Breaking the Curse: The Hot Mess Who Survived

Well the year has officially come to a close. I am no longer the President, and the club has been officially handed over to the new board. If I am to say that I don’t know what to say right now, it’s true. 

When I first joined Rotaract in 2023, I had absolutely no idea what it was. I was completely new to the movement, and I was a bit afraid that I wasn’t good enough. From my time as a General Member to being the President and now the Immediate Past President, a lot happened. And I won’t lie, there were some challenges, difficulties and problems that I faced that made me nearly die from the stress. But luckily, most of it was happy memories and I got close to a lot of my friends in university because of Rotaract and after I became President, I was able to make so many new friends from other Rotaract Clubs too because of this club. Sometimes I wonder what made me love Rotaract Arts so much, and there’s always one answer: the people here. The community we have and the bond we’ve built is something that I will never forget. 

I still remember sitting at the 34th District Assembly (with my feet screaming at me in pain from the heels I decided to wear) thinking to myself that somehow, I will give this club the recognition it deserves. We will somehow get an award this year. And eventually, after many hardships and multiple breakdowns from my end, we were finally able to. We got into the good standing club list after the RI year 2021/22 and finally won a Bronze award for our Professional Development avenue project SkillXcelerator, which we did in collaboration with many Rotaract clubs. I am still thankful for the opportunity that was given to us. I don’t think I’ll stop talking about this for a good while haha, a lot of my friends are probably tired of me by now. 

Rotaract gave me a lot of life lessons, and I ended up learning a lot about myself. I made friends, lost friends, learnt how to be a better leader and how to not be a perfectionist (not going to lie, this was difficult), and also to manage the endless amount of tasks there were while juggling multiple jobs. And although there were times I wanted to give up, I am lucky that there were kind and lovely people who gave me their support, from my friends, to board members, previous board members and past presidents. I don’t think I’d have survived this year without any of you. 

Now I think many of my board members are probably tired of hearing my thank yous by now, but can’t miss out on it haha. 

First off, the EXCO.

Rtr. Barani: You worked so hard with all the reports and documentation and I think, eventually built a wonderful (kidding!) relationship with the RMIS. You took on the very stressful responsibility of being the club’s Secretary and I will always be thankful for everything you did for the club.

Rtr. Mandeera: My very own Vice President. You were cool and listened to my rants and gave me the support I needed through difficult times. Thank you for listening and for all the support you gave for Rotaract Arts.

Rtr. Senali: Ooh finances, that’s a tough one. Thank you Treshy for dealing with all the bills and accounts and the tricky finances. You wanted an assistant and we couldn’t give one- but you did so well. Hats off to you and thank you.

Rtr. Senara: Our very own Assistant Secretary who powered through the meeting minutes, reports and club matters with Barani. You were always there, and always so kind and supportive. Thank you.

Rtr. Yenuli: You made things so much greater with your support. Whether it was booking a hall at the last minute or looking into a project, anytime I asked you, you were ready to help as the Sergeant At Arms. Without you, things would have been very difficult and I’m truly grateful.

Rtr. Chamodi & Rtr. Janani: Our club’s two beloved Co-Editors, you two made our Editorial internationally famous. That’s a huge win. With your passion for writing, dedication and love for our club’s blog, I couldn’t have asked for better Editors. Oh and all those extra tasks I bestowed upon you two. Thank you for taking on the challenge and for all your hard work.

Moving on to our BoD!

Rtr. Ayadi & Rtr. Vibavi: You two led the Community Service Avenue perfectly. I was genuinely so impressed and amazed at how well you two handled projects and the avenue. With projects like Healing Hearts and Tiny Talkers, you really shared the spirit of service that Rotaract has with everyone. Thank you.

Rtr. Sandithi: I don’t think I can ever express to you how grateful I am to you. From working on all the projects to securing a twin club agreement, you really made our club’s International Service avenue shine more than ever. Thank you.

Rtr. Sanuthi: With all the Professional Development projects we had, I’m amazed at how you were able to handle things alone. From handling innovative and creative projects like Spectra to setting the PD avenue to be more creative, you did a lot. Thank you.

Rtr. Piumi and Rtr. Hashini: What can I say, you two really brought the fun element to our club. From the Installation Ceremony to Baila Night, you guys made our Rotaract club somewhere people want to be. You were able to bring our club together and anytime I asked, you were willing to do something for the club, no matter what. Thank you. 

Rtr. Subhagya and Rtr. Biyoni: What’s up, Sports Directors! Touchdown’24 was probably the biggest project we did in our year and I don’t know how you two did it, but you rocked. Our Sports & Recreation Avenue was on another level this year. Thank you. 

Rtr. Mithu & Rtr. Uvinya: Ah our PR directors, who had to work day and night, managing multiple social media platforms and leading projects. I know the workload for your avenue increased this year with me (sorry? hehe), but you two handled it perfectly. Our IG feed is so pretty. Thank you. 

Rtr. Dulasha: From the very first beach cleanup I ever went to, to saving the sea turtles, the Environmental Service Avenue wouldn’t have been the same without you. The avenue was able to inspire and be successful with you. Thank you.

Rtr. Tharushi: The Membership Development was very innovative this year, with projects like Vibes & Vistas and even taking our club on a tour to the MMCA. Not only were you sweet, but you really cared deeply about the club. Thank you. 

To all my seniors, Baagya akki and last year’s board, to Past Presidents, Gethmi akki, Anudi akki, Methmini akki and Rasanjalee akki, thank you so much for all the support and courage you gave me throughout last year. I really appreciate it. Baagya akki, thank you for everything you did to help me understand and succeed in my role as the President. 

And to DRR. Rtr. Rtn.  PP. Shanel Mendis and the district, thank you for being so patient with us. A special thank you to our GCC Rtr. Sasmitha Silva for dealing with all our antics and panicked late night calls. Thank you to our ADRR Rtr. PP Gajaba Senaratne for being so understanding and supportive. And thank you to Dr. Shashitanganee Weerawansa, our Senior Treasurer, for guiding and supporting us throughout the year. We couldn’t have done it without you ma’am.

And thank you to everyone who’s been here, my friends, family and members of other Rotaract clubs. 

If you made it this far, congratulations. This was quite long. I’ve also got a speech to give at the 16th Installation ceremony too which might also be long hehe. Good luck to Rtr. Mobeetha, Rtr. Nethroo and the incoming board. You guys will make us all proud, I know. 

So if you’re someone who’s wondering if you should be a Rotaractor or not. Do it. Rotaract is a movement unlike any other you’ve seen, and Rotaract Arts will always be a special place. While my journey as President has come to a close, I will always be there to support the club. Yes, even a decade later if you need me. From thinking our club or more specifically, the President a.k.a me, is cursed to actually fixing the issues and coming so far, I think we did a lot. And I’m so proud and grateful to everyone who’s been a part of this journey. 

And finally this journey has come to an end. It’s been a pleasure being the 15th President of Rotaract Arts and serving all of you. 

Toodles!

Signing Off,

Rtr. Vibhavee Sarathchandra,

President 2024-25,

Rotaract Club of University of Colombo, Faculty of Arts.