I came to Canada 17 years ago from Poland. My last job in Poland was a lecturer of political science at university. My first job in Canada was a carpenter assistant in a small manufacturing business that reminded me more of a 19-century English sweat shop then modern Canada.
             Probably nothing pushed me back to university more then going to the tedious job in that factory. Although by no means a positive experience, nevertheless it was a very "inspiring" experience.
             This experience of mine is actually a good conformation of studies I read a few years ago. Those studies indicated that 90% of workers who work as manual labourers regret that they have not completed any schooling that would give them more meaningful jobs. I tried (and I think I sometimes succeeded) to use this statistical data to convince young people I have met in my life (including my own son) to stay in school.
             Besides my experience with the Canadian manufacturing business, my biggest personal inspiration came from my encounter with a student counsellor at the University of Manitoba. When I went to him for advice on how I can use my Master's degree form Poland to go back to university, he dismissed me on the spot, without even letting me finish my story. "I have had hundred of people like you before. Forget about your diploma, you have to start from scratch", was his advise. He was impolite, narrow-minded and made me so upset. I went home and cried (thirty years old at that time) but I said to myself" I will prove you wrong".
             The next day I went back to the university. That time I went directly to the dean's office. Four years later, after combining a full time job with the part time studies I received my second Master's degree from the University of Manitoba.
             No doubt this experience influenced my personal view about what skills and qualities are important in life. That is why when I talk to the students (or to ...