Well yes ladies and gentlemen i did it. I passed AOSB Main Board..
I would love to share my trials and tribulations of Board but truth be told the week was a whirlwind nightmare. Trying to explain it would be nothing more than spilling the beans on what i believe to be the most gruelling process anyone will encounter. Obviously i say gruelling but this is all to get to Sandhurst which i can only imagine makes AOSB look like heaven.
So a month on.. has it sunk in?
Honestly no.
Will it sink in?
Honestly, the fact i am still not working out and i go in May 6th 2012 really does worry me. I am not at all at the fitness standard i need to be at. Yet still not worried about getting my sorry arse off the couch and moving. I am just not motivated. My life feels so stressed.
My future is all laid out, so why i am stressing is probably beyond anyone.
The fact is my future is laid out. I have chosen to give away my life and with that everything i know and love now. My clothes, make up, tan and boyfriend.
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Friday, 9 September 2011
Its been a while..
It really has been a while and it is not as if i have been short of things to say. I just have not had the time to finish a blog. So i am left with many half written blogs which upon reading back i hang my head in shame. I really have put myself through some rollercoasters.
The reason i am writing now.. Most would call it procrastination. I call it a release. It is four days until i sit my Army Main Board.( For those that are not aware my ambition is to be an Army Officer.) This is also the reason why i have not written in almost three and a half months. My mind has just been so focused on preparing on this week that i have shaped my life around it. My life is now about eating right, going to the gym, planning everything around what ifs... What if i get in the Army? What if i fail? What if i have to redo it in six months? What if i get injured?
A lot of things to think about. So as you can imagine i have caused myself to end up in what seems a tangled mess. Its not enough to have pure ambition and passion to do a career. I need to be an individual that has the potential to be a great officer. I know i am that person.. BUT... I know my nerves can get the better of me. So much so the thought gives me butterflies.
So why am i tangled you ask? Well in between re-learning GCSE Maths, practising countless Aptitude Tests, reading Newspapers, watching the news, learning how to complete Planning Exercises, learning about the British Army and the military, getting super fit and staying injury free. I also have to relearn to write essays, have some level of general knowledge, pack, stay illness and injury free, work a crappy job, actually two crappy jobs, clean the house, do washing and grocery shop AND worry about money.
I think im exaggerating and then i remember that this is the life i chose. I CHOSE to do this, because i want the best out of my life. If you want to achieve you have to sacrifice, you have to work, you have to be committed. Luckily i am a committed person. Oooh there you go, when asked what my strengths are; well commitment!
So what happens if i fail.
Well avoid me for a good week.
And perhaps six months, because thats how long it will take to get me back to AOSB standard and into Sandhurst.
But hey i am a Lester Twin.. i do not know the meaning of FAILING.
The reason i am writing now.. Most would call it procrastination. I call it a release. It is four days until i sit my Army Main Board.( For those that are not aware my ambition is to be an Army Officer.) This is also the reason why i have not written in almost three and a half months. My mind has just been so focused on preparing on this week that i have shaped my life around it. My life is now about eating right, going to the gym, planning everything around what ifs... What if i get in the Army? What if i fail? What if i have to redo it in six months? What if i get injured?
A lot of things to think about. So as you can imagine i have caused myself to end up in what seems a tangled mess. Its not enough to have pure ambition and passion to do a career. I need to be an individual that has the potential to be a great officer. I know i am that person.. BUT... I know my nerves can get the better of me. So much so the thought gives me butterflies.
So why am i tangled you ask? Well in between re-learning GCSE Maths, practising countless Aptitude Tests, reading Newspapers, watching the news, learning how to complete Planning Exercises, learning about the British Army and the military, getting super fit and staying injury free. I also have to relearn to write essays, have some level of general knowledge, pack, stay illness and injury free, work a crappy job, actually two crappy jobs, clean the house, do washing and grocery shop AND worry about money.
I think im exaggerating and then i remember that this is the life i chose. I CHOSE to do this, because i want the best out of my life. If you want to achieve you have to sacrifice, you have to work, you have to be committed. Luckily i am a committed person. Oooh there you go, when asked what my strengths are; well commitment!
So what happens if i fail.
Well avoid me for a good week.
And perhaps six months, because thats how long it will take to get me back to AOSB standard and into Sandhurst.
But hey i am a Lester Twin.. i do not know the meaning of FAILING.
