JULIE WILKINS
PDG Lyle Staab presided over the induction ceremony welcoming Julie Wilkins to the BBRC. Julie’s family exhibited their pride in her new role by participating in person and virtually. And Julie made a moving acceptance speech taking another step in her determination to make a difference and exemplify Service Above Self. Julie thanked her sponsor, Pat Boquist, and her Mentor, Carol Hannagan, as well as Co-Presidents Terry Cullum and Joe Connelly and her supporter Ibrahim La’ah.
BIO
Service above self started early for me.
While in high school, the majority of my extra curricular activities focused on service. By the time I graduated, I was the secretary and a 4 year member of Service Club; I started Amnesty International at my school, and I was presented with a prestigious award indicating I had modeled my life after a well respected community member who was dedicated to service.
Service above self started early for me.
While in high school, the majority of my extra curricular activities focused on service. By the time I graduated, I was the secretary and a 4 year member of Service Club; I started Amnesty International at my school, and I was presented with a prestigious award indicating I had modeled my life after a well respected community member who was dedicated to service. My service to others was never about recognition. It was just something that felt like the right thing to do. It filled my soul with happiness. So, when my Guidance Counselor suggested I apply for a Rotary International Scholarship, I was intrigued. Although I had never heard of Rotary International, I was immediately drawn in by the 4 Way Test because I felt like it was a mantra I could follow for a lifetime.
When I was presented with a Rotary scholarship, that award improved my self-esteem, increased my motivation, and validated my sense of purpose. The pride I felt went far beyond the actual dollar amount of $500.
Since receiving the Rotary award, I have been married for 30 years to my incredible husband, Aaron; I have two amazing children, Raven and Vayda, who both recently graduated from college, and I’ve dedicated over 25 years to teaching high school English. In addition to teaching on a part-time basis, I am living out my passion for helping others feel their best through massage therapy and Reiki healing at my business in Lake Barrington called Relaxation Station.
Admittedly, I’m surprised (and a little disappointed) that it has taken me 35 years to reconnect with Rotary International, but now I feel more than ever that it is my turn to ‘pay it forward’.