During her time at Pascack Hills, Perri Cochin formed relationships with students and staff while also broadening her academic horizons. As a result of the knowledge she gained from her high school experience, Cochin was accepted into the University of Wisconsin-Madison in December 2017. By the time graduation approached in the spring of 2018, Cochin was feeling prepared to embark on her next journey.

At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Cochin majors in Communication Sciences and Disorders with a certificate in Education and Educational Services. Cochin plans to become a speech-language pathologist with a primary focus on working with younger children. 

Cochin’s interest in working with children stemmed from her teenage years. Outside of Pascack Hills, Cochin babysat, was a summer camp counselor, and participated in Project Lovematch. At Project Lovematch, Cochin had the opportunity to teach tennis to children with disabilities. However, Cochin has continued to spend time with children throughout her experience at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Currently, Cochin is working at a preschool on the college campus. 

Cochin is also part of the Communication Sciences and Disorders Honors Program. Participating in an honors program includes some extra assignments in her primary classes, along with a research project during her senior year. Cochin has enjoyed being in this program and looks forward to the experience and knowledge she will further obtain.

Cochin said, “I definitely look forward to my future as a speech-language pathologist. My main goal is to help children with their speech and language abilities, while also creating a safe and comfortable environment for each student. With my involvement in an honors program, I have certainly been able to gain more knowledge about how to do this.”

Once she graduates from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Cochin plans to attend graduate school in order to further her education. After graduate school, Cochin hopes to work in an elementary school as a speech-language pathologist. However, she aims to eventually work at a private practice. 

Besides her passion for speech-language pathology, Cochin enjoys spending time with friends and exploring the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Currently, Cochin lives in an apartment with four of her closest friends. She has also been part of a sorority since her freshman year of college.

Cochin explained, “My college experience has definitely been defined by the relationships I have made. The opportunity to meet people from all around the world is one of the best parts of attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison.”

Cochin has clearly come a long way since her time at Pascack Hills. However, she definitely owes Pascack Hills and her high school experience much of the credit for her success. In the future, Cochin looks forward to applying the knowledge and information she learned from the University of Wisconsin-Madison to her job as a speech-language pathologist.