Day: September 20, 2017

Abu’s NYSC PPA Ordeal

Three weeks of NYSC camp was finally over and Abu was shaking all over.

He had heard horror stories of remote and boring places of primary assignment. God forbid he found himself in such a place. A full-fledged optimist, Abu didn’t need boredom in his life. Not at all.

Despite the early morning bugle, meditation, strenuous drills and harassment from soldiers, the fun in Katsina camp these three weeks had been too much. Everyone, especially Abu didn’t want it to end. But everything that has a beginning must have an end. So, that end was upon Abu and his colleagues.

The List

Sitting under a comfortable shade provided by the Guava tree to avoid the scorching sun, Abu and Yinka talked about spending as much time as possible together in case of being posted to different villages. He had taken a liking to Yinka the first day she yelled at him for bumping into her at the Mami market. He loved her guts, her courage. Since then, they had become inseparable.

Soon, the pavilion ground was teeming with youth corps members all anxious to hear where they’d been posted. Before long, the names started reeling out with shouts of ‘I’m here’ echoing all over the place.

‘Abubakar Hassan!’ roared the woman. ‘See me here o’, Abu shouted as he pushed and elbowed his way to the front to collect his posting letter.

His heart beat loudly in his chest and he was sure everyone could hear the thump of his scared heart. Pushing and shoving, he finally arrived at the back to join Yinka under the guava tree.

‘Open it na’ Yinka said almost grabbing the letter from him. ‘Abeg wait jor… fear dey catch me’, replied Abu. ‘You’ll open it anyway’ Yinka said and grabbed the letter from him before making a run for it. Abu chased after her but midway, that deep female voice yelled again ‘Yinka Badmus’…

Stopping in her tracks, Yinka flung Abu’s letter at him and hurried to pick up her letter.

When she doubled back, they both decided to open their letters together. At the count of three, they opened it up and buried their faces in it.

A few seconds later, Abu lifts expectant eyes to Yinka. ‘Where were you posted?’ he asked. Yinka responded ‘Malunfashi. You?’ Abu thumped his fist into his palms and replied through gritted teeth ‘A place named Kankara.’

The PPA journey begins…  (In next week’s episode, Abu comes face to face with his Place of Primary Assignment… horror or not?)

 

 

 

The post Abu’s NYSC PPA Ordeal appeared first on Realising Ambitions.

Source: Blog

When to have the “money talk” with your child

“Kids don’t remember what you try to teach them. They remember what you are.” ~ Jim Henson

 

As adorable as children are, they are also very impressionable. They mirror what they see.

It is easier for a child to pick up a habit they see adults around them exhibit, than what they are told to do. That is the reason it is normal to see children play dress-up with their parents’ clothes and shoes. Same reason they imitate adults in phone conversations or when splattering make-up on their faces just to look like mum.

Because children are quick to learn things, it is therefore wise to mould them into the adults we want them to become from an early stage.

One way to do this effectively is by showing them who they can become by who you are. Charity they say does begin at home.

Money habits…

A vital part of parenting is teaching your children good habits. But we often forget that, when it comes to money. We think that the best time to talk about handling finances is when they are through with secondary or university education, but in truth, the right time is when they’ve learnt to count.

If you are a parent or you plan to have children, it is necessary that you start early to create a financial foundation for your kids if you expect them to make sound financial decisions as they grow. It begins with teaching them good financial habits.

But how and when do you do this?

We will answer that on ARM Life Living Benefits show on Smooth 98.1FM by 6.40pm (Lagos), 6.45pm (Abuja) and 6.00pm (PortHarcourt).

Make sure to tune in today. You could also win a gift voucher at the end of the show!

 

 

 

The post When to have the “money talk” with your child appeared first on Realising Ambitions.

Source: Blog

So You’ve Finished NYSC … What Next (2)?

Finally, all your job search and networking after NYSC has landed you an interview. Here are timely tips to get you prepared for that interview.

1. Punctuality: You immediately lose cool points with your interviewer when you arrive late. You can never be too early for an interview. Allow yourself enough time to reach the location – Lagos traffic can switch up on you real quick!

 

2. First impressions: A positive first impression is crucial in an interview. Shake hands firmly with the interviewer, maintain eye contact and ask them how they are doing. Smile! You don’t have to show all teeth, but you can’t look unhappy either.

 

3. Body language: Do not fidget! You may come off as anxious or a liar. Try and mimic the body language of your interviewer. Always appear composed, confident and friendly.

 

4. Follow-up: Most people don’t know this, but you’re allowed to ask what the selection process is like after an interview. You should also ask for your interviewer’s email address and send them a thank you email. It allows them to match a face to your application; thereby increasing your chances.

 

For more “post NYSC ” career advice, follow us on social media @armengage. Also, when you get that job, don’t forget to sign up for a pension plan.

 

The post So You’ve Finished NYSC … What Next (2)? appeared first on Realising Ambitions.

Source: Blog