Heh today’s an exciting day for teachers, especially so for our Civics Tutor Mr. Gilbert Tay How Yang!
Operation GT was a plan cooked up during a study session with two other friends: to body-surf G. Tay right after Teacher’s Day Celebrations up to the hall stage :D well, we were supposed to be studying, but we couldn’t help it as this “devilish” idea began forming up in our heads. Our chairman (part of the planning) reluctantly agreed to the plans.
Well, the following week before Teacher’s Day, the plan was scrapped, as many didn’t dare to do it (no balls, as some would say), scared that G. Tay will get angry and stuff like that. A little bit disappointed about that- wouldn’t it be a great idea to body-surf our tutor?
Anyway, today. The plan actually went ahead in what we call a spontaneous body-surf; five of us brave souls gave G. Tay the time of his life, as we thanked him in the most unique of all ways- putting him in an exhalted position above our heads :D :D (hope he had as much fun as we did!)
—–
change- the only constant
Wednesday’s class phototaking! Here are some pictures of very cool dudes and babes :D all with very “dao” faces, except for a few buggers here and there who made funny faces.
They should make us wear ties every week; we look so smart!
I love thursdays, cos it’s a day full of learning. After school, there’s piano. And after piano, I’ll usually head over to the library to borrow some books. And these books never fail to help me identify my purpose in life. That’s the very reason I love thursdays; I learn and know my purpose. But usually, I eat dinner alone :(
Anw, your’s truly was the physical training instructor for friday’s training. Damn long nvr do PT, but still.. my very weird cadets found it fun. Well, it was great to go back and conduct trainings- I’m a very “combat”-type of person; cannot just have meetings, meetings and more meetings.
Promos’ coming up in a few weeks. Work harder!
August 22nd,2009
Uncategorized | tags:
school |
3 Comments
Oh my oh my.. Parade Commander for OTC Commissioning Parade: CCY!! High ranking officers will be there; minister/MP/high-position-government-person will be there; parents will be there. Will it be campfire no. 2?
Worried that a screw-up will “throw the face” of the course, the officers and the Brigade. Ahh- why must such a great responsibility fall on me?
Had footdrill practise today- felt rusty, especially my voice. But it felt good to be doing drills again, after such a long time. Potato in my throat? Hm.. need to practise shouting with diaphragm alr. It’s not going to happen again on the actual day.
Leadership is action, not position- a fighting spirit is what I need to face the challenges now- in studies, in sjab, in nyaa.
Happy Birthday, Singapore!
This is my country, this is my flag.
This is my future, this is my life.
This is my family, these are my friends,
We are Singapore, Singaporeans!
26 July marked the last day of the Officer Training Course. The next time I see my coursemates will be on 15 August, where we will rehearse for our commissioning parade, to be held on 12 September.
The Officer Cadet-Commissioner’s Forum was really an eye-opener for many of us who are unused to how NHQ functions. What we saw and heard were not really what we expect from people higher up. At least the Chief has still held my respect, when he replied that he will bring up the situation of usage of funds to the Council- he was the only one that promised action. The others? Not very sure.
Nominated as Vice-Chairperson of OTC Alumni, which is going to act as the collective voice of 100-over officers and officer-cadets. We will be there to support our batch of OCTs and push for improvement to the Brigade.
Looking forward to commissioning parade, but before that, I need to brush up on my rusty footdrill skills.
Although it may be the end of the OTC Journey, it is the start of a completely new journey into leadership at an officer level. This is a course that has taught me many valuable lessons, setting the direction for both my personal and SJAB life. The ship is ready, the course is set; let us cast off the ropes and discover what lies beyond the far reaches of the vast ocean.
30 July- CT period
Principal announced the Honour Roll for Mid-Year exams. It was really demoralising at first, to see all those smart people going up on stage to receive their awards. But at that moment, I resolved to work harder to improve my grades.
Chemistry test was demoralising as well. E grade- that really shows how much effort I’m putting in for this very important subject.
July 31st,2009
Uncategorized | tags:
sjab |
1 Comment
Tortuous. Demanding. Challenging. These are words to describe the Camp Phase of the Officer Training Course (OTC). This is the first time in SJAB history that the OTC is conducted in such a manner. I congratulate the Course Commander, William sir for having achieving such a feat. He has made himself special and respected in every Officer Cadet’s heart through this camp.
Day 1
Reported earlier than the rest because I’m in the Campfire Committee (also known as C-squared), and we need to help out in logistics preparation. Carry items here and there, set up the toilets, etc..
We, C-squared, although not part of our duties, printed out labels for the whole course to standardise the water bottles for the whole course. It took a little effort to ensure that everyone knew what to do, but we still did it :D Three cheers for C-squared!
Before falling-in. The Cadet Course Commander and Cadet Warrant was nowhere to be found *gasp*. Melissa told me to put my bag and stuff in the middle of the parade square so the rest can standardise according to mine. Finally found the Cadet Warrant and we all falled-in.
