Written By: Rtr. PP Ranisha Weerakoon

Continuing our series of letters from past presidents, we now step into the shoes of our 4th President. In this heartfelt note to her younger Rotaract self, she reflects on the lessons, laughter, and friendships that defined her journey. It’s a reminder that leadership is as much about growth as it is about service:

Hey Ranisha,

You’ve always had those random moments where you picture yourself dead and looking down — well, this is one of them. It’s your 33-year-old self, writing to your 23-year-old self. Can you believe you now have a kid? Who would’ve thought!

Truth be told, your 33-year-old self still struggles with forgetting things, so I don’t remember every detail of your days — let alone all of Rotaract. I even tried stalking you online, but ten years is a long scroll, and I gave up halfway. So, this letter is just me, writing from whatever’s left of my sorry memory.

What I do remember is that Rotaract was my safe space. In a university where I felt far outside my comfort zone, Rotaract helped me belong. It was one of my greatest learning curves. At times, I navigated it like a queen, sometimes like a bull in a China shop, but always like me. You’d think a lot changes in ten years — and it does — but you’ll still be the same person inside and out, and that will always be your greatest strength.

Along the way, though, you’ll meet people who aren’t so kind with their words and actions. Some might even hit you with such force that you feel knocked down for a while. Here’s a pro tip to avoid that: trust your gut. There were times when I thought I was being brave being otherwise, but lesson well learnt – it will never, ever be wrong. If it says no, it’s a no.

I’m sure you’ll have moments when insecurity about your capacity creeps in, and here’s what aiya – our very “doesn’t have much to say to you usually” brother said at that Cinnamon Installation: “Ah, nanga — she’s better than me, she’ll do better.” (For context, he was the charter president of ROCUOK when he said this, and you were just a fresher, clueless about Rotaract, showing up only for sibling support.) Ten years later, those words still echo in my mind. That’s the power of words. Your words carry more weight than you realize. Someone who forgets a hundred other things might still remember that one phrase you said. So be mindful: don’t let your words speak before you.

Now for the memories: I can’t skip how it all began — our very first fundraiser. All we had to do was turn up at a product launch at the crack of dawn, 4.30 or 5.30 a.m., and show our “enthusiasm” by moving on the dance floor — if you can even call it dancing at that hour! 😀 Somehow, we pulled it off and earned around 20,000. This brings me to “I Sea You” — a definite highlight! I still remember how broke we were organizing it. Story of our lives, perhaps! Yet there we were, dancing like maniacs, spending nights under the stars, watching them fall at dawn, freezing on the sand, following crabs at 3 a.m., and having the best conversations with friends who became family. Only now do I realize how terribly dangerous it all was — but maybe it was good that none of us thought it through. If we had, we’d never have done it for two years in a row. But that’s the thing: life, like Rotaract, is often about showing up — even half-asleep at 5 a.m., giving what you can, living the moment to the fullest, and making memories you’ll still be smiling about a decade later. 

Whenever I think of Rotaract, I think of the people I met through it — from all over campus and across the country. All a little crazy, a little extra, and all definitely high on life with so much potential to make a difference. I couldn’t be more grateful for having met them. And then there were the projects — I AM A MIRACLE AND I AM UNSTOPPABLE!, Theerana, Smile, WDSD, and my goodness, Rotasia. These projects changed me. They humbled me. Every effort, every sleepless night, made sure my journey was meaningful. They were proof that I had not lived in vain.

So, younger me — cherish these years. Take every opportunity to reach out, network, learn, and grow. Because every meeting, every project, every person, and every opportunity will shape you, strengthen you, and stay with you long after the banners come down and the gavel is passed on. They will make your badge of Rotaract worthwhile!

With love,
Your 33-year-old self

As her story joins the tapestry of reflections from our past leaders, we are reminded that every chapter adds to the spirit of RACUSJ, a legacy built on experiences, people, and the passion to keep moving forward.

Graphic Design by Rtr. Manaal Zainab