Posted by Laurie Oakland on Feb 12, 2018
My name is Laurie Oakland, and I’m a retired mortgage broker in Rancho Bernardo.
 
Though I currently live in Escondido, I remain tied to the Rancho Bernardo Sunrise Rotary Club; a group I made part of my life in 2006.
 
I originally joined Rotary International for three simple reasons: to give back, to meet and work with successful people, and to be a part of something that has a global impact. But I quickly realized I’d signed on to something MUCH bigger.
 
Because belonging to Rotary means passing everything you think, say and do through a filter that asks:
 
• Is it the truth?
• Is it fair to all concerned?
• Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
• Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
 
Meaning my membership there almost instantly transformed my thought process and pushed me to do the right thing, even when nobody was watching. And though my personal philosophy already leaned in those directions, surrounding myself with others with the mindset of helping others in need pushed me to become the best version of myself.
 
Today I don’t get to participate as much as I might like, but the positive impact Rotary has had on my life and my views continues. Because even though I’m not in Tijuana building a house for the homeless, or handing out dictionaries to third graders, or even pouring beer at Rancho Beernardo, I’m still part of Rotary…and it’s part of me.
 
I’m able to share its philosophies with everyone in my circles, and the friends and positive outlook I’ve gained from the RB Sunrise Rotary Club are the first thing I consider when I awaken, and the last thing on my mind when going to sleep.
 
Whatever your age, politics, race, gender, or religion, there’s something for you in Rotary. Join me, and become a part of it.