Accounting major to receive top Convocation prize from Edwards School of Business

Nitisha Arnam’s years of hard work and determination will be recognized during Fall Convocation at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) on Nov. 10, when she will be presented with an award that celebrates her academic achievements.

Arnam, who will graduate with a Bachelor of Commerce degree in accounting with great distinction, will receive the Goodspeed Award from USask’s Edwards School of Business for achieving the highest cumulative average in her cohort. Earning the award is “incredibly meaningful” to Arnam, who came to study in Canada after growing up in Mauritius, a small tropical island located off the southeast coast of Africa and east of Madagascar.

“I feel proud of the dedication that went into achieving it, but above all, I feel grateful,” Arnam said of earning the Goodspeed Award.

“My journey from Mauritius to Canada has involved many transitions, and this award represents more than academic success. It reflects the dedication and perseverance that have brought me to this point. I see this achievement as something to celebrate with gratitude with the people—my parents, brother, and friends—who have encouraged me along the way,” she added.

“I see this award not only as recognition of what I have accomplished, but also as encouragement to continue growing, to remain humble and grateful, and to make the most of the opportunities ahead. The award is also a reminder that success does not happen in isolation. Hard work matters, but so does having a support system that helps you keep going when things become challenging. I hope my journey encourages others to believe that their starting point does not determine their destination. With perseverance, an openness to learning, and the courage to pursue new opportunities, we can achieve more than we initially imagined.”

Before moving to Canada, Arnam attended Queen Elizabeth College, a prestigious high school that accepts only about 150 of the top 20,000 Grade 6 students across Mauritius each year. After high school, Arnam moved to Canada with the goal of building her future in this country. She went on to complete a business certificate and an office administration certificate through Saskatchewan Polytechnic via courses delivered at Parkland College in Yorkton, Sask., and worked for three years in scheduling for the Saskatchewan Health Authority.

Arnam then decided to return to school and moved to Saskatoon in September 2023 to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Edwards. She now lives in Montréal, Quebec, where her next goal is to establish her accounting career in an accounting firm and pursue her Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation.

Below, Arnam answers some questions about her time as a student at USask and her tips for academic success at university.

Why did you decide to study at USask?

I chose USask because it offered the Bachelor of Commerce program and accounting major I was looking for, while providing the kind of academic environment in which I wanted to learn and grow. When researching universities, I was looking beyond the program itself. I wanted an institution where I could receive a strong academic foundation, learn from knowledgeable and approachable instructors, and have access to support throughout my studies. The more I learned about USask and the Edwards School of Business, the more I felt it was the right fit for me.

What also appealed to me was the opportunity to be part of a business school environment that encourages learning, collaboration, and professional development. I wanted to be somewhere I could build meaningful connections, ask questions, challenge myself, and develop skills that would prepare me for my future career. Throughout my studies, the guidance and support of instructors, along with the resources available to students, contributed positively to my experience.

I wanted an educational experience that would prepare me for the next stage of my professional journey. Looking back, I am glad I chose USask because it provided the academic foundation, support, and opportunities that helped me achieve my goals.

You will receive a Bachelor of Commerce degree in accounting. Why did you decide to study accounting?

I chose accounting because I have always been drawn to numbers, but what interests me most is the meaning behind them. They tell a story about a business, the decisions people make, the challenges they face, and the opportunities that lie ahead. I find it fascinating that, by examining financial information, we can uncover patterns, understand how an organization operates, identify problems, and help guide important decisions. I enjoy the combination of analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving that accounting requires. It combines logic and precision. Behind every set of financial statements is an organization with goals, people, and a future to build. I like the idea that accounting allows me to look beyond the numbers, understand what they represent, and contribute to the decisions that shape an organization's success.

I was also attracted to the diversity of opportunities within the profession and the possibility of continually learning and growing. Accounting is a field that evolves alongside businesses, technology, and the economy, offering opportunities to develop new skills and explore different areas throughout my career. Accounting aligns with my curiosity, my interest in understanding how things work, and my desire to build a career in which I can combine analytical thinking with meaningful contributions.

What do you enjoy most about accounting?

What I enjoy most is the process of making sense of the numbers and understanding the story behind them. I enjoy investigating discrepancies, identifying patterns, and working through a problem until the information makes sense. There is something rewarding about taking a set of figures that might initially seem disconnected and bringing them together to form a clear, complete, and accurate picture.

I also appreciate that accounting is not just about recording what has happened; it can help organizations understand where they stand and make better decisions about where they want to go. Knowing that accurate and complete financial information can support business owners, employees, and other stakeholders gives the work a purpose beyond the numbers themselves.

What was the best part of being an Edwards student?

One of the best parts was the opportunity to challenge myself and see how much I could accomplish through discipline. Returning to university after several years of professional experience gave me a different perspective on education. I had a clearer sense of why I was there and what I wanted to achieve.

I am especially proud of the academic progress I made, which ultimately led to receiving the Goodspeed Award. The experience reinforced the importance of discipline, perseverance, and believing in my ability to grow. Being an Edwards student was not just about earning a degree; it was about developing the knowledge and confidence to take the next step in my professional journey.

What are your tips for academic success at university?

My biggest advice is to be consistent and intentional with your time. Keeping up with coursework, reviewing material regularly, and staying organized throughout the semester make a real difference. I also believe in asking questions and seeking help when something is unclear, rather than waiting until the last minute.

Another important lesson is to understand your own reasons for pursuing your education. When you have a goal that matters to you, it becomes easier to stay motivated through demanding periods. At the same time, be patient with yourself. You do not need to have everything figured out from the beginning, and a difficult day or setback does not define your potential.

Finally, do not underestimate the importance of a good support system. Having people who believe in you can help you maintain perspective and keep moving forward. Academic success requires discipline, but it also requires balance, self-belief, and the willingness to keep learning.

Outside of school, what are some of your hobbies and interests?

Outside of school, I enjoy travelling, exploring new places, and learning about different cultures. I find it enriching to see how people live and experience the world from different perspectives. Having grown up in Mauritius and built a life in Canada, I value the opportunities that come with stepping outside familiar surroundings.

I also have a strong interest in neuroscience. I am fascinated by the human brain and how it shapes our thoughts, behaviour, learning, and decision-making. I enjoy exploring subjects that challenge my thinking and help me understand people and the world around me. For me, curiosity does not end in the classroom; there is always something new to learn.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

My journey has taught me that success does not always follow a straight path. Sometimes, it means starting over, adapting to unfamiliar surroundings, and continuing to believe in possibilities. Every part of my journey has been an opportunity to grow, and I look forward to what lies ahead with ambition, gratitude, and an open mind.

I arrived in Canada as an international student, later became a permanent resident, and am now a Canadian citizen. Looking back, I am grateful not only for how far I have come, but also for the people who supported me and the opportunities that made this journey possible.

If there is one message I would share, it is that you do not need to have your entire future mapped out to take the next step. Be willing to learn, remain open to opportunities, and do not be afraid to begin again. Sometimes, the decisions that challenge us the most become the ones that shape us the most. I am proud of this milestone, grateful to the Edwards School of Business for being part of my journey, and I am excited for what lies ahead.