Guilty and shame was written all over my face. I had defaulted on my annual IPPT window in September and now the National Servicemen department has called me in to answer for it. Some of my friends whom defaulted before told me I would surely be in for a harsh scolding from the officer and get fined. I felt really lousy about myself on the cab ride to CMPB this afternoon. I was contemplating what kind of excuse I should come up with to escape the scolding and fine.... tick tock tick tock... the dreading moment was drawing near as the taxi cruised along AYE.
As I entered the waiting room, there were many other defaulters awaiting their "trial". Many of them had files and papers in their hands, ready to defend their cases. I heart stopped a beat then... I had nothing to defend myself with. Honestly speaking, it was error on my part that I forgot to take my IPPT through the past whole year. I was still thinking what "good" reasons should I give to get me off the hook......
I entered the room and greeted the officer on duty. He read my charges and asked me why I defaulted on my IPPT. And I answered.... (click here)
I was readily prepared to get a barrage of scolding at that instant, and the officer spoke.. "Ok, fair enough. I will waive off the charges for this time. But you must immediately book your RT (Remedial Training) at the outprocessing counter later. You may leave now."
After I booked my RT, I left the place, heaving a sigh of relieve but at the same time still shocked that it wasn't as bad as I thought to be.
Lesson learnt. Be conscientious and take ownership of my responsibilities. But more importantly, I learnt that when one truly has made a mistake, there is NO NEED to lie to cover up. The best solution is to be brave, admit the mistake made and apologize. The RT is the consequences I have to bear for making the mistake. But at least I won't have to live with a guilty conscious for the rest of my life.
We may escape with a lie today, but one day it will catch up with us.
LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE!
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