When Service Found Me: A Journey into Rotary

Hi, I’m Sami! Thanks for checking out The Rotary Chronicles. I started this blog to share my Rotary journey—both the unexpected beginning and the passion I’ve found along the way. Whether you’re already in Rotary or just curious, I hope to inspire you through my stories and experiences.

So, how did I get involved with Rotary?

Honestly, it wasn’t something I was seeking out. I had recently transitioned from being a teacher to working as a 4-H agent in the county where I grew up. When the agent I worked with left, my boss encouraged me to join the Sevierville Sunrise Rotary—just like the agents before me. They’d always been strong supporters of our programs.

Let me tell you, I was not thrilled at first. “Sunrise” means early mornings—and I am not a morning person. Each week, I dragged myself to these meetings, where I was usually the youngest person in the room, listening to discussions about programs and fundraising. It didn’t exactly feel like my scene.

But a few months in, something surprising happened—I was asked to be Vice President. I said I’d think about it, missed the next meeting, and returned to find out I’d been announced as VP! (Fun fact: I later learned at the President Elect Training Seminar—PETS—that this kind of thing happens all the time.)

Our club is small but mighty, with about 20 members total and 10–15 attending each Thursday morning. We host two fundraisers a year and have a dedicated core of passionate members. I had lunch one day with another newer, younger member, and we brainstormed ideas for growing the club—before either of us realized we’d soon be President and VP.

Attending PETS was a turning point for me. I went from being a member of Rotary to becoming a Rotarian. Meeting incredible leaders and hearing inspiring ideas lit a fire in me.

This blog was one of those ideas. I hope to use this space to share what I’ve learned, what we’re trying in our club, and how you, too, can find your place in Rotary—whether as a new member, a leader, or someone ready to shake things up.