RYLAians at Rotary

Two of the six participants sponsored by the Rotary Club of Brampton spoke of their experience at the 2015 RYLA program held in May.

Dorcas Adusei, a Chemical Engineering student at Sheridan College; and Sendu Muralee, MBA student (August) at the University of Toronto, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to attend this self-described “life changing experience”.  While aspects of the program focused on leadership skills and team building were very informative and relevant, they found that the forming of a community allowed the participants to relax and be open with others.  This allowed many to present their unique personal stories during 5 minute “Speak Outs” held during the week.  Many found that the person-to-person communication allowed them to forget about cell phones and be a full part of the program.   One day was focused on aboriginal culture and challenges, which was very informative.

 

Outstanding aspects of the program were the visit to the Athlete Institute for physical team building exercises and motivation presentations by the professional basketball players; The Rotary Meeting and speaker Emma-Jayne Wilson;  teamwork through African drumming, and the individual Personality Profiles which gave feedback and personalized suggestions for working with others.

 

The Brampton students unable to come to Rotary were attending their on-going classes or enjoying their Graduation Ceremonies.  They are often in touch, and several were volunteers at Rib’n Roll.

 

In 2016 four of the RYLA alumni, who attended to experience the program as facilitators, will take on the responsibility of this program.  Chris-Beth Cowie and Ameer Khan, both from the Brampton Rotaract, will be the RYLA program leaders, along with Christina Marchand and Madiha Khan, a Rotarian recently inducted at the Mississauga Dixie Club.  The program will be held again in spring 2016 at the Ecology Retreat Centre.

 

Thanks to all involved in making RYLA possible – the Rotary Club members for financial support and attendance at the Rotary meeting; Vanora Spreen (District RYLA Chair) and Carole Berry (Program Director).