Thoughts of a Neophyte Rotarian

After three years of invitations, I was finally inducted into the Rotary Club of Baguio, RI District 3790, Club Number 16863 on March 15, 2008. Why did I join the Rotary Club of Baguio? President Raffy Chan is one person who is hard to say “no” to. He can be quite persistent and persevering. I guess this is what makes him an outstanding president. But most importantly, something inside me was pushing me to join. To say that I want to be of service to the community is a standard answer, albeit, true. My reason is a selfish one though. I joined because I want to experience the joy and self-satisfaction of being able to help others and, in my own small way, make a difference in their lives.

“This is perhaps the best reason for becoming a Rotarian: the chance to do something for somebody else; to sense the self-fulfillment that comes in the process; and the return of that satisfaction to one’s own life.”

I’m glad I joined this club in particular. The members are friendly, accommodating and, above all, sincere in their service. Their enthusiasm is infectious. I haven’t had a chance yet to actually participate in any community service project but just being able to help in club meetings and other activities makes me feel that I belong. At this point, I am still feeling my way around. For one thing, the acronyms are still quite confusing. I still have to get used to the “”PPs” and the “IPPs” and what-have-you’s attached to the names which, I still have to remember (not to mention the names of the spouses as well). Oh my depleting neurons! But, I believe that with regular attendance and interaction I’ll get it soon enough.

I also need to get used to the protocol every meeting. It’s not like any other meeting I’ve ever attended. For one thing, the table at the center isn’t the presidential table, it’s called the head table. Who gets to sit there? How do you introduce the visiting Rotarians and guests? There seems to be a proper sequence they follow. What is the Finest Moments? Listening to the members I hear the club has a chorale. Who gets to join that? Is that a legitimate club activity? Were these things mentioned during the orientation which they called the Fireside Chat? These are all so overwhelming, but I embrace it with eagerness and confidence. I will immerse myself in this club’s activities and try to be a true Rotarian.

I always look forward to the Saturday meetings. I enjoy the camaraderie and funny bantering of the members. This is the club where, I discovered, people’s differences are accepted and respected. Rotary finds the best in each member, differences are set aside, and everyone works together for the best interest, to achieve a common goal. This is my kind of club. 

After having attended several meetings, I realized I look forward to the talks of the guest speakers. The topics are interesting, informative and, above all, self-motivating. I believe that through Rotary, I can further improve myself, so as to be able to improve others and, consequently, the community and, hopefully, the world. As the phrase in the Rotary song goes, “With the Four-Way Test, I’ll pursue my quest and, if I, in a way, help obtain peace in the world, then I won’t have lived in vain.” This is why I joined Rotary. Service above self – service with my heart without expecting material gain.

I am proud to be a Rotarian! Thank you PP Raffy for being persistent enough to invite. I have found my niche.