Student Testimonials
Swiler Boyd
Class of 2023
BScH in Economics and Computer Science
Stepping into Acadia University in August 2019 marked a significant leap beyond my comfort zone. Having grown up in the bustling environment of Dallas, Texas, relocating to the tranquil setting of Nova Scotia was both a daunting and exciting decision. This transition taught me the invaluable skill of embracing a slower pace of life, a lesson that I cherish from my time at Acadia.
During my final year of high school, as I was exploring universities, I was intent on experiencing life away from home and was drawn to the charm of East Coast institutions. I was initially focusing on schools in New England and Maine but decided to take a campus visit to Acadia based on the recommendations from family friends. After a campus visit in September of my senior year, I was convinced that Acadia was where I wanted to be. Initially, I enrolled as a Bachelor of Computer Science student, but elective courses in microeconomics and macroeconomics sparked my interest in economics. By my third year, I shifted to Bachelor of Science in Economics with Computer Science. Despite a demanding academic schedule, I successfully balanced my studies, a vibrant social life, all while playing varsity soccer. The support from peers and mentors at Acadia was crucial in juggling these commitments.
The tight-knit community at Acadia, especially in the Economics department, is unique. Professors are more than educators; they're mentors and friends. I’ve heard from many friends at larger universities that they must make substantial effort to build relationships with their professors, but at Acadia, it happens naturally. When it was time to get recommendation letters for grad school, I was pleasantly overwhelmed with the options that I had of professors to choose from.
Reflecting on my four years at Acadia, I see it as a time of immense growth, learning, relationship-building, and enjoyment. The friendships and connections I made, with both fellow students and faculty, have been invaluable. Now, as a student at Duke University pursuing a Master of Science in Economics and Computation, I can see how my experiences and education at Acadia have shaped me into a more confident, prepared individual. If you had told me back in August 2019 that I would thrive academically, thoroughly enjoy my time, and be ready for graduate school at Duke, I might have been skeptical. But thanks to the support I received at Acadia, that’s exactly what happened.
For those considering Acadia or a degree in Economics, my advice is simple: go for it. The experiences, knowledge, and relationships you'll gain are incomparable. Four years will pass in the blink of an eye, leaving you with countless memories and looking for every excuse to return post-graduation.