Participating in this years NDP is indeed an experience that I will never forget. At first, I was rather reluctant to join in the cheerleading team as I was forced into it. ( Being a student councilor) But as the training progressed, the various experiences and values learnt made me more eager and enthusiastic. For one, I learnt to follow my own heart. Cheerleading, before participating in the NDP, is to me not so much of a manly sport. I felt awkward telling people that I am in this event. However, I discovered that it was actually pretty fun to cheerlead. Soon, I managed to discard all the biasness I had towards cheerleading and to enjoy the whole experience.
But it is useless to follow your own heart if you do not put in 'due dilligence'. This is also what I learnt from cheerleading. The multiple trainings sometimes dragged for hours on end and it also required me to sacrifice my weekends. The whether also caused much irritation. At times it would be blazing hot and at other times it would pour. Having to perservere through the tough trainings and the whether, and having to put in commitment and sacrifice, made me understand the true value of discipline.
The third thing that I learnt is to enjoy the process. The many friendships and bonds I had forged with the other cheerleaders will always be treasured. The memories and experiences of this event will always be precious to me and will be close to my heart. Even as life goes on its rapid pace, this memory will serve as sweet perfume- one that is pleasant and nolstalgic.
I believe life is also like the NDP cheerleading. By following your own heart, having discipline and enjoying the whole process, one can definately put up a spectacular show- one that makes life worth the living, just like what we delivered on national day.
Jethro
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
What NDP gave me.
The National Day Parade provided me an opportunity to serve Singapore even though it was in a very unexpected way. Although there was the frequent cheerleading trainings and tiring hours, it was a new experience and not forgetting the people involved in the event- altogether it was made unforgettable.
Indeed it was a great priviledge to be able to contribute to my country.
NDP 2008 gave me new friends, new experiences and especially appreciation for Singapore.
After all the hardwork, the fireworks made it altogether worthwhile.
(:
Rachel Oh 08S29
Indeed it was a great priviledge to be able to contribute to my country.
NDP 2008 gave me new friends, new experiences and especially appreciation for Singapore.
After all the hardwork, the fireworks made it altogether worthwhile.
(:
Rachel Oh 08S29
Liying's Reflections - NDP Cheerleading 2008
National Day Parade celebrates the birthday and the independence of our nation, Singapore. To some, it may just be a day where the respective uniformed groups march around the stadium, while various schools and other organizations put up performances. However, the 9th day of August each year is especially meaningful to our forefathers and older generation who have fought hard for our independence.
MOE's policy to instill National Education and moral values in the local students allowed me to gain some basic knowledge of Singapore's history. Having witnessed several years of NDP, I can clearly see the hardwork put in by the National Day Parade. Each year after the NDP ends, the committee begins planning for the following year's parade. This shows how much pride and significance are placed in the NDP. From the perspective of a Singaporean student, I feel that National Day is a day where we can explicitly express our love for the country and sincerely treasure our place as a Singaporean. Also, it is a day when we look back at the past achievements of our nation, unite and work together towards a better Singapore.
As a child, I have envied the performers and committee of the NDP. To be able to take part in the NDP was purely a dream for me. My dream came true when Ms Tan was recruiting cheerleaders from JC 1. Being involved in NDP allowed me to experience how it is like to spend Saturdays rehearsing, sweating it out and going all out to achieve one common aim, to fufill our part in the NDP. However, this is not just any regular performance. The whole Singapore is watching us. Skills and precision in moves and steps would not be enough. It is the passion, sincerity and energy of the cheerleaders which will touch the hearts of the audience. I learnt that we should always have an open mind to learning and strive hard in whatever we do.
In addition, I have made many new friends throughout the numerous months of training. We shared joy, tears and laughter. The determination on our friends' faces spurred us on, never to give up and coordinate with one another. Teamwork is undeniably an important factor here. Once we are clear of our goal, we should do what it takes and achieve it. The obstacles and challenges would be overcome eventually if we have set our mind to it.
Next, the NDP acts as a platform to unite Singapore, where Singaporeans dress up in red and white, wave the national flags and sing the theme songs in unison. They may not know each other but they are fellow Singaporeans, coming together to celebrate the independence of their nation. Also, NDP reminds the community to remember their roots as a Singaporean and gives them a sense of belonging.
All in all, NDP not only involves the performers and organizing committee but the entire Singapore. I sincerely wish everyone can come together, express their love for their homeland and work hand in hand towards a better Singapore!
Liying 08A01
MOE's policy to instill National Education and moral values in the local students allowed me to gain some basic knowledge of Singapore's history. Having witnessed several years of NDP, I can clearly see the hardwork put in by the National Day Parade. Each year after the NDP ends, the committee begins planning for the following year's parade. This shows how much pride and significance are placed in the NDP. From the perspective of a Singaporean student, I feel that National Day is a day where we can explicitly express our love for the country and sincerely treasure our place as a Singaporean. Also, it is a day when we look back at the past achievements of our nation, unite and work together towards a better Singapore.
