Get to kno more about New Rotarian Paul Jenkins
Submitted by Paul Jenkins

It is always difficult to speak five minutes about oneself some people like it; some people don’t. I am somewhere in between.  Please allow me to focus most of my time on telling you why I joined Rotary.

Let me start out by stating I feel completely blessed. I grew up in a very loving family in London Ontario Canada. I am indeed fortunate as I have both Canadian and Barbadian citizenships; and spent a lot of time (summers) in Barbados growing up. I was raised with very loving and caring parents whom gave tremendously of themselves, to those who were less fortunate.

The back drop of how I was raised was kindness, and giving the best of yourself to others. For example, I have very fond memories of being five years old; and seeing my Aunt Mae (in Barbados) make ice cream for those less fortunate children in the village/area. Many of you would remember the old ice cream makers – the one where you put the salt and ice and coconut in the top – and wind the handle. Wonderful days yes!

Now fast forward to today; I have two lovely beautiful seven year old twin daughters. Many of you would have met them with Stacey Parke, at one of the Rotary Christmas functions. When I think about how I was raised, and how I want my daughters to be raised. There are similar principles that I’d like to instill in my daughters that we in Rotary follow:

· Is it the truth?

· Is in beneficial to all?

· Is it fair to all?

· Will it bring goodwill and foster friendships?

I find it important that we live the principles not just speak them. As a parent, naturally I want the best values for my children. And in my humble opinion, living these principles and acting in accordance to them is the best way to teach your children. So call self-actualization or some form of trying to be the best you can be. However you label it – I truly feel that Rotary embodies the principles that I admire and try to live by.

By looking inward, and being the best  you can be – and offering this to the community and others – in an environment where other similar minded persons are doing the same – has a brilliant purpose. This is wonderful. This is Rotary.

Paul Michael Jenkins
Newest Member of Rotary Sunrise