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With the changing ways of society, volunteering and community service is becoming scarcer everyday. In this chaotic world, it is reassuring to know that there exist some people that thrive to bring values of a forgotten world to us today. Everyday, they are silently working in our communities honouring their “service above self” motto. They are all different shapes and sizes; men, women, old and young. Who are these people bringing worlds together? They are Rotarians!
This past weekend, the Oakville and Burlington Rotary Clubs hosted the 10th annual Camp Enterprise. A group of fifty-two business-bound students were chosen from Burlington and Oakville schools and sent to what appeared to be a business boot camp. I was one of the fortunate few selected to participate in this unique experience. And what an experience it was! Upon arriving at the camp, I was feeling somewhat apprehensive and didn’t know what to expect. Little did I know that the next three and a half days would have such an impact on my life.
The Rotary Camp Enterprise fills young minds with empowerment and young hearts with inspiration. By teaching us that we can achieve anything we put our minds to and pushing us to expand our horizons, their message came through loud and clear. Business lectures and a chance to meet professionals gave us the opportunity to learn more about networking, marketing and business ethics. In business games, our skills were put to the test and our minds challenged, forcing us to compete, work together and thrive for success. Needless to say we all learned a thing or two about the competitiveness of the business world. All in all, it was a weekend well spent. We struck up some good friendships and we all left ready to take on the challenges that lay ahead. At the end of the three and a half days, we couldn’t wait to get into the workforce ourselves and put into practice the tremendous skills we had developed. It was truly a life-changing experience
Not enough credit can be given to these selfless Rotarians who really do honour the “service above self” motto. Throughout the weekend, they joked, played and taught the students, passed on their experiences and life lessons to each and every one of us. They truly make examples of community service, mentoring teenagers as we make the transition into adulthood. Finally, I can only hope that one day I will be able to return the favour that the Rotarians have bestowed upon me. I hope to one day positively impact a young person’s life, just as these Rotarians have changed mine. |