Monday, 23 May 2011
Final Memento to Sport at Essex...
Good evening Ladies and Gentleman.
I am delighted that tonight we are celebrating university sport and the successes of the 2010/11 season. Every one of you is integral to the budding successes of the Essex Blades and I’ve been lucky enough to witness the hard work, dedication, commitment, pride and the sense of unity amongst the Sports federation Clubs.
I’ve enjoyed every minute of the rollercoaster and I feel privileged to have been elected for such a prestigious role. From the very beginning, i wanted to make sure that as the first female VP in ten years i made my presence known throughout the Sports Federation. It became evident when i came into the role that the value of the student experience had become significantly more important than ever before in an ever exhausted economic climate. Whether you see yourself as a leader, or simply a part of the team, you ARE Essex Blades and your involvement will have helped set your future.
My first thank you of the night has to go to the club Presidents and captains. I’m sure many of you are here celebrating tonight and I for one did not want your achievements to go unrecognised. The majority of you have lead your teams to fixtures and championships and represented Essex and i know how hard it is to get students out of bed. All your members have been lucky to have such passionate leaders and I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you all.
This year in particular we’ve seen the relationship with the university blossom and they firmly recognise the prestigious nature of higher education sport, recognising the true camaraderie of sportsmen and women and the sense of gratification behind sporting the Essex Blades logo. Progressing from this, in the next few years, we will hopefully see investment in new facilities to match the impressive performances from our athletes. Which is something i am really glad to leave Essex with.
Other achievements throughout my year as VP are:
*Although we saw lower membership numbers than last year the figures are not as low as expected with the introduction passport to sport. There were also 5 £1000 club grants given out to clubs within the Sports Federation. Which has really helped clubs to develop further.
• Firstly, the successful season in BUCS, i never really appreciated the effort that went into BUCS week in and week out. It really is hard work. However i had a some good captains and a lot of help from Mel and Louise and the results speak for themselves.
• Secondly, making sure the Exec actually do some work. Usually the Sports fed Exec are seen as positions where you get a free hoody and free fed for a year and that pretty much sums up the roles. When the Sports Fed exec got elected it was overwhelmingly male, which of course was not a problem. However it was full of big personalities who all liked the sound of their own voices and talking about their various social events rather than what i had on the agenda. However, they have been rocks this year and they have always been there when i needed support or just generally individuals to help out. Surprisingly they did what they was told, and despite our ups and down, i can honestly say they are a great bunch of guys and i wouldn’t have changed any of them. Well maybe Jack.
• Firstly, the successful season in BUCS, i never really appreciated the effort that went into BUCS week in and week out. It really is hard work. However i had a some good captains and a lot of help from Mel and Louise and the results speak for themselves.
• Secondly, making sure the Exec actually do some work. Usually the Sports fed Exec are seen as positions where you get a free hoody and free fed for a year and that pretty much sums up the roles. When the Sports Fed exec got elected it was overwhelmingly male, which of course was not a problem. However it was full of big personalities who all liked the sound of their own voices and talking about their various social events rather than what i had on the agenda. However, they have been rocks this year and they have always been there when i needed support or just generally individuals to help out. Surprisingly they did what they was told, and despite our ups and down, i can honestly say they are a great bunch of guys and i wouldn’t have changed any of them. Well maybe Jack.
So i would like to thank Vince, Dan, Torodd, James, Toby, Mike, Chris, Cosmin and Cheryl and Jack.
• I cannot forget to mention the best weekend of my time at University which was Alumni Weekend. We had a very successful alumni seeing students and Alumni draw, a Big British Fete and some rather unforgettable nights out.
• And lastly, Derby Day. Not quite the achievement i wanted so i shall not say too much and let the Video do the talking. However i will just say that no matter what the score was i am Essex Till i Die!
Essex Blades are really incredible and both the students and staff members who hold the foundations of the Sport at Essex are remarkable people and I feel honoured to have worked with both the students and staff. I can honestly say that my relationships with both staff and students has led me to be successful this year and I certainly could not have done it alone, So without further or do I’d like to move on to my thank you’s.
It seems only right to thank Santander and the Vice Chancellor for their generous prize money donations this evening. Clubs that received the money this time last year have utilised the money greatly and i am sure it will benefit the clubs again this year.
