How I came to StoryPathing

I came to StoryPathing through a couple of conversations with a friend of mine. He offhandedly recommended the book “Story Like You Mean It”, believing I might benefit from it after experiencing a job change and relocation.  My circumstances were a bit up in the air and I needed some direction.  I was only able to start the book when my time and attention were redirected to other more pressing matters, and I was unable to continue.

Some months later, during another conversation with the same friend about Homer’s Odyssey and the role of storytelling in it, he once again mentioned “Story Like You Mean It” and offered to connect me with the author, Dr. Dennis Rebelo, who happened to be a personal friend of his. Intrigued by the prospect of speaking with Dr. Rebelo, I renewed my effort to read the book in advance of our conversation.

Toward the end of the book, in a chapter entitled “A Philosophy of Life”, I recognized that this method was not just a method, but a perspective on human interaction, built on the basis of self-awareness and expressed through effective interpersonal communication.  I learned the process of self-discovery and self-presentation.  And the methodology showed me how to help others do the same.  This was the epiphany that set the stage for my conversation with Dr. Rebelo.

In two conversations with Dr. Rebelo, I explored the concepts and ideas he presented in the book with his experience and guidance. Thereafter, I accepted Dr. Rebelo’s invitation to become a certified coach in StoryPathing.  Throughout the certification process, I engaged in deep introspection, honed my writing and speaking skills, and participated in stimulating discussions that helped me further understand the principles and techniques of the methodology. 

My own approach to StoryPathing allows me to combine my interests in the humanities, religion, teaching, and coaching.  It’s a testament to the transformative power of storytelling and personal growth that I found my way to StoryPathing and have embraced it as a means to serve others.

John W. Burke

John W. Burke is an accomplished Classics scholar and teacher with a Ph.D. and M.A. from the University of Wisconsin—Madison and a B.A. (honors) from the University of Cincinnati. He currently works as an executive office manager at a family-owned business, responsible for customer response, scheduling, payroll, and inventory. His teaching experience includes positions in Italy and various U.S. schools at the postsecondary and secondary levels, where he taught Latin, Greek, English as a Second Language, and Religious Studies. He also coached swimming, soccer, and water polo, and received distinguished honors for superb teaching. Apart from his professional achievements, he volunteers at a local church, working at a food bank, as a member of an outreach team, and an usher.

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