Journey Through Rotaract - Rtr. Naduni Perera

Rtr. Naduni Perera was a dedicated past member of our club and continues to support us in various ways! Now a member of the Rotaract Club of Colombo Mid-Town, Rtr. Naduni has served in the District for 2 consecutive years as Director of PD and PR respectively.We learn more about her on 'Journey Through Rotaract'. 

What made you join Rotaract?
The need to do good for the community runs through my veins. There is no other satisfaction than giving to the needy and seeing them smile; may it be tangible like necessities or even intangible as a good laugh or a good experience.

How did Rotaract influence you to become the person you are today?

Once I joined Rotaract I realized that it was a very unique establishment and it was much more than for the betterment of the needy. And in order to really help the needy, I realized that I have to achieve a level of success in my life and career so that I can help them in a larger scale. Rotaract helped me to hone my soft skills such as public speaking and social skills through various activities that we had to take part in. I definitely would not be the person I am today without Rotaract.

As for your opinion how can Rotaract help an undergraduate to develop themselves?
Undergrad life can be very stressful if all you do is go to university every day, attend lectures, go to the library, study, exams and so on. It’s a vicious cycle you get thrown into. Rotaract gives you the opportunity to jump out of that cycle and see the world in a different angle. It gives purpose for the studying that you do, because it reminds you why you study to get into a good position in your career, so that thereafter, you can help the needy in a much larger scale. So rather than just studying for the sake of it, you have purpose and motivation. And when you receive a First Class Honors while doing so much of extra-curricular activities in Rotaract, it is much more satisfying.

What changes can a Rotaractor make in the society compared to an ordinary person?

Rotaract provides a huge network for the Rotaractors to mingle with and create connections with people from various backgrounds, fields, careers, as well as cultures and ethnicity; because not only is it a local network, but also international. This network allows a person to get things done much faster and at a larger scale because it connects like-minded people who want to positively influence a society. For example, the recent flood and landslide crisis proved the important role a Rotaractor can play when compared to an ordinary individual, because you are able to get aid and donations from Interact, Rotaract and Rotary Clubs worldwide. Furthermore, it also provides credibility that is sought out by people when providing donations. Rather than donating to an individual’s bank account, the public would be less hesitant to donate to a well renowned charity organization.

What is your most memorable or treasured experience being a Rotaractor?
Taking part in Rotasia for two years in India and then being part of the organizing of Ayubowan Rotasia 2016 were truly memorable experiences. It taught me a lot about handling pressurized situations and organizing events well.

Were you able to give something out to the society as a Rotaractor, or was it more towards self-development?
Every single person in the organization provides something to the society. They provide a wholesome and well-rounded individual for the society that is valuable to the country because rather than wasting precious time and resources, they find ways to improve the society. At an individual stance, I probably have gained more individually than the contribution I have individually made towards the society. So for the time being I would say self-development for now and for the society in the future!

What do you think about the position of the club as at now?
The current position of RCUOCFMF makes me so proud to be a past member of the Club! You all have definitely achieved more than what we could ever have imagined and just want to say , keep up the amazing work!

Why would you recommend someone to join Rotaract?
The best part of University life was Rotaract! Without it, it would have been such a dragging and dull four years. It was a great place for like-minded people to connect and do good for the society. The teamwork and the rush of tight deadlines really taught us to manage our time effectively and efficiently; which is what any management student should acquire.

What advice would you give the new members to make the most of being a Rotaractor?

Don’t be afraid to be different and shine brighter than the rest. Differences are what makes this world colorful. Don’t be afraid to take risks and think BIG when doing projects. You must always aim for the biggest project rather than just continuing with the traditional projects. And you should always speak up your views and ideas to the seniors in the club. That’s how you can really make a difference and improve the club; and ultimately yourself.

What do you feel about your journey as a Rotaractor?
I wouldn’t say that my journey was smooth as silk and always fun and laughs. There were moments that it was really difficult to manage studies, work-life and personal-life along with the various projects and activities in Rotaract. It was a tough road to travel through. But once you see that smile on a person you helped, a ‘Thank You’ through tears of pain, an ‘A+’ grade in an exam you crammed up and sat for or an assignment or the thesis you did spending countless sleepless nights, it makes everything worth it. It made Rotaract worth it. And if I had to do it all over again, I would in heart beat!