As Rotaractors, we have different ways of how we see and define our own unique journey. When asked what’s the best description of Rotaract for her, District Rotaract Representative Dianna Isabelle Desuyo of District 3780 said Rotaract is a platform for infinite opportunities to develop leadership, learn skills, make friends, and give service. It is also like a second family to her where there’s long-lasting friendships and relationships. And although it is not by blood, it sure feels like one.
DRR Dianna has been in the Rotary world for a decade now. She started as an Interactor at E. Rodriguez Jr. High School. During her last year in secondary school, she was sent as a delegate to the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) Training Camp in Phillip’s Sanctuary, Antipolo. It was there where she got further inspired and motivated to continue the journey. And so right after graduating, she immediately joined the Rotaract Club of San Francisco Del Monte Malaya Achievers.
When District 3780 hosted the Pilipinas Rotaract Convention in 2013, Dianna was still quite new to Rotaract but was already given a role in the organizing team as the Liaison Officer. This was a challenging yet exciting role for her as it paved the way for her to get to know more not only about the District but also the whole Philippine Rotaract.
In 2016, she served as All Star President and led her Club into being the Most Outstanding Rotaract Club for Rotary Year 2016-2017. Under her leadership, the Club also garnered many major awards including most outstanding projects in different avenues of service.
Dianna saw the experience as a once in a lifetime journey which propelled her towards taking on key roles in the District level. She served as District Secretary for three consecutive years and District Chief of Staff for one year. During this stint, she successfully led the implementation of several initiatives and projects.
Is there a ‘Rotaract moment’ that you would like to share?
A Rotaractors’ journey is composed of moments, both big and small, that make their personal experience unique, memorable and life-changing. In my 9 years of being a Rotaractor, I have been involved in many projects that tugged my heart. One of the service projects that really stayed in my heart was our 2013 district relief and rehabilitation efforts to some areas ravaged by Super Typhoon Yolanda. We went to the provinces of Samar and Leyte. We stayed there for a week and roamed around places. We were working day in and day out. It was Christmas time. And in our own little way, we hoped to bring some warmth during a time when many people were feeling cold literally and figuratively. This experience further inspired me to continue doing service to our communities.
What advice will you give to the new members of Rotaract?
To new Rotaractors out there, let yourselves get immersed in the wonderful world of Rotaract where opportunities for selfless service and fun fellowships co-exist. Do not be afraid to go beyond your comfort zone and to take on goals that seem to be daunting. The future will be thankful for the seeds that you sow today. Rotaractors are resourceful, innovative, and vibrant. And just like Rotarians, we are People of Action. Make every day count.
What would you like to tell Rotaractors who are facing challenges?
As the famous line of Vince Lombardi says, “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up”. So, if you encounter challenges, what’s important is to face them with all you’ve got and do your best. After all, there will always be a room for improvement and there will always be something to learn. Make use of those to better yourselves and the things that you do.
Now serving as the Life-Changing District Rotaract Representative, Dianna aspires to inspire her fellow Rotaractors to serve and lead with excellence while not forgetting to enjoy the process at the same time. She also intends to drive District 3780 towards achieving its goals.
