Alicia Gallo has been studying at AU since January 2017. Born in East Vancouver, British Columbia, she moved to the ?burbs when she turned 14 and has been enjoying the small town feel of Maple Ridge for the last 21 years. She commutes an hour and a half every day to Burnaby for work where she is the Vice President of her union. Between her career and raising two small children, Alicia is pursuing a Bachelor of Human Resources and Labour Relations, focusing heavily on industrial relations.
Who in your life has been the greatest influence on your desire to learn?
My mother. She was a single mom and went back to school when she was 40 focusing on Emergency Preparedness Management. She was a hard-working role model that was a great example of constant self-improvement.
What is your mantra in life?
“It’s never too late to become what we might have been”
What has your post-secondary journey looked like?
Prior to AU, I received a Certificate in Management and a Degree in Pharmacology.
What do you like most about online learning?
The flexibility. With two young children and a demanding career, I like that I can choose when to study.
What do you dislike about online learning?
Sometimes the tutor process can be difficult and It’s not always easy to grasp a concept through email or a phone conversation.
What has been your favorite or most memorable course AU course?
In the Introduction to Labour Relations course (IDRL 215), we had to watch the video The Final Offer which documented the contract negotiations between the United Auto Workers Union and GM. I had just been at the CLC conference where they had a tribute to Bob White. Having that connection with the video assignment made it that much more enjoyable.
How would you describe your relationship with your tutors so far?
Although the process is can be tedious, the tutors have been patient and support is always there.
How do you keep yourself motivated when it comes to studying?
I set goals with timeframes. As the deadline approaches, I naturally pick up the pace. I have always been a self-motivated individual.
What do you like to snack on while studying?
Almonds, berries, and the occasional beer.
Which is better ? the book or the movie?
The book is always better. Absolutely.
Where is the furthest place you have travelled?
I would love to say that I have travelled the world, but so far the furthest has been Mexico. I have been four times ? twice to Puerto Vallarta, once to Cabo San Lucas and once to Ensenada. I recommend you get a hotel with swim up bars and enjoy the beach to help you relax.
What is your third favourite colour?
Purple. White is my favourite (although I know It’s a shade). Purple makes me feel feminine.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
No. It’s a fruit. I like a classic pizza with pepperoni, green peppers and cheese.
What’s the hardest choice you’ve had to make as an AU student?
The sacrifices in free time in the pursuit of higher education. In the end it will be rewarding, but right now all of my free time is for studies.
Laura Nelson is a marketing analyst by day and a bibliophile by night. She is in her final stages of completing her BA with a major in English through AU.
