Choosing Hope: Reflections from Superintendent Andrea Castañeda’s Visit

On August 28, our club had the privilege of welcoming Superintendent and fellow Rotarian, Andrea Castañeda. Andrea shared a profound message, urging us to choose hope over despair in our schools and communities. Her words were a reminder of the power of optimism and the importance of treating one another with dignity and respect—values that lie at the heart of Rotary.

After her presentation, Andrea expressed her vision to bring community leaders together, united by the belief in treating everyone with respect. These guiding principles resonate deeply within Rotary, where we commit to embody these values with each other and our guests at every meeting. Her message felt particularly timely, as we look toward our meeting on November 6, just one day after the elections. In times when differences are highlighted, I hope others will join us in focusing on our common ground, finding strength in the shared values that connect us.

Our experience hosting international students and adults through Rotary has shown us that we are more alike than different. These connections remind us of the common bond Rotarians share—a bond of fellowship and service that transcends cultural and personal differences.

Let us continue sharing Rotary with friends and family so they, too, can experience the sense of belonging Andrea described so eloquently. We choose relationships and community over division. In our ever-connected world, may we follow her call to uplift one another, fostering unity within our club, throughout our community and world.