‘I met some of my favorite humans through different student associations’
Are you looking to go beyond academics and deepen your Concordia experience? You may want to consider joining a student association or group.
Taking part in one of Concordia’s numerous student groups and associations is a great way to meet new friends, expand your network and affect change in your department or faculty.
Take it from these three Concordia students.
Kaylee Cohen – Faculty of Arts & Science
What student groups and associations have you been part of while at Concordia?
Kaylee Cohen: I am the president of MASSA, an association for math and stats students at the undergraduate level.
Describe your role and the impact it had.
KC: Since the beginning of the pandemic, we at MASSA have moved our events online, connecting students with potential employers. Last year over 250 students attended these events as well as 25-30 companies. These allow our students to network and secure internships. Doing this on a virtual platform has helped us attract guests from out of the province and from around the world.
How have you benefited from being a part of a student association or group?
KC: I’ve been involved with MASSA since my first year. I’ve met my closest friends from being part of this group. I’ve received sage advice from older students which has helped my personal and professional development. It has given me access to so many people, including professionals, and during the pandemic it has made me feel I’m not alone. To be able to give that to students is an amazing opportunity. Helps the community at large.
Abigail Koff – Faculty of Arts & Science
What student groups or associations have you been part of while at Concordia?
Abigail Koff: I am involved with the Canadian Political Society, the International Students Office, the Navigator program, ASFA Frosh, and Homeroom (both as a participant and now a student facilitator). My interests are diverse and that is reflected in the groups I choose to spend my time with!
Describe your role and the impact it had.
AK: I have different roles with the different groups I am involved with. In some, I just show up to the events and get to meet new people and laugh! In others, I organize the events and coordinate guest speakers like for CPS. The group that I participate in that I believe has the strongest impact would be Homeroom. As a facilitator, I help first years navigate the sometimes incredibly challenging transition to university.
How have you benefited from being a part of a student association or group?
AK: Beginning university during a pandemic is not ideal for so many reasons but it is especially hard to meet people. I met some of my favorite humans through the different associations I am involved with and they made a massive difference in my life. I lived alone for the majority of last year and if I wasn’t actively attending all the events I could, it would have been much harder for me.
What advice would you give to a fellow student interested in participating in a student association or group?
AK: University is more than what happens in the classroom, though your classes are still very important!! I would say to anyone thinking of joining an association, just take the leap and do it! It might take some time to find the right fit but there is something out there for everyone! Joining a Zoom call with people you don’t know can be scary but the benefits are totally worth it!
Kayla Charky – Software Engineering
What student groups and associations have you been part of while at Concordia?
Kayla Charky: I am currently the president of the Engineering and Computer Science Association of Concordia. I started my journey in student life by going to ECA’s Orientation Frosh in 2018. I then found my family as a delegate at the Engineering Games, and then as the vice-president of sponsorship for the Engineering Games in 2020, where the Concordia delegation finished in second place overall.
The Engineering Games are what made me fall in love with student life and getting involved in everything from logistics to robotics and entrepreneurial competitions to social events and more.
Last year, I served with the ECA as vice-president of competitions, bringing all the ECA competitions that I came to know and love to an online setting due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Describe your role and the impact it had.
KC: I supported three Concordia teams to qualify for the Canadian Engineering Competition in 2021, with two national podiums as a result. I also organized the inaugural annual Gina Cody School Day in collaboration with the team from University Advancement and an entrepreneurship competition judged by Gina Cody herself!
How have you benefited from being a part of a student association or group?
KC: Student life has highly elevated the quality of my time here at Concordia. Getting involved teaches skills that you will not learn by going to classes alone such as professionalism, leadership, teamwork and so much more!
Discover Concordia’s student groups and associations.
