Since I was young, I have been fascinated with technology and how things work. My parents bought those build-it-yourself toys for me to build and tear them apart countless times. Soon I started building objects from my imagination.

As technology soon became more advanced, I managed to get my hands onto gadgets. Seeing how they worked made me want to create some of them. And so I started a journey to learn the various programming languages while experimenting at home.

After my O Levels, I finally had the opportunity to study it in a structured approach with experienced mentors. In Temasek Polytechnic, I studied Computer Engineering where I was able to explore both hardware and software aspects of gadgets. For my Final Year Project in 2009, I chose to specialize in software development with two other friends. Together, we completed a project entitled Vision-based Object Detection which won a commendation award presented at the Engineering Show 2010.

Currently, I am an Officer Cadet training in the Signals Vocation which keeps me exposed to technology and its applications. I have seen how technology has helped military personal stay connected from using ancient lines to new and advanced wireless communication. Seeing and understanding how the military has integrated this into their operations has got me to think of how I can improve the reliability the communications in the Battlefield to enhance Command and Control.

Apart from this, I am also taught how to lead others. When I commission in July 2011, I will be in charge of 37 men; taking care of their welfare and fitness. To do this, I have learnt to take care of myself first before taking care of others as I believe the best leadership is by example. This has also provided me the opportunity to experience different leadership styles and their effectiveness such that I can keep the good points and ignore the bad points.

What I have learnt about myself?



The tetrahedron has thought me things about myself. Whenever people asked me to introduce myself, I was usually lost for words when describing my character and personality. Now, I am able to describe myself better with proper words.


Based on instinct, I am of water nature. Calm, caring and consistent. I am quite patient and can give a listening ear if you ever need one. I am also rather ethical, considering other people's feelings and well-being before making a decision. Sometimes I even forget about myself.


What I have learnt about the other elements?


Apart from water, there are fire, air and earth as the other natures. I learnt that I can be more than one element and other people have their own primary and secondary element. So to work better as a team, I need to understand the other elements.


Earth people are steadfast, brave and tough. They are confident in the things they do. They like to take prompt though risky decisions to achieve their goal or achievement.


Air people are clear-headed, systematic and focused. They think things out properly before finding a suitable logical solution. They like accuracy and quality.


Fire people are bright, optimistic and adventurous. They are full of energy, colourful and love to have fun. They are the ones who inspire other to see the better side of life.

A) NRIC NO. RANK/NAME




S9044131J. OCT FRANCISCO CAETANO DOS REMEDIOS FURTADO.



B) FAMILY BACKGROUND



I COME FROM A RATHER BIG FAMILY OF EIGHT. THERE ARE MY PARENTS, TWO OLDER SISTERS, TWO YOUNGER SISTERS AND ONE YOUNGER BROTHER. BEING FROM SUCH A BIG FAMILY HAS HELPED ME UNDERSTAND THAT EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT EVEN IF THEY COME FROM THEY SAME BACKGROUND.



AS THE SAYING GOES 'OPPOSITES ATTRACT', MY PARENTS ARE ONE SUCH COUPLE. FOR EXAMPLE, MY FATHER IS A GOANESE (INDIAN WITH PORTUGESE INFLUENCE) AND INTELLECTUAL PERSON WHILE MY MOTHER IS PURE CHINESE AND TECHNICAL PERSON. THOUGH THEY HAVE MANY DIFFERENCES, THEY COMPLIMENT EACH OTHER. OVER MY TWENTY YEARS UNDER THEIR CARE, I HAVE LEARNT MANY LIFE SKILLS FROM THEM.



MY ELDEST SISTER, PEDRINHA, IS ADVENTUROUS AND CARING PERSON. BEING THE ONLY ONE WORKING IN THE FAMILY, SHE PROVIDES EXTRA FOR THE FAMILY. SHE OCCASIONALLY BRINGS US OUT FOR LUNCH/DINNER TREATS OR BUYS BACK TREATS.



MY ELDER SISTER, MAGDALENA, IS THE SMART ONE. SHE HAS A DEGREE IN ACCOUNTING AND IS WAITING FOR HER NIE COURSE TO START. SHE PROVES THAT HARD WORK DOES PAY OFF.



MY YOUNGER SISTER, MARIETA, BRINGS HUMOUR INTO THE FAMILY. WHENEVER THERE IS A FIGHT OR QUARREL, SHE IS USUALLY THE ONE TO CRACK A JOKE TO BREAK THE TENSION.



MY YOUNGEST SISTER, CARMELINA, IS RATHER SPECIAL. SHE WAS BORN WITH DOWN SYNDROME BUT HAS BEEN A BLESSING TO OUR FAMILY. HAVING SPECIAL NEEDS, SHE HAS GIVEN OUR FAMILY A SENSE OF SERVICE, TO ALWAYS HELP THOSE IN NEED. BY BEING HERSELF, SHE HAS CONTRIBUTED A LOT TO OUR FAMILY'S BONDING.



