COUNTING DOWN TO NYSC: A MIX OF NERVOUSNESS AND EXCITEMENT

This year is going to be a long journey for me. I'm eagerly anticipating various events, including four weddings this January. I can't afford to miss them for anything. Additionally, there are birthdays and a music concert called "Speechless" that I regret missing last year on December 26. However, the standout event will be my participation in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

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It is a one-year program organized by the Nigerian government to engage graduates in the country's development. In Nigeria, after graduating, the next on the list is NYSC, where thousands of people are mobilized to serve their fatherland. It's not a compulsory event for everyone, as some decide not to go after graduating, while others prefer doing it later on. In some places or homes, if you haven't completed the service, they may not recognize you as a graduate.

The university I attended has released its final results, and upon reviewing them, I am confident that I am qualified to participate in the program this year. There are three batches for NYSC: Batch A, B, and C, with each batch divided into two set, Batch A1 and Batch A2 and others also. Initially, my plan was to work before embarking on my service and also to assist my mom in caring for my nieces and nephew at home, as it won't be easy for her when I leave for service.

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I planned on delaying my service and going with Batch C, but my dad, being his usual self, insisted that I leave his house for my NYSC this January. He emphasized that there's no need to wait and that I should go for it once and for all. Growing up, especially with brothers who had gone through NYSC, I always anticipated experiencing it myself, even before entering university. I admired my brothers in their khaki and white shorts so much that I went as far as putting them on. You can imagine how long I have waited for this.

I want to experience all that I've heard about NYSC, especially the 3-week camp, but I'm apprehensive about the primary place of assignment where I'll continue my service for the remaining months after camping. The activities depicted in videos and pictures from my brothers and friends who have gone for service make me look forward to camp life, including social events like cultural dance, drama, Man-O-War drilling, camp idol, cooking competitions, and more. Although many people I've asked describe camp life as stressful and a terrible experience, listing things they dislike about it.

They listed waking up at 4 am. I am a morning person, so I won't have a problem with that but waking up to a loud sound as a reminder is not pleasant, nothing like peacefully getting up from my bed. They also talked about the food served in camp, one has to queue to get food, and the meals may cause digestive issues, especially for those with weak stomachs. Although there's another option for those with enough money to eat in a place called Mammy Market, the food there is expensive. I'm uncertain about how I will cope with the food aspect, but I hope it won't be a bad experience for me. I plan on bringing enough medication with me.

They say NYSC is not for the weak. I don't know how mine will be, but I am determined to make it memorable and minimize distress so help me, God. Though the journey is long and yet to begin, I want to stop worrying about it. I'll commence my clearance immediately as school resume to ensure I don't miss the first batch.

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