Ryan Saldanha

You did your undergraduate work at the University of Toronto, and you played four years of varsity football there.  Tell us about that experience. 

In one word, I would describe the experience as humbling. Humbling because football and school presented me with an unfortunate reality: there are countless people (much) more talented than me. To compete with all these talented people, I had to criticize myself, and transform many of my weaknesses into strengths. Importantly, football and school at the University of Toronto didn’t just teach me to embrace criticism— they taught me to actively seek it.  

Which do you prefer, American football or Canadian football? 

I’m prepared for some serious pushback on this answer, but I’m going with Canadian football. Fewer downs and a larger field means more passing. Being a former receiver, I’m partial to the passing game. Another sell is that Saskatchewan Roughriders fans wear watermelons on their heads during games (major kudos for not letting any part of the watermelon go to waste).  

What brought you from your native Ontario to Las Vegas and Boyd? 

Tacos El Gordo. My good friend Marco took me there when I first arrived in Vegas. He ordered me the Adobada Fries. At some point during my second consecutive order, I realized the only way to satisfy inevitable future cravings was to permanently move from Toronto to Vegas.

Other contributing factors 1) my dad lives in Las Vegas; 2) extreme heat beats extreme cold any day of the week; 3) when it comes to hiring, Boyd is the go-to law school for Nevada firms; 4) Boyd’s renowned faculty; 5) my family bribed me with a puppy. 

Do you have long-term plans to return home or to remain here? 

I’m here for the long-term… unless Tacos El Gordo opens in Toronto.