June 3, 2009 - Surrey grad poised for success

Douglas College valedictorian David Jagielski may be known for his wicked sense of humour, but when it comes to his studies, he’s all business. The Surrey native entered the Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting program with success on the mind, and has achieved it in all aspects of his studies.

Jagielski is known by his instructors and classmates as a student who approaches his assignments with as much vigor as he does everything else. Despite four-hour classes and all-night projects, he is always able to maintain a sense of balance, says instructor and program chair Glen Stanger.

“David is a student who balances study, work and enjoying his time with friends along the way. He does what is necessary and does it well,” says Stanger.

Jagielski hopes to earn his master’s degree, and one day own and operate his own small accounting firm. He remembers being inspired by a summer job with one of his former instructors.

“I worked with a past Douglas instructor at his small home accounting firm. He worked doing taxes for his neighbours and friends. I thought that was really cool,” he says.

His advice for future students is simple: plan ahead.

“Have a contingency in place when something doesn’t go as planned, because in many cases, it won’t.”

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