The journey where boys turned into men

As the 31^st May approaches, time just seems to slow down even more than ever. It’s a month more to my ORD, and finally I can close this chapter of my life – NS.

One year 9 months ago, I shaved my hair for $3.80 and headed to Tekong with a heavy heart. And now that I’m step closer to my pink IC, the feeling is still ‘oh so familiar’. I’m not unhappy because I cannot bear to leave the service, but it saddens me that I could not find any memorable experiences that touched my life as compared to my poly days. Perhaps it’s the monotonous shift system or the management that lead to the lack of motivation.

As much as instilling a sense of belongingness to Singapore comes, I see serving the nation as a repayment to Singapore for the safety and security it has brought over the years to my friends and family. Sadly to say, I would have prefer doing anything else than having to oblige to this conscription system.

If it’s not without all the fellow mates that I have befriended, I would not have survived this conscription. So THANK YOU GUYS. <3

I would say that early exposure to the society and my childhood has grilled me more than what army has given me actually. Army is only the appetizer for those who have just left the nest. Singapore being a 1^st world country, the competitiveness and high standards of living left many grasping, barely speaking of comfort.

In the army, it is not the shell scrape-digging under the hot sun, or the leopard crawling through insect-infected shrubs with cameo-on that I find most difficult to bear, but to face and interact with the different kinds of people. This is where the training for tolerance and adaptability kicks in. Compared to route marches, IPPTs and SOC, the ability to adhere and work with others would probably bring out a new you, regardless good or bad. The diversity of Singaporean males within the army is truly astonishing. Ranging from the enthusiastic gym rats, club ravers and fashionistas to the stay-home gamers, geeks and cavemen, they bring forth a different set of character while wearing the pixelated green; the wayang kings, chao-kengs, jokers, ninjas and so on. 

The ultimate mission: work together.

In a hierarchical system where rank and appointment are your wild cards, one ought to thread carefully and learn how to protect your own behind. There will always be conflict of interests and it seems Tai-chi would be a sport to pick up here. So ultimately, in times of war, I have often questioned many: Will we stay to fight?

The 4G soldiers are taking on the roles now, with the laid-back and techno-reliant characteristics. However, when the time comes and if it is necessary to protect what has been threatened, the answer will be Yes. The fight for survival and protection is inbuilt all men alike. It may not be a physical warfare, but we will get you.

There is still hope after all in the patriotism of our male Singaporeans.

Nevertheless, despite all the grumbling, it is undeniable that NS is something all of us will have to go through, and should go through.

Last but not least, with my parting words:

3 more weeks to ORD and I am so happy uh~

It’s my turn to ORD, like-a-finally-ah! :B

This post is dedicated to not to offend anybody but a mere food for thought. SO SUCK IT UP. :D

2 weeks ago  /  3 notes

At a Pet Shop:

sodamnrelatable:

When I was 5:

When I was 10:

Today:

via sodamnrelatable

8 months ago  /  233,159 notes  /  Source: a-zombiegirl

That awkward moment when you watch a Disney movie from your childhood

sodamnrelatable:

And at the end you’re just like:

While the other members of your family are like:

via sodamnrelatable

1 year ago  /  67,463 notes  /  Source: asmyqueencommands