Lynn Hillstead, Orem-Lindon Rotary President speaks during lunch
On March 9, 2022, I had the opportunity to attend the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club luncheon where I was introduced as the new president of the Utah Valley University (UVU) Rotaract, a student club that works under the Orem-Lindon Rotary club.
During this luncheon, Rotary Club officials discussed updates on previous, current, and upcoming service projects hosted by the Orem-Lindon club. We also discussed the current efforts of the international Rotary Club is pursuing to assist with humanitarian aid for the current war in Ukraine. Myself and my fellow UVU Rotarians, were also invited to attend the upcoming Regional Rotary Club two-day leadership conference in May 2022. I look forward to attending this conference and learning more about the impact the Rotary Club has internationally and how I can bring back what I learn to UVU students and my fellow UVU Rotarians.
During my introduction, I was able to discuss my recent meeting with (Insert Name), the OAS Ambassador of Peru. I expressed my desire and goal to provide this new connection, along with the connections Mr. Ambassador is willing to provide to the OAS Ambassadors of Guatemala and Mexico, as a way for the UVU Rotaract, Orem-Lindon Rotary Club, and perhaps our Rotary Club Region to connect with local Rotary Clubs and educational institutions in Mexico and Guatemala to assist in alleviating challenges the mountain communities in these regions face.
Tristin Juarez-Smith speaks during luncheon
As this was my first time interacting with not just the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club, but the Rotary Club as an international organization, I understand the learning curve I have over the next few weeks. However, I look forward to learning more about the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club and the International Rotary Club organization, along with the knowledge and leadership skills I will learn from the Rotarians I have the opportunity to work with. I am excited to bring back what I learn from these influential Rotarians to my fellow UVU students and use my position to inspire change and provide international aid to mountain communities throughout the world, especially in the mountain regions of Guatemala and Mexico.
Tristin Juarez-Smith, UVU Rotaract President
