We are so very proud of the essays that came when we were awarding a walking spot along the Rotary float in the Pasadena Rose Parade on New Years Day. We'd like to feature three more. One from Rotaractor Devyn Bolger and the other from Past District Governor Karl Kruse and lastly Rotarian John E. Rodenhausen.
Devyn Bolger, SDSU Rotaract Club
Don’t Miss the Bus
As District Governor Luis Carranza speaks about the theme "Don't Miss the Bus," it reminds me that Rotary isn't just an organization, it's a legacy, journey, and an opportunity that arrives at just the right moment in our lives when we are ready to grow. For me, that moment began long before I officially joined Rotaract. It started with my mom.
When my mom was in college, she had been an active member of her Rotary club, and she had the unforgettable experience of helping to prepare flowers for the Rose Parade float. I grew up hearing from her about early mornings, teamwork, laughter, and pure joy, contributing to something much greater than one's own life. To her, Rotary wasn't only service; it was family, purpose, and community. And those stories became part of my understanding of what it means to serve, even before I ever attended a meeting.
This year, I finally had the opportunity to follow in her footsteps. Transferring into SDSU, I knew I wanted to be part of Rotaract, but at that time, I didn’t feel ready to commit. For me, being a part of Rotary has always meant something serious and long-standing, not just showing up but showing up with intention, dependability, and heart. I didn’t want to join until I knew I could give my full effort and honor the values my mom had instilled in me through her own Rotary experience. "Don't Miss the Bus" doesn't only mean seizing opportunities quickly but also, sometimes, it means waiting for the right moment so that when you step on, you are ready to stay on the journey. Saying yes to Rotaract this year felt like stepping into something I've been preparing for my whole life. I felt that sense of belonging right away, which I had always heard about, Rotary is a family. Being around people who deeply care about service, leadership, and making the world better has opened my heart and reminded me why I wanted to be part of this community in the first place.
Joining Rotaract has already become one of the most meaningful decisions I’ve made in college. It is an opportunity that connects me not only to the present but also to my mom’s legacy of service. The idea that I now have the chance to walk in the 2026 Rose Parade, an event she once helped bring to life, feels like a full-circle moment. It represents both honoring the past and embracing the future. Saying yes to Rotaract was my “don’t miss the bus” moment. And now, every day I feel thankful I am part of something greater than myself, continuing a tradition of service and making my own impact as my mom did years ago.
PDG Karl Kruse, Rotary Club of Rancho Bernardo Sunrise
My First “Bus Ride”
I was twelve years old. Seventh grade. I knew a little about Rotary because my dad was a Rotarian. I had heard stories of Rotary service and kindness but had not experienced the Rotary spirit, yet. Back to the seventh grade: there was a track meet at school, and we were practicing high jumping. My best friend and classmate, Donnie, ran towards the jump bar, lifted off the ground, and landed awkwardly on his right arm, shattering it. We had term papers due the following week, and Donnie was unable to use his arm, let alone type his paper. I offered to type Donnie’s term paper, and I did. After several “re-dos” and corrections, I finished Donnie’s paper. He received full credit, and I received that special moment of feeling good about helping others. Looking back, that is when I got on “the bus” …experiencing that extraordinary moment of service that has been my heart and soul ever since.
Sadly, Donnie died of cancer 29 years ago. During my last conversation with him, shortly before he passed, he reminded me of the term paper incident! I realized then, as I do today, that one may never know the impact of helping others, but if you do, you have not “missed the bus.” So now, 68 years after my first “bus ride” I am proud of my service in Rotary. Rotary has given me the opportunity to administer the polio vaccine in India, build a house in Tijuana, support dental teams in Ensenada, feed the hungry, assist our veterans, seniors, students, the homeless. The list goes on. I am so glad that I didn’t miss the bus those 68 years ago. One friend, one term paper, one reaching out to another, one special memory. It’s been a wonderful ride on the bus! And it’s still in motion!
John E. Rodenhausen - Rotary Club of Carlsbad
The Rotary Story
After my wife Nancy — my soulmate of 56 years — passed away, I was offered the opportunity to join (or rather, rejoin) the Rotary Club of Carlsbad. The grief of losing someone you’ve shared a lifetime with is beyond comprehension. Yet, becoming part of Rotary has given me a new sense of purpose and a way to make my days and nights brighter.
Through Rotary, I’ve discovered that giving back not only helps others but also helps me heal. One of my most meaningful experiences has been volunteering with a local high school program in Carlsbad. Our Rotary team works with students preparing for their next steps — college, business, and beyond. In each session, I share both Rotary’s mission and lessons from my 70 years in business. Seeing the students’ enthusiasm and reading their letters of appreciation — along with their posts on social media — has shown me how deeply our guidance can impact young lives.
Beyond that, the Carlsbad Rotary keeps me active in many ways: weekly business meetings with local restaurants, community clean-ups along streets and beaches, and countless other projects that bring people together. Our efforts are often met with warm smiles and simple “thank you's” from neighbors — reminders that small acts of service truly matter. My grieving continues, but Rotary has given me something precious: a reason to get up each day and make a difference. It has helped me transform loss into purpose, sadness into service, and loneliness into connection. Rotary has not just changed my days — it has helped me rediscover life itself.