Diary of a Patriotic Corper: The Final Chapter

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(Edited)

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Twelve months of national service—completed. The last year has been truly something for me. I have spent the longest time away from home with entirely new people from different parts of the nation and tribes, eaten new kinds of food, been to places that I never imagined I'd visit, seen fascinating things, had interesting experiences, and more. The list can go on, but in all, I am thankful for this journey.

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At the beginning, I felt underprepared and perplexed. I wasn't ready to just go to another region of the country and live there for a whole year. I didn't want to leave where I was comfortable, and there was so little time to put myself together and travel a 12-hour journey. I did it anyway, and here I am now, having done exciting new things in the last 12 months.

This is probably the fourteenth entry in this diary of mine, Diary of a Patriotic Corper. It's the last, perhaps, and it is to commemorate the completion of my time as a Corper under NYSC in Rivers State, Nigeria. I wasn't sure what my entries would be, though, but somehow, here I am at the fourteenth. I am not sure if I thought I'd make as many or fewer entries. What matters is that I did. I'll link them all at the bottom of this post as a collection—for closure. Yet again, however, I'm not sure what "this entry" will contain.

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Interacting and living with many people from other tribes who speak different languages made the experience rather interesting. I have heard of and seen food combos that I didn't think could exist. I mean, pepper soup and rice surprised me, but it sure is a tasty combo. And the soups? Heh, I don't know how many kinds I have tasted in this last year alone, but my taste buds sure know they've been somewhere indeed. Afang, oha, native, banga, and many others that only my nose and mouth can describe.

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Energy. Ah...energy and lifestyle are very different across different places in Nigeria, as far as I know. How they are in Lagos, Ogun State, Rivers State, Akwa Ibom, and Delta—a few places I have been—are not all the same, but mostly enlightening, if you look at the bright side. When you're in Rome, just behave like you're in Rome. Because why do they close shops and all at 6 p.m. here in this part of Rivers State?? That's by the way...

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My Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) was a technical secondary school where I taught physics. It was in this national service that I learned that teaching is not exactly my calling and that it is way harder than I taught. If I should start with the 300 examination scripts I had to mark every time ehn...

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The lodge I lived in. Heh...I never would have expected a Corpers' lodge to be as fascinating as it was. I bonded with many people, to some extent, lived with different people at different points, changed rooms a few times, and experienced people in more colours than the rainbow itself has. It is well. I'll miss the people, the bonds, and the environment, that's for sure.

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The last day, yesterday, was the passing out parade (POP) day. Ideally, there should be a parade where we'd march and all, but omo, nothing like happened o. I wasn't surprised, though. I already knew it was going to be like that. Instead, I found myself sitting for hours just to collect the evidence that I served—the certificate.

After my yansh don press finish for sitting for hours, I eventually got mine, and then, the main koko of the event—paparazzi. I took as many photos as I could with a lot of my friends, and after that, we went to "treat ourselves right" at a nice eatery. And, my fans, that was the end of the day o. Period. Nothing more than that, but guess who is now an Ex-Corper? Yes, you guessed right. Olujay! Or wait...who else were you thinking? Unless you're also one. Anyway...

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I am thankful, grateful, privileged, and excited to be done with yet another phase of my life. Now, real life is real lifing...no more 33K allowance that I was doing big boy with (omoooooo X 17). It is well. Now, on to the next...

To God be all the glory!


Jay's Diary as a Corper: The Collection

Images credit: olujay
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46 comments
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Corper shun! Twale for you boss 🙌🏿👏. Congratulations Jay, indeed It has been God and even though the next stage is not so certain, I wish you all the best and more heights to attain 🥰

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Comrade of understanding, this Hope. 🤓

Thank you jare
We'll forge ahead regardless.

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Comrade of Culture 🙌🏿

Yes oo, regardless upon still we muve 😁.

It’s always a pleasure stopping by Jay 🤗

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WOW 😲! Congratulations 🎉 to you. You have really tried. Twelve months no be twelve days ohh.
I pray that you get a very big job that will make you forget all the suffering.
Thanks for sharing

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Aww, congratulations 👏🏾🎉. It is not easy, but you persevered and survived.
I'm so jealous of you rn 🙂. 12/12 finally 🍾🎊

I can’t wait to be done 🥺😂

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I know you can't wait to be done. 😁
In no time, we'll celebrate with you too...

Thank you jare

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I pray the Labor market favors you 🙂amen, congratulations 👏🏾

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Ex Corper Jay, you look sharp!
So fresh like a freshly baked bread 🍞 from the ovum... looks like our government fed you well😌😅
A big congratulations on ur pop..
May the labour market favour you big time
Keep soaring higher bro 🤗

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Eii... Don't let them hear this o
It's God that's covering our secret, and we thank Him.

Thank you, Nkem! 😁

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"Under the sun or in the rain" is no longer under 😁 you scaled through unscathed hehe.
Congratulations Jay... I pray you find Favour and grace in your next steps.

