Guiding helped me reach for the stars …

Seven years ago, Guiding meant nothing more than a strange and difficult activity to me. But today, the word "Guiding" means so much to me. I feel I belong to it and that I am a tiny part of that word. That's because now I have understood that a Guide is a very special person and also that it is a great honour to be one. Throughout the past seven years Guiding has given me so many things which helped me to achieve the 2nd highest scores in the GCE O'Level Examination 2008, which is indeed a great achievement in my life.

I joined Little Friends when I was in Grade 5. Under the guidance of my Sylvanna Mrs. Swarna Jayasinghe, I was trained to take up challenges for the first time in my life. I began to learn cooking, knitting and many other things which gave me confidence and understanding. I learnt to be loyal, truthful, and pure in thought, word and deed.

As the time came for me to fly up to a Guide Company, I knew I was about to face new challenges. I enjoyed the company meetings, camping, hikes, cookouts and campfires which were filled with many happy and funny events. I got a chance to learn from my mistakes and I understood that Guiding didn't mean just doing tests.

My Guide Captain Mrs. Sriyani Wijerathne was a great pillar of strength to me. Guiding made me learn about different types of things which gave me knowledge, perseverance, courage and satisfaction. Nevertheless, it gave me the strength to believe in myself. I still remember how happy and proud I felt when I got to know that I had got through the All-Island Qualifying Test. I have now completed all the requirements for the President's Guide Award.

Guiding was never a hindrance to my studies and I don't think it ever will be. It is amazing. Once you have joined, never even think of giving it up. If you haven't joined, don't hesitate to join either. You will learn teamwork, how to look after yourself, and to respect others, which would make the society a wholesome place in which to work and live.

The above article was written by Janeesha Liyanagunawardana of 11th Colombo. Janeesha achieved the 2nd highest scores in the 2008 GCE O'Level Examination. Congratulations Janeesha, and keep the flag flying!!!