Making a Difference

A tribute to my Wing Commander in Officer Cadet School Foxtrot, LTC Ng Hee Teck, whom has left the force. I never really liked my experience in OCS because of the "wayang" that was going on but it was nonetheless a journey and an experience that thought me the meaning of making a difference.

*** A little about what I feel about my Wing Commander, since OCS is over I can say whatever good things I want about him and no one can say I am boot licking so here goes. My Wing Comd is a funny and wise man. Despite his jovial looks, he is actually a very observant person and is experienced enough to tell a person's true character. He has taught me many things and made a difference to me even though he has always teach and addressed the wing as a wing and not to me as an individual. Still I learned from him that no matter who you are, you can change things as long as you put your mind into it. Thank you Sir (Salutes).***

Most people know this story as the "The Starfish Story", and to some, it might be a totally new story that you never heard of, and to some, a story heard many years ago, and reading it again might give you some reflection.

The Starfish Story adapted from The Star Thrower by Loren Eiseley (1907 - 1977)

Once upon a time, there was a wise man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work. One day, as he was walking along the shore, he looked down the beach and saw a human figure moving like a dancer. He smiled to himself at the thought of someone who would dance to the day, and so, he walked faster to catch up.


As he got closer, he noticed that the figure was that of a young man, and that what he was doing was not dancing at all. The young man was reaching down to the shore, picking up small objects, and throwing them into the ocean. He came closer still and called out "Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?"

The young man paused, looked up, and replied "Throwing starfish into the ocean.""I must ask, then, why are you throwing starfish into the ocean?" asked the somewhat startled wise man.To this, the young man replied, "The sun is up and the tide is going out. If I don't throw them in, they'll die."Upon hearing this, the wise man commented, "But, young man, do you not realize that there are miles and miles of beach and there are starfish all along every mile? You can't possibly make a difference!"

At this, the young man bent down, picked up yet another starfish, and threw it into the ocean. As it met the water, he said, "I made a difference to that one!"

I believe what the author of this short but meaningful story is trying to say is that, anyone can make a difference, small or big. What you think could be small action to you but can in turn be a life changing point in someone else's life. Let's take a simple story about... me. Haha... You guys are going to love this story.

The actual and very reason why Ian was inspired to work in a hotel. Firstly, Ian wants to work in a place where there is air conditioner around but does not want to be desk bound. Options available: HOTEL. Second, but where did I thought of this option. It was none other then a very old James Lye TV series show called Season of Love or in Chinese 甜甜的季节. I would like to thank everyone for remembering it when I put it on my MSN nickname and Facebook. And special thanks to my bro Chen Chin, I got the link to watch it to recap a little (Thank you Chin, if no one had any idea, I would have been desperate enough to msg James Lye on Facebook! If that was his real account that is). http://www.tudou.com/programs/view/GhpBM1gmjdc/

What's the story about? I can't really recall, all I know is that James Lye acted as this really nice guy that climbed up the ranks of the hotel world and became a General Manager (I think). One famous quote from the film was "One day, I will walk through the front door of this hotel to work" or something like that. The essence behind this statement is that all staff has to come from the employee entrance, lest the General Manager.

So yeah, it was this show my friends, this show, that has inspired me to pursue my dreams. See what a difference James Lye and the producers of this show has done for me? I bet they didn't expect it to rub off someone, but it rubbed off on me. Maybe without that show, I would never even thought of working in a hotel. The point is, "Little did they/he know, they/he made a difference (turning point) in my life".

Many of your actions, bad or good will have an impact, big or small to another person whether that person or you realise it or not. Many of you, friends and family, has been inspirations to me, thank you very much. You have made a difference in my life because I am sure that without even just one of you, my life would be different.

I want to make a difference, a difference to the world, a difference through hospitality. I believe that if people are nicer, the world would be a better place to live in with no wars and conflicts. I know some of you out there are thinking, such a childish dream. It's true! It is a childish dreams, but weren't your dreams as a child the most innocent and most profound dream you ever had? I know in a way that the world might not be a better place, but hey, doesn't hurt to try? At least I can say I tried. Most people I know, feel upset when they do not get a grade or a job or a salary they want. But hey! At least you tried, and if you don't give up, you can continue to work towards it!

Today's story is an add on of the previous post on goals, what you do affects people and will make a difference in their lives. Don't ask what difference it makes, pick up that starfish on the beach and throw it into the sea, make a difference to that starfish. Make a difference today. God Bless.