2 x 2.4km run
Ran together with Wei Shen; we motivated each other silently, with our presence. We all had achievements for the 2.4km run. Many of the girls’ were running 2.4km non-stop. For me, it was running 2.4km with such a fast timing. I’ve never done 10+ mins before :D This 2 x 2.4km run has significance. First round represented our cadet/NCO years; we can run it easily, not much difficulty. Second round represents our journey to officership; we are tired, lack self-discipline to continue, and we start to slacken down.
Videos and Lectures
Throughout this camp, the lectures and lessons were conducted by William sir alone. His lectures were peppered with videos all around and were mainly motivational in nature. The lessons learnt from the lectures were the foundation for which we built our character as an officer. Each lecture, each video will carry significance. Not only did we see it theoretically on screen, we get to practise it in real life in the camp.
Triage No. 1
Triages in camp were know as Purple Dino. Nice name for a not-so-nice activity. I was one of the casualties, and let me tell you how I got there. It was after flag-lowering and me being the Flag Commander went to return the flags tgt with the Flag Party. While running back to the parade square, I saw some ppl gathering at the side, so I ran over and ask someone what were the instructions. He said they need 30 volunteers, so me and the Flag Party went to join. Little did we know we were going to be casualties.
I sort of regretted walking over to the side to volunteer to be a casualty, although I didn’t know in the first place. If I were part of the first triage, I could have learnt how to manage a mass casualty situation and apply it to subsequent triages. But ah well, nvm.
Night time
Slept for 3 hours. Poor Yong Qing kenna night duty cos his shoulder flash was yellowish on Course Briefing Day.
Day 2
Ran to Pasir Ris park as morning PT. Umi mdm really shouted at us for moving so slowly when falling-in at Pasir Ris park. Thought about our purpose for joining OTC and recited the Officer’s Creed many many times, but keep failing cos we weren’t reciting it truly from our hearts.
Ran back to base camp and did punishments like NCOs. The Course Commander really demonstrated what is leadership by example. He knocked us down twenty and he did forty. His explanation for the extra twenty he did: If he had to knock us down, he has failed in teaching us. Learning point: A leader should really lead by example. If you cannot do it yourself, don’t expect your cadets to do it as well.
Team Building Games
Bottle game, spiderweb, harry potter, etc. These are games played in almost every camp I’ve attended. They repeat team values such as teamwork, communication, leadership, etc. Games were quite fun when played with my team, no doubt.
The Ulitmate Challenge
Ahh.. the pinnacle of the camp. Nothing I say here will truly describe the feelings I felt during the event. Here is the sequence of activities we are supposed to do:
1. Wait in pumping position while 5-man teams proceed one-by-one to tackle the stations. There are a total of 18+ teams, so that meant a long wait for those at the back. Of course the officers weren’t that sadistic. Someone requested to change positions, and it was granted. We rotated between Buddha claps, crunches, sit-ups and pumping positions. Learning point: Ask and you shall be given.
2. Do 150 pushups as a team. Climb a rope up to nearly second storey, slap the wall and shout “Lead with HONOUR” (Officer’s Motto) and take a piece of jigsaw puzzle.
3. Transport casualty through a high level obstacle.
4. Do 30 pull-ups as a team. Can split among team members, of course. I did 15 assisted :)
5. Shuttle run. There are four markings on the ground, each in increasing distance. Everyone supposed to run through this.
6. Transport casualty using manual transportation method. 2nd achievement during camp: I lifted a 60+kg casualty across quite a distance, even though I’m only 50kg :D
7. Leopard crawl under table.
8. Climb up rope again, slap wall and shout “Lead with HONOUR”
9. Return to pumping position
After the end of this activity, the officers did a total of 800 pushups as a team. We did 2008 pushups as well. This activity told me two things: Nothing is impossible, and determination will pull you through. This activity will forever remain in my mind, telling me that there is nothing tougher than what I had to endure in the Ultimate Challenge.
Day 3
Early morning run together with my team. We were set a timing to achieve, and although we did, we had to run a second round cos we left someone behind. She had to fall out cos she wasn’t feeling well. Lesson learnt: Not to leave anyone behind, although he/she may be unable to make it. Everyone can and will be able to make it through, if we work together as a team.
Triage No. 2
I didn’t volunteer this time round for triage, but was called out upon request of William sir. Was the I/C for Priority 1 casualties. P1 is still manageble cos there isn’t a lot of casualties, unlike P3. At the end, the instructors didn’t talk about P1 during their debrief :( which, according to Ting ting mdm, is a good thing.
Campfire
Haiz.. the campfire thingy is so screwed up. At the preparation phase, there isn’t enough time. The setting-up of the campfire premise took very long, and I was very worried that things wouldn’t go well, even before the start of the campfire. Luckily, I have very capable members.
I was supposed to escort the Guest-of-Honour, Dr. Chen Sze Hua (Chief Commissioner). Such an honour, but at that time, I was too worried and anxious to feel that.
During the campfire, the programme was running too ahead of time. We were, at one time, one whole hour ahead of schedule. Luckily, we were able to pull up several cheers, songs and programmes to occupy them.
Arif sir and Ting ting mdm talked to me about the campfire afterwards. Learnt quite a lot through the campfire event. Thanks a lot for talking me through.
