Sunday, March 26, 2006
I was present at the Campcraft Competition Finals 2006 to support our Boys team. And as much as the occassion was a great one, it was pretty much destroyed by our own cadets. Nevertheless, it was still a great feeling knowing that we have managed to continue our proud tradition of competing in the finals, rather than just being there to take a look. Of course, our thick-skinned friends from a particular unit decided that preparing for the next competition was more important than face value, as such were down in full force trying to gain a few pointers from other teams, yet not realising their greatest downfall might probably have been their arrogance, over and above their campcraft skills.
Being close to where the teams were seated for the prize presentation, the atmosphere was magnificent. The sense of hope. The tears flowed freely. For those who were utterly disappointed. For those who won. Not wanting to hear their school's name till the end. In NPCC, no other event comes close to the kind of passion people put into Campcraft Competition. It is the competition everyone wants to win. The gold trophy every unit wishes to possess. This year, that prize went to Tanjong Katong Secondary School and Nanyang Girls High School. Congratulations to them, for I certainly felt they deserved it. What impressed me most was not just their amazing campcraft skills. But rather, the kind of school-spirit both possessed. Their supporters singing and cheering themselves hoarse for the team. The kind of pride and confidence they had in their teams. That is what I want to see in my unit. They have set the benchmark for us to emulate. We need to work hard, to strive more determinedly to get there. Rather than complaining and whining about not being victorious, clean forgeting what being gracious in defeat is all about. With that, I suppose this journey that is Campcraft Competition has been brought to a close. The valuable lessons, I shall hold close to my heart, and hope that in 2 years time, I will be able to be present at the finals once again- to cheer my school on with all my heart.
Moving on, I get totally annoyed when people put their MSN Messenger identification or personal messages as something along the following line. "Anyone wants to be a ci please let me know" Because to me, that is total and complete disrespect of the Cadet Inspector rank. Holding that rank has seen so many of us put in great amounts of effort and degrees of determination. To hope to make a difference in one's life. Yet, here are people 'selling' this rank around as though anyone was suitable to don it. I may not know for other units. But, I am extremely sure, that in Zhonghua NPCC Unit, cadets do not choose to serve us. We choose who we wish to bring back as instructors. And for that same reason, I would stop saying that I wish to be an officer of the Singapore Armed Forces. Because I know nuts about what responsibilities come with that rank.
On a sidenote, it was nice to start receiving birthday gifts 2 weeks before. First one came from a cadet, which I must say was a surprise. But, was immediately linked to being in a relationship with her. Terrible that even instructors and teachers joined in the teasing. Second one came in the form of an angbao from my paternal relatives.
Reminiscence the past, cherish the present, look forward to the future with hope.
8:11 pm
TK Campcraft trainer
