A Last Look

As I step down in a month’s time as a Captain, images and visuals of the past comes back to my mind. I reminisce about when I had been captain, and all the hard works and activities done. This February will be the last time I will be regarded as captain of the team. And following that, I will just be a regular sports enthusiast. Throughout my life, even in all the different sports I took up, I am proud to say that I was appointed captain from time to time. I really cherish the leadership role given. From a tennis captain in primary school to a volleyball captain in secondary school, and then vice-captain before stepping up to captain in polytechnic, it has really been an amazing journey. Let me tell you about the story from when I first got captainship.
Primary school
My first leadership role was given when I was in primary school. It was during the holiday training and it happened right after practice. Our teacher-in-charge was giving out light snacks while we were just sitting round and talking. It was then that she decided to announce the official captains for the primay 5 and primary 6 teams. At that time, I was in primary 6, and I can still clearly remember what she said exactly, “and the captain for the primary 6 team will be… Rusyad!” *everyone clapping* It was especially memorable as it was the first time ever I was given a responsibility officially, as the captain of the team. Even though the role of captain at that time was simple, I did my best to ensure the simple stuffs like ball count, attendance taking was fulfilled. That was already a start to a amazing journey following.
Secondary school
Receiving captainship for my volleyball team in secondary school was also another great pleasure for me. The day before our teacher-in-charge announced the captainship to the team, he had approached me. He said, “I’m appointing you as captain for the C division boys team and I feel that the rest will think so too because I can see much potential in you. Do you have any objection before I announced to the whole team?” I was really taken aback at first but was glad of the offer provided for me. Being the only Malay member of the team, I have to admit it felt good knowing the others saw me as a capable leader. I took the opportunity to lead the team, encouraging each other during tournaments and assisting them in whatever way I could. Under my leadership, our volleyball team clinched a 3rd position in the west zone district and even made it into the round of 16 in the national district. We definitely could not have done it without each other’s help. I, on the other hand, was recognized for more ways than one. Other team coaches who noticed my efforts praised me immensely. On top of that, I got called up to be a part of a combined school training team, which definitely consist of even better players than me. Though I was intimidated and feared the possibility of not doing well in the team, but with the support of my teacher-in-charge(who was also my discipline master) I did it. I got a chance to play in the team and it was a really good experience for me.
Polytechnic
The role of a captain this time is much different than it was in secondary school. It was leaning to being more independent, as in without a person telling you what to do. I really wanted to be a captain in the team when I first entered polytechnic. I didn’t get it, but nonetheless, I was given the role of vice-captain, which was just as important. Nevertheless, I took the opportunity to showcase my potential and put a lot of effort in my duty. From organizing friendly matches and managing the team attendance, ensuring everyone has a good time and communicates well with one another, I feel proud when I saw the whole team become one. Sure there were some small ‘cliques’ but that happens everywhere and is inevitable. But when the whole team comes together, it was a perfect unit!

One year passed and this time round, all votes were on me to be captain and thankfully, I got it! I was the captain and that means responsibility were more heavier and I have to do better than I had did the last time. A new group of students joined this time round and it sure was not easier bringing everyone together. There were those few who didn’t like another, boy it was tough! But fortunately after some time, the dislike when away and everyone was working well with each other. They all were getting along well and enjoying themselves. As I looked at the cohesive team, I felt that all the captains, including myself, did it well again. In that year, which happened to be my final year, we clinched 3rd for the inter pol-ite tournament. As the team captain, I’ve never been proud of myself and the team!

It’s tough letting go my role as team captain because I like being a leader in the team. I like to take up the challenge and provide guidance and help to the rest of the team. I like having the sense that people can look up to me and come to me if there is any problems or suggestions and any other matter. But sadly it has come to the end of my captainship in my polytechnic days. I thank everyone for giving me the opportunity and for bringing out my capability as a leader. I am proud of the efforts I have put in, and I’m glad for this amazing journey. I know I’m not the best captain but I believe I have put every bit of my part in the team, and the team in me.