Firstly it has to be Tarquin and Keith. Mainly because of their competitions within the office to constantly try to out do one another. It always keeps the office a fun place to be at times when i really didn’t feel like i could take much more. Not only that they have both been there when i need to rant. Tarquin mainly has been the brunt of such rants, and his replies are always the same ITA! Keith has taught me that being stubborn does work and help you become successful and i have taught him with the help of the frontrunners to be a BUCS Pro. So Thornton you have a lot to learn from them both.
I’d also like to thank marketing for all their work on all my various ideas such as the fortune teller, which was a Success. As well as Derby Day and the Freshers Handbook and this department certainly needs more recognition.
It only remains for me to say thank you to the Exec this year and the members of the Union and University staff. The one person, who will get no award tonight, but whom we all rely on so much is Dom King. His jokes are awful and i certainly wont miss them. However i have a lot to thank Dom for. He is always there to answer my queries and always offers a different view on circumstances. He is extremely passionate about developing Sport at Essex and holds a breadth of knowledge. Although i hope this year i have taught him to say NO a bit more often. And taught him to clean his office and be more organised. I hope that he continues to help push the Blades further up the BUCS table and that the SPACE program is a success. Thank to Dom I am now a race walking pro and i wish him all the best in his endeavour to reach the Olympics. Maybe i will be there to see you win? It is free after all!! Dom really doesn’t get the recognition he deserves and i hope you will all join me in thanking him tonight.
I will certainly be leaving this year on a high and the fundamental highlight of my year is tonight seeing clubs and sportsmen and women being recognised tonight for their great successes over the year and for some their whole University life. I am so proud of my clubs and societies and I’m really going to miss liaising with them on a daily basis.
I will certainly be leaving this year on a high and the fundamental highlight of my year is tonight seeing clubs and sportsmen and women being recognised tonight for their great successes over the year and for some their whole University life. I am so proud of my clubs and societies and I’m really going to miss liaising with them on a daily basis.
I’d like to wish James Thornton the best of luck next year. You are one of my best friends and you truly deserve this position. Enthusiasm and hard work are essential and as long as you have that drive behind you and keep students at the root of every decision you make I’m sure you will do us proud. Thornton I’d like to see you give everything to your VPS role and really appreciate the nature of the opportunity you have been given. I hope you continue to grow on the great foundations that have put in place for you by myself and Phil. I have no doubt you will bring a new element to our role, good luck!
Thank you for electing me and thank you for this life-changing experience. A year which I’m sure I will never forget.
Tonight brings the 20010/2011 season to a close and I hope, should you be returning in October or leaving for pastures new, that every time you reminisce about memories and experiences with your clubs at the University of Essex, that you’re filled with a certain sense of pride. It’s a brilliant University and by heck you’ve done us proud.
Enjoy tonight’s Festivities please try to remember some of it. And i love Vodka and orange if anyone is interested.
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
The need for a tan
I would definitely say i am one of the girls known for loving the tanned look. It has always been that way. Living in Essex did not change this fact. You look better when you are tanned, you feel better and photos improve. What is there not to love about being a tanned goddess?
Well the marks on clothes. Drinks being spilled down you. The rain. When you are drunk these things quickly escape your mind. The reality is a real tan is much better. However, the only way you can get a nice sun tan worthy enough to compare to the glow a Tanning Mousse gives you is through continuous Sunbathing, a holiday to an exotic country OR dare i say it Sunbeds.
Now i am not going to damn sunbeds from the start as i truly believe for those with eczema they are effective. However they are damaging to the skin and i really wouldnt promote them. This decision is only a recent one. I was a complete tanning addict a year ago. It would be a every other day trip to the tanning shop to get my fix. It was heaven. There was someone who i always wanted to be darker than. The smell of your sun bed tinged skin smelt amazing and well earnt. Yet all it produces is cancer and wrinkles. So this year i have quit.
Will it make a big difference to my life? Probably not. As soon as i see the sun i sit in it. I crave for just some sunshine to make my skin a little bit darker. So much so that i write this burnt red raw. I am so burnt even my hands are burnt. I am like my very own hot water bottle. Some would say i have fair skin, which is true in the winter and start of spring. However once i start developing a tan my skin tone becomes apparent. My twin and I are fortunate that we do tan well. We go a lovely Fake Tan Orange colour. And it is all natural. Most of the time it takes international climates to get us to that stage, however with there being 72F weather in the UK in APRIL. I am sure we will be well on our way come June.
