Meet Ruben Henderson

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ruben Henderson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ruben below.

Ruben, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I found my passion by intentionally utilizing my time to think and write about the various things that I valued and enjoyed. It is important to spend time with yourself and reflecting on life. Through various experiences, we are able to understand our purpose and our why. Being engaged personally and professionally has also provided me with experiences which have been valuable on my journey. I’ve embraced the idea of being uncomfortable and thinking outside of the box. This has allowed me to challenge myself in ways that have allowed me to see and understand what is important along with my values. Making time for mental clarity and thinking on a clear mind is critical for deep levels of reflection. This has been essential along my journey. Reading has also contributed to allowing me to find and understand my purpose. At any given point, I’m reading a good book or two!

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

My primary purpose is serving as a higher education professional and making a positive impact in the lives of students. I enjoy developing students and helping them to become their best authentic selves. Working in education also provides the opportunity to cultivate critical thinkers. I appreciate being able to challenge students and watching them to be successful along the way. Within higher education, I’m able to teach, coach, develop, and mentor students. These are important components of my career which allows me to provide more enhanced and unique experiences. I truly enjoy the results of the success that comes with each student. In addition to education, I’ve very passionate about the community and giving back. I believe in the significance of branding and the power of utilizing your brand to amplify those voices that aren’t able to be heard or don’t necessarily have a seat at the table.

I feel that my brand is strongly representative of education, community engagement, professionalism, and excellence. I strive to set high standards and expectations for myself and others. This serves as a form of motivation and allows me to consistently become better each day while always having a plan of action. I believe myself to be a lifelong learner. Currently on my second year in the doctoral degree program in Educational Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Administration at UL Lafayette, I’m looking forward to being a doctor in the future! I’m committed to excellence and making positive change within education and our communities!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I think the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful on my journey includes leadership, confidence, excellence. I would connect each of these words to specific experiences that have shaped me into the person that I am today. These qualities have also consistently been enhanced and have contributed to my development personally and professionally. While on my journey, these three qualities have adequately prepared me to understand the value of finding yourself and maximizing your strengths.

My advice to folks who are early in their journey in reference to developing or improving these skills would be not to be afraid and expect the unexpected. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace the idea of learning. You also have to live to trust the process and know that everything happens for a reason. From every experience comes the opportunity to learn, grow, and become a better individual. Put yourself out there and meet new people. Network, network, network! I’m a firm believer in that it’s not what you know, but who you know, and how they know you. Build relationships and make meaningful connections!

Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?

I would say that there isn’t one particular person that has been the most helpful in helping me to overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities, or knowledge needed to be successful. It truly takes a village! I’ve had a long list of mentors, success coaches, family, friends, fraternity brothers, and individuals that have all poured into me and helped me to become the person that I am today. I encourage everyone to consider building a team or village of individuals in which they can learn and gain valuable knowledge. There’s something to learn from everyone and it’s all about being open and receptive to it. There are always opportunities to make connections, become more prepared, and develop the necessary mindset to be successful.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mr_perfektion_4/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ruben.henderson.902
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rubenhenderson/
• Other: https://kreolmagazine.com/culture/features/ruben-henderson-iii/
  

  LIA Announces 2025 Distinguished Alumnus and Ignite Leadership Award Honorees

  https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/purposelydriven/episodes/Ruben-Henderson-Associate-Director-of-Undergraduate-Recruitment–the-University-of-Louisiana-at-Lafayette-e26dq1n

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