What the
Leeuwin did for me by Syukrina
 What's so special about the Leeuwin, I thought to
myself at first. Just a normal sailing trip?!! But then,
as time went by I was proven wrong.
The Leeuwin had taught me many things that have
now became a part of my life. The experience gained
whilst I was on the ship has guided me through daily
life. For example? Well, I have learnt to be more
patient and tolerant of others. I do not lose my temper
as fast or as often as I used to and that's a big change
in my character!
I have learned to accept people as they are and
not to impose my values upon them.
Teamwork and
leadership qualities I have realized are two of the main
principles to achieve in life. When I was in the Red
Watch, I learned that getting on with each other (and
not just giving orders) was very hard for the adults but
then, as time passed by they became 'one of us' and by
then I realized that age was nothing but a number! It's
being together and assisting each other, no matter if
you're old or young, that counts.
 The other thing that I am
proud of accomplishing whilst on the Leeuwin was
actually climbing up the 33 metre main mast to see
whether or not the secret message at the top of the mast
was worth reading. I was later amused that such a simple
quote had various meanings to different people and it
had surely affected me deeply. From my point of view,
while I was up there it was worth the sights and
experience. As I was curiously climbing up the mast, I
could feel my legs trembling. I was overwhelmed by fear.
It felt like the ship could roll onto its side at any
moment. However, I took the initiative and continued the
terrifying 'journey'.
I just can't define what I've experienced and the
knowledge gained from the event into words. It's just
indescribable, and there's just so much to say. In my
application form, I remembered that I did say something
about how my laziness, bad temper, rebellious moods
(basically...ME!) could sink the ship, but at the end of
the day I was glad that I
didn't!
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