My Journey My Family

YOU! Yes YOU! Let me tell you my story ok?

When I entered Singapore Polytechnic, my first choice CCA was already SP.Primers because of the very fact my bros are in it. I was only equipped with the knowledge that Primers is an extension of the Boys’ Brigade before I join. However as I soon found out, SP.Primers is a whole new story.

I joined in year one but only attended a few events and was MIA for the entire year. I ‘returned’ back to Primers because of the Humanitarian Trip to Sri Lanka. I long wanted to go for such trips and seeing my opportunity, I decided to go for it. Before the trip, there was a round of selection. One of the criteria was to attend the RIO camp. I remembered clearly that the RIO camp was right after my last paper and we are meeting at 7pm. While partying and celebrating with my classmates, at about 6pm, I received a call from one of my Bro. He told me he was sick and could not make it for the camp. At that moment, I really felt like not going for the camp as I do not know anyone. He was the only one I was close to at that time. I was totally lost! However, in my heart I really want to go for the Humanitarian Trip so I dragged myself to the ferry terminal. I was alone and as I step onto the boat to Pulua Unbin and as the boat slowly leave mainland Singapore, I knew there was no turning back. RIO stands for Rough-It-Out camp and for me, the camp was really mentally challenging. How could I survive on an island with strangers for 3days 2 nights?

I wanted to make friends but I was shy and most of the participants came in groups. It was very hard for me to just join them. At night I did not know who to sleep beside, who will accompany me to the dark toilet, who will talk to me. Every second I wish that the camp would just end.

I remember there were 3 guys who were also participants of the camp. They are Derrick, Jian Ting and Aloy. These 3 brothers stick together like glue and it is very hard to pull them apart (even now). I saw them and I felt even more lonely because… where are my Bros? On the last day, the officers introduce us to the Humanitarian Trip to Sri Lanka and asked for a verbal commitment. It struck me that only those who went for the camp will be eligible for the trip. I don’t want to be lonely, further more for 2 weeks in a far away country I am not familiar with.

But still, I really wanted to go to Sri Lanka. So lonely or not, I gave my commitment. Sri Lanka was a life changing experience. One thing that really changed was my relationship with the 3 guys. Through the trip, I slowly made friends with them. We crapped and joke, bath and sleep together for 2 whole weeks. After the trips, we continue participating in other Primers events, never missing a single one. Events after events we meet and we start to know each other more and more. They are now my brothers and I love them lots.

Till today, I never regret going for the camp. Yes going alone maybe scary but look at the bright side, you will know more friends through these events. Close friends that becomes family and love ones. Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and join events alone. I had done it 2 years ago and not regret since.
Guys, hear my heart. When we say Primers is a family, what do we really mean? Can you tell me what’s a family to you? Words can’t really describe what family is. We have to experience it. I really thank God that I when for the camp and the trip because I experience the love that a family have, the tears we shed together, the joy we had and the time we spend with each other.

What I have shared is just a small portion of my journey in Primers. Every event is a story to be told. Will you be part of this story?

If life is a book, what will your content page be like? If you look at mine, you are sure to find Primers in it, page 1 to page ……

My Journey,
Vimel