Serena Gillespie, a recent graduate of Southwood Secondary School and Rotary Youth Exchange alumna, delivered a heartfelt presentation about her transformative experience at the Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA). Held at the Ecology Retreat Centre in Mono, Ontario, the four-day retreat gathered 30 young leaders to explore personal growth, leadership, and connection. Serena highlighted key activities like team-building games, vulnerability circles, and workshops on values, presentation skills, and legacy. She was especially moved by African drumming, a talk by Paralympian Joshua Cassidy, and encouragement bags filled with anonymous positive messages.

Serena emphasized the importance of authentic leadership through openness, self-care, and connection. She candidly shared her journey overcoming public speaking anxiety and embracing her values of health, growth, and presence. She plans to study Global and International Studies with a minor in Japanese at Carleton University, where she hopes to join Rotaract and continue volunteering. Her future goals include helping future exchange students and deepening her cultural and language knowledge.

She concluded by affirming how deeply RYLA impacted her perspective on leadership and self-growth. The audience was clearly inspired, with several members praising her clarity, passion, and the sense of purpose she radiated. Rotary recognized her with a symbolic thank-you of immunizing 10 children in her name.