That is why i love holidays. I want the tan. I do not go on holidays to go sightseeing. I go on holiday to lay from 9-4pm sunbathing, dipping in and out of the sea/pool and then sunbathing some more. I go in at 4pm take a nap and then go for dinner and wander around in the evenings cooler temperatures. That is just how i love my holidays. That is also the recipe for a great tan. I usually start on a factor 10 or 15 and 4 days in i swap to an oil really to darken up my skin. I am so careful that i do not burn as i do not want to waste any precious time in the shade because my skin cannot take it.
Choosing the right holiday destination is essential. Spain is a NO NO as the weather is temperamental i have been too many times when it has rained and/or been very cloudy. I came away for a week of sun not half a week. Nearer Africa the better in my opinion it is always hot. Although for this air con is a must.
Having a tan really does make you into a Goddess. It gives you a new found confidence. You feel slimmer and shiny. I do not see the attraction in being pale. Not one bit, although it does suit some people. I will not lie. I am just not one of those people.
I need a tan!
Well the marks on clothes. Drinks being spilled down you. The rain. When you are drunk these things quickly escape your mind. The reality is a real tan is much better. However, the only way you can get a nice sun tan worthy enough to compare to the glow a Tanning Mousse gives you is through continuous Sunbathing, a holiday to an exotic country OR dare i say it Sunbeds.
Now i am not going to damn sunbeds from the start as i truly believe for those with eczema they are effective. However they are damaging to the skin and i really wouldnt promote them. This decision is only a recent one. I was a complete tanning addict a year ago. It would be a every other day trip to the tanning shop to get my fix. It was heaven. There was someone who i always wanted to be darker than. The smell of your sun bed tinged skin smelt amazing and well earnt. Yet all it produces is cancer and wrinkles. So this year i have quit.
Will it make a big difference to my life? Probably not. As soon as i see the sun i sit in it. I crave for just some sunshine to make my skin a little bit darker. So much so that i write this burnt red raw. I am so burnt even my hands are burnt. I am like my very own hot water bottle. Some would say i have fair skin, which is true in the winter and start of spring. However once i start developing a tan my skin tone becomes apparent. My twin and I are fortunate that we do tan well. We go a lovely Fake Tan Orange colour. And it is all natural. Most of the time it takes international climates to get us to that stage, however with there being 72F weather in the UK in APRIL. I am sure we will be well on our way come June.
That is why i love holidays. I want the tan. I do not go on holidays to go sightseeing. I go on holiday to lay from 9-4pm sunbathing, dipping in and out of the sea/pool and then sunbathing some more. I go in at 4pm take a nap and then go for dinner and wander around in the evenings cooler temperatures. That is just how i love my holidays. That is also the recipe for a great tan. I usually start on a factor 10 or 15 and 4 days in i swap to an oil really to darken up my skin. I am so careful that i do not burn as i do not want to waste any precious time in the shade because my skin cannot take it.
Choosing the right holiday destination is essential. Spain is a NO NO as the weather is temperamental i have been too many times when it has rained and/or been very cloudy. I came away for a week of sun not half a week. Nearer Africa the better in my opinion it is always hot. Although for this air con is a must.
Having a tan really does make you into a Goddess. It gives you a new found confidence. You feel slimmer and shiny. I do not see the attraction in being pale. Not one bit, although it does suit some people. I will not lie. I am just not one of those people.
I need a tan!
Day 2 of the CAT 1
So my room mate decided to get up at 5:45am. Turn the light on and make as much noise as possible.
So i relentlessly got up. Hating on her. Hating on my body... My throat was sore I couldnt stop coughing and iw as dehydrated. All i had to look forward to was the showers. They were amazing. They were the showers that ripped your skin off. Felt like i was getting a massage whilst becoming very clean.
I had to strip my bed and remake it with fresh sheets ready for the Main Board Candidates. It really is clever, saves on housekeeping staff. Then had to return the sheets and my number. And get dressed into an overrall and put on my heels for breakfast. Biggest Fashion Faux Pas EVER!!!
1. Breakfast.
It was a full fry up. Or. Cereal. like the women told every girl (all 5 of us) she didnt bother telling the guys. I felt sick with nerves. I needed to nail my fitness to make up for a very poor performance yesterday.
So Egg, Beans, Bananas and orange juice.
