Maria Gallo is a faculty member in Kinesiology at UBC is the former head coach of the women's varsity rugby team, and is currently assistant coach with Canada's national team. Maria lives in the Wesbrook Place local area.
Each candidate was asked four questions about their connections to, and engagements within, the UNA. I provide the questions and candidates answers below. Rather than asking them about their political platform (we will hear a lot about that throughout the election) I asked them to reflect on the more personal aspects of their lives at UBC in the UNA community.
Describe how you are involved in the life of the UNA community.
My whole life is here; I use many of the services (medical, dental, physio), and do all of my shopping here, and frequent the restaurants on campus as much as possible. As a faculty member, I work here as does my husband, as staff. My child went to child care here and now Norma Rose. I am a member of the community centre and workout there. My son goes to swimming, gymnastics and rugby on campus as well. Everything we do, is pretty much on campus and we love it. Our friends are here, and together we feel full.
What brought you to live in the UNA community?
My son was 6 months old, and I was coming off maternity leave. My husband was planning on applying for a job here and we took the leap. He got that job and we have made this place home; work, live and play here.
Where in Canada, or the world, did you grow up? What about living in the UNA reminds you of your childhood home?
I grew up in Argentina. I moved to Canada when I was 10. Seeing the older kids play freely without their parents reminds me of home: that freedom in mobility and autonomy is great for their development. I cannot wait til my son is old enough and can tell him come home when the street lights come on.
How would you describe your normal daily routine?
Wake up, make breakfast and pack lunches, walk the dogs. Go off to work (bike or walk there). After work I come home, walk the dogs again, prep dinner and go pick up my son (walk there). We have dinner as a family, then hit the parks for a bit before bed time. Our life is pretty simple. On the weekends, we are finally going to UBC sporting events, hit the UBC farm and pretty much every Friday you can find us at Biercraft (by then I am tired of making dinner) :)
