10 short years ago, I joined a Rotary Club. I was 27 years old and brand new to the Pacific Northwest. I found myself at the starting line of work in the nonprofit field. I had no friends and even fewer business contacts. The only things I brought with me were a deep desire to give back, an outsized hope to make an impact, and a selfish wish to create my own legacy.  

I also held a preconceived notion about service clubs. Shortly after landing a job at Kent Youth and Family Services as the fund developer and communication director, a dear friend of mine from Oklahoma asked, “Are you going to join a Rotary club?” I laughed sarcastically and said, “Am I old enough?”  

A month into my new job, I was approached by the Rotary Club of Kent about membership. My boss urged me to join. In fact, his command was hidden away in my job description. Reluctantly, I headed for a noon meeting on a Tuesday at a country club. Walking through the doors, I felt awkward, out of place, and instantly reminded of my youth. I loathed feeling this way.  

I sat with the member who graciously invited me and was introduced to the club. They sneered and hated that I was from Oklahoma. The hatred for the newly acquired Oklahoma City Thunder from Seattle was palpable in the room. I kindly reminded the room, “that you cannot steal what someone else is giving away.”  

After the meeting was over, I returned to my car and found myself mentally torn. In that room, I felt relaxed, but also found myself struggling. Was this the avenue of service for me? I could not confidently answer that question in the heat of the moment, but I promised myself to give it a few more weeks.  

With a decade in the rearview mirror, I am so proud I kept an open mind and challenged myself to step outside of my comfort zone. Many of the members of the Rotary Club of Kent are some of my best friends. When I moved to Los Angeles, Rotarians were the first connections I attempted to cement in my new home. Walking into a meeting of the Downtown Los Angeles Rotary Club, I felt strangely confident and experienced. I have learned a lot in the last 10 years. I belonged.  

Now, I find myself back in Seattle. The most challenging part of the last year has been the unsettled feeling. Without a job, I feared committing myself to almost anything. I had no idea where we would call home or what community I wanted to invest my energy. With the fear of work retired and a home secured, I am ready to come home.  

As I do, I will remember that nervous kid walking into his first meeting overcome with anxious excitement. I will remember those times I felt frustrated and the thought of walking away from the club crossed my mind. I will remember all those who choose not to join because of the unnecessary barriers we place at their feet. I will join changed by time and experience, but I will join with a commitment to serve. That has never changed.  

Be good to each other,  

Nathan  

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