Seven a.m. rarely existed for me after I finished school and I can't recall a sunrise I saw by choice until Diane and Rita invited me to do a presentation about my experiences in Africa to the Sunrise Rotary Club.
 
So once, twice, three times, and I'm sure once more – I hit that snooze alarm that cold December Thursday morning. As I dragged my body through my morning routine, I wondered to myself, "who in their right mind wakes up this early, while these glorious minutes for sleeping are wasted on being awake?"  I arrived at Sven Erickson's lower level (now the Keg) five minutes late (as per usual!) and got my answer. I am sure my appearance made some people look twice as I walked in, but I was warmly welcomed but also in shock; not only were people willing to get up at this ghastly hour, but they also seemed genuinely happy about it. After gulping down a pot of coffee and chatting with these strange people, I actually started to enjoy my time. People were laughing and talking and it seemed like a relaxed atmosphere.

As the vast majority of my presentations have been to youth, speaking to the business community had me a little on edge, but how can you go wrong when you speak from your heart?  What I realized then and now, is that Rotary offered an opportunity for people who work in the community to get to know others, have fun, and take part in international and local projects. After my presentation and then being invited back to enjoy breakfast a couple more times, I realized that Rotary offered a venue that fit some of my perspectives for change on this planet and drew me in to be a Rotarian. First, Rotary isn't religion based. During and after my presentations, I am often asked what organization or church sponsored me to go to Africa. It concerns me that most not-for-profit humanitarian organizations have religious undertones. I wanted to do something that didn't preach, was open to multiple viewpoints, and achieved great humanitarian work across the planet. Second, I believe capitalism is not a bad economic policy, but I don't like the capitalism that exists today; without ethics. I believe that Rotary stands strong on the platform of hard work, individual success -- but humanitarian capitalism; taking what you need and giving back what you can. These are two strong reasons why I joined Rotary (even though meetings are at 7 am!) but if it wasn't for the people that have made it enjoyable to attend with lots of laughs and inclusion of difference, I don't think I would have joined. So thanks to all of you who make getting up before the sun rises an enjoyable experience