Defining Limits

Defining Limits

I never considered myself a fast runner, my 2.4 km run timing has always stayed above the 11 minute mark. My previous 2.4 km timing during the first IPPT was 11:01, which I thought I have reached my limit already. However, I managed to break my 11 minute barrier by achieving a timing of 9:38 (gold timing being 9:44 and below) and this gave me a great sense of satisfaction:)

There is a lesson to be learnt from this incident, I realised.

I learnt that while there is a limit to the physical strength of an individual, the power of the mind is infinite. There were times I really felt like giving up during the run but my mind simply refused to yield. Maybe my willpower has been honed by the harshness of the environment in NS.

Passing IPPT allows me to qualify for command school and the fact that my entire section passed IPPT brought me even more joy:)

Update

Update

Strange name for a blog entry title, but I dun really feel like thinking of one=X

That's it. I have made the decision. I shall express interest in going to command school. Preferably OCS (Officer Cadet School) but also alright with SISPEC (School of Infantry Specialists) ; where I will become an officer or sergeant upon graduation. Some people choose to aim for command school because of the salary or prestige, however none of these is my main motivation for commandership. My reason is simple. Being a commander allows me to contribute and serve the country to the best of my ability; the very thought of protecting my loved ones gives me the strength to carry on even under extremely difficult conditions. People are always more than ready to take the easy way out: Become men in a slack vocation and "geng" (feign illness) to pass the 2 years. I have nothing against that, it's just that I desire to achieve the best I can in whatever I do:)

Furthermore, I have decided to accept the offer by SMU School of Economics. Wanted to obtain a business degree initially as it will increase my employability but I decided I want to do something I really like. Thinking of getting a MBA in NUS upon graduation before trying for the Big Four or any other famous financial institution in Singapore. Missed the Tea with the Dean session at SMU today due to late book out:( Gotta ask my friend for the details of the session when I book in tomorrow. I can't help but feeling excited to know that there is a possibility we might become classmates in university:)

Oh yeah, the pilot computer test was kind of fun. Certain sections of the test were like arcade games and others required INTENSE levels of concentration and EXTREME levels of multi-tasking skill=X Still gotta go for a pilot medical checkup this coming week and MP selection test. Many things are happening lately and I just realised that POP (Passing Out Parade) is only about 2 weeks away... Experiencing a range of emotions right now; both happiness and sorrow... Happy in the sense that I am about to complete BMT (Basic Military Training) and sad because I am going to be separated from my buddies... Gonna put in my best effort for marching and footdrills so that my parents can see me march smartly on the Parade Square on June 10:) Shucks, Harmoc concert on June 9 so its impossible for me to go... Comments from my platoon mates about NJ Harmoc always never fail to brighten up my day:) But I never tell them about myself though, except the fact that I was from Harmoc in NJ. Nothing more than that, because I value truthful and honest remarks...

All I wanna do is find my way into honour and glory=)

Decision Making

Decision Making

Well I guess the entry title says it all. Many tough decisions to be made, some in a week's time and some in a month's time. Both as a soldier and as a civilian.

As a civilian:

Got accepted for NTU Business and SMU Economics.
Difficult to make a choice, since NTU business school is no doubt the most established and experienced in Singapore and the region; while SMU school of economics boasts of providing an education modelled after top universities in the US. Furthermore, I am still waiting for a reply from NUS for Business. An additional choice may be available once I get accepted again and more headache too=X

As a soldier:

Signed up for pilot during Air Force recruitment talk and they asked me to sit for some computer test. Dun really understand why I am chosen instead of my other friends who are fitter than me. In addition there is also a Military Police (MP) interview next week, not sure how I got shortlisted when I never even express any interest in it before=S Sounds quite fun though, wonder if I will get to wear the police uniform, that would be extremely cool man...

Hmm guess I will need a few days to think it through... Sounds a bit random, but I have had the happiest dream in my life so far during last night... Cant really remember the details but I roughly get the whole picture... Though its realistically impossible for me to fulfil that wonderful dream, I am contented for being able to experience it... Sometimes I really like dreams because they can fill up the gaps which make reality incomplete... Maybe certain things can only exist and survive in dreams and not in reality... Sounds like some 'chim' theory, but it is actually very simple... I know I am not supposed to and shouldn't dream by this point of time but sometimes I really can't help it... There are some things you can't change instantly, it takes time, and for me it seems like an eternity... Sorry to my readers if you all dun understand what I am talking about, you all dun have to understand so dun worry... I just need to talk to someone or something (like this blog) to express how I feel and I dun wish to bother my friends with my unimportant concerns. I like blogging in this particular manner because I feel relieved and better after that (at least for the moment). Okay think I am really spouting some senseless nonsense here already so might as well stop here before I confuse my friends and readers even further...

College Day

College Day

Attended NJC 39th College Day as an award recipient yesterday... Maybe its because of army, I made the effort to reach NJ before 4.15pm in order to attend the briefing on time by taking a cab and only to realise that it didn't matter whether I was punctual or not=X The briefing was merely attendance taking and following the instructions written on the sheet of paper... Never mind about that anyway...

Saw some people I know but they couldn't recognise me. Do I really look different when I am botak? Perhaps so. I usually like to walk around the school premises whenever I get the chance to visit my former school, recalling past memories and savouring the sweet moments I have had in there. I felt something when I visited RVPS, I felt something when I went Cat High, but sadly I was emotionless when I walked around NJ. Maybe I did feel a bit different whenever I walked past LT3, where I used to conduct harmoc practices, but nothing more than that.

Still remembered what Liyan messaged me: Enjoy the moment of fame when you received the award on stage. To tell the truth, the medal and certificate mean nothing to me at all. I know that many years down the road some people will remember me or some will just simply forget me, but for those who do; I would like to be remembered NOT as the president who led the band to attain the Gold with Honours, but rather the one whom went through all the shit and did his best for everyone. If people remember me for my achievements, I would rather they forget me like how they forget to complete their Math tutorials.

Alright, gotta book in soon, so I gonna stop here again...