Hope Cornell

“There's so much more to translation than just knowing how to speak a language.”

As a native Montrealer, Hope Cornell always enjoyed the immersion of studying in French and English, so Translation felt like a natural choice.

Why Translation?

I chose Translation because I wanted to study in English and in French. I wanted to marry my love of languages with the idea of learning and writing. There's so much more to translation than just knowing how to speak a language. You learn linguistics, creative writing and research skills.

What’s so unique about your program?

Translation is a diverse program with people from a wide variety of backgrounds. You have people with backgrounds in medicine, education and some people who decided to come back to school after starting a family. Knowledge is extremely valuable in translation. For example, if I’m working on a medical text, I know I can ask some of my classmates about it.

What are you involved with outside of the classroom?

I made a video about urban apple picking and how to pick fruit locally in your neighborhood for The Link, Concordia’s student newspaper. I didn’t have any experience with video editing, so The Link helped me out with some basic skills, which was a great learning experience. Even before being a student, I’d pick up a copy of The Link if I was around Concordia. It’s a great publication that raises awareness about a lot of activist issues.

What’s it like meeting new people at Concordia?

I tend to take notes with a pen and paper and avoid going on my phone when I get to class. The fact that I’m not on a device helps start conversation, because nobody feels like they’re disturbing me. Don’t be afraid to make new friends and talk to people, especially in a small program like Translation. Even small comments like “I like your sweater” can form a bond and flourish into friendships.

Do you have any favorite places that you hang out on campus?

I love Concordia’s library. I could spend all day there. No home distractions, no cat – just peace and quiet, especially on the upper floors. It’s fun finding new cafes just by walking down the street. There are always things popping up that you didn’t notice before. It feels limitless.

Can you see yourself on campus? Learn more about Concordia’s unique spaces for studying, hanging out and more!