Evolution and opportunity. That’s what Acadia University has meant to Student of the Year Darcy Shea as she graduates with a Bachelor of Business Administration diploma in one hand and a one-year contract to work at Disney World in the other.

“I’ve evolved so much since first year,” she says, “I’m almost a different person.” She left her hometown of Waterdown, Ontario, because she wanted to go to a small university with a good reputation. An Acadia campus tour in her grade 12 summer sealed the decision.

“I fell in love with Acadia as soon as I stepped on campus,” she says. “It was beautiful.”

On her first day, she was recruited to play for the Ultimate Frisbee team. She successfully ran for vice-president of the club and made good friends, and she hasn’t stopped since. She’s been on house council, was a Resident Assistant, joined the Students’ Union, and took part in Relay for Life. In fourth year, she was elected to the Students’ Union Executive and developed new and close friendships.

“I’ve learned at Acadia it’s never too late to get involved and make new friends,” she says. She’s proud of having participated in Welcome Week every year, starting as an incoming student and ending as a member of the Executive.

Shea’s advice to prospective students? “Meet as many new people as you can. Be aware that you’re always changing, and be prepared to adapt. Get involved, and spread your wings!”

Her biggest surprise was the opportunities she received at Acadia, including attending the Atlantic Residence Conference. “There were people there from Mount Allison, Dalhousie, St. FX, Acadia – it was really cool,” she says.

Shea sees her work contract with Disney World as a gap year while she figures out her next step, whether to continue her education or start a career.

“The opportunities I was given at Acadia I would never have had at a big school,” Shea says. “I wouldn’t have had the confidence or the ability to jump for them or take advantage of them.”

It’s hard to imagine this young woman ever having lacked confidence to jump for an opportunity. But maybe that’s evolution.

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