Day 4
Woke up early in the morning at 0200h for route march. Our route march was 16km, from Changi back to base camp at Pasir Ris. Along the way, me, Wei Shen and another guy kept leading in cheers. Shouted out my lungs and throat through this activity. People don’t want to cheer, maybe because they were tired, but cheering will alleviate the tiredness and fatigue of the activity. I felt that it was quite okay and my legs didnt hurt the next day.
After the route march, we had the presentation of ranks. I am now officially an Officer Cadet :D
This is one camp that shall forever remain in my heart. This is what I went through to become an officer. This is what that strengthened my character.
Thank you Arif sir, and my officers for being there during the emotional session. I now understand more about myself, and I will be able to make decisions better.
And now, three more theory days, three more project days and one more examination day before commission.
Well, back from a 4d3n camp at Naval Base Secondary. The camp, in short was a disappointing one. Strength was 25/45. That’s nearly half strength. I dont really understand why people don’t think about the efforts of others. So many people have put in effort to plan and conduct this camp, and yet trainees are not turning up. Well, Ahmad Ibrahim didn’t have a single trainee present at the camp. 2 went for SinMa, 1 because of a wedding. The others? I don’t think they bothered signing up for the course. What is going to happen to my Corps? I feel disappointed in myself for not being able to return and contribute to the Corps, although it is largely my timtable’s fault.
Other than being disappointed, I can say that the camp was fun. It was great hanging out with SJAB people, listening to Yong Qing’s sarcasm, training the trainees. But I really need to buck up on my First Aid and Footdrill, esp with the upcoming OTC.
Officer Training Course (OTC). Something that I have really looked forward to for the past and current year. Knowing that I am working with capable people makes me feel at ease. However, this is one camp that I am going back as a trainee. Well, it feels weird, but at least the work is much less than that of a trainer. Seriously, I am beginning to miss my trainee days. Arif sir is the Course Warrant (aka Discipline Master); was tricked into believing that Aaron Kwek sir (known to be very fierce, but I dno who he is) is our Course Warrant. Turn out on the course briefing day, it’s otherwise.
Overworked and underpaid. I feel that I am doing too much and achieving too little. I keep pushing myself, stressing myself trying to meet other’s expectation of me. Trying to define Chai Chang Yu. I am taking too much things all at once. I keep digressing from my purpose, heck. I dont even have a purpose in life. I want to do one thing and do it well, but what I’m being now is a jack of all trades, master of none.
This JC life is too busy. JC PW, 4H2, JC CCA. I should have known that. I should have found out more before choosing the JC route. I need balance. I need advice. I need a direction.
I will get through this. I know I will.
I’ve got a new laptop! I’ve got a new laptop! I’ve got a new laptop! Hahaha. Feeling damn happy about it.
A really cool laptop, really light, really like it :D It’ll greatly simplify my project work tasks. Thanks mum and dad :D I’ll post pics if I can.
Booking in tmr into Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course as Wing Instructor (Bravo). Won’t see me for 4D2N. It is my break away from the hectic JC life, so i’m going to enjoy it as much as possible :D
JC life is busy and stressful. The assignments and tests are demoralising, and my past secondary school lifestyle (take part in everything) cannot fit into the new JC lifestyle. Trying to balance CCA and school work now. I want to achieve for both. Possible?
PW: I think it’s quite a time waster, but I think my PW group is great, and the topic fantastic. Just hope that all our efforts will pay off (let me get an A pls!)
NYJC: Really hate the lousy timetabling; Friday used to be the day I look forward to. Now I hate it (well, except for Chem practicals). Damn hard to schedule meetings for ANYTHING, coz ppl have different dismissal time, etc..
SJAB: Just had a haircut by Maniraj sir, whom I have not met for quite a long time. Hair looks weird now! Looking forward to the slew of camps in June: Advanced NCO, Officer Training Course, and Combined Corps Camp. But one of them may be postponed due to the swine flu.
Alright, may not have time to update :(
Hey people! I know, I know… Long time never update. But anyway, the First Aid Competition is finally over, and I am quite surprised by the results- some of which I have shared with my seniors.
The ambulance cadet team’s achievement came as the greatest of all surprises to me. I regret not having enough time properly training them, especially in Footdrill. As the Transportation of Casualty (TOC) Runner for the First Aid Comp, I have learnt quite a few TOC skills that I would quite like to share with my comp team, but regretfully, they would not like to take part in next year’s competition. Still, as their trainer, I am proud of their outstanding achievement, considering that it was the second ambulance team sent by Ahmad Ibrahim Corps for the past decades. There is a great potential to be unleashed in them, and hopefully it can be put to good use.
It was great to see Zihui mdm and Wei Xian mdm coming back to help and see the competition teams in action, but unfortunately they experienced some setbacks during the preparation phase. As the Head of Discipline and an Officer-to-be of the Corps, I am disappointed in the conduct of my cadets.
Life is full of disappointments, uncertainty (as we learn in Physics), and missed opportunities. What we can only do is to take things in our stride, do our best, and most importantly, not disappoint ourselves.
April 19th,2009
Uncategorized | tags:
sjab |
1 Comment
