Written By: Rtr. Nithara Savithmi Dias (Secretary for the RI year 2024-25)

“Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think.” – Albert Einstein

When I first entered university, I believed education was about lectures, books, and exams. But life had a different teacher waiting for me, that is, Rotaract. What started as a simple decision to join a club because of the desire to take part in extracurricular activities at the university soon became the most transformative journey of my life. Rotaract didn’t just shape me as a good leader; it taught me many lessons that stretched far beyond the walls of my university.

I still remember how I applied for the first organizing committee. I was interested in engaging in projects even during my school time.  After facing an interview, I got selected to be the chairperson of the project. I was nervous, unsure of myself, and worried about making mistakes. On top of that, this was my first project and holding the position of chairperson felt a bit of a responsible task for me. Yet, Rotaract gave me the space to try and grow. I was able to perform well with the support of the rest of the organizing committee and conclude the project on a high note. I learned that leadership is not about authority; it is about responsibility. I understood the power of delegation, the importance of listening to others, and the art of making decisions under pressure. These weren’t lessons that I learnt from a textbook; they were the lessons Rotaract has taught me.

Rotaract also redefined what success meant to me. Universities often direct us to study for good grades, perform well in academic pressure and to build up qualifications. But when I saw the smiles of children after conducting several projects as a part of community service, how the community is benefiting from a health camp, I understood that real success lies in impact. Service wasn’t just about “helping others”; it was about empowering people, creating opportunities for them, and being part of something bigger than myself. Those moments gave me a sense of fulfillment no exam result ever could.

One of the most unexpected gifts of Rotaract was the friendship and networking. I didn’t just meet batchmates. More than that I met people from different faculties, districts, and even countries. I get to work with people who have a lot of experiences related to different fields. Being with them helped me to learn about different phenomena. District conferences and international projects connected me with passionate individuals who shared the same vision of service. Some of them became my closest friends. Moreover, they broadened my perspective in different fields. These bonds reminded me that Rotaract is more than a club.

Looking back, I realize that so many of my personal and professional skills were developed through Rotaract. Event management, report writing, public speaking, and conflict management, all these were through the engagement and experiences that I had in projects and taking responsibilities. University assignments helped me to get grades in exams, but Rotaract supported me in gaining exposure to become a talented individual. It gave me the confidence to face challenges, the tolerance to handle failures, and the creativity to think outside the box. Most importantly, as a Rotaractor, I learned to behave with professionalism and discipline.

Perhaps the most valuable lesson Rotaract taught me was about perspective. It opened my eyes to issues I had overlooked: poverty, climate change, inequality, access to education. I realized that being educated is not enough, we also need to be socially responsible. This inspired me to see myself not just as an individual chasing success, but as a good citizen who can make a difference and have a good impact on society.

As I step beyond university, I know my degree will help me in my profession. But the values, friendships, and experiences from Rotaract will guide me in life. It taught me to lead with empathy, to serve with passion, and to dream with purpose. Therefore, I strongly believe being a Rotaractor is a gift I will carry with me, wherever life takes me.

Graphic Design by Rtr. Manaal Zainab