Never thought the day would come, or at least, so quickly, but here goes: It's Countdown 30 days to POP! Cue dramatic fireworks and merrymaking. The truth is, I have already initiated the next phase of my life by enlisting in the army. Although it may seem as a drag and all, having lesser time to spend with your loved ones, adhering to a strict rule of regimentation and discipline, and most of all being somehow coerced into serving the nation at a time where we were living in pure freedom. In all fairness, I have to admit I was and still is a complainer of sorts. The security and welfare of the people we interact with everywhere is brought about only by preserving the sovereignty of our nation.

After going through what could arguably be said as the most gruelling six days of my life, the words of my Platoon Commander really struck me hard. The fact that he's only 20 but displaying the maturity and critical thinking of an age miles ahead of him really earned my respect. Roughly quoted: Our father's were put through far more arduous and fatigue-inducing training regimes back in the days where army welfare was almost unheard of. Still, he fulfilled the duty in order to protect the nation and ultimately protect his family. Now that the baton has been passed to us, what gives us the right to forsake the cause that they had been fighting for all along, just because the going gets tough? Take it as a duty, a responsibility. Do it for your family, even if not for the nation. Your mindset, thinking and maturity grows with time, but fitness is something you are imbued with, and have the liberty to correct. Imagine a scenario whereby your mother's handbag gets snatched by a robber. Will you chase down that insolent "f***er" and beat the living daylights out of him? Do you even possess the ability to chase him down? Do it for your loved ones and yourself. Think of family and yourself, if not your nation. It's your duty as a son, a brother, a role model. Make your son proud of you in future by fulfilling your duty as a dad. Will you want him to give up as easily as yourself? What right do you have to encourage him and give him strength when you did not even give it your all when your opportunity arose?