After 30 years, MNA Jennifer Maccarone resumes her studies — at Concordia

Jennifer Maccarone has represented Westmount-Saint-Louis as a Member of Quebec’s National Assembly (MNA) since 2018. A single mother of two young adults with autism, Maccarone has long advocated for families, 2SLGBTQ+ people, and the disability and neurovergent communities.

Despite her achievements, she says leaving her university studies unfinished has negatively affected her self-esteem. This fall, with the encouragement of her team, she decided to go back to school after more than 30 years away.

“Every time I fill out a bio, and note that my degree is not completed, I feel like I’m somehow a little bit less. I know that’s ridiculous, given all my life experience and all I have accomplished. It’s just something that I’ve carried with me,” she says.

As an MNA, she has urged her young team to prioritize education by accommodating their class schedules and assignments. In response, they suggested she finish her own studies.

“I said, ‘I don't want to be the oldest person in the class. I'm an MNA, what are they going to say?’”

“I decided to just swallow my pride and go back.”

A new perspective in a welcoming environment

Maccarone began her university career in English Literature at McGill, and is now pursuing a Bachlor of Arts in Community, Public Affairs and Policy Studies at Concordia. She credits the university’s flexible approach as essential, particularly for those seeking to balance work and school.

“Concordia has been extremely welcoming, flexible and helpful throughout my reintegration. The university makes education accessible for everybody,” she says.

“In 2025, with all the challenges we’re facing as a society, this is essential. We need people to be working and able to do so while continuing to pursue their education. It seems 100 per cent in line with what we want to accomplish as a province.”

Currently enrolled in a public affairs course taught by Theodora Samiotis, she says the topic is hardly new, but the academic perspective and opportunity to connect with her young cohort have been eye-opening.

“Theodora is really open. She brings a lot of different perspectives and speakers to the class — many of whom I know, so that’s interesting.”

“I also love spending time with this generation, watching them grow, learn and blossom. It’s very inspiring. It’s great to be part of a team with young people and to see what they think, what the issues are. I really enjoy that.”

Happiest in the classroom

Passionate about education, Maccarone says her “happy place is in the classroom,” whether serving as a school board president, supporting her kids or teaching civics lessons to a wide range of age groups.

“I’ll say to little kids, ‘You might want to go to the movies, but your sister wants to go and get ice cream. So, we’re going to have to vote and see who wins that vote. That’s how politics works: it’s got to be the ice cream if that’s what most people want.’”

Today, her children are the ones helping her learn.

“It’s a strange process, when you’re in your fifties, and it’s been thirty-plus years since you’ve been in university. My kids are both at Concordia in Therapeutic Recreation. They help me with stuff like Moodle,” she laughs.

“What may be a small success for others is enormous for them. If they can do it, beyond all obstacles and expectations, I can too.”

Taking time for herself

Never intending to speak publicly about her return, Maccarone says her team encouraged her to share her experiences to show others what is possible. Now, she is no longer hiding in the back of the classroom.

“My team of bright young women urged me to share the news. They knew there were likely others, like me, who had been considering this. I think people need to understand that there’s often a community they have not recognized. They’re not alone.”

She shares that returning to university has not just given her an opportunity to earn a degree, but also to reclaim a sense of self.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to represent the citizens of Westmount-St. Louis. And I thank my kids regularly and remind others that they share me with everyone.

“Once they started at Concordia, I thought, ‘Maybe now is my time to do something for me.’ And it might take me six years to finish 30 credits. But I’m glad to have a chance to prioritize myself, even if for just that little part of the week.

“This is for me.”