I Sincerely Hope I Won't Cry

It was almost a 6 months strike. I spent about half of my service year on strike. That didn't stop the fun in anyway. Business and a couple of other things kept me really busy, even busier than those on session. While the strike was on, 2015 Batch A Corps Members joined us. It was a daunting task to give consolation to the brokenhearted among them. Many had hoped for cities and castles and now they need a surge of consolation to stay alive. Some stayed, some left, some moved to other places within the state. In summary, it was another batch of Characters. The pretty, the funny, the hardworking and the friendly. I have always enjoyed meeting people. They help me complete the definition of life. Interestingly, some 2015 Batch A started to teach before me. We were still on strike.

Fast forward by a couple of months, my school resumed. It was fun to go to work like my other colleagues. It was then I knew I still had passion. Even while students were still registering, I visited the school severally and kept asking when lectures will start. I am sure the HOD was tired of my visit asking for course outline and time table. 

Finally, my first day in class it dawned on me that I had a responsibility not just to teach but to inspire my students. I enjoyed talking and writing on their hearts. I saw curiosity in their eyes. I sensed they had dreams and aspirations. I gave them an assignment to write what they would love to do after school. Some people responded and just as I thought, I saw them. I hoped and prayed that my short moment of interaction with them will somehow lead them closer to these dreams.

I am beginning to sense to intense emotions that will surround my departure. I am neck deep into service. I am enjoying every bit of it. I am savoring every moment. I almost didn't want to switch classes with my other colleague with whom I planned to share the course. I was getting attached and didn't want to leave them midway. I  figured we could still be friends even when I begin teaching the other class.

These are some of the moments that words can express. There are many more moments that only a smile can convey. This indeed has been one of the greatest years of my life.

It has Been really Exciting

While everyone was enjoying the new year celebrations, I was thinking about the new life I was going to start in a few days. I had dropped some of my things behind in Garkawa, Mikang LGA of Plateau State. When I arrived in January, it felt like I had been away for years. The whole room was covered in dust. Items I carefully placed in bags too were covered in dust. To crown it all, we resumed to very cold weather. I usually tell everyone who calls that Garkawa is not as cold as Jos. But this period was really cold. I heard Jos was freezing. Of cause I experienced it a bit because I passed a night there.

We resumed in January and almost immediately the exams started. It was a great place to start service. You get to announce the kind of person you are without a word. That was very easy. Easier than having to explain how much you don't tolerate laziness and examination malpractice. I made friends, identified the smart and independent students. I learnt who they are - those who work hard and obey rules and those who are lazy and always seek favors. Jokingly but firmly, I made my point.

Just about when the more interesting part was about to start, the long strike began. I was so eager to get into the classroom and deliver 'stuffs.' It seemed that the strike deflated my passion. But my passion is not external, it was well preserved till the right time. I became almost idle. While my colleagues  went to work, I turned on my bed. Not long after the strike started, the ICT department started a certificate course in Computer Appreciation. That kept me busy three days a week. CDS kept me busy the fourth day. NCCF had the rest. 

I made a few trips. The elections served as a perfect decoy. Many things happened on this trip. I changed my phone and bought my dream Infinix Zero which has quickly been overtaken by another smarter phone. My former phone had become really slow. I have overworked it. Just before I gave it out, i emptied the phone and I was tempted to withhold it. It worked at a speed of light, but there was no going back.

One remarkable thing was, on this trip I made a decision to start my business. Interestingly, this business paid higher than my PPA. I sold airtime and MTN data. It turned out to keep me really busy. My phone became an asset. I did learn a number of things about people and business too. I learnt that advert is critical. You don't do a business in the corner of your room and expect people to find you out. Even though your office is in a phone, put a signpost on the express. Shout out loud and let people know what you do. Also, the ability to give credit almost doubles your clientele.

To be continued...

How Many More Days To Go?

Two or three weeks ago I sent a broadcast that read "71 days to go." And messages started trooping in to confirm if my calculations were correct. I was just as confused as they were. The only fact I am aware of is that, each passing day, we are a day closer to the end of service. I'm not eager to leave because this is not exciting for me. Far from it. I  am actually having a great time. I am just eager to throw the curtains open and experience life beyond these veils. But meanwhile, I am having a great time meeting people and learning a new language word after word.

In preparation to wrap up, I want to share my experience. I hope you enjoy it. I have decided to break it into pieces so I don't bore you you one lump of monopolized perspective of NYSC. And to those who would enjoy it, sorry that you would have to wait a bit to get the rest. And if you honestly have an answer to my question (the title), please do well to save me from my confusion. Enjoy...

While coming for service, I had a feeling that I was going to serve in an Higher Institution. I prayed for it. I couldn't bear the thought of teaching kids. I haven't developed that sort of patience. Or perhaps, it was foresight. Whatever the case was going to be, I made up my mind to live with it. I wasn't going to tamper with anything. I trusted that my Lord would lead me in the path He wills.

Just as I thought, I was posted to an higher institution. Though it was not the definition of Higher Institution I had. It was very close. It was the desire of everyone who served in the local government. It was the highest paying place of primary assignment in the Local Government. It was the place to be as far as my vicinity was concerned. I got to meet and interact with mature people daily. It was awesome. It was far easier to inspire these ones, i thought.

After being accepted, we wrote letters of permission and traveled for Christmas. I basically used the holidays to summon courage. I had determined to stick with my posting. My colleagues who stayed back for the Christmas had great tales for us. They made us regret our travelling. They received Christmas hampers comprising life chickens, gallons of oil and species. They made us feel bad for leaving them. But I consoled myself with the fact that I had even more goodies from my brother's wedding.

to be continued...