2. Plan Exercise Presentation
It was time for us as a group to present our chosen plan to the Colonel. I made sure my hand was always up first and i answered everything as to the point as i could. I wanted to shine and show that although i mucked up on my individual one i was fully understanding of the task.
I think it came across well.
I was asked to present the factors, and the Colonel gave some great guidance which really helped.
3. Group Planning Task
Basically to get over obstacles with a burden in an allotted time. Or perhaps without a burden. We had a lot of talkers but not many do'ers in our group. Had we not bickered we may have actually finished one of them but it was good to see and learn the vital lessons. That planning ahead is essential.
4. Bleep Test
Well not making excuses. This was not my day! I had the worst chest pain. I was dehydrated and to be frank running in overralls was not easy. I struggled. received one warning and was scared i wouldnt finish. Mentally pushed myself to the end but i was dissappointed.
5. Ropes
All i am going to say is.. Thank goodness this was not assessed.
It is high on my list of things to work on.
6. Press Ups and Sit ups
Practice every day! huge improvement from last time. KEEP GOING!
Luckily again they were not assessed but i know they needed work. And now i have the right technique its all GO!
7. The Assault Course
' If you get under 30 seconds i will be impressed'
- Two hurdles
- Long Jump (must hit a target)
- Climb Bar steps carrying a burden - Must replace Burden (which i forgot to do - wasted time)
- Jump a 5ft Wall
- Jump onto a raised platform. Jump onto a rope, swing over the line LET GO. (well first attempt i fell back first into the rope - wasted time)
TIME: 47 Sec.
I was happy with it. I made some stupid mistakes but i know i can do it better!
Then came the Finale:
After a terrifying speech where the Vice President basically put the fear into you and the Colonel said he saw some appalling Plan Ex's. I was first up.
Some reason i wasnt shaking.I was scared.. too scared. If i didnt pass i knew this would be it. If you cant get a Cat 1 at briefing what is the point...
So i am in the room with the Colonel. He says ' I will put you out of your misery, you are a Cat 1' Then he smiles. The strange thing was the smile meant more to me than the result. The fact that i knew that that smile was genuine was important to me. more important to me than the fact that i had just passed despite thinking my worst nightmare had come true. That going on the earlier briefing was really just a month too early!!
BRING ON THE BOARD!!!
So i relentlessly got up. Hating on her. Hating on my body... My throat was sore I couldnt stop coughing and iw as dehydrated. All i had to look forward to was the showers. They were amazing. They were the showers that ripped your skin off. Felt like i was getting a massage whilst becoming very clean.
I had to strip my bed and remake it with fresh sheets ready for the Main Board Candidates. It really is clever, saves on housekeeping staff. Then had to return the sheets and my number. And get dressed into an overrall and put on my heels for breakfast. Biggest Fashion Faux Pas EVER!!!
1. Breakfast.
It was a full fry up. Or. Cereal. like the women told every girl (all 5 of us) she didnt bother telling the guys. I felt sick with nerves. I needed to nail my fitness to make up for a very poor performance yesterday.
So Egg, Beans, Bananas and orange juice.
2. Plan Exercise Presentation
It was time for us as a group to present our chosen plan to the Colonel. I made sure my hand was always up first and i answered everything as to the point as i could. I wanted to shine and show that although i mucked up on my individual one i was fully understanding of the task.
I think it came across well.
I was asked to present the factors, and the Colonel gave some great guidance which really helped.
3. Group Planning Task
Basically to get over obstacles with a burden in an allotted time. Or perhaps without a burden. We had a lot of talkers but not many do'ers in our group. Had we not bickered we may have actually finished one of them but it was good to see and learn the vital lessons. That planning ahead is essential.
4. Bleep Test
Well not making excuses. This was not my day! I had the worst chest pain. I was dehydrated and to be frank running in overralls was not easy. I struggled. received one warning and was scared i wouldnt finish. Mentally pushed myself to the end but i was dissappointed.
5. Ropes
All i am going to say is.. Thank goodness this was not assessed.
It is high on my list of things to work on.
6. Press Ups and Sit ups
Practice every day! huge improvement from last time. KEEP GOING!
Luckily again they were not assessed but i know they needed work. And now i have the right technique its all GO!
