Written By: Rtr. Tharushi Pigera (Joint-Director of Sports and Recreational Activities for the RI year 2023-24)

Hey all newbies,

More Than a Club: How Rotaract Became My Favorite Memory of Uni Life

If I could take you back to the exact moment my Rotaract journey began, it would be my second year at university. I still remember when one of my friends casually told me, “Just join Rotaract at RACUSJ, you won’t regret it.” At the time, I had no idea how true those words would be. What I thought would just be another university society turned out to be the heartbeat of my uni life, a journey that shaped my personality, gave me lifelong friendships, and filled my days with purpose, fun, and unforgettable memories.

When I first joined, I was honestly terrified. I hesitated to even apply for projects, worried about whether I’d fit in or whether I was “good enough.” But the beauty of Rotaract is that it welcomes you exactly as you are. Even if you walk in alone, you’ll find people who will stand by your side, push you to grow, and cheer for you when you least expect it. For me, my friends became my first safety net, but soon, Rotaract itself became my family. And from there, things only got brighter.

The year I stepped up as the Joint-Director of Sports and Recreational Activities for the RI year 2023-24 was a turning point. The Sports and Recreational Activities Avenue wasn’t just an avenue; it was a family filled with energy, laughter, and creativity. To my board of directors, the Executive committee, every organizing committee, and especially my SRA babies, you are the reason I look back on this journey with so much gratitude. You made late-night planning fun, kept my sanity (mostly) intact, and turned every challenge into an adventure.

The projects we pulled off together will always be milestones in my journey. Triunfo 2.0 wasn’t just a sports event with a series of mini games it was the heartbeat of teamwork, bringing together faculties and creating a space where competition and camaraderie went hand in hand. RACUSJ. Sports Fiesta took that spirit to another level, becoming the ultimate celebration of sports, energy, and unity at USJ.

Then there was Amigo 2.0, where we proudly stood among other Rotaract clubs at the District Awards. It was a reminder that Rotaract is not limited to our university. It connects us to a bigger world of service, fellowship, and opportunity. 4 score 6.0 became another highlight, brimming with adrenaline and excitement, while Respawn showed us the lighter, more creative side of digital world, proving that even gaming could create bonds and memories.

I’ll never forget my time as Project Chairperson for 4 Score 5.0, which pushed me to take charge, trust my team, and believe in myself more than ever before. And of course, being nominated for The Most Outstanding Young Personality and The Best Team Player still feels surreal because to me, the real award was always the friendships, the lessons, and the laughter shared with all of you.

Looking back, I realize how many fears I had when I first joined. But Rotaract gently pushed me out of my comfort zone and into experiences that made me grow in ways I never imagined. I learned that leadership isn’t about titles, it is about responsibility, empathy, and showing up for your team and social impact is powerful, knowing that our small actions ripple out to make a difference in communities.

Rotaract also taught me that memories are not just built during events but also in the in, between moments, the brainstorming sessions that turned into laughter marathons, the fundraisers that tested our patience but brought us closer, and the post- event dinners where we bonded like family.

If you’re just starting your Rotaract journey, here’s what I want you to know: don’t hold back. Participate, take on roles, say yes to opportunities, and don’t be afraid of making mistakes. Some of the best memories of your university life are waiting for you in Rotaract, memories you’ll carry long after graduation. The projects will challenge you, you, the responsibilities will grow you, and the people… oh, the people will amaze you.

So, to my younger Rotaractors: engage fully, serve passionately, and never underestimate the joy of fellowship. Whether it’s through humor activities, fundraising, or major event days, you’ll find something that clicks with your heart. And once it does, you’ll realize, like I did, that Rotaract is more than just a club. It is a journey of becoming your best self. As I look back now, I can say without hesitation that Rotaract has been the most cherished part of my university life. Not because of the awards, not because of the recognition, but because of the people I met, the projects we created, and the person I became through it all.

So here’s to every memory, every laugh, every challenge, and every friend I found along the way. And here’s to all of you who will carry the Rotaract spirit forward.

Viva La Rotaract! 🌟

Graphic Design by Rtr. Manaal Zainab