Inspire

Ms Koh recently asked me to take part in the inspire 07' national writing competition, and the story below is my piece! Haha.. i don't think i will win or anything but i'm proud that i managed to complete the essay myself. (although i feel it's a little short: 400 words) Short as it is, i still like it because i managed to express my thoughts through this. For those who happen to be reading this, this piece is for your reading pleasure! :)



INSPIRE
Inspiration is something people very often overlook when they take retrospect at their current paths. Many decisions, ambitions and even lifestyles are based on inspirations brought on by experiences or people we know. This ethereal concept of inspiration, which literary means ‘breathing upon’, is a powerful impetus to change, and growth. I, for one, can only name a few instances where I was truly inspired by something. Looking back at my footsteps, I could only think of one particular, I would say - adventure, one simple, yet bizarrely impactful experience that has changed my attitude and outlook towards life – scouting.

“Knock it down!” That is certainly one phrase that would haunt the memories of all scouts – past and present. These familiar words warrant the scouts in formation to switch to push up positions and this remains the peril of every member of the uniform group. Discipline – not that I ever liked or accepted the idea – is the main driving force to achieving targets and goals. Discipline inspired me to be a more unselfish person. It exists because people of similar circumstances and goals need to work together to maintain optimum efficiency. Scouting has undoubtedly made me a person who takes things seriously, and in a way has affected my attitude towards life.

Through scouting, I made friendships I never imagined I could meet. These people are the most dependable and most interesting people one can ever meet in their entire life. These friendships form in the grim of punishment, the stench of sweat, and the challenge of scouting, and these are the friendships that last even in the pyre of death. Friends made in scouts are friends made for good. No challenge is insurmountable with the help of friends that care and friends that share. Scouting has inspired my sense of responsibility towards my peers, and is what drove me to run for the student council in Junior College. "A friend is one who believes in you when you have ceased to believe in yourself." This statement certainly rings true in describing my friends.

This whole idea of scouting may seem simple and uninspiring, but it has indeed made me who I am today. Scouting has inspired me to play a more proactive in school, and has also moulded my dream of working in public service; a career which I believe will be as fulfilling and rewarding as scouting!