Ruben Santiago-Hudson

I try to create an environment where it's okay to make a mistake, though it's not okay to be unfocused or come in unprepared. I'm challenging and demanding, but very patient. I don't tell you how to get there and I don't show you what to do, though I'll ask leading questions.

My knowledge and thirst for knowledge has no expiration date... It goes until I'm dead. I will be learning and studying from youth, as well as people older than me... Having degrees as a person of color in this country is the one thing that can't nobody take away from me.

The team we had, the Hobie Vita-Pakt Super Surfer team, you know, the Hilton boys were on there, Conrad Hilton's grandkids, and they were really good. After being around those kids, I could ride a little. Do a 360, some kick-turns, stuff like that.