Regan McCorkindale

“Without the Child Studies program, I wouldn’t have found my passion for implementing support for children with diverse needs.”

Fun fact: I am a transfer student! I came to Concordia in my second year of university because I was interested in the city, school and program. I hope to be a speech therapist after I graduate. 

Favourite thing about Concordia: The lively and welcoming community. Concordia has a place for everyone! 

Why did you choose Concordia?

I spent my first year of university in Halifax studying biology, but I soon realized that the program didn’t align with my career goals of working with children in a science-based capacity. I transferred to Concordia in my second year after discovering their Child Studies program. I appreciate that Concordia had such an extensive range of programs and resources to help me pursue a meaningful career. 

What kinds of projects have you done in your program?

I did a case-study project examining the experiences of transgender children, focusing on how family dynamics influence their well-being in therapy settings. I did another project on inclusive classroom strategies to support children with autism and created an individual intervention plan to help a specific child. I also conducted an in-depth child observation assignment at a daycare to analyze their practices, environment and childcare philosophy.

How else are you getting experience outside of the classroom?

Within my first few weeks at Concordia, I got a job as a substitute supply educator at CPE Concordia, the on-campus daycare, where I work a few shifts a month. I love the convenience of having a job right on campus, and the flexibility while managing a full-time course load. It’s also great work experience and I have made lots of connections with Concordia alumni.

What does campus life look like for you?

I usually take the metro to school, but in the fall and spring I get a Bixi membership and use their bike rental service to commute. My classes are all on the downtown campus, so the buildings are pretty central and easy to get to.  

Concordia always has events going on somewhere on campus, whether it’s the free lunches from the People’s Potato, the student thrift store or the farmer’s market. I have done workshops with the Concordia Greenhouse and ABCompost, which have been really fun! There are hundreds of clubs at Concordia to choose from, so I try to do something new each semester. 

What do you like about living in Montreal? 

Montreal is such a fun city! There's so much culture and excitement. I love exploring different neighbourhoods. The city is super accessible, so it’s easy to get around by either walking or by public transit. There is also lots of nature in Montreal! The city has many beautiful parks like Mont Royal. If you feel you need more, the Concordia Outdoors Club goes on monthly hikes just outside of Montreal. 

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