November
November has always been an important and special month. Traditionally, it is the month when all the major school examinations in Singapore are held. A month that concludes the year, preceding December, the festive season. Exactly one year ago, I was buried under stacks and piles of notes trying my best to brush up two years worth of H2 PCME content. I am glad I pulled through that tough and trying period. Looking back, I couldn't have prepared better for the exams and am surprised by my own determination.
Exactly a year later, I am entering the last phrase of my NSF trainee days as a bridging specialist. All of us in Bridging Pioneer Commander Course will have to survive the next four weeks with minimum rest and sleep. Finish the course on 3 Dec and pass out as a 3SGT on 17 Dec. Being in the army, I have unknowingly allowed my alter-ego to take over me. Rather than giving 110% effort in everything, I do the bare minimum to get the job done. Maybe in the future I will look back and regret my decision of not giving my best to be an officer. But as it is now, no regrets yet.
I believe many feel NS is a waste of time, time which otherwise could have been used to pursue further studies and to engage in other fruitful activities. While I can empathise with them, the six months spent in the army has allowed me to reflect on my actions and decisions in the past few years. To some extent, I believe NS have made me more independent and mature. These two years act as a buffer period for me to contemplate my options seriously before making a decision on which path to take, a decision which would probably define the rest of my life.
The above post may sound rather emotional but I guess I feel better now after typing out my thoughts. Maybe I should talk about some light-hearted stuff now. I have been hanging out with my friends from various stages of my life almost on a weekly basis now. Heh, maybe army has taught all the guys to be more appreciative of their friends and family too. Hence all are quite keen on meeting up to catch up. Looking forward to increased pay, getting my driving license (like finally!) and chalets in December!
Exactly a year later, I am entering the last phrase of my NSF trainee days as a bridging specialist. All of us in Bridging Pioneer Commander Course will have to survive the next four weeks with minimum rest and sleep. Finish the course on 3 Dec and pass out as a 3SGT on 17 Dec. Being in the army, I have unknowingly allowed my alter-ego to take over me. Rather than giving 110% effort in everything, I do the bare minimum to get the job done. Maybe in the future I will look back and regret my decision of not giving my best to be an officer. But as it is now, no regrets yet.
I believe many feel NS is a waste of time, time which otherwise could have been used to pursue further studies and to engage in other fruitful activities. While I can empathise with them, the six months spent in the army has allowed me to reflect on my actions and decisions in the past few years. To some extent, I believe NS have made me more independent and mature. These two years act as a buffer period for me to contemplate my options seriously before making a decision on which path to take, a decision which would probably define the rest of my life.
The above post may sound rather emotional but I guess I feel better now after typing out my thoughts. Maybe I should talk about some light-hearted stuff now. I have been hanging out with my friends from various stages of my life almost on a weekly basis now. Heh, maybe army has taught all the guys to be more appreciative of their friends and family too. Hence all are quite keen on meeting up to catch up. Looking forward to increased pay, getting my driving license (like finally!) and chalets in December!
posted by DX at
Saturday, November 06, 2010
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