<3

from this



to this.



(: 6 years and counting!

during the parade yesterday, sharon and i felt totally embarassed for the contingent commanders of NPCC and NCC because the performance turned in by the junior cadets was mortifying. i felt sad, kinda, that there's an increasing trend where the recruits don't have the same love and passion that the old-timers used to. Even in Young Adults, it's always the same old crowd that shows up every time there's something that needs to be done.

I think the saddest part of all is seeing young and vibrant recruits fizzle out and fade away slowly because they did not have the proper guidance, were not given sufficient chances to show their potential, or worse still (and this is the most common case) because they were not promoted. Maybe those not from a Uniformed Group wouldnt understand, but most sec 1s see promotion as the highest possible allocade and practically worship their leaders. But i think it is the most pathetic reason ever for a Guide to say "i wasn't promoted, and therefor i am not good enough. so there is no reason for me to strive for greater things.' NO! think about it. promotion takes place in late sec 2. are you saying that you are letting your final 2 years as a Guide go to waste simply because you don't have stripes on your shoulders? maybe you weren't chosen because the Court of Honor felt you had too many other leadership roles in school. maybe they wanted to give someone else a chance. or maybe they are using it as a test, and if you respond aptly, there will be greater roles bestowed on you in future. it hurts. more than anything. i know. but if you give up now, you risk losing EVERYTHING you've worked so hard for in the past 2 years.

also. authority. it's a very fine line to walk between not having blind obedience and outright defiance of your leader. I had a leader who 'bullied' her juniors into subservance by shouting and ranting at them. her rank was higher than another leader who was firm and authoritative without ever throwing her weight around. it doesnt take alot of brains to figure out who was better loved and respected. in UG, there is nothing quite as despicable as 'pulling rank' on another, because then you risk having bitter and halfhearted followers. Guide Law 6: 'a Guide is obedient.' NOT blind obedience. if the place you were told to prepare for outdoor cooking is wet and muddy, you'd definitely be betetr off choosing a drier spot but notifying your leader first right? Accountability's incredibly important cos in a company, if the recruits make a mistake, they don't get slammed. the COH does.but i've also seen Guides who give 'that look' when their dressing gets criticised during Fall In and they're obviously in the wrong. yes we're one big Company, but the Company Leader can't see to 140 guides concurrently. therefore we are broken down into Patrols and a Patrol Leader has every right act on behalf of a Company Leader at Patrol meetings.

haha okay i'm very drained now. it's just that there are many things i want to correct in my Company but there isn't time right now and it's very taxing especially with hilda gone. hai nvm as will be over soon.

posted by xin! @ 10:44 AM