Micah, left, Jackson and Aiden Borne pose in this family photo. Aiden is graduating this year from UBC Okanagan's nursing program.
When Aiden Borne crosses the stage at UBC Okanagan's spring convocation this week, he'll be doing more than collecting his nursing degree . He'll be stepping into a profession that helped save his life twice.
In 2016, at age 14, doctors diagnosed Borne with Burkitt lymphoma.
Five years later, while still in remission and preparing for his high school graduation, he received a second diagnosis: non-Hodgkin anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma.
Both required months of chemotherapy. Both made their marks.
"The chemotherapy left me very weak," says Borne, 24. "All the brain fog, the physical inability to do what I could do previously. Especially entering university, that was frustrating. I wasn't at the top of my mental game."
However, it was during those long hospital stays that Borne found his calling.
"It's been eye-opening to see the change a nurse can make in someone's life," he says. "I knew I was just another patient on their long shift, but to me they were making my day with these small acts of kindness. I said to myself, 'That's exactly what I want to do.'"
Borne eased into his studies, starting a Bachelor of Science degree even as the brain fog lingered. The first two years were especially difficult. Staying close to home helped. Raised in Kelowna, he says studying in his hometown "brought me a lot of peace."
He eventually turned his experience into an unexpected asset in the classroom.
"There were a lot of times I'd learn something and think, oh, that's why they did it this way," he says. "When we started studying oncology, I already knew half of it because I'd gone through it. It gives me eyes to the other side of the story."
Graduation day will be a family affair. Borne-the middle of three brothers-will be joined by his parents, grandparents and his girlfriend, whom he met in the nursing program and who graduates alongside him.
Borne's older brother, Jackson, graduated earlier this year from the physiotherapy program at UBC Vancouver. Micah, his younger brother, is set to graduate next year.
His resilience traces back to advice from his grandfather. "He always told me, especially in the hospital, that the most important thing was to keep a positive attitude. For recovery, that was crucial."
Borne's advice to others facing hard times is simple: "Try to look at the bigger picture. In bad situations, it's easy to live day by day. Sometimes it's hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel."
A message to graduates
UBC Okanagan Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr. Lesley Cormack says the Class of 2026 should embrace the opportunities ahead.
"You should feel the joy of achievement, and the inspiration from that achievement to turn outward and become a force of change. Joy brings hope. And hope can change the world," she says.
"When you think of all the students graduating who will go out into the world and bring with them positive change, it is awe-inspiring. It's the reason UBC is here-to equip and empower those who have the drive to change the world."
Convocation schedule
UBC Okanagan's spring convocation takes place over two days, with three ceremonies each day at the campus in Kelowna.
Thursday, June 4
8:30 am: Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science; College of Graduate Studies
11 am: Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Irving K. Barber Faculty of Science; College of Graduate Studies
1:30 pm: Irving K. Barber Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies; College of Graduate Studies
Friday, June 5
8:30 am: Faculty of Health and Social Development (School of Health and Exercise Sciences, School of Nursing, School of Social Work); College of Graduate Studies
11 am: Faculty of Education (Okanagan School of Education); Faculty of Management; College of Graduate Studies
1:30 pm: Faculty of Applied Science (School of Engineering); College of Graduate Studies
Ceremonies will be livestreamed at graduation.ok.ubc.ca .