MY YOUNGER BROTHER, JOACHIM, IS A RATHER PLAYFUL PERSON. BEING A TYPICAL TEEN, HE IS ADVENTUROUS AND OFTEN TRIES TO FIND THE MORE EXCITING PATH. BUT OF COURSE, HE LEARNS FROM HIS MISTAKES.



AS FOR MY RELATIVES, THEY ARE ALL AROUND THE WORLD. MY MOTHER'S SIDE RESIDE IN SINGAPORE WHILE MY FATHER'S SIDE RESIDE IN AUSTRALIA, ENGLAND AND INDIA. COMING FROM A BIG FAMILY, IT IS HARD FOR US TO FIND A SIMILAR TIME WHERE ALL OF US ARE AVAILABLE TO GO ON HOLIDAY. THUS, MY RELATIVES ARE USUALLY THE ONES COMING FOR VISITS, EITHER AS A PIT STOP DURING THEIR HOLIDAYS OR FOR BUSINESS TRIPS.



C) EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND



I ATTENDED MY SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION AT SAINT PATRICK'S SCHOOL AT EAST COAST ROAD. I HAVE BUILT MOST OF MY CHARACTER IN THERE AS IT IS A MISSION SCHOOL AND THEIR PRIORITY IS CHARACTER BUILDING. HAVING TIME ON MY HANDS, I WAS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THREE CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES(CCA). I WAS A MEMBER OF AIR-RIFLE CLUB, ST JOHN'S AMBULANCE BRIGADE AND LEGION OF MARY. IN AIR-RIFLE, I WAS PART OF THE SCHOOL TEAM WHERE COMMITMENT WAS IMPORTANT AS TRAININGS WERE FOUR TIMES A WEEK. IN ST JOHN'S AMBULANCE BRIGADE, I LEARNT DISCIPLINE AND ADVANCED FIRST AID. LEGION OF MARY WAS MY SPIRITUAL GUIDE. IT WAS HERE THAT I LEARNT TO KEEP STILL AND REFLECT ON MY DAY AND ACTIONS. HAVING THESE CCAS HAS HELPED ME PRACTICE MY TIME MANAGEMENT SKILLS AND THE IMPORTANCE TO HAVE A BALANCE IN LIFE. I GRADUATED WITH EIGHT O LEVEL PASSES GETTING TWENTY POINTS IN L1R5.



AFTER SECONDARY EDUCATION, I WENT ON TO CONTINUE MY EDUCATION AT TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC. HERE I STUDIED COMPUTER ENGINEERING AND JOINED TWO CCAS, NAMELY ADVENTURE CLUB AND JAPANESE CULTURAL GROUP(JCG). AFTER A FEW MONTHS, I BECAME INCLINED TO JCG AND SOON BECAME THE VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE CLUB IN MY FINAL YEAR. THIS WAS A TOUGH YET CHALLENGING OPPORTUNITY FOR ME AS I HAD TO BALANCE WORKING DURING MY INTERNSHIP AND FINAL YEAR PROJECT WHILE MANAGING A CLUB. I WAS ABLE TO PUT TO PRACTICE MY STRESS MANAGEMENT SKILLS AND LEADERSHIP SKILLS. OVERALL, I BELIEVE I DID A GOOD JOB AS I GRADUATED WITH A DIPLOMA WITH MERIT AT THE END OF MY THREE YEARS.



D) POST-SCHOOL DAYS AND PRIOR TO NSF ENLISTMENT



AFTER GRADUATION, I ENJOYED THE NEXT MONTH WITH MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY CELEBRATING AFTER STUDYING FOR SUCH A LONG PERIOD OF TIME. I WENT ON SHORT OVERSEAS TRIPS, WATCHED MOVIES AND PLAYED GAMES. BASICALLY, WE JUST HAD FUN.



SLOWLY AS THE FIRE DIED DOWN, I STARTED LOOKING FOR PART-TIME JOBS. IT WASN'T EASY LOOKING FOR ONE. BUT AFTER A MONTH, I MANAGED TO GET HIRED. I WORKED IN TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT AS AN ADMIN ASSISTANT. HERE I LEARNT ABOUT SYSTEMS AND HOW IMPORTANT IT WAS TO FILL UP FORMS PROPERLY ESPECIALLY THOSE THAT DEAL WITH MONEY.



E) GENERAL



DURING MY FREE OR EXTRA TIME, I LIKE SPENDING IT WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS. TO ME, THE COMPANIONSHIP IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE ACTIVITY. WITH MY FAMILY, MY LEISURE ACTIVITIES CAN RANGE FROM A SIMPLE HOME COOKED FAMILY MEAL TO A FANCY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION AT A RESTAURANT. WITH MY FRIENDS, MY ACTIVITIES RANGE FROM WATCHING MOVIES TO TRYING OUT NEW UNUSUAL RESTAURANTS TO JUST HANGING OUT AND HAVE A NICE CATCH UP SESSION. WHEN MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE UNAVAILABLE, I LOVE SPENDING TIME IN MY OWN WORLD. I OFTEN WATCH FAMOUS TV SHOWS LIKE 'SUPERNATURAL', 'HOUSE' AND 'HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER' AND GET SUCKED INTO THEIR WORLD. IT'S A NICE WAY TO TAKE A BREAK FROM REALITY AND GO SOMEWHERE ELSE.