7. The Assault Course
' If you get under 30 seconds i will be impressed'
- Two hurdles
- Long Jump (must hit a target)
- Climb Bar steps carrying a burden - Must replace Burden (which i forgot to do - wasted time)
- Jump a 5ft Wall
- Jump onto a raised platform. Jump onto a rope, swing over the line LET GO. (well first attempt i fell back first into the rope - wasted time)
TIME: 47 Sec.
I was happy with it. I made some stupid mistakes but i know i can do it better!
Then came the Finale:
After a terrifying speech where the Vice President basically put the fear into you and the Colonel said he saw some appalling Plan Ex's. I was first up.
Some reason i wasnt shaking.I was scared.. too scared. If i didnt pass i knew this would be it. If you cant get a Cat 1 at briefing what is the point...
So i am in the room with the Colonel. He says ' I will put you out of your misery, you are a Cat 1' Then he smiles. The strange thing was the smile meant more to me than the result. The fact that i knew that that smile was genuine was important to me. more important to me than the fact that i had just passed despite thinking my worst nightmare had come true. That going on the earlier briefing was really just a month too early!!
BRING ON THE BOARD!!!
Day 1 of the CAT 1
Whoever said joining the Army was easy lied.
Now i know i am a strong minded and confident individual but what the AOSB Briefing just put me through was the biggest emotional rollercoaster i have ever been on.
Since i have started this process i have never questioned whether i was able or good enough to be in the army. Because i was made for the army. It is in my genes. I cannot go and work in an office and make tea for people. Thats not what i want. Or need. I need progression, I need the active lifestyle. The desire to always achieve. The responsibility. I need a job that i can be passionate about. I am a born leader and i am meant to join the British Army.
So i thought...
I arrived in Westbury Sunday evening in good time to get a good nights sleep before AOSB Briefing. However, my body two days before had decided to give up on me. So i was run down with a cold. I could not stop coughing, i could not swallow and my head was pounding. I needed the sleep.
Monday morning i wake up in a room with a girl who was also attending Briefing. I didnt really have much in common with her. She was a Genetics Major and i did politics. I dont do science. I dont talk science and i certainly dont do Morrisons. We had nothing in common. However it was nice to speak to her and know that i was somewhat more prepared than she was and i have had only known i was attending three days beforehand. She had a whole three months on me.
My mind was certainly eased to a degree however my stomach was not. Nevertheless we got the taxi into the barracks, went to our accommodation and then when to the 'Ante Room' where the rest of the 50 odd candidates were waiting. I scouted the room to see how many girls were there, there were only 5. I dont know why but this unsettled me. Mainly because i really didnt want to be in a group with one of them. It is a lot easier to boss around a group of males than a female. Especially one who has been an Officer Training Cadet or an OTC with the hand movements and everything, like the girl i ended up in a group with oh and a room with.
I had now become Brown 43. I had no name. I was just a number. In a brown team of 7.
They were a great bunch of individuals and all had HUGE personalities. This worried me. I was always a confident individual and i find it very easy to command conversations. Yet when everyone has those qualities it can be quite hard to be seen. So let me walk you through the Key points of AOSB Briefing.
The rules:
- Toilet only when told (which for some reason was never when i needed to go)
- Always be on time
- Always be in number order
- No hands in pockets or arms crossed
- No talking unless asked
- Nothing less than determination
- Always listen
- Work as a team
- NEVER answer back!!
- Always address as Sir/Maam/Staff
- Strip and make your bed
- No trainers in the Mess
1. Introduction
This involved a two minute conversation about the best thing i could talk about. ME!!
I sailed through this. After the past two weeks and the three awards and two AGMs i have spoken at public speaking was not something that bothered me.
2. Group Discussions
The topics given were:
What are the incentives of the West staying in the Middle East
Does the concept 'Big Society' actually work
Should Euthanasia be legalised
Should Israel give Syria their land back?
Does AV Work?
Must say that anyone who read the news in the last week would have aced these. However, the group did not work well at letting people speak. I can probably hold my hand up and say i spoke more than i should but to be honest i was the only one with a bloody clue. Some of the remarks that were said surprised me. How do people expect to do well if they have no basic knowledge of our government.
As a politics student i was happy with myself.
3. MAP Test
This included Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning.
It didnt help that when i got in there and was told by the Staff Sergeant not to touch the Mouse and i knocked it and was screamed at! To which i had to just accept what i done and reply courteously ' Yes Staff' 'Sorry Staff'. Not a proud moment.
