My Rotary Journey: A Memoir of a Rotary International Ambassador - Tapa blanda

In 1990, Rotarians from Busan, Korea, gave Wooj Byun a new life. Their gift? A Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarship. With this simple gesture, they created a path for Byun to become an American student, lawyer, global citizen—and Rotarian.From that moment, Byun was committed to Rotary's motto of “service above self.” Originally joining Rotary to pay back his scholarship, he quickly embraced the organization's giving spirit. In My Rotary Journey, Byun details tutoring a group of elderly Korean immigrants so they could earn their US citizenship, writing books to help Koreans in the US understand the legal system, and tirelessly cheerleading for Rotary locally, nationally, and internationally as president of the Rotary Club in Edina, Minnesota. With his own brand of wit and an observational style that could only come from a true global citizen, Byun shares his heartfelt, humorous personal stories, inspiring others to become Rotarians and take up the call of service above self.

“A past Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar and Past President of the Rotary Club of Edina, Wooj Byun, has filled his book with the kind of warmth and humor that Wooj brings to life every day. He is proud of his Korean heritage, his family, and his affiliation with Rotary International, and he shares this pride in a delightful way. An easy read, Wooj's stories will make you laugh . . . make you cry . . . and help you understand the joy and commitment to Rotary and Service Above Self that has become the life of Wooj Byun.” —Sandra Schley, Rotary International District 5950 Governor (2009-2010) “Take a look at yourself, and America, through the eyes of Woodrow 'Wooj' Byun's wry, witty and charming memoir and you may never see yourself, or America, in quite the same way again. Wooj, born to a Korean elementary school teacher and homemaker, but who 'may be a Scandinavian' (you'll have to read the book), came to Minnesota to go to law school in his late twenties, and neither he nor Minnesota have been the same since. He learned much about America. Sample bits of wisdom: 'Americans didn't fart' and 'Microwave oven is a must have in the American kitchen.' We gained a lawyer, writer, family man and all around compassionate human being. If you doubt, read his funny and touching account of helping 120 Korean grandparents pass U.S. citizenship interview. You'll have to read the book.” — Paul Zerby, former Assistant Attorney General of Minnesota/former Minneapolis City Councilman; Author of The Grass.“Hearing Wooj's Rotary story touched me; reading the details inspired me. As a Rotarian myself who is committed to the mission and activities of Rotary, I find Wooj's story most compelling and interesting. His memoir brings Rotary to life, reinforces its impact and makes it all so real. The memoir carries not only great stories but it also conveys important messages, too.” — Irene Kelly, Rotary International District 5950 Assistant Governor (2011-2012) “Wooj shares his tales of living in Minnesota in an entertaining and heartfelt manner. His stories offer a window into his formative years in Korea and illustrate how the values his parents imparted to him shaped his life as a Rotarian in the U.S. Wooj's heartwarming stories paint a picture of someone who truly lives his life within the Rotary's motto of 'Service above Self.' His loyalty and integrity are a constant thread throughout the book. He maintains a positive attitude and a can-do spirit even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles. After reading the story of this 'Almost Scandinavian', it is clear that Wooj has touched—and changed—countless lives over the years, starting with his own as a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar.” — Diann Kirby, International District 5950 Governor (2013-2014) "This book is a compelling story of giving and receiving. Helping people find their ways and being a friend to all peoples! Wooj and his story are both gift to making the world a better place. Read it, reflect on it, and be inspired by it!" — Thomas J. Winninger, CSMA and bestselling author of six books and believer.