Bola adjusted her cap as she stared at the sprawling expanse of the NYSC orientation camp in Kano. The air was dry, with the harmattan winds carrying dust that danced under the afternoon sun. She had looked forward to this moment since she received her call-up letter, but now, standing at the gates, an undercurrent of anxiety gripped her.
Bola had asthma, a condition that had shaped much of her life. She could still recall the panic of her first attack as a child: the tightness in her chest, the struggle for air, and the frantic rush to the hospital. Over the years, she’d learnt to manage it, but the idea of navigating the rigorous demands of NYSC in a region prone to dusty winds felt daunting.
Asthma in the Real World
Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the airways, causing inflammation and making it difficult to breathe. In Nigeria, it’s often misunderstood, with many seeing it as a “childhood ailment” or something that can be outgrown. But for people like Bola, it’s a lifelong companion that requires careful management.
The NYSC programme, with its physical drills, long queues, and unpredictable schedules, seemed like the ultimate test for Bola’s resilience. Her parents had been hesitant about her deployment to Kano, worried about the climate and the stress. But Bola was determined.
“I can’t let asthma define my life,” she told her father the night before she left. “It’s part of me, but it’s not all of me.”
The first week of camp was brutal. Bola struggled to keep up with the early morning drills. The dust from the parade ground irritated her airways, and she often found herself wheezing by the time the sun rose. Her inhaler became her constant companion, tucked into the pocket of her khaki trousers.
One morning, after an intense parade session, Bola had an asthma attack. It started with a persistent cough that escalated into gasping breaths. As her vision blurred, a fellow corps member, Zainab, noticed her distress and rushed her to the camp clinic.
The camp doctor, Dr. Bello, reassured her as he administered a nebuliser treatment. “You’re not alone in this,” he said gently. “Asthma doesn’t mean you can’t thrive here. You just need to be smart about your triggers and limitations.”
Finding Her Balance
Determined not to let asthma hold her back, Bola began making adjustments. She spoke to the camp officials, who allowed her to skip the dustier drills and focus on less strenuous activities. She made friends with Zainab, who became her accountability partner, reminding her to stay hydrated and carry her inhaler at all times.
Dr. Bello also helped her develop a plan:
1. Recognising Triggers: Dust and physical exertion were Bola’s main triggers, so she wore a face mask during parades and avoided overly strenuous activities.
2. Using Medications Wisely: She ensured her inhaler was always within reach and learned to use it preventively before engaging in physical activities.
3. Listening to Her Body: Bola began pacing herself, resting when needed, and communicating with her superiors about her condition.
As the weeks went by, Bola found her rhythm. She not only managed her asthma but also began educating others about it. Many of her fellow corps members had misconceptions about the condition, often asking her why she was “too young” to have asthma.
Inspired by their curiosity, Bola organised a small health talk during one of the camp’s Community Development Service (CDS) days. She spoke about asthma’s causes, symptoms, and management, emphasizing that it wasn’t a death sentence.
“Asthma doesn’t have to stop you from living your best life,” she told her audience. “With the right care and awareness, we can overcome the challenges it brings.”
Her talk resonated deeply with a fellow corps member, Chukwu, who confided in her afterward. He had been hiding his struggles with asthma, too embarrassed to use his inhaler in public. Bola’s openness gave him the courage to prioritize his health without shame.
Life Beyond the Camp
By the end of the three-week orientation, Bola had not only survived but thrived. Her journey wasn’t without setbacks, there were days when she felt frustrated or defeated but she emerged stronger and more confident in her ability to navigate life with asthma.
Her determination earned her the admiration of her peers and camp officials. When the camp’s final day arrived, she was recognized with an award for “Outstanding Resilience,” a moment that filled her with pride.
Lessons from Bola’s Journey
Bola’s experience offers valuable lessons for managing asthma and thriving despite challenges:
1. Advocacy is Key: Don’t shy away from discussing your health needs. Being vocal about asthma can help dispel myths and create a supportive environment.
2. Preparation is Power: Always carry your medication, identify your triggers, and have a plan in place for managing symptoms.
3. Community Matters: Surround yourself with people who understand and support you. Bola’s friendship with Zainab was instrumental in her journey.
4. Resilience is a Choice: Asthma may pose challenges, but it doesn’t define your potential. With determination and the right tools, you can achieve your goals.
A Breath of Fresh Air
Months later, Bola stood in front of a classroom in a rural school, fulfilling her primary assignment as a teacher. The dusty chalkboard and playful students occasionally tested her limits, but she faced each day with confidence.
Her NYSC journey had taught her that asthma wasn’t a barrier, it was a challenge she could overcome with preparation, patience, and persistence.
As she watched her students scribble notes, Bola smiled, knowing she was breathing easier not just because her condition was under control, but because she had chosen to live fully, one breath at a time.
