I used to be this person who wouldn't try to make friends or find it hard to walk up to people first and socialize.
Most of my friends in the past were made by them approaching me first.
So, I was preparing to go for the mandatory NYSC program meant for graduates who are not over 30 years of age.
A quick one on what the NYSC program is about.
It builds you to take on future challenges and prepares you to be able to serve in any situation you find yourself in future.
It encourages unity among people of different cultures, helps you to develop skills for self-employment and contributes to the growth of the national economy.
Going for this program proves your loyalty and patriotism to your country.
Back to my story.
My sisters who had gone for theirs have given me orientation on how to act and what to do when I get there most of which centers around socializing and networking.
I didn't know how I was going to do that but I decided it was time to come out of my shell, be free and meet good people.
I had resumed on the third day, got registered and took my luggage to the room I was assigned to. I was quiet all day.
Glued to my phone, watching movies until I retired for the day and slept.
The next day, we were woken up with the bugle around 5 am to get prepped for the day's task.
We were asked to go to the parade ground for activities lined up for us.
I was always staying at the back, minding my business.
That was my routine until the fourth day when someone called my name. A name only online friends would know. I looked back to see who this person was.
I checked but he didn't look familiar.
Note that before this time. I was already relating well with my roommates and people with whom we shared bunk spaces. Like four of them.
Anyway, I went to him and he introduced himself as my Facebook friend. He told me he was my long-time crush. He had always had a crush on me and was happy to finally meet me and would like for us to hang out sometime, maybe after camp.
We exchanged numbers and that was how I had a friend on camp. Even though we didn't see again until after camp. We would chat and keep up with conversations.
It was as if Wale opened doors for me to keep meeting people.
After I had met Wale, I kept meeting more people and I became more vocal and confident.
Before I knew it, I was socializing with people and exchanging numbers.
This was how I overcame this timidity of mine.
I must say NYSC gave me one amazing friend that I'd forever cherish.
Our friendship was beautiful.
I met him after our three weeks camp.
I had gone to one of the departmental stores in one of the biggest malls in one of the 36 States in Nigeria to buy groceries for the month.
I had picked what I needed.
I went to the till to pay the cashier when I heard someone 'hey' to me.
I looked and it wasn't someone I knew.
He said I looked familiar but I told him he didn't.
He was funny and we ended up talking like we've met before now.
We exchanged numbers and that was like the beginning of our beautiful friendship.
I won't go into details but this guy would look out for me like a brother would.
He was always there when I needed him for anything. He cared so much about me and I didn't take him for granted.
I didn't fail to tell him how amazing he was at any chance I got.
He made the NYSC program a beautiful one for me. He made it feel like home.