Prelude to NS: I was a happy go lucky chap who has a never say die attitude. With minimal effort, I got my silver Nafa result so as to qualify for 3 months BMT. Prior to my call-up, I completed 18 days trekking in Nepal, spotting dark tan. I was called up to Nee Soon camp, tried my best and was selected for OCS interview towards end of BMT. Strange thing is on day several of my platoon and myself were told no need turn up. I didn't really mind and next best thing - selected for Sispec course. Though slightly disappointed about OCS selection, I was selected to be parade state IC - in charge of nominal roll. From section training, we learnt section leader drills but our trainer was the stingy type, our whole section scored worst in whole platoon. I improved my fitness tremendously able to do 12-14 pull ups - something I never thought I could achieve in my dreams! Daily routine was wake up at 5.30am and 6am proceed breakfast by NS cooks. Rock buns and hard rice were usual fares. But the exposure in BSLC took us confidence as a leader to greater height! Our platoon leader was the youngest warrant officer and oc was Ganga who was first ever senior warrant officer to be OC! Our inspiration of leaders made us want to achieve similar success like them. Our first charge to elephant hill was special experience! We knew at that point and song we were made to sing - sispec warrior means we are no ordinary soldiers - we were leaders of our men! Passing out parade marked our promotion to rank Corporal. How proud we were then and of course we missed canteen breaks to see stall's 2 pretty canteen meimei! Indeed sispec marks the beginning of our leadership! The top 2-5% graduates qualify for 2nd chance to Ocs. Quite a handful go advanced section leader course to be instructors in sispec. Most of us were transferred to unit for further trade course training to be specialist. Sispec indeed was best time in my NS! Experience of our basic section leader course bslc- mindset change to lead and succeed! (Contributed as part of the NS45 campaign which commemorates the 45th anniversary of Singapore's National Service, with the theme of "From Fathers to Sons")