Showcase Saturdays: Sam Shu Jing

Sam (left) receiving an appreciation certificate

Name: Sam Shu Jing
Course/University: Bsc (Hons) Accounting and Finance at Sunway University
Experience: Charter president of Rotaract Club of Sunway University

Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young men and women ages 18–30. Rotaract clubs are either community- or university-based, and they’re sponsored by a local Rotary club. This makes them true “partners in service” and key members of the family of Rotary.

Charter president’s experience

The most valuable experience I have had in my university life was being the charter president of the Rotaract Club of Sunway University. Moreover, this is my very first time being the president of a club as a student so far. Being the charter president is slightly different from being the president of a club.

I hold the responsibility of convincing the club’s District Governor Board, and proving to them that the club is sustainable in the long-term for it to be officialised and recognised internationally under the Rotary International, since it’s the first Rotaract Club and is newly established in the university.

Keeping the club motivated

I have learnt that it is extremely important to motivate the club members at all times to keep them enthusiastic and active in the club.

I have also learnt to understand that everyone has their own thoughts and perspectives in life and hence, it is crucial to give opportunities to others to voice out their ideas and opinions to achieve a better outcome.

Most importantly, I have come to realise the importance of this quote by Tom Peters:

“Leaders do not create more followers, but they create more leaders.”

Give-A-Gift

One of the most impactful projects that we have organised as a club was the ‘Give-A-Gift’ Christmas Celebration with the amazing children at the Royal Priesthood Care Centre. It took place on Dec 20, 2014. It was a day of fun-filled games, songs and a lunch treat, supported by other Rotaract Clubs from Bangsar, Klang and Petaling Jaya.

The main purpose of this project was to raise awareness among Rotaractors and university students regarding children’s welfare issues and at the same time, bring festive cheer to the children by giving them the Christmas presents they wished for.

In light of this, a Christmas gift donation booth was set up at Sunway University on Nov 10–11, 2014 to receive donations of Christmas gifts which were personally requested by each child.

It was such a fulfilment to see the joy in the children’s faces during that festive season. Christmas, after all, is not all about receiving gifts but also giving back to society.

Heart of giving

I learnt to give of myself in a way that couldn’t be more satisfying. From giving the children Christmas presents to carolling with them, not a single hour was wasted. In fact, the time spent with other volunteers enriched my own experience.

I believe that I was given more from the people involved than what I gave throughout the project.
I’m truly grateful to be living in a community that continues to give back at every chance. Service above self!