I'm waiting for the special Corper blessing prayer on me so I'll finish successfully like you 🙃
It's not easy sha, we thank God.

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I really served under the rain and under the sun o, but here we are now.

I'm waiting for the special Corper blessing prayer on me so I'll finish successfully like you

You are already good to go, good to go, Mer Mer 😂

Thank you jare

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Congratulations... Nysc is always fun but sometimes saddening especially when you about to part ways with your newfound family and friends.

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Oh, yes. That's for sure. That's how it will always be at every stage in life. I'm thankful regardless

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Congratulations to you Sir.
Labour Market will favour you.

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Congratulations brother🎉🎉. You saw the end of NYSC. I love how you ended the day, treating yourself to a nice meal after a stressful day.

Handsome man spamming us with his fine pictures😎😎

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Yes, bro. I just had to take care of myself. I didn't even take photos then because I was just focused on enjoyment.

Handsome man spamming us with his fine pictures😎😎

Thank you sir 😁

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It's good to treat ourselves when due. You are welcome sir.

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Congratulations Jay, all the best in your new phase of life ✨❤️,may the Lord guide and favour you in all you do Amen!

Wait so you mean to tell you guys don't eat rice and pepper soup over where you're from. Not me thinking it's a general 9ja thing🤣.

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Amen. Amen. Thank you, Meya.

And nope, I never knew such a combo existed. Had never seen it. It's just pepper soup and plenty meat or catfish, and that's all. That's what I know.

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Wow, it's one of our famous delicacies over here. Glad you got to try it

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(Edited)

Congrats. Mr Jay.

Haha. People eat rice and pepper soup around me o😂. I’m glad you had different experiences.

I have always known teaching is stressful, especially the exam and note part.

Now, real life is real lifing...no more 33K allowance that I was doing big boy with

You use 33k allowance to do big boy ke? In this same economy 🤣. Pls show me the way let me do big girl too 🙈

Anyways. You are now a BIG MAN, that will be earning Millions 💃 and giving me thousands🌝

Congratulations again 🌷❤️

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People eat rice and pepper soup around me o

Ah...sorry o. I wasn't informed. 😁

Pls show me the way let me do big girl too

No loud this thing na 😂

Thank you, Lizzy.

and giving me thousands

Amen o. Normal normal

Thank you, Lizzy. Small time now, I'll be celebrating with you for yours.

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Don't tell me you don't know the combo: Rice with pepper soup, Jay? Lol
That's a common food na. I eat it a lot and it's delicious 😋
What is Nysc purpose again? Isn't it to make friends, explore another state, their culture and to taste their food? That's just what your summary is here and I am happy for you. A year service isn't easy especially when it comes to struggling with something you aren't called to do; teaching.

Now, you are done and an ex-corper. I can't wait for mine in the next 5 months. Congrats to you, Jay.

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Don't tell me you don't know the combo: Rice with pepper soup, Jay? Lol

It's like I lived in South Korea all my life o
What's happening?? 🤣

Yes, NYSC was just what it was meant for to me, and I am thankful about for the experience. I know you're enjoying yours as well.

I know you can't wait for yours too 😁
Relazzzzz...it'll come!

Thank you, Princess.

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Hehehe. South Korea indeed 😂😂
Yes, I can't wait oo. I am tired of CDS and standing on the queue for hours just to thumbprint on clearance day 😅

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Experienced people in more colours than rainbow colours itself??🤣🤣
This man
Looks like you’ve had a blast through those 12 years.
I think you thrive better when teaching a smart person or just a few number of people so I understand why you think teaching is not for you.
I’m excited for you and I wish you a big congratulations and all the best.
Welcome to the real world sir!

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I have seen different kinds of people o
I had a blast anyway, yeah

Maybe a small number of people would be better. I teach alright, I think, but I just wasn't enjoying this one.

Thank you, Abena. Now I'm wondering about yours. Your national service year in Ghana...when is/was it?

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Congratulations @olujay
On to the next.
It doesn't look like you served oh. See as you fresh.

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Copper Jay himself, oh sorry X copper Jay himself. Congratulations, it's not easy. Wishing you the best in the market...

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Be careful o! 😂

Thank you, queenkong herself

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Congrats Olujay🤗🤗
Like play like play, you've finished serving your motherland.
No more teaching those stubborn students😅.

I'm excited for you and I hope you find some clarity as you navigate your next phase of life.
I love how you captured your service experience on here. You can always come back to review and reminisce.
Congrats once again!

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Interestingly, the students were now stubborn o. I mean, they could be unserious sometimes, but we warmed up to ourselves eventually. I'll miss them.

You can always come back to review and reminisce.

That's exactly the point. At least, I have different experiences in a journal, and that's why I started it in the first place.

Thank you, Zee.

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that 33k allowances most be changed oo ...my NYSC camp is in 10 days. Congrats on your completion of service . I stay in port Harcourt too ...which LGA did you serve
?

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