Another successful week of providing opportunities to our youth in our district. Here is some feedback gleaned from recent bulletins...

Linwood-Woolston Rotary: Karina spoke on her experiences at RYLA. She was impressed with the community emphasis of some of the speakers. It has caused her to consider what she can give back once qualified.

Christchurch Avon-Otakaro: Sophie thanked our Club for sponsoring her to attend RYLA and spoke of the “incredible experiences” that she had in the course of the week. Participants were required to step well out of their comfort zones both physically and mentally as they participated in the week-long activities often under the watchful eye and guidance of the New Zealand Defence Force. Sophie spoke of participating in team building exercises, public speaking, problem solving, listening to excellent guest speakers, and much more. As a RYLA participant Sophie took part in activities and exercises that she would never have previously considered that she was capable of and was most grateful for the opportunity to attend RYLA.

Christchurch South Rotary: George added many words of wisdom into his final message. To quote him: “I believe there are some marvelous opportunities in this country and we will require responsible leaders. Courses like RYLA help to mould and train the young leaders of tomorrow. They prepare us for these marvelous opportunities by giving us confidence and knowledge. I am so grateful that the Rotary club of Christchurch South sponsored me to be a part of this course. It has provided me with many lessons about leadership and teamwork that I am sure will transfer into my work both now and in the future. I now believe I can choose my own destiny.”

Bishopdale-Burnside Rotary: Aiden talked of his isolation at school due to his intellect and different views. Before attending RYLA he struggled to understand how people that didn’t attend university could truly function in the world. RYLA opened his eyes to the fact we all come in many different forms and his opinions over the week had been firmly changed and challenged. He talked of it being one of the best experiences of his life and has remained in contact with the other 46 participants. Michael was another candidate who was dubious about the opportunity that RYLA would present to him. The week’s challenges gave him a lot to reflect on and he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There was one speaker talking about finance that particularly impressed Michael and he took home a quote he found valuable – you can always make more money but you can’t always make more time. Something to reflect on as we strive to “achieve” in our lives.