completely new to me, and I had zero prior experience. It was definitely challenging, but I didn’t give up. We worked through multiple phases like organizing a podcast series, an awareness series, and finally a conference along with an esports competition.
It turned out to be one of the most remarkable projects of the year. We even won third place at the RT awards ceremony and received district award recognition.
On a personal level, I was recognized as one of the most enthusiastic Team Leaders of the term, and that moment truly became a turning point in my Rotaract journey.
A New Chapter – International Service Director
Then came the next chapter, my journey as the International Service Director.
Stepping into this role was another challenge because I had no prior experience in international service or global collaborations. But I took it up anyway.
Merge 3.0– My Biggest Conference Experience
Our first major project was Merge 3.0. This time, we transformed it into a large scale conference by successfully collaborating with both local and international clubs. The event brought together over 18 clubs and was held at BMICH.
It was one of the most amazing experiences. For the first time, I worked with a large organizing committee of over 30 members and had full accountability as the director. Managing that level of responsibility, stress, and coordination taught me so much about event management and leadership. Looking back, it’s something I’m truly proud of.
Migration Awareness Project
The second project of the International Service Avenue was conducted in collaboration with CGU of University of Kelaniya and International Organisation for Migration (IOM), focusing on guiding students about study and work opportunities abroad.
What made this special was the process, we carefully selected participants, personally connected with them, and short listed them before the session. I also had the opportunity to host the event, which added to my personal growth.
Diversea 2.0 – Connecting Cultures
Then came Diversia 2.0, a cultural exchange project. We collaborated with clubs from Pakistan, India, Brazil, and Uganda.
Coordinating with people from different cultures, communication styles, and perspectives was such a valuable experience. Once again, I had the chance to host the session, and through this, I learned so much about global cultures and collaboration.
We care– Twin club initiative
Another meaningful project was We care, a twin club initiative with a Brazilian club. Through this, we donated school supplies to a needy school.
Being part of something that directly impacts lives gave me a different kind of satisfaction. It wasn’t just about organizing, it was about making a real difference. Coordinating internationally, meeting deadlines, and working together as one team made it even more special.
The Hope Blooms Project
Which focused on creating awareness about Down syndrome, was a new initiative we introduced this term. It was a project that was very close to my heart. While discussing ideas for a project, the concept of focusing on Down syndrome came to my mind, and I felt it was an important cause that deserved more attention. Seeing how the project developed and the impact it created was truly rewarding.
Giving Back – My Role as a Mentor
Alongside all this, I also got the opportunity to work as a mentor in an RT project, the same platform where I initially started my Rotaract journey.
As a mentor, I worked on a tourism-related project. Even though my role was to guide, I found myself deeply involved, contributing ideas and working closely with the team.
One of our biggest achievements was organizing an exhibition at Galle Fort, where tourists could experience local industries. We brought together over 18 local vendors into one space.
We also launched an e-magazine by collecting articles from travelers, bloggers, and writers from around the world. That idea of reaching out to real people who experienced Sri Lanka was something I’m especially proud of because it made the content authentic and credible.
We were honored to receive the Most Effective PR Campaign Award as well as the Emerging Project Idea Award.
Through this experience, I realized something important which is I have ideas, and they can make an impact.
And how could I not mention my co-director, Arosha? He is one of the calmest and most consistent people I have had the privilege of working with. Throughout the term, he has always been there to support me and patiently put up with my never ending talking.
About our overlooking Vice President, Hiumie. From the very beginning until the very end of the term, she has remained the same kind-hearted and sweetest soul we all know and love.
How Rotaract Changed Me
Looking back at my entire journey, Rotaract gave me so much more than I ever expected.
I never imagined I would step into something like this. But Rotaract changed me. It changed the way I see people, the way I work with different personalities, and how I handle pressure.
I learned how to manage stress, how to multitask, and how to solve problems in real situations.
Most of all, my proudest moment was when the International Service Avenuewas recognized as the Best Main Avenue of the Term. As a Director, I could not have asked for a greater achievement.
The Connections That Matter
But more than anything, I built connections, connections that I know I will carry with me for life.
When I think about my university life in the future, a huge part of my memories will come from Rotaract.
And that’s why this journey means so much to me.
