Which scholar, however intellectual and astute in thinking they may be, can assert that they have hiked through a cemetery by themselves in the wee hours of the morning (3am to be exact)?

And how many scouts can be proud of their venture initiation and expedition?

To the above questions, the answer remains to be seen. And yet we all conveniently expect the reply to be negative because such an experience is literally one in a billion.

And really, because of my fortune and the opportune moments that the entire venture expedition presented, it's got me thinking.

No.

I'm done thinking. I have been deliberating since the start of the year and as radical as it could get, I was determined to evade the 'blackmailing' document which sealed my future into a cornered wall; I had to bypass scouting as a JC student. For one, I did not want to be despised (again, and with the presence of girls) to remain a "loyal scout" or in cruder terms, not cut out for any other sport or performing arts CCA.

And last night really got me searching deep into my soul. The answer was clear but I was not mentally ready to embrace it.

Albeit a little late, I think this reflection comes in the nick of time. The expedition spanning across the last 2 days represented the culmination of my scouting days. What lay ahead was a choice of venturing and "liberty"--the predicament was to decide which was my true pursuit of happiness and excellence. But scouting has always stolen the limelight of my life, the stage through which I proclaim my deeds and truly feel a sense of pride. More importantly, the camaraderie I experience first hands runs deeper than blood and the sensation intrinsically unfathomable.

Because our love is such an intangible element and phenomenon and the feeling so mystical, I cannot keep it without coming into contact with it. And this love resonating from my passion for scouting, of course coupled with the awesome batch mates (clearly a certain specific group of people) I have, can only continue to burn with increasing intensity if I stay committed to its presence.

And so here it is. As bold and dangerous as it sounds, I am bent on remaining in Scouts and pursuing my PSA whilst being in the Venture EXCO. All these ambitions come across as barely plausible but I guess every glimmer of hope counts.

To more good years of scouting!