Our Rotaract Journey

(Ayadi)

When I first joined Rotaract, I thought it was just another student club. I never imagined it would become the heartbeat of my university life, shaping me into a leader, a team player, and most importantly, a more compassionate human being. I began my Rotaract journey on May 29, 2023, as a first-year undergraduate during the orientation program. Motivated by a deep desire to give back to society for the free education I had received, I joined with nothing but curiosity and hope. With no prior experience, I was unsure of what lay ahead. But everything changed when I became the co-chairperson of the community service project Healing Hearts. That opportunity opened my eyes to what Rotaract truly represents.

From there, I actively participated in and served in the organizing committees of various impactful and joyful projects such as Baila Night, Rota Awurudu, Ambalame Thala, O’Santa, Sparklean and Blue Horizon. Each of these experiences enriched my life and taught me something new. In my second year, I was honored to serve as the Co-Director of the Community Service Avenue. I had the privilege of leading meaningful projects like Happy Paws, Healing Hearts (Phase I and II), Golden Hours, and Tiny Talkers. Each project came with its own challenges and rewards.

The journey wasn’t always easy. As a first-year Rotaract member, balancing academics, sports, and volunteering was overwhelming. As a director, the challenges became even greater. Finding sponsors, executing impactful projects, and ensuring strong community engagement tested me in ways I never anticipated. However, through these struggles, I grew. I learned how to manage my time, lead with empathy, work smartly, and build strong networks. Rotaract has transformed me. It improved my skills in project planning, public speaking, and social engagement, and it completely shifted my mindset. It’s more than just a club. it’s a platform for growth, learning, and lifelong friendships. I’m especially grateful to Rtr. Vibavi, Co-Director of the Community Service Avenue, and also to all the board members and juniors who always supported me through every step of this journey.

To anyone considering to join Rotaract: don’t think twice. It will truly change your life just like it changed mine.

-Rtr. Ayadi Geethma De Alwis (Community Service Co-Director, 2024/25)

(Vibhavi)

When I was in my first year, I started my Rotaract journey, and now, here I am after 2 years of my Rotaract journey as the outgoing Co-Community Service Avenue Director. When I was a fresher, I participated in the project Pruthuvi, which was the very first project that I participated in, and that project was successfully conducted under the Community Service Avenue. Afterward, I decided to continue my Rotaract journey, and then I was an organizing committee member of the 14th Installation, Baila Night, and so on. Then I got to have the very first chance to be a co-chair of one of the biggest projects that was conducted during the 2022/23 Year, which was Healing Hearts. Fortunately, my friend got to be the other co-chair of that project. And with the guidance of Manthini and Amandi akka, who were the previous co-directors of the community service avenue, we could come up with the courage and determination to work with Rotaract further. And then I was able to have the second chance of being a co-chair of the project Blue Horizon, which was conducted under the Environmental Service Avenue. I got to work with a new face whom I had never seen before. She is the other co-chair of that project. But Senara was a flexible, hardworking, and kind person to work with, and now she’s one of my closest friends. With the guidance of Lochana and Buddhi akka, who were the previous Environmental Service Avenue directors, we could successfully conduct the project. I worked as an organizing committee member on almost every project that was conducted in that year.

At the end of the year, I applied for several positions. Among the applied positions, I got to be the co-Community Service Avenue director. And my best friend, who worked as the other co-chair of the Healing Hearts project, got to be the other director of the Community Service Avenue. We managed to have a successful year with sustainable and impactful community service projects. And I’m really lucky to have Ayadi as my other co-director. She was always incredibly helpful and always willing to share her knowledge, and she motivated everyone to do their best work. Through arguments, late-night calls & messages, and, of course, with the report writings and challenges, as Community Service Avenue Directors, we could wrap up our year successfully. Even though I had ups and downs in my Rotaract journey, at the end of the day, it was something I will forever be grateful for.

Rotaract brought familiar faces closer, turned strangers into friends, and added meaning to my life in more ways than I ever imagined.

– Rtr. Vibhavi Rupage (Community Service Co-Director, 2024/25)