Khaki Diaries: Surviving and Thriving in NYSC

 

Hey, Corper wee, wee, wee!

Can you believe it? We've come to the end of this crazy year! Like, we actually survived NYSC—who would've thought? I mean, between the Allawee delays, getting lost in the middle of nowhere, and learning new skills that we may or may not ever use again (I'm looking at you, SAED), we’ve seen it all! So, let’s take a quick trip down memory lane, shall we?

The NYSC Journey – Or Should I Call It The Adventure?

Remember that first day when we all landed in orientation camp, wide-eyed and clueless? I do not know for you, but the beginning of our NYSC was a perfect birthday gift God gave me. As we resumed a day, to my birthday,I spent my birthday shuffling from one registration table to another in an endless queue, trying to figure out what exactly was going on. It was a birthday like no other, filled with forms, stamps, and confusion instead of cake!

 It started with us being called Prospective Corps Members (PCM) for one week, I know we enjoyed being called that by our Camp Director, The Caring and Comforting Caro as Mr Okereke will always call her every morning, She couldn’t wait for us to be called Corps Members, Do you remember how beautiful we all looked on our Swearing-in Day? Yes! That was the day we longed for, then the journey began officially. 

The  three-week “boot camp” experience where military drills, standing under the sun for hours, and making friends during morale sessions became our life. Man o' war, lectures, sports competitions—it was basically an awkward blend of college and a reality show. And don’t even get me started on the stress of camp food, I understand that most of us all looked forward to the days of Jollof Rice and Chicken. Well, I looked forward to the day of Egusi and Eba; I still have nightmares about those long mama put queues. But hey, some of us came out of it with abs (or at least we thought so, LOL)  

Most importantly, I used the opportunity to show myself in OBS. It was my favourite thing to do after meeting new friends. Hollup! Where is that love of your life you found during this period? Are you guys still together? Or should I mind my business?…..Lol. If you both are still together, Congratulations! It's safe to say that Wedding bells might be ringing soon. Please invite me, I love Jollof rice.

And Then Came the PPA...

After camp, we were shipped off to our various PPAs, and let’s be honest—that part hit everyone differently. Some of you were excited for a fresh start, others shed a few tears (it’s okay, we all saw it!); For me, it was bittersweet—I didn't want to leave the fun of camp behind, but adventure awaited. While some of us hustled and struggled to settle down, Some of us lucked out with cosy government offices, while others found ourselves deep in the trenches,like teaching in a school where the kids call you "Uncle" or "Aunty" and think you know everything (spoiler: you don’t!). Shoutout to my fellow teachers who became accidental lesson planners and, somehow, mentors too. And let’s not forget those serving in hospitals or running around government ministries; Heroes, all of you!

The CDS Saga

Ah, CDS days. The one day a week where we all pretended to be super involved in our community development projects…(Lol), let’s be real, some of us just wanted to snap pictures and show we were “making an impact.” But to be fair, some people went above and beyond, pouring their heart into projects that made a real difference. From organising health outreaches that brought medical care to remote villages, to Welfare outreaches in communities and furnishing classrooms where there are no desks and tables—these efforts left a lasting impact. Major respect to those who didn’t just snap pictures for Instagram but rolled up their sleeves and truly made a change in their communities! 

A Few Hiccups Along the Way...

We’ve had our fair share of challenges. Sometimes the accommodation situation was rough—like, really rough. And those late allowances? Bruh, don’t get me started. We were out here hustling and side-eyeing the bank account, wondering when Allawee would show up like a guest who was two hours late to the party, Unity Bank had it special way of getting on my nerves, it only pacified me by ensuring that both the FG allawee and State allawee reached me.

Not to mention, some of us were posted to places where we had to learn survival tactics just to navigate the local food (Fisherman Soup warriors, I see you). But we pushed through because that’s what we do. #Resilience.

And Now… Passing Out Parade (POP) Time!

So here we are, Corper wee wee wee, the grand finale—Passing Out Parade. We’ve endured 12 months of madness, bonding, and growth, and it all comes down to this moment. We’ll march in our squeaky-clean boots one last time, stand tall in front of dignitaries we barely know, and grab that precious certificate like our lives depend on it (because low-key, they do—no certificate, no job hunt!).

But for real, this is more than just a piece of paper. It’s a testament to our endurance, our adaptability, and our ability to thrive in the country called Nigeria.

What’s Next?

Now, as we step into this next chapter, some of us will jump into the job market (good luck with that job search, fam!), others will dive into entrepreneurship, and a few brave souls will go back for more schooling (PhD, anyone?). Some of us might even find ourselves missing the NYSC life—the friendships, the CDS vibes, and, dare I say it, the ridiculous drama that came with this whole experience. 

Whatever comes next, just remember that you’ve done something incredible. You’ve served, you’ve learned, and now it’s time to go out and conquer the world (or, you know, start by getting that first paycheck).

Finally!

Beyond the funny moments and the struggles, NYSC taught me resilience, patience, and the importance of giving back to communities in need. From the long queues to learning how to live and work in unfamiliar environments, I’ve come out stronger and more adaptable.

Our CDS projects weren’t just a weekly obligation—they were a way to leave a lasting impact. Whether we were building classrooms, organising health outreaches, or simply mentoring local kids, we’ve contributed in our small ways to the development of this country.

Now is the time to use whatever skill you learnt from SAED during the course of the service years to empower yourselves, not everyone will be a 9-5er (collar job worker), In today's age, both digital and vocational skills can be a game changer for you to be a boss of your own, So Collect your money, No sleep, Wake up! 

So, as we step into the next chapter of our lives, let’s carry with us the friendships we’ve made, the lessons and skills we’ve learned, and the resilience that NYSC instilled in us. This may be the end of our service year, but it’s just the beginning of the incredible journeys we’ll embark on next. So, here’s to us, guys. We made it! Remember that not everyone who started the journey finished it. If you can see this, it means you are part of the finishers of the race, You are a Winner! Let's make the next chapter even better.

Good luck, and don’t forget to keep winning!


Your Favourite Dairy Writer,
Freelancing Goddess