Campus Life, People, Student Life, Student Profile

2023 Head of Class does it all

Bachelor of Management alumna Aurora Gardiner seized every university opportunity

October 23, 2023

EVEN BEFORE AURORA GARDINER’S FIRST DAY at UBC Okanagan, she had big plans. After the university’s Heat women’s soccer team approached Gardiner to play, she decided that accepting the offer meant she would accept the challenge to pursue all opportunities presented to her during her undergraduate journey.

“I fell in love with all the possibilities that UBCO offers students,” Gardiner recalls. As a student athlete, she understood that this would be a challenge on and off the pitch.

“Initially, I put a lot of pressure on myself to perform at a high level both academically and athletically, which led to some stressful and overwhelming moments,” says Gardiner of her first year on campus, after transitioning to university life away from home. It was a challenge she overcame with UBCO resources—and the help of others.

“Whether it was through coaches, teammates or professors, I realized that it’s okay to reach out if things get to be too much at times.

“As I progressed in my university journey, it became more apparent how the campus really provides a great environment to make meaningful connections with other students and professors.”

Gardiner was clearly up for that challenge. In June 2023, she was named the Bachelor of Management Head of Class, an honour presented to the top student based on academic performance throughout their program.

It’s an achievement she credits to the connections made in her studies and across campus.

“In terms of academics, I found the professors here truly care about the success of their students and their approachability enabled me to foster relationships that led to valuable mentorship. By taking advantage of the resources the university offers, I think students can customize their undergraduate degree experience and make what they want to make of it.”

For Gardiner, this meant exploring both the world and her future career.

“Through the Co-op program, I was able to try out different career paths I was interested in. Being able to apply the technical knowledge from my degree in a work environment really enhances the value of a university education.

“I think it helps students realize how to make an impression after graduation.”

Gardiner didn’t stop enhancing her experience there. In her fourth year she pursued an academic exchange at Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, where she fulfilled her dream of studying abroad and improving her proficiency in Spanish.

“For me, the biggest takeaway from university is that real growth happens when you step outside of your comfort zone.”

It’s a takeaway Gardiner will remember in the next chapter of her journey, now at accounting firm KPMG.

“I realized that the accounting route through CPA Canada is the right fit for me based on my experiences during co-op,” she says of her next goal of obtaining her Chartered Professional Accountant designation. “I’m excited to apply the knowledge I’ve gained throughout my degree, make new connections and develop in a field I’m interested in.”

Gardiner says she is grateful when she looks back on her university journey.

“If I could go back and give advice to my first-year self, it would be to try everything that is of interest.

“This is your journey, and you’ll be surprised by how much you can accomplish just by having an open mind. Don’t shy away from the opportunity, even if it may feel outside of your comfort zone—it’s worth it.”

Gardiner hopes her story might serve to inspire future students to consider the opportunities available.

“You really can accomplish everything that you set out to do for yourself here at UBC Okanagan.”