Very important tips to survive as an NYSC corps Member

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There are so many wrong notions about the NYSC scheme, the most comon one ahould be the word, 'corper' it really does not exist, even in your dictionary, *winks*. 

That said, i'd write a seperate article about misconceptions about NYSC. But for today, lets check out these all important tips every prospective "Corper" needs to know.

1. Be open minded:  you'd be most likely posted to a strange state, i mean a state you've never been to before and have never imagined you'd ever visit. These are people with different values, tradition and orientations. Don't go there with a judgemental attitude, go with an open mind and they would most likely be friendly towards you too.
2. How much you earn doesn't matter, how much you spend is exactly what matters the most.
3. Spend wisely: a proper knowledge of the local delicacies or locally grown food of the area is an added advantage, since it tends to be cheaper. Also look for a comfortable and affordable accommodation.
4. Don't be a loner: mix with the local people, attend religious gatherings, make friends, be open to discussions and don't be that judgemental kind of person. This way, they tend to absorb you as one of their own, this is very important for anyone who plans on having an awesome service year.
5. Be positive: I'd personally advice that you intentionally do not notice or complain about any bad conditions or situations you meet on ground. On the contrary, notice the good things, comment on them, blow them out of proportions and don't go around living a life of complaint. Its just 10 months, don't waste it complaining. 
6. Build social capital: try to make and maintain strategic relationships, don't just be a traveller passing through. Meet people, get their phone contacts, visit them (if its safe), call them up. Basically, just build good relationships that would last. By now, we all know the world is a small village and that the most valuable currency in Nigeria is arguably social connection.
7. Ask questions: usually its easier and more convenient to assume. my friends, do not assume! Ask questions, you'd be shocked at how willing people are to answer questions from a corps member, a graduate. Ask for the nearest yam market, the farthest vegetable market, the reason why no one follows a particular road on Thursdays and don't forget to ask for the established taboos in your host community, if any.
8. Attend CDS: not necessarily because you want to positively impart your host community (although that's the official purpose of the whole CDS stuff), but because you want to have a good time too. CDS affords a corps member the opportunity to meet fellow corps members like him/her, chat them up, argue with them and build stable relationships. I never missed CDS o, there were so many beautiful girls to be wooed, so many fun guys to hang out with after CDS, infarct i made most of my corps member friends from CDS. So why should I stay at home and miss our on CDS?

Hope these tips have been beneficial to you.

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Onyeoziri Favour 

(Blogger, writer, ex-corper)