Excerpt from my field camp essay
Rec Hazeeq Henney Lee
14414
Defining Moments
To hear the word Field Camp and to actually have to go through it would actually shrink the balls of every recruit. Having heard stories from friends, family members or anyone who have been through it, they were never pleasant. Though I already know the flow of Field Camp prior to it from A to Z, I never know what to expect in between until I experienced it myself.
Put to Lowest
I’ve been put to the lowest, mentally; to know that I don’t have the luxury I used to have. Hygiene level: -10. Comfort level: -10. I had to live with muddied uniform, insects and things that would normally grossed me out to maximum level. Sleeping on just a thin piece of ground sheet with a simple and not-so-waterproof roof blow my morale instantly. Food out of green packets – cold and bland, was never filling. Without doubt and second thought, I realized I’ve been taking these luxuries given to me before for granted. I cannot complain, I cannot cry or stomp my feet like a kid, I had to suck it up. So there goes the thought of once used be mission impossible to actually possible. It’s not easy at first, but then I repeatedly reminded myself that I had to, and I did. It’s a mind game after all. As cliché as it sounds, mind over matter.
If you were to ask how I did it, I don’t know myself. It came naturally just like that or maybe it’s about not to think about it too much. Though now, I’ve gotten back all the luxury that 6 days took away from me, it will definitely make me appreciate these simple things given to me. Something that’ll definitely change the way I look at things.
Shell Scrape
Digging the shell scrape was definitely one of the craziest things I’ve done in my life so far. It felt like I’m actually digging my own grave, literally. For every swing the blade made and for every pieces of soil it cut, it’s worth the effort. It may take forever but the feel of satisfaction is beyond any doubt, have to be priceless. At one point of time, I almost gave up due to the fact that I felt I do not have any more energy to go on digging and the extreme stingy pain from the heat rash is not helping a single bit. Nevertheless what motivates me to continue is whenever I saw the faces of my platoon mate and how they’re also struggling with it, make me realize that I’m not alone. If they can do it, if they did not give up, so can I. End of the day, it all boils back down to me. I have to be one pushing myself. To go beyond the strength I thought I never have. It makes me extremely weak at that point of time but I grew stronger knowing that I’m actually capable of doing it. I learnt a lot from just digging a simple shell scrape into which can be applied to life. Whenever I felt I hit rock bottom in life, I got to look around me. There are others with similar problems and some even worst yet they survived. I should not underestimate my power and strengths instead put it to test and see what I’m capable of.
Letter
I never took my parents for granted and will never will. I respect them and hats off to them for showering me with love and selfless sacrifices. But I have to admit one thing; I spend more time outside with friends, partying and whatnots. They seemed fine with it but I know deep down, they wish I’d spend more time at home with them. To get the letter after the harsh tekan session and to be felt at the lowest in life was perhaps the most cherished moment of my life. Never had I felt so appreciated towards my parents. Never had I broke down instantly after reading a letter from them. The message might be simple, but the meaning is deep. I realize how much they meant to me and how they’ll always be there and how they’ll always be my comfort. I always hold on to the principles of family comes first and now it make it more evident.
Goal Achieved
Prior to my previous essay on what I wished to achieve during Field Camp, I’m proud to say I achieved it. I managed to control my emotions; I did not get angry even when I’m shagged out. It’d be a lie to say that I did not get frustrated a single bit, but I managed to overcome it with calm. It’s all about thinking with a straight mind in midst of anything or any difficult situation. It helped. I noticed by being calm, it made the days flow better without additional unnecessary stress caused by anger. It also indirectly improved the atmosphere of the already-so-gloomy Field Camp to a fun and stress-free environment.
“There are moments in Field Camp that brought me down to the lowest level, however I’m proud to say, I survived.” – Rec Hazeeq Henney Lee
