1 week ago, on the 22nd August, I ORD-ed. It was kinda surreal. I've been looking forward to it so much, but when it finally came, it just felt so... insignificant. Just the end of another phase. Like when you graduate from a school.
But still, two years! I've met a lot of people, learnt a lot of life skills, and suffered enough to know that sometimes, pushing through your limits can bring out better from you. Let me summarise my BMT story.
I enlisted into Falcon Coy 04/11 batch during 23rd August 2011. From that day on, it was a new lifestyle. We religiously had PT everyday. We got tekan by commanders. Our IPPT was our self worth. You see "garang kias" and "wayang kings" and learn how to "do anything but not get caught". It was a phase that got me to learn to be more flexible, since I was always by the book in the past. I learnt not to be so stubborn, maybe a little less selfish back in Tekong. My section was the best I could've wished for. Especially our leader, Qaiser, who taught me the most and encouraged me. He was one of the best men I know, and if possible, I know I still have much to learn from his ever optimistic attitude and selflessness.
Then came unit life in 30SCE. I was pushed to my physical limits here by my commanders, and ended up with an IPPT Gold even though I failed all my previous attempts. I managed to do all the SOC stations with encouragement from all my fellow section mates. We went through so many field camps, dug so many shell scrapes did so much "saigang" together. A few people truly taught and helped me a lot. Xiu Hao, who taught me to smile and laugh no matter how adverse circumstances are. LS, who despite being the cheekiest guy I know, would never let anyone down. Joshua, my best friend in camp who would always listen to my troubles. Zelin, who always gave me a hand in anything I do. Chee Weng and Yong Jin, who believed me when others didn't. Commanders like Yong Kang and Marcus, who believed in me and pushed me physically for my best. There are many others I would like to thank as well, but for a summary, it's getting long. So I shall conclude.
It was a tough two years. But I believe that in the end, it's the process that shaped us. So the end probably just felt empty, because all the feelings had been put through during all the things we do. What's most important is that we learn the positive qualities from the people we met, the ones who always are there for us. And to do for others what they did for us. Inspire others. That's what it means to grow from "Ah Boy to Man".
Straight after my ORD, I started studying Mechanical Engineering in PSB Academy. Right now, I just finished my first week. It's a bit of a culture shock, considering how I transited from soldier to student in a day, but I'll manage. Student life is different. But in a good way. I still have much to get used to.
But I'll pull through. That's what NS taught me the most about: to pull through, because it'll one day be over.
"Suffering is the price we for being alive, and it's not negotiable. All we can do is accept it and move on. The very worst thing we can do is feel sorry for ourselves." I don't have the luxury for to feel sorry for myself. Time to crack the whip.
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