MY NYSC KHAKI DREAMS SHATTERED!

I am disappointed. At least I was.

You know that sinking feeling when you put a lot of effort preparing for something, only for it to fall through or not turn out as expected?

Think of that devastating feeling of being denied a visa for a trip you had excitedly packed your travel bag for. 

When I was eight, Sorters International Group of School, Kano, the primary school I attended had drilled us on parade and March pass in preparation for the famous May 27th Children's Day celebration which happened to fall on a Saturday.  For those who can relate, the night before the children’s day is the night you barely sleep due to anticipation and overexcitement. Lolz. Like every other child in the school, I had eagerly planned to attend the fun event with my friends, I woke up as early as possible to brush, and bathe in preparation for 7 am so I could move with my friends to school for an onward trip to the stadium where the celebration is billed to take place only for my mom to announce that we are going to church for prayers.

My heart sank as my hopes for a day filled with play, fun, and festivities were dashed. It was a disappointment that stung, especially as a child looking forward to a special occasion.

That's exactly the kind of disappointment I felt on Monday night when I expectantly and enthusiastically logged into my dashboard on the NYSC portal to check my deployment status. Due to numerous applications, Sweet Lilian will have to wait for the next batch.

All that preparation, anticipation, and excitement... all gone in a moment. At least, I was prepared for the disappointment of being deployed to a state I wouldn’t like, but not going at all caught me unawares. I WAS DISAPPOINTED! 

From childhood, I had always pictured myself wearing the iconic NYSC uniform with pride, imagining how stylish and confident I would look. So you can probably understand the excitement and anticipation that came with preparing to serve my father’s land. When the news broke that I wouldn't be in the batch, it was like the wind got knocked out of me. I had been dreaming about this moment for years, and suddenly, all that anticipation came crashing down and Sweet Lilian was tainted with bitterness. Indeed, life is what happens when we are busy making other plans.

After registering for NYSC, my excitement levels went through the roof! Every new update or announcement about the deployment was like fuel on the fire of my anticipation. I meticulously researched the necessities for the camp and bought anything I didn't already have. I prepared for this deployment with the same enthusiasm and thoroughness that I'd put into planning a wedding (well, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the idea!). Lol. 

Remember those childhood memories where you'd get all pumped up for an event, only to have your parents change their minds at the last minute, crushing your hopes and dreams (well, at least for that day)

It was a letdown that felt like déjà vu when my NYSC plans hit a snag despite all the anticipation and preparation. I guess life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, even when you're all grown up because this was not meant to happen, this is not happening, this is happening.

But will I let this setback stop me? Hell No! 

Sure, I was disappointed, but I'm going to turn this into an opportunity. While I wait for my next deployment, I'll use this time to explore new interests, get back fully to work, develop new skills, and maybe even plan an epic camping trip for when I’m deployed. After all, life is full of ups and downs, the difference is in how you respond to them.

Even though my NYSC plans didn't work out as expected, I am not going to let that define me. Instead, I'm going to focus on the positives and embrace the unexpected journey ahead. 

And hey, maybe I'll get to rock that khaki uniform very soon and my hopes will come to fruition! 

Have you had a similar experience? Please share your stories in the comment section. Let's learn from your disappointing experiences together.

…..Sweet Lilian