Sara Landry, BA, Child and Youth Study
Growing up, Sara Landry never planned on going to university. “It just
wasn’t something that I thought I was going to do,” she said.
This November, she’s graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in Child
& Youth Study – and as valedictorian of her class.
Sara
started at the Mount two years ago as a mature student, transferring from the
Nova Scotia Community College through an articulation agreement between the
Mount and NSCC (or a 2+2 program as they are often known). Sara first completed
the NSCC Child and Youth Care program and then applied those two years of study
towards her degree at the Mount.
Said
Sara, “I got a lot of support from my aunt, who also went to university. After
the initial growing pains, I thrived in the academic setting and became more
determined that this was the right direction for me.”
“It was great having two years behind me,” she said. “After finishing my
studies at NSCC, I had my child, Max, and then worked at A Tiny Lab for Early
Learning, which motivated me to further my studies on early childhood.”Combining motherhood
and student life
Sara’s dedication to her studies was obvious from the start. Maintaining
a remarkably high GPA throughout her degree, Sara demonstrated great passion
for her education. She was recently presented with an award celebrating just
that – the award for Academic Excellence
(highest GPA) in Child and Youth Study.
“Being a mature
student helped me with the confidence to take initiative, and be self-directed
in my studies. I’ve felt very supported by my professors, for sure.”
Sara credits the Mount’s Fountain Play Centre with providing her extra
time to focus on class and studying by looking after her toddler. “It was
really instrumental in being able to go back to school. It felt pretty
empowering to sit in class, have some time away from my 12-month-old and be
able to focus, while he was well taken care of,” she said. Fellow Mount
students volunteer at the Fountain Play Centre (a service provided by the
University’s Students’ Union), allowing others like Sara to access affordable
and convenient childcare.
Sara’s community work also helped to uncover her passion for working
with children and youth. As
a volunteer with community organizations like Phoenix Youth Programs and Adsum
House, Sara was inspired by the support she witnessed being provided to
children and youth in need.
“During my time at Phoenix House, I witnessed a parenting group…it was
powerful. I started volunteering at Adsum House for Women and Children, and
when children were at the centre I found that I really connected with them. ”
“I realized that
helping people was so fulfilling on a volunteer basis, and I pursued it in my
education.”Turning passion
into profession
Moving forward, Sara’s ultimate path is clear: she is passionate about
working with young children. She already has a full-time position at a Halifax
early childhood centre, A Tiny Lab for Early Learning, and enjoys her work
immensely. “At Tiny Lab, my co-workers inspire my every day. I have the support
and space that allows me to not only nurture children but also study, write and
share ideas about them in this amazing team.” And graduate studies and further research
endeavours remain on her list of future possibilities.
“Now, I get the privilege of applying
what I've learned at the Mount every single day. Even building on what I’ve
learned, which really makes the possibilities seem endless.”
Sara will deliver her valedictory address during the morning convocation
ceremony on November 6, 2016, which gets underway at 10 a.m. [watch the
ceremony live online].