Madison Clohessy didn’t just step into university life—she took a bold leap into the unknown, turning doubt into determination and transforming obstacles into opportunities. In her first year, as the world shifted to online learning amid a global pandemic, Madison tackled this new reality with a proactive mindset. Rather than feeling overwhelmed, she embraced the flexibility it offered, balancing her studies with the chance to explore Kelowna’s beautiful outdoors. Madison’s time at UBCO has been defined by her unwavering commitment to personal growth and academic excellence. Madison sharpened her communication skills, mastered the art of teamwork, and deepened her understanding of human behaviour through her minor in psychology. This proactive and driven approach earned her the prestigious title of 2024 Head of Class. With the knowledge, connections, and experiences she gained from the Faculty of Management, Madison is now poised to bring fresh insights to her family business and eventually pursue a master’s degree overseas.
Madison Clohessy’s story is one of resilience, growth, and determination. As the first in her family to pursue an undergraduate degree, the idea of university was both exciting and daunting. The unknowns of higher education initially left her feeling apprehensive, but Clohessy held onto the belief she had been taught growing up: that a university education was a gateway to critical thinking, personal growth, and a deeper understanding of the world. She embraced the opportunity as a privilege and looked forward with hope and determination to the day she would achieve her dream of earning a degree.
“I was drawn to UBCO because I was looking for a well-rounded degree that offered solid business acumen from a top-tier university,” Clohessy recalls, “I had high expectations for UBCO’s diverse student population, anticipating that it would foster great discussions and offer new perspectives. UBCO’s world-class campus and the applied learning element, especially the Capstone Project, were particularly appealing as they provided unique opportunities.”
With each class Clohessy completed at UBCO, her confidence grew. She quickly discovered that everyone at university was navigating their own path, a realization that brought her comfort and eased her worries.
Clohessy’s first year came with its own unique challenges as the pandemic struck, which quickly shifted everything online. Though the sudden change was daunting, Clohessy rose to the challenge.
“I found a way to embrace the online experience, and it allowed me to balance my academics with time spent exploring all of Kelowna’s beautiful outdoor activities. I took a proactive approach to connect with professors early in the course to understand course outcomes. This helped me to stay engaged and feel supported in the course even when burn out started to kick in or my course load became heavy.”
Although the pandemic limited opportunities to participate in campus clubs and organizations, she remained eager to get involved when the time was right, confident in her ability to make meaningful contributions.
“One of my biggest takeaways from the program was the importance of taking a proactive approach. For me, this included developing routines, setting goals, and maintaining discipline, which are essential for both personal and professional growth.”
Clohessy enhanced her communication skills and gained a deeper understanding of human behavior through her minor in psychology. Collaborative projects taught her to adapt and make confident decisions, even when she didn’t have all the information. Her Capstone Project was another highlight of her academic journey. It was challenging, but it gave her a chance to apply everything she had learned over four years to a real-world project with local corporate partners. Seeing her work have practical applications was both rewarding and validating.
“There were several professors who really supported my academic journey,” she continued, “I found that so many professors were approachable, and they provided positive and constructive support.”
Clohessy’s last year not only brought the excitement of finishing her degree, but new opportunities. “I worked as a Teaching Assistant (TA) for both semesters in my last year. I would highly recommend the experience to anyone considering it,” she shared, “Being a TA gave me a whole new appreciation for the faculty and provided a valuable experience in academia. Maybe I will return someday as an instructor.”
Now, Clohessy is ready to take the next step. She recently started a new role in her family’s recently acquired business in the Okanagan, where she plans to use her education to drive innovation and growth. Looking ahead, she dreams of earning a master’s degree overseas in the next two years, confident that her degree from UBCO will open doors to exciting opportunities.
Reflecting on her time at UBCO, Clohessy is incredibly grateful for the experiences, the challenges, and the support she received. “I would like to thank everyone at UBCO and my community of support for a wonderful four years, your encouragement and guidance helped me grow both academically and personally.”
