Oksana Kovalenko ('12)

Call it karma, kismet, destiny, whatever; Oksana Kovalenko’s (’12) fortuitous discovery of Acadia was life-changing. Both she and the University came away richer for the experience.

“As I’m sure it was for many, my time at Acadia was the time of my life. I made lifelong friendships with students from various faculties and benefitted from vital mentorship with knowledgeable professors who put students before research; stimulating academic pursuits through classes and independent research projects; critical thinking in and outside the classroom; a perpetual sense of hope, big dreams, and a never-ending stream of inspiration from my professors, peers, and organizations working in the University and Wolfville at large. These themes permeated my experience at Acadia and played a critical role in making me who I am today.  

“I discovered Acadia by accident. In 2010, while studying at York University in Toronto, I decided to join the Otesha Project – an Ottawa-based NGO. As part of the project, with 15 other youth, I cycled through communities in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, performing a theatrical play to promote environmental sustainability and social justice.

“After a hilly 90-kilometre ride that tested my quads to the point of tears, my bike buddy and I finally made it to Wolfville – a town I knew nothing about. But when I saw the downtown, something moved within me. It was so charming: the Just Us Café; the University grounds; the wineries in the vicinity.

“Dr. Allan Warner, a professor from the School of Recreation Management, hosted our team at his farm. He prepared a delicious dinner from the vegetables his family grew. During our meal, he asked me if I’d like to meet a business professor who is also a good friend of his. Coming from York, where classes are 500 to 1,000 students, I had never spoken to a professor! Of course, I said yes. Dr. Edith Callaghan met me the next morning and chatted with me for three hours. Just because!

“I still remember going to a phone booth right after and telling my mother that I am transferring and moving from Toronto to Wolfville next week. My poor mother…. In retrospect, going to Acadia was the best decision I ever made.

“Through Acadia, I was able to go to India for an internship with a human rights organization where I learned about microfinance (banking for the poor). There, the idea of combining my business education with the passion for international development hit me. Upon my return, Acadia gave me a chance to explore this idea through an Honours thesis. Another Acadia professor, Dr. Donna Sears, connected me with a former microfinance fellow at Aga Khan Foundation Canada.

“This turned out to be critical in my subsequent career. Today, I coordinate research and product development activities for one of Aga Khan’s microcredit companies in Osh, Kyrgyzstan. We provide access to finances to 14,000 clients living in rural, mountainous areas of the country. I couldn’t be more satisfied with my job, and I have several Acadia professors to thank for that.

“My research supervisor, Dr. Kelly Dye, remains my hero, mentor, and a dear friend. Without having much research experience in microfinance, she agreed to explore the topic with me for my Honours thesis. She supported me every step of the way, believing in me during the times when I didn’t. If it wasn’t for Kelly, I wouldn’t be where I am today.  

“Dr. Michael Sheppard went out of his way to support my involvement with a Toastmasters club that I started on campus. He provided critical advice on how to manage a team of volunteer executives and on the strategic direction of the club. Over the years, he made a great effort to become not only a professor, but a mentor and a friend.

“In my second year, Dr. Ian Hutchinson, Director of the Fred C. Manning School of Business, invited me to his office and said, ‘Oksana, you have the potential to win the Sobey Award next year. Let’s take a look at what you need to work on to make that happen.’

“Exactly a year later, I asked University President Ray Ivany if he would meet with me for a discussion about the award. I didn’t expect to get a response. He’s a president, after all. But to my great surprise, Mr. Ivany spent two hours just talking with me, providing guidance and inspiring me. In the winter of that year, the news came that I got the award. And it’s the people above that I will never be able to thank enough for it.

“So, what is Acadia to me? It is a school that supports each student to make their unique dreams come true. I recommend it for anyone who is looking for lasting inspiration from peers and professors, strong connections with people from a variety of backgrounds, meaningful engagement in extracurricular activities, and an extraordinary learning environment.”