Welcome Crew mentor Salma Adem chose Concordia to meet people from all over the world.
BA student Meagan Wheeler was drawn to her program by a desire to give back to the community.
4. To give back
“I’ve always liked helping people and giving back to the community,” says Meagan Wheeler, who’s pursuing a specialization in recreation and leisure studies. “I knew that’s what I wanted to do for a living.”
She’s working on a research project aimed at helping older adults access better services in the community.
5. To study in English
Collège Gérald-Godin graduate Pierre-Claude Junior Gacette Sanon wanted to continue his education in his second language after CEGEP.
“Just getting into the culture at Concordia, through student organizations or group projects, improves your English,” says Gacette Sanon (BComm 19), who was the director of external affairs for the John Molson Accounting Society. He now works for Merck in data analysis.
6. Paid work experience
“What really sold me on Concordia was the Institute for Co-operative Education,” says alumna Bedra Attabibi (BEng 16). “It’s a must. Employers I’ve worked for tell me they love Concordia students because of our work ethic and our skills.”
They really love her, too: Attabibi landed a job with flight simulation giant CAE before she graduated. Her current job title: system software specialist.
7. To work with a specific professor
Inuk art history and studio art major Jason Sikoak, originally from Nunatsiavut in Labrador, came to Montreal to work with associate professor of art history Heather Igloliorte, whom he describes as his mentor.
“I met her in the city of St. John’s at a printmaking workshop,” he says. “I came to Concordia as a mature student full of anxiety, but the professors and teaching assistants were all very willing to help me. They encourage open lines of communication. Because of that, the learning experience has been amazing.”
8. To find a diverse community
“When you’re around people with different opinions, you grow,” says Noraldin Al-Deri (BSc 16), who moved to Montreal from Amman, Jordan. He's now working on his PhD at Concordia, with a focus on the biology of autism spectrum disorders.
9. To play for the Stingers
“The Stingers program has always been strong, which definitely helped in my decision to play for Concordia,” says rugby alum Justino Donovan (BComm 18). “What’s unique is that it supports students through student-athlete services like group study sessions and peer tutoring.”
10. To develop as an artist
“I came to animation without any knowledge of how to do it, and now I consider myself a good animator,” says Montrealer Marielle Dalpé (BFA 16).
“I loved my three years at Concordia and I felt ready to go out into the world at the end of my program.”
11. For the research opportunities
Behavioural neuroscience student and Stingers wrestler Francis Carter sees doing research as a way to boost his resumé and enrich his learning experience. “Also, working alongside a professor for an entire year really allows students to build a relationship with a possible mentor.”
