Farewell

Dear All,

What a year it has been for my batch. Starting off, most of us were clueless on what to expect, with the sudden shock of being thrown the whole unit in our hands, and the pressure of the added expectations of being seniors. With both fear and excitement, we ventured forth, doing what we felt was right and just. There were times our unorthodox methods landed us into trouble, but also times when it brought about new, creative changes, revitalising areas in the unit. The challenge I gave my batch as the SI Unit was to be a batch that made our own legacy, always making changes, being the difference. I am proud to say that, in my eyes, my batch has caused many changes in areas like the outlook of UGs, behind the scenes in terms of administration, publicity and planning and the introduction of new events.

For me, life in NPCC was never a smooth sailing one, even as CLs. Filled with many ups and downs, I take into account everything that has happened to me. The key thing about moving forward is to always adapt and change. People will change, you will be tasked to handle different situations, external factors will differ, hence adapting all the time is necessary to achieve success in tasks. With all that said, it is important to stay true to your roots, the values that are important to every person. Integrity, discipline, unity are just some examples of values that will take any person far in life.

With my time as a CL over, I have a few words for each level. 

For the Secondary 1s, I hoped you have had an introduction to NPCC that is filled with great memories. However, that is just the start. Your life in this unit will start to differ. In order to shape you to be competent leaders, your seniors and future leaders have to use different methods to guide you. As long as you always put in your full effort, trust me, at the end of three and a half years, it will be so worth it. Take things into your stride and push one another to be better. There will always be a storm before the calm, so when things get rough, show your grit. This determination will serve you very well in life.

For the Secondary 2s, by this time next year, the unit will be passed onto your leadership. You will need to start developing and showing your leadership skills. I know that it has been tough on all of you, but now is time to be pushing and developing your potential, in both your hard skills and soft skills. The room to make mistakes is slowly dissipating. Pressure does create diamonds, and I have faith that slowly, more and more of you will step up to the plate, equipped with the necessary skills, being the beacon of exemplary for your juniors.

For the Secondary 3s, first and foremost, all the best for CLship. This will probably be the most testing time for you, but at the same time, it will be the most fruitful one. I have personally learnt so much being a CL and have been able to apply all I have learnt into other areas. Remember what Ms Lin and I have told you before we released your postings, it will be useful to you for the next 12 months. Lead and serve the unit well, all eyes are on you and everyone will take instructions from you. Do not be afraid, the light at the end of the tunnel always shows reward as long as you have done your best.

Lastly for Batch 43, it has been a very long time since we first started. I still remember that time when Norman told us in Secondary 1 that in a blink of an eye, we would be CLs passing out, and now how true it was. I couldn’t have felt any prouder leading the parade and GoH on Friday, knowing that you all were in there. All the times at 3am planning, talking, joking around will be kept close to my heart. You all have been the best group of people to work with and I have had a great time as your SI.

Before I end, I would just like to thank a few people. First, all the TOs for your guidance throughout our cadet life. From the start to finish, you all have been there to lead us back onto the right path and I am very thankful for your guidance. Second, HO and all CIs, past and presence, for being on the ground with us and being our examples during CLship. I know we have not been the easiest batch to handle, so thank you for sticking with us through thick and thin. Thirdly, all my past CLs for making the batch we are today. Fourthly, all the juniors who are the source of all our laughter and happiness. No feeling beats the one where a plan goes to plan with you all enjoying what we have planned for you. Lastly, my batch mates. No amount of words can describe how much I am thankful for you. I hope you have enjoyed being under my leadership in a sense. I will always be proud to be your SI.

So now as I end this farewell message, I thank you all for your time in reading it. It has been the greatest pleasure to have been the SI unit, a period of my life I will forever treasure. It is with a heavy heart that I leave, but change is important. I wish Batch 44 all the best and may everyone thrive under their leadership. Thank you all once again.

Warmest Regards,

SI (NPCC) Tan Yi Long

SJI NPCC Batch 43 Station Inspector