As a child, I have envied the performers and committee of the NDP. To be able to take part in the NDP was purely a dream for me. My dream came true when Ms Tan was recruiting cheerleaders from JC 1. Being involved in NDP allowed me to experience how it is like to spend Saturdays rehearsing, sweating it out and going all out to achieve one common aim, to fufill our part in the NDP. However, this is not just any regular performance. The whole Singapore is watching us. Skills and precision in moves and steps would not be enough. It is the passion, sincerity and energy of the cheerleaders which will touch the hearts of the audience. I learnt that we should always have an open mind to learning and strive hard in whatever we do.
In addition, I have made many new friends throughout the numerous months of training. We shared joy, tears and laughter. The determination on our friends' faces spurred us on, never to give up and coordinate with one another. Teamwork is undeniably an important factor here. Once we are clear of our goal, we should do what it takes and achieve it. The obstacles and challenges would be overcome eventually if we have set our mind to it.
Next, the NDP acts as a platform to unite Singapore, where Singaporeans dress up in red and white, wave the national flags and sing the theme songs in unison. They may not know each other but they are fellow Singaporeans, coming together to celebrate the independence of their nation. Also, NDP reminds the community to remember their roots as a Singaporean and gives them a sense of belonging.
All in all, NDP not only involves the performers and organizing committee but the entire Singapore. I sincerely wish everyone can come together, express their love for their homeland and work hand in hand towards a better Singapore!
Liying 08A01
Daryl's Reflection from 08S31
When I first saw the announcement for this cheerleading event, I immediately knew it was not the usual "cheerleaders" who help to lead the audience to sing and dance. It was something very new to me and I know that not everyone will have a chance to learn what the real cheerleading is. And since I have the opportunity to learn cheerleading, I signed up straight away.
After seeing so little people signed up, I was quite disappointed. Some of them left after the first briefing since they saw what are they going to wear on stage. I felt sad for them since not only the lost the chance to learn something new, they lost the chance to serve in a national event. It is a rare chance for me to perform in front of the whole nation. I was very proud of myself.
I looked forward to every session of training as I will get to go so much cool stuff. But at times I do feel very tired as the training ended quite late.
When our rehearsals shifted to the floating platform, I looked forward to every saturday even more. With all the new friends I made, I get to performed to different groups of people before the actual event. Even my parents came to see.
Cheerleading taught me about team spirit. In order for a formation to take place nicely, everyone must put in the effort to attend the trainings or rehearsals. Everyone in the group must know their steps very well so that nothing will go wrong. The power of a team is very strong if every individual plays their part.
I never regret taking part in this national event. It is my first time doing this and if I have the chance again, I will like to take part again.
After seeing so little people signed up, I was quite disappointed. Some of them left after the first briefing since they saw what are they going to wear on stage. I felt sad for them since not only the lost the chance to learn something new, they lost the chance to serve in a national event. It is a rare chance for me to perform in front of the whole nation. I was very proud of myself.
I looked forward to every session of training as I will get to go so much cool stuff. But at times I do feel very tired as the training ended quite late.
When our rehearsals shifted to the floating platform, I looked forward to every saturday even more. With all the new friends I made, I get to performed to different groups of people before the actual event. Even my parents came to see.
Cheerleading taught me about team spirit. In order for a formation to take place nicely, everyone must put in the effort to attend the trainings or rehearsals. Everyone in the group must know their steps very well so that nothing will go wrong. The power of a team is very strong if every individual plays their part.
I never regret taking part in this national event. It is my first time doing this and if I have the chance again, I will like to take part again.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Never in my seventeen years of life (now 18) would I have imagined performing in front of
so so many people. Believe me you, no amount of words can summarize that kind of feeling till you
personally experience it yourself. That kind of feeling is unbelievable.
Initially, when I first started out, I was quite hesitant about it. Cheerleading was never my kind of thing. I’m sure many of you guys felt that way too. But as the days and the weeks went by and we started having trainings, we all made new friendships, learning new things, discovered things about one another. That was what made the journey of the whole Ndp really memorable and meaningful.
Being one of the base for the human pyramid, I learnt that teamwork was really important. If one person were to make a mistake, the whole team suffers.
On the 9th of august, waiting to make our entrance on stage for the very last time, it suddenly hit me that this was the last time that we would be up there performing the routine. I don’t know about the rest, but after spending almost every Saturday at the floating platform with friends I had somehow grown attached to the routine. And when i didn't have to go down to the floating platform the next saturday, it felt weird.