However luckily other idiots did it too. Mine was genuinely a mistake. But mistakes dont happen in the army and you must accept them so i did.
Back to the MAP Test. It was rubbish. In fact it couldnt have gone worse. My worst section verbal reasoning i somehow finished. Although i held no hope for my mark. I didnt even get half way through numerical reasoning which was my strength. And Abstract reasoning well... what the hell is that all about. It all looked the same to me.
4. Planning Exercise
Basically this is a scenario where you have to get from A to B but you have aims to complete. Then there is an obstacle of some form. You have to basically analyse every little detail, write it down. Write courses of actions and make a plan whilst assessing factors. Sounds simple.
NO IT IS NOT!! Oh my it was tough, We had 40 minutes to do the exercise and i can tell you it went by so quick.
Then all of a sudden we are handing it in and he is telling us it is being marked. :(
Then as a group we have to work out the best plan. And all of our faces drop we all made vital mistakes, missed out key pieces of text. One of us even renamed a character. NIGHTMARE. What i would do if i could re do that!!
Then 5. THE INTERVIEW
- Why do you want to join the army?
- Why do you think you will be a good leader?
- Why have you never been an Army Cadet?
- Tell me about your real dad?
- Tell me about your relationship with your sisters?
- How fit are you?
- What would you have to do when you get out of Sandhurst?
- How is it going?
- What would you do if you failed? 'Try again' No failed completely Zoe you only get two chances...
- You can leave.
All with a straight face, no sign of personality, no sign of hope, NOTHING. What am i supposed to take from that.
I wanted to cry...
Now i know i am a strong minded and confident individual but what the AOSB Briefing just put me through was the biggest emotional rollercoaster i have ever been on.
Since i have started this process i have never questioned whether i was able or good enough to be in the army. Because i was made for the army. It is in my genes. I cannot go and work in an office and make tea for people. Thats not what i want. Or need. I need progression, I need the active lifestyle. The desire to always achieve. The responsibility. I need a job that i can be passionate about. I am a born leader and i am meant to join the British Army.
So i thought...
I arrived in Westbury Sunday evening in good time to get a good nights sleep before AOSB Briefing. However, my body two days before had decided to give up on me. So i was run down with a cold. I could not stop coughing, i could not swallow and my head was pounding. I needed the sleep.
Monday morning i wake up in a room with a girl who was also attending Briefing. I didnt really have much in common with her. She was a Genetics Major and i did politics. I dont do science. I dont talk science and i certainly dont do Morrisons. We had nothing in common. However it was nice to speak to her and know that i was somewhat more prepared than she was and i have had only known i was attending three days beforehand. She had a whole three months on me.
My mind was certainly eased to a degree however my stomach was not. Nevertheless we got the taxi into the barracks, went to our accommodation and then when to the 'Ante Room' where the rest of the 50 odd candidates were waiting. I scouted the room to see how many girls were there, there were only 5. I dont know why but this unsettled me. Mainly because i really didnt want to be in a group with one of them. It is a lot easier to boss around a group of males than a female. Especially one who has been an Officer Training Cadet or an OTC with the hand movements and everything, like the girl i ended up in a group with oh and a room with.
I had now become Brown 43. I had no name. I was just a number. In a brown team of 7.
They were a great bunch of individuals and all had HUGE personalities. This worried me. I was always a confident individual and i find it very easy to command conversations. Yet when everyone has those qualities it can be quite hard to be seen. So let me walk you through the Key points of AOSB Briefing.
The rules:
- Toilet only when told (which for some reason was never when i needed to go)
- Always be on time
- Always be in number order
- No hands in pockets or arms crossed
- No talking unless asked
- Nothing less than determination
- Always listen
- Work as a team
- NEVER answer back!!
- Always address as Sir/Maam/Staff
- Strip and make your bed
- No trainers in the Mess
1. Introduction
This involved a two minute conversation about the best thing i could talk about. ME!!
I sailed through this. After the past two weeks and the three awards and two AGMs i have spoken at public speaking was not something that bothered me.
2. Group Discussions
The topics given were:
What are the incentives of the West staying in the Middle East
Does the concept 'Big Society' actually work
Should Euthanasia be legalised
Should Israel give Syria their land back?
Does AV Work?
