In 2015, Glendon introduced its first science degree with options in psychology and biology. Just one year later, the campus celebrated Fatima Zadra, the first graduate of the program. Zadra is a transfer student from Rhônes-Alpes, France.
Arriving from l’Université Grenoble with a background in psychology and biology, Zadra discovered the campus through a current member of the Glendon campus community. Struck by the peaceful campus atmosphere and the close-knit sense of community, she made the decision to transfer. Over the course of her time at Glendon, she was involved with volleyball intramurals, volunteered to be a student peer-mentor and served as a board member at the student-run Lunik Co-operative Café.
Fatima Zadra
“The people in this community care about it, so it feels like home. In addition to friends and professors that I’ve had, the staff support I have received here has been important to my success,” said Zadra.
Glendon’s Psychology program is noted for its academic rigour, hands-on internship opportunities, and personalized attention from professors – the Bachelor of Science program builds on these strengths while increasing students’ understanding of math and science.
During her time at Glendon, Zadra also obtained hands-on experience with Professors Guy Proulx and Larry Leach, researching the development of neuropsychological tests for francophone communities. She contributed by administering these tests across Ontario and assisted in the analysis of data from a study that is currently pending publication.
“Studying something different means you have the chance to develop parts of yourself that are different, too,” she said.
A few of her favourite courses covered topics such as neuropsychology and psychotherapy, but she also appreciated the interdisciplinary flexibility of her course options at both campuses—including art courses and sociology courses—to help her expand beyond her comfort zone, get accustomed to different class sizes, and fine-tune her study skills. Her favourite course? Theoretical Approaches to Counselling and Psychotherapy with Professor Lorne Sugar, due in no small part to his passion and knowledge of the subject, said Zadra.
Zadra believes that Glendon’s sense of connectedness is a large part of its appeal. “The people in this community care about it, so it feels like home. In addition to friends and professors that I’ve had, the staff support I have received here has been important to my success.”
Zadra plans on working in North America before pursuing graduate studies – she feels prepared to explore many different fields as she begins her career path.
Glendon’s BSc degree in Psychology was designed to meet the labour market needs for bilingual healthcare providers in southern Ontario. As the global emphasis on public health, human development, aging and mental health is developed, the need for more psychology professionals becomes apparent. Job prospects for bilingual professionals are especially promising in light of plans for improved French-language health care services in Ontario.