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Just like Bunko, I was frustrated with the way things were going in my life. As an undergrad, I spent most of my time in school, group meetings and labs. But with disappointing grades, it appeared that the more I studied, the more likely I was to get a lower mark. My time spent on studying had an inverse relationship with the grade I would receive. I was undoubtedly very disappointed. My problems were not going away.

When I was younger, I did what everybody – parents, teachers, counsellors – told me to do. Like Johnny Bunko, I was trapped into doing something I didn’t want to do. I focused on the wrong courses and exerted my energy on things that did not inspire or motivate me.

While my dad and I get along really well, we don't talk a whole lot - besides the fact that we live in different cities, I'm pretty sure we share a dislike of small talk.  I think we share a lot in common actually, and understand each other quite well.  So, despite our infrequent chit chats, my dad's been a big influence on a lot of things in my life, not the least of which being my career development.

During the Taliban regime, by law, girls in Afghanistan were not allowed to go to school and it was punishable by death. Even though this law was lifted, there is very limited access to schools and a proper education.

Fresh berries, delicious jams and honeys, and a variety of vegetables; it’s that time of year again when farmers markets start cropping up all around the city.

I and the whole staff at work attended a training last week on a "narrative" method of career counselling led by Mark Franklin, the practice leader of a company called Career Cycles.  It's inspired me to write a bit about narrative therapy in general, especially as it applies to career development. 

There were a lot of messages that I grew up with, whether it be from my parents, peers, or the all-encompassing influence of the media.  One of the ones that sticks with me most to this day, and I'm not sure where it comes from, has to do with self-sacrifice.

Hi.  It's me, Dave - I was one of the smiley, energetic people handing out popcorn last night when you came up to visit SFU for our open house, "Info Eve."  Congratulations, by the way!  It's a pretty cool experience to be offered acceptance to any university, let alone the top Canadian comprehensive school as ranked by Macleans.  So, you've got good reason to feel proud of yourselves.  I really could see that on a lot of your and your parents' faces last night.  Way to go!