Perfectly Flawed and Becoming More

~ A Rotaract Story by Someone Who Definitely Needed an Assistant ~

So, Rotaract wasn’t new to me.

I’ve been an Interactor since 2016, so when I got selected to the University of Colombo, one of the very first things I did (before even figuring out my course units) was join the Rotaract Club WhatsApp group.

I still remember walking into the Freshers’ Orientation; a vibrant, welcoming space that left a lasting impression. That very first day became one of my core memories at university. I met so many new people (some of whom sadly didn’t stick around with the movement), and even more importantly, I met seniors who were unbelievably kind and supportive, some of whom I still turn to when life gets overwhelming.

The first project I joined as an Organizing Committee member was ‘Into The Future’ ; a Professional Development initiative and the very first project of the Rotaract year 2023–24. Under the guidance of Abheetha ayya and Sandamini akka, we dove right in. I vividly remember Hasanki and I walking all around the university (and even to other faculties!) pasting posters like we were on a secret marketing mission. (Pro tip: check the entrance door of the main canteen. That blue poster? Still there. We knew what we were doing.)

From that point on, I kept saying yes, yes to projects, yes to new challenges, yes to growing alongside people who inspired me. Somewhere along the way, I ended up on the Executive Committee as the Treasurer for the Rotaract year 2024–25. And just like that, the one-woman show began.
(I may or may not have begged for an assistant. Spoiler alert: they never gave me one.)

As someone specializing in Economics, managing club finances came with a strange sense of satisfaction. I took transparency seriously (maybe too seriously), and I’m pretty sure some members started avoiding me just in case I asked for a receipt or a surprise financial report.
But here’s the truth: I loved every part of it. It was challenging, rewarding, and genuinely fulfilling.

Rotaract has given me more than just titles and responsibilities.
It’s given me people; some of my closest friends and mentors I continue to look up to.
It’s given me purpose, perspective, and a whole lot of growth I didn’t even know I needed.

And of course, I can’t write this without mentioning my partner-in-chaos, my ride-or-die, our Secretary; Barani (aka Bestie Baranee). She was always there, leading by example, being her sweet and composed self while I ran around chasing receipts and deadlines. We balanced each other out like the perfect duo, when one of us wanted to give up (which happened more often than we’d admit), the other reminded us why we started.
I genuinely don’t think I’d have survived this Rotaract year without her. Some people show up.
Barani showed up and stayed.

And to everyone who crossed paths with me on this wild Rotaract ride …. thank you!
Whether you were a senior who showed me the ropes, a fellow OC member who pulled through with last-minute magic, a friend who showed up just to support, or someone who simply listened to me rant about deadlines, you were part of this story.
I’m beyond grateful for the laughs, the lessons, the people, and even the occasional chaos.
Every one of you made this journey unforgettable.
Here’s to growth, impact, and the people who make it all worth it.

Finally, if you’ve read this far and wondering whether Rotaract is worth your time, let me be clear:
IT ABSOLUTELY IS.

Join.

Do something meaningful; for your university, and for the world outside it.
Put yourself out there. Meet people. Learn from them. Learn about yourself.
Say yes to opportunities, even the uncomfortable ones. Especially the uncomfortable ones.
Those are the ones that shape you.

And as you go, engrave this on your heart:

Live in the moment.
Be kind.
And remember , when you chase perfection too hard, you risk becoming trapped in your own expectations.
So instead, allow yourself to grow through your imperfections.
Make mistakes. Reflect on them. And keep evolving.

Shine through all your perfects.
Because that’s what Rotaract helps you.

-Rtr. Senali Senanayake (Treasurer, 2024/25)