There is a fable called The Starfish Story, which is a powerful reminder of our impact. The story goes, a young child throws stranded starfish back into the ocean one by one. When questioned about the futility of their efforts due to the vast number of stranded starfish, they pick up another and say, “It made a difference to that one.” If we can make a difference in just one person’s life each year through Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), it’s a worthy endeavor that I am committed to.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts for young people to develop skills as a leader while having fun and making connections. My journey with RYLA started 14 years ago with a simple desire to create an Interact club on my high school campus. A supportive teacher recognized my eagerness and introduced me to the world of Rotary. Sunnyvale Sunrise Rotary Club offered me a unique deal: attend a RYLA summer camp and, when the following school year began, they would support me with starting an Interact club. I eagerly agreed, not realizing how my life was about to change.
As I arrived at Camp RYLA, I was greeted by nearly 200 students from across the California Bay Area and an atmosphere that was electric with excitement and camaraderie. Then, I received my nametag – my name was misspelled as “Raja” instead of “Rajah.” A seemingly trivial detail became a significant part of my RYLA story. In pursuit of a simple fix, I approached a RYLA support staff member, Ben Macatangay. This encounter marked the beginning of a lifelong connection.
Ben, a central figure of Camp RYLA District 5170 and former Rotarian, personifies the spirit and magic of RYLA. He became my mentor, friend, and family, guiding me through 14 years of personal growth. While RYLA’s primary focus is to equip campers with leadership and service skills, an intangible element exists – a force that instills the motto of “service above self” deep within us. This force keeps many of us returning to RYLA year after year.
Justin and Ben sharing smiles as they celebrate the end of another successful RYLA camp, reflecting on the lasting impact made on the next generation of leaders.
I have been returning to RYLA for twelve years now. Facilitating campers’ growth and witnessing them form lifelong friendships and depart camp with a sense of belonging and purpose is immensely fulfilling. The personal relationships I have forged at RYLA are also some of my life’s most enduring and rewarding. Some fellow staff members have been with me since my early days at camp. Despite living in different parts of the country, we share a deep and resilient bond that stems from our love for RYLA.
One of these personal connections led me to an expansion of my Rotary experience: becoming a member. After moving to a new city with limited connections, I recognized that Rotary’s universal values aligned perfectly with my principles. Becoming a Rotarian was the logical next step in my journey. As a Rotarian, I’ve found common ground with like-minded individuals who share a passion for service and community involvement. My involvement with RYLA and Rotary has become intertwined, and together, they form the foundation of my commitment to making a difference.
My journey from a high school student eager to start an Interact club to a dedicated Rotarian and RYLA enthusiast has been filled with unexpected twists and turns. It’s a testament to the power of Rotary’s values and the transformative impact of programs like RYLA. I am forever grateful for the opportunities and connections I’ve made along the way. Rotary has become not just an organization but a part of my identity, and I look forward to continuing to make a difference in the lives of others, one starfish at a time.
Editor’s Note: Justin’s journey, a former Interact and RYLA participant who is now a dedicated Rotarian (member of San Diego Rotary Club), exemplifies the profound influence these programs can have. Engaging with young people can reignite a sense of purpose and passion, fostering a more fulfilling and rewarding Rotary journey. Learn more about Rotary’s youth programs and how you can partner with young leaders to organize a RYLA event.