Aidan Condo

“You’re here to learn, so don’t be shy. Make sure you’re comfortable with what you know.”

What do you enjoy about your programs?

The First Peoples Studies program is great. It’s allowed me to learn more about the variety of different Indigenous groups around the country. I’m already connected to my home community, but this gives me a broader sense of what’s going on elsewhere. My goal is to go to law school – it's been my dream for many years now to become a lawyer specializing in Indigenous law – since the battle is in the courtroom now.

In general, classes in First Peoples Studies have a lot of guest speakers. There’s a lot of sharing. The floor is always open, and the classrooms are really small. That’s one of the reasons I chose Concordia. The sharing and talking allows me to learn on a different level. The main point of our classrooms is discussion-based learning, so you learn how to defend your points.

What courses have been surprising to you?

The intro course in my minor, History 285, is an introduction to legal consciousness. It helped me understand how we, ordinary humans, understand the law and how it affects our daily life. That course really opened my eyes up and made me even more excited for my future in law school. I really enjoy all my First Peoples Studies courses. They bring me closer to home in a way. Those courses feel like I’m back in my community listening to my elders.

What’s your advice for a new student just getting started at Concordia?

For me, one of the main things I didn’t have a chance to do in my first year was getting involved, because of remote learning and the pandemic. One of my main pieces of advice is to ask as many questions as you can. You’re paying to be here, so you might as well get your money’s worth. You’re here to learn, so don’t be shy. Make sure you’re comfortable with what you know. Get involved! I’m just now getting to know the campus in my second year. If you’re an Indigenous student, stop by the Otsenhákta Student Centre. You can really build a safe network there.