joie de viv-re

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Why discipline and determination is so important.

I read a letter on the back pages of The Sunday Times today with much interest. It was written by this Secondary 4 guy who claimed he was in NPCC and hated the regimentation of this CCA. He had wanted to quit, but was not allowed to. While I was reading it, I could not help but relate him to the so many cadets over the past few years who have wanted to quit from NPCC in Zhonghua. And while some of them have lost their interest, some simply cannot accept the disciplinary measures which the Unit takes. Despite losing my interest in NPCC when I was in Secondary 2, the thought of quiting never crossed my mind. And that is the exact same reason why I detest people who do so, or try to do so.

Because that is simply the coward's way out. It is totally whimpy.

Not liking something is never the excuse for us not to do something. Not being able to adapt should never be the reason to quit. It just shows how one's character is. When the person cannot even accept discipline. Especially for guys. I hate the sight of a guy crying just because he had to do 15 push-ups. Is he going to National Service in future to cry at any punishments he is going to get. Or the rebellious nature of some cadets. I would simply love to see how they adapt to National Service. When they have to spend 24 hours with their Sergeants. That is why I believe discipline and determination is so important in our lives. We need someone to keep us in track. We need to have the perseverance to go on even when the odds are stacked against us.

With myself enlisting for National Service in just a year's time, I know I will meet with many obstacles I have never experienced before. And with much regimentation, leaving for little personal space. But coming through 4 amazing years in my Unit, I know I am ready to handle what they have to throw at me. And not cry and complain at the slightest injustice done to me. And be unlike so many Junior College guys. Who get angry just because they have to run 3 rounds around the track as punishment.

And for the very same reason, I will stop believing in the purpose of NPCC the day punishments are no longer allowed. Because it was created for the very purpose of training rugged youths, developing them and nurturing them to face harsher realities of their lives in future.

Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
2:46 pm

Comments: Post a Comment