I had the privilege of representing District 3830 to the 2008 International Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Rotary's annual leadership training program for young people aged 14 to 30, held at Mount St. Mary’s College Chalon Campus in Los Angeles, California, USA, last June 12-15, 2008.   I was one of the 121 delegates from 30 countries who were given the opportunity to participate in this annual gathering of Rotary youth leaders.

The three-day event was literally a “mountain top” experience (the venue was, indeed, at the top of a mountain) that enabled us participants to see the world through each other’s eyes.   We exchanged ideas and thoughts on leadership, problems of our countries and general concerns that the world faces.  We participated in activities that enhanced our capabilities to understand and cooperate with each other better despite our cultural and language differences.  Each activity was designed to motivate and challenge our leadership traits and bring the best in everyone of us.

We were guided by highly competent and wonderful Rotarian counselors, who unselfishly shared their expertise to help us see each activity with better perspectives.  We were challenged to take on our “moon” and reach for it.  I was encouraged to pursue and fight for my goals no matter how big they may seem.  As part of the Rotary family, I learned that I am in a position to influence and help others build more meaningful lives by helping them make the right choices, one step at a time.  My participation in RYLA helped me understand my fellow youth leaders from around the world and learn from their experiences.

Past RI President Wilf Wilkinson delivered a very inspiring address during  one of the plenary sessions, which made the event more meaningful.   I presented the book (A) Musings in the Life of A Rotarian to RI Pres Wilf after his speech.

The RYLA, indeed, forged an international bond of friendship among the participants and made possible a real-world commitment to excellence - in a global scale.  Thus, our real challenge is to apply our learning as we go back to our home countries and help make this world a better place for everyone to live in.   Then, tell the good stories when we see each other  again in the future.