Growing up.

While reading the articles about youth gangsters, one sentence from the newspaper caught my eye. *it might not be exactly word-for-word but at least the gist is there*

"I joined a gang because I could not mingle well with my schoolmates. I often thought they were childish"

That sentence echoed sentiments of my own school days, yes even until poly days. The lack of maturity (primary sch days excluded) and decadence displayed by some people was just incredible. Oh wait, dont go thinking that the kid who said that is some bigshot who already thinks he's mature in primary school. Personally, I had those same sentiments at some point of time during my own school days..and I know better than to brush off the opinion of such kids.

Some kids have shown a level of maturity that stretches beyond their age...the trend (from what I see) is these kids come from dysfunctional or troubled families. Therefore, it is as though these kids are dragged into being young adults sooner thus they are more daring than the other kids. Because of this, they're often seen as more mischievous and delinquent. More often, these kids grow up to be VERY self-assured too!..almost displaying pure leadership qualities. BUT the danger lies within the fact that they are still young and need plenty of guidance ( this is what I'd like to call "Raw Talent"). They have yet to discern between what is right (and often difficult) from what is easy (and often wrong)

Anyway, the point is I realised how much I could have been like that misguided boy. To join a gang, to enjoy the company of elder people and do things that they perceive to be fulfilling. I realise how CLOSE I was to having misplace my sense of belief and trust.

Thankfully, after a few wake up calls and bad experiences, I was able to channel all that into the right path. I wont elaborate more here or this post will stretch like mad! hehe

Strangely enough, it is this past experience that makes me want to ensure that it doesnt happen to my own cadets...especially the headstrong ones. I've always been quick to reach out to those highly determined and forceful ones and ensure that all the 'raw emotions' are fine tuned; that they are focused on something beneficial for themselves.

I dont know why but I believe it is the responsibility..or rather the DUTY of those who have "walked the walk" to guide the younger ones along.

(FOUR out of the six Ds of Dunman were mentioned here. Daring, Discernment, Duty, Determination. How does diligence and discipline play in their lives? you DECIDE!)

Oh yes, believe me when I say that it is easier to counsel these headstrong kids than it is to counsel the childish ones. My former kindergarten headmistress can testify to that! Read on below and laugh yourself to death!

I had run out of my classroom to the canteen and waited there before the recess bell had rung. As punishment, my form teacher took me to see the headmistress. She was not in her office. I was told to wait there until she came while my form teacher returned to class. Being the kid that I was, I ran outside to the back of the headmistress office and waited just outside her open window. When the headmistress came in and seated herself at her desk, her back was to the window. Like a ninja, I climbed in and scared the hell out of her from behind. HAHAHA!