Amaka's eyes fluttered open as the bus lurched to a stop,signaling their arrival in kubwa the Abuja NYSC camp. she stretched arching her back and extending her arms above her head. The journey from Lafia (Nasarawa state) had been exhausting but the excitement of starting National youth service corps (NYSC) adventure kept her energized .As Amaka gazed out the bus window, the endless expanse of Abuja's landscape unfolding before her, she couldn't help but reflect on the journey that had brought her here. The memories of her university days,her relationship and her struggles all swirled together in her mind, as she wondered, what the next year had in store for her.
As Amaka stepped off the bus,the dry Abuja air enveloped her.She came down ,after collecting her luggage's she walked towards the orientation camp's registration point,following the signs and the crowd of fellow corps members.
As she walked,she noticed two girls standing by a shaded area,chatting and laughing.They caught her attention and Amaka found herself smiling at their infectious energy.One of them,a stylish dressed girl with a bright smile noticed Amaka's gaze and waved her over.
"Hey,where are you headed ? "the girl asked,as Amaka approached.
I'm trying to find the registration area "Amaka replied ".
"We're on our way there too "the girl exclaims anyways I'm Sandra from Edo state and this is Precious she's from kogi state.
Amaka returned the smile,feeling a sense of relief at having someone to talk to, I'm from Abia state but I live at lafia,Nasarawa state.It's nice to meet you both.
The three of them walked together towards the registration area,chatting and getting to know each other.
As they reached the registration spot they were greeted by a sea of frustrated faces and chaotic queues.The area was overcrowded,with corps members scrambling to get their documents verified.
Sandra groaned, "oh no,look at this crowd!! We're going to be here forever!
Precious nodded in agreement, "I know right? I was hopi to get this over with quickly!!
Amaka sighed "I guess we're among the last set let's just find a spot and wait our turn.
The three friends squeezed into a small gap in the queue,resigned to a long wait.As they stood there,they continued to chart,sharing stories and laughter to pass the time.
As the queue inched forward,the three friends finally reached the front.They handed over their documents and answered the registration officer's questions…Name? "the officer asked,not looking up
"Amaka" she replied
"State of origin?
"Abia state
The officer stamped her documents and handed it back to her "Next he shouted!!"
Sandra and Precious followed suit,completing their registration without any issues.
As they walked away from the registration desk,Amaka glanced at her wrist watch "wow, can you believe it's already 6pm
Sandra nodded. "Ikr ? We got here at 10am and it took us seven hours just to get registered.
Precious signed "And we still need to find our hostels cause it almost dark already.I hope it's not too far from here cause I'm about to faint.
Amaka smiled "don't worry,we'll figure it out.
We need to find our hostel and get settled "precious replied,consulting her phone for directions.
I heard the hostel is pretty basic,Amaka said,wrinkling her nose.
"Basic? "Sandra snorted. " we will make it work.We're going to make this year unforgettable!"
The three of us linked arms,laughing and joking as we made our way to the hostel.Finally we saw the hostel building in front of us.
Ah,we're here "Precious exclaimed.
We quickened our pace,eager to see our new living quarters for three weeks,when we entered the hostel,we were all assigned to the same room.
"Wow,what are the chances? Sandra laughed.
Amaka smiled. "I guessed we are meant to stick together.
As we made our way to our bunks we noticed that Sandra and Precious were assigned to the lower bunks while Amaka was assigned to an upper bunk with another corp member.
"Hey,I'll be sleeping above you guys "Amaka said , grinning
Sandra teased, "Don't worry,we'll make sure to keep the noise down
Precious chuckled. "Yeah, so you can sleep peacefully above us.
After some time they heard a whistle from the soldiers which signal light out and time to sleep.