At the University of Lethbridge, some students stand out not just for what they achieve in the classroom, but for the range of experiences they bring with them. Dhillon and fine arts students, Ava Daly is one of those. From working as a swim instructor and lifeguard while balancing a full course load, to spending a transformative year studying in Japan, Ava has built a student journey defined by discipline, adaptability and global perspective.
There’s a moment in every student’s journey where things start to click; where routine, passion and purpose all come together. For Ava Daly, that moment didn’t arrive all at once. It was built day by day, through curiosity, commitment and a willingness to embrace the unexpected.
“My mornings are pretty cut and dry,” Ava says. “I’m usually up at 7:30, make myself a coffee, something to eat and then I’m out the door by 8:30 for my 9 a.m. class.” It’s a simple routine, but behind it is a student who shows up prepared, focused and ready to engage. Whether she’s mapping out priorities on her commute or diving into class discussions, Ava approaches each day with intention.
Originally planning to pursue aeronautical engineering, Ava made what she calls a “hard, hard left turn” into a dual degree in fine arts and business, later adding a Japanese minor. That decision opened doors to experiences that would shape not only her academic path, but her perspective on the world.
One of the most impactful chapters of her journey took place far from home. During her fourth year, Ava studied abroad at Kansai Gaidai University in Japan. What started as a single semester turned into a full academic year living in Hirakata. “I absolutely loved it,” she says. “I got to travel around Japan, speak to Japanese people in Japanese… it was an unforgettable experience. I learned so much about myself and about the world. I am a very different person after that experience, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Back on campus, Ava has embraced opportunities to apply her learning in creative and practical ways. From developing business plans to designing video games under tight deadlines, she thrives in environments that challenge her to think critically and create boldly. With an advanced studio project on the horizon, she’s continuing to push those boundaries.
But for Ava, success isn’t just about academic performance; it’s about the people who make the journey meaningful. Reflecting on her time at Dhillon, she points to the impact of faculty who go beyond the classroom. “There’s no greater support than knowing that these people genuinely have your back and want the best for you,” she says. “They’re the entire reason this university is the way that it is.”
Outside of her studies, Ava balanced work as a lifeguard and swim instructor during her second and third years. “It’s learning to know what comes next and where to focus,” she explains. That mindset has carried through every aspect of her academic life.
Along the way, Ava has gained more than technical knowledge. She’s developed adaptability, self-awareness and a deeper understanding of how to navigate both challenges and change. “Not everything is going to go to plan,” she says. “So how do you manage when things don’t? Who do you call? You can’t go it alone.”
It’s this combination of resilience, curiosity and leadership that sets Ava apart. Whether she’s leading a group project, exploring new creative outlets or building connections across cultures, she brings a thoughtful and positive energy to everything she does.
“As much as we learn all of the school stuff,” Ava reflects, “we also learn how to be human beings—how to have friends, how to build a community. All of those skills matter a lot more than I realized.”
For Ava, being a Dhillon student isn’t just about earning a degree; it’s about becoming someone who is ready to take on whatever comes next, with confidence, creativity and a strong sense of connection.
The Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge is known for its immersive experiential learning opportunities, connecting learners with industry and its supportive, personalized approach. Study options available in both Lethbridge and Calgary.