By Brian Rocha, a member of the Rotary Club of Goleta, California, and District 5240 Public Relations Chair

I’ve done a bit of traveling in my life. But recently, I got an urge to turn my travel experience into something much more rewarding. I wanted to travel not just to travel, but to make an impact and make a difference in the world.

I pitched the idea to my Rotary club and Rotary International, and they were in full support. Support in terms of moral support. I financed the trip myself. So last year, I began an eight month journey visiting several different countries around the world, capturing pictures and video throughout the experience.

The most rewarding part of the journey was the ability to leverage my passion for travel and make an impact through Rotary. There are many people who do not know what Rotary is, so my mission was threefold. I wanted to educate others on Rotary through online media (blogs, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter). I wanted to show Rotary members the impact we are making around the world. And I hoped to inspire those who are already members, while reaching others who might become interested in being a member.

I am now settling back into life in Santa Barbara, California. In addition to continuing to support some of the projects I assisted with on my world trip, I am continuing my passion for service back home through becoming more involved in Rotary projects within my community. It is my sincere hope that others will find their passion, and realize their ability to make a difference in the world, through Rotary.

Give to The Rotary Foundation to support projects like the ones shown on Brian’s journey. Every gift, from every Rotarian, makes a world of difference. Interested in joining Rotary? Find a club near you.