Anthropology, Bachelor of Arts (BA) 1999

When I began my studies in anthropology and fine arts cultural studies at York, I wasn't entirely sure what I wanted to do with my degree after graduating. Throughout my time at York I actively sought out extra-curricular activities I enjoyed (intramural sports, Anthropology Student Association, residence council, Vanier College Productions) and chose courses that interested me in a variety of academic areas. Too many students think a degree is something to "use" after they graduate. In my case, I didn't "use" my degree to get a job. Instead what I found myself doing as a fun summer job working as a tour guide with school groups melded perfectly with my education in culture, art, history, social studies and humanities. As I travelled with students and their teachers, I took them into markets, art galleries and museums, and led walking tours of the streets in Ottawa, Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, New York, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia.

On these trips I found countless opportunities to talk about and teach what I loved. I was able to engage the students in thoughtful dialogue on just about every topic they were studying and connect their classroom lessons to the real world. I enjoyed so much success as a tour guide working for other companies, the natural step to take was starting my own. I founded a walking tour company in Toronto in 2009 called Tour Guys, with a partner doing the same in Vancouver. Our tours aren't your usual dry history lessons. They are infused with our own interests in what's topical and cool, like food trends, street art, craft beer, music, and includes the most interesting stories and observations from the perspective of a local living here. When I introduce myself to my tour groups now and explain my academic background in anthropology and my continuing fascination with culture, everyone seems impressed and quite confident that they're touring with a knowledgeable tour guide.

Throughout my time at York I actively sought out extra-curricular activities I enjoyed (intramural sports, Anthropology Student Association, residence council, Vanier College Productions) and chose courses that interested me in a variety of academic areas. Too many students think a degree is something to "use" after they graduate. In my case, I didn't "use" my degree to get a job. Instead what I found myself doing as a fun summer job working as a tour guide with school groups melded perfectly with my education in culture, art, history, social studies and humanities. 

I was able to engage the students in thoughtful dialogue on just about every topic they were studying and connect their classroom lessons to the real world. I enjoyed so much success as a tour guide working for other companies, the natural step to take was starting my own. I founded a walking tour company in Toronto in 2009 called Tour Guys, with a partner doing the same in Vancouver.