Adam Dizon and Will Alva’s friendship began back in elementary school, but neither could have guessed it would one day take them from the same hometown hallways all the way to Oxford University. This summer, the two recent UFV kinesiology graduates are packing their bags as they prepare to pursue their master’s degrees at one of the world’s most prestigious universities. 

Though they stayed in touch, their post-high school paths diverged. But then both ended up at UFV, where their academic journeys began to converge again. They found a place where professors knew their names, opportunities were within reach, and growth happened in unexpected ways. 

“I didn’t have a set direction when I started at UFV,” Adam says, “but the combination of classes, labs, and my practicum really showed me where I wanted to go.” His practicum working directly in a physiotherapy setting was a turning point: “Seeing physiotherapy in action helped me realize ‘This is what I want to do.’” 

Will’s journey took a different route, but his goals were taking shape in the same field. “I didn’t always have a clear career path in mind, but I knew I wanted to help people and work in health,” he says. “UFV gave me space to figure that out: you can try things, make mistakes, and still have support around you.” 

Both grads point to UFV’s supportive faculty members as a defining part of their journey. “The professors here actually know you,” Adam says. “You can ask questions, get feedback, and build relationships that carry beyond the classroom.” 

“In bigger universities, you can be just a number,” Will adds. “Here, I had professors who knew my strengths, and how to push me further. The hands-on labs and detailed feedback from instructors built my confidence in my skills, and now I feel ready to take on the challenge of Oxford.” 

When they each received their Oxford acceptances, the excitement doubled. “It was a shock — in the best way — to realize we’d both be making the move,” Adam says. “It made the whole thing less intimidating, knowing a friend would be going through it too.” 

Adam’s acceptance came with a twist: “I thought my application was done when I got the waitlist email… then I got the acceptance out of nowhere. It was a whirlwind.” 

For Will, the offer was surreal: “Oxford had always been one of those ‘dream’ names, and now I’m going.” 

In Oxford, both will dive deeper into health sciences while navigating life in a new country. “I’m excited for the independence, the chance to live in a new country, and to meet people from all over the world,” Will says. 

Adam is looking forward to bringing his skills back to BC: “I’d like to bridge my credentials when I come back, work here, and then maybe see what opportunities are out there internationally.” 

Their advice to future UFV students? Adam sums it up simply: “Everything will make sense eventually. Even if you don’t know the end goal yet.”  

For these two friends, that end goal turned out to be the same — and it’s taking them from UFV all the way to Oxford.