After traveling for close to 19 hrs, we arrived at the orientation camp in the wee hours of the morning. Instantly, I understood the true meaning of harmattan. We were directed to the administrative block where we wrote down our names before taking mattresses and dispersing to our different hostels. Around 9 am, the registration process began and our kits were issued to us. As usual, most of the corp members had to alter their khakis at the mammy market. I was lucky enough to get a pair of jungle boots that snugly fitted my tiny feet. 

Before traveling down to the orientation camp, I learned that it is one of the best camps in Nigeria. This piece of information put my mind at ease, but I was careful not to raise my hope too high. On getting there, I discovered that the hostels are relatively new with facilities that are still in good shape. Each room has bunk beds and can contain up to 30 occupants. Vests, socks, shorts and water were the major things that were stolen.   

 

Camp food

Feeding over 3,000 individuals is not an easy task. We were fed three times a day, even though the meal may not be up to one’s satisfaction. I’ve never tried eating any Hausa dishes before, so I didn't go near the kitchen on the days that they were served. Those who couldn't eat the camp meals opted to buy food at mammy market. A plate of food costs #300, except noodles, bread and potato or yam chips which vary in price. 

Dakingari Orientation Camp experience was a wonderful one and I enjoyed it to the fullest. I met many people and made lots of amazing friends. I was blown away by the diversity of human nature within three weeks. Parting with most of my newly made friends was quite emotional during the passing out parade because it seemed as if we've known each other for years. I came back to Lagos three pounds thinner, two shades darker, and a higher than average morale. Although I don’t know what’s in store for me in Kebbi State yet, I believe that they are worth looking forward to. 

If factors such as age and country were put into consideration, some of these rules are not applicable. Human beings are ever dynamic, what works for the writer may not work for someone else. Few of these rules still contain grains of wisdom, this is when our intuition should be activated.

Over time, I have discovered that the instinct or gut feeling is 95% accurate, not only in issues of relationships but in other areas of life. We all know that sooner or later, the truth will be revealed. Our intuition detects people's true intentions and highlights red flags as soon as it spots them.

Anyone can use its powers, but it may not be that potent because we dismiss its suggestions constantly. Journaling can be a great place to start. Keeping notes of our body language, the vibes we feel either positive or negative, random thoughts that pop up and, whether we feel safe or not could assist with having a clearer perspective. When we go back to our journals, some words might jump up at us screaming "I told you so!"

Engaging in excessive romantic fantasy interferes with our instincts, so it's better to keep it in check. Apart from guiding in wise decision making, trusting our gut feeling helps to make deeper connections in relationships which in turn lead to better understanding. This can only be effective when the sixth sense works together with the remaining five.

No one explained life in details so that we could have a clearer picture of what to expect. Gradually, the “I don’t want to grow up” phrase starts making real sense. You’ll be claiming adamantly that a substantial chunk of yourself is cleverly hidden somewhere, but by who and where exactly? This is not the kind of life that you envisioned years ago. The search for the once confident, purpose driven and staunch possibility evangelist only leads to a never-ending tunnel.

Very serious questions will keep pouring in from different angles of the brain. Where are those dreams? When did my passion begin to fizzle out? Who snatched my confidence? What is life? These questions and more may signal the onset of a quarter-life crisis. Some may experience it as early as adolescence is reached, others won’t go through it until their early thirties, yet, only a few will manage to escape it in their lifetime.

As new responsibilities keep surfacing, throwing up one's hands in despair might look like the only available option. After all, what is the point of trying when nothing is certain? Social media isn't even helping, it’s so easy to stare and gloat at other people’s perfect life. Here is someone who seems to be winning at life and a constant reminder of your sorry state. So you assume that life isn't fair, everything you once believed in is now a lie. If they could only allow you to exchange maps with them, if that is even possible, don't forget that your destinations are quite different.

Going through a quarter-life crisis doesn’t mean that one is doomed to fail. In fact, it can be an opportunity to be better equipped and prevent similar occurrences later in life. The foundations of the remaining quarters are being laid out during this period. Many people go through this phase and return stronger and wiser. No one has figured out everything about his/her life. 

Back to the very serious questions, who needs all that seriousness when you can poke fun at life itself and get away with it? The anger, frustration and all other negative emotions we feel should fuel our passion. It takes more than just believing to shake off the nasty feeling of being left behind, the answer lies in starting afresh.