Saturday, July 05, 2008
#editted.3RD JULY 2008, MARKS THE END OF MY NCC LIFE.
OFFICIAL RETIREMENT DAY.
A senior once told us that we would find our best friend in NCC.
We didnt believe it. We didnt even understand it.
Three and a half years ago, I joined the National Cadet Corps. Without even knowing what NCC was, standing a head shorter than my current height, and being slightly underweight. I even got a Bronze award for my NAPFA. I wasnt the ideal Part A Cadet that NCOs want.
We were warmly "welcomed" by Ma'ams Eileen and Wenting who taught us what KID was on our first training - Knock It Down, to be exact. I was horrified by the push ups, and by them.
It was them, however, who made me learn what endurance and determination really meant. I couldnt master push ups, and I couldnt perfect my drills, but it doesnt matter. I learnt values that had never crossed my mind before. I learnt things that can never be taught in a classroom. I learnt how to iron my own uniform. I learnt how to polish my own boots. I learnt how to do drills. I learnt how to shout commands. I even learnt how not to cry my way home and complain to mummy that i just got pumped again.
During Part B, I went through Camp FEAST, Civil Defence Course and even Mount Ophir expedition. I was surprised to know that I could actually open a stretcher, carry a fire extinguisher and climb a mountain. It has always been pleasant to realise that each time I try to push myself to the limits, I unleash a bit more of the potential within me. I discover my own strengths and I start to know myself better.
I will never forget that particular day when Ma'ams Eileen and Wenting screamed at us. They said a lot of things. They told us that we really suck. That hurts, even till now, but what's worse was the tone of disappointment I could sense in their voices. They were right. We really sucked back then, and I hope they have heard about the Silver award we got for last year's Best Unit Competition. They will be so pleased.
I couldnt tell you how sad I was when they had to leave us for their A levels exams. They never came back anymore. It was then that I realised that I really look up to them. Without them, I dont seem to have a goal anymore. I wished we had the chance to say a big thank you and sorry to them. For everything that we've done and have not.
Part C was the most interesting year of my NCC life. It has the most ups and downs. It's also the time when our platoon became really cool, fighting to be timers and ICs, trying to show everyone how great a leader we can be. I remember how happy and thrilled I was when I held the first medal that I've ever received. It says NATIONAL CADET CORPS CHALLENGE QUEST 2007 OVERALL CHAMPION. I cherish it so much that I look at it every day. Even till now. I also remember how depressed I was when I didnt get the post that I've worked really hard for.
Specialists Course, the camp which bonded our platoon. For the first time, we talked. For the first time, we laughed. For the first time, we told one another about how much we hated each other during Part A and B. For the first time, we had a meal together. Specialists Course was a beautiful memory. It reminds me that all my efforts had paid off. The moment when I held my 2SG rank, nothing else really matters anymore. Specialists Course was also a painful memory. It reminds me that I was once a Best Cadet nominee, but never good enough to get an award.
Then 20072007 came. At that time I wasnt too excited when I took over the platoon, Part A '07. After all, it wasnt the post that I wanted. I spent a lot of time feeling resentful at everything. I asked myself what exactly had gone wrong, so wrong that I landed so far away from where I had reached for. Now, I really regretted it. If I had another chance, I would proudly march in front of the platoon and command it. If possible, I would even smile.
Being a Platoon Sergeant was not as easy as I had expected. There were times when I felt so demoralised that I wanted to give up. Then I thought of the Ma'ams, the seniors and many others. I thought of the passion that I used to have for NCC. I dont want the game to be over yet.
I couldnt remember when the turning point was, but the platoon miraculously improved. In terms of attendance, in terms of drills, in terms of attire, in terms of attitude. They have tranformed, and I'm even starting to like them. I felt that my post wasnt that bad after all. I've also thoroughly enjoyed myself on the one and only gathering we have ever had.
Time really flies. Sighs, taking over is never easy, stepping down is tougher. It's now time to say goodbye. I want to sincerely thank the Sirs, Ma'ams, seniors, my platoonmates, my Part Bs '08 and everyone else in the unit. You have made me become who I am today. I hope I've not disappointed anyone with my SSG rank and yellow lanyard. I'm very pleased with the post that I was given. I'm glad that I didnt give up during the times that were almost unbearable. I may not have done a great job, but I've got no regrets because I tried my best.
I also want to specially thank the Part Ds '08. You all made me understand what true friends are. I'll miss the times when we squeezed together on the one tiny bed during camps and talk about nothing in particular. I'll miss the times when we proudly held our ranks and ate at pizza hut, not forgetting how much we stank and how noisy we were. I'll miss the times when we had our trash out talks at KFC, it's through these talks that we became more bonded, that we are able to become better leaders. I'll miss the times when we are able to camwhore in no.3 and no.4 at almost anytime, anywhere. I'll never forget the fun times that we've shared. I know after ORD some things can never be the same again, ever. I also know that regardless of what I'll never forget this bunch of wonderful girls who survived through three and a half years of NCC life with me, who taught me how to be a better friend.
Lastly, I want to say that I guess the senior was right. I've indeed found my best friends in NCC.
and then I took off my no.4 uniform for the last time.
再见了，NCC.
My name is Corrine and I dont think I really know who I am anymore. This is my blog, and maybe from here you'll find that I'm not exactly like the Corrine you used to think you knew.
I CuddleThings
New shoes. New bags. New slippers. New handphone. New clothes. Good grades. Sleep. Food. My bolster. NCCG IS DA LOVEEE!
ParadeRubbish
Studying. Hunger. Penniless. Sleepy.
A LineDropped Me
Freestyle Drill Team
PART D GIRLS!
PART C GIRLS!
Amanda
Anlee
Chanyiting
Charlene
Charmain
Eugene
Eunice
Evia
Fangqi
Fishy
Hariz
Huashu
Huayyee
Huiyu
Hwele :D
JaneChai!
Janice!
Jason
Jeewang
Jiaqi
Jiayi
Jiayun
Jinhui
JOCELYN
Joyce
June
Kiathoon
Leong
Maggie
May
Mengting
Meilin :D
Peiting
Ruichen
Sarah
Supernumerary
FourOne'08
Tracy
TwoTwo'06
Vannie
Weixin
WEST DISTRICT!
Xinyi
Yanlin
Yanting
YEECHING! :D
Yunian
ParadeMore Rubbish
A SongSang
Hello Kitty, Play with us today.
We'll laugh and sing on this lovely sunny day.
All your friends are waiting for you, ready to run and play.
Everyone will gather round. This is what they'll say:
"When we see your friendly smile, you brighten up our day."
Oh! Hello, Hello Kitty, Hello's your friend.
Your smile is pretty like a flower that's in bloom.
Love is in your heart. It sings a happy tune.
Hello, Hello Kitty. Play with us today.
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