.jpg)
Submitted by: Elizabeth JarockiThe Jr. Rotarian program is where Rotary clubs host students from local schools to provide networking opportunities and career discussions with Rotarians. It is where a lot of students have their first introduction with Rotary. Here is a Jr. Rotarian experience from Rotary Club of Duluth #25.
In my beginning moments of becoming a Junior Rotarian, I was a little nervous and a little unsure of the challenge I had just taken on. I wasn’t even quite sure of what Rotary was! When friends would ask where I was going and what I was doing at Rotary I would simply respond with, “Going to a lunch with business people...I think?” After attending Rotary for several weeks, I now know that it is so much more than “lunch with business people.” My experience as a Junior Rotarian was nothing short of awesome.
I enjoyed meeting different entrepreneurs, business individuals, and hardworking community members from the area and hearing their stories. I learned a lot from these wise adults. In addition, I got to feel like an adult and I was treated like one as well. My communication and social skills improved, and I enjoyed seeing other youth from the area attending as well. I felt extremely welcomed at Rotary by the friendly atmosphere, talkative people, and helpful hosts. I also enjoyed the knowledge and caring that is represented through Rotary. Between the announcements from around the community, invocations, and speakers, I never left Rotary without feeling impacted and learning something new. The speakers never failed to keep things interesting, informative, and captive. I never thought I could sit still and listen to a talk unless a teacher was forcing me to, but I have been proven wrong! Overall, Rotary was an experience that left me feeling welcomed into a view of adult life and informed about both my local and global community. It was an incredible experience of social interaction and immersion (not to mention great food)!