"Overcoming the Struggles: How Hardship of Plebehood Forge the Path to Extraordinary Destinations"

Plebehood is the most challenging part of cadetship. It is a change unlike any other from a civilian to a cadet, whom they refer to as a well-refined individual. Breaking Period, also known as the "New Cadet Orientation Course," is a 45-day tough instruction for plebes. However, only 331 strong men are qualified to join the PNPA Masidtalak Class of 2023 to be a part of the Long Maroon Line who will soon serve on the Tri-bureau as young police lieutenants, jail and fire inspectors out of more than 26,000 youngsters that took part in the challenge.

"Cadetship is but a grim struggle of winning supremacy over one's self", this is the first plebe knowledge we recite after our reception that we always shout at the mess hall with our arms stretched holding a glass of water, our eyes staring at the ceiling with our buckles on our forehead while sweat was flowing in our camo green having an unpleasant smell. This is the time when each of us was tested if we are worthy enough to survive the challenge of cadetship training.

During our breaking period, I learned to survive without drinking plenty of water for a week and sleep while standing during parade drills under the blistering heat of the sun. At first, I do not believe when our upperclassmen told us that they can sleep while standing until I experienced it because of extreme physical exhaustion. I can say that this is a survival challenge, we cannot sleep anytime we want, eat, and relax unlike when we were still civilians. The scrutinizing stare and roaring voices of our upperclassmen men shouting at us made us tremble every time we heard them.

I was physically fatigued and felt like I had only napped when I woke up at 4:00 am. Our morning wake-up call is the reveille call, which is followed by a very loud "side bunks" from the on-duty guard. My legs cramp every time I wake up, making it impossible for me to get out of bed. These are but a few of the so many challenges we have undergone during the breaking period. There were times I doubted myself if I want to continue, when I feel emotionally and physically down I always ask for God's guidance through my silent prayers.

Despite these struggles, I did not give up because I have a heart full of determination and passion to become a future public safety officer. I lived by the principle whatever it takes I will not quit, because this is the only way for me to raise my family from poverty and to have a brighter future and a promising career.

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(1) Lewis, C.S. (n.d.). Hardships often prepare ordinary people to become extraordinary people. Retrieved from: https://www.passiton.com/inspirational-quotes/6940-hardships-often-prepare-ordinary-people for-an