RISING FROM THE ASHES: OUR FINAL FLIGHT

By the Editor-in-Chief, AVMS Editorial Board

As the curtain falls on this editorial session, I find myself filled with a bittersweet mix of pride, nostalgia, and hope. Being at the helm of the AVMS Editorial Board has been one of the most profound experiences of my journey as a veterinary student, one that tested my creativity, leadership, patience, and above all, my belief in the power of storytelling. When we began this session, we set out not just to publish content, but to create a movement to give voice to the thoughts, struggles, triumphs, and passions of veterinary medicine students, we set out to ignite a reading and writing culture amongst the AVMSites. What we achieved together went beyond our expectations.

The Phoenix Essay Competition rekindled the fire of literary expression. We read essays that roared with opinion, whispered with vulnerability, and carved truths into the fabric of our collective experience. Each piece reminded us that even in the midst of clinical rotations, late-night reading, and endless lectures, we still have stories to tell—stories that matter.

Then came the Phoenix Quiz an electrifying intellectual battleground that brought students together in a celebration of knowledge, speed, and wit. The enthusiasm, the energy, the outpouring of support—it was more than a competition; it was a reminder that learning, too, can be a thrilling adventure. Our editorial board’s heartbeat pulsed strongest during the Phoenix Awards—a night where we honoured not just talent, but resilience. To those who were nominated, and those who won, your work inspired many and reminded us that excellence is not an accident, but a result of passion, persistence, and purpose.

And then there was the AVMS League Series—our very own football tournament that brought the spirit of sport alive in the college. This wasn’t just a series of matches; it was a movement. From early morning kick-offs to last-minute goals, the League reminded us that discipline, teamwork, and endurance don’t belong to the clinic alone. On those fields, rivalries were born, respect was earned, and bonds were forged. And we, the Editorial Board, were right there with it—chronicling every moment, every match, and every memory in vivid, passionate detail. Our storytelling didn’t just report the game, it celebrated the heart behind it.

We also expanded our creative reach through special projects, including a beautifully designed brochure for the AVMS Dog Show. It was more than just a publication; it was a visual experience that showcased our dedication to design, communication, and veterinary excellence. Watching people flip through its pages with curiosity and pride was a moment I’ll never forget.

And perhaps most unforgettable of all—“The Forgotten Covenant” by our mysterious Ghost Writer. A hauntingly beautiful piece that stirred the minds and unsettled the silence. It reminded us that sometimes the most impactful voices are the ones cloaked in shadows. The Ghost has become a part of our identity, challenging us, provoking us, and inspiring us to dig deeper, think sharper, and write bolder.

None of this could have happened in isolation.

First, to the President of AVMS Comrade Mesioye AbdulQuadri, thank you. You trusted me to bring an integral part of your campaign to life, and that trust became the foundation on which this entire session stood. Your belief in the editorial board was not just empowering; it was visionary. You saw the potential of this platform, and I’m grateful for the chance to help fulfill that vision.

To the Public Relations Officer Comrade Tanimowo John, my partner in this journey and the Chairman of the Board, thank you for being unwavering in your support. For every strategy meeting, every difficult decision, every moment where we needed strength—you were there. This board’s success is just as much yours as it is mine.

To our Alumni, who picked up every single one of my calls, offered their wisdom without hesitation, and showed up whenever I needed guidance, you reminded me that we never truly walk alone. Your constant presence was proof that the AVMS spirit doesn’t fade after graduation; it evolves into mentorship and legacy.

To our Staff Advisers, Dr. Olaolorun, Dr. Agbaje and Prof. Adenubi, thank you for never being too busy to listen, advise, sponsor, and support. You were our anchors, Your words gave clarity when things were cloudy, and your backing gave us wings when we were ready to fly. To our Sponsors, the lifeblood of many of our major events, thank you for believing in the vision, for investing in our ideas, and for making it possible to bring them to life. Your contributions went far beyond finances—they became part of our story.

And to the Phoenix team, the editors, writers, creatives, and behind-the-scenes magic-makers, you are the reason any of this exists. You stayed up late, worked under pressure, and gave your best even when no one was watching. You gave life to every word, and meaning to every page. I could not have asked for a more passionate, resilient, and brilliant group of individuals to work with. This board has not just been a team, it has been a family. Every writer who met a deadline when they were exhausted, every designer who worked late into the night perfecting a layout, every proofreader who combed through lines for clarity and consistency, you are the true architects of this session’s success. Your commitment turned ideas into publications, and publications into impact.

It fills me with immense joy that the next Editor-in-Chief is going to come from the phoenix team according to the constitution, this obviously translates to similar vision and better strides, to the next Editor-in-Chief and the incoming board—this is your stage now. You are not just inheriting a board, you are stepping into a legacy. Take what we’ve built, and push it further. Be bold. Be curious. Be relentless in your pursuit of truth and creativity. Challenge norms, amplify unheard voices, and never underestimate the quiet power of a well-placed word or the ripple effect of a well-crafted piece. May you dream boldly, execute bravely, and write relentlessly. You have a legacy behind you and a sky full of possibilities ahead.

And finally, to our readers, supporters, and everyone who engaged with our work: thank you for giving us your time, your thoughts, your hearts. Thank you for believing in us. Every click, every comment, every shared post kept us going. Your encouragement meant the world to us. This board is for you, and because of you.

As we draw this chapter to a close, I leave you with a simple but powerful truth:
It can only get better from here.

So, to my fellow board members—thank you.
To those watching—keep watching.
And to the ghost—thank you for reminding us that mystery, too, has a message.

The Ghost is watching.

With love, pride, and endless gratitude,
Olaniyonu Temilade O.
Editor-in-Chief(2024/2025 Academic session)