Must say that anyone who read the news in the last week would have aced these. However, the group did not work well at letting people speak. I can probably hold my hand up and say i spoke more than i should but to be honest i was the only one with a bloody clue. Some of the remarks that were said surprised me. How do people expect to do well if they have no basic knowledge of our government.
As a politics student i was happy with myself.
3. MAP Test
This included Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning.
It didnt help that when i got in there and was told by the Staff Sergeant not to touch the Mouse and i knocked it and was screamed at! To which i had to just accept what i done and reply courteously ' Yes Staff' 'Sorry Staff'. Not a proud moment.
However luckily other idiots did it too. Mine was genuinely a mistake. But mistakes dont happen in the army and you must accept them so i did.
Back to the MAP Test. It was rubbish. In fact it couldnt have gone worse. My worst section verbal reasoning i somehow finished. Although i held no hope for my mark. I didnt even get half way through numerical reasoning which was my strength. And Abstract reasoning well... what the hell is that all about. It all looked the same to me.
4. Planning Exercise
Basically this is a scenario where you have to get from A to B but you have aims to complete. Then there is an obstacle of some form. You have to basically analyse every little detail, write it down. Write courses of actions and make a plan whilst assessing factors. Sounds simple.
NO IT IS NOT!! Oh my it was tough, We had 40 minutes to do the exercise and i can tell you it went by so quick.
Then all of a sudden we are handing it in and he is telling us it is being marked. :(
Then as a group we have to work out the best plan. And all of our faces drop we all made vital mistakes, missed out key pieces of text. One of us even renamed a character. NIGHTMARE. What i would do if i could re do that!!
Then 5. THE INTERVIEW
- Why do you want to join the army?
- Why do you think you will be a good leader?
- Why have you never been an Army Cadet?
- Tell me about your real dad?
- Tell me about your relationship with your sisters?
- How fit are you?
- What would you have to do when you get out of Sandhurst?
- How is it going?
- What would you do if you failed? 'Try again' No failed completely Zoe you only get two chances...
- You can leave.
All with a straight face, no sign of personality, no sign of hope, NOTHING. What am i supposed to take from that.
I wanted to cry...
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Life in the fast lane!
I am currently wondering how i have found myself on this, writing a blog when my life couldnt be any more hectic.
It is probably safe to say i am pretty stressed right now.
I have three awards in two weeks. Tonight i am the compare all evening alongside my co-sabb. Who just so happens to be running in local elections and be spreading his time thinner than i currently am. So i have had to write both of our speeches out. LONG.
Then i have the Golden Guilds next Wednesday. Where i have to do a speech and then present awards.
Then finally the i have the Grand Finale the Sports Awards next Friday. Friday the 13th in fact. I dont even know where to begin with this event. My dress finally arrived today and fits! Which i thought would be some weight off of my mind but it really wasnt. I have not even thought about my speech yet. Which i will have to give to some of the most influential individuals in the University as well as all my peers.
I have to do the table plan.I have had to write the booklets. I have had to ensure transport. I have to make sure everyone has a ticket by Monday 9th. Controlling students is annoying. They just do not understand the importance. I cannot drink on the evening because it is my event.
Basically i am stressed. I needed to rant! This blog is for ranting!
Oh and did i tell you all that i still have not found a job for July. I have not even started to think about preparing for my army interview which is in just over a month. And i also am never going to get a holiday!
Blah
It is probably safe to say i am pretty stressed right now.
I have three awards in two weeks. Tonight i am the compare all evening alongside my co-sabb. Who just so happens to be running in local elections and be spreading his time thinner than i currently am. So i have had to write both of our speeches out. LONG.
Then i have the Golden Guilds next Wednesday. Where i have to do a speech and then present awards.
Then finally the i have the Grand Finale the Sports Awards next Friday. Friday the 13th in fact. I dont even know where to begin with this event. My dress finally arrived today and fits! Which i thought would be some weight off of my mind but it really wasnt. I have not even thought about my speech yet. Which i will have to give to some of the most influential individuals in the University as well as all my peers.
I have to do the table plan.I have had to write the booklets. I have had to ensure transport. I have to make sure everyone has a ticket by Monday 9th. Controlling students is annoying. They just do not understand the importance. I cannot drink on the evening because it is my event.
Basically i am stressed. I needed to rant! This blog is for ranting!
Oh and did i tell you all that i still have not found a job for July. I have not even started to think about preparing for my army interview which is in just over a month. And i also am never going to get a holiday!
Blah
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