As those of you who attended tonights meeting heard, I am now riding off into the Rotaract sunset. Having exceeded the age limit of 35, my membership expires at the end of this month and so it is time for me to move on. I really enjoyed my last official meeting as a member tonight and am truly excited by the energy and enthusiasm of the new board! A very bright future is ahead! I first visited TC Rotaract back in 2005 and joined the following year. Little did I know that three international conventions, a service trip to Mexico (my first time outside of the U.S.), and, most recently, a monthlong Group Study Exchange trip to Sweden would follow. Most importantly, I have met countless friends and mentors over the years through TC Rotaract. There are too many to name but I must single out Don Craighead as someone who always encouraged me to reach for what I didnt think was possible. This advice/priceless optimism is something I will always remember. It was only fitting that I met Don when I was a guest at my very first Rotaract meeting and he was at my last official one tonight too. I am still amazed by how a single organization could have such impact. My first Rotaract volunteer event was pouring sacks of concrete to build a playground and I ended up feeling like a citizen of the world. When the time is right, I will look to continue this transformation through Rotary. Though I have reached o.b. status (old bird as they call it in Taiwan :), I dont intend to be a complete stranger and will keep spreading the Rotaract word. I am here to help any way that I can. My hope is that many others will share and realize what Rotaract means. Thank you for presenting the lifetime Rotaract achievement award to me tonight Sara Butwinick. It means more than I can express. Yours in service, James Horsman Past President, VP, Service Projects chair, etc. Twin Cities Rotaract Club horsmanjp@yahoo
Posted on: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 04:30:02 +0000