The road I took was not simple. Going on a year more is far more challenging as you watch your batch mates march the aisle of graduation while you are still at sea. Or is it?
I used to be part of the 19th Batch of NSA cadets in DMMA-CSP. We used to enjoy the perks of being cadets trained during the "Militaristic Moments" of the Corps of Scholar Cadets. Some said that we are comparable to cadets trained under the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy (PMMA). Being compared with no less than PMMA, was an honor for us and we felt great. As a batch, we used to endure punishments together, laugh together and console our struggles within the walls of the dormitory. No one expected the painful truth of finishing the line last. All were expecting to cross the fields as one.
However, the sad reality came. As much as we wanted to be together, destiny and faith have its own ways. Surely, these will test the bonds we form together as a batch.
After finishing my cadetship contracts, I joined with the 20th Batch of NSA. The juniors we trained when we are third class (3CL). Luck may it may seem but the training we shared to them paved way because we learn to adjust as fast as we know it. The value they use to give was retained even if we are now one. The seniority was retained in an emanating atmosphere of respect. The bond we made four years ago changed to an unending ties of friendship.
As we move along, we learn to unite as a batch and face the struggles of the Corps together. We made collaborative plans for the Corps and prosper together. We accomplished things and aided the ailing discipline of the Corps. We have anchored our "story" on the success and failures of the previous batches and learn from them. We made this possible because we worked as a team.
As we leave the ground of our beloved home, I am proud to say that I am part of two batches. The differences were tailored and met with a strong synergy brought by the collaboration from the two batches. The 20th Batch and the 7th batch of CSC in which I am already part of, are not perfect as we may have lapses at times but at least we may be the catalyst of the journey back to the Corps that was of before- living in the values of Integrity, Righteousness and Humility.
