Who is Raiden Apollo Ruiz?
Raiden: Hi, I am Raiden Apollo Ruiz. [Looks around awkwardly and smiles showing off his braces]. Ok, let’s start this interview. [Laughs] Sorry I get awkward when I am nervous. I, Raiden Apollo Ruiz, am a human that manoeuvres intrinsic motivation to make the seemingly impossible, possible.
What would you like to be remembered about you?
Raiden: That I was genuine, giving, transparent, real, and just a good human being. I want to be remembered for being a good human being that loved everyone and would give anything to anyone at any time.
Who inspires you and why?
Raiden: My Uncle Pete Michel; US Army Ret. Col. Marc Arellano; President Donald J. Trump; Bishop Daniel George Policarpio Gutiérrez; US Army Ret. 1SG [Ranger] Dean Hubach; Wim Hof
I am inspired by people that I know and have received wisdom from. I like to surround myself with people who are at the next level where I want to be in my future. The people that I mentioned above, have a high-level capacity of completing what they say they are going to do. That intrinsic motivation is one thing I value in someone’s soul and mental health.
What is one message you would give to the people who look up to you?
Raiden: I would tell them to look deep into their soul. Figure out what your intrinsic motivation is and light that fire. Light it up, so bright that you shine through all darkness. Stay motivated. It will get you through the long nights and the tough parts of your life. Your motivation will keep you focused no matter how far away the end goal is.
I wanted to become an officer in the US Army. I failed two tests in two years and was at a low. I was finishing my master’s degree and found alternate ways to complete my goal of becoming an officer (switching from enlisted to officer). It took me 3 years and within that span time of 3 years, I became a father to my son (Kristian), my mom got diagnosed with Cancer and passed away, and I experienced a surgery with a long healing process. I went through a lot of other stuff that I will not mention, but the main thing is I went through what seemed like a fire. It tore me down and put me into a low mental state. But I kept my focus and that intrinsic motivation lit. I was able to shine all positivity through the darkness.
Through that fire, I came out cleansed. Everything that was unclean in my life was burned away. Why? Because I kept my faith strong, the light in my inner fire was my hope. God was with me in that fire and allowed me to walk out of it instead of burning and failing. The lead pastor at my church, Dustin Woodward, has preached a similar story. I never understood what was happening until after receiving this wisdom. Therefore, it is paramount to surround yourself with wise people you look up to.
What is next for Raiden? What are your future goals now?
Raiden: I am not slowing down my pace. I am continuing my action video business, but for the year 2021, I have some huge goals that I am going to achieve. In the next year, I am going to go on an Antarctica expedition. I have been receiving direct wisdom from Wim Hof. Yes, I said Wim Hof! I am fortunate enough to have built a friendship with Wim Hof. I practice his methods and I hope to go visit him in the Netherlands soon.
Did you just say Antarctica? Why Antarctica?
Raiden: Yes, you heard me right. I need to go on an expedition and graduate from Ranger School because I intend to put in my astronaut packet with NASA in March 2022. I am currently working on my admission process for a Ph.D. program. When I submit my astronaut packet, I will be prepared to meet all qualifications.
I want to be the second New Mexican from Albuquerque to travel to space. The first Hispanic astronaut is Sidney M. Gutiérrez, who is related to Bishop Daniel George Policarpio Gutiérrez. There are 3 other New Mexican astronauts, but I believe I will be the first astronaut with the most tattoos. [Chuckles]. I love working in the space community currently and I flirted with the idea of becoming an astronaut for a while. I would photoshop my head on astronauts’ pictures and sign them envisioning myself in that position. I am going to make it happen. There is no stopping me once my mind is made up. Mark my words, after I retire from the government sector as a US Army Officer and Astronaut, I am going to run for the Governor of New Mexico.
