BEYOND THE VET


Beyond the Vet seeks to interview students excelling in entrepreneurship, research, and other financial pursuits while studying veterinary medicine. Meet Fasasi Abdulrosheed, a 600-level student and a multiple award winner in poetry.

VNO: Can you introduce yourself?

Fasasi: I'm Fasasi Abdulrosheed Oladipupo, a veterinary medical student at UI, and a poet. I'm also the author of a microchip book titled "Sidrotul Muntaha."

VNO: You're studying to be a vet and you're a poet. How did you discover your passion for both veterinary medicine and poetry?

Fasasi: My love for animals sparked my interest in veterinary medicine, and writing poetry became a way for me to express myself, especially after experiencing my father's death.

VNO: Experiencing your dad's death led you to poetry, but what were you doing before that to develop your skills?

Fasasi: I began writing short stories at a young age and honed my skills through reading and practice. However, it was my father's death that brought out my ability to write poetry.

VNO: Have your works been published in international magazines before? How did that happen and how did it make you feel?

Fasasi: Yes, quite a few of them. The first was in March 2021. It filled me with joy, and since then, I've been regularly published in various magazines.

VNO: How do you submit your work for international publication?

Fasasi: I keep an eye out for online calls for poem submissions and list the magazines I want to feature in each year. Then, I track when they open submissions.

VNO: Can you share a specific poem or piece of writing that had a significant impact on your journey as a poet?

Fasasi: One work that stands out is Maria Rainer Rilke's "Letters to the Young Poet." It emphasizes how writing should be central to a writer's life, inspiring me to pursue poetry regardless of circumstances.

VNO: What inspires you to write poetry?

Fasasi: Poetry is a reflection of everything around us. Inspiration comes from a deep understanding of various subjects, connecting different scenes, reading existing literature, and seeking knowledge about topics I want to write about.

VNO: Are there any challenges you face as a poet?

Fasasi: Certainly. Sometimes, even after creating what I believe is a great poem, it faces numerous rejections.

VNO: How do you handle rejection?

Fasasi: Seeing writing as a calling helps me cope with rejection. I remind myself that one day, I'll create a poem that will truly resonate and make me a better poet.

VNO: Do you have any advice for aspiring writers or students interested in pursuing multiple passions like veterinary medicine and poetry?

Fasasi: I recommend reading "Letters to the Young Poet" by Maria Rainer and other books that not only encourage perseverance despite challenges but also broaden one's understanding of poetry.

VNO: Could you tell us about your future aspirations or projects in both veterinary medicine and poetry?

Fasasi: I plan to pursue a course in creative writing and venture into veterinary entrepreneurship.

VNO: Thank you for your time.

Fasasi: It's been my pleasure.

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