National Service

A lil scoop of my experience. :)
Warning : Long post ahead.

A New Journey

While everyone was preparing for New Year's, I was hovering my heavy bag and even heavier heart to the bus, tears rolling down uncontrollably. I couldn't believe my senses, I was actually leaving for NS, something I've dreaded for a long time. The very first person I met was Juliana, small, timid but with a big heart. We conversed for the entire bus ride, until we reached what we called, "Gates of Hell".

Wirawati's dorms.

The pink building is a resting bay, or Bilik Rehat Wirawati. They have a tv with very poor coverage. This is a reporting station whenever we have night shifts from 0000 til 0600.
I've only been there twice. The only thing I liked about that place was the canvas beds. Mmhmm.



Where we laughed, cried and had to endure the foul smell of "shit water". One thing was, the pipes always burst. We even had mini snacking & gossip parties here. Our Company trainer, Cikgu Lynn declared our dorm as the noisiest & fattest with the amount of food we bring in everyday.

Wake Up Call

Our days start at 0500, and we gather at 0600 to sing Negaraku and the NS song from Monday to Friday. Next was PE lessons. I'd say, I became a teenie bit stronger due to PE. One thing was, we had the Head of the Discipline ,Cikgu Abdullah as our Company trainer and he pushes us everytime. While we thought it was ridiculous at first, he did much good for us. We even got to run 2km on certain days through the rubber estates.

The entire morning would be taken up by classroom sessions. I must stress over and over again, and I'm very sorry to say this, but OMG these sessions could be the very cure for insomnia.

I can't use my fingers to count the number of times I've slept in these classes. Nevertheless, Character Building was the most enjoyable class, and it did change my perspectives on certain things.

Afternoons were the times I looked forward to. I don't mind the hot scorching sun (but sometimes, the days get really hot, probably like 35 degrees?). I'm happy so say that I manage to take part in all the activities provided. However, the first few weeks were taken up by theory classes which weren't very boring. But of course, some of us do steal some sleep, and all the trainers had to do was walk with a water sprayer and ice. Nuff said.

Then, it comes to evenings, for our lil sports time. We replace it with snacking time, as usual.

Usually, there shouldn't be any activities after dinner but the head of trainers worries for our safety and gathers us at 9pm for empty talks & watching videos. I think it wasn't such a waste of time, but hell its very tiring. Bedtimes are usually at 2300.

On Sundays, we had our church visits in Kajang. I'm starting to like that church alot, especially their hymms. (: At least I 'll be coming back in May for Ku ku's wedding! Plus, its fully air-conditioned.

The effects of waking up at 0500 for the last two months?

Waking up at 0700 here, without an alarm. Freaky.

The Excitement

Wirajaya Camp.

Hiking up 5km with a very heavy load on our backs wasn't what we imagined it would be. We spent the entire afternoon which was exceptionally roasting our skin alive, just to find our campsite. We had to build our tents before 1800, and it was 1735. We had no choice but to build the simplest camp to last us for a few more hours. My camping partner was Jane, and we had separate duties. We were the last ones to build our camps, since we're both in charge of the "Pembinaan Pangkalan", which means sweeping our campsite and building our toilets. I had no choice, but to use tree branches and no string to support the roof of our tent.

Sadly, we didnt have time to clean so there were pretty much alot of dried leaves and lil teeny worms which made us all icky when we slept with our uniforms and boots

Our mission was to find some gold object using clues given by an agent. We didn't succeed but it was a blessing as well. Why?

In this mission, when the gold object is found, it doesnt mean it already belongs to the winning company. Hell, we were allowed to plan any ambush to steal it! This was mostly favoured by the guys. Some even 'kidnapped' other company members just for the fun of it.

If I could, I would want to do it all over again. :)

M16.

The very first gunshot sent shivers down my spine. Seeing the bullet casing flying out gave such an eerie feeling. It was really as if you were at war due to the echoes of the shots. My hands were literally shaking before and after using the gun.

