CNF#138..... Facing my fears.

I used to be a very reserved person until the time that I went for my National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

It was in the year 2019. I was posted to Kogi State for my NYSC and I met different people from different tribes and ethnicity. Meeting people from different backgrounds and attitudes was something that delighted me so much.

We were divided into different platoons and I was placed in platoon 10. A time came in camp and we were to compete against other platoons.

My platoon leader asked us to prepare to dance a cultural dance. I was very happy to be participating in. It was fun for me because I got to learn something different.

I thought that it was going to be just a normal cultural dance, with group of people but my platoon leader introduced a game a day before the competition. He said that everyone must participate in the game as we would get to know ourselves better.

He said “everyone here will come out and dance In freestyle and let's see how well you can really dance.”

We all laughed but I knew that it would be difficult for me to do it. I don't like dancing alone, especially in front of an audience.

Ahmed, a corper, chose to go first. We formed a circle and left some space in the middle as a sort of stage. Ahmed walked into the center and began dancing. Lest I forget, my platoon leader was the one who picked the songs by himself so there would be no complaint. All that was expected was for us to dance.

Many scenes began playing in my head. I was looking for a way to escape so that I won't dance alone. I touched a female corper beside me.

“Tosin, is it compulsory that we participate in this game?”

“Yes. Disobedience might lose you some points. By the way, what are you afraid of? It is a harmless game of dancing” she replied.

“I don't like dancing in front of an audience. What if I make a mistake and everyone laughs at me?” I said pouting.

“My dear, you need to learn to loosen up once in a while. No one is perfect and it is in making mistakes that we learn”.

“When it gets to your turn, go out there and dance with your eyes closed. Just imagine that you are in your room and enjoy yourself” Tosin encouraged.

I took Tosin's word of advice and decided to wait for my turn. When it was my turn to dance, I got to the center stage and listened to the song that was played

Just like Tosin said, I closed my eyes and started started dancing without looking at anybody's face. While I was dancing, I heard my platoon members laughing and clapping at the same time.

After dancing, I curtsied and went back to my seat. Tosin tapped me lightly and told me that I really tried more than the people who came out before.

“You were just afraid for nothing. You are a good dancer”.

“It not my fault, I've not done something like this before in front of people. I only dance in my closet.”

“I like the way you moved your body and twist your waist. The others were just laughing and clapping because of your fine moves.”

“If not that you encouraged me, I would not have participated.”

“It’s okay, at least you have faced your fears.”

“Thank you very much Tosin for your words of encouragement.”

I was happy I did not let my fear get the best part of me. I participated in the dancing competition because it was fun and I got to socialize with others and expressed myself in the way I never expected. I enjoyed myself to the fullest and it helped me loosen up a little.

The day of the competition came and all the platoons participated energetically. My platoon came out in third position. It was really interesting learning new things and making friends from different tribes. I can never forget that year in a hurry. I learnt to loosen up and socialize with people from that period.

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Thanks for reading.

Images used are mine.