Friday, 14 July 2006 - Sunday, 16 July 2006.
And that was the period of the Area 12 ATC. I don't usually blog about ATC but this time I will...for the learning points I'd like to share.
As always (so far), I look forward to ATC...regardless of Area. I guess it is just fun to have a taste of the outdoors and meeting new faces...not to forget, new experiences.
Every ATC has a learning point, just like every happening in my life. And this ATC is no different, but nevertheless, probably more significant.
I was assigned to do kayaking for the ATC, and how much more pleasureably can it get then to do it together with my peepz... Rayyan, Jeremy, Faizal, Jason, Andrew Gim Yan, Guohui, Zaid, Bryna, Raudah.
There were 4 activity cycles of 2 h 15 min.
Learning Point- Don't judge a book by it's cover.
- A problematic cadet != A hopeless cadet
- A problematic cadet = A cadet with a lot of problems unsolved
- Seek to understand, then be understood
During the 3rd activity cycle (after lunch),
Miss Attention-ladies-and-gentlemen-lightning-has-been-detected-in-the-near-vicinity-kindly-take-shelter-at-the-nearest-building- was singing her favourite medley.
Hence, we have to be the humble audience and listen to her rendition of that medley. The cadets were disappointed but on particular guy stood out amongst the rest...
Let
X = The outstanding cadet
X was showing attitude - he insisted on going ot kayaking cos it was just a drizzle, he dismissed any suggestions for alternative plans, he showed his anger and rebelled the CI conducting the wet weather program.
I was just observing from the side...and yeah, my bomb was ticking - this guy needs help. :-p Hence, I decided to apply my remedy...I requested from the Area CI to speak to him...and I spoke to him nicely.
Further probing revealed that...
1.
X is an expressive person who won't hide what he's feeling inside.
2.
X badly wants to kayak because he comes to ATC just for kayaking. His parents disallow him from going to the sea. Hence, ATC is his only chance.
3.
X's family has financial difficulties, so even if they allow, the financial situation won't permit it.
4.
X was the main planner of his group's ATC performance (which turned out to be pretty interesting during the Campfire).
I feel that he's very sincere while telling me all that...I won't elaborate my diagnosis. Hence, the learning points stated at the start of this section.
CommendationI really have to state special commendation to this particular individual...
...the Sec 3 A12 ATC 2006 Coordinator
...from J05 Squad 7
...an active member in the Camp Craft Competition 2006 Planning Committee
...a volunteer in Area 9 ATC who conducted the Orienteering excellently
[:: Cadet Inpector Xu Zhiyan ::]
Zhiyan is one individual who's attitude is much to my envy...and my fellow Area 9 CIs as well.
He takes good care of the external Instructors (Area 1 and 9) welfare very well. A simple gesture of "Have you eaten? Please eat" can mean so much.
He has never, as far as I know, failed to show how humble and modest he is. He let his actions speaks for themselves. He helped out in the Kitchen, Logistics...and still carry out his role as a CC. Before you think he is a kpo, it is because his Area is quite tight on manpower, yet he doesn't complain when doing those job which requires attention. Some may take such people for granted, but please don't.
There are many, I do mean many, positive points about this friend of mine. A man of his words...and an enviable example to
You have to see it, experience it, to believe it more!
MiscellaneousWell, I had a nice time talking to a few peepz during the ATC namely...
Teo Jinkai
He Chuan Rui
Gerald Koh
Not to forget feeling enthusiastic (but not likewise) meeting my J05 Squad 7 peepz...
Chng Jing Kai
Chen Xiumin
Han Yongni
Lim Han Teck
and... Xu Zhiyan of course
Thank you, Zhiyan, for giving me an opportunity to attend another ATC! You are one friend I will not forget!