I suck at aiming, but I didn't know I was that bad till I shot my neighbour's target, giving her extra points. :(

It was definitely a once in a lifetime thing, which I'll surely never forget.

Including taking an oath to swear that we would not take any empty bullet casings home.

Fearful moments

During the 3rd week of camp, the medical officials were dealing with our health papers. Among the groups of people who had to be deferred were asthmatics. Joanne & Jane were called up but thankfully, they could stay. I had sleepless nights due to my worries about getting deferred. I really wished that I didn't write it in my form but it was a lil too late. Mum&Dad were worried themselves. The chaotic matter stopped the following week, with about 50-60 ppl being sent home on medical issues. Honestly, I did hope to get deferred at first, but after seeing so many people leave, the feeling died.

Along came the conjuctivitis scare. Unfortunately, I contracted the disease and had to stay in the sick bay for a night. I literally begged to be checked out. The medical sergeant was nice enough to let me go. I hated the nurse there though. She was pretty stuck up.

And, what is a camp without some spooky dramas, eyh? (:

Family Visits

My parents came for every single visit, till the very last week. I'm always a lil embarassed cause when they come, they'll bring the whole house with them. But, those were the things that made me feel at home. Food and everything relevant. My sister came once, and boy , I never knew I've missed her the most ! One thing bad about the visits : I'd always end up welling up with tears.

"Lain daripada yang lain"

This was my tagline in camp. I was their first Eurasian trainee, which made me very alien there. There was once, they had to do some statistic stuff, and when they called up the Chinese group, I was the only one sitting on the floor. Everyone was staring, including the trainers. One of them actually thought I was deaf and started doing sign languages to me! The trainers made me sit on stage, all alone with everyone scratching their heads and asking me what race I was.

Since Serani wasn't a common thing, they decided on the tagline above. Or if the trainers forgot my name, the next best name was "Orang Serani! Keluar Baris!". But, it was always a funny moment.

My Support System

To get through 10 weeks of endurance wasn't by my own backbone alone. I couldn't thank God enough for keeping me safe every single day & for always listening to my very draggy prayers. I developed a habit of praying in the morning, and hopefully it'll stay with me.

My family. God knows how much I've missed them. I'm thankful for my parents & sister who constantly replied my messages without fail. I didn't sms my bro that much, since he was busy with his cadet training. Haha, I practically ranted about everything, including my constipation problem! I think they're gonna keep a distance from me now. Hee :)

There's ChiawYee, Lillyboo, WeiKit & Weng Hoe too! Gosh, not being around the usual 12 made me feel all weird! Haha, I missed the lameness and their presence throughtout camp. Missed them heap loads! But of course, a big SMOOCH to them for constantly updating me and giving me moral support. LOVE YOU!

Not forgetting, a special someone who moved back for awhile and kept me occupied with very silly stories & emotional talks. You know who you are.I appreciate your sweet messages and songs of the moment, remember? (: *love.

Introducing, the Fivesome.

Lee Pui Kuan. Samantha Tai Sze-Yun.Chua Jane Louisa. Joanne Wong Mei Foon.

We never left each other's side. Usually, people would spot us cause we always come in five or either one of us together. They were my sisters who took care of me, cheering me up whenever I'm down and always being patient with my endless worries of almost everything. I'm truly blessed to have them in my life now, and thank God we're all from Selangor! Gosh, I can't imagine if we had to be separated by a state. Love them so much! :)

Life After NS

I have to say, I regretted being such a big baby about NS. It was truly an experience worth remembering. NS did test my limits of patience, confidence and independence. I did not waste my time there and I feel fuller inside . I'm very thankful to God , my family & friends who supported me all the way through.

Indeed, I realised the hardship of surviving out there alone. Washing your own clothes, ironing, cleaning, polishing your own boots, enduring alot of self resiliance and all of that. If it weren't for NS, I'd still be the lazybum I used to be. Not only mentally, but physically as well. I kept in mind that God has made plans for me, and I see it now.

In fact, I do miss camp but I think one trip is good enough for me. *winks. I'm officially an ex trainee of National Service 2008.

Much Love.