Kirsten Murphy
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Aug 13/01) - Surrounded by sound, Radio Shack employee George Kuplu says his future looks bright.

"Doors keep opening for me," Kuplu said.

At the age of 23, Kuplu is expanding his computer vocabulary and pondering the purchase of a top-of-the line 24-inch television.

"My family is proud of me. I talk to them every week," he said.

Kuplu moved to Iqaluit three years ago from Iglulik. After picking up odd jobs, including serving coffee at the Frobisher Inn, he landed a job in Arctic Venture's grocery department.

Months later, the youngest of a "huge" family, Kuplu moved to the video department. Four months ago he crossed the floor and stepped behind the counter at Radio Shack.

"I'd thought about working here but I didn't have the experience then," he said. "This is going great."

As a child, Kuplu took an interest in hooking up people's televisions and stereos. Today, the guitar enthusiast is setting up people with computers, DVD machines and MP3 music players.

"A lot of it is customer service. I think I'm pretty good at it," he said with a quick grin.

Kuplu volunteered with the RCMP in high school but never considered joining the force. He dabbled with the idea of joining the military as a teen. But job prospects lured him to Iqaluit in 1998 -- a move that's clearly paying off.

A sales conference this month will be his first trip to Toronto.

His five-year plan includes more travel.

"I'm thinking about Yellowknife, working in a place like the Future Shop. Right now I'm really into learning about computers," he said.

What's the best part of his job? Pouring over catalogues and ordering parts and pieces for the store's music department.

"It's all good for my resume."

His advice to young Nunavummiut: think about what you can do, stay in school and graduate.