Rotary Youth Leadership Award: ‘Making Abundant Memories’

Thursday, November 3, 2011

THE Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) was held last October 28 to 30, 2011 at Hannah's Beach Resort, located at the heart of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte. The event was led by Distrct 3790 Governor, Dr. Digna Ragasa.

I was able to attend this event for I represent the Rotary Club of Balibago where my granddad is currently the president, belonging to Team Cluster 3B under the leadership of Assistant Governor Ariel Jersey.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

Although I'm not part of any Rotaract/Interact Clubs, the experience was still something worthwhile during my two weeks vacation for this semester.

Honestly, I wasn't at all looking forward to attending the trip. All these thoughts were filling my head, and they made me nervous as the day of departure came closer. I was worried that I wouldn't get along with anyone, or have a good time because I would be alone. Or what people my age would say I would be OP (out of place).

My thoughts proved to be wrong.

Although it was a 12-hour bus ride, the side-trips were also enjoyable.

The streets of Vigan at 3 a.m. takes you to the feel of the Spanish era, or the awe-inspiring Paoay Church while the sun’s about to rise. When we were almost at the destination, and finally seeing the nature of the beautiful place, my eyes widened in awe at the scenery that was right in front of me. Going down the bus, feeling the sun shine down on me, it was the perfect place to be. Feeling the sea breeze blow my hair and seeing the waves crash down the shore, seeing all the people as excited as I am, it was unreal.

Having the opportunity to escape the busy city life and transported into a place like Pagudpud was something I never expected coming this semestral break.

I was anxious when the organizers assigned the rooms to fellow RYLA delegates which came from the Rotary Clubs of Angeles Kuliat, Angeles Midtown, Clarkfield, Dau, Mabalacat and Magalang. I was worried that I wouldn't be able to communicate with them properly. But once again, they proved me wrong. They were all easy to talk to, very fun to be with and they didn't make me feel left out. In fact, they made me feel like I've known them for a long period of time. I got to walk around the beach with some, eat with all of them in the room we all shared, and even spend the night staying up just telling stories about ourselves. So with that, I can honestly say that in the three days that I've spent with these newfound friends, were three days well spent.

The RYLA is all about training and seminar for future leaders of our country, the speakers were DG Dr. Digna Ragasa, Pido Aguilar, PDG Jess Nicdao, PDG Oyan Villanueva, PDG Mark Go and PP Rey Abellada, who all took the time out of their busy schedules to give us lectures and inspire us delegates and share with us pointers and lessons in life to make us better persons and to aspire to become future leaders in the coming years.

As the RYLA came to a close, no one wanted to leave. Everyone didn't want to say goodbye to one another, nor did anyone want to leave the beautiful place. But all good things must come to an end. Thank you to District Governor Dr. Digna Ragasa and the Rotary Club of Laoag for making the whole event possible. Thank you to Team Cluster 3B Rotary Club presidents Chuck Gueco, Nelson Santos, Gian Castellvi, Herman Sumadchat, Richard Park, Francis Rosales, Diosdado Maniacup and Rotarians who sponsored delegates. Thank you to everyone who made this wonderful experience I will never dare to forget.

I am indeed proud to say that I was part of the RYLA 2011.

*****

The author is 13-year-old Ilya Sumadchat, a 1st year high school student at the Multiple Intelligence International School.