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In Her Mother’s Footsteps: ‘Spice Goddess' And Daughter Ground Success In College

Sarah Rossi, 07 Nov, 2018 11:43 AM
    When Bal Arneson’s daughter told her she wanted to begin her post-secondary career at college instead of university, Bal was thrilled.
     
     
    Known as the Food Network’s “Spice Goddess,” Bal single-handedly created a culinary empire with cookbooks, TV shows and, soon, restaurants.
     
     
    Where did she begin her post-secondary career? At college.
     
     
    “I went to college first, even though I had the option to go to UBC. I loved the idea of smaller classrooms. You’re not just a number; you’re a person, and you have a better connection with teachers,” Bal recalls.
     
     
    Her daughter, Anoop Virk, had her pick of universities – including UBC – but chose Douglas College for the same reasons as her mom.
     
     
    “It was a no no-brainer,” says Bal. “We both thought Douglas was the best choice for a smooth transition.”
     
     
    A graduate of the SFU-Douglas College dual-degree program in International Studies, Anoop, now 25, is a powerhouse in her own right. She acts as producer, business partner, manager and more for her mom.
     
     
    She founded a project that builds schools in Zambia, whose student body is mandated at 50 percent girls, and she runs a blog and web series, Project Women Warriors, which highlights strong local women.
     
     
    To top it all off, Anoop is the first – and only – female producer for TEDxVancouver.
     
     
    She credits Douglas with helping her succeed.
     
     
    “Douglas College helped me so much with my personal development. I had the opportunity to get involved on campus, make connections and even now, the people I met at Douglas are still cheering me on with each milestone,” Anoop says. “I don’t think I’d be where I am now if I hadn’t gone to Douglas.”
     
    Photo credit:  Jerald Walliser

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