Michelle Attah has decided to try an unorthodox way of entering the work force after earning her degree in psychology. Attah said she is not sure how she wants to spend the rest of her life, which is why she has chosen to follow a program created by Sean Aiken, Capilano College graduate, called The One Week Job Project.

“I don’t believe in the word ‘job,’” Attah said. “As long as it’s something that brings joy to myself and others. That’s all I care about.”

Aiken found himself in the same situation, but instead of accepting the first job that was offered to him, this class valedictorian found 52 jobs. For one year (between February 2007 and March 2008), Sean worked one job per week, donating his earnings to charity and keeping expenses to a minimum.

Aiken worked an entire spectrum of jobs, including tour guide for an aquarium, mayor, mascot, firefighter, preschool teacher, fashion trader, stock buyer, bungee operator and many more. He wrote a book called

The One Week Job Project and started a program for college graduates who find themselves searching for a passion. Sean hopes to someday turn the program into a curriculum.

From this program, Attah said she will one day find her passion. “I have a passion for passion,” Attah said. “You should be living not just to exist.”

Casey Beck, friend of Attah, said Attah challenges her friends by learning their passions in life and holding them accountable to pursue them.

The applicants interested in the program were required to read the book, apply for the program and upload a personal video to the website. The public viewed the videos and voted on their favorite. The three candidates with the most votes were selected to participate.

Attah received the most votes and was chosen for the program.  “[The video] is very representative of myself and was thrown together in a good way,” Attah said.  She said because of the support of the Aggies, she received the highest number of votes, which led to her selection into the program.

The program starts June 28 and lasts eight weeks; the contestants will work one job per week, attempting to find what they are passionate about. The program is independently run, in that the contestants are required to find their own jobs according to their interests. In addition to Attah, Amanda L. of Toronto, Ontario and Kieley Best of Cleveland, Tennessee will also be participating in the program.

Michelle’s former philosophy professor, Scott Austin, said Attah is very bright, self-assured and has interesting qualities.

“She has a good mind and a good power of self-expression. She is the type of person to have and deserve a good future,” Austin said.