Why I am a Rotarian?
By: Susan Strom (smstrom@hotmail.com)
February
2009
Why am I a
Rotarian?
On June
30, 2006, I had the honor of becoming my club's Rotarian of the
Year in Manassas, Virginia.
It was a honor that took me completely by surprise - and one
that means more to me than I could possibly put into words.
My official membership in Rotary began in 2004, but my history
with Rotary goes back much further.
As a high
school senior in Wayzata, Minnesota, my
civics teacher informed me that a local Rotary Club (Plymouth,
MN) was willing to sponsor a student to a 3-day
retreat called 'Camp
Enterprise'. She
asked me if I'd be interested in attending and (to be honest)
the thought of getting out of school sounded great!
The camp
included students from throughout the
Minneapolis
suburbs - each sponsored by their local Rotary Club. These
business professionals used their personal time to lead seminars
in their various areas of expertise. They covered
everything from how to obtain financing to investing in the
stock market to business ethics. The topics and enthusiasm
of the speakers enthralled me.
I still
have my folder full of notes collected from those presentations.
However, what remains most vivid in my mind is that the men and
women who volunteered their time (and money) to sponsor me and
teach me about business seemed to be having as much fun as I was
as a participant. They genuinely cared about me and future
generations as they shared their business experiences and
encouraged us to think about the future. They were amazing
examples of leadership and service.
In 2002, I
incorporated and began my own marketing consulting company.
Many of the concepts I have used to grow my business were first
introduced to me at Rotary's Camp
Enterprise.
Something
special was ignited in me at
Camp
Enterprise as I
participated in those seminars. I saw that giving of ones'
time and energy to help others can make an impact that can
resonate years later. Seeds were planted that continue to
grow in me. I hope that I can encourage and reach out to
others as much as those before me have.
I am a
Rotarian because, just like those before me, I want to work
toward a better tomorrow. I've got big shoes to
fill.
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