Words by: Rtr. PP Devin Jayasundera
Edited by: Rtr. Buthma Menali

Legacies aren’t built overnight. They grow with lessons, memories, and hope. In this heartfelt letter, our second president, Rtr. PP Devin Jayasundera of RACUSJ reflects on his own journey, writing to the Rotaractor he once was, and the one he still carries within:

Dear Devin, 

In writing this letter, it is presupposed that any premonitions or warnings on your journey would be helpful to you. But unfortunately, as much as I want to help you make the right decisions and ease your burdens, we both know this is practically impossible. It is also very likely that you would not heed anything I have to say. 

But we both share a common history and a future. 

One day, out of the blue, the president of your club will call to say you have been chosen as president-elect. Of course, you will feel that you do not deserve this. Not everyone will agree with your appointment, and for good reason. You will have to find your own confidence and eventually earn their trust. So hang on. 

Whilst all this may seem like a weight shouldered solely by you, there will be plenty of help from those around you, including your family. Make sure you lean on it. It takes courage to seek help. So hang on. 

Your seniors, the charter president, Rtr. Asiri, Rtr. Amal, Rtr. Anupama and the charter board will be your counsel and support in navigating the university and Rotaract administrations.

Your board, Rtr. Abri, Rtr. JP, Rtr. Nuwan C, Rtr. Paatala, Rtr. Nishan, Rtr. Thilini, Rtr. Dinakara and Rtr. Dushan will bring fresh ideas, energy, and community spirit to take the movement forward. And finally, you could not have asked for better successors than Rtr. Saroj and Rtr. Asela to lead the club into its next phase. Remember, you are fortunate to have such a team. So hang on. 

You will have your squabbles with your board, the university, and the Rotaract administrations, but you will come to realize that these frictions are sometimes unavoidable. You will make friends and enemies. You will gain new friendships and also have fallouts, even with people dearest to you. 

Sometimes you will have moments of doubt, questioning whether this effort is truly worth it. This is a question you will ponder for many years. You will come to realize that what is “worth” cannot be measured purely by the merits of the outcome. The act itself is the merit. And to act is to lead, to take part, and to decide. 

Japura Rotaract provides you with a ‘theatre of action’. It is a platform that gives you the chance to make decisions, take actions that affect not only yourself but also others, and face the consequences. You’ve made a good choice, kid. So hang on. 

Sincerely, 
Devin

As this letter closes, it leaves behind more than memories. It leaves a reminder that the spirit of Rotaract is carried in every heart willing to dream, to serve, and to lead!

Graphic Design by Rtr. Manaal Zainab