Inhale. . . HAH! Inhale! HAH! Inhale some more. . . .
Last May 2, 2015, I became an official graduate of the UPLB ROTC Unit. We marched off for the testimonial parade as well as witnessed the turn over of the outgoing to the in-going Corps of Commander of the best ROTC unit in the Philippines.
YES! As a cadet of the UPLB ROTC unit, I am proud and honored to say that UPLB ROTC is the best. Even though I am hesitant about the decision of choosing ROTC as the NSTP course in my college, I still can’t believed that I CAN actually finish it.
Yes! I am hesitant. I am afraid of what will happen because I know, in the next training days in ROTC will not be as easy as what i can think of. It is not just about standing under the scorching heat of the sun, but there will be something bigger opportunities waiting for us.
And YES! For the past 17 or 18 training days were challenging and exhausting. Yes, exhausting. It was tough. Do you ever imagine yourself trying to assemble and disassemble a M-16 riffle? Or learning the proper ways on how to rescue someone that needs help in the water? Or personally experience the field where you will be in a “real” battle against some people? Or standing with minimal movements for three to four hours straight? Or wearing a Rayadillo, beret, maringal shirt, and holding a riffle (even if it is not real)? Or following strict orders like the proper way of folding your handkerchief, proper attire, proper haircut, proper look of how you tie your hair and always bringing a little tickler and pen to write all the necessary lessons and announcements? Or acquiring merits if you do something good and having demerits if you don’t follow such rules and regulations? Or the proper way of talking to a high rank official? Or visiting a camp and personally experienced living with it? Or learning how to do the basic and some advance first aid treatments? Or finding good and reliable friends who you can bond with in times of happy moments? Or trying to discipline yourself in times of some real serious moments? Or being a reserved officer and will be in need when the right moment comes? Or being one of the chosen people who will serve and be of service of your beloved country? Can you handle these things?
You can experience all of these great opportunities in ROTC. Stand up for your own country. Have courage. If I can do it, YOU can also do it. Just believe in yourself because I also believe in myself that I can do it no matter what happens and no matter how hard it is.
YES! it is tiring but all those efforts will be paid off. It was really a big achievement. Don’t think of it as a burden or something that you can be ashamed of because it is NOT! IT is an OPPORTUNITY to learn the unusual but handy lessons and to be of service of your country. It’s time to give back everything. Don’t be ashamed if you do something that is not right. Take it as an opportunity to learn and be better next time.
And also, It will help your body to be fit and be ready when in times of need. It will help you gain knowledge for the basic survival and how you will be of help to others. I am not implying that I will be perfect in any way, but I will try to do my best and apply everything I learned. It is really an opportunity and not just a challenge.
I, myself once a coward. But now, I can say that I am better and I can do what other people can do. I am a proud graduate of ROTC. I am a RESERVED OFFICER. And I will do my best to BE OF SERVICE of my own country.
. . . SHOUT! UPLB ROTC THE BEST!
SHOUT!
UPLB ROTC THE BEST!
DUTY
HONOR
COUNTRY
Now, I want to give you the opportunity to take the challenge. Will you grab it?