Although our last performance on national day meant that our time as Ndp cheerleaders had come to an end. It made me feel really proud to be a Singaporean(:
I truly believe that what we have learnt from this awesome experience was priceless and it was certainly most worthwhile.
lots of love,
Melissa
so so many people. Believe me you, no amount of words can summarize that kind of feeling till you
personally experience it yourself. That kind of feeling is unbelievable.
Initially, when I first started out, I was quite hesitant about it. Cheerleading was never my kind of thing. I’m sure many of you guys felt that way too. But as the days and the weeks went by and we started having trainings, we all made new friendships, learning new things, discovered things about one another. That was what made the journey of the whole Ndp really memorable and meaningful.
Being one of the base for the human pyramid, I learnt that teamwork was really important. If one person were to make a mistake, the whole team suffers.
On the 9th of august, waiting to make our entrance on stage for the very last time, it suddenly hit me that this was the last time that we would be up there performing the routine. I don’t know about the rest, but after spending almost every Saturday at the floating platform with friends I had somehow grown attached to the routine. And when i didn't have to go down to the floating platform the next saturday, it felt weird.
Although our last performance on national day meant that our time as Ndp cheerleaders had come to an end. It made me feel really proud to be a Singaporean(:
I truly believe that what we have learnt from this awesome experience was priceless and it was certainly most worthwhile.
lots of love,
Melissa
Memories of a Lifetime
It has been a long time since i last wore my ndp costume...Truth to be told, i will never forget the very special memories i had wearing them.
Though at first i was rather reluctant to join the team because of the tight schedule, i changed my mind after seeing all my friends who were joining as well. And the fact that we were going to perform on a floating platform for the only time in our lives was another factor that changed my mind! It was definitely an opportunity not to be missed as i'm sure many would never have another chance.
I will never forget the friendship ties forged during all the rehearsals. All the laughing, gossiping,heh, and all the fun filled activities we did in the bus, oh and plus the food, they were all memorable to me.Though they took up a lot of time, it sure helped me to persevere as i had to struggle to juggle my studies, CCA and the ndp rehearsals. But overall i think it was worth the effort as at the end of the day, after every rehearsal, i could taste the satisfaction from all the hard work.
Not forgetting all the teachers and our coaches, who had helped us get through the rehearsals pain-stakingly. I think it was the best time i have ever had serving the nation as well as making the school proud by representing TPJC in the parade. It was definitely a memorable experience for me as i think it would be for all of us.
I wish we could have another ndp performance!
I miss all of you ndp people!
Love, Munirah :)
Though at first i was rather reluctant to join the team because of the tight schedule, i changed my mind after seeing all my friends who were joining as well. And the fact that we were going to perform on a floating platform for the only time in our lives was another factor that changed my mind! It was definitely an opportunity not to be missed as i'm sure many would never have another chance.
I will never forget the friendship ties forged during all the rehearsals. All the laughing, gossiping,heh, and all the fun filled activities we did in the bus, oh and plus the food, they were all memorable to me.Though they took up a lot of time, it sure helped me to persevere as i had to struggle to juggle my studies, CCA and the ndp rehearsals. But overall i think it was worth the effort as at the end of the day, after every rehearsal, i could taste the satisfaction from all the hard work.
Not forgetting all the teachers and our coaches, who had helped us get through the rehearsals pain-stakingly. I think it was the best time i have ever had serving the nation as well as making the school proud by representing TPJC in the parade. It was definitely a memorable experience for me as i think it would be for all of us.
I wish we could have another ndp performance!
I miss all of you ndp people!
Love, Munirah :)
Jake's Reflections
I still remembered the awkward feeling i had when i realised NDP cheerleading was not the one i expected to be: Standing at the grand stand with the audience. Therefore, it made me start the participating NDP trainings half heartedly. However, seeing the hardwork of the teachers to get more students, my friends and I decided to stay on.
Eventually, i realised NDP Cheerleading did not turn out so bad. Through it, i have forged many new friendships, strengthen many existing ones. And i really enjoyed the company of these friends as they make every single training sessions fun!
Another best takeaway i had from this NDP Cheerleading is the organisation of such a huge event. I have longed dream of seeing how such large scale event is organised. Therefore, it was an eyeopener for me. I will never forget this once in the lifetime experience.
This NDP Cheerleading has been a tough but fun experience for all. It has taught me to be open-minded and dare to try.
Eventually, i realised NDP Cheerleading did not turn out so bad. Through it, i have forged many new friendships, strengthen many existing ones. And i really enjoyed the company of these friends as they make every single training sessions fun!
Another best takeaway i had from this NDP Cheerleading is the organisation of such a huge event. I have longed dream of seeing how such large scale event is organised. Therefore, it was an eyeopener for me. I will never forget this once in the lifetime experience.
This NDP Cheerleading has been a tough but fun experience for all. It has taught me to be open-minded and dare to try.
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