By David McLaughlin, Rotary Club of Slidell Northshore, as interviewed by Assistant Governor Linda Larkin, Lake East Territory: 

Rotary is something I was introduced to by Linda Larkin years ago when an impromptu "Lunch?" text from me turned into an invitation to attend a Rotary Club meeting. At the time, I did not know much about Rotary, but I sort of had it in my head that I should join a civic organization where I could become more involved in the community. When I learned that Rotary International's motto is "Service Above Self," I leaned in a little more. It still took some time and a few gentle reminders from Linda to finally open that email about Rotary, but eventually I joined the club.

At a recent Rotary meeting, I arrived just as it was starting which is, well, typical for me. Unless I wanted to sit alone, the only open seat was at a table with three other members who work in the same industry I do. A fourth joined us moments later. Picture it: Slidell, 2026, five competitors from the real estate world sitting at the same table. "So much for networking," I thought.

What happened next was pretty incredible. Instead of talking business, we spent the meeting focused on how we could work together to assist underserved members of our community. Real estate never even came up. It was a powerful reminder that while we may compete in our professions, we share a much greater common purpose. Rotary has a unique way of bringing people together around that mission. When we recognize that we have far more that unites us than divides us, we can harness that unity to make a meaningful difference and advance the greater good in the communities we serve.

I've also come to realize something else: when you help others, you're helping yourself too. Not in a financial sense or for recognition, but in the way service gives you perspective, purpose, and connection. There is something deeply rewarding about knowing you've made someone else's day a little easier or their burden a little lighter. Service Above Self may be Rotary's motto, but the truth is that when we serve others, we receive an almost existential satisfaction in return. And for me, that's what it's all about.