Letter from En. Azmi Shahrin, DTM

Thank You For The Incredible Memories

My fellow officers and friends,

We embarked on this adventurous journey almost 366 days ago on 1 July 2007. This ride will end in several hours when the clock strikes midnight. A new team will take over to manage our Toastmasters affairs from the District right down to the Club levels. Some of us may be glad to step away from the shackles of responsibility that had bound us, while some of us may be sad to release the gavel of authority to our successors. Such is the nature of the Toastmasters International leadership program, where members become leaders not for the sake of being leaders but for the sake of learning to be leaders.

Today, as I look back on the 366 days of my term as the Division W Governor I feel happy not by the incredible statistics of our joint accomplishments but I am joyful of the fact that as of today 190 fellow members have achieved an education award, meaning that 190 fellow members can now improve their lives. I am happy that this term we have extended the benefits of the Toastmasters program to 388 new members, meaning that there are now 388 fellow members who will soon improve their lives. Beyond doubt the Toastmasters program is a life-changing program and it is simply incredible that our joint effort had been able to touch and change so many lives for the better.

Despite our success, I am pained by the simple fact that I have not done enough. The evenings I decided not to visit a club, the days I decided not to call a member and ask how she is faring, the nights when I decided to stay away from Toastmasters business, may have been at a great cost of 1 less member achieving an education award and thus improving his life or 1 more new club which could have changed the lives of 20 charter members. I could and should have done more. I know I can. Therefore, I am inconsolable.

I thank my loyal officers serving in the Division W Council who eagerly executed the DWSEP and District Programs and standing in for me as my able and capable lieutenants during 366 sunny days and rainy days of the term. I couldn't have done it without you. I thank the club presidents and officers who welcomed us to their clubs and made us a part of them. Your warm hospitality, your eagerness to hear from us, your respect for us... your everything, made my officers and I feel really special. Most importantly, I thank with all my heart the members who worked diligently preparing the speeches, who struggled to read from the notes, who shone like a lighthouse illuminating the way for other members, who touched my heart with their kind, who squeezed me out of breath, who smiled at me and made me feel so special.. You Make Me Complete.

Soon, Dr Sharon and her team will take over the reins and I wish that you support them, stand by them and live by them upon your honor as man and woman of Toastmasters International. Although, I will not be The Division W Governor anymore, I will always at your service. Please think of me kindly because I think of nothing else but the world of you.

I remain,

Azmi Shahrin
Division W Governor
012-9198557

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