They say that only those who believe in magic will ever find it. Four years ago, I stumbled upon a group of people who made me laugh and happy. I didn’t know it then but that’s when I found the magic that’s all around me today.
Finding this magic may have been a coincidence but I made the choice of joining Rotaract. I made the choice of applying to the Board of Directors, I made the choice of taking up secretary and I made the choice of taking up the presidency and for all these years, without a doubt, those were probably the best decisions I made in life.
When I think of Rotaract Achievers I will always think of the stories and the memories. The days we spent laughing till our stomachs hurt and the nights we spent sleeping on floors.
I will always remember everyone calling Thisura, my slave, more often than you’d think and between you and me, I started it. I will always remember Hasitha shamelessly asking random girls if they want biscuits and getting rejected. I quote “Excuse me, would you like some biscuits”. I will always remember making Bipash uncomfortable by asking him about his love life. No, he doesn’t have a girlfriend. He has a special friend. I will always remember forcefully hugging Asel as he comes up with something clever to bully me. Bullies often act the way they do because someone hurt them. Who hurt you, Asel?
I will always remember the innocence of Kalani and Hashini, with their gentle souls and kind hearts. Niflaz and Rishad, the dynamic duo who have insane skills in marketing and finance. I know what you’re thinking but apparently they are only best friends. How everyone thinks of farms when they hear Suwithi or thinks of eggs when they hear Hiru. Our very own Sheldon Cooper, Rahul rolling his eyes when we say something stupid.
Nadun, who is probably the best video editor I’ve ever seen. My right and left hands, Akila and Nuwanthi. Hamdhan, my very own motivational speaker. Sweet talker, Yasiru and Pruthuvi who I always say is too chilled out and last but not the least my very dedicated newbies.
I will always remember playing around with the children of Sneha, sleepless nights for Conquer Colombo, learning the skills of an art director for The Lounge, travelling in the back of lorries for Ekamuthuwa, midnight meetings and pictionary during quarantine and laughing hysterically with the team all day, every day.
I will also remember the unwavering commitment of my team and for all those who worked passionately to find the joy that comes after successfully completing a project. Some people make the world special just by being in it. The members of Rotaract Achievers make it special just by being a part of the club. Everything the club has accomplished over the years is because of its members who always work together no matter what. So here’s to my immensely talented team that can overcome any obstacle through sheer perseverance.
I would also like to take a moment to thank all the past presidents and senior members who shared their wisdom and guided us. My co-director, co-chairpersons I’ve worked with and to all the friends I made in Rotaract.
The past four years were undoubtedly some of the best years of my life and that is more or less because of Rotaract and mostly because of Rotaract Achievers. It has been an extremely challenging journey, there were tears, sweat and a lot of late nights involved, but above all, I am truly grateful for the many lessons learned. Rotaract is not easy and it might not be for everyone but I continue to learn and improve myself in this amazing movement and I couldn’t have been more thankful and truth be told that is the reason I joined Rotaract.
Through all these years and all these memories, I’ve learnt, I’ve experienced and I’ve been inspired. I only hope that I was able to inspire my team and leave a memory that they will cherish for a lifetime.
To all those who will lead the club in the future, just like mine, your journey will be challenging, but difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations. Maybe you’re just curious. Maybe you’re not sure if you’re ready for it, but let me tell you one thing, you never will be. That’s the beauty of it. We all need a little bit of magic sometimes. Rotaract Achievers was my magic. After all, you don’t get the same moment twice in life and some memories can never be replaced!
So Here’s to all the memories that I will cherish for a lifetime!
Rtr. Sathma Jayasinghe
President 2019-2020
Rotaract Club of Achievers Lanka Business School
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