Rotaract's "Godfather" on Life, Existence and Plans for the Future

This person is not just a RAC member, not just an officer, who took all possible offices from Secretary to DRR, not just an active and positive figure. He is the energy of Ukrainian Rotaract, its inspiration, driving force, its name and good reputation abroad. He is the soul of Rotaract. He is Roman Palash.

– When did you first learn about Rotaract? When did it happen? Why did you decide to get involved?

– It happened at the beginning of 2000 by accident when I heard from Pavel Kashkadamov’s conversation about a wonderful opportunity for a person with a good command of German to go on an internship to Germany for a few months. As I found out later, he talked about a program of Ukraine-Germany Committee of District 2230 – a one-year internship for young professionals.

The role of a scholar was limited to functions of a goodwill ambassador, representative of a cultural layer and builder of cross-cultural relations. As a result, for almost a year I was a regular attendee of Rotaract Club of Karlsruhe’s meetings, District 1930, Germany. After coming back, I was hinted that a similar club existed in Lvov, too. As I found out later, “the charter member” of this club was Anton Palash, who in addition to that turned out to be my “charter brother”. He brought me to RAC Lvov and in a few months I officially joined the club. 

– What was your most interesting experience in Rotaract? Your brightest project, trip or adventure.

– That is not possible to list... Rotaract is such a unique and cool organization uniting many-sided people that all you need to do is just avoid staying home, but to make friends, travel and look around. Even the most ordinary trip can change into fireworks of emotions and impressions! I DIDN’T HAVE the most interesting experience in Rotaract, I’m HAVING IT now. It happens every day in the process of carrying out projects, conversations with colleagues, those whom we help and those whose support we ask for. 

Rotaract in its nature is the constant accumulation of all-round experience that never stops. Rotaract is a small copy of life which with time becomes a huge part of your life, and that’s why experience comes all the time. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes – sad, but we’re getting smarter and more experienced. In this way, one of the three basic Rotaract goals is being reached – developing yourself as a person.  

– What do you like the most about the organization, your club? Why is your club so special?

– The strongest emotions come to me in Rotaract, because I do not think, do not believe, do not hope, but firmly KNOW: while turning a globe and putting my finger somewhere, I’ll get to that place where I have friends, because it has Rotaract in it.

It’s an incredible feeling, when you name different countries of the world and recall the smiling faces of your friends, living in each of them. And also in a smaller scale – in Ukraine, when I have some time and miss my friends, I pick up a cell phone and call to one of the cities, saying, “I’ll come over to you today (tomorrow). May I?” I do not feel any geographical distances of my Motherland, because wherever I am, I know it’s just within a few hours journey from my friends. 

Talking more pragmatic? Thanks to Rotaract, I met with the whole army of strong, successful, and in some way famous people, saw their best parts, without being too official or looking at them through shop-windows, but meeting in person. I hope I’ve learned something from them J My club is special, because it’s just unforgettable. Become its member and make sure! The Lvov atmosphere itself makes us so special!

– What did Rotaract give you? What did you learn and teach others?

– Being in Rotaract, I learned to understand all parties involved, strive for a dialogue, and try to find good and wise in everything. Owing to the club, I made dozens of true friends, unexpected experience in numerous issues, which I wouldn’t touch if not being in Rotaract, as well as a reason for being content with myself.

– What motivates you the most in life?

– Maybe spending time with people and opening something new things every day. I love to discover the world from a brand new side every day. And without repeating myself – the worldwide system of Rotaract clubs helps me greatly in it.

– What could you wish our guests and new members of the clubs? What should they begin with?

– I would wish them endurance, patience and an effective dialogue with everybody for the sake of the set goal. I would wish them to learn how to work for the common good, while reaching their own aspirations. The most important thing is to look around and notice situations and places, where you can easily, quickly and effectively change something for the better. 

Apparently, the most precious skill is the ability to estimate your potential and carry out a big work as a sum of small steps. Nobody said we should do something grandiose in a week. This is done by many people and organizations, striving for publicity. We will be able to become the best, when doing something small, but in the right place and in the right time. And no doubt it should bring you lots of fun! 

– What do you plan for the future?

– To live.

Translated from Ukrainian