Rotaract-ing Lessons from Kindergarten

Recently, I had a chance to spend 20 minutes of my day-off literally right outside of a colourful corner terrace house located nearby where I live – a kindergarten. It was very unlikely of me, and perhaps pointless to have done so some years back.

As I sat in the comfort of my car parked across the road from this establishment, my thoughts began to wonder – towards the future of Brian (my baby boy) and reminiscence of my own kinder years. While observing the innocence and incomparable energy of these children, it was at that moment in time I realized the significance of our kindergarten years in shaping the knowledge, skills, and attitude of our adult lives. It was these crucial years I feel gave me the initial skills and attitude necessary to succeed in life.

Rotaract was very much like kindergarten to me (pun intended). It was an avenue where I had fun while learning. I realized when I have made (honest) mistakes, I would be advised and coached; and when I made any inexcusable (and naughty) errors, I would be punished or penalized accordingly. In kindergarten, I learned the meaning of holding hands without judging the other boy’s or girl’s background. I think much of what we learned at kindergarten can be applied to the beginning of our Rotaract journey, and here are several examples…

Be open-minded -- When we went to kindergarten, we didn't go with a preconceived notion of what our day would be like. We knew why we were there, but we were open to an infinite number of possibilities. As we begin our Rotaract journey, understand your purpose, but stay open to different perspectives, personalities and opportunities.

Show respect -- Respect for the headmistress, teachers, and other students were critical to a successful kindergarten experience. It is equally so in Rotaract, particularly at the beginning. Show respect at every level and to everyone you meet. It will bring reward beyond measure. Begin by respecting people’s time, priorities and opinions.

Give people some space -- In kindergarten, if someone was drawing or playing building blocks while seated on the floor, it was important to back off and let him or her execute his or her vision. In Rotaract, this concept is equally important. Give members in your club the space they need to show you and others how they envision the building process (of your clubs). We watch and comment, but we do not condemn and destroy.

Know when to talk, and when to listen -- Teachers have always appreciated students who participate, yet many have an equal amount of despise for those who don't know when to be quiet. Managing a voluntary organization today necessitates being a good listener and decision-maker. Listen to your members, Rotarians, other fellow Rotaractors, and of course, your inner-self. The best listeners are often the most successful leaders.

Demonstrate creativity or innovation -- Teachers give students crayons and paper, and ask the children to draw, often without specifying in details what they should draw. In Rotaract, and particularly during the planning stages for a new term, the canvas is yours too. Be creative. Be different. Think out of the box when it comes to club projects and activities. If we can’t come out with something new, we can at least learn from others and innovate from such ideas with our very own colours and point-of-view.

Learn to choose a team -- When playing with others, if we were picked as "captain," we had to decide whom we would pick for our team to ensure the highest chance of success. In Rotaract, assembling the right team is even more important than on the playground. Choose wisely so that the skills and talents of the group are maximized to ensure success.

Lend a hand -- There were days we forgot to bring along our water tumbler to class, a classmate is always willing to share theirs. And when a classmate has no partner to hold hands with while lining up to go for recess, we extend ours so that our class will be the first to move and reach the canteen. In Rotaract, it is unavoidable when one has too many roles and responsibilities to manage in the name of service. Are we ever ready to lend our hand to our members (President, avenue directors and project chairpersons) so that we may execute and accomplish the mission with considerable success?

Forgive and forget -- We may have our unpleasant moments in kindergarten. They were mostly due to the actions and words of other children, from name calling to bullying. Teachers would be the peace-maker and taught us how to apologize to each other. At the beginning of the following week, most grudges were forgotten and we sing the same song together again. We should apologize for any inconvenience or hardship caused to anyone during our pursuits in Rotaract, and having a sincere heart to forgive those who have err in the spirit of humankind.

Don't be a cry-baby -- Last but not least, one of the most important lessons learned in kindergarten was learning not to get upset when things didn't go our way. As our parents and teachers always say, “If you fall for whatever reason, get up (and try again).” Maintaining our composure when things don't go as planned is critical to the success and enjoyment of our Rotaract journey.

It is been said that almost everything we need to know we learn in kindergarten, and I would have to say that I agree wholeheartedly. Think through our issues as a knowledgeable mature person, and if that doesn't work, we just might want to pick up a piece of white paper and crayons, and start thinking like a kindergartner...... Life is as complicated as we want it to be.