Tag: Editorial

Month in Review: April & May

Hey everyone! Remember us? The folks who usually bring you the hottest updates from Rotaract Arts? Well, today we bring a double dose of it, but not-so-hot updates. April, thanks to end-of-semester exams, was not a very busy month for our club. And in May, the strike by the non-academic staff hit! We, like everyone else, naively thought it'd be over in a flash, and we couldn't have been more wrong. With more exams and uncertainty around the strike, we were holding off publishing. Now, given that it has been going on for more than two months, we decided to publish the MIR. Better late than never, right? Since this is the last update from your trusty MIR writing team,…

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Rising to Leadership: Embracing the Responsibility as President

As the second male president in the storied history of Rotaract Arts, I am honored to share my journey with this incredible organization that has profoundly shaped my life and the lives of many others. When I first joined the Rotaract Club, I was filled with excitement and a desire to make a difference. Little did I know that this decision would lead me to a transformative journey filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable memories. In my early days as a member, I quickly learned that Rotaract was more than just a club—it was a family. I was surrounded by passionate, driven individuals who were committed to serving the community and fostering personal and professional growth. This supportive environment encouraged…

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Signing Off: Closing Reflections from a Secretary

My Rotaract journey began in 2022, right in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic in Sri Lanka. We had online lectures, and I was itching to get to university, but there was no way for it. Then, I saw this Rotaract flyer fluttering around like a hopeful butterfly. Thinking it was a great excuse to visit the university, I decided to join the club. I had no clue what Rotaract was about. I was a bit nervous since I knew no one in the club or at the university. But I challenged myself, determined to make it work no matter what. The first friend I made in Rotaract was Manthini. We met while donating books to a community service project.…

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Rising through the Ranks: Personal Growth and Learning

Labor Omnia Vincit Hard work conquers all. “Here comes the man of the match. Well done, Induwara.” Oshini Akka, the former club service director, said this in the middle of the ‘Baila Night’ in March 2023. A long time ago, at the start of 2022, SLAM was the first event I participated in under the wave of Rotaract. That day, Abheetha, Savini, Ranosha, and I were the first members to participate in the Rotaract event. Tharushika Akka was the first one I met from the executive board at that time. Honestly, I didn't have any idea what SLAM was. The only thing I knew was that it was a group activity or something along those lines. LOL. The Fresher's Championships…

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Our Kinda Universe

I have always thought that my life is just a continuation of second options… When I passed the grade five scholarship exam, I never got into the school of my choice - well,my parents’ choice to be exact, for my kid self had no idea what was going on, I never got intothe school my friend and I hope to enroll together after O/Ls. For me, it has always been thesecond option, never the first. So, when I did not get selected for the university that I had alwaysdreamt of enrolling in, it was just another “oh” kind of situation. Nothing to do about that, justthink of what you got not what you lost. It didn’t affect me much and…

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Balancing Act: A Look into My Journey with Rotaract

My journey with the Rotaract Club at the University of Colombo, Faculty of Arts, began in 2022 when I joined as a member. Since then, I've participated in every project, gaining valuable experience and skills. One of my early milestones was working as a co-chair with Jehan, the current president, for the O'Santa Christmas Party. This role taught me many lessons and developed my leadership skills, which helped me become Vice President in 2023. I'd like to take a moment to express my special thanks to Jehan and Gethmi for believing in me. Their support has been a great motivation. As Vice President, I took on many responsibilities, further enhancing my knowledge and leadership skills. My co-vice president, Induwara, has…

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Stepping Up: A Year of Fun, Challenges, and Impact

The clearest memory I have of my first days as an undergraduate was signing up for Rotaract and joining the online orientation program of the club. With online learning taking control, apart from attending the university on the day of the placement test, I had no need to step into the university. It was Rotaract that gave me the reason to come to university during the first semester of my first year. Therefore, it's right to say that my university life would not have been the same if not for Rotaract. . My first year as a Rotaractor enabled me to experience days of endless fun, happiness, and whatnot. We were on a journey, making memories with friends who felt…

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From Fresher to Treasurer: A Year of Friendship, Service & Growth

I started my Rotaract journey when I was in my first year at university. When I got selected for Colombo University, one of my friends who is currently studying there inspired me to join Rotaract. I was so excited to join Rotaract after hearing about his experiences and seeing pictures of him working on Rotaract projects at the University of Colombo's Science Faculty. As the COVID pandemic was there, we had online lectures in the first semester of our first year. However, I used to come to the university for sports practices. So it was a great opportunity for me to engage in physical activities done by the club. My first year at Rotaract was full of joy and excitement.…

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Daydreams and Detours

When the UNI Verse project launched its second phase, I wasn’t too interested in writing anything,thinking who would be interested in a narration of my routine university experience so far. Yet, I had nochoice but to write. Interestingly, an Instagram post shared by a friend flicked something in my scatteredmind to streamline memories from my first year at university, and I began to realize that university life isquite the rollercoaster. Before delving into reflections, I’ll backtrack a bit. Securing a spot at the University of Colombo waspretty much what I always desired, mainly for wanting to continue to take comfort in the city that hasalways been home. That Instagram post, though - it struck a chord. The post shared by…

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Reflecting on a Transformative Rotaract Year: A Journey of Leadership and Achievement

As the Rotaract year draws to a close, it's a moment of reflection and celebration for the Rotaract Club of the Faculty of Arts, University of Colombo. Amidst the challenges and triumphs, this year has been particularly memorable for the club, especially for those who took on significant roles in its leadership. In my Rotaract journey, I served not only as a Sergeant-at-Arms but also took on the role of co-director of the Professional Development Avenue. Joining the Rotaract Club in 2022 marked the beginning of a journey filled with opportunities for personal growth and contribution. Over the years, I actively participated in various projects, honing skills in photography, graphic design, team and project management, and fostering discipline among club…

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