David J. Ruiz
| Industry | Student |
|---|---|
| Location | Gainesville, Florida, United States |
| Introduction | My name is David and I am 26 years old. I am from the small city of Pahokee, Florida. I think it is important to know the issues of your local community & have a hand in creating positive change. I'm the oldest of 4 sons by Juan & Desiree. I am the first in my family to attend college. Currently, I am a student at the UF majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Public Affairs. Ultimately I plan to go into public service as an elected official. I hope to return to Pahokee and run for mayor. Advocating HIV/AIDS awareness is a passion of mine. I received my HIV/AIDS Peer Education certification through the Farmworkers Coordinating Council. Through the experience, I was able to learn valuable skills in leadership, public service, public speaking, and health awareness. In July 2004, I was selected to be a member of the Florida Department of Health's Latino Leaders Advisory Committee on HIV/AIDS. I'm a proponent of servant-based leadership. My participation as a leader is important to me because I feel that character is developed through leadership and we all have the ability to give back. With passion, preparation, and perseverance, David |
| Interests | Writing in my journal, swimming, reading, grooving to music, watching movies, leadership opportunities, community activism, donating blood, etc. I also enjoy open discussion and debate. I have a deep interest in connecting people to resources and opportunities. |
| Favorite Movies | Troy, Enough, Lean on Me, Titanic, The Bodyguard, Liar Liar, Selena, Meet the Fockers, The First Wives Club, Mrs. Doubtfire, Sister Act I/II, Maid in Manhattan, A League of Their Own, Mannequin, Four Brothers, Rent, Shall We Dance, Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, Star Wars I/II/III, X Men I/II/III, etc. |
| Favorite Music | Jennifer Lopez, Whitney Houston, Selena, Ricky Martin, Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige, Justin Timberlake, Celia Cruz, Tina Turner, Pitbull, Bette Midler, Yolanda Adams, etc. |
| Favorite Books | The Logic of Success by Victor Gonzalez, Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Jackie Kallen, The Latino Wave: How Hispanics Will Elect the Next American President by Jorge Ramos, The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner, Fighting Back: The War on Terrorism from Inside the Bush White House by Bill Sammon |