My Role Model in BB - A Father and Ex-BB Sergeant

Written by Recruit Teoh Eu Gin of 12th Kuala Lumpur Company

When I came to Wesley Methodist School Kuala Lumpur, I was introduced to The Boys’ Brigade. My father, who was a Sergeant in the 1st Sungai Petani Company BB was very happy to know that school has a Boys’ Brigade Company and encouraged me to join the BB. He told me that his time with the BB was limited as he had to leave the Brigade to further his studies. He shared his experiences with me during his time in the Brigade and wanted me to join the Brigade too. I could feel that he really enjoyed his time spent in BB those days. Initially I couldn’t understand why he was so enthusiastic to share of his BB knowledge and experience. As time goes by, I slowly understand why he is passionate about BB, as it has taught him so much as a young Boy back then.

Frankly speaking, when I first joined The Boys’ Brigade, I felt as if I was forced into it and I had no idea why we had to join it. Soon, I found out that this is all due to school policy whereby all first formers in the school are required to join The Boys’ Brigade for at least one year. I remembered during our first parade, as I looked around me, there are about 85 of us as first former boys. The girls too have to join The Girls’ Brigade. Someone told us that we are now known as Recruits - everyone just stared blankly at each other.  

A few months after joining the BB, I learnt that there are so many activities that I could participate in. For instance, I could learn how to earn badges, being able to participate in Pesta and Convention, learning how to polish in Boot Camp, the challenges in Drill team, and many more.

As I studied the Awards section in the BB handbook, I realize that I could easily earn myself some badges. I even have qualified for some badges such as the Bronze scholastic, Arts, Crafts, Hobbies and Computer Knowledge! But, in order to get that, I would have to pass my Target test first.

One customary in BB is we need to learn drill and marching. After seeing my seniors able to do drill well, I wanted to be like them. So, during drill session, I took the initiative to learn the proper drill steps. I really hope I can join and be part of 12^th KL Drill Team. I am determined that I must work hard to achieve my dream and to be disciplined and able to execute commands accordingly. In fact, BB has taught me that we need to cultivate a disciplined lifestyle if we want to be successful in life – no pain, no gain. I would like to thank my NCOs, Lance Corporal Ong Wil Sern for guiding me and teaching me to be timer and commander for my squad during Boot Camp.

Besides LCpl. Ong Wil Sern, among the first Seniors to talk to me are Private Jorn Tan, Private Teh Eng Hong, Private James Ng and Private Steve Lay. They all have encouraged me to stay in the Brigade. They share with me of their experiences in the Brigade, such as Boot camps, BB & GB outings, and even BNTS. I really appreciate them for encouraging me and motivating me to stay in BB.

Just recently, from the 5th to 11th of June, our Company participated in the bi-annual 21^st National Pesta and Convention Kampar. I was so excited to meet some BB members from Hong Kong, Indonesia and Singapore. I never imagined that BB is such an international event! It was such a memorable experience to watch Band, Drill and Singing and Dancing competitions. Although our Company didn’t take part in any competition, it was really an eye-opening experience for me. Besides, as a Company, we went to Kellie’s Castle and Gua Tempurung too. It was our Company excursion. We had fun together as we scouted the area and had fellowship among ourselves.

The memories of Pesta 2014 Kampar is still fresh in my mind. All of us came back tanner and darker. Standing under hot sun for at least an hour, with dehydration during the Opening Ceremony was an experience that as Brigadiers, we ought to be tough outside to withstand any tough circumstances found around us.

All in all, I think boys Brigade is a nice uniformed organisation to be in because I can make new friends, try out new things, and have fun. I hope that 12^th Kuala Lumpur will have more NCOs and more enthusiastic Members. I am looking forward to having a 12^th KL Band too. Before I end my essay, I would like to take this opportunity to especially thank my dearest father who has been so supportive and encouraging me to stay on in BB. One day, I hope I would be a Sergeant just like you Dad. Thanks and love you Dad!