I love being a Rotarian.
Who wouldn't??
I could participate in programs that I didn't hold a degree in, I could work side by side with really interesting and cool people, I could meet people I probably wouldn't have the ability to meet and suddenly I realized I had an immediate pipeline of new friends and became part of a "family"
I think I was born a Rotarian. My mother was my earliest influence in volunteerism-I don't remember how many times I accompanied her on her "marches" to rally financial support for the March of Dimes. I think I was 7 or 8. I volunteered at the Sacramento Children's Receiving Home, I volunteered at Sutter Memorial Hospital and many other churches and organizations. I transferred to Texas from California in December 1998, a few months after the passing of my beloved father.
I bought a business in 2007, another in 2008 and was struggling. I worked hard-very hard and little by little, I became successful. I knew I had to "pay it forward". I felt a responsibility to somehow influence others and help those who needed a "leg up". My neighbor Jen Jez and I were speaking and she introduced me to the idea of Rotary-encouraged me to visit a few clubs and talk with some folks.
I joined immediately after Board Approval of my application. I soon realized that I had a new avenue to reach my community and offer my support, to influence others in my very strong beliefs in being responsible to the environment. I could participate in programs that I didn't hold a degree in, I could work side by side with really interesting and cool people, I could meet people I probably wouldn't have the ability to meet and suddenly I realized I had an immediate pipeline of new friends and became part of a "family", having left all of mine in California.
I love being a Rotarian. Who wouldn't??
