Let’s get to know Marwan Taliani (he/him), Program Manager, Office of Faculty Development!
Tell us a bit about yourself
I am a second generation settler who is privileged to live, work, and play in Vancouver which is situated on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples – namely the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. Having joined UBC in 2014, my work has spanned the corporate, academic, and non-profit sectors. I am passionate about creating inclusive and accessible learning environments that empower both learners and educators to achieve their full potential.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy the outdoors, photography, yoga, cooking, learning new languages, discovering new music, and keeping abreast of new technological advances. I am dedicated to giving back to community so I actively volunteer my time to support missions that align with my values.
Do you have any secret talent(s)?
I can look inside the fridge and from a few seemingly random ingredients will whip together an elevated meal. Does that count as a talent?
If you were an animal, what would you be?
An elephant. Did you know that they have complex emotions, feelings, compassion and self-awareness? Fun fact: elephants are one of very few species to recognize themselves in a mirror!
What is the most important thing you have learned in the last five years?
Our health is our real wealth. Having undergone spinal surgery to restore my mobility was a lesson to never take my health for granted. That experience has contributed to me creating a much more active and balanced lifestyle with an emphasis on wellness.
Do you have a favourite quote, song or any thought of the day you would like to share with everyone?
Jalaluddin Rumi is quoted as having said, “You are not a drop in the ocean, you are the entire ocean in a drop”. This might be understood to mean that the entire possibility of the world resides inside of us, and we are capable of creating from that space. Not only is the world abundant, but each one of us individually is abundant. It’s a powerful realization because in it we know that we are capable of what we desire and destined for self-actualization.