FEATURE: FINALIST OF THE WEEK

 FINALIST OF THE WEEK.

VNO: Please, can we meet you?

RICHARD: Absolutely. I'm Richard Adeleke, a final-year Veterinary Medicine Student here at the University of Ibadan.

VNO: Do you have a nickname? 

RICAHRD: Lol, many nicknames; Under-17, lymphocyte and many others.

VNO: How did you find yourself in Vet school? Has it always been your choice?

RICHARD: Well, my journey to vet school is really funny. I've always wanted to study any biomedical-oriented course. I Finally, found myself in Vet School and I'm glad I made that choice.

VNO:  from reading Vet books, what other activities do you enjoy?

RICHARD: These days, I read fewer books. Over the years, I discovered I'm a research/ Lab person. I dedicate more time to research-related programmes. I also watch movies and visit social media a lot. That's how I relax. 

VNO: You are an intelligent Veterinarian to be. What will you say is a major factor that has helped you in Vet school so far?

 RICHARD: Hmmm, it's a combination of many factors. The help of God, consistency, diligence, and hard work.  All these elements contributed greatly to my vet school journey. In addition, having a support system (goal-oriented friends) goes a long way. I have smart guys in my circle. They push me to get better. I must also emphasize the power of mentorship. Having great mentors can change the narrative. Mentors are our secret sauce.

VNO: Are these mentors Vets too?

RICHARD: Most of my mentors are within vet school and I have a few outside.

VNO: Which course is your favourite and also your favourite lecturer?

RICHARD: I love Immunology and Virology (Microbiology). Favourite Lecturer (for teaching) will be Prof Oyewale in Physiology.

VNO: What are the important things that Vet taught you?

RICHARD: Vet school is a training ground. There were times I felt like dropping all enthusiasm but then I can't disappoint myself and those looking up to me (my parents especially). In Vet School, the struggle is very real. I've learnt you just need to stay on top of your game. There's no dull moment, you just need to keep firing. Also, vet school is dynamic, provides the platform to strive well in any field upon graduation. 

VNO: That's a good one right there. We were very excited and celebrated with you some months ago after getting a scholarship into Ivy league to go for your PhD, You were in 500level when you got this, how was it possible?

RICHARD: Thank you. Yes, that's true. I just concluded my fifth year at that time. Never knew I could get into an Ivy League. The truth is we all have different routes toward our purpose. I'll just summarize how that became a reality. I developed a research interest early in vet school. That influenced the decisions I made. I had multiple Research internships and gathered exposure in biomedical research. Of course, good grades are important. I had supportive mentors and I am proactive. The research experience, grades, networking, and the grace of God boosted my chances.

VNO: You have had multiple research internships. How were you able to combine this with your academics?

RICHARD: I had most of the internships when school was not in session, I was lucky, most of them fell into break periods. And the pandemic gave me more time to work in the lab.

VNO: Advice for vet students?

RICHARD: My message to vet students is; identify what you want early enough, search deeply for opportunities, and go after them. It might be clinical practice or Academia.  Just stay focused and be consistent no matter the challenges. Apply for international opportunities even when you don't fully qualify. Just apply.

VNO: You are a cool, calm and collected young man, any lady in the picture?

RICHARD: Haqhaq. I'm single for now. No lady in the picture.

VNO: it has been an amazing session with you. Thanks for your time.

RICAHRD: You are welcome.