Second Home

The day i very much dreaded and its finally here. It isn't just for me but also to the many other sons of Singapore. Tough tides awaits. Still remembering days back, immersing myself with the army documentary of 'Every Singaporean Son', just one of the few ways to better visualize how life would be like in transition. It's the first of many, start of a new environment, brand new group of people to get to know and much certainly so a shift of mindset to quickly adapt to where hierarchy of ranks comes to play.

Ever since the enlistment letter arrived, it brought along restless nights and lots of deep thinking. Wasn't so sure if i was mentally prepared for it but i suppose no matter how ready you are, a part deep inside says otherwise. Old habits will change, and a makeshift culture of things will be entirely different, that's for certain. Never really slept at all, the night before enlistment and i was simply just ensuring that i brought sufficient items to last me well for the three weeks being away. My parents will be there to bid me farewell until confinement period ends.

I am not fully confident of my capabilities to get through all these but somehow like they always say, i'll survive. Definitely not the strongest of enlistees that will be enlisting, neither can i say that equally for what's in store mentally. A whole lot of uncertainty lies ahead especially when the level of confidence has been slowly diminishing as days drew closer. Looking at it, isn't really about how tough things was going get in there, but really more of the thought to commit two years of service for the nation while giving up the way of life that I've very much gotten used to. Lesser time available to spend with the ones dear to me and a pause in the pursuit of my lifelong goals and ambitions. Nothing seems at all attractive with the new way of life that awaits. It has been rather emotional for me counting down to this very day, no doubt my mind's been busy processing thoughts that i can hardly recall.

There will be a whole lot to miss as i undergo this upcoming ten-weeks of basic military training. I can only simply foresee forging ties with new people and going through thick and thin with each other especially when the going gets tough. The regimentation life will kick in real quick and emphasis on adapting quick will be critical. Nonetheless, in order not to get too affected by the uproar of discipline, endless shouting and punishment, my mind's been tweaked to look at things in a different light. Where no matter what a person's rank may be, it does not demand full respect unless earned like they always say.

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"Soldiers, when committed to a task, can't compromise. It's unrelenting devotion to the standards of duty and courage, absolute loyalty to others, not letting the task go until it's been done" - John Keegan

Thank you to those who wished me well as days drew closer, certainly hoping that i don't lose my true self-identity in the process because the military usually changes people. Home i presume will be much more quieter without my presence around especially when i am the loud one. The typical book-outs on Fridays and book-ins on Sunday will mean that weekend would be more of a family affair kind of thing from now on, they are and will remain as my pillars of strength through it all. Constantly believing in my potential and capabilities to excel and chase for my aspirations to excel during my service as a full pledged servicemen in the upcoming two years.

Been receiving unwavering support from lots of people especially to those who's been through it. Advice given, the dos and don'ts, will surely be of high use during this transition. Somehow, it sure did give me reasons why i should never lose hope or give up too easily when everything gets really tough.

It is a whole lot to accept but i am officially enlisting into my second home.