F) FINANCIAL STATUS



THE NSF ALLOWANCE IS ENOUGH FOR ME. AS I HAD UNDERGONE PHYSICAL TRAINING PHRASE (PTP) IN THE ARMY, I LOST QUITE SOME WEIGHT AND SLIMMED DOWN. THUS, I COULDN'T WEAR MOST OF MY CLOTHES. SINCE THE FIRST MONTHS ALLOWANCE, I'VE BEEN GOING SHOPPING WITH MY CLOSE FRIENDS BUYING REPLACEMENT ITEMS SUCH AS SHIRTS, SHOES AND BAGS. I DON'T USUALLY GO SHOPPING BUT SINCE IT WAS A NECESSITY, I ALWAYS BRING ALONG MY EXPERTS. ALSO, MY FATHER HAS TAUGHT ME TO SAVE TEN PERCENT OF WHATEVER I EARN. SO I NEVER SPEND MORE THAN WHAT I HAVE.



OVERALL, MY FAMILY IS QUITE STABLE FINANCIALLY. MY FATHER HAS PUT IN A LOT OF EFFORT TO SAVE AND SPREAD OUT HIS SAVINGS FOR US. EVER SINCE HE HAS RETIRED, MY FAMILY HAVE BEEN LIVING OFF HIS SAVINGS LITERALLY AND I DO INTEND TO HELP LESSEN HIS EXPENDITURE.



G) VIEWS/OPINIONS



IN MY OPINION, I THINK THE SINGAPORE ARMED FORCES(SAF) IS A RATHER GENEROUS AND CARING ORGANISATION. IT IS JUST LIKE ANY ORDINARY ORGANISATION WITH IT'S DEPARTMENTS AND POSITIONS. THE BIGGEST DIFFERENCE IS THAT IT IS MILITARY AND HAS ADDITIONAL SET OF LAWS TO FOLLOW.



NATIONAL SERVICE IS BOTH A GOOD AND BAD THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO ME. OF COURSE THE BAD SIDE IS THE TOUGH TRAINING AND RESTRICTION OF FREEDOM COMPARED TO A CIVILIAN. THE GOOD SIDE IS THAT YOU GET TO EXPERIENCE MANY THINGS NOT ORDINARY PEOPLE CAN DO LIKE SHOOTING A REAL RIFLE OR THROWING A GRENADE.



RELIGION IS OFTEN AN SENSITIVE ISSUE AMONG MANY PEOPLE. TO ME, IT IS RATHER IMPORTANT AS IT DEFINES YOU AS A PERSON AND HELPS YOU MAKE THE IMPORTANT LIFE DECISIONS. OF COURSE, YOU NEED TO KNOW AND BE INTERESTED IN YOUR RELIGION. MANY TIMES, IT HAS GIVEN ME A SENSE OF PURPOSE IN LIFE AND LIFTED MY BURDENS. IN A SENSE, IT HAS BROUGHT ME BACK TO LIFE WHENEVER I WAS AT MY LOWEST. BEING A CATHOLIC HAS ALSO HELPED ME ACCEPT OTHERS AND THEIR OWN RELIGION.



H) FUTURE PLANS



AFTER I FINISH SERVING MY NATIONAL SERVICE, I INTEND TO CONTINUE MY EDUCATION IN UNIVERSITY. I CURRENTLY HAVE A RESERVED PLACE IN NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY(NTU) FOR A DOUBLE DEGREE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE AND BUSINESS.

My defining moment was on 29th July 2010 when Falcon Platoon 2 was split and rearranged to Dragon Company. When we heard the news, all of us were distraught. Being together through thick and thin for two months, we couldn’t believe we had to be separated.




Why us? Just when we were getting really bonded and had such awesome team spirit.



In the morning, we embarked on our last route march together. We stayed compact and sang our hearts out all the way for 4km. I had never seen such cohesion and connection among us. I could say it was the best route march I have had even till now.



After the route march, we had a gathering in the common area. This was where our attitude really mattered and the strong had to support and inspire the weak. Many of us went up to give our two-cents worth of feelings and encouragement. Our commanders also came to give us encouragement and inspired us to do our best. Within minutes, many of us were reduced to tears.



For me, it was like breaking up with my girlfriend and enlisting again. I could feel my heart heavy and tears forming. As one by one went up, I felt stronger and inspired. This was not the end. The brothers and friends I have made over the past two months are not gone. They will always be by my side. Wherever we are, we will always look out for each other.



It didn’t matter where or by whom we were trained. As long as we give our best, the results will show for themselves.



Now, after one month in Dragon, I feel blessed to have got to know more recruits and trained under different commanders. It helped me understand why I serve National Service. We are soldiers of Singapore. Not Falcon. Not Dragon.

Life is awesome cos I say so. Live with it.