Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories | Daniel Axentii

When Axentii first arrived at university, he admits he did not fully recognize the opportunities available to him. Like many students adjusting to a new academic environment, he focused on completing his coursework without fully engaging in the learning process. Over time, however, a shift in mindset transformed his university experience and ultimately led to one of his proudest achievements.

“My biggest achievement is receiving the DANCAP Private Equity Award in Corporate Finance,” says Axentii. “I started university without applying myself. It’s not that I didn’t have potential, I just personally didn’t realize the opportunity that I was given.”

That realization came as he entered his third year and made a conscious decision to approach his education differently. Rather than remaining in his comfort zone, Axentii challenged himself to become more engaged in the classroom by asking questions, participating in discussions, and embracing opportunities to learn.

“Going into third year, I chose to have a new perspective on school,” he explains. “It began by stepping out of my comfort zone and asking a lot of questions in class. That compounded into becoming more curious about the content I was learning, which eventually led to recognition for my work.”

One of the aspects of the BMOS program that contributed significantly to his growth was its interdisciplinary approach. Axentii appreciated the flexibility to explore a wide range of subjects while maintaining his focus on finance. Throughout his studies, he took courses in calculus, accounting, actuarial science, and finance, gaining valuable exposure to different areas of business.

“I appreciated how, as a BMOS student, you have a lot of electives where you can explore and learn about different specializations without having to sacrifice your core path,” he says.

This variety allowed him to develop a broader understanding of the business world and helped him identify the areas that interested him most. Rather than viewing disciplines in isolation, Axentii learned how different fields intersect and complement one another.

“Taking courses from different disciplines gave me a holistic view of business,” he says. “It helps me in my current career and in understanding what I want to do in the future.”

Reflecting on his experience, he encourages students to embrace the breadth of opportunities available to them.

“Make the most of all the variety of classes offered at the school,” he advises. “Learn as much as possible to set yourself up for your future.”

Axentii also credits mentorship from faculty members as a defining part of his academic journey. In particular, his Investment Management professor recognized his eagerness to learn and continually encouraged him to think more deeply about course concepts.

“My professor saw that I had a desire to learn and continuously pushed me by asking me to expand my thoughts in front of the class,” Axentii recalls. “He challenged me to expand my knowledge constantly.”

What began as classroom discussions evolved into a source of inspiration and direction. Through this mentorship, Axentii gained greater clarity about his professional goals and developed confidence in his abilities.

“He is a big inspiration for me in my career,” says Axentii. “He helped me target what I wanted, even though I didn’t know at the time.”

Beyond the classroom, the Faculty of Social Science provided opportunities for professional development that helped bridge the gap between academic learning and industry experience. One particularly impactful experience was a networking trip to Toronto through the W5 program, where students had the opportunity to visit firms and connect with professionals working in the finance and banking sectors.

“Going on that trip gave me the chance to talk with professionals in the firms we visited and learn things that I otherwise would not have seen,” Axentii explains.

The experience offered valuable insight into potential career paths and provided practical guidance about preparing for a future in the industry.

“Speaking with professionals in the banking industry filled the gap in my knowledge of what I should do to set myself up for that path,” he says.

For Axentii, these conversations reinforced the importance of being proactive and seeking opportunities to learn from others. They also demonstrated how experiences outside the classroom can shape students' understanding of their future careers.

As he reflects on his time at Western, Axentii believes that curiosity has been the driving force behind his personal and academic growth. While he once worried about standing out in class by asking questions, he now sees active participation as one of the most valuable habits a student can develop.

“My advice to incoming students is that you should not feel scared or intimidated to be passionate about school,” he says. “Starting out, I felt like it was cringey to ask good questions in class, but learning, being curious, and being interested in my courses showed me that it’s the right thing to be doing.”

He encourages students to embrace their role as learners and not be afraid to pursue deeper understanding.

“Your only job as a student is to be curious and dive deep,” Axentii says. “It’s hard to start, but once you do, there’s no looking back, and you will become exceptional at whatever you choose.”

Daniel Axentii’s story is a testament to the transformative power of curiosity and engagement. By embracing opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, seeking mentorship, and challenging himself to grow, he turned a change in perspective into academic success and professional direction. His journey serves as a reminder that achievement often begins with a simple decision: to ask questions, stay curious, and fully invest in the opportunities that education provides.

Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in our Meet Our Students: Celebrating Success Stories series, and follow us on social media to